Hillsborough County Commission District 5 Primary Election Preview

The 2026 Midterm Primary Elections are quickly approaching and one of the most interesting local races will be for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat. 

The incumbent in the race is Republican Donna Cameron Cepeda, whose Primary Election opponent on Aug. 18 is current District 2 School Board member Stacy Hahn, so both candidates are already known to voters. The winner of the primary will face Democrat and local urologist Dr. Neil Manimala, and was profiled in these pages back in February. Manimala’s campaign currently has a huge fund-raising lead over both of his Republican opponents, as he has raised more than $165,000, compared with $81,000+ for Hahn and only $24,700 for Cepeda. (Note-These fund-raising numbers are from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website and were accurate as of July 9.) 

Dr. Donna Cameron Cepeda 

Commissioner Cepeda (left) is a U.S. Army veteran and author, while previously working in finance and as an associate professor at Life Christian University (LCU). She earned a Bachelor’s degree from USC, along with Master’s and Doctoral Degrees from LCU. Unfortunately, Comm. Cepeda did not respond to interview requests from the Neighborhood News. 

Dr. Stacy Hahn 

Hahn has served in Dist. 2 on the Hillsborough School Board since 2018. In addition to her time on that Board, she helped found Literacy is Key, a nonprofit to help improve early childhood literacy rates by expanding access to books. She is a longtime educator, serving as a public school teacher and professor at the University of South Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood & Special Education from the University of Florida. 

Below is a brief question-&-answer session with Dist. 5 Republican candidate Stacy Hahn: 

Neighborhood News (NN): Tell our readers why you decided to run for County Commissioner. 

Stacy Hahn (SH): For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Hillsborough County on the School Board, overseeing one of the largest school districts in the nation and helping manage a multi-billion-dollar budget. I have spent my career focused on education, accountability and serving our community. 

I’m running for County Commission because Hillsborough County needs experienced, principled leadership focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and responsible growth. Families deserve a commissioner who will protect taxpayer dollars, improve infrastructure, support law enforcement and ensure government lives within its means. My record demonstrates that I ask tough questions, make difficult decisions and always put the interests of the taxpayers first. 

NN: What would you say have been your top achievements during your time on the School Board? 

SH: I’m proud of many accomplishments, but the one that will have the greatest long-term impact is strengthening the District’s financial stability while improving student outcomes. 

I championed the District’s first formal fund balance policy, increasing our reserves to 10 percent, so taxpayers are better protected during economic downturns and emergencies. At the same time, we made difficult decisions to close underutilized schools, prioritize maintenance and new schools in areas of high growth, as well as focus academic resources where they directly benefit students. 

This year, Hillsborough County Schools earned its first “A” District grade (from the Florida Department of Education) in more than a decade. That success reflects years of improving accountability, supporting teachers, investing strategically and maintaining strong fiscal stewardship. 

NN: What is your top priority should you win election to the County Commission? 

SH: My top priority is making sure our infrastructure finally catches up with our growth. Residents spend too much time sitting in traffic, and too many communities have experienced rapid development without the roads, intersections and public safety infrastructure necessary to support it. We need to prioritize transportation improvements, synchronize road projects with new development and ensure growth pays for growth. At the same time, I will continue to prioritize public safety, protect taxpayers and make county government more efficient before asking residents to pay more. 

NN: Many readers have expressed a variety of opinions on the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027, followed by an increase to $250,000 in 2028. Some believe that it will diminish essential services for county residents. Others believe it’s a needed action to address concerns. Where do you land on the proposal and do you think the county will need to make cuts to maintain public safety and other essential county services? 

SH: Florida families continue to face rising housing costs, insurance premiums and everyday expenses. Providing meaningful property tax relief deserves serious consideration, and I support efforts that allow homeowners to keep more of their own money. That said, public safety remains government’s first responsibility. I will never support cutting funding for the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue/EMS, or emergency management. If revenues are reduced, the county should first identify operational efficiencies, modernize technology, eliminate duplication and prioritize core services before considering reductions that impact residents. Responsible economic growth also expands the tax base over time, helping generate additional revenue without raising tax rates. 

We should always look to make government work smarter before asking taxpayers to do more.

Previewing The District 4 Pasco Board Of County Commissioners Election

Incumbent Lisa Yeager Faces Jonathon Deckard, But Only Republicans Will Get To Vote In The Primary 

The 2026 Midterm Primary Election is quickly approaching — it will be held on Tuesday, August 18 — and while most eyes in Florida will be focused on the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections, the Neighborhood News will be focused on the local races impacting us right here in Wesley Chapel — including the race for the District 4 seat on the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOC). 

Please note that even though part of Wesley Chapel is located in District 1 and the other part in District 2, those seats are not up for grabs on Aug. 18 (although the Dist. 2 election between incumbent Republican Seth Weightman and Democratic challenger Stephanie Vazquez will be held on Nov. 3). However, all Pasco BOC and School Board seats are elected countywide. 

In the Aug. Primary Election, only registered Republican voters in Pasco will be eligible to vote for one of the two declared Republican candidates in Dist. 4 — incumbent Commissioner Lisa Yeager and businessman and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jonathon Deckard, thanks to the last-day-to-qualify entry of write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez, who will not be able to receive votes on Aug. 18, but his addition to the race makes the Republican contest a “Closed Primary,” meaning no one other than registered Republicans will be able to vote in Aug. in Dist. 4. 

The winner of Yeager vs. Deckard will face off against Rodriguez — whose name will not even appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. 

Rodriguez’s late entry as a write-in for the second time in four years has generated some controversy. Had Rodriguez not filed, all registered Pasco voters would have been eligible to vote in Aug. for Yeager or Deckard in Dist. 4. 

Rodriguez, a registered Republican, doesn’t live in Dist. 4 — just as he didn’t live in Dist. 2 in 2022, when he ran for that seat as a write-in. Dist. 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman won that closed Republican primary and Rodriguez dropped out shortly after the primary, which allowed Weightman to be elected without having to run in the General Election, since neither the Democrats nor any other third party ran a candidate. Rodriguez did not respond by our deadline to our request for an interview, so none of his information is included with this story. 

Republican Executive Committee of Pasco chair Troy Stevenson would not speak on the record about the ongoing tactic of his party turning what should be Open Primaries, where all registered voters get to decide who should be elected to any seat, into Closed Primaries with candidates whose names do not even appear on the ballot, who have no chance of winning and will likely again drop out after this Primary. 

Notes – 1) We asked both Republican candidates almost all of the same questions, so their separate answers will both be listed following our questions. 2) The fund-raising numbers listed in this story for both candidates are from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website — PascoVotes.gov — and were accurate as of June 28. 

About Candidate Jonathon Deckard

Deckard (right) is a Marine Corps veteran and small business owner. He has worked in the automotive service industry for more than a decade and ran his own mobile auto repair company before selling the business. A first-time candidate seeking to defeat an incumbent, Deckard has raised just under $12,800 for his campaign. 

About Commissioner Lisa Yeager

Yeager (left), who was first appointed to the Dist. 4 seat by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024, following the passing of Commissioner Gary Bradford, is running for her first full term as County Commissioner. With her incumbent advantage. Yeager has raised $56,350 for her campaign, making her the favorite to retain the seat. Prior to her appointment to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, she was the director for a decade of the Teen Parent Program at Pasco County Schools. 

Yeager’s husband, Brad Yeager, is the State Rep. for Florida House Dist. 56. 

Questions For Both Candidates:

1) Neighborhood News (NN): Tell our readers about your background and why you’ve decided to run for Dist 4 County Commissioner. 

Jonathon Deckard (JD): I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, father of three, husband, business owner and native Floridian. I was born in Dunedin and raised in Palm Harbor, and seven years ago, I made New Port Richey my home. Since then, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of rapid over-development, overcrowded roads and decisions that don’t prioritize the people who live here. My service in the Marine Corps instilled in me the values of integrity, accountability and the courage to stand up and fight for what’s right. 

Lisa Yeager (LY): I ran for County Commission because I believe our residents deserve a leader who not only serves them, but fights for them. As a small business owner and someone who spent years working with at-risk youth, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges families face as they struggle to make ends meet, recover from hardship, and create opportunity for the next generation. County government should help people succeed — not stand in their way. 

That means lowering taxes, protecting our quality of life from unchecked growth, strengthening our community against flooding and storms and creating opportunities for our children and families to thrive. These principles have guided every decision I have made during my first two years on the Commission, and they will continue to guide me as I seek the privilege of serving a full term. 

2a) NN (for JD only): Should you be elected, what would be an idea or policy that you would like to get passed your first year in office? 

2a) JD: I would like to prioritize infrastructure. I will work to put a temporary moratorium on new residential developments that are more than a few units to allow us to focus on an infrastructure-first plan. Primarily, road development and water supply issues, since we are so far behind. 

2b) NN (for LY only): As the incumbent in this race, you’ve been at the forefront of a variety of issues impacting Pasco County. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far and what are you hoping to accomplish should you retain the seat? 

2b) LY: I am most proud that during my first two years on the County Commission, we didn’t just talk about problems — we tackled them. Whether it was responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, helping establish senior food programs, launching Pasco’s first low-barrier homeless shelter, revitalizing Moon Lake, or cutting through red tape for small businesses, I have focused on delivering results that improve people’s everyday lives. 

I believe government works best when it is efficient, accountable and action-oriented. That’s why I fought to roll back the tax rate, partnered with the School District to expand parks and athletic facilities while saving taxpayers money and championed economic development projects that are creating jobs and strengthening our local economy. From neighborhood cleanups that removed hundreds of tons of debris to major investments like Moffitt’s Speros campus and new manufacturing opportunities in Pasco, I have worked every day to be the kind of commissioner who rolls up her sleeves, gets things done and never forgets who she works for. 

3) NN: A common complaint we hear from our readers is that Pasco County is being overdeveloped or developed too quickly, often causing infrastructure and public safety to lag behind. Do you agree with that assessment and what do you think needs to be the future of Pasco County as it pertains to development? 

3) JD: Yes, I 100-percent agree. I think we need to prioritize slowing residential development in the future, after a temporary moratorium is completed, for new residential development. We need to require larger lot sizes per house to maintain green space throughout the county and be more strict on tree removal and replenishment. 

3) LY: Development is happening fast, too fast in many cases. The growth we have experienced puts pressure on our infrastructure, our ability to plan smartly and to keep Pasco County affordable for our residents. Growth should be smart, thoughtful, consider future needs and be truly in the best interests of Pasco residents. 

4) NN: Some readers have raised concerns about write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez’s entry into the race, thus closing off the GOP Primary to independents and Democratic voters who believe they aren’t getting a voice in the race. Other readers agree that the Republican candidate should be selected only by Republican voters. Where do you fall on this issue? 

4) JD: I believe every registered voter deserves a voice in choosing their elected officials. 

When a race has only Republican candidates, Florida’s Closed Primary law normally allows all voters to participate if the winner will effectively take office. However, when a write-in candidate qualifies for the General Election, the Primary is closed to non-Republican voters, even if the write-in campaign is minimal. 

Four years ago, Louie Rodriguez qualified as a write-in candidate, raised no campaign funds, and later withdrew after the Primary. If he is willing to publicly campaign, participate in debates and demonstrate that he is genuinely seeking to serve the people, then I have no issue with him appearing on the General Election ballot. 

But until then, I believe this is simply a tactic that closes the Primary and prevents many Pasco County residents from having a voice. 

A large portion of our county is made up of independent voters who lean conservative and regularly support Republican candidates. Because of this situation, they are denied the opportunity to vote in what is effectively the election that decides their county commissioner. 

Whether you’re Republican, Democrat, independent, or belong to another party, I believe every American deserves the opportunity to vote when an elected office is being decided. That’s not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue; it’s a fairness issue. 

4) LY: I don’t have comments on the other candidates in this race. I stand on my own merit and welcome the opportunity to make my case to Republicans countywide that I am in the best position to protect our conservative values and help make Pasco County the best place in Florida to raise a family, start a business, or retire. 

5) NN: Pasco County, like many other counties across Florida, is considering a data center moratorium. What are your thoughts on data centers and what should be done to address concerns residents have about them? 

5) JD: I oppose bringing large AI data centers to Pasco County and will work to prevent them from being built here. 

Virginia’s rapid expansion of AI data centers has shown the enormous strain these facilities can place on local communities. They require tremendous amounts of electricity, consume significant water resources, and in some proposals, have been paired with large on-site natural gas power plants to meet their energy demands. Researchers have found that these power plants can increase air pollution and negatively impact public health. 

Florida is not the right place for this type of development. Our priority should be protecting our aquifer, preserving our natural environment and ensuring our infrastructure serves our residents first, not accommodating energy-intensive projects that place additional demands on our land, water and electrical systems. 

Other parts of the country are better suited for large-scale AI data centers. Pasco County should focus on attracting businesses that create quality jobs while protecting the health, natural resources, and quality of life of the people who already call this community home. 

5) LY: I support the moratorium on data centers. There are too many unanswered questions and uncertainty [about] data centers for Pasco residents. We need to ensure that the health and safety of our residents are protected. 

Drivers Rejoice! New Tampa Blvd. Repaving To Finally Begin Soon

The Google Map above has been modified by Neighborhood News to show where the repaving of New Tampa Blvd. is planned to go.

Drivers can expect a smoother ride on New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows in just a few months, as Tampa is finally set to begin work on improving the primary east-west thoroughfare connecting all of the subdivisions in the community. Stretching 1.8 miles from Meadow Pine Dr. (just east of the Gateway Bridge connecting Tampa Palms and West Meadows; see map) to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., the project will address concerns that locals have raised about the condition of the roadway. 

Once construction has been completed, West Meadows residents can expect a number of upgrades along New Tampa Blvd. Planned improvements include fresh pavement, upgraded crosswalks, enhanced roadway signage and new ADA-compliant curb ramps designed to improve accessibility for pedestrians. The contracted cost of the project is about $2.5 million. 

For many residents, the improvements cannot come soon enough, as drivers have complained about deteriorating pavement, potholes and general wear and tear that have made travel less comfortable and, at times, more hazardous. 

The project represents a significant investment in one of the area’s most heavily traveled local roadways, shepherded by outgoing District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (who is running in Nov. to replace term-limited Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell in District 67). Viera says that New Tampa Blvd. was one of the last few items he wanted to cross off his priorities list before leaving City Council. 

“I only have a few things I still want to get done and this repaving project was one of them,” Viera says. “I have been hearing about this road for years from my constituents and this is a basic quality of life issue for New Tampa. Mobility is a huge issue for zip code 33647. We live with it every day.” 

The saga of improving New Tampa Blvd. is a long one, as what seemed like a straightforward road project became a years-long advocacy effort paved with funding issues and administrative delays. There was once a belief that the road would have been repaved with funds raised following the passage of the 2018 All for Transportation ballot referendum for Hillsborough County. The measure, approved by voters, was intended to provide billions of dollars over several decades for transportation improvements throughout the county, including road resurfacing, transit projects and safety enhancements. 

That opportunity disappeared when the courts, following legal challenges led by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White, scrapped the tax and deemed it unconstitutional. The county already had collected $570 million in escrow while the referendum played out in the courts. Following the ruling, the fate of that money was left up to the Florida Legislature, which ultimately only allocated about half of those funds for local projects to be selected by county officials. Unfortunately, the New Tampa Blvd. project was not among those selected. The remainder of the money went to a refund program for residents, a countywide sales tax holiday and attorneys’ fees. 

While the city was able to later fully fund the project, Neighborhood News informed our readers in our Apr. 21 issue that the start of the project had been delayed until June or July of this year. At issue was a processing delay of the approved contract by the City Council, according to a memo sent by the city’s engineering department to Councilman Viera’s office. When the city announced in early June that the project would move forward, Viera said he was relieved it finally got across the finish line. 

“When you represent ‘the Alaska of Tampa’ on City Council, you have to bang the desk a little harder to get projects done. I did that with this and I am glad it got done.” 

New Tampa Blvd. is now another win for Viera to promoter as he heads out on the campaign trail, while West Meadows commuters can now spend more time listening to their favorite podcasts instead of avoiding potholes. 

Pasco Set To Open New Medical Magnet High School In Wesley Chapel For 2028-29

This map shows the planned location for the future magnet high school off Meadow Pointe Blvd., as well as the location of the future K-8 school planned for the Two Rivers community. (Image credit: Pasco County Schools)

It’s still a couple of school years away, but Wesley Chapel will welcome another high school to address overcrowding concerns at two of its high schools — as well as help grow the area’s healthcare workforce. 

Set to open in August 2028, the new school will be a medical magnet high school with an opening-day capacity of 1,300 students and a heavy focus on health care and medical studies, including medical sciences, imaging and nursing. 

Located on the west side of Meadow Pointe Blvd., north of Chancey Rd. (between C.R. 54/ Wesley Chapel Blvd. and S.R. 56; see map), the nearly 75-acre site is close to numerous hospitals, including AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and especially, the coming-soon Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital. 

“We believe the market in that area would lend itself to that career cluster,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools John Legg, Ed.D., at the Sept. 9, 2025, Pasco School Board workshop regarding the proposed magnet school. 

With it being situated between Wesley Chapel (WCH) and Wiregrass Ranch (WRH) high schools, the new school is expected to pull most of its student population from those currently attending WCH and WRH, both of which are over capacity. WCH is currently about 500 students over its capacity and WRH is 600- 700 students over its capacity. 

The new school is part of a broader effort by the Pasco School District to partner with healthcare organizations and hospitals in order to expand the county’s healthcare workforce. 

In 2025, the district received a $500,000 planning grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with AdventHealth, to build a healthcare-focused high school program, with an opportunity to secure a larger $25-million, five-year implementation grant in the future. We had no further information about that additional grant at our press time. 

The school district also has a great partnership with Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) through its nursing and health science programs. PHSC officials believe that this new magnet school will be a tremendous benefit to Pasco’s health care industry, as well as its residents. 

“We are proud to support the new medical magnet high school and help create a seamless pathway for students with an interest in health care to advance into our nursing and allied health programs,” says PHSC President Eric Hall, Ed. D. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to preparing the next generation of health care professionals and complements the expanded educational opportunities available through our Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement at [PHSC’s] Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.” 

District officials say the approximately $80-million school is primarily being funded by impact fees, which are one-time charges imposed by local municipalities on new residential developments in order to fund public projects like schools and infrastructure. 

We hope to be able to update this story within the next few months. 

New Discovery Academy Of Science Charter School Is Coming To Wesley Chapel

An update on the DAS Pasco construction. (All photos on this page are from DAS) 

A new charter school is coming to Wesley Chapel to provide students with a quality educational opportunity in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, including AI. Discovery Academy of Science (DAS) Pasco, located on the south side of S.R. 56 at Two Ridges Rd. (aka Wyndfields Blvd.), is a tuition-free public charter school with a STEM+R (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Reading) focus that will open its doors to students for the 2027-28 school year, with construction currently under way. 

The school will welcome students in grades K-6 in its first year and then expand to grades K-8 as the school grows. The curriculum is meant to be rigorous, in order to prepare students for the 21st century by focusing heavily on STEM subjects and literacy, which the school leaders believe is foundational to the future success of the students.. 

“Parents can expect a rigorous, standards-aligned academic program with a strong emphasis on STEM, reading, critical thinking and real-world applications,” says Alex Register (right), director of communications & facilities for DAS. “In addition to core academics, DAS Pasco plans to offer enrichment opportunities such as robotics, coding, Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, VEX Robotics, First LEGO League, SeaPerch, art, music, physical education, Spanish and computer science. These activities help students learn teamwork, persistence, creativity, leadership and problem-solving — the same skills they will need in college and for career pathways.” 

Beginning at the elementary level, the DAS program will emphasize phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing and text-based discussion for its literacy instruction. In mathematics, students will learn problem-solving, reasoning, procedural fluency and real-world application skills. For science, students will participate in inquiry-based learning, labs, experiments, engineering challenges and STEM projects. 

An update on the DAS Pasco construction. 

Progressing to the middle school level, DAS Pasco students will continue to build upon their skills gained at the elementary level in the STEM fields, along with sharpening their research, writing, collaboration and presentation capabilities. The goal of the program is to prepare students for high school success, including readiness for advanced coursework. 

Approved by the Pasco County School Board, DAS Pasco’s footprint will encompass roughly 60,000 square feet of classroom and learning space for STEM and arts/music, along with a dedicated library and media area. The plans also include administrative offices, a cafeteria, outdoor recreational areas and parking for staff and visitors. 

DAS Pasco will be the third DAS campus in the Tampa Bay area, joining the existing Clearwater campus and the Dunedin campus that is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year. DAS Clearwater has served families in Pinellas County since 2013, earning an excellent reputation for its academic performance in STEM, including “A” ratings from the Florida Department of Education (FDoE), and its strong student and parent support system. It also has been recognized as a “Florida School of Excellence” and has held “High Performing Charter School” status, both from FDoE. 

The rendering of the exterior of the now-under-construction Discovery Academy of Science (DAS) Pasco campus on S.R. 56 at Two Ridges Rd. (see map, top left) in Wesley Chapel.

“One of the reasons DAS has been successful is that it combines academic rigor with a very structured, family-oriented school culture,” says Register. “We focus heavily [not only] on STEM, [but also on] character, student safety, data-driven instruction and regular communication with families. The goal is not simply to teach content but to help students become confident learners who know how to think, collaborate, communicate and solve problems.” 

DAS Pasco is expected to welcome approximately 480 students when it opens its doors in Aug. 2027 and to reach 860 students within five years. The school will employ roughly 40-45 staff members in its first year, including teachers, ESE teachers, guidance and support staff, administrative staff, full-time substitute support and more. At full capacity, the school expects to employ 65-70 staff members. 

School officials already have selected the inaugural principal for the Pasco campus — Suzanne Mizzi, who currently serves as the K2 Administrator for Curriculum and Instruction at the DAS Clearwater campus. She brings more than 22 years of experience in classroom teaching and school administrative leadership, including having served as an assistant principal at BridgePrep Academy of South Tampa. 

Mizzi (left) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from Hunter College in New York City, NY, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University in St. Leo, FL. Register says her experience and understanding of early literacy, strong parent-school relationships, student support and building a great culture were the main drivers in her selection. 

Register also says that DAS wanted to bring its model of success from Pinellas to a rapidly growing Pasco County community seeking additional educational opportunities. 

“Many families are looking for additional high-quality K-8 options, and we have also seen interest from Pasco families who are familiar with the DAS model in Pinellas County,” she says. “The Pasco campus gives us an opportunity to bring a proven STEM-focused public charter model to a fast-growing community that values education, innovation and school choice. We believe DAS Pasco can help meet that demand while becoming a long-term partner for families, students and the broader community.” 

Discovery Academy of Science Pasco is currently accepting applications for its inaugural school year (2027-28). Parents can visit the school’s website at DiscoveryAcademy.info to learn more about the school, key enrollment dates and additional background about the curriculum.