The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pasco School Board adopts new school boundaries

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The Pasco County School Board unanimously approved school rezonings for the 2020-2021 school year — primarily affecting students living in the Seven Oaks subdivision in Wesley Chapel.

Board members approved the boundary shifts that are aimed to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High School and John Long Middle School, and to fill seats available at Cypress Creek High School and the new Cypress Creek Middle School, which is expected to open next fall.

Cypress Creek Middle School, now under construction, is expected to open in August 2020. The Pasco County School Board has approved boundaries for both Cypress Creek Middle and Cypress Creek High. The boundary shifts primarily affect students living in the Seven Oaks subdivision of Wesley Chapel, who now attend John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High schools. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The boundary shift does not apply to Wiregrass Ranch students, living within the rezoned area, who will be entering their junior or senior years. Seniors can ride district buses; juniors cannot.

Board members supported Superintendent Kurt Browning’s boundary recommendations, despite requests by parents to allow current freshman at Wiregrass Ranch to have the option to remain, if their parents provided transportation.

There also was a request to allow rising eighth-graders from John Long Middle to be allowed to attend Wiregrass Ranch High.

In advocating for incoming sophomores, Mike Schulze, a Seven Oaks parent, said “this group is just as important as all of the others.”

Other parents expressed their displeasure with the boundary shifts, citing concerns about disrupting their children’s lives, traffic issues and the greater distance from the Seven Oaks neighborhood to the Cypress Creek school complex, which is on Old Pasco Road.

Board members said Pasco County’s rapid growth continues to force the district to shift boundaries to accommodate growing enrollments.

Board member Allen Altman applauded Browning’s recommendation to grandfather in both rising juniors and rising seniors at Wiregrass Ranch High, which is on Mansfield Boulevard.

“I think based on the numbers and projections. That was generous and accommodating,” Altman said.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said rezonings are always tough.

“I know it’s painful,” Armstrong said.

“The idea is to reduce the number of students at Wiregrass. And, to accomplish that, it’s necessary to move students out of Wiregrass,” she said.

Board member Megan Harding said she had visited Wiregrass Ranch High, where she saw crowded hallways, students eating lunch outside and multiple portable classrooms.

Failing to address the crowding could end up putting Wiregrass on a 10-period day, and that’s not a great option, the board member said.

“This is not a decision I make lightly,” Harding said. “You’re child isn’t a number to me. Your child is important.”

Still, Harding said: “With a rapidly growing area, if we don’t address problems now, it’s only going to get worse.”

There were other boundary changes approved, including shifts that affect an area near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway.

The land is currently undeveloped, but has been approved for a massive development.

The new boundaries assign the entire area to Mary Giella Elementary, Crews Lake Middle School and Hudson High.

Future students in those areas would have been assigned to Land O’ Lakes schools.

Published November 27, 2019

Miss Alison bids Dade City adieu

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Alison Graham has been a mainstay in the Dade City musical community for more than two decades.

She operates Graham Music Studios, which offers private lessons and group music lessons.

The 50 girls that she coaches are broken into three age groups, and they’re widely known locally, from their appearances at The Pasco County Fair, Church Street Christmas, The Kumquat Festival, Dade City Christmas Stroll and the holiday stroll at The Shops at Wiregrass, among others.

Alison Graham, operator of Graham Music Studios in Dade City, has touched hundreds of lives in her 23 years as a vocal coach in the community. (File)

This year, Graham began coaching a group of 10 boys, who range in age from sixth grade to seniors.

As a mentor, she uses humor, kindness, encouragement and constructive criticism to coax her singers to develop their individual voices, and to blend in with their group.

She also celebrates with her singers — when they perform their best, no matter what the judges might say.

It turns out, though, that the judges have found much to like.

Graham’s groups and individual singers have been successful — garnering awards at Spotlight on Talent, a local showcase and at Access Broadway in Orlando, where they’ve won regional and national awards.

So, when Graham announced that she was leaving Dade City, the news hit the community hard.

She is moving to Fairburn, Georgia, to join her husband, Phil, who landed a plant manager job at Duracell.

Susan Bowling said her 11-year-old daughter has been under Graham’s tutelage for six years.

“I was sad. That was the last thing I expected to hear,” Bowling said.

“Her moving is a tremendous loss to us, here in this area,” Bowling said. “I do feel that she’s going to do her best though, to stay in contact and help the kids.”

Bowling said that her daughter tends to be naturally shy, but opens up when she’s on stage with Miss Alison’s group.

She said Graham has been an excellent influence in her daughter’s life.

Singers from Graham Music Studios came home big winners from an Access Broadway in Orlando Competition in February, winning three of the top vocal awards presented. They were only entered in four out of six categories.

“She’s encouraged her. She’s pushed her to succeed. She’s a great combination of everything,” Bowling said. She also called Graham “a great role model” for Carly.

Graham said she made the announcement before this year’s program began, to give parents a chance to change their plans.

“I wanted to be upfront with them,” she said. “Nobody moved.”

For Graham’s part, the decision to leave Dade City — a community that has been very supportive of her groups — wasn’t easy.

It’s hard to step away from deep, personal connections she’s formed with families she’s worked with for years, she said.

It’s especially hard to leave the singers, she said.

“Being a vocal coach — it’s a very personal relationship,” Graham said. “The whole person is the instrument, so you have to treat the whole person, not just the vocal cords.”

Recently, she said, one of her girls sat down and said: “Miss Alison, can I just tell you what’s going on in my life right now?”

And, once the girl had finished, she told Graham: “Now, I can sing.”

Not long ago, she was in the middle of a private lesson and she glanced away to look at her computer. Then, she noticed the singer had stopped singing.

“I turned around and I looked at her, and she was sobbing, (saying), ‘I don’t want you to leave.’”

That part, Graham said, “has been really, really difficult.”

It’s been a busy time for Graham, getting her house on the market and preparing for upcoming shows.

“I believe we have 11 shows in December,” she said, including a show at The Shops at Wiregrass on the second Monday of December, which involves all of her singers.

The groups are also preparing for this year’s competitions.

“Each group will do their own competition number, like normal. But, this year, the boys and the oldest groups are going to combine to do, ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,’ from Guys and Dolls.

“I’m super excited,” she said.

After moving, she plans to fly back and forth, to continue coaching. She also plans to bring in Diana Maness, a vocal coach she met at “Camp Rock,” to help.

She wants to give that a try to see how that goes before making any future commitments.

She has great confidence in Maness.

She’s also looking forward to starting her new life in Georgia.

“Both my husband and I have been self-employed for 23 years, and to work for a company that has retirement and insurance and you’re not dealing with that yourself — it’s lovely,” she said.

Overall, however, her emotions remain mixed.

“I’m excited, and then I cry. And then I’m excited, and then I cry,” Graham said.

Published November 27, 2019

Planning Commission recommends against rezoning

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended denial of a request that would allow a small subdivision off of Bell Lake Road, in Land O’ Lakes.

The rezoning application, filed by Michael David Vincent, sought to change the allowable density of development on about 9.5 acres, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Bell Lake Road and Alpine Road. The site is about 1 mile east of U.S. 41.

Planning commissioners recommended denial, despite a recommendation for approval from the county’s planning staff.

Todd Pressman, a consultant representing the applicant, said the rezoning would allow a maximum of 32 single-family dwellings on the property. But, he said the target number of houses for the site would be 27.

Pressman also said the zoning would allow a minimum lot width of 35 feet, but that the target width would be 40 feet.

Pressman said the request would yield about four houses per acre, in an area where the county’s long-range planning designation allows up to six houses per acre.

And, the consultant cited policies within the county’s comprehensive plan that call for infill development, encourage a range of housing types and support workforce housing.

“We believe this is a very good request. It will be a very nice little subdivision addition to Pasco County,” Pressman said.

However, two neighbors of the proposed rezoning urged planning commissioners to reject the request.

“The main concern is the size of the lots,” said Troy Gotschall, who lives on Ladera Lane. He noted that most of the lots in the area “are at least a half-acre in size.”

Gotschall is also concerned about “just the look and feel changing drastically from the rural area where we’ve lived for the last 20 years.”

Another neighbor, Dave Hodierne, another Ladera Lane resident, raised concerns about the potential for the new development to be rental homes. He said he’s worried about the potential negative impact that could have on the value of his home.

Hodierne also noted that traffic to the new development, using Alpine Road, would create problems because Alpine Road is narrow.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein informed commissioners that one of the conditions for approval requires that Alpine Road be improved to county standards, from Bell Lake to the entrance of the new subdivision.

Pressman told commissioners that the development is envisioned to be rental homes for families. He wasn’t sure of the anticipated square footage, but offered the possibility of 2,000 square feet. He also said price points for the homes were estimated to range from $259,000 to $345,000.

Goldstein said the county does not regulate zoning based on whether a home would be owner-occupied or a rental property.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi raised objections to the request based on its compatibility with surrounding development.

“I have a problem with these small lots,” he said.

Nectarious Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, told planning commissioners: “It meets the density requirement” of the county’s comprehensive plan.

But, Goldstein told commissioners: “Nobody is entitled to the maximum the future land use plan allows.”

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel expressed concerns about the planned development.

“What’s the square footage? What’s it going to look like?”

Hanzel added: “I question whether it’s going to enhance that portion of Land O’ Lakes.”

Girardi also challenged Pressman’s description of the project meeting a policy goal of providing a variety of housing types.

“Why is this different than the other products that are being built up and down (State Road) 54? It sounds like what they’re building in every community,” Girardi asked.

On a motion by Hanzel, seconded by Girardi, planning commissioners voted to recommend denial of the request.

The Pasco County Commission has final jurisdiction on zoning and land use issues.

Published November 27, 2019

Business Digest 11/27/2019

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Annual chamber meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its annual meeting on Dec. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The breakfast will recognize volunteer ambassadors, salute outgoing board members, swear in new board members, install the board chair and include a look ahead to 2020. To register, visit NorthTampaChamber.com. For more information, call (813) 994-853.

Pasco boards reorganize
The Pasco County Commission has elected Mike Moore as its chairman and Mike Wells as its vice chairman. The Pasco County School Board has elected Colleen Beaudoin as its chairwoman and Allen Altman as its vice chairman.

Bill Cronin selected for international board
Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., who was elected in October to the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), will begin his term on Jan. 1, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

“We look forward to Bill Cronin’s leadership as a member of the Board of Directors. His appointment is timely, as IEDC heads to Tampa for the 2020 Leadership Summit. We look forward to having his voice on our board. His new leadership role will ensure great accomplishments in 2020 and beyond,” Jeffrey Finkle, CEcD, president and CEO of IEDC, said in the release.

Planning commission appointees sought
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applicants for positions on its Planning Commission. Those interested in applying must be registered voters, living in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Members of the Planning Commission serve 4-year terms. Application forms are  available in the County Commission’s reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa. Applications are due by the close of business on Dec. 5.

Learn about SCORE, at WOW
Susan Crane, a SCORE mentor and presenter, will talk about the free services that the organization provides and about its volunteer opportunities a the WOW meeting set for Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel. WOW is a women’s networking group of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Preregistration and prepayment are encouraged. Online prepay is $5. Pay at the door is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.

Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its business breakfast on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Membership luncheon
The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon will spotlight three nonprofit organizations in the community: The Human Society of Tampa Bay, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers and Sunrise of Pasco Inc. The luncheon is set for Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Fox Hollow Country Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To preregister and prepay, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

Dade City business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast will be on Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Call the chamber for more information at (352) 567-3769.

Risk Management for Entrepreneurs
This free session, which is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series, will focus on avoiding, reducing and insuring against threats to your business’ potential success. The session is set for Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The class is on the first floor. To register, visit PascoEDC.com, and click on the December events tab.

Greater Pasco breakfast meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast is set for Dec. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. To register, visit GreaterPasco.com, and click on the Events page for December. For more information, call (727) 842-7651.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters
The Wesley Chapel Speaks Toastmasters meets the first and third Monday of each month at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa. This group seeks to help its members develop and strengthen their public speaking skills, improve their communication and build their leadership skills. Guests can attend two meetings for free; after that, the fee to belong is $55 every six months. Toastmasters is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and stay for the great company and conversation.

Blanket Drive
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is helping to spread the word about Blanket Tampa Bay, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, that is collecting blankets for the homeless and less-fortunate. It has a goal of collecting 2,000 clean, new or gently used blankets. Visit Facebook.com/blanketthehomeless for more information. The blankets will be distributed on Christmas Eve at both locations of Trinity Café. For pickup, call (813) 300-9277.

Irish tenor to perform at St. Timothy Catholic Church

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Emmet Cahill, an internationally known singer, will be performing a holiday concert at St. Timothy Catholic Church on Dec. 10.

It will be the second time in two years that Cahill, a principal performer with the Irish music show Celtic Thunder, will be making a solo appearance at the Lutz church.

As a principal vocalist with Celtic Thunder since 2011, Cahill has performed in more than 350 shows across North America and Australia, including numerous appearances on PBS, The Today Show, Fox and Friends, Home & Family, and QVC, according to Cahill’s website.

Emmet Cahill, principal singer of Celtic Thunder, will perform in a solo concert at St. Timothy Catholic Church on Dec. 10. (Courtesy of Emmet Cahill)

Some of the famous venues where he has sung include St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and Carnegie Hall. He also opened the beginning of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York, with a performance of “Danny Boy.”

Celtic Thunder is on a break this year, he said.

“Last year we did our 10th anniversary tour. We did 75 cities and the states of Canada,” the tenor said.

In addition to Celtic Thunder, Cahill also has been a solo artist since 2015, performing in more than 60 cities across North America.

His concert at St. Timothy in 2017 occurred after Chase White, the church’s music director, was contacted by Jeanne Hatter, who helps Cahill line up his appearances.

“At first, I thought it was a scam, but then I learned that he had done a concert earlier in the year at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Clearwater,” White said. “Their music director is a good friend, and she is the person who referred us to Emmet and Jeanne as a possible performance venue.

“Emmet is a practicing Catholic, and he prefers churches to other concert venues,” White said.

“We typically do not allow tickets to be sold for concerts at our church, but we made an exception for this. Emmet is a young artist, and he needs money to continue his work. We were surprised when he donated a large percentage of all proceeds back to our music ministry,” White said.

White was delighted when Cahill sang at the church two years ago and is pleased the accomplished singer is making a repeat visit.

“I have been a fan of Emmet’s for several years and have followed his career with Celtic Thunder,” White said. “I am a trained singer and have enjoyed much local success; I would have a difficult time naming a singer, professional or otherwise, who is more skilled than Emmet. “Many compare him stylistically to Josh Groban, but I would much prefer to hear Emmet sing any day of the week. His voice is simply unparalleled to my ear,” White said.

Despite being highly skilled, White added, “he is remarkably humble and thoughtful.”

Cahill said he began singing hymns and Irish songs, at an early age.

“My mom was a church singer. My dad was a church organist. Every Sunday we would sing in choir.”

Growing up in a musical family, he said, influenced the course of his life.

He received a five-year “Schola Cantorum” music scholarship at his high school, St. Finian’s College, in Mullingar. At 18, he began professional training at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

His music has taken him far and wide, giving him a chance to travel to nearly every state in the United States four times. “Alaska and Hawaii are the only two I haven’t sung in yet, so we’ll have to get them at some point,” he said.

He enjoys touring, and especially enjoys sharing his music in churches.

At churches, he said, “you hear about the community. You hear about all of the projects they’re doing.

“Churches are the focal point of so many communities, and you wouldn’t really get, I suppose, to get that insight into a community if you were just going to a regular theater, performing a show,” Cahill said.

He also considers music to be the universal language — serving as a conduit for him to get to know people from all around the country.

“I love meeting new people every day and working with new people every day, and that’s the nature of what touring is,” he said.

He acknowledges it was a little odd at first, to be recognized by strangers in public, for his singing.

“I didn’t get into music to become famous.

“Nowadays, some people pursue the fame more than the music. They go on these reality shows and stuff like that,” he said.

While he didn’t avoid public attention, but didn’t invite it, either, he said.

“Celtic Thunder was obviously a vehicle that brought my name into millions of homes in America, and so out of that, people would know me in that context, through PBS and through the show.

“Certainly, the first year or so, it was a little bit strange, you’d be walking down the street and people stop you. Or, they’d figure out that I like coffee and they’re waiting at the Starbucks — something like that,” Cahill said.

But, he added, in his experience “people are generally nice and the reason they pursue you, or come after you, is because they love what you do.

“I’m never going to complain about someone coming up and saying how much the music means to them.”

Plus, he said, “I think if you’re relaxed with people when they approach you, they’ll reciprocate the same thing. People reflect the energy you give them.”

Those choosing to attend Cahill’s concert have the option to attend a pre-show, for an additional charge.

The pre-show is a meet-and-greet, where Cahill does a Q&A, poses for photos and signs tickets or CDs.

“It’s kind of a getting-to-know-you session,” the vocalist said.

But, he added, those attending the concert also get a chance to learn quite a bit about him.

“I talk about my life in Ireland, and my life on tour, the things I’ve experienced,” he said.

He’s not just a performer on a stage — he reaches out to the audience.

“I break down those barriers. I like to see people going away, feeling like they really know me,” Cahill said.

“The guy you meet at the concert is the guy you drink a beer with,” he said.

“Christmas in Ireland” concert
What: Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, Sony recording artist and principal singer with Celtic Thunder will perform in concert.
When: Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
Where: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz
Cost: Tickets are $35 concert; $50 (concert and pre-show). Tickets can be purchased online, at EmmetCahill.com and at St. Timothy Catholic Church parish office. This is a benefit concert. Proceeds help families in need.
Info: Call St. Timothy Catholic Church at (813) 968-1077, or visit EmmetCahill.com.

Published November 20, 2019

Spending approved for bilingual ballots, voting assistance

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a budget amendment for $215,000, relating to  bilingual ballots, election materials and assistance for the 2020 election cycle.

The commission’s action came in response to a request by Pasco County Election Supervisor Brian Corley, who asked for the additional funds to comply with a federal court order and a directive from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley asked for $215,000 in additional funding to meet court and state mandates for bilingual election materials and assistance. (File)

The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office and 31 other counties were named as party defendants, along with the Florida Secretary of State, in a federal election lawsuit, Corley told commissioners in a Nov. 5 letter.

The lawsuit was initiated in August 2018 and remains pending, according to Corley’s letter.

“However, on May 10, 2019, the United States District Court Northern District of Florida, Gainesville Division issued a comprehensive order granting a preliminary injunction mandating the Secretary of State and the 32 named counties, including my office, literally provide Spanish language assistance and all election/voting materials to be in both English and Spanish commencing with the 2020 presidential preference primary, which is on March 17, 2020,” Corley’s letter says.

DeSantis also has directed the Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee to amend the state’s rules to “mandate that all counties in Florida provide bilingual election ballots in Spanish and English during the 2020 election cycle,” Corley added.

Corley’s letter also explained that compliance with the District Court ruling and administrative mandates “requires the Supervisor of Elections throughout the state to provide all voter registration information and election materials in both English and Spanish, including language assistance at election offices and polling places, voter materials which must be translated, printed, and purchased, including but not limited to voter registration applications, ballots, voting instructions, Voter’s Guides, polling place directional signs, procedures and information posted at polling places, legal notices, and website information.”

Corley also noted that his office continues to recruit bilingual individuals to work at polling places during the election cycle.

Published November 20, 2019

Offices planned on State Road 54, near Ballantrae

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Plans are in the works for an office development on 12.8 acres on the north side of State Road 54, about three-tenths of a mile from Ballantrae Boulevard.

The Pasco County Commission has sent a request, from Colwell Avenue Properties IV, of Lutz,  for a proposed land use change to state agencies for review.

The land use change must occur first, before a request for a rezoning on the property can be considered by commissioners. The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planning staff recommended approval of the change.

The current zoning on the property, at 17905 State Road 54, is a residential category that allows up to three dwelling units per acre.

The applicant plans to build two 60,000-square-foot Class A office buildings, which each will be three stories tall. The maximum building height would be 65 feet, according to documents included in the agenda item.

The proposed project also would include 548 parking spaces, including 16 handicapped spaces and 139 compact spaces.

A county agenda memo, prepared by Amy E. Hyler, planner II, said “the proposed office development will be located along State Road 54, an arterial roadway, and will serve as an effective transitional use.”

The agenda memo, recommending approval, also notes that the property “is located within the South Market Area and Urban Service Area and supports the vision and mission of the South Market Area as this area is characterized by dense, vertical nonresidential development, promoting higher-density, compact development that encourages a mixed-use community.

“The proposed development abuts the residents and commercial uses in the Ballantrae master-planned unit development,” the recommendation for approval adds.

The county planning staff also notes that the new offices will generate jobs, which helps to accomplish the intention of Pasco County’s Urban Service Area by creating a live, work, play environment to attract high quality development.

Pasco County is encouraging the development of this office project through economic incentives.

At its Oct. 22 meeting, the Pasco County Commission approved a plan that will provide development incentives totaling $2,935,000, according to a county agenda memo.

The county will provide a low-interest forgivable loan of $1.5 million through its PADS and PORS program, which will be secured by a mortgage on the property. The interest rate of the loan is proposed to be set at 1.6% per year, with a 10-year term. The loan balance reduction is based on achieving certificates of completion for the building shells and/or securing tenants for long-term leases. The release of the loan funding is conditioned on the company obtaining necessary comprehensive plan and zoning amendments, the memo says.

The ad valorem tax rebate is capped at $1,435,000 based on the current property millage rate and assessed valuation data obtained through the county’s tax appraiser’s office. That will be paid out over a 10-year period, which will begin when the first building shell receives a certificate of completion, the memo adds.

The county has estimated that the project will either directly or indirectly create 400 jobs, with an estimated annual payroll of $17.7 million. The project’s total economic benefit to the Gross County Product will average $26.5, according to county estimates.

The agenda memo also notes: “The company’s initial economic incentive request was for $4,965,000, but this amount was significantly reduced after extensive negotiations with county staff.”

Published November 20, 2019

Higher density approved near Town of St. Leo

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a land use change and rezoning to allow increased development at the edge of the Town of St. Leo, despite the Town’s objections.

The approved rezoning allows up to 600 dwellings, 340,000 square feet of commercial and 60,000 square feet of office on 177 acres at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and Prospect Road. Under the approved land use change, up to 300 additional dwellings would be allowed.

A barn now occupies the site.

The Town of St. Leo abuts the northwest portion of the property, and the site is surrounded by the Villages of Pasadena Hills Special Area Plan area.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval on the requests for the land use and zoning changes.

But, the Town of St. Leo, represented by attorney Patricia A. Petruff, objected to the rezoning.

She said the requested density is incompatible with St. Leo’s character. She raised concerns about disrupting the view shed that residents in the town now enjoy.

“We had asked for some of those homes to be single-story. We had asked for enhanced landscaping,” Petruff said. “We don’t think the transitions are appropriate or adequate.”

She also said: “You are required to address visual intrusion.”

Planners and representatives for the applicant, however, said the proposed development is an appropriate transition between the Villages of Pasadena Hills and the Town of St. Leo.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite and planning consultant Matt Armstrong represented the applicant.

The new State Road 52 alignment goes through the property, and increased demand for development in the area is expected.

The plan calls for the main access to the property to be off of Prospect Road, south of the intersection of State Road 52, which is an existing signalized intersection.

Wilhite and Armstrong said the project will provide residential and non-residential options for services for students near campus. They also noted that conditions of approval for the project go well beyond the county’s land development code.

“We have brought forward a project that is the right project for this area, and does respect the area,” Wilhite said.

But, Petruff urged commissioners: “We’re respectfully requesting that you table this and direct staff to take another look at those transitions.”

Commissioner Mike Moore observed that aside from the Town’s attorney, no one else spoke in opposition. He made a motion to approve the request.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that Saint Leo University is nearby.

“You’ve got a university that has a lot of density right there,” she said, before commissioners voted to approve the rezoning. The comprehensive plan amendment had been previously approved, in a separate vote.

Published November 20, 2019

Business Digest 11/20/2019

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(Courtesy of The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce)

Pasco commissioners congratulate North Tampa Bay Chamber
The Pasco County Commission adopted a resolution congratulating the North Tampa Bay Chamber for being named 2019 Chamber of the Year for the state of Florida by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals. The chamber, originally named the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 20th year, this year. It began with 65 members and, as of last week, had 730 members.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore, who sponsored the resolution, told chamber representatives: “What an honor. What an honor for you, but also what an honor for Pasco county, and the citizens of Pasco County and the business owners of Pasco County. We’re thrilled for you.

“It feels like we do a ribbon cutting almost every other day.

“You continue to be a voice for business owners, large and small alike,” Moore said.

Local bakery one of the top
The Cake Girl, located in Carrollwood, recently announced that it has been named the Sweetest Cake/Cupcake Bakery in Florida by Dawn Foods, in its annual Sweetest Bakery in America contest.

The bakery, owned by Kristina and Kirby Lavallee, competed against more than 1,000 other bakeries in the United States.

“We are so honored to be named the Sweetest Bakery in Florida,” Kristina Lavallee said, in a news release. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing fans who have supported us along the way.”

Dawn Foods, based in Jackson, Michigan, is a global manufacturer and ingredients supplier.

Jingle & Mingle Mixer
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Jingle & Mingle Holiday Mixer on Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Springhill Suites Land O’ Lakes, 16615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. The gathering will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and games. The party is free for those who RSVP by Dec. 16. To RSVP, email , or call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722.

Business celebrations

  • The Hilton Garden Inn, at 26640 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with an evening of food and fun.
  • Atria Lutz Life Guidance Memory Community, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz, recently held its grand opening and ribbon cutting.
  • Midgard Self Storage, 23830 State Road 54 in Lutz, planned its ribbon cutting for Nov. 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Have a business problem?
SCORE business experts can help you find solutions. SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts who provide free assistance to small business owners and managers, to help solve their problems and sustain and grow their business.

Pasco Hernando SCORE offers FREE individual, confidential small business mentoring. SCORE volunteers are subject matter experts with extensive experience over the entire business spectrum. Visit PascoHernando.score.org to request a mentor today.

RESTORE committee appointee
The Pasco County Commission has appointed Lauren Miceli to fill the workforce development/job creation industry member vacancy on the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee solicits project applications, reviews applications, evaluates projects, ranks projects and presents the ranked list to the Pasco County Commission.

AFA Protective Systems relocates
AFA Protective Systems Inc., has relocated to a 5,800-square-foot facility in the West Pasco Industrial Park in Odessa, according a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.

The security technology company is bringing 27 new high-wage jobs to the county, through the relocation of its business.

“AFA Protective Systems is a pioneer in their industry, and we are proud that they now call Pasco County ‘home’,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president and CEO, said in a release. “Pasco’s live, work and play communities are attracting a diverse skilled workforce that puts Pasco in a very competitive position to win future projects.”

The security company, founded in 1873, is the oldest central station alarm company operating in the United States. It designs, installs and monitors fire, safety and security systems.

“Most of our employees live in Pasco County and increasing their quality of life by reducing their commute times really was a major factor in our decision to move to Pasco,” said Jim Johnson, regional manager, AFA Protective Systems Inc., in the release. “Our business is growing in the Tampa Bay region and we like Pasco’s proximity to our customers.”

New director of community engagement
CARES, which stands for Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc., has appointed Melissa Kehler as its new director of community engagement, according to a news release. In announcing the appointment, Jemith Rosa, president and CEO said: “We are so excited to have Melissa join our team. She has an impressive background working with nonprofit organizations and brings a genuine passion for community outreach to CARES.”

Kehler has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership roles, and most recently served as executive director of Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Museum in Hernando County. Before that, Kehler served as chief operating office for Feed Our Vets, where she focused on fundraising, community partnerships and strategic planning.

School boundary proposals draw opposition

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Compared to school boundary hearings in recent years, the crowd was relatively small at a public hearing last week on proposed boundary changes for Pasco County Schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

Still, concerns expressed by parents were similar to the types of concerns generally raised at school boundary meetings.

Boundary changes planned for next year primarily involve changes needed due to the opening of Cypress Creek Middle School, set for next fall.

Initially, the school district had planned to open a high school and a middle school on its campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road. But, it couldn’t afford to build both, so it used its high school campus to serve students in grades six through 12.

Cypress Creek Middle School, now under construction, is expected to open in August 2020. The school district is now considering boundary shifts to ease crowding at John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High, in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

When the new school opens next year, the middle school students on the campus will be shifted to the new school, and boundary changes will fill up remaining space at both the high school and the middle school.

The district’s proposal calls for filling the vast majority of those seats by shifting students from Seven Oaks now assigned to John Long Middle, to Cypress Creek Middle.

It also would shift Seven Oaks students now assigned to Wiregrass Ranch High, over to Cypress Creek High.

The change would not apply to rising seniors, who would be grandfathered in.

And, before the public hearing began, Superintendent Kurt Browning announced the proposal also calls for grandfathering in rising juniors.

The seniors would continue to be able to ride district buses; the juniors would not.

Other students can apply for school choice during the open enrollment period.

Parents who spoke at the public hearing offered a litany of reasons they oppose the proposed boundary shifts.

Mike Schulze, who lives in Seven Oaks, put it this way: “This is a personal thing for our family, for my son. This is not just a number on a sheet.”

He asked the board to consider the impact the boundary shift would have on students who will not be grandfathered in, including his son.

“His dream since he was in third grade was to go to Wiregrass Ranch High School and play basketball,” Schulze said. He asked board members to consider allowing all students to finish out their education in the school where they started.

Other parents also asked board members not to disrupt the academic or social life of their children.

They told board members they chose to live in Seven Oaks because the subdivision’s students were assigned to John Long and Wiregrass Ranch.

They voiced concerns about sending their children to schools that are farther away.

They questioned the decision to reassign school boundaries for an established neighborhood, instead of changing boundaries in newer neighborhoods.

They asked why the district can’t build additional wings at Wiregrass Ranch to accommodate additional students, to avoid redrawing lines.

Many of those same issues were raised in emails sent to district staff regarding the proposed changes. There also were criticisms of the district’s lack of planning for future growth.

Browning said the district considered building an addition at Wiregrass Ranch, but to do so would mean removing facilities that are needed for the school’s athletics, so that isn’t possible.

Board members Allen Altman and Cynthia Armstrong addressed comments related to planning.

“The school district does not get funding for a seat, for a student, until that student is already enrolled in school and counted,” Altman said.

Armstrong added: “It’s actually by state statute that we cannot start building a school until we have the total money in the bank to finish it. That makes the monetary part very tough, since we don’t get the funds until after the people are here.

“The other problem we have is locating school sites where the new buildings are going to be. We don’t always have access to obtaining a school site that would be affordable for us.”

There are other boundary changes proposed that would affect an area near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway that is currently undeveloped, but has been approved for a massive development.

The proposal calls for assigning the entire area to Mary Giella Elementary, Crews Lake Middle School and Hudson High.

Under the current boundaries, some of that future growth would have been assigned to Land O’ Lakes schools.

The Pasco County School Board is set to vote on the proposed changes at its Nov. 19 meeting, at 6 p.m., at the school district headquarters, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco school choice
Pasco County Schools is hosting expo-style events to inform families about school choice options in the district.

The west-side Pasco Pathways Expo is set for Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Towne Center Road, New Port Richey.

The east-side Pasco Pathways Expo is on Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The expos will feature informational sessions that cover the general application process. In addition, many of the district’s schools will showcase their unique educational options, such as  STEM and STEAM magnet schools, the Cambridge International Education Programme, International Baccalaureate, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Career Pathways, Pasco eSchool, and more.

The school choice application window will run from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13 for middle and high schools, and from Jan. 21 to Jan. 31, for elementary schools.

For more information, or to register to attend either of the expos, parents should visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Pasco Pathways link.

Published November 13, 2019