The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Primary election coming soon for District 38

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Randy Maggard and David ‘Mac” Macallister will face off in a primary on April 9 to determine who will represent the Republicans in a special election to fill the vacancy in District 38 House seat in the Florida Legislature.

The seat was vacated by Danny Burgess, who accepted an offer from Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Early voting for the special election began on March 30 and ends on April 6.

Only registered Republicans can vote in the special primary election, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. The district’s boundaries stretch roughly from East Pasco over to U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Voters casting a ballot in that election have the option of voting early at the Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, or at the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The early voting sites will be open during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The winner of the special primary election will face Democrat Kelly Smith in a general election for District 38 on June 18.

Besides the special election on April 9, there’s also an election the same day for City Council Seat 1 in the City of Zephyrhills.

Manny Funes is facing Lance Smith for that seat. That election is open to all of Zephyrhills’ electorate, regardless of party.

There are no early voting days in Zephyrhills.

Published April 03, 2019

Pasco lifts ban on dock roofs on freshwater lakes

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Debate goes on over allowing dock roofs in coastal communities

A longstanding quest to permit roofs on docks on Pasco County’s inland lakes succeeded last week, when the Pasco County Commission voted unanimously to lift the ban.

It remains, uncertain though, whether that same privilege will be extended to owners of waterfront property in coastal communities. The issue will be coming back for additional discussion at a future board workshop.

A look at Bell Lake that has some docks with roofs, which were a part of life in Central Pasco, until they were banned in the county. Now, they’re allowed again on freshwater lakes. The debate continues over whether roofs should be allowed over docks in coastal communities. (File)

Meanwhile, people such as Joe Steffens, who lives on Bell Lake in Land O’ Lakes, can build a roof over his dock.

Steffens, who is in the marine construction business, also will be able to build them for other lakefront property owners, too. He had been forced to work in Hillsborough County because of Pasco’s ban.

The owners of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant, in Land O’ Lakes, also can proceed if they want to replace their waterfront dock without having to worry about whether they can replace the roof.

County Commissioner Mike Moore made the motion to amend the county ordinance to remove the restriction, seconded by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“I’ve been in office since 2014,” Moore said, noting that’s pretty much how long he’s been working with people in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes who wanted to put roofs on their docks.

“I have not had one person on a lake in that area say they’re against it, so I would obviously like to see this move forward,”  Moore said.  “It doesn’t impede the neighbors’ views at all.”

But, commissioners are split on whether waterfront property owners in coastal communities should be allowed to put roofs over their docks.

Some waterfront property owners asked commissioners to allow them to have roofs over their docks, to protect their boats.

“Most people have a significant investment that is sitting behind them on their waterfront property and they would like to have a dock to protect their vessel,” said Nicholas Mudry, who lives at 5415 JoBeth Drive in Gulf Landings, in New Port Richey. Some vessels cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

Jeromy Gamble, 7309 Islander Lane in Sea Pines in Hudson, said he owns Coastline Boatlift Covers.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve sold over $100,000 worth of boatlift covers in Pasco County. I’ve got 78 people who want to order boatlift covers, right now. There’s a massive demand.

“People all over Pasco County on the waterfront — fresh and saltwater — want to be able to protect their investments. As new people move into the waterfront communities — both fresh and salt, they’re investing in their dream of living on the water. Part of that is owning a vessel. “We offer a solution that doesn’t block the neighbors’ views. It has a removable top. It does not impede the boatlift whatsoever. It’s a clamp-on design,” he said.

“There are ways to solve this problem, if looked at properly,” he added.

But, Skip Geiger, director of public relations for the Gulf Harbors Civic Association, urged commissioners to keep the prohibition intact.

“Gulf Harbors prohibits covered docks, covered boatlifts and other covered structures on the water,” he said.

“This ordinance was originally passed to ensure that no hazards to navigation are constructed along the canals, that would interfere with the boaters’ view of the canals and docks, and allow a mix of boats, of all sizes, from kayaks to baby yachts to operate and remain clear of each other,” he said.

He told commissioners he doesn’t object to dock roofs on lakes. But, he went on: “What we do have a problem with is slipping in any sort of covered docks in that area again. It’s a safety hazard, it’s an issue not only for views but for safety of residents, and we do not want it.”

Commissioner Starkey, who lives in Gulf Harbors and is also a boat owner, opposes allowing dock roofs in coastal communities.

“We don’t want a roof. My neighbors don’t want a roof. The majority of folks there don’t want a roof. We don’t want our views to be impeded.

“You can put a cover on your boat.

“I do a lot of boating on the East Coast of Florida. Those are very, very expensive boats and there are no roofs,” she said.

County Commissioner Jack Mariano asked County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder if the county could allow the roofs in some communities, but allow other communities to use deed restrictions to ban them.

Steinsnyder responded: “If you’re going to allow it, you’re going to have to allow it along the entire Gulf front. Your land development regulation needs to treat everybody the same.”

“You can’t carve out neighborhoods that are similar in fashion.”

Ultimately, the board agreed to lift the ban on lakefront properties, and to have a workshop regarding the issue in coastal communities. That workshop is expected in May.

On a related issues, the board approved changes to county regulations that include docks and seawalls in building permit requirements, require maintenances of docks and seawalls; and provides a provision for when the county can make repairs when the condition of the dock or seawall presents a threat to public safety.

Published April 03, 2019

Business Digest 04/03/2019

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Pasco administrator to speak
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon on April 10. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., the buffet begins at 11:30 a.m., and the program starts at noon. The event will be at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To RSVP, prepay or for other information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Chamber networking
The Central Pasco Chamber of commerce will have its Wednesday morning networking on April 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The charge is $12 at the door for a full breakfast.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 232523 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting includes lunch, a presentation and time to network. The theme of the meeting is “Networking to Highlight Your Business.” To register or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Central Pasco Chamber
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general lunch and membership meeting on April 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

SBA emerging leaders
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the 2019 Emerging Leaders Initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Local area recruitment for the 2019 training cycle is ongoing at designated SBA District Offices. Those interested in learning more should contact their local SBA office, or visit SBA.gov/emergingleaders.

Open Doors Forum
The 2019 Open Doors Forum aims to connect minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and small businesses to opportunities in government contracting, across Hillsborough County. Nearly 50 exhibitors are expected at the event offering opportunities for companies to do work with them. The event is set for April 5 at 9 a.m., at the T. Pepin Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa. To register or get more information, call (813) 307-8309 or visit HCFLGov.net/MWSBE.

Pasco EDC seeks award nominations
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has an annual awards program that recognizes achievements of top companies in Pasco County for their technology, innovation, job creation, growth and capital investment in the area.

The economic development council also measures companies’ involvement in community activities.

Nominations for this year’s awards are accepted until the close of business on April 30. Winners will be announced at the Pasco EDC’s 33rd annual Awards and Trade Show in September.

For specifics on the categories, visit PEDC.com.

New director of sales
Laura Formon has joined Home Care Now as its director of sales and marketing. Home Care Now offers in-home support in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. To reach Forman, email , or call her at (727) 243-1017.

Zephyrhills Chamber
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its breakfast meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The cost is $8 for members and $10 for visitors. Cash, checks and debit/credit cards are accepted.

East Pasco Networking
Cliff McDuffie, former mayor of Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at the April 23 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Dade City Chamber
Dr. Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, will be the speaker at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on April 16, at 13100 Fort King Road, Classroom 108. Networking begins at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast and program at 7:30 a.m.

RSVP and pre-payment are required by noon on April 11. Even those with 12-month pre-pay offer must RSVP.

‘Saucy Queen’ is featured speaker
Michele Northrup, also known as the Saucy Queen, will be the featured speaker at the WOW-TOO meeting on April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express-Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity. The charge is $5 for online prepay or at the door. The charge is $10 for non-members or if the fee is invoiced. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Cypress Creek Town Center buzzing with activity

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If you haven’t been in the area west of Interstate 75, off State Road 56, during the past several months, chances are you’re not aware of the increasing activity happening at Cypress Creek Town Center and in nearby areas.

Five Below, at 25609 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, is set to have its grand opening on March 29, according to a banner posted at the store.

Five Below is planning a grand opening on March 29, at the Cypress Creek Town Center, according to a sign on the company’s storefront. (B.C. Manion)

Five Below sells everything from cellphone cases and chargers to yoga pants, footballs, candy, and seasonal items from Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

Meanwhile, Burlington, at 25589 Sierra Center Blvd., also is set to have its grand opening on March 29, according to the company’s website. Burlington also is hiring, according a banner on the company’s storefront.

Burlington is an off-price apparel and home product retailer, which operates 567 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico, according to its website. The store offers a large selection of coats, clothing, shoes, linens , home décor and baby items.

Those grand openings come on the heels of Hobby Lobby’s grand opening on March 18.  Located at  25675 Sierra Center Drive, it is the national retail chain’s 865th store. Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home décor products, including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies, according to information provided by the company.

HomeGoods is planning an April 14 grand opening at Cypress Creek Town Center, according to the company’s website.

Meanwhile, Earth Fare, a North Carolina-based grocer, also at Cypress Creek Town Center, entered the Pasco County market when it opened its 51st store in February. The 24,000-square-foot store aims to promote the health and well-being of its customers by selling an assortment of healthy foods.

Coming soon to the town center will be HomeGoods, at 25557 Sierra Center Blvd., which is scheduled to have its grand opening on April 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to its website.  It also is “now hiring” according to a sign on the storefront’s exterior.

HomeGoods is an off-price retailer, which offers brand name and home fashion assortments that are 20 percent to 60 percent less than department and specialty store regular prices, the company’s website says. It offers merchandise from thousands of vendors throughout the world.

Many other establishments already are operating at the town center, which has shops and restaurants on both sides of State Road 56.

Diners have a wide array of options on the north side of State Road 56, including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Fast-Fire’D Blaze Pizza, Taco Bell, Pollo Tropical, Wendy’s, Ford’s Garage, Mellow Mushroom, Sweetea Café, Chuy’s Tex Mex and Bahama Breeze.

Burlington is planning a grand opening on March 29, at the Cypress Creek Town Center, according to the company’s website. It also is hiring, according to a sign on the exterior of the store.

Meanwhile, Walk-ons Bistreaux & Bar, on the same side of the road, is under construction. The New Orleans-based sports bar was founded by business partners who were walk-ons to the Louisiana State University basketball team. They opened their first restaurant near LSU’s Tiger Stadium.

On the south side of State Road 56, diners can select from LongHorn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Culver’s, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks  and MOD Pizza.

Other developments on the south side of the road include Costco Wholesale Warehouse, an At Home Home Décor Superstore and smaller shops.

Tampa Premium Outlets also is on the south side of State Road 56, just west of I-75.

And, another project is coming, on the  east side of Creek Grass Way, about 600 feet south of State Road 56, according to county records.

Main Event is planning a 48,608-square-foot entertainment center and has requested permission to sell alcoholic  beverages there. The Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners have recommended approval, and the Pasco County Commission was scheduled to consider the request on March 26, after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline.

The Main Event is a bowling, laser tag and dining entertainment center, which has locations in 16 states, including Florida, according to its website.

On the north side of State Road 56, shops include T-Mobile, Noire Nail Bar, Men’s Wearhouse, Mattress One, Aspen Dental, Great Clips, Pearl Vision and Sleep Number. Verizon Wireless and Wesley Chapel Smile Dentistry are coming soon.

There’s also Hyatt Place Hotel & Conference, a 130-room hotel, has opened and already has hosted a variety of community events there.

Also, on the north side of State Road 56, to the west of Cypress Creek Town Center, there’s a new Burger King in front of the Brightwork Crossing apartment development, and nearby a Wawa gas station under construction nearby.

El Dorado Furniture-Wesley Chapel is planning a 70,000-square-foot, two-story showroom at State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, according to county documents.

Published March 27, 2019

Sister Helen Lange’s life comes to a close at age 105

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Sister Helen Lange, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, was remembered last week at two masses at Holy Name Monastery, in St. Leo, and at a reception at St. Anthony Parish Hall.

She was 105 at the time of her death.

Sister Helen, formerly known as Laurina Lange, was still a teenager when she traveled by train from Texas to Florida to pursue the religious life, according to a memoir she wrote, called “Kicking the Habit.”

A look at Sister Helen Lange, before she shed her religious habit. She later wrote a memoir, entitled ‘Kicking the Habit.’ (Courtesy of Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

The year was 1930, and she was accompanied by four of her cousins — Irma Multer, Pauline Block, and Rosaria and Rosanna Matthiesen, who also had decided to answer God’s call.

In her memoir, Sister Helen described growing up on a farm in Olfen, Texas.

She grew up in a family that prayed often, enjoyed making music, and had frequent gatherings with friends and relatives, the account says.

She enjoyed shopping days with her mother. Once the necessary household items were purchased, she and her mother would stop by the drugstore for an ice cream soda, which only cost 25 cents back then, the account adds.

Easter season was one of her favorite times of the year.

“Holy Week was truly Holy Week. There were no radios, no running around, no dancing or partying,” her memoir says.

“On Holy Saturday, all of us kids were sent out to pick flowers to build Easter nests for the bunny to come. While we were out hunting the flowers, little did we know that mom was busy dying the eggs — which we never saw until Easter morning.

“We made small nests with the wildflowers we picked out in the fields.

“On Easter Sunday morning, we all tumbled out of bed to see what the Easter bunny had brought. There were eggs of all colors neatly laying in our nest of flowers. What a beautiful day!”

Over the years, Sister Helen would be a teacher, a band director and a principal. She would oversee a hostel for visitors from other countries. And, later, she would work in elder care.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles during her 103rd birthday celebration at Heritage Park in Dade City. (File)

She also moved around quite a bit. Her first assignment took her back to Texas, but she also worked in New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana, and in various parts of Florida, including San Antonio, Venice, Sarasota, North Miami, Ocala and Jacksonville Beach.

Most recently, she was living at Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Dade City.

That’s where Sister Helen celebrated her 105th birthday on Sept. 28, surrounded by 75 guests.

Besides other sisters from her community, guests included friends and relatives. Sister Helen’s cousin, Joan Schmidt, from Brandon, was there, as well as her niece, Monica “Shotsie” Keyes, who traveled from Salem, Virginia, and Keyes’ daughter, Stefanie Martin.

In a 2016 interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Sister Helen said one of the hardest things she had to do during her religious life was to leave one assignment for the next, because she had always developed deep attachments to the people where she was.

But then, she said, she’d form new attachments in her next assignment.

Ultimately, she wound up loving each of her assignments, whether she was teaching kindergarten or sixth grade, or working as a principal.

“The sixth grade was the most joyful. There were a lot of boys in the class. I loved teaching boys,” said the nun, who described herself as a tomboy at heart.

During that Laker/Lutz News interview, which occurred when she was 102, Sister Helen said she had “no regrets” about boarding that train to go join the Benedictine Sisters of Florida — to follow her spiritual call where it led her.

“I’d do it all over again,” Sister Helen said.

Donations in honor of Sister Helen may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574-2450.

Published March 27, 2019

Workshops aim to boost your financial literacy

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If you’ve ever wanted to improve your knowledge when it comes to money, a financial literacy expo being offered by Pasco County Schools may help get you started.

The school district has assembled a number of financial experts to provide the free information sessions.

Two upcoming free financial seminars being offered by Pasco County Schools can help you to make the most of your money. (Christine Holtzman)

The first one is scheduled for April 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive in New Port Richey.

The second one will be on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Parents, guardians, employees, community members and students are welcome to attend either, or both sessions, to learn about financial planning.

There will be an expo-style event in the dining room, featuring various financial experts. And, there will brief informational sessions, which those attending can sign up for in advance.

Topics that will be covered include information on college scholarships, college funding, retirement planning, careers in personal financial planning, applications for federal student aid, estate planning for business owners, budgeting, financial planning 101 and more.

Presenters include:

  • The University of South Florida Stavros Center
  • Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay
  • State Farm Insurance
  • Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company
  • Jacksonville Federal Treasury
  • Everfi
  • Tampa Electric Co.
  • Pasco-Hernando State College

Anyone can attend, and it’s not necessary to preregister, but those wishing to attend specific sessions should preregister. Once you have decided on which sessions you wish to attend, print out a copy of the schedule and bring it with you because schedules won’t be available on campus during the events.

To register for the Marchman event, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoWestsi2019.sched.com/.

For Wesley Chapel High, go to FinancialLiteracyExpoEastsi2019.sched.com/.

If you’re having any trouble signing on or making your schedule, call (813) 794-2027.

Published March 27, 2019

Business Digest 03/27/2109

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NetFest 2019
NetFest, a networking festival presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is set for April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Epperson Lagoon by Metro Places. The event gives business and community leaders a chance to network and have fun. The cost is $40 for Pasco EDC investors and guests, and $50 for others. For more information, call (813) 926-0827, or email .

Joint ribbon cuttings
Ribbon cuttings were held for Copperstone Executive Suites and Clinical Professional Connections on the afternoon of March 19. The celebration was at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event also doubled as a grand reopening for Copperstone, which is now under new ownership. The occasion included food, drink, giveaways and a lively crowd.

Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge is set to meet April 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.  The meeting includes lunch, a presentation, and time to network. The theme of the meeting will be “Networking to Highlight Your Business!”

The group shares their talents, builds relationships and shares their resources with other women in business.

For more information or to RSVP, please call (813) 600-9848 or email .

Campaign for Honorary Mayor
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual race for Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes contest at the Land O’ Lakes Music Fest, held over the weekend at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Those campaigning for the honorary title help to raise funds to support the chamber, and the winner gets a portion for his or her designated cause. The winner also attends chamber ribbon cuttings and other events.

Central Pasco Chamber networking
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Wednesday morning networking session on April 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Go to the events page of chamber’s website, CentralPascoChamber.com, for more information.

Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce has its breakfast meeting on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The next meeting is April 2. For more information on costs and to reserve a spot, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events/details/business-breakfast.

Fashion entrepreneur to speak
Sumita Bhojwani, a fashion entrepreneur, will be the featured speaker for the April 5 meeting of WOW, which stands for Women of Wesley Chapel, a group which is part of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The group meets on the first Friday of the month from 7:30 a .m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56. The cost is $5 at the door, or $10 if invoiced. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

Chamber membership luncheon
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon set for April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group meets at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. For costs and other information, go to the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has a development briefing on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group meets at Hunter’s Green, 18108 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa. For costs and other information, go to the chamber’s event at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Major Central Pasco development is a step closer

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Pasco County is setting the stage for Project Arthur, a proposed Central Pasco development that is expected to become a major job generator, as well as a place where people will live, play and learn.

The proposed development would be located on land south of State Road 52, east of the Suncoast Parkway and west of the CSX rail line. It would cover 6,951 acres — and would include a 24-million-square-foot corporate park, housing and other supportive uses.

Under the approved land use, the project also could include up to 11,495 residences and other supportive uses.

The Pasco County Commission approved amendments to the county’s land use and highway vision map — necessary changes before the commissioners can consider proposed zoning on the land.

The zoning request for the Master Planned Unit Development, is expected to be brought forward in coming weeks, according to county staff and Clarke Hobby, the attorney representing the applicants.

The applicants are Angeline Corp., Bexley James P. Rev Trust & Bexley Mabel H. Rev Trust, and Bexley J P Tr & J.M. Family Partnership, and Len-Angeline LLC, according to county documents.

The board’s approval of the request had the effect of increasing the potential nonresidential development on the overall acreage by 19 million square feet.

Ernest D. Monaco, assistant planning and development administrator, presented the request at the board’s March 12 meeting.

Monaco said that the county’s planning and development staff and the county’s Planning Commission both found the request to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

The property has been used for cattle ranching and a pine plantation for decades, according to the county’s report. It has both uplands and wetlands areas. It contains oaks and pine trees, and forested and non-forested wetlands.

It has open water lakes, which are mostly remnants from prior borrow pit operations, the report says.

The project site’s proximity to the CSX railroad line provides an opportunity for commuter rail, in the event that the rail line is converted to a commuter rail line, the report notes.

Two of the county’s vision roads also go through the project: Ridge Road and Sunlake Boulevard. Also, the county collector connections to Lester Dairy and Roaches Run are shown on the corresponding rezoning request, the report adds.

Monaco also noted that the 2008 ULI (Urban Land Institute) Report specifically recommends economic development centers for the Central Market Area that are near strategic hubs.

“For that reason, the ULI Report specifically calls for the location of these uses along the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52, at major intersections, such as the Project Arthur’s southeast corner of State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway,” the report says.

It also notes that ULI urges the county to promote higher density and more compact development to preserve open space, enhance ecological areas and promote a strong mix of uses within large, master-planned communities.

The proposed project calls for a corporate business park, which will provide large-scale employment opportunities, as well as supportive services, such as residential communities, parks, schools and other uses to be connected through walking and bike trails, the report adds.

No one from the public spoke for or against the request.

The details of the plan will be ironed out at the zoning stage.

Hobby, appearing on behalf of  the applicants, told board members: “We have a lot of work left to do, but this is a big first step.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey put the applicants on notice that she’ll want to see how the project handles trails. “There are some pretty important trails coming through that area,” she said.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder reminded Starkey: “You have that opportunity to have that discussion at the MPUD (Master Planned Unit Development zoning) stage.

Commissioners approved the change on a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Mike Wells absent.

Published March 20, 2019

Pasco poised to lift ban on dock roofs on lakes

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The Pasco County Commission appears ready to allow boat docks on private lakes to have roofs over them.

Commissioners had a public hearing on March 12 regarding a proposal to amend the county’s land development code that currently prohibits the roofs.

No one from the public spoke for or against the proposed change during the public hearing.

This is a look at Bell Lake, which has some docks that have roofs. (File)

The change would apply only to inland water bodies, not coastal waters, according to Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder.

Commissioner Jack Mariano wanted to know if the county could allow the protection for boats on canals, if enough people in that particular neighborhood supported them.

Steinsnyder responded: “You really can’t legislate that way with your land development code.”

Commissioners are scheduled to have a final public hearing on the issue on March 26 at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

Though no one from the audience spoke during the commission’s recent meeting, three Land O’ Lakes residents previously spoke in support of the change at a Feb. 5 meeting.

Joe Steffens, Sandy Graves and Denise Brand, all of Land O’ Lakes, urged commissioners to allow the roofs over boat docks on private lakes.

Steffens, who is a marine contractor, has been pushing for a change — and has been discussing the issue with individual commissioners for the better part of a year to try to make that happen.

Both he and Graves told commissioners that the roofs over boat docks have been a way of life in Central Pasco, and asked them to drop the prohibition against them.

Brand, of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant in Land O’ Lakes, also requested the change noting that the restaurant would like to make changes to its dock and is worried that it wouldn’t be able to replace the roof.

Published March 20, 2019

Business Digest 03/20/2019

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Pasco EDC economic development manager
Jennie Sammur is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s new economic development manager.

Jennie Sammur

She will be responsible for local business retention and expansion as well as increasing the international trade and foreign direct investment marketing program, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Sammur was selected after an extensive search, the release says.

“I am very excited to join a team whose efforts in connecting resources and businesses are instrumental in making Pasco county one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Florida,” Sammur said,  in the release. “I look forward to cultivating relationships and assisting local industries with their needs, as well as serving as an international liaison for export and trade opportunities.”

Sammur’s background includes working as owner/broker of Dabar & Associates Real Estate Services and serving on numerous nonprofit boards, allowing her to cultivate a broad array of relationships.

She currently attends the University of South Florida, in pursuit of a master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning. She holds a bachelor of science degree in administration from Barry University.

Her role at the Pasco EDC will allow her to use her real estate skills and institutional knowledge in economic development, according to the release.

“I am very excited about Jennie joining our team of professionals here at the Pasco EDC,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO.

“Her background in real estate and business in Pasco County will be a great asset to our stakeholders. Jennie understands what our Pasco-based companies need to be successful,” Cronin said, in the release.

Credit union ribbon cutting
Suncoast Credit Union Trinity, at 11370 State Road 54 in Trinity, had a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on the evening of March 14. Dewey Mitchell was the special guest at the branch opening. Mitchell is the co-owner/broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Florida Properties Group.

For more information, contact Janette McElwain at or at (800) 999-5887, ext. 86281.

Pasco community development director
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Marcy Esbjerg to the position of community development director, effective March 17.

She had been serving as acting community development director and previously was operations manager in that department.

Before joining Pasco County, she worked for the City of Burlington, in Vermont and in Collier County in the areas of economic development, housing, veterans services and human services.

She also was responsible for the administration of grant programs and local programs related to community development.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Simmons College in Boston and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

New U-Haul dealer
Golden Gate Automotive, 35330 Condominium Blvd., in Zephyrhills, is now offering U-Haul products and services. For more information, call (813) 788-2450.

Motto Mortgage grand opening
Motto Mortgage, 23612 State Road 54 in Lutz, had its grand opening, food drive and ribbon cutting on March 7. Those attending were asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Mission Against Hunger food drive.

East Pasco Networking Group
Sgt. Sam Papenenna, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, will talk about cyber investigations at the March 26 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

NetFest 2019
NetFest, a networking festival presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is set for April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Epperson Lagoon by Metro Places. The event gives business and community leaders a chance to network and have fun. The cost is $40 for Pasco EDC investors and guests, and $50 for others. For more information, call (813) 926-0827, or email .

Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has its Monthly Business Breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

WOWWOW — Women of Wesley Chapel — meets at The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, on the first Friday of the month, at 7:30 a.m.

WOW-Too
WOW-Too started as Women of Wesley Chapel and was so popular that it expanded into Trinity and Odessa. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity.

Economic briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s March 28 economic development briefing will feature Edwin D. Epperson III, president of Vertical Fund Management. He will be speaking about opportunity zones, and how they impact families, communities and investors. The briefing will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $15 if members prepay and $20 for members at the door; for non-members, the cost is $25. The group meets at Hunter’s Green, 18108 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.