The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Nicole first November hurricane to hit Florida in decades

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Hurricane Nicole had weakened to Tropical Storm status by the time it reached the Tampa Bay region, but not before it made history as the first hurricane to hit Florida in November in almost four decades.

Hurricane Nicole was a Category 1 storm when it slammed into Florida, about 3 a.m. on Nov. 10, near Vero Beach, according to national weather reports.

National news outlets showed footage of huge Atlantic Oceans swells, eroded beaches, splintered piers and houses toppling into the ocean in Nicole’s aftermath

Nicole made a rare November landfall, becoming just the third hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 1935. The last time it happened was in 1985, according to Scientific American.

While Tampa Bay escaped widespread damage, it did not avoid substantial disruptions.

The region experienced persistent rain, high winds and power outages.

Perhaps the biggest impacts locally came from schedules that were suddenly shifted to avoid Nicole’s potential threat.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco’s public-school districts closed on Nov. 10. School buses can’t operate in high winds, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, when he announced the Pasco district would be closed on Nov. 10.

It’s not a move the district wanted to make because officials recognize the difficulty of making up the time lost to closure.

Schedules also were disrupted at local colleges.

Pasco-Hernando State College closed on Nov. 10; Saint Leo University also closed its campus in St. Leo that day. Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida went remote on Nov. 10.

The City of Tampa, Pasco County and Hillsborough County closed government offices on Nov. 10.  All Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources events and activities scheduled for Nov. 10 were canceled, as well.

Trash collection and recycling services were suspended in the City of Tampa, and Pasco County noted that possibility in the county on Nov. 10, too. Pasco residents were advised to put out their trash on their next regularly scheduled pickup up and to contact their trash hauler, if they had questions.

Hillsborough County also announced that its solid waste facilities would be closed on Nov. 10 and that there would be no residential pickup that day.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) suspended bus services on November 10, in Hillsborough County, as did GoPasco, in Pasco County.

The state Department of Health in Pasco County also closed on Nov. 10, so staff could work in special needs shelters.

Meanwhile, Veterans Day programs also were disrupted.

Hillsborough County’s Consumer & Veterans Services department and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County cancelled the 58th annual Veterans Day Tribute, which had been scheduled for Nov. 11 at Veterans Museum, at 3602 N. U.S. 301, in Tampa. Organizers hope to schedule a tribute at a later date.

The Zephyrhills Battle for Veterans event, scheduled for Nov. 11 through Nov. 13, at 5200 Airport Road, was cancelled because of the weather, according to a news release distributed by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Published November 16, 2022

Voters make choices known in Election 2022

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Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis cruised to re-election in the 2022 General Election, and Republican Marco Rubio won another term in the U.S. Senate.

Other Florida candidates winning statewide seats include Wilton Simpson, a Republican from Trilby, who is Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture; Republican Ashley Moody, who won another term as Attorney General; and Republican Jimmy Petronis, who was re-elected to Chief Financial Officer.

State lawmakers who secured the most votes include Danny Burgess, a Republican from Zephyrhills, in District 23 of the Florida Senate; Republican Randy Maggard, who won the District 54 seat in the Florida House of Representatives;  Kevin M. Steele who won the House district 55 seat; and, Traci Koster, who won the district 66 seat.

Al Hernandez will be joining the Pasco County School Board, replacing Allen Altman who stepped away from the board after 16 years. (B.C. Manion)

At the federal level, Incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis was re-elected to represent Florida’s 12th congressional district by a commanding margin.

In Hillsborough County, Republican challengers defeated two Democrat incumbents on the Hillsborough County Commission.

Kimberly Overman lost her bid for re-election to Republican challenger Joshua Wostal. Democrat Muriel Smith was defeated by Republican challenger Donna Cameron Cepeda.

Democrat incumbent Harry Cohen won by a thin margin over Republican challenger Scott D. Levinson.

Republican incumbent Ken Hagan also won another term on the Hillsborough County board by a significant margin, defeating Democrat challenger Angela Birdsong.

In Pasco County, Al Hernandez defeated James M. Washington in the nonpartisan race for District 1 on the Pasco County School Board, which was vacated by Allen Altman, after 16 years on the board.

Hernandez joins school board members Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding, who won re-election during the Primary.

On the Pasco County Commission, Republicans Seth Weightman and Gary Bradford will be new faces on the five-member board.

The outcome for both of those seats was known before the General Election.

Weightman replaces Mike Moore, who steps away from the board after two terms. Bradford replaces Christina Fitzpatrick, whom he defeated in the Primary.

Besides making choices for elected leaders, voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties made their voices known on a local referendum on each ballot.

Pasco voters overwhelming approved a 15-year extension of Penny for Pasco, a 1-cent surtax that is divvied up between Pasco County, the Pasco County School Board and the six municipalities within the county.

This Penny For Pasco sign on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills wants to make sure that voters realized that the referendum is the last item listed on the ballot. (Mike Camunas)

Hillsborough County, voters rejected a proposed tax to pay for transportation improvements. The transportation referendum had been challenged, was ruled unconstitutional and was the subject of an appeal, when voters cast their votes.

A legal issue also popped up in the Pasco County School Board District 1.

Hernandez initially was disqualified by a judge, after allegations arose claiming that he did not meet the residency requirement.

Hernandez challenged that ruling and won his appeal.

He spent much of Election Day on Nov. 8 holding a political sign outside the polling place at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, and chatting with people passing by.

He said he could not let the disqualification stand.

“I care about my integrity,” Hernandez said.

Voter Michael Faust, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, came to the polling place at the recreation complex on his way home from work.

Participating in the political process is important to him.

“A lot of people in the world don’t have a chance to vote. A lot of people don’t have a say. I think it’s important, as Americans, to make our opinions known and to ensure the continued existence of our free country,” he said.

While generally not a pro-tax guy, he said he supported Penny for Pasco.

“I do think it’s important to give back to the community. I think it’s a good thing.”

He said his main motivator in this year’s election was to show his support for Florida’s incumbent governor.

“I just wanted to keep Ron DeSantis in,” he said.

Based upon Election Day results, that’s a sentiment widely shared across the state.

VOTER TURNOUT
Hillsborough County: 52.36%
Pasco County: 54.71%

KEY LOCAL RACES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Hillsborough County Commission

District 1
Scott D. Levinson: 49.66%
Harry Cohen: 50.34%

District 2
Ken Hagan: 56.58%
Angela Birdsong: 43.42%

District 5
Donna Cameron Cepeda: 52.73%
Mariella Smith: 47.27%

District 7
Joshua Wostal: 52.38%
Kimberly Overman: 47.62%

Hillsborough County Referendum (Transportation)
Yes: 48.72%
No: 51,28%

PASCO COUNTY
Pasco County  School Board, District 1
Al Hernandez: 64.85%
James Washington: 35.15%

Penny for Pasco referendum
Yes: 64.71%
No: 35.29%

 KEY FLORIDA RACES
Governor
Ron DeSantis: 59.38%
Charlie Crist: 39.96%

Attorney General
Ashley Moody: 60.59%
Aramis Ayala: 39.41%

Chief Financial Officer
Jimmy Patronis: 59.98%
Adam Hattersley: 40.52%

Commissioner of Agriculture
Wilton Simpson: 59.31%
Naomi Esther Blemur: 40.69%

State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit
Bruce Bartlett: 58.84%
Allison Miller: 41.16%

Florida Legislature
State Senate
District 21
Ed Hooper:  64.76%
Amaro Lionheart: 35.24%

District 23
Danny Burgess: 63.19%
Mike Harvey: 36.81%

State House of Representatives
District 54
Randy Maggard: 61.62%
Brian Staver: 36.11%

District 55
Kevin M. Steele: 77.52%
Charles “C.J.” Hacker Jr: 39.67

District 66
Traci Koster: 60.12%
David Tillery: 39.88%

Statewide Referendums

(Note: Constitutional Amendments require approval of 60% or more to be adopted)

Constitutional Amendment 1: Limitation on the Assessment of Real Property Used for Residential Purposes
Yes: 57.26%
No: 42.74%

Constitutional Amendment 2: Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission
Yes: 53.87%
No: 46.13%

Constitutional Amendment 3: Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Specified Critical Public Service Workforce
Yes: 58.67%
No: 41.33%

KEY FEDERAL RACES
U.S. Senate
Marco Rubio:  57.69%
Val Demings: 41.26%

U.S. House of Representatives
District 12
Gus Bilirakis: 70.38%
Kimberly Walker: 29.62%

District 14
Kathy Castor: 56.9%
James Judge: 43.1%

District 15
Laurel Lee: 58.55%
Alan M. Cohn: 41.45%

*Sources: Unofficial results from the websites of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and the Florida Division of Elections.

Published November 16, 2022

These families stick together — when it comes to seeking votes

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Nick Burgess has been working elections since he was a freshman in high school.

That’s when his brother, Danny Burgess, Jr., decided to run for a seat on the Zephyrhills City Council.

Danny was 18 at the time; Nick was 14.

Ever since Danny’s first election, Nick has been stumping for votes for his brother.

Ken Hagan Sr. spent nearly all of Election Day camped out at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave., holding a campaign sign to support his son, Ken Hagan, who was re-elected to another term on the Hillsborough County Commission. (B.C. Manion)

This year, on Nov. 8 —the day of the 2022 General Election — Nick was hopping from precinct to precinct.

“I was over in Connerton and then (the) Church of God on (U.S.) 41, there,” Nick said.

“My dad — Dan Burgess, Sr. — he’s at the back of this parking lot,” he said, referring to the election polling place at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex at 3032 Collier Parkway.

Nick said his dad told him: “Man, this precinct hasn’t stopped flowing people in here.

“I said, ‘OK, let’s tag-team it together.

“So, he’s got that entrance,” Nick said, pointing across the large parking lot, “and, I’m taking this one on.”

Other family members were in on the effort, too, Nick said.

Earlier in morning, Danny’s children were waving political signs on their dad’s behalf at Alice Hall, a polling place, at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, just off State Road 54.

Nick beamed with pride, as he displayed photos on his phone — showing Danny’s children waving signs for their dad.

This year, besides supporting his brother, Nick also was holding a sign to seek votes for Wilton Simpson — the father of Nick’s best friend.

Both of Nick’s candidates won.

Nick Burgess, of Zephyrhills, has been working elections for years, to show his support for his brother, Danny, who was re-elected on Nov. 8 to another term in the Florida Senate.

Simpson, a Republican from Trilby, served as President of the Florida Senate from 2020 to 2022. He will be Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture.

Nick’s brother has won another term in the Florida Senate, and will be representing District 23.

Nick is proud of his brother’s accomplishments, and a big believer in the political process.

“No matter who you are voting for, it’s about getting your voice heard. And, it’s what you believe,” Nick said. “If you don’t vote, I feel like you can’t complain, ya know?

“You’ve got to get out, you’ve got to get your voice heard. That’s what’s beautiful about where we live. You have the right to vote for whoever you want to vote for — and, that’s a beautiful thing.”

In his view, local elections have a greater impact on daily life.

“It’s the government that’s closest you that has the biggest effect — city council races, things like that, county commission,” he said.

He enjoys heading to polling places on Election Day.

“You always come in very optimistic, and hopeful,” Nick said.

While the Burgess family was out waving signs for their favorite candidate in Pasco County, Ken Hagan Sr. was doing the same thing for his son, Ken Hagan, a Republican, who was first elected to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2002.

The elder Hagan camped out for nearly the entire Election Day at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, a busy polling place in north Tampa, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

He held his son’s political sign and, then directly above it, another sign, which proclaimed “My Son,” with a red arrow pointing down to his son’s campaign sign.

Like the Burgess family, the Hagans had something to celebrate, once the votes were tallied.

Candidate Hagan successfully fended off Democrat challenger Angela Birdsong, to win another term on the Hillsborough County Commission for District 2, which encompasses many communities, including Lutz.

Published November 16, 2022

Mike Moore departs from Pasco County board after two terms

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Mike Moore wasn’t a stranger to politics when he decided to run for Pasco County Commission. However, being an elected official wasn’t a lifelong ambition, either.

Rather, the Wesley Chapel man said, he increasingly came to realize the impact government has on everyday life and decided he wanted to play a role.

Before running for office in 2014, Moore owned a home health company, which led to his involvement in lobbying efforts with that industry’s trade group at the state level.

Commissioner Mike Moore joins a hard-hat tour of the recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park. Building a center had always been intended, but hadn’t happened because of a lack of funding. Moore drew attention to the issue, and that changed. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

He was active in Republican Party politics in Pasco, too, knocking on doors, waving signs for candidates and writing campaign checks.

Ultimately, after discussions with his family and within the community, Moore decided to toss his hat into the ring for a seat on the county board.

Moore said he wanted to help shape local government’s impact within District 2, and across the county, as a whole.

Early on, he identified three key issues: Public safety, infrastructure and jobs.

As he leaves office on Nov. 21, Moore said the county has made gains on all three fronts.

Complaints still surface during public comment and budget discussions regarding a shortage of manpower and pay issues regarding first responders, but Moore said Pasco has made great strides in those areas during the last eight years.

The county has budgeted more money for pay, and Pasco’s residents have supported public safety through both a General Obligation bond and Penny for Pasco, Moore said.

Traffic bottlenecks
Traffic is another big issue in Pasco.

At public hearings, opponents frequently battle proposed projects — raising concerns about traffic congestion and potential dangers if more growth is allowed before road improvements are made.

This group helped graduating seniors from Cypress Creek Middle High, during festivities at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. The drive-by celebration was held to give members of the Class of 2020 a way to celebrate their achievements, in the midst of COVID-19. From left are, Jennifer Yingling, Mark Gold, DJ Night Mixer Makayla Gulash, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Troy Stevenson, Cypress Creek Middle/High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles, Jennifer Welling, and Tami Baker, along with the school’s Coyote mascot.

From Moore’s perspective, though, the county has made significant progress on infrastructure.

Numerous road projects have been completed, or are on the way, he said.

“I’m very happy that we were able to work very closely with our legislators and FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation) to get that Diverging Diamond moved up, from 2024 — when it originally was going to start, to now, almost being completed.

“That’s huge. It really is huge,” he said, referring to a project intended to reduce congestion at Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

He also pointed to the new I-75 interchange being built at Overpass Road.

“How often do you see a new interchange on (Interstate) 75?” he asked.

The extension of State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills, is a big achievement, too, Moore said.

Initially, proposed as a two-lane road, the State Road 56 extension was expanded to four lanes, after partnerships were forged between Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills, the FDOT and private landowners to finance the road and get it built.

There are ongoing projects on State Road 52, State Road 54 and U.S. 41, as well. Plus, land is being acquired for the widening of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, with construction expected to begin next year, Moore said.

Also, a portion of the extension of Ridge Road has been completed, from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. The next phase will extend it to U.S. 41.

It took more than 20 years for the county to get the green light on the Ridge Road extension, he said.

More companies are coming to Pasco
Pasco has projects going on all over, but there’s one, in particular, which is expected to create significant opportunities for decades to come.

A new “city” called Angeline is beginning to emerge on 6,200 acres, in an area south of State Road 52 and west of U.S. 41.

The development, which will have an emphasis on wellness, is expected to become home for people of all ages and feature a diverse mix of housing types.

Commissioner Mike Moore tosses up a ball during a ceremonial tipoff between Hasahn French and Micah Potter, during the inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine (TBPC), held June 3 through June 5, 2021, at the AdventHealth Sports Arena at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County.

Plans call for pathways throughout the development to encourage people to walk or bicycle to get to around, rather than hopping into a car.

The community also will boast the latest in internet technology.

When complete, Angeline is expected to have about 35,000 people.

It will be home to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus, which will span 775 acres and which is entitled for up to 24-million square feet of planned clinical and research facilities.

Plans for the area include a hospital, research and development space, office, manufacturing, laboratories, pharmacies, educational facility/university, hotel, and commercial space. The multi-year, multi-phase project is expected to create 14,500 jobs.

Moore pushed hard to expand Pasco’s job growth, noting residents need more work options closer to home.

“If you want a good quality of life, the less time you’re on the road, the more time you can spend with your family and your friends,” Moore said.

He’s been a fierce advocate for preserving land designated for job-generating uses, rather than allowing its conversion for other uses, particularly apartments.

He persuaded his colleagues to approve a temporary moratorium on new multi-family entitlements within District 2.

That moratorium has been lifted; Moore’s attitude hasn’t shifted.

“Converting commercial land to multifamily along our major corridors — will always concern me,” Moore said. “I was happy we had a pause on it. I wish it had continued longer.”

As he reflects upon his time in office, the commissioner said he’s pleased with Pasco’s many improvements through the years.

The county’s revamped tourism efforts have resulted in higher Tourist Development Tax revenues, a bigger impact on the local economy and the successful branding of the area as Florida’s Sports Coast, Moore said.

“We’re making a name for ourselves,” he said, noting the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team trained at AdventHealth Center Ice before skating to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

Pasco also has hosted national and international tournaments, showcases for professional sports and recently was selected as the site for the Florida Senior Games.

Commissioner Mike Moore brings JoJo, one of his family’s rescue pets, to the county board’s Sept. 8 meeting in 2020, on a day when commissioners were considering an action to ban the the retail sale of dogs and cats.

When athletes and spectators travel to Pasco, area restaurants, gas stations, hotels, stores, shops, entertainment venues and mom-and-pop businesses benefit, Moore said, adding these additional TDT revenues also help to reduce taxes for Pasco residents.

Pasco is looking good, in more ways than one
Moore cited a number of improvements he thinks are noteworthy.

The county’s curb appeal is better because of the county’s war on blight, Moore said.

Its animals are safer, too, because of the county’s abuse registry and its ban on the retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits.

The passage of the county’s sexual predator ordinance was important, as well, to protect Pasco’s most vulnerable residents.

He also praised the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially its efforts to help area businesses and residents hit hard by its impacts.

Besides big-picture issues, Moore pushed for specific projects.

He advocated funding for a recreational center at Wesley Chapel District Park and for a library in Seven Oaks.

One of his most gratifying projects, he said, involved the effort to establish a universal playground — for children of all ability levels — at Wesley Chapel District Park.

“It was a true community project,” Moore said.

“It was amazing when I reached out to private organizations, like the (Wesley Chapel) Rotary (Club) and AdventHealth (Wesley Chapel) and (the) Lennar (Foundation), and how willing they were — not just to write a check for a couple of thousand dollars — but $50,000 and $25,000 checks — and, it (the playground) happened,” Moore said.

The real payoff came from seeing the joy on children’s faces, when they showed up to play. Such moments reveal what’s possible — when government and community join forces for the common good.

Published November 16, 2022

Business Digest 11/16/2022

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Carrabba’s Cares event
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at 25928 Sierra Center Blvd., in Cypress Creek Town Center, will host a Carrabba’s Cares event on Nov. 17 to support Thomas Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to helping provide meals for school children, according to a news release.

At the same time as the event, the restaurant will be showing off a completely original look and feel at its new location in an area commonly known as Wesley Chapel, despite its Lutz postal address.

The special event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Carrabba’s donating 100% of the day’s sales, up to $3,000, to Thomas Promise.

The design aims to create a sophisticated but relaxed setting that blends Italian heritage with modern style. It also maximizes efficiency and guest comfort with a reimagined takeout space, the news release says.

Vistra adds new VP of Federal Business Growth
Vistra Communications, based in Lutz, has announced the hiring of Gregory Reyes as its new vice president of business growth.

The appointment demonstrates Vistra’s commitment to enhancing its federal government presence in the national capital region and beyond, according to a Vistra news release.

Vistra provides services to a wide range of federal government agencies.

“Greg Reyes’ addition to our company provides strategic business development leadership in the federal marketplace and emerging markets, allowing us to continue to focus on what we do best in this space,” Vistra CEO and founder Brian Butler, said in the release. “This allows Vistra to better serve our target markets by leveraging a consultative approach and industry best practices to ensure client success.”

Pulte Group wins builders’ awards
The West Florida Division of PulteGroup brought home multiple honors at the 2022 Tampa Bay Builders Association’s Awards of Excellence, according to a news release.

The division earned top awards for its sales, building, and marketing efforts. Several individuals also won awards.

Division President Sean Strickler received the Leadership Appreciation Award for his exemplary leadership of the company over the past year, the release said.

He has guided the construction of an expected 1,500-plus homes this year and expanded the division by 20%.

His leadership also has inspired team members who feel valued, included, empowered, and respected, the release added.

Other awards went to:

  • Kelli Bailey: Sales director/vice president of the year
  • Zach Garber, Andrew Rizzo, and Shane White: Recipients of the Golden Hammer Award
  • “Built to Honor”: Recipient of The Best Special Event/Charity/PR Campaign
  • Jacque Gendron: Sales Manager/Director of the Year

The 20-plus Million Dollar Circle recognized Michelle Moss, Renee Gatian, Tracey Brown, Jeremy Epperson, Alex Krumbholz, Christopher Harvey, Jessica Quigley, Dustin Conkright, and Neal Wadhwani

  • Nick Richardson: Salesperson of the Year, in the $551,000 to $600,000 category
  • Jessica Quiqley: Salesperson of the Year, in the $400,000 to $450,000 category
  • Trace Williams: Rookie Salesperson of the Year
  • Best Billboard: Del Webb community of Bexley
  • Best Floorplan: The Roseland model at the Hawks Reserve community in Riverview

JCPenney helps Hurricane Ian victims
JCPenney has donated $2.4 million in goods to the Salvation Army for Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida. It donated 130,000 units of new clothing, bedding and homewares to help families affected by Hurricane Ian.

Business celebration
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has announced that Fabulously Made Salon & Hair Loss Solutions, 8909 Regents Park Drive, Suite 415, is holding its ribbon cutting on Nov. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP to Johana via text at 813-444-3229.

Florida ranks high on training workers
Florida’s focus on training workers with technical skills and credentials is paying off as the Sunshine State has been named No. 1 in the United States for attracting and developing a skilled workforce, according to an announcement released by the Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The release says Florida’s ranking is part of Lightcast’s 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard.

“By keeping Florida free and open, we have created a positive economic environment and invested in our state’s workforce and communities,” the governor said, in the release.

“As a result, Florida is leading the nation in net migration and talent attraction,” the governor added.

This is the seventh year Lightcast has prepared the scorecard. The report measures seven growth areas of the most recent five-year period including net migration of counties adding new residents, education attainment, job creation, skilled job creation, competitive effect, and average annual job openings.

One highlight shared in the release noted that Florida led the nation in talent attraction, with 15 of the state’s large counties listed within the top 50. Hillsborough County ranked No. 8 and Pasco County ranked No. 20 on that list, according to the release.

Florida also led all states in net migration, adding more than 388,000 residents between 2016-20, the release says.

Three Florida counties were among the top 10 large counties nationally, in net migration, including Pasco County, according to the release.

BBQ & Blues preparations
Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is set for Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, and preparations have begun. The Kidz Grillin’ contest is back for Jan. 13 and there will be great sounds from local bands. On Jan. 14, there will be more music, as well as food and fun.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers and also businesses which would like to sign up to be part of the expo.

Free business advice
Pasco-Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses.

To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Pasco plans overhaul on how road improvements are funded

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Pasco County is planning a fundamental shift in the way local road improvements are funded.

For decades, the county has used a Paving Assessment (PVAS) program to pay for improvements to local streets.

That system has depended on at least half of the people benefiting from the improvement to agree that the project is needed.

The county estimates the cost of the proposed improvement, and a public hearing is held before the Pasco County Commission.

Pasco County plans to adopt a new way to improve the condition of local roads, which like this one, fall into disrepair. Currently, the county uses a system which requires a majority of those benefiting from the improvement to vote in favor of the project, and then everyone who benefits sharing the costs. The new system would establish a Municipal Services Tax Unit to cover costs. Many details must be worked out before this shift can be adopted. (Mary Rathman)

If the county board approves the project, all of the property owners on the improved road must pay their share of the cost — even those who objected to the work.

The charges are then assessed and included on the annual tax bill.

In some cases, the PVAS system has resulted in pitting neighbors against neighbors, as some residents think the road improvement is needed and others don’t want — or testify that they aren’t able — to pay for it.

The issue can become contentious.

County staff has proposed ending the PVAS system and replacing it with a Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU).

Justin Grant, public infrastructure fiscal and business administration director, asked the board to give county staff permission to prepare a measure to establish the MSTU and to allow for its inclusion on the 2023 tax bill.

“This is a very complex and multi-step process,” Grant said.

He told board members that a significant amount of time, resources and assistance from multiple county departments will be needed to accomplish that goal.

“The problem with the current PVAS program is that it doesn’t collect sufficient revenues to sustain itself,” Grant said. “This board has heard that a number of different times, in a number of different ways. Right now, that requires continuous support from the board’s road and bridge fund, and/or other funds within the county.

“PVAS doesn’t contemplate continued maintenance, under PVAS assessments,” Grant added.

The system also lacks an effective option to transition dirt roads into paved roads, he said.

Plus, the county needs to be able to do incremental maintenance to avoid high-cost projects, Grant said.

Once the Residential Local Road Paving MSTU is created, those within its boundaries will pay an annual millage rate tax, which will be assessed on their tax bills.

The MSTU will provide a consistent, stable source of funds, Grant said.

Areas that already are receiving services by a municipality or Community Development District, which owns and maintains its streets, are not being recommended as part of the MSTU, Grant said.

He said he expects county staff to work extensively with the county attorney’s office on creating the new MSTU.

Grant said county staff plans to make a presentation in December defining who’s in and who’s out, in terms of the benefiting area.

In the Spring of 2023, it plans to present more detailed findings to the board. That discussion will include a proposed tax rate for the MSTU and how it will be calculated.

Other parts of the discussion will involve how to end PVAS, a system that’s been around for 30-plus years.

Grant said staff will bring back a number of concise options for the board to consider. The goal is to include the new MSTU on the November tax bill in 2023, Grant said.

Commissioner Mike Moore noted: “Madame chair, just to reiterate something. CDDs (Community Development Districts) that currently maintain their roads can be carved out. There are some HOAs, as well.

“That’s important because those folks already paid to maintain their roads.”

Grant responded: “There’s a number of different CDDs throughout the county and there’s a handful that we’ve identified that wholistically do maintenance and own those roads and assess their residents for that activity. The intention of this (MSTU) unit would be to exclude those from this.”

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted: “If it’s purely private, we wouldn’t be maintaining those roads. We’re not planning to touch it, if it’s private.”

Steinsnyder added that it will take time to make improvements, through the new system.

“One hundred percent of the roads won’t be done in the first year,” the attorney said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and commissioners Jack Mariano and Christina Fitzpatrick said there should be a differentiation in fees between those who live on dirt roads that need to be paved, and those who live on paved roads that need to be improved.

Steinsnyder told commissioners: “Unless you create separate MSTUs, the millage is the millage.”

Starkey responded the board might want to consider creating two separate MSTUs, to address that issue.

Published November 09, 2022

Altman steps away from school board

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Allen Altman’s last school board meeting — which coincided with the day of the Nov. 8 General Election — marked the end of 16 years of elected service.

He said he chose to step away now because he felt “it was just time” for his departure.

Altman is a native of Pasco County, attended Pasco Elementary, Pasco Middle and Pasco High, and what is now known as Pasco-Hernando State College.

He’s been involved in Pasco County Schools in some shape or form for nearly 40 years, serving on his daughter’s school advisory committees, on the Pasco Education Foundation Board and as chair of the Penny for Pasco campaign, in 2004.

Allen Altman reads to a class during a school visit. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

He didn’t plan to run for school board, but was approached in 2006 by Jeannie Weightman, a sitting board member.

“I still remember it like it was yesterday. She was in Kansas. She called me. She told me the night before she had been rocking her grandbabies and decided that she no longer wanted her life schedule to revolve around school board.

“She had already announced for reelection. She said, ‘Allen, I think you ought to run for my seat.’

“I was actually on a bus — a church bus with a bunch of men headed to Georgia, headed to a men’s conference. We were going across Payne’s Prairie, at Gainesville, when she called me. And, by the time we got to Tifton, Georgia, to stop for lunch, my phone was blowing up with people saying, ‘We heard that Miss Weightman isn’t going to run again and we want you to run.’”

While he had helped others run for office, Altman hadn’t considered that path for himself.

So, when he got home from the men’s conference, he talked it over with his family.

“I sat down my wife (Laura) and my two daughters (Michelle and Melissa) and we had a family meeting,” he said.

They listed the pros and cons.

Ultimately, he said, “they all encouraged me to run. The community support was just overwhelming. I finally gave in and decided I would run.

“At the time I got elected, my intention was to serve no more than two terms,” Altman said.

The Great Recession changed that.

“It was extremely difficult and tough,” he said. “Some of the dreams and visions that I had for the district — like a career and technical high school — were put on the back burner just because of economics.

“So, I decided to run again. And then those things got into the planning process, and I decided, (to run) one more time.”

Expanding options for students
The academic landscape in Pasco County has changed greatly since Altman joined the board.

He was a staunch advocate for expanded educational choices for students living in East Pasco.

When he joined the board, the district’s most rigorous courses were offered only in the central and west areas of the county.

Since then, the district initiated a Cambridge Program in East Pasco, which has spread to schools in other parts of the county. It also has added STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) magnet programs to more schools. It also has career academies at every high school.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation opened in August — a new magnet high school off Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel, that prepares students for current and emerging careers.

Altman credits Superintendent Kurt Browning, Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd, the superintendent’s staff and his board colleagues for the district’s progress.

“We have been diligent to try to respond to parents’ needs and be prudent with tax dollars, at the same time,” Altman said. “The big driver is what’s best for our students and families? What the planning has revolved around is how best to provide educational opportunities, accommodate families — and be prudent with taxpayer dollars — and, that’s a balancing act.”

A new school being built on the Kirkland Ranch campus will be for students in K-8. That’s an educational model that’s finding favor with families, Altman said.

He also noted the district is doing a good job of planning ahead. When it builds a new school, for instance, it designs it to make it easy to add an additional wing, if that is needed to accommodate future growth.

That, he said, gives the district the most bang for its buck.

Making tough decisions
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, Altman said.

The Great Recession forced hundreds of layoffs. School boundary issues have been heated. A shortage of money and bus drivers forced the district to end “courtesy” busing for students in grades six through 12, who live within 2 miles of school.

And, that’s not to mention all of the changes required by COVID-19 and an increasing spread of misinformation through social media.

“Those are all extremely difficult issues,” Altman said.

He understands there are individual circumstances that can’t always be accommodated and that can pose hardships on families.

“My focus has been on the big picture for the district — making sure that we’re financially prudent, that we’re providing student choice opportunities and we’re serving families. At the end of the day, you have to make decisions based on the good of the whole,” he said.

Allen Altman offers some remarks during the groundbreaking for the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. The school, now open on Curley Road in Wesley Chapel, offers a wide array of classes designed to prepare students for current and emerging careers.

“Do I wish I could wave a magic wand and fix their (individual) need? You know I can’t.”

Still, he empathizes with people who feel boxed-in by state or federal requirements.

He understands the frustrations of mandates and red tape.

“Those are hard to stomach. Many times, I’ve agreed with them (people who are objecting),” Altman said.

He recalls one conversation when he told a school board attorney he agreed with the opponents on an issue.

The attorney told Altman: “You can agree with them, but it’s going to cost you $800,000 or $900,000 to fight the federal government to agree with them.

“Those are frustrating times,” the school board member added.

Knowing how to help is gratifying
Some of his best moments on the board have been knowing where to turn for help, to try to resolve a specific problem.

He recalls being approached at a Wesley Chapel High graduation by parents of a student who thanked him profusely for his help in getting their son the help he needed to be able to walk across the stage to receive his diploma.

“I’ve had that happen three or four times,” said Altman, also crediting the superintendent’s team and district staff for making those things happen.

“Superintendent (Kurt) Browning and Deputy Superintendent (Ray) Gadd have put together an All-Star team. They are hardworking, energetic, dedicated, high integrity.

“And, so I don’t have the answers, but I know — after 16 years now — who to call that knows who to talk to, to get help,” Altman said.

As he steps away from public office, Altman said he is troubled by a decline in common courtesy and in the rapid spread of disinformation.

“One of the things that I hear from business owners, and from our administrators and teachers, is just the lack of civility of the entire population, and that’s sad,” he said.

He’s concerned, too, by an increasing disregard for facts.

“I am convinced that social media is a tool of the devil,” Altman said.

With social media, he said, “regardless what you think, you can search and find somebody that will provide something that you like to hear — regardless to whether there’s any truth to it at all.”

The failure to recognize verifiable facts makes it hard to resolve disputes and find a way forward, Altman said.

“It makes it difficult to build consensus when there are people who have absolutely no regard or concern for what the truth is,” Altman said.

Published November 09, 2022

Improvements on the way for county office space

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a task order with a company called WDA to provide architectural and consultant design services for improvements to the David J. Hap Clark Building, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The project involves renovating 9,850 square feet on the building’s third floor North and 8,788 square feet on the building’s third floor South.

It also calls for developing a concept plan with a budget for future renovation of the common core central atrium space.

Pasco County is planning to make interior improvements on the third floor of the David J. Hap Clark Building, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. It has hired a company to provide architectural and consultant design services for the planned renovations. (Mike Camunas)

The interior renovations that will be done are for the new public safety assistant county administrator, fire rescue, cooperative extension, facilities management construction and renovation. Plans also call for expanding the county wellness center to include physical therapy, and updating the space for the Sexual Assault Victim Examination (SAVE) program.

The task order calls for supplying  plans for pre-design; design development; construction documents for architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing, as well as permitting/bidding and construction administration services.

The county board approved the task order with WDA for $167,500, at the board’s Oct. 25 meeting.

The task order contemplates completion within 480 days of issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

The design of the project is expected to begin this fall and be completed by the Winter of 2023.

Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2023 and be completed by Fall 2024. The estimated construction cost is $3,421,202.

On another issue, the board changed the county’s policy regarding future development in the Central Pasco Employment Village.

The new policy aims to encourage more industrial growth, thus increasing the potential for more new jobs.

The Central Pasco Employment Village is on about 2,400 acres, located along the south side of State Road 52, roughly between the Collier Parkway Extension and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.

In other action, the board:

  • Approved spending $324,300 to purchase wetland credits for mitigation of wetland impacts for the expansion of the Pasco County Jail, at 20101 Central Blvd. The permit issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District to the county for the jail expansion project requires that the County mitigate the wetland impacts by purchasing 1.38 wetland credits from the Old Florida Mitigation Bank.
  • Approved an amendment to a lease with St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church of Zephyrhills for a senior services dining site. The lease is for two years, for a total of $14,400, with $7,200 allocated for fiscal year 2023 and $7,200 allocated for fiscal year 2024.
  • Awarded bid to BSN Sports LLC in the not-to-exceed amount of $51,274.46 in fiscal year 2023 for the purchase of 24 soccer goals and nets. Half of them will be located at Wesley Chapel District Park and the other half will be stored by the Destination Management Organization for future use.

Published November 09, 2022

Approvals boost development, fund planning efforts

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a new master-planned unit development (MPUD) on the north side of State Road 52, east of U.S. 41.

The Longleaf Grove MPUD is expected to have 95,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 15,000 square feet of office space and 350 multi-family apartments on 36.86 acres of land.

The site currently consists of agricultural pursuits and contains category III wetlands.

The surrounding area is characterized by residential development consisting of Pilot County Airport, Pilot County Estates and the Conner Crossing subdivision.

The subject area has a future land use classification of retail/office and residential.

This application was submitted before the county board applied the airport zoning moratorium, according to agenda background materials for the county board’s Oct. 25 meeting.

In another action, the county board approved the Remington MPUD, which will allow a maximum of 127 single-family detached residential units on 44.2 acres. The project is proposed for a site on the south side of Tyndall Road, about 3,950 feet west of Curley Road.

The development approvals came during the county board’s Oct. 25 meeting and were approved without discussion, as part of the board’s consent agenda.

In another action, the board approved a task order with S&ME Inc., for work related to the county’s comprehensive plan update.

Initially, Commissioner Jack Mariano wanted to continue the item because he’s not satisfied with the county’s process for reviewing master-planned unit development requests and the county’s inspections process. However, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder informed the board that this item involves the county’s long-range planning efforts, which are required — and is not connected to the issues identified by Mariano.

So, the board approved expending the funds for work to be done by S&ME.

Published November 09, 2022

East Pasco project calls for up to 100 homes and 5 acres of office

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow up to 115 single-family detached residences or up to 100 residences plus 5 acres of office.

The request, known as the Deer Springs master-planned unit development (MPUD), seeks to convert the zoning on 38.29 acres of land now zoned for agricultural and agricultural-residential uses.

The proposed development is on the west side, and abutting, Crystal Springs Road, about 3,200 feet east of Gall Boulevard and about 4,700 southwest of the city limits for the City of Zephyrhills.

The planning board recommended approval, but not before increasing the proposed setbacks on the properties. Initially, the proposed setbacks called for houses to be set back only 10 feet from the property line.

But planning board members Jaime Girardi and Jon Moody questioned how landscaping requirements could be met, since that 10 feet of setback is required for utilities and trees can’t be planted in spaces where utilities are located.

Board member Chris Williams asked why the staff would allow a condition that is virtually impossible to meet.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, said the applicant would have to meet the county’s code requirements — regardless of the conditions listed in the zoning request.

The rezoning sets a maximum limit for the development. If it can’t be achieved while meeting all of the county’s requirements, it can’t be achieved, Tippin said.

In essence, it just gives the applicant more flexibility, said Shelly Johnson, the attorney for the applicant.

Those responses didn’t satisfy the planning board.

It recommended approval, contingent on conditions that increase the setback requirements and specify a maximum amount of lot coverage.

Moody asked the county planning staff what the setback and lot coverage requirements were for the Cobblestone development, an adjacent subdivision.

He then recommended that approval of the Deer Springs request be contingent upon matching the requirements imposed on Cobblestone.

His colleagues agreed, recommending approval of the request, based on Moody’s revision.

In other action, the planning board recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment from a category allowing up to three residences per acre to one that allows up to six residences per acre. In this case, the applicant is seeking a maximum of 240 residences on 61 acres at a location that’s east of Billmar Road and north of the Zephyrhills Bypass.

The site abuts the Chapel Crossing master-planned unit development to the west and Avalon Park West to the south. A separate rezoning request is being pursued, as well, and that must be approved before development could take place.

These planning board recommendations now go to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published November 09, 2022