The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Cypress Creek Town Center wants more retail, residential

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow an increase in commercial square footage and more multifamily units on 490 acres at the northwest and southwest quadrants of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

Planning commissioners joined with Pasco County’s planning staff in recommending approval of the request to modify the master-planned unit development. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.

The developers of Cypress Creek Town Center are seeking permission to add more commercial development and to increase the number of multifamily dwellings allowed within the development, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. (File)

Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant during a Jan. 10 public hearing before the Planning Commission at the county’s historic courthouse in Dade City.

Planning commissioner Peter Hanzel raised questions about the potential impacts the modified plan could have on Pasco County Schools.

But Chris Williams, a school district representative who sits on the board, said the school district can absorb the impacts.

The additional multifamily units would generate 27 elementary students, 12 middle school students and 16 high school students — which the district would be able to serve through Denham Oaks Elementary, which has existing capacity, and Cypress Middle and Cypress High schools, Williams said.

“We feel we have sufficient capacity to house these students in the middle and high school, as well, when the new (middle)  school opens.” The new middle school will open in 2020, Williams said.

The proposed modification would allow for an increase of retail/commercial square footage from 1,998,400 square feet to 2,399,500 square feet — an increase of 401,000 square feet. It also calls for a decrease in hotel rooms from 350 rooms to 135 rooms; and, an increase of multifamily units from 230 units to 600 units.

“The Sierras (who own the property) believe that they need some additional commercial,” Hobby said. “That’s the primary thing we’re doing here, over the long haul.”

The Sierras plan to continue ownership of these parcels in their family entities for many years, Hobby said. “They wanted to extend the buildout date.”

“On the multifamily, the Sierras have one parcel that is located near the northern boundary of the north parcel that already has some approval for multifamily and fits within the 230 number of units they already have.

“There’s only one more parcel up near the north boundary that they are thinking of adding multifamily on, but they have no plans immediately,” the attorney added.

“They’re trying to plan for the next 15, 20, 25 years. And, they do believe because of the mixed-use nature of the project, with all of the office and all of the retail that’s going to build out there, that it’s a good site, ultimately, for multifamily.

“We’re trying to make a true mixed-use parcel,” Hobby said.

Published January 16, 2019

Political Agenda 01/16/2019

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Candidates vying to fill District 38 vacancy
Democrat Kathy Lynn Lewis and Republican Randy Maggard have pre-filed to seek the seat expected to be vacated by Danny Burgess, who was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as executive director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said no official word had been received regarding Burgess vacating the seat, as of the print deadline for The Laker/Lutz News. Once Burgess resigns, Gov. Ron DeSantis will issue an order for a special election.

Municipal elections
Lance Smith has filed to run for the District 1 seat on the Zephyrhills City Council, and Kenneth M. Burgess Jr., has filed to run for the District 4 seat of the Zephyrhills City Council, according to Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley’s website. No candidates have filed so far for the City of San Antonio’s two open commission seats or the two open Town of St. Leo commission seats. There is no election scheduled in 2019 in the City of Dade City.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301., in Dade City. Dining and a-la-carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information call (813) 383-8315, or visit EastPascoDems.com.

Trinity Democrats
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley will speak at the Trinity Democratic Club’s monthly meeting on Jan. 23, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Doors open at 5 p.m., for dinner and happy hour (self-pay), with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Republican Club of Central Pasco

The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Jan. 28 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The social begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be state Sen. Tom Lee. For information, call (813) 996-3011.

Deadline approaching for Spotlight on Talent entries

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Young performers who are looking for an audience can audition for a chance to show off their singing and dancing skills in this year’s 36th annual “Spotlight on Talent.”

Winners of this talent show don’t walk away with giant cash prizes, but the regional competition does award $4,000 in cash prizes and trophies in several age categories, according to a news release from the Heritage Arts Center Association, which puts on the competition.

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with their musical theater number during a previous Spotlight on Talent. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

There’s also a $1,000 scholarship, awarded to a Pasco County resident who is a graduating senior. The scholarship was added as a result of the community support of “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and the “Spotlight” contest, the release said.

The scholarship goes to the Pasco senior who has the highest total scores from judges in the preliminary and final contests.

Contestants for Spotlight on Talent must make their way through auditions to have the opportunity to be selected as finalists to compete at two shows.

Several hundred contestants typically vie for a place on the program. They come from Pasco County, as well as Tampa, Brooksville, St. Petersburg and other communities.

Competitors include vocalists, dancers, instrumental musicians, piano players, baton twirlers, bands, gymnasts and other entertainers hoping to take home a prize.

There are several age categories. There also are categories for groups and for solos. A student may enter as a soloist and as a member of a group, the release says.

The deadline for entries is Jan. 24. This year’s auditions will be on Feb. 9.

The final competitions will be March 9 at Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel. The first act, which begins at noon, will feature the younger finalists. The second act, which begins at 7 p.m., will features the older competitors.

Admission is $12 for adults for one show, or $20 for both.

For students through high school, admission is $6 for one show, or $10 for both. Children under age 5 are admitted free.

The scholarship winner will be announced at the end of the final show, and will be separate, and in addition to the individual category winners.

Competitors are judged primarily on talent, but also on stage presence and appropriate appearance. Professional judges determine the winners.

Applications and additional information are available online at HeritageArts.org.

The competition is also seeking additional community sponsors.

If you’d like more information about the competition or about how to become a sponsor, call Barbara Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or email .

36th annual Spotlight on Talent
This youth talent competition gives young performers a chance to show off their talents and possibly win a trophy or cash award.

Important dates:
Registration deadline: Jan. 24
Auditions: Feb. 9
Competition: March 9
For more information, contact Barbara Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or email .

Published January 16, 2019

‘Powerglides’ launch site gets OK

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The Pasco County Commission has given the green-light to a conditional use permit to allow takeoffs and landings of motorized parachute devices — known as powerglides — on a 19-acre parcel, at the southeast corner of McKendree Road and Tyndall Road in Wesley Chapel.

While commissioners approved the request, Commissioner Mike Moore questioned why they were even considering the issue.

”Why does this have to come in front of the board? I see these things flying all over, where I live. Literally, I see these all over Pasco County all of the time,” Moore said.

“I just think it’s a waste of these people’s time to have to come do this. That’s my opinion,” Moore said.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, said the use is not considered to be a customary and incidental use of agricultural property.

County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted: “If the board wishes to make this a permitted use in an agricultural district, it can. It isn’t currently. That’s why it’s before you today.”

Moore reiterated that he sees this type of device flying all over Pasco County.

Steinsnyder responded: “The flying isn’t illegal. It’s the landing and taking off on a piece of property. I don’t know where those you are seeing are landing and taking off from.

“This is the use of a piece of property.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Moore, “One of the reasons we’re here is because they take off and land and cross a person’s property next door, that affects the person’s way of life.”

Oakley added that the neighbor boards horses, and “these motors going across her property is causing her an issue.”

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, represented applicant Carol A. Roth.

She said a neighbor complained and a citation was issued by code enforcement.

The applicant had the choice of litigating the issue, or seeking a conditional use permit and opted to pursue the conditional use, the attorney said.

Wilhite noted there is a radio-controlled model airplane club that operates nearby, as well as a motocross track.

A paraglider spoke during the public hearing. He showed commissioners a video that demonstrates how the motorized crafts work, and also showed them a couple of horses in a field that did not appear to be disturbed by the motorized paragliders.

But, Gena Hester, who lives on Tyndall Road next to Roth’s property, voiced opposition

“The RC (radio-controlled) flyers across the street, they don’t fly over my property. The guys down the street that have the four-wheelers, they’re not flying over my property. I’m talking about my property,” she said.

“I have held a county boarding license since 2002. I have been boarding (horses) since 2003. The men, when they’re landing, they’re landing up to 10 feet over my property.”

She said she had shown a video during the Planning Commission meeting on the request, which showed that “they did land over their (her horses) heads, and they did scare my horses.”

Hester added: “They were flying in the front pasture, the side pasture, everywhere. That takes away my quiet use and enjoyment of my property.

“It’s my property that I want to ride my horses on, and those things are loud. Consider the size of a large lawnmower, and they’re flying over my house. I can’t ride my horse. Nobody else can ride their horse. Because it scares them. That’s the point I’m trying to get at,” Hester said.

Wilhite said the applicant has tried to work with staff and tried to achieve a balance.

“Can I say that my client is comfortable with these conditions? No. Do they want to be able to move forward, does she want to be able to use her property? Yes. That’s where we’re at,” Wilhite said.

Moore said the proposed area for takeoffs and landings seems to be a better option than other, more congested areas of the county.

“You see them going over (State Road) 56 and (Interstate) 75 on a pretty consistent basis,” and he said, adding he worries about their safety there.

The board approved the request, subject to numerous conditions, including:

  • A maximum of four takeoffs and four landings per day
  • No landings of anyone who did not launch from the site
  • Operating hours allowed from 7 a.m. to dusk
  • Operations limited to six days per week, including only one weekend day
  • A requirement for operators to maintain a minimum height of 400 feet over adjacent properties, except during launch, landing and necessary circling.

The permit for this use will expire in 10 years, unless applicants submit a request in writing for the county to consider an extension.

Published January 16, 2019

Business Digest 01/16/2019

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$15 an hour starting salary
Employees at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office who are hired after Jan. 5 will receive a starting salary of $15, according to a news release from the office.

Any current employee who is receiving less than that amount also will be boosted to at least the new wage, the release added.

“In 2013, starting salaries were only $9.25 an hour,” Tax Collector Mike Fasano said, in the release. “Our jobs are complicated and require in-depth training and experience. When I learned that people, especially those who have loyally served this organization for many years, were making so little, I knew I had to make it a priority to increase their wages.”

“Over the past 5-plus years, we’ve been able to raise the starting salary by 62 percent,” Fasano noted, in the release.

For more information regarding the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office and the services it provides, visit PascoTaxes.com.

New SMARTstart program manager
The Pasco Economic Development Council has appointed Daniel Mitchell to run the economic development agency’s in Central Pasco and East Pasco county.

Mitchell comes to the position after having owned and operated two businesses. He also has a background in the finance industry as a certified financial planner and continues to attend the College for Financial Planning in the Masters of Arts program, according to a release from Pasco EDC.

“I am looking forward to using my skills and entrepreneurial experience to help people launch and grow their business in Pasco County. My goal is that these businesses are more than a driver of profit and job growth – but are also a catalyst to a fulfilling life for the entrepreneur and a diversified economy for all of us in Pasco.” Mitchell said, in the release.

His primary focus is to develop a portfolio of early stage entrepreneurs in Pasco who understand how to develop their products and services in collaboration with their customers. Mitchell will also take the lead on the CO.STARTERS program and the Food Hub Task Force, which has been created to develop a plan to create an agricultural value chain model to conserve, sustain, and create food and food-related partnerships that grow and create jobs as an economic development model in depressed and vibrant communities.

Sprouts to open in New Tampa
Sprouts Farmers Market has announced plans to open a store at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Hunter’s Green Drive. The store also plans to add stores in Seminole and Stuart, and those stores are in addition to previously announced several other locations, including one in Trinity.

Fostering business growth and success
This free seminar teaches companies how to understand and strengthen the team responsible for shaping, executing and fostering your business’s growth and success. It is being offered on Jan. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com for more information.

WOW-Too (Wow of Trinity and Odessa)
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, Trinity, Florida 34655.

Allstate owners help domestic violence survivors
Tampa-area Allstate agency owners recently joined Allstate volunteers across 15 states to secure Allstate Foundation Helping Hands® grants to benefit 35 nonprofit organizations, including a $6,000 grant for Sunrise of Pasco County. The nonprofit serving domestic violence survivors will use the funding to further their programs, such as economic empowerment and outreach services, according to a news release.

Allstate volunteers empowered local community members to donate critical supplies, such as clothing, housewares and personal care items.

“With one in four women experiencing domestic violence in her lifetime, this is an issue affecting every community, including Tampa,” Lisette Fernandez, an Allstate agent in Lutz, said in the release. “We’re proud to dedicate our time and collect much-needed resources to support these vital local organizations and the survivors they serve. We care about helping survivors and their families break the cycle of violence in their lives.”

The supply drive was part of a multi-state effort of The Allstate Foundation benefitting 35 participating domestic violence nonprofits in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. The volunteer efforts raised $340,000 in grants for the nonprofits.

Sunrise of Pasco County is one of thousands of organizations this year to receive Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grants secured by Allstate agency owners and financial specialists for their volunteer efforts. The grants support organizations addressing domestic violence, youth empowerment, disaster preparedness, hunger and other causes.

Participating area Allstate agency owner volunteers include:  Mary Jo Chamberlain, Stefanie Cubbedge-Wiggins, Sebastian Dealmenara, Lisette Fernandez,  Michael Lia, Naomi Taylor-Kenney and Ryan Toombs.

To learn more about The Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grants and all the ways Allstate volunteers put their Helping Hands to work in local communities, visit AllstateFoundation.org.

 

Pace of Pasco’s road construction picking up in 2019

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It’s no secret that dealing with traffic congestion is a way of life for Pasco County residents.

Whether they’re commuting to work, taking the kids to school, going grocery shopping, heading to a doctor’s appointment or taking care of myriad daily needs, there’s good chance motorists will get stuck in traffic and have to wait for traffic lights to cycle at intersections.

Traffic is backed up, on the access road from Interstate 75, heading to State Road 56. (Fred Bellet)

Getting anywhere can be a hassle at peak traffic hours — regardless of the direction drivers are going.

The good news is that 2019 is likely to go down as a banner year with respect to the number of projects aimed at improving traffic flow.

Here’s a look at what is underway, planned for construction, or under study for possible improvements, based on presentations by Florida Department of Transportation officials, transportation department fact sheets and previous reporting by The Laker/Lutz News.

The Diverging Diamond
One massive project, set to get underway this month, is called the Diverging Diamond Interchange.

It aims to reduce congestion at the Interstate 75-State Road 56 interchange, through a reconfiguration of the intersection, in an area between County Road 54 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.

Eastbound traffic on State Road 54 at the Interstate 75 underpass.

The new design is expected to improve traffic flow, thus reducing travel time for motorists.

The estimated construction cost is $33 million, and the project is expected to take three years to complete.

Extension of State Road 56
Another significant project involves the extension of State Road 56, beginning at Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and ending at U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Work on this 6-mile extension began in 2017. It has an estimated construction cost of $59.1 million.

Initially expected to be completed in the fall, the road could open as early as this spring, David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, said during the Discover Dade City symposium in November.

The project includes a four-lane road, with a 10-foot multi-use trail on the south side of the road and a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side. There will be 7-foot bicycle lanes on the shoulders, in each direction.

Northbound traffic on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, stacks up and waits for the traffic light to turn green.

New signalized intersections also are being built on Morris Bridge Road, where the new State Road 56 crosses it, and on U.S. 301, where the new State Road 56 ties into it.

Also, the City of Zephyrhills requested a study to evaluate extending State Road 56 from U.S. 301 to State Road 39 with a connection to U.S. 98.

And, another study is looking into realigning U.S. 98, where U.S. 301 intersects with Clinton Avenue.

The Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization also has requested a study to evaluate the potential for the realignment of U.S. 98 at the U.S. 301, in the area of Clinton Avenue (new State Road 52).

U.S. 41 and State Road 54
While the need for a solution to daily traffic jams at U.S. 41 and State Road 54 is widely known, it is not yet clear how the issue will be addressed. Here are alternatives that have been identified, according to a state transportation department document:

  • Elevated express lanes at major intersections; express lanes on the ground for the remainder; and bus services in express lanes.
  • Parallel flow intersection.
  • Elevated lanes at major intersections; bus or rail in separate lanes, combined with a continuous flow intersection.
  • No Build: Maintaining six lanes on the ground and current transit services.
Motorists heading north on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, wait in the daily backup, just south of State Road 54.

State Road 52 improvements
Projects are in various stages along the State Road 52 corridor. Here’s a synopsis:

  • Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41: This project will widen a 3.8-mile stretch from two lanes to six lanes, with a 12-foot multi-use trail to be built on the north side of State Road 52. The project also includes a 1-mile widening of U.S. 41, approaching the intersection with State Road 52. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.
  • East of U.S. 41 to County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard): Calls for widening the two-lane road to a four-lane divided road. The 8.5-mile improvement also includes a 12-foot multi-use trail on the north side of the road. The project is under design, but there is no construction funding at this time.
  • County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard) to Old Pasco Road: Widening the two-lane road to a four-lane road, with a median. The 1.5-mile project has an estimated cost of $13.4 million and is scheduled to be completed this spring.
  • State Road 52 widening and new alignment, from Uradco Place to west of Fort King Road.

Between Uradco Place and Bayou Branch Canal, the existing road will be widened to a four-lane divided highway.

East of Bayou Branch Canal, the new alignment will be a four-lane, divided State Road 52, built south of the existing State Road 52, tying into Clinton Avenue.

Heading east, past Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, barricades guide motorists through ongoing widening construction.

Clinton Avenue, between County Road 579 and Fort King Road, will be a widened to a four-lane divided road.

Clinton Avenue, between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301, will be designated County Road 52, after the construction of the new State Road 52 is complete.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2019.

 

Other projects
Interstate 75 interchange at Overpass Road
Pasco County is building a future interchange at I-75 and Pasco Road. The project is scheduled for letting in 2020.

U.S. 301/U.S. 98
Resurfacing/bike lanes

An eastbound school bus turns south on to Old Pasco Road, an area where road construction continues.

Project limits: Pond Avenue to north of Long Avenue/Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City

is in design. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.

Wesley Chapel Intermodal Center Study
This study, expected to be completed in late summer, will identify the needs and location of an intermodal center that will serve as a hub for local and regional transit. It includes the analysis of facility needs, location, cost, funding, connectivity and conceptual design.

Proposed U.S. 301 widening
Another project calls for widening U.S. 301, from a four-lane road to six lanes, from County Road 54/Eiland Boulevard to north of Kossik Road, in Zephyrhills. That construction is not yet funded.

Brian Fernandes contributed to this report.

Published January 9, 2019

Building a foundation for economic growth

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Bill Cronin, the president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has no shortage of ideas when it comes to pursuing ways to strengthen Pasco County’s economy.

He shared a few of those thoughts during a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Cronin is entering his third year at the helm of the Pasco EDC, and recently was named the Florida Director of the Southern Economic Development Council.

Bill Cronin, the president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is in charge of the agency that seeks to expand Pasco County’s economic growth. He recently was named the Florida Director of the Southern Economic Development Council. (B.C. Manion)

The SEDC is the largest and oldest regional economic council in North America, with members in 17 southern states. Each state selects a member to serve with the elected officers on the board of directors, and Cronin was selected from Florida.

For decades, Pasco County has lived with the image of being a bedroom community for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. That picture is changing, though, as more businesses and industries set up shop, or expand — generating more jobs in Pasco.

The Pasco EDC, in cooperation with Pasco County, continues to lay the groundwork for future economic growth, Cronin said. Funds provided through Penny for Pasco help with those efforts.

If a company is looking to grow, Pasco is an excellent option, Cronin said, spelling out some of the area’s strengths.

“We are right smack in the middle of the fastest-growing market in the United States — and that’s the southeast United States,” he said. “We have such a huge consumer market.”

Besides having one of the largest economies in the world in its own right, Florida also is positioned geographically so that it can penetrate the Latin American market, Cronin said.

But, to be competitive, Pasco must be aggressive in its recruitment efforts, and must work to secure sites and buildings that are ready for development, he said.

“When somebody is looking to locate a business here – there’s 16,000 agencies that do what I do,” Cronin said. “So, when they’re looking at a site, they’re probably looking at about 200 sites, initially. And, they’re trying to narrow it down, narrow it down, narrow it down. They’re not trying to add you.

“We can’t wait for the business to come to us. They’re not going to,” Cronin said.

It’s also important for Pasco to tell its story.

When someone looks at the county’s statistics, for instance, it’s easy to get the wrong impression, Cronin said. “If they’re not careful, they’ll look only at the industry that’s in Hillsborough or Pinellas and assume that we don’t have the work force,” he said.

“I have to remind them (companies) that those are our workforce — and they’re so good that other people want to hire them,” Cronin said, referring to the thousands of Pasco residents who commute to jobs in nearby counties.

The county has room to grow, but it needs more sites ready for companies and industries interested in moving here, he said.

Providing that requires an investment by the landowners, which is a shift in mindset from the days of the past, he said.

“Those landowners are used to people coming up to them saying, ‘I’m going to pay you top dollar, to be able to build my houses there,” Cronin said.

Industrial and commercial sites, however, must be prepared, he said.

“A site is not just a field with cows on it,” Cronin said. “A site has to have some known information, like ‘Where’s your utilities and how long will it take to get them there? Where are your highways? Where is the railroad? How far are you from your workforce? What type of wetlands mitigation is required? Do you have a wetlands delineation certificate?’

“Those types of things cost money.

“In this business, because we’re so competitive, they (landowners) have to go get the business, instead of waiting for it to come to them.

“So, when we have these conversations with the landowner, they say, ‘Well, nobody has ever come to me saying they want to put a factory in, but I’ve got residential knocking on my door every day.’

“So, we have to convince them that ‘Yes, there is a market out there, but you have to go get it,’ ” Cronin said.

Economic development helps everyone, Cronin said.

“For every dollar we get in property taxes, it costs us about $1.25 to serve residential. For every dollar we get from commercial, it costs us about 80 cents to service them. If it’s manufacturing, it’s about 20 cents,” Cronin said.

“So, it behooves us to get some more industrial-type activity, not just from a job creation standpoint, but also from a tax revenue standpoint,” he said.

Brian Fernandes contributed to this report.

Published January 9, 2019

Private school, more retail, on planning commission agenda

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The Pasco County Planning Commission will consider requests for a private school, and increased retail development, among items during its Jan. 10 public hearing at 1:30 p.m.

Planning commissioners will consider these requests on their consent agenda.

  • Request from Tracy L. and Raul Rodriguez Jr./Keiro Academy, for a private school on 20.6 acres of land zoned for agricultural and residential use. The parcel is on the east side of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, about one-half mile north of Darby Road.

According to the applicant’s information, “Our student population will primarily demonstrate anxiety, sadness, defiance and school refusal issues stemming from technology overuse. Our students simply need to reconnect with nature in a screen-free environment, and to develop social and life skills to succeed. We intend to create a program exclusively for boys age (15 to 20) and seek to maintain a daily census of 32 students who will live on the property.

“Keiro Academy will not accept students with histories of violence, crime, drug or alcohol abuse issues.”

County staff has recommended approval of the request, with conditions.

  • Request for a substantial modification to the Cypress Creek Town Center master planned unit development (MPUD) — Pasco 54, Ltd.; Pasco Ranch, Inc.; and JG Cypress Creek LLC.

This request calls for changes that would allow for an increase of retail/commercial square footage from 1,998,400 square feet to 2,399,500 square feet, which is an increase of 401,000 square feet; a decrease in hotel rooms from 350 rooms to 135 rooms; and, an increase of multifamily units from 230 units to 600 units, on approximately 490 acres of land.

County staff has recommended approval of the request, with conditions.

When an item is on the consent agenda, the planning commission won’t discuss it, unless a member of the board has questions, or someone in the audience wishes to speak on the item.

On their regular agenda, planning commissioners are expected to hear from representatives from Duke Energy Florida LLC, regarding a proposed landscaping plan in connection with the company’s request for an electrical substation on the north side of Satinleaf Lane, approximately 650 feet west of Smith Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The Planning Commission previously approved Duke’s request for the special exception, but that was subject to the applicant submitting a landscaping plan for review and approval.

The proposed landscaping plan calls for more extensive screening than previously proposed, including more trees and different varieties of planting materials.

The planning commission meeting will be in the board room on the second floor of the courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published January 9, 2019

Business Digest 01/09/2019

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Goodwill job fair
Goodwill is recruiting for sales and processing positions – full and part time. To recruit potential employees Goodwill Temporary Staffing is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill Superstore at 2390 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel. The store is located off State Road 56, just east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an application at SBSgoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome.  For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

(Courtesy: EarthFare website)

Earth Fare now hiring
Earth Fare, a specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, is having a job fair Jan. 16 through Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., to hire new team members for its Wesley Chapel location. The job fair will be at Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Those attending the job fair should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and provide schedule availability.

Those interested are encouraged to apply online before the hiring event by going to EarthFare.com/wesleychapel.

Appointments are not necessary, and applicants should be prepared for an on-site interview at the fair.

Find out more about at EarthFare.com.

Culver’s now in Wiregrass
Culver’s of Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass began operations on Jan. 7, at 28831 State Road 56.

The restaurant serves fast casual food, cooked-to-order. Its hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., daily except for a few holidays, according to a news release.

Marty Roeske is the franchise owner.

Roeske said the restaurant is thrilled to have a location in Wesley Chapel, according to the release. “We think it’s a wonderful area, and we are excited to become a contributing and active member,” he said.

Marty and Ann Roeske also own the Culver’s of Wesley Chapel–Lutz, which opened its doors in March 2016.

Before bringing Culver’s to the Tampa area, the Roeske’s owned and operated a Culver’s restaurant for 18 years in Wautoma, Wisconsin,  according to the release.

East Pasco Networking Group
Cheryl Pollack, of Premier Community Healthcare, is scheduled to be the featured speaker at The East Pasco Networking Group’s Jan. 22 breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.  

Florida No. 2 growth state in country
Florida remains No. 2, in terms of growth, according to data collected by U-Haul, analyzing U.S. migration trends for 2018.

Florida arrivals of one-way U-Haul trucks were up 8 percent, while departures also were up 8 percent from the state’s 2017 numbers, according to a news release from U-Haul.

Arrivals still accounted for 50.1 percent of all one-way U-Haul traffic in Florida to make it the No. 2 state for netting do-it-yourself movers.

Growth States are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state during a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul trucks sharing transactions that occur annually, the release says.

Millennial business women demographics
The National Women’s Business Council has released its “Profiles of Millennial Women,” identifying characteristics of millennial women entrepreneurs.

According to its report, there are more than 1.34 million women entrepreneurs.

They are racially and ethnically diverse. They are more likely than their non-entrepreneur counterparts to be married; they are likely to be college educated; they have a desire for economic independence; they need to resolve work-family conflicts; they are more likely to be involved in a side business, and they are likely to have children.

Addressing each student’s unique needs is her calling

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Drop by Holly Mickler’s classroom at Pasco Middle School in Dade City, and ask her students a few questions about their teacher, and you’ll hear some interesting answers.

Does she truly deserve to be Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year?

Yes!

The class emphatically responds.

How would you describe her to someone who doesn’t know her?

First, they offer succinct responses: Wonderful. Amazing. Funny. Hardworking.

Then, they begin to elaborate.

“She wants the best for her students,” one says.

“She’s like your school mom,” says another.

Holly Mickler, Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year, helps her students prepare for college and life. (B.C. Manion)

“She’s not only there for her students, but she’s there for her students’ families. My dad was sick, and she and the tutors brought over food for us,” still another responds.

“I had a problem with a different teacher, and she was the first one that I went to about it,” another student says, with appreciation.

“When I was in the hospital, she actually took the time to get my work from my other teachers and give it to me,” another shares.

It sounds like Mickler may have some of the very characteristics she admired in the woman who inspired her to become a teacher.

That woman was her kindergarten teacher, Dawn Brown, in Statesville, North Carolina.

Mickler was just 5 years old when she decided to become a teacher.

Her kindergarten teacher took a personal interest in her students, Mickler explained.

“I would see that love that she had for us,” Mickler said.

She cared beyond the classroom walls.

“She invited me to her house and I would play with her daughters, who were high schoolers at the time. We would sit down and play school,” she added.

It was a different time, and place, Mickler wrote, in an essay contained in her teacher of the year packet.

But, just like then, Mickler said, every student is unique and has individual needs.

“I like the challenge of trying to figure out where they need the assistance, and the best way to get it for them. Sometimes you have to get creative.

“I had a kid the other day who walked in and said, ‘I just need a hug,’ ” she said.

She said one of the main things she tells her students is: “Keep your opportunities open. Don’t start closing doors by the choices you are making now.”

Mickler, who has been at Pasco Middle School in Dade City for 14 years, is the teacher and coordinator in the school’s AVID program. The acronym stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.

She built that program at her middle school from the ground up.

It’s an elective college prep and life skills course aimed at students who typically find themselves in the middle, with some slightly above average and others slightly below, she said.

“They have what it takes to go to college,” she said, but they may need a little extra support in some areas.

The course is about helping students advance through individual determination — and that means knowing more than just how to analyze a piece of writing or solve a mathematics problem, Mickler said.

It also requires knowing how to advocate for yourself, how to resolve conflicts and how to prioritize the importance — and order of tasks — that need to be done, she said.

Mickler calls that mastering the soft skills needed to navigate the “hidden curriculum” of school.

The teacher said she’s lucky because her job gives her the luxury of flexibility not found in typical classrooms.

Most classrooms are tightly regulated by the amount of material that must be covered and the emphasis on performance.

Performance is important, she said, but so is flexibility.

Her program is an elective, and she has a greater opportunity to really get to know her students and identify their needs.

AVID, she said, has made her a better educator.

“Intentionally planned flexibility is what turns good teachers into great teachers,” Mickler believes.

Early on, AVID emphasizes team-building with the goal of creating a family atmosphere in the class.

“It is never ‘my classroom.’ It is ‘our classroom,’ ” Mickler said.

Mickler never expected to be selected as Pasco’s teacher of the year.

She was helping to judge science projects in the school’s media center, when a contingent of district officials showed up to let her know.

“I was in shock. It was so completely unexpected.

“It made me feel incredibly special,” Mickler said.

And, she wasn’t just happy for herself.

She thinks the honor will help boost morale at a school which contends with a poor image — that Mickler said is inaccurate and unfair.

“People think it’s a rough school, a rough clientele, and it’s not. We have amazing kids. We have an incredible staff of teachers.

“It’s not without its problems. Every place has problems,” she said.

But, she’s a big believer in Pasco Middle — so much so that she commutes daily from Wesley Chapel.

“It’s about a 35-minute drive, but it’s worth it.”

“I cannot picture myself anywhere else. I’m a pirate,” Mickler said.

Published January 2, 2019