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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Saddlebrook Resort redevelopment request delayed

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The Pasco County Commission is set to take up a request involving the redevelopment of Saddlebrook Resort at its April 4 meeting.

After several hours of testimony on Feb. 7, the board decided to delay the request until then, to provide more time to get questions answered and to give opposing parties a chance to seek resolution.

The issue involves a request by Miami-based Mast Capital to redevelop Saddlebrook, which opened in Wesley Chapel in 1981.

At its prime, Saddlebrook was known internationally for excellence in its golf facilities, with its two Arnold Palmer-designed courses and for its tennis facilities and programs.

Future plans for Saddlebrook Resort remain a topic of debate. (File)

Elite athletes flocked there to use the resort’s facilities, and its golf and tennis academies helped to prepare future champions.

But there’s consensus now that improvements are needed at the 40-year-plus facility to restore its former glory.

Contentious debate continues, however, over whether Mast Capital’s vision is the best way to move forward.

“I get the sense that we’re all at an impasse — the board members, Mast and their project, and the residents,” Commissioner Seth Weightman said.

He called for a continuance.

“I’d like to spend some more time, meet with the applicant — get some assurances and an understanding on what we’re looking like going forward, what the final plan is,” Weightman said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley said he hopes the delay will give opponents a chance to come closer to resolution.

“Somewhere in the middle is the right fix, for the residents and for Mast,” Oakley said, adding if they can find common ground in the middle, both sides can win.

During the Feb. 7 public hearing, the county board considered Mast Capital’s request to transmit its proposed land use change to the state Department of Economic Opportunity and other state agencies for review.

That’s just one step in the process, which also requires Mast Capital to obtain county board approvals of a proposed land use change and a revised Saddlebrook master plan.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represents Mast Capital, which purchased Saddlebrook about 10 months ago, from Tom Dempsey, the original owner.

Wilhite explained Mast Capital’s proposed changes.

In broad strokes, the redevelopment plan has four parts: two areas are within Saddlebrook’s gated community and two outside, next to State Road 54.

The redevelopment calls for 105,000 square feet of commercial and retail entitlements — a 5,000-square-foot increase over its current entitlement. It also calls for an additional 55 beds for the existing golf and tennis academy; a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse; 155 townhomes; and 465 apartments.

Development along State Road 54 would include a mixture of commercial and residential uses in a walkable area featuring neighborhood parks, patio seating, a wide boulevard and other amenities, according to the proposal.

Plans also call for dual left-hand turning lanes leading out of the resort’s main entrance. Plus, an additional right-in/right-out access would serve the new development along State Road 54.

Jordan Kornberg, managing director and head of acquisitions for Mast Capital, explained the company’s vision for Saddlebrook, which is located off State Road 54, east of Interstate 75.

“We want it to be a world-class resort again. We want to prop up the golf academy, the tennis academy and really all of the existing components of that business are our focus.

“This will create jobs, significant economic benefit to the county and enhance the existing residents and the community,” he said.

Since acquiring Saddlebrook, Mast Capital has invested $5 million in capital improvements and expects to spend $5 million more this year, Kornberg said.

Bryce Swanson, a golf course architect for Rees Jones Inc., described plans for replacing the resort’s two 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf courses with three nine-hole courses.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano, noting he’s recently played golf at Saddlebrook, spoke against the idea of reconfiguring the courses.

“Why can’t we just work to improve what’s there?” Mariano asked.

“The greens are in fantastic shape. The best I’ve seen them, maybe ever. That course is well-designed. It drains well, if it’s maintained,” Mariano said.

Swanson disagreed: “The golf course is in dire need of repair.

“The drainage system doesn’t work. The irrigation system is on Band-aids. Things need to be repaired,” he said.

One course can’t be used during the rainy season because the drainage is so poor, he said.

Swanson said his company told Mast Capital that putting things back to the way they were would be “more of a short-term fix.”

Saddlebrook resident Patrick Hogan said he and his wife purchased their home — with its views of holes 12, 13 and 14 — with the expectation it would stay that way.

“In our mind, we didn’t just buy a home with a golf course view. We bought a home with a Palmer golf course view. Rees Jones is very reputable, but they are not Arnold Palmer and we will no longer have Arnold Palmer courses.”

Hogan questioned how the resort could attract tournaments without an 18-hole course.

Kornberg said the new design has flexibility: two nine-hole courses could be combined for an 18-hole course.

Numerous residents urged the county board to reject the request.

Joann Barbetta, who lives on Fox Hunt Drive, and her husband, Larry, organized the Save Our Saddlebrook Coalition.

Joann Barbetta told the county board: “Ten years ago, we came to Saddlebrook, when our daughter had dreams of training at a tennis academy.

“The tennis drew us in, but the wonderful people, the natural beauty and the abundant wildlife made us stay.

“You can see that Saddlebrook is simply spectacular,” she said, referring to video shots of the resort’s natural areas. “The expansive and dense collection of trees, the winding roads, the spacious driving range were all carefully laid out.

“The homes are spaced far apart, with a lot of privacy and large open spaces. The peacefulness and serenity of that, cannot be overstated,” she said.

Larry Barbetta added: “We love our community. We are here to make sure that anything that’s done in the development and redevelopment of our community is consistent with the values, heritage and builds on the legacy of Saddlebrook.”

A number of other speakers raised concerns about traffic; insufficient fire, police and emergency services; a threat to their quality of life; and, a potential drop in property values.

But Barry Shein, treasurer on Saddlebrook’s condo association’s board, said the coalition of opponents do not represent everyone with property at the resort.

He said his group has been working with Mast Capital and is confident its representatives “are people of integrity.

“I believe they will do what they say they are going to do,” he said.

Shein also noted the Mast Capital proposed development will help generate money needed to make improvements to upgrade the property.

The condo board’s attorney, according to Shein, has been involved in drafting the deed restriction “to make sure, in perpetuity, the golf course would remain a golf course.”

Published February 22, 2023

Pasco Pepin school expected to be built by 2024

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Pasco County Schools has moved a step closer in its partnership with Pepin Academies, to establish Pepin Academy at Kirkland Ranch, a new charter school for third- through 12th-graders.

The school will be on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, at 9100 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel.

It will be built to accommodate 400 student stations, and beyond standard classrooms, it will have an administrative suite, media center, student dining/multipurpose room, music room, art room, and other elective classrooms/labs, according to information in the Pasco County School Board’s Feb. 7 agenda packet.

The project also may include infrastructure for a future gym if the gym cannot be accommodated within the current construction budget.

Other parts of the plan include exterior covered play areas, playgrounds and a playfield. 

Also, there will be an on‐site parent pickup and drop‐off driveways, the agenda materials say.

The school board and Pepin Academies are listed as owners in the agreement approved with Hepner Architects, as part of the school board’s consent agenda.

Pepin Academies selected Hepner for the project, which has a construction budget of $14 million. Construction is expected to be completed by summer of 2024.

The agreement includes providing basic services: architectural design, civil engineering, landscape/irrigation design, structural engineering, other engineering, and a criteria‐based fire sprinkler design.

The architect proposed a fixed fee in the amount of $908,000, for basic services, which includes  $75,800 for civil engineering basic services.

The school board’s action follows the approval of a contract in November — between Pepin and the school board — which sealed the deal on the unique partnership.

The school construction must meet all state requirements, and Pepin and the school board have agreed to fund the construction of the school using impact fees.

When it approved the partnership, the school board also approved a memorandum of understanding, as well as a step-in agreement for the district to take over the school, should the charter school cease operations.

Pepin Academies are full-time exceptional student education day schools that offer a standard diploma option for students with learning and learning-related disabilities in grades three through 12, according to Pepin’s website.

Pepin Academies operates a Pasco campus in New Port Richey, one in Tampa and one in Riverview. It provides individualized instruction, focused on providing academic and social achievement, its website says.

The new charter school will be the third school on the Kirkland Ranch campus. Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a magnet school for grades nine through 12, is already operating, and Kirkland Ranch K-8 is set to open in August 2024.

Published February 22, 2023

Elected leaders say park needs are being felt across Pasco

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The need for additional recreational opportunities rang out loud and clear during a joint session of elected Pasco County leaders and those from municipalities on the east side of the county.

Zephyrhills Mayor Billy Poe noted: “We’ve seen such large growth on the east side of Pasco and the development of Pasadena Hills. The question has come up several times about the possibility of a regional park on the east side of Pasco, possibly along (U.S.) 301, so both Dade City and Zephyrhills benefit from it, (as well as) San Antonio and St. Leo.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’s interested in increasing aquatic opportunities — for competitive swimmers and for other swimmers, too.

Weightman said he’s talked to county staff about the issue, noting there’s no community pool east of U.S. 41, aside from the YMCA and St. Leo.

He said an aquatics center, which could accommodate competitive swimming, could benefit the county’s tourism efforts. But he also noted that it is important to provide an opportunity for people to learn how to swim.

One of the two swimming pools that Pasco County operates is at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

“Folks moving into our county — they need to know how to swim. It’s a quality of life and safety factor,” Weightman said.

The county board member said he fully supports “some kind of a recreational center with an aquatics component — a significant aquatics component.”

He also noted it might behoove the county and its cities to work together on creating an aquatics center, instead of developing competing facilities.

Keith Wiley, who oversees the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department, said his team greatly desires addressing the aquatic needs on the east side of the county.

He noted there are plans to move forward with a super park in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is in the Wesley Chapel area. 

Wiley said he plans to recommend that the super park become home to a community pool.

“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity to talk to the school board for the possibility of a partnership because (at) the two pools the county does operate, we see a lot of activity from the high school swim teams. And, I think, quite honestly, they have some skin in the game,” Wiley said.

He also told the elected leaders that Pasco’s parks department is working on a master plan to define a recreational trail system. 

“The idea is to really be high-level, to ultimately figure out what our trail system looks like,” he said. The planning will cover such things as prioritizing connections through greenways, near existing state and county-owned properties, and recognizing hubs of concern, he said.

This planning is separate from work being done to establish an alignment for the Orange Belt Trail.

On another note, the county parks department is teaming up with the City of Dade City on a feasibility study related to park facilities located in the areas of Lacoochee, Trilby, Villages of Pasadena, Naomi S. Jones Park, Burks Park, and the James Irvin Civic Center.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told the elected leaders: “The James Irvin Civic Center is located in Naomi Jones Park. It was built in the 1960s and has served its useful life. The city is currently partnering with the county. We’re conducting a feasibility study for park facilities in East Pasco County.

“One of the deliverables from the study will be a schematic design, with preliminary engineering and landscape planning for a new community center,” she said.

Porter also noted: “We would hope to continue our partnership with the county, providing the recreational services. Currently, the county offers the programming there, as well as with the Armory. We don’t have the staffing at the city level to do that.”

Dade City Commissioner Angel Woodard told those gathered: “I would just like to stress the importance of why we are trying to construct a new facility.

“When you have a building that’s been built in 1960 and one addition to that building took place in 1992 — and, it is not sufficient for the community.

“We don’t have anywhere on the east side of the county, on a cold night, to even up to bring our homeless in.

“We don’t have anywhere, on this side of the county, during the COVID crisis, to hold funerals.

“This is vitally important that we stand together to move forward to create a community center.

“One of the biggest things that I hear, over and over again, is ‘We have nowhere for our children to go.’

“And, that needs to change,” Woodard said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey mentioned that the community center project might be a good candidate for federal funding. She recommended that city officials look into that.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mariano suggested this could be something that the county and city worked on together.

Published February 15, 2023

Pasco MPO adopts new goal to reduce impacts from traffic perils

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Pasco County’s traffic fatalities and serious injuries caused by crashes are heading in the wrong direction, Tina Russo, a planner for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) said at a meeting last week.

She’s urging everyone to get involved in reducing the number of people who die, or who are seriously injured because of crashes.

She uses the term “crash” rather than “accident” because that keeps the emphasis on prevention, she said during the Pasco MPO’s Feb. 9 meeting.

Her comments came as she explained the organization’s recommended system performance measures for safety, which are required by federal law.

Russo and Johnny Coors, a transportation planner for the Pasco MPO staff, shared statistics, representing a five-year rolling average of fatalities and injuries resulting from crashes.

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s staff recommended striving to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from crashes in Pasco by 10%. The organization’s board adopted the staff’s target to submit to federal authorities. (Mike Camunas)

The Pasco County MPO is the lead transportation planning agency for the county and is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port  Richey.

Russo and Coors recommended targets for calendar year 2023 based on local data provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Performance measures are used to establish targets and objectives for management of Pasco’s transportation system and to evaluate progress made toward meeting those targets.

The performance measures include total fatalities and fatality rate; total serious injuries and serious injury rate; and total bicycle and pedestrian fatalities, as well as serious injuries.

“Zero is our goal,” Russo said.

But, she added, the goals submitted to federal authorities must be achievable.

The targets are set based on a five-year rolling average, said Russo, who is deeply involved in safety efforts.

Last year, the target was set to maintain the status quo. This year, it calls for a 10% reduction.

Russo said it takes coordinated efforts to bring about positive change.

“This crash data is not just a number on a piece of paper. These are stories of people’s lives that are affected forever by these numbers,” she said.

In 2021, Pasco had 105 fatalities.

“These numbers are calculated based on long-form crash reports that are done on all of our roadways done by law enforcement,” Russo said.

“We actually look at every one of those crash reports and delve into: How can we prevent these, or what can we do differently? The bad part is that we’re going in the wrong direction. We are going up, in fatalities,” she said.

On a positive note, serious injuries are declining, she said. 

That’s a national trend, which appears to be a result of increased safety features in vehicles, she added.

She also told the MPO board that there’s no easy solution because Pasco’s traffic fatalities occur across the county, not in a few concentrated areas.

“There is no exact intersection, where we can really focus on, where most of our numbers are,” Russo said. She did note, however, that U.S. 19 continues to be a big part of the problem.

She told board members that there are behaviors that are causing people to be killed.

“Lane departures is one of our biggest ones. Most of those are people driving off the road and hitting a fixed object, with no seatbelt on,” she said.

“Speed is always a big one,” she said.

Aging drivers face a greater risk of mortality when involved in high-speed crashes, she said.

Road design is another factor.

“If it’s wide, people are going to drive faster,” Russo said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed that roadway design plays a critical role.

“We have to be careful when we’re building roads that we’re not building speedways,” she said.

For instance, Lake Blanche Drive offers motorists a straight shot, with no cross roads.

“People will drive the speed they feel safe. You can feel very safe going 75 mph down that road,” Starkey said.

She noted that complaints have been coming in about speeding on the road.

“We have drag racing going on, and kids zipping up and down on little motorcycles. We should have put a traffic circle in there, to calm it down,” Starkey said.

On the other hand, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said narrow roads can be dangerous — especially when they don’t have shoulders — because there’s no way to avoid a crash.

Russo noted:  “An 11-foot lane with safety edges is different than an 11-foot lane with no shoulder at all.” 

Resolving traffic safety issues takes a collaborative effort — involving traffic operations, project management, planning and public education, among other things, Russo said.

“We all have a role in this,” she said.

She also noted there may be one silver lining to getting stuck in traffic.

“Congestion, sometimes, is the best thing for safety,” Russo said. “The reason why you drive fast is because you can.”

Adopted targets for 2023

  • Number of fatalities: 93.8
  • Rate of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.9
  • Number of serious injuries: 889.6
  • Rate of serious injuries per 100 million miles traveled: 17.6
  • Number of combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries: 105.5

Adopted targets for 2022

  • Number of fatalities: 99.8
  • Rate of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 2
  • Number of serious injuries: 1,058.6
  • Rate of serious injuries per 100 million miles traveled: 21.3 
  • Number of combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries: 125.2

Published February 15, 2023

City and county elected leaders officials discuss future Orange Belt Trail

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Elected officials from Pasco County and from municipalities on the county’s east side met in a joint session earlier this month to discuss projects within their individual jurisdictions and to talk about topics of mutual interest.

The future path of the Orange Belt Trail was a topic of considerable conversation.

Pasco officials have been talking about creating a recreational trail from Trinity to Trilby, linking communities such as Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel,  Dade City along the way.

This map shows a generalized look at the planned Orange Belt Trail. The exact path of the trail has not yet been determined. Existing conditions will be considered before a final path is set. The idea is to generally follow along the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor. Officials want the public to know there are no plans to go through existing structures. (File)

The recreational trail will mostly follow the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor, but not precisely.

The trail is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, but also could incorporate sections intended for equestrian use.

Sam Beneck is leading the planning efforts for Pasco County.

He told those gathered at the joint session: “On the Orange Belt Trail, we are underway with our public outreach portion. We’ve been getting really strong response from folks, moving that PD&E (project development and environment) study forward.

“We expect that we’ll have another public meeting here, late spring, early summer. We’ll show alternatives that have been developed, based on that public involvement, and then by about this time next year, we would bring a completed study to the board, with the conclusions and that alignment.

“We do have a couple of segments that are progressing independent of the study, such as along Trinity Boulevard, where there’s no controversy, no acquisition necessary and where the county really needs to have a pedestrian facility.

“We’re also underway with the Withlacoochee State Connector Trail. There’s a segment that aligns with Morningside. We’re also using Coastal Design to connect the pieces there, so that can be ready to go when that roadway project is built and the north segment is under design with Florida Design Consultants, not quite ready to turn that over to right-of-way acquisition. “We’re still trying to minimize our impacts. We only have, maybe, three landowners we would impact, and as little impact as possible would help expedite that project. We know that’s another one that’s been a long time in process.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that the alignment of the Orange Belt Trail, on the east side of Interstate 75, is more complicated than it is on the west side of I-75.

“I know there was some angst at one of our kickoff meetings of what that alignment might look like,” Starkey said.

She continued: “When I put on the state map about 15 years ago, when I was on the State Greenways and Trails Council, we just pinged the abandoned railroad corridor line. And I know that some of that property has since been sold. So, we just want to make sure that people on the east side know that it’s not a literal line, but the goal is, once we get across (I-) 75, to make sure it finds its way to the Withlacoochee State Trail.”

Starkey continued: “But we’re not going to be coming over anyone’s house or driveway or anything like that. It’ll be more of a challenge, once we get to the east side, to figure that route out, but it’s not the intent to be condemning anyone’s property. But the goal is to get it to the Withlacoochee State Trail, in the best way possible.”

Beyond the sheer recreational value, the trail also could open the door to some economic opportunities, Starkey added.

“It will greatly benefit your restaurants and shops and communities, similar to what the (Pinellas) trail did for Dunedin,” she said.

So, if the trail doesn’t come directly to a downtown area, the county and city could work together to develop a spur, she suggested.

This is a portion of the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor. (File)

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano noted that he visited the Boulder, Colorado area, where he saw a remarkable trail system.

“It’s driven their whole economy,” he said.

He also noted the success of the Pinellas Trail.

He said his mother used to live in Dunedin and he took her to lunch at a restaurant near the trail.

“I can’t tell you how many bikers would stop, sit have lunch,” Mariano said.

To help facilitate small business opportunities and encourage amenities for trail users, Starkey said Pasco is looking to develop an overlay zoning district along the trail. It would allow certain kind of businesses to easily locate within its confines.

“Coffee shops. Ice cream shops. Small mom-and-pop entrepreneurial opportunities that trail users would enjoy. It’s a great opportunity for small business.

“I know our family opened up a little market and coffee shop in a barn, along the Starkey Trail — Starkey Gap Trail. We get trail-riders in from all around the country, into our place.

“The other day we had folks from the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a whole group of them, come in on their bikes. They were all in from Tallahassee,” Starkey said.

“We suggest that you guys think of that, when it comes through your town,” Starkey added.

Vincent D’ Ambrosio, the mayor of St. Leo, said “We appreciate the county and the county commissioners for your efforts to bring trails and pathways to St. Leo community.

“Regarding the Orange Belt Trail, we are aware that the old railroad bed now routes through established private property. We’d be happy to assist with educational efforts and offer feedback about any alternative routes.

“If the trail ends up being routed along the existing State Road 52, we feel that would be a great tie-in with that, and with the Town of St. Leo.

“In other words, we support the trail coming through St. Leo and we’re happy to work with you on that trail,” he said.

Starkey said that even if the Orange Belt Trail didn’t go directly into St. Leo, efforts can be made to establish a spur to make a connection.

Timing for the Orange Belt Trail project will depend upon available funding, through grants and other sources. Those interested in learning more can visit OrangeBeltTrail.com.

Published February 15, 2023

Pasco clerk loses first round in legal dispute with Pasco County

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Thirteenth Judicial Court Circuit Judge Emily Peacock has ruled in favor of Pasco County in a lawsuit filed by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles over a budget dispute.

The clerk filed the lawsuit in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court but it was assigned to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit by Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order.

According to the judge’s ruling, the clerk “asserts that the funding for the multiagency criminal justice information system (CJIS) is a mandatory expenditure of the county and that the county has no discretion in its decision to fund the system nor may it phase the funding in over a period of time.”

A court has ruled against a lawsuit filed by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles over a budget dispute with Pasco County. The clerk has said she will appeal the ruling. (File)

The judge noted that “the county argues that the requirement of the funding for the multiagency CJIS system is limited to the existing system that was in place at the time that constitutional amendment and statutory amendment were adopted.”

The judge added that the county argues it has budgetary authority to phase the funding for such expenditures over time.

The judge also noted that the clerk asked for declaration that the county is obligated to fund judicial operations of the clerk’s office at the courthouse annex.

The clerk also asked for supplemental relief, dependent on the court’s determination on the preceding counts, according to the judge’s ruling.

The judge ruled in favor of the county’s assertion that the mandatory obligation to fund the CJIS system applied only to the system that was operating at the time of the adoption of the various provisions.

The judge also found “the county has the authority to review, analyze and make modifications to the budget submissions of the various constitutional offices, including the clerk.”

Because of the first two findings, the judge did not grant any supplemental relief, according to her 13-page ruling issued on Feb. 9.

After the ruling was issued, Alvarez-Sowles shared the ruling, through a media release and also issued this statement: “While we are disappointed by the Court’s ruling, we appreciate its professionalism. Filing a lawsuit against Pasco County was never our first choice. This case involves complex legislative history and significant funding issues affecting Clerks of Court, their criminal justice partner agencies, and citizens statewide. We are confident in our interpretation of the applicable law. Therefore, we will seek appellate review. 

“Although we are going to appeal, we remain optimistic and committed to transparent and collaborative dialogue to arrive at the best outcome for our respective offices and the citizens of Pasco County.”

February 15, 2023

Pasco’s GDP growth outpaced Florida’s, economics expert says

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Pasco County compares well when it comes to growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) and in the cost of its houses, but not as well when it comes to its household income and the educational level of its workforce.

Those were among highlights shared by Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, during an economics luncheon hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Zachary A. Smith, assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, provided insights about Pasco County’s economy, in a presentation that included local, regional, statewide and national data. (Courtesy of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

Smith’s analysis made comparisons between national, regional, statewide and local factors that affect the economy.

He presented some of his key findings at a luncheon gathering on Jan. 19 at Heritage Springs Country Club in Trinity. The event attracted a wide range of business executives, entrepreneurs, government leaders, elected officials and others.

Pasco’s GDP grew by 45% from 2010 to 2021, outpacing other Florida counties that, on average, grew by 33%, Smith said. The pace of GDP growth put Pasco among the top 10 in the state, he added.

Smith did a comparison of Pasco against this sample cluster of counties: Alachua, Leon, Manatee, Okaloosa and Volusia.

“Pasco County is the fastest-growing group in the comparison group,” he said. However, he added, the county could improve in both high school and bachelor’s degree completion rates.

Details in his report showed that slightly more than 90% of Pasco residents have a high school diploma, while slightly  more than 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Pasco’s per capita income of $50,479 is also less than the state average of $62,270, according to Smith’s report.

The report also notes that Pasco’s population includes about 5% more retirement-aged people than the national average.

Pasco County’s gross domestic product compares favorably with other counties around Florida, and Florida’s GDP compares favorably across the nation. Signs of construction activity remain abundant in Pasco, signaling new roads, new businesses, new schools and so on. (File)

Smith also observed that Pasco County depends less on government expenditures than other Florida counties.

“If we’re relying less on government expenditure and more on private industry, that’s a good thing, to me,” Smith said.

“Pasco County seems to be growing organically, based upon opportunities. It doesn’t look like the typical county,” Smith said.

At the statewide level, Florida has consistently ranked in the top 10 in migration, from 2010 to 2021, he said.

In 2021, it recorded a migration rate of 1.91%, which made it the fastest-growing state, in terms of migration.

“People are moving to Florida because it’s beautiful, has a low unemployment rate and is adding jobs,” Smith said.

It’s also growing at a faster rate as compared to other states, he said.

Florida’s GDP growth from 2010 to 2021 was 33%, ranking it among the nation’s top 10.

Its growth has been consistent, too, he said.

“Employers have added jobs over 30 consecutive months. Private sector yearly growth rate has exceeded the nation’s for 19 consecutive months,” he said, adding, it’s not just a one-off.

It costs about $50,000 less to own a house in Pasco County than it does on average across the United States, according to Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University. (File)

“Consecutively, we’re growing faster than everybody else,” he said.

Most recently, hospitality and leisure have been growing, but there’s also been growth in education, health services, trade and transportation, he said.

Regional analysis
At the regional level, the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, grew at a rate of 3.8% between 2010 and 2021.

That placed the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA at 194th out of 384.

Compared to other MSAs in Florida, it ranked in the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of the MSAs in Florida are growing faster.

“That’s not that good of news, in terms of growth,” Smith said.

In terms of inflation, the region didn’t compare well, either.

With an inflation rate of 9.6% , the region is getting hit harder than the national rate of 7.1%, he said.

“It’s not good.”

He provided some specifics on items that were more expensive in November 2021 than they were in November 2020.

“Real estate prices skyrocketed, up about 16% from November 2021, from 2020,” he said.

The cost of energy was up by 13%, he said.

The cost of dairy, fruits, vegetables and home furnishings also are up between 9% and 10%.

Pasco County’s burgeoning population has created a demand for coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment and other retail options.

Takeaways about Florida and Pasco’s economies

  • Florida is in the top 10 states, in terms of migration and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
  • Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater is growing about as fast as other urban areas across the United States, but is growing a little slower than the average urban area in Florida.
  • Inflation is hitting the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater region harder than other urban areas. The categories of food, housing, energy, and services all experienced inflation greater than 10% from November 2020 to November 2021.
  • From a Pasco County-level perspective, the two line items that had a statistically significant influence over growth were the percentage of the population under 18 years of age and the percentage of the population that fell below the poverty line.
  • After comparing Pasco County to Florida and the United States, the cost of homes was lower (about $50,000 less), but household income is lower, too, and the workforce is less-educated.
  • Changes in the Information Industry are pronounced over time, the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) coming from government expenditures was relatively low.
  • Pasco County seems to be growing organically based on opportunities: It doesn’t really look like the typical county in Florida.

Source: Zachary Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University.

Published February 08, 2023

Regional transit solutions still prove elusive for Tampa Bay

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The board for TBARTA — which stands for the Tampa Bay Regional Transit Authority — has disbanded.

The board voted unanimously at its Jan. 20 meeting to dissolve itself.

The action followed state legislation that has been filed calling for TBARTA to be abolished.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and then-Commissioner Mike Moore predicted the transit authority was on its way out back in September, when they recommended the county not pay its dues to TBARTA until it found out more about the organization’s future.

TBARTA is expected to cease operations after winding down current federal contracts and addressing issues, such as its vanpool program, according to Starkey, who was serving on the transit authority’s board at the time of its dissolution.

The regional transit authority, created by the Florida Legislature in 2007, was intended to find a regional transit solution for its five-county region, including Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

The TBARTA board included elected county and city leaders, representatives of local transit authorities and gubernatorial appointees.

The transit authority had been pursuing a Bus Rapid Transit system that would create a 41-mile route, between Wesley Chapel and St. Petersburg.

The idea was to create a system in which riders could travel from Wesley Chapel to St. Petersburg, with stops at State Road 54, State Road 56, the University of South Florida, downtown Tampa, Westshore, Tampa International Airport, the Gateway area of St. Petersburg, downtown St. Petersburg and the Tropicana Field area.

The plan faced opposition in Hillsborough County, where a debate arose over whether the portion of the route between the University of South Florida and downtown Tampa would operate on dedicated lanes, or in mixed traffic.

Commissioner Starkey informed her county board colleagues, during the Jan. 24 meeting, about the decision to dissolve the TBARTA board.

She added: “Just because TBARTA is disbanding doesn’t mean that we don’t have responsibility to come up with a transit solution for one of the largest metropolitan service areas in the country — the largest one without a transit solution.

“So, we plan to continue working as a group to find a way forward.

“I did have a meeting with Tampa Bay Partnership yesterday, who’s going to help move this conversation forward.

“And, a small group of us will be meeting to discuss some first steps, and then it will start to be shared with all of the counties and city officials and municipalities involved.

“We have a good route, I think, from Wesley Chapel — a route that goes from Wesley Chapel to St. Pete, and District 7 (of the Florida Department of Transportation) is doing what they can to build that, within the parameters that they have right now.

“They’re a little hindered by some things in Hillsborough County.

“That environmental permit, which you know the state gave us the money to go act upon, will be good for three years. We don’t want to have to spend that money all over again,” Starkey said.

“We just can’t sit back and find another generation to solve this. We have to take some action.

“So hopefully, we’ll be having more of this dialogue in the near future.

“We’ve just got to see what responsible group is going to take the reins, since it was not TBARTA,” Starkey said.

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco officials praise Friends of Animal Services

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The shocking experience that Michael Cox had on his first visit to the Pasco County Animal Services facility is etched in his memory.

“The very first time I toured the shelter, the live release rate was in the 40s,” Cox recalled, during a Pasco County Commission meeting on Jan. 24.

“And, I’ll never forget seeing the sight of the deceased animals that had been euthanized that morning, that were stacked up like cordwood out there. It was a horrible sight.”

That isn’t true anymore.

The Friends of Animal Services support the work that’s done by the Pasco County Animal Services team. Over time, the shelter has gone from a place where the release rate was in the 40s to its current 93% release rate. (Mike Camunas)

“Now that they’re 93% (live release rate), it’s just incredible,” said Cox, who was appearing before the county board along with other members of the Friends of Animal Services.

The ‘Friends’ group was honored for its work to support efforts to keep the facility in good condition, to help animals staying there to thrive, and ultimately to support the work that’s done to help them find loving homes.

The nonprofit organization does this in all sorts of ways, according to a resolution adopted by the county board.

Between 2019 through 2022, Friends donated and provided grant funding of $264,500 to Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS).

“This funding helped create the pet enrichment program at the shelter to enhance the quality of life and ease the stress of shelter pets by providing pet toys, training aides, pet treats, and feeding puzzles. Friends also funded two new, fully outfitted dog play yards and many other shelter enhancements including a new Kubota Utility Vehicle and awnings to shade outdoor areas,” the resolution says.

The nonprofit group also invested in veterinary services, funding more than 113 heartworm treatments for heartworm positive dogs, thereby improving the likelihood the pets would be adopted.

And, it “funded new medical equipment including dental equipment, an ultrasound machine, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and post-surgery digital monitors,” according to the resolution.

Plus, it “administered $125,000 in national animal welfare grants to support PCAS’ new public programs including free vaccination clinics for over 700 pets; a pet food pantry and pet boarding vouchers to help people retain their pets during financial hardships brought on by the pandemic; and programs for pet emergency medical procedures and pet sterilization,” the resolution adds.

Commissioner Gary Bradford, who sponsored the resolution, said he was honored to recognize the work that Friends has done.

“I think it’s just absolutely wonderful that we have citizens that will step up to the plate for our dogs and cats … that sometimes fall through the cracks.

This is the building that houses Pasco County Animal Services. The county’s department has developed a national reputation for excellence, and recently the Friends of Animal Services, which supports that work, received recognition for its contributions.

“You guys are truly doing what you should be doing and truly making a difference in the quality of life and the fabric of life in our community,” Bradford said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano lavished Cox with praise.

“As a commissioner, you were a very strong supporter of animal services, right from the get-go. Never wavered.”

Cox credited the animal services team.

“The real heroes here are your staff. The people that work at Animal Services are the folks that, every day, face those challenges, and do an incredible job. They do a great job out there and our group just supports that,” Cox said.

Darlene Greene, treasurer of the Friends group, expressed her appreciation to the county board for its support of animal services, and to the staff for its tremendous work.

“They (animal services’ staff) make it premiere.

“They are well-known throughout the state and the nation, for the terrific job that they are doing, and also for the training.

“They’re involved in training throughout the United States, and involved in all types of committees, so Pasco County should be very proud of the staff that they have out there,” Greene said.

The volunteer also came to the meeting prepared to drum up additional support for her favorite cause.

“As the treasurer of Friends of Animal Services, it’s always my pleasure to see funds donated by the community come across my desk so that I can go and deposit that money to help the people in Pasco County with the shelter.

“So, as the treasurer, I’d like to give you each a brochure, so you can remember us when you leave here today.

“And, (I would be) happy to deposit your check, as well,” she told commissioners, which elicited laughter in the room.

On a more serious note, she added: “I can’t tell you how happy I am with the citizens of Pasco County because they’re truly the ones who step up and make these donations possible that we give to the shelter. And we give 100% back, because everybody on our board are volunteers.”

Published February 08, 2023

County upholds bid award, despite protest by competitor

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The Pasco County Commission has upheld the award of a three-year contract with Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company, for as-needed sod, despite a protest by a competitor.

The three-year award is for the amount of $1,755,000 — which works out to $585,000 for fiscal year 2023; $585,000 for fiscal year 2024; and $585,000 for fiscal year 2025.

The contract is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2022 and runs through Sept. 30, 2025.

The county had its bid opening on Aug. 2 and Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company, based in Hillsborough County, was the sole bidder.

After the bid was opened, the current contract holder, Megascapes Landscape & Maintenance, based in Pasco County, contacted the county’s purchasing department and said its bid would have been much lower.

The county’s purchasing staff subsequently issued a notice to reject all bids and notified Megascapes that it planned to bid out the work again.

But that decision was protested by Sunbelt, which argued it would be at a competitive disadvantage because its price had been revealed.

The county agreed and, as is permitted, negotiated with Sunbelt to achieve a lower price and a fixed price for three years.

Megascapes then protested the county’s decision not to re-bid the contract.

That protest was denied by County Administrator Mike Carballa, who determined Megascapes had no standing.

The county’s position is that it is bound to uphold the integrity of its process.

Next, the issue came to the county board for its consideration at its Jan. 24 meeting.

Charles Graham, representing Megascapes, acknowledged that he failed to submit a bid on the project. He said his company had intended to do so and had even calculated its bid amount, which would have been a reduction of its current contract amount.

“We totally missed it. Didn’t see it. Human error,” Graham said.

“I finally placed a call to the purchasing department and realized to my horror that three days earlier it had closed. We had fully intended to submit a bid.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Graham: “I think we have to be fair to everyone.

“As much as I would love to pay less money …  if you don’t bid, you don’t bid.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman agreed: “We have to uphold the integrity of this process.”

So did Commissioner Gary Bradford: “A mistake was made. They acknowledged it. A bid came in. The county played by the rules and I think that, because of that, we should support, uphold the decision by the county administrator.”

Published February 08, 2023