The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Changes recommended in Villages of Pasadena Hills

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The Pasco County Planning Commission favors changes to the county’s land use plan, to allow greater flexibility within two villages in the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH).

The planning board voted unanimously at its July 7 meeting to recommend approval of the request to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction.

Initially, the request had been on the board’s consent agenda, meaning it would be approved as part of a bundle of items without discussion, unless someone objected or had questions.

Planning Commissioner Jonathan Moody asked for the item to be pulled so he could learn more about the request.

The Villages of Pasadena Hills is a special planning area, with its own financial plan.

The district was formed with the aim of creating an orderly way to develop a large area of land in East Pasco, through the creation of a series of specific types of villages.

The proposed changes would apply to Village L and Village M, which are east of Curley Road and north of the Zephyrhills Bypass, according to a memo in the planning board’s agenda packet.

The purpose of the amendment is to provide greater flexibility in the land use mix within each of the villages, and allow more opportunity for more compact areas of development in and around village centers, the memo says. The amendment is necessary to achieve the proposed density for Village L and Village M that is assumed in VOPH’s financial plan.

The current Type 3 Village requirements also would effectively prohibit the build-out of the two villages to their planned density and frustrate the ability to design the villages in accordance to the land use vision plan, the memo adds.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, told the planning board: “The only reason this plan amendment is before you is when we started working on this project, we realized that we think there was an error in the village typology,” he said.

A Type 3 Village requires a neighborhood edge, which is not more than two units per on 70% of the entire village, Hobby said.

That limitation would result in being able to achieve roughly 40% less than the village entitlements, which amounts to about 1,800 units, Hobby said.

“That’s about a $20 million hit on the VOPH financial plan,” the attorney estimated.

The change that’s being requested would “keep the same entitlements, but allow us to have a more neighborhood general, neighborhood core area as opposed to just a sprawling area of not more than two units per acre, which is not efficient,” Hobby said.

There was no other public comment at the meeting.

The land use change is the first part of the process. The land also would need to be rezoned before it could be developed. A rezoning request is being pursued for the designation of a  master-planned unit development.

Published August 03, 2022

Business Digest 08/03/2022

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Chamber leadership change
Melonie Monson, the CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will step down on Oct. 1,  after leading the organization for 6 ½ years.

She plans to spend more time with her family and also to work at her family’s business, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC, on marketing the business and increasing awareness of the new Bahr’s Technical Center, according to a news release.

The chamber’s board has selected Vicki Wiggins, the chamber’s COO, to step into the CEO’s role.

The board praised Monson for her leadership and performance, in the release.

In welcoming Wiggins to her new role, board chairman Randy Stovall said the board looks forward to her continuing “the caliber of leadership we have come to expect here at the Zephyrhills Chamber. The board of directors look forward to a seamless transition in October.”

Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick Wesley Chapel celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 2. The fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept is located at 25038 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Lutz.

Rent King ribbon-cutting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 19th location of Rent King, in a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 4 at noon, at 38925 County Road E., in Zephyrhills.

Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s next Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange is set for Aug. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41. Registration is free for chamber members, plus the cost of the food. Non-members pay a $10 registration fee, plus the cost of the food. If you’re not a member and would like a free one-time admission to try it out, call 727-842-7651.

Networking Group
The next regular meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group is set for Aug. 9 at 7:30 a.m., at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills. The group meets in the Ron Oakley Room. Maria Reza and John Malley, of Career Source, will be the featured speakers. For information, contact Nils Lenz at or Vicky Jones at .

Temporary reinsurance plan
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has announced a plan to establish a temporary reinsurance arrangement through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) in the event of disruptive financial rating downgrades from Demotech Inc., according to a news release.

The step was taken to ensure that Floridians can maintain coverage during hurricane season.

“OIR’s greatest priority is ensuring consumers have access to insurance, especially during hurricane season; and because of the uncertainty with the status of Demotech’s ratings, we’ve been forced to take extraordinary steps to protect millions of consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.

“This innovative arrangement satisfies requirements set by the secondary mortgage market. In the event we need to implement this temporary solution, consumers will not need to seek coverage elsewhere, agents will not need to move policies, and lenders can have confidence that these insurers continue to meet the mortgage qualifications,” the news release says.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that property insurance policies for properties with a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must be written by an insurer meeting financial rating requirements.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each offer an exception to the financial rating requirements for an insurer that is covered by a reinsurer who assumes, by endorsement, 100% of the insurer’s liability for any covered loss payable, but unpaid by the insurer, by reason of insolvency. In the event that a participating insurer is declared insolvent, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association shall carry out its statutory duties under Part II of Chapter 631, Florida Statutes, and pay claims as set forth in the statute.

Hotels and the workforce
The hotel industry continues to make strides toward recovery, with nominal hotel room revenue and state and local tax revenues projected to exceed 2019 levels by the end of this year, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)’s 2022 Midyear State of the Hotel Industry Report.

Key findings include:

  • Hotel occupancy is expected to average 63.4% in 2022, approaching pre-pandemic levels
  • By the end of 2022, hotels are expected to employ 1.97 million people — 84% of their pre-pandemic workforce
  • Hotels are projected to generate 6.6% more in state and local tax revenues in 2022 than they did in 2019

“After a tremendously difficult two-and-a-half years, things are steadily improving for the hotel industry and our employees. This progress is testament to the resilience and hard work of hoteliers and hotel associates, who are welcoming back guests in huge numbers this summer,” AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers said in the release.

Project at I-75 and State Road 52 moves closer to approval

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning request to clear the way for a project known as Pasco Town Center, on roughly 1,000 acres at the southeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

Pasco County will seek to build a project known as Pasco Town Center at the southeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and State Road 52. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning matters.

This won’t be the first time the county board considers the project.

It approved an economic incentive deal on June 7, with Columnar Holders, relating to the proposed project, which includes 4 million square feet of industrial space; 725,000 square feet of office space; 3,500 housing units; 400,000 square feet of retail and 300 hotel rooms.

The agreement terms provide a $55.8 million package for Columnar, funded mostly through property tax rebates, as specific milestones are met.

The development company also will install key roads and utility connections beyond the Pasco Town Center Property – providing $70.1 million in public infrastructure, with no direct cost to taxpayers, David Engel, the county’s director of the office of economic growth, said at the June 7 county board meeting.

Pasco Town Center is within the Employment Center area of Connected City.

Joel Tew, attorney for the applicant, described the project to the planning board at its July 21 meeting.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of jobs,” he said.

“We must use at least 55% of the land — in this case, we’re talking over 1,000 acres of land, so we’re talking about over 500 acres of land must be allocated and used for corporate business park, targeted business or industrial use,” Tew said.

“We then must use at least 20% for residential uses, but they can’t be single-family detached. So, everything has to be multifamily or townhomes to support the employment center.

“Then, finally, we have to use at least 5% for support commercial uses for the employment center,” he said.

Planning Commissioner Chris Williams, who also is the director of planning for Pasco County Schools, noted that the residential entitlements are double what had been previously proposed.

That raises the issue of the potential need of a school site within the project site, Williams said.

Tew responded: “For the record, we understand that concern.”

He also noted that there’s still a significant amount of land that has not yet been committed to a particular use, so he is confident that a suitable site could be identified.

At the planning board’s meeting, Engel explained the significance of the Pasco Town Center project.

“It’s vitally important for our economic future because it is the heart of our economic development area, on I-75 and (State Road) 52, employment node,” he said.

It will provide infrastructure — the public spine roads and the master utility lines—for the employment center area, as well as to areas to the east, he said.

The Office of Economic Growth wanted to ensure the elements of the economic development agreement were carried through to the master-planned unit development (MPUD) level, so it has worked closely with the county’s planning department to ensure that happened, he said.

County planners recommended approval of the request.

Neighbors seek to protect their tranquility
Carol Roth, who lives on McKendree Road, appeared before the planning board, along with her daughter and granddaughter. All three women raised concerns about the impacts the sizable project will have on their way of life.

“When we came into this area, it was beautiful and serene,” Roth said.

“I feel it is the obligation of Pasco County government to protect me and my environment and my land, as you allow for growth for business and other people. I’ve lived there over 50 years, I built that home and I’ve enjoyed what I have.

“I’ve enjoyed its inherent beauty. I don’t know if people are familiar with rural Pasco, but it’s a distinct beauty,” she said.

She also noted that her property has a variance for an air strip and wanted assurances that wouldn’t be affected, if future plans call for a new school nearby.

Roth said she’s not against development, she’s against the impacts that come with this type of development.

“What happens to the little people who own 20 acres right across the street?” she said.

Her granddaughter noted that the family built their home “with their own sweat and blood.”

She expressed concerns about impacts on wildlife in an area where gators walk across their property, dozens of turkeys hang out there, and there’s sandhill cranes and other creatures.

Safety is an issue, too, she said.

Roth’s daughter noted that all of the development will create light pollution, resulting in a loss of access to the night sky, and the sense of stillness and awe they currently enjoy.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development manager, said the county doesn’t anticipate any conflicts with the landing field from future development. He also noted that plans call for realigning McKendree Road, which would push traffic further away from the family’s home.

Tew said that whenever development occurs, it will be required to meet buffering, setback and landscaping requirements.

Planning Commissioner Jon Moody observed: “We can’t stop Tampa from extending northward. I don’t think there’s anything we can do to stop that kind of growth. The population continues to grow, the people up North keep coming. And, from the looks of things, it looks like it’s going to keep coming.”

Moody said he understands the family’s concerns, noting he won’t pay for streetlights in his neighborhood because he enjoys the night sky, too.

“But I can’t guarantee that the next 100-acre tract over or the one after that is not going to get built on; I don’t own it,” he said.

He also noted this project is “going to bring a lot of jobs, probably desperately needed  jobs.”

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi agreed: “Growth is coming. It’s inevitable.”

At least now, both Girardi and Moody said, the county is planning for growth.

Planning Commissioner Williams added: “My family has been here for five generations, here in Pasco County.”

He, too, enjoys the rural nature of where he lives, Williams said.

But he added: “I can’t dictate what my neighbor decides they want to do with their property.”

Planning board chairman Charles Grey added: “We’re aware, keenly aware, of growth and how it affects areas that we once thought were going to be that way forever.”

This project has been thought out and will have considerable benefit, Grey said.

“There’s going to be a downside as far as you’re concerned because of the growth, but the upside is, at some stage, you may want to sell that property, and when you do, it’s going to be worth a lot more money, because of it,” Grey said.

Published July 27, 2022

Pasco County government buys office space

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As Pasco County grows, so does its need for government office space.

The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase of the Liberty Professional Center at 8606, 8624 and 8630 Government Drive, in New Port Richey.

The county purchased the three Class A buildings for $4.2 million, plus closing costs. The buildings make up more than 19,000 square feet.

The purchase is in keeping with the county’s Facilities Master Plan.

The location of the office buildings, which is south of and adjacent to the West Pasco Judicial Center, makes it ideal for the county, according to a memo in the board’s agenda packet for its July 12 meeting.

In other action, the county board:

  • Approved a task order for Alfred Benesch & Company in an amount not to exceed $126,856.12 for a Pasco County Greenways, Trailways and Blueways Master Plan. The work will involve planning services that will build upon past and current efforts to lay the groundwork for countywide greenways trails and blueways systems that connects communities, provide recreational opportunities, and complements or supplements existing recreational and transportation infrastructure.
  • Approved a professional services agreement with American Consulting Engineers of Florida LLC, in the amount of $573,434.27 for the Tower Road Route Study and Pond Siting Analysis Report, from west of Sunlake Boulevard to east of U.S. 41.
  • Authorized the county administrator or his designee to make binding incentive offers for parcels to be acquired in eminent domain proceedings for the Wesley Chapel Boulevard (County Road 54) widening project.

Using incentive offers is deemed to be a way to achieve significant savings by avoiding considerable costs that can be incurred in the process, according to materials in the county board’s July 12 agenda packet.

The county board has agreed with the county attorney’s recommendation to allow offers not to exceed 120% of the county’s written appraisal report of the affected property.

  • Approved an amendment to a task order with Williamson Dacar Associates to extend the completion date on the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library project, by 90 days, to Sept. 23. The change also increases the purchase authority by $6,3500, bringing the new not-to-exceed total amount to $211,800. The extension is needed to allow for additional site inspections resulting from unforeseen delays from material shortages.
  • Approved an amendment to a task order with Williamson Dacar Associates to extend the completion date on the Hugh Embry Branch Library to Aug. 8. The change also includes an increase in the purchase authority of $4,450, bringing the new not-to-exceed total to $152,825. The extension is needed to allow for additional site inspections resulting from unforeseen delays from material shortages.

Published July 27, 2022

Making a clean sweep

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Step into Steve Melton’s workshop, in the far reaches of Northeast Pasco County, and you’ll see a man who equally enjoys working with his hands, and spinning stories about the heritage arts.

In this case, he’s busy making a broom.

Steve Melton holds up two types of millet, also known as broom straw or broom corn, that are used to make brooms. (Christine Holtzman)

He starts with the material that will make the broom’s head.

“This is the millet seed and they would pull the seed off,” he said, touching the seeds with his fingers. What it does, after the seed is off, it turns into broom corn; or broom straw,” he said.

There are all types of millets. There’s one for syrup-making. Another for cow feed. Some millet is specially bred for broom straw, he said.

Millet, historically was grown in Illinois.

There are various accounts to the history of broom-making by hand, but Melton said the industry had its heyday during the ‘30s and ‘40s, when towns were founded on making brooms and workers assembled them by hand, in factories.

After attaching the millet to the broom handle, Steve Melton places his nearly finished broom in a broom vise to hold it flat in place, while he stitches the head. Melton is using a sewing needle that he made in his blacksmith shop.

“It was a huge industry at one time,” he said.

“Illinois was kind of the epicenter.

“In Rantoul, Illinois — that’s where I learned about this — there are broom festivals,” Melton said.

Not many brooms are made by hand, these days
Melton said he became enamored with the idea of making brooms after he saw some being made at an antique tractor show in the Midwest.

“I was enthralled,” he said.

While demonstrating how he makes a flat kitchen broom, Steve Melton, uses a machine called a ‘kick winder’ to attach the millet to the wooden handle. Melton uses his foot to control the spin of the machine, while hand-wrapping the millet to the handle, using metal wire.

At another show, he saw brooms being made on a commercial scale. Then, he learned about a man in Alabama who sold machines used to make brooms by hand, and he decided to buy some of that equipment and bring it home.

The Northeast Pasco man doesn’t make mass quantities of brooms, but he gets immense pleasure from the process.

He uses broom straw of varied colors.

Though the dyed broom straw is more expensive, Melton likes to mix some in.

“It just looks so pretty,” he explained.

When making brooms, he uses a kick winder, which wraps wire around the broom straw to attach it to the handle. His particular piece of equipment was patented in 1878 and likely has been used to make thousands of brooms in the past, he said.

Melton uses short, medium and long broom corn to create the broom head.

The process involves selecting the broom corn, evening it out and then attaching the batch of straw to the handle with wire, using the kick winder.

A look at some of Steve Melton’s handmade brooms.

He uses a broom vise to flatten the straw for the broom head and once it is flattened, he keeps it that way, by using a needle he made in his blacksmith shop, to stitch the straw together by hand.

While making brooms, Melton said his mind drifts.

He thinks of the others who came before him, using the same piece of machinery to make brooms by hand.

He imagines the lives of the people using the same kind of brooms, decades ago.

“This is broom-making as it would have been, 100 years ago,” Melton said.

He derives great satisfaction from the art of making brooms by hand, and he loves the practical nature of the finished product.

“Every time you pick this up to sweep your kitchen, that gives you a sense of accomplishment,” Melton said.

Revised July 27, 2022

Business Digest 07/27/2022

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Panda Express has a new location in Lutz, which hosted a ribbon-cutting on July 18. (Courtesy of Scott Adams/Panda Express)

Panda Express grand opening
Panda Express had a grand opening of its first restaurant in Lutz with a ribbon-cutting on July 18. The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce joined in the festivities, which took place at the new Panda Express location, at 17767 Harpers Run.

Panda Express serves such meals as Original Orange Chicken, award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp and Broccoli Beef entrees.

The restaurant’s hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 9:30 p.m., via drive-thru); and, Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (or 10 p.m., via drive-thru).

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a breakfast business meeting on Aug. 4 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. Gulfside Healthcare Services is the breakfast sponsor. Admission is $10.

Chamber membership lunch
Brian Ford, the COO for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership lunch on Aug. 4.

The lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. The lunch is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Register by 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, to take advantage of the $5 early registration discount.

Call 727-842-7651 for more information, or email

Partnership formed
Hillsborough County and Publix are teaming up to promote the county’s emergency notification system, known as HCFL Alert, according to a county news release.

Publix is currently displaying HCFL Alert posters at its more than 50 stores in Hillsborough County, to remind residents to sign up for the notification system. HCFL Alert helps residents remain informed and receive timely emergency notifications through voice calls, text messages, or emails, the release said.

For assistance registering for HCFL Alert, call 813-272-6602.

Brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a brochure exchange at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, about one-quarter mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

There is a $10 registration fee, in addition to food cost, for members. Non-members are invited to call the chamber for a one-time free entry.

For more details, call the chamber’s office at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722, or email .

Spectrum expands services
Spectrum has launched Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 600 homes and small businesses in Pasco County, according to a news release from Spectrum.

Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network build-out in Dade City is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

Lee Ann Carr earns designation
Lee Ann Carr, with Florida Luxury Realty Inc., has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of Realtors.

She joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned this designation by successfully completing a comprehensive course to understand the needs, considerations and goals of real estate buyers and sellers ages 55 and older, according to a news release.

Ageless Body Studio grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Ageless Body Studio will host a grand opening on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m., at 3820 Maryweather Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Refreshments will be provided, there will be giveaways, and those attending will have a chance to win a spa membership.

PowerGals meeting
PowerGals of Zephyrhills meets on the first Friday of each month, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Shell’s Killer Bakery Inc., 5718 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills. The group’s chapter leader is Rosie Paulsen and its co-leader is Monica Young. This group is about empowering women in business, to help them thrive and to help each other.

Dade City chamber breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have its breakfast meeting on Aug. 16, at Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, 14139 Seventh St., in Dade City. The breakfast is sponsored by Premium Title, Inc.

Those attending must prepay $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, through the chamber, by no later than noon, the Thursday prior to the breakfast. No walk-ins or payment at the door will be accepted.

Call the chamber at 352-567-3769 to prepay with a credit card or find out more about the breakfast.

SMARTstart programs
SMARTstart is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s capstone program, aimed at engaging entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities in Pasco County. It has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. It also has incubator and microloan programs.

To find out more, visit SMARTSTARTPasco.com.

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 provides details on county ‘Penny’ projects

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a list of projects the county intends to pursue with proceeds of a proposed 15-year extension of the Penny for Pasco government infrastructure surcharge tax.

The board identified the projects during is July 12 meeting.

Voters will decide in the Nov. 8  general election whether they want to extend the tax for a third round.

The first Penny for Pasco, approved by voters, was in effect from January 2005 through December 2014. Voters approved extending the tax, from 2015 until 2024.

This time, voters are being asked to approve a 15-year extension of the tax, through 2039.

The tax proceeds are shared between Pasco County, the Pasco County School Board and the county’s six municipalities.

Of the county’s share, 20% would go for economic development; 20% for environmental land acquisition and recreation improvements; 20% for public safety; and, 40% for transportation.

Here are some of the ways the county said it would spend the tax proceeds:

  • Environmental Lands: Acquisition of an estimated 3,000 to 3,700 acres of environmentally sensitive lands; additional amenities such as picnic areas, campgrounds, hiking trails, observations towers, and associated infrastructure throughout the county; improvements at Baillies Bluff Wilderness Park and Len Angeline Wilderness and Recreation Park
  • Economic development: Efforts to support workforce development; rejuvenate semi-blighted economic corridors; encourage entrepreneurs through business incubators; provide economic incentives to attract businesses and jobs
  • Public safety: Funding for Pasco Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Both Fire/Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office would receive for new vehicles and new in-vehicle computers and equipment. Fire Rescue also would receive specialty vehicles, including utility terrain vehicles and boats, life-saving emergency response equipment and facility upgrades
Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program purchases environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county, using funds provided through the taxpayer-supported Penny for Pasco program. (File)

Transportation projects: This category stands to receive 40% of the proceeds, so that list is lengthy. Here’s a summary of some proposed projects:

  • A county-wide study to determine its multi-modal transportation needs
  • Proposed multi-modal improvements, including sidewalks and multi-use paths. Specific improvements, within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area include:
  • Eiland Boulevard A , from north of State Road 54 to Handcart Road, a multi-use path
  • Eiland Boulevard B, from Handcart Road to U.S. 301, a multi-use path
  • Starkey Trail bike/pedestrian overpass at State Road 54
  • Wire Road, from Pretty Pond Road to County Road 54, sidewalk
  • Sidewalk projects near schools, including Curley Road, near Wesley Chapel Elementary, Thomas Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School; Cypress Creek Road, near Denham Oaks Elementary School; and Parkway Boulevard, near Pine View Elementary School
  • Numerous other types of improvements including projects to improve connectivity and safety, including bicycle lanes, bicycle trail connections, bridge rehabilitation, accessibility improvements, roundabouts, paved shoulder safety treatments, roadway lighting and transportation technology and acquisition of right of way
  • Improvements for GoPasco: The list includes new buses, improved accessibility to bus stops, park and ride locations, and improved bus stops

Published June 20, 2022

Pasco limits new recurring expenses

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Pasco County’s revenues are up because of its burgeoning growth, but the county is taking a conservative approach when it comes to adding new recurring expenses.

The assessed taxable value in fiscal year 2023 is just at $2 billion, compared at just under $1.4 billion last year, according to Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director.

“The taxable assessed value in 2023 was actually higher than the new construction in 2008,” he said.

“So, because we can’t expect this taxable from new construction to be at this level for year over year over year, we are suggesting that we not spend this new additional revenues for new ongoing expenditures, except as they relate to Fire Rescue,” Goehig told the Pasco County Commission at its July 12 meeting.

“So, we are suggesting that we adopt a limited number of new business plan initiatives — or new spending for new ongoing expenditures — and take the remaining piece of that and invest that into one-time capital investments, into our capital improvement process to bring those projects up to speed,” Goehig said.

Emergency personnel representing Pasco County Fire Rescue repeatedly have urged the Pasco County Commission to provide them with more equipment and manpower, to reduce response time to emergencies. The county’s proposed budget reflects about $6 million in initiatives to bolster Fire Rescue operations. (File)

“So, we saw there’s an additional $21 million out there. Before we get carried away with all of this new money (and) figure out we’re going to spend it, there are lots and lots of things that we have to pay for with that new money,” he added.

Inflation, he noted, is at 11.3% in the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Pasco County.

“Just the cost of fuel alone has increased 38% over the past year,” he said.

Fleet-related expenditures, including fuel and increased costs for maintenance and parts is expected to increase by more than $1 million for Fire Rescue alone, he said.

“It will increase over $3 million countywide,” Goehig said.

The county also is currently conducting a compensation/classification study for its staff, which is expected to result in a 7% increase in the county’s average compensation, he said.

Wages also will increase for firefighters, he said.

Goehig also noted that Fire Station 3 and Fire Station 9 are coming online and must be funded for a full year.

As Fire Rescue responds to more calls, costs for medical supplies are expected to increase by $500,000, he added.

There also are increases to health care and retirement costs.

The county, however, is recommending a number of enhancements to its Fire Rescue services.

Those proposed budget items follow persistent requests by firefighters at board meetings, urging the county to provide the equipment and manpower necessary to address a surging number of emergency calls.

This year’s budget calls for two new fire stations to come online, four new rescue units and four peak-hour rescue units, Goehig said. That brings the total number of new ambulance units on the street to eight, Goehig said.

The budget also calls for adding 65 firefighters.

Goehig noted the call volume for Fire Rescue increased by 16% in 2021, compared to a typical rate of increase of 3% to 4%.

The county doesn’t know if the spike in call volume in 2021 was a one-time thing because of the pandemic, or if that will be the new normal.

“In either case, we have to plan as if that 16% is the new normal,” Goehig said.

In total, there are 16 business plan initiatives for Fire Rescue, totaling about $6 million, he said.

The proposed county budget also includes two additional code enforcement officers and two additional animal services officers.

The budget also calls for providing a general fund transfer of $1.6 million to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to support the hiring of 10 deputies.

Goehig’s presentation was made in concert with an agenda item on proposed tax rate and date for the first public hearing on the county  budget for fiscal year 2023.

The county board approved the proposed tax rate and set the first public hearing on the county’s budget on Sept. 6, at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will be in the board chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The final public hearing is set for Sept. 20 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Pasco County’s proposed tax rates
Pasco County is planning :

  • No change in its operating millage rate of 7.6076
  • No change in its fire service millage rate of 1.8036

The Florida Constitution’s “Save Our Homes” provision caps the taxable value of homestead properties at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This year, the CPI is 7%, so the taxable value for homesteaded properties will be capped at 3%.

The taxable value of the house is $150,000, minus standard exemptions, resulting in a taxable value of $100,000. The taxable value thus increases by $3,000, based on the 3% cap. That house would pay $22.82 in additional property taxes.

Taxable values of non-homesteaded properties cannot be increased by more than 10%.

Source: Pasco County budget presentation on July 12

Want to weigh in?
The first public hearing on Pasco County’s budget is set for Sept. 6 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.
The final public hearing is set for Sept. 20 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published June 20, 2022

County Administrator Dan Biles departs Pasco on a high note

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Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles found himself in a position he doesn’t particularly enjoy on July 12.

On that day, he stood at the podium, facing the Pasco County Commission, while a resolution was being read. It detailed many accomplishments during his five-year tenure in the county’s top job.

The resolution praised Biles “for his dedicated service to Pasco County and his contribution to creating a people-focused organizational culture.”

County Administrator Dan Biles poses with Pasco County employees on July 12, the administrator’s last meeting with the Pasco County Commission. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

It also lauds Biles’ focus on customer service and his commitment to training leaders, as well as empowering them to improve business operations.

His work in that area led to “radical cultural changes” within the organization resulting “in significant performance gains across the enterprise, as well as three different local and national ‘Best Places to Work’ awards,” the resolution notes.

The document also spells out some of Biles’ most notable accomplishments, including “his unwavering leadership and administrative creativity through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; his involvement in making the construction of the Ridge Road Extension a reality, providing an essential hurricane evacuation route and a new major corridor for Pasco County commuters; and his collaboration in the momentous Moffitt Pasco County Project, which will provide more than 14,000 jobs in a geographic footprint larger than Downtown Tampa and more importantly, bring hope to innumerable people for decades to come.”

Additionally, Biles’ “People, Purpose, Performance” leadership philosophy has influenced members of his team who will carry on that desire to “prioritize people, connect them to their purpose and get out of the way of their success,” the resolution states.

This shot was taken during construction of the first phase of the Ridge Road extension. That portion of the road, between Moon Lake Drive and the Suncoast Parkway, is now open to traffic. Work continues on the stretch of Ridge Road that will extend it to U.S. 41. (File)

After Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles finished reading the resolution, Biles told the board: “It’s a little uncomfortable today because I don’t like standing up here. I actually prefer to be in the background, out of the spotlight, and let you or the team really take the credit for the great things that are happening.”

But Biles added: “I appreciate it. It’s been truly a remarkable five years. I don’t think I would’ve imagined the things that we’ve gone through the last five years, but thank you for all of the support, thank you to the team for all of the support, because I couldn’t have done it without the team, as well.”

He told commissioners he appreciated that they allowed him to work on building an organization that’s similar to corporations such as Publix, Southwest Airlines and USAA — that are focused both on their employees and the customers they serve.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done to support me over the last five years, even when we may not have agreed. That’s part of business, right?

“I think I’ve disagreed with every one of you from time to time. That’s part of a great work atmosphere … allowing discussion, debate and those kinds of things.

“Thank you for allowing me to tell you my opinion on stuff, because that’s also important,” he said.

Commissioners shared their thoughts on the administrator’s work, too.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told him he was the right leader, at the right time, to bring the county to where it is today.

Commissioner Jack Mariano cited Biles’ work with the Ridge Road extension project as a prime example of his leadership capabilities.

“When you had the opportunity to get Ridge Road done quickly, you took a step back and said, ‘You know what, we’re ready to go, but we have a big development that wants to come in here, a big job employer, a big opportunity,’ Biles told Mariano.

Biles didn’t disclose the name of the prospect at the time, but it turned out to be Moffitt, and the road needed to be reset to provide what Moffitt needed, Mariano said.

A sinkhole opened on July 14, 2017, just months after Dan Biles became county administrator for Pasco County. The incident attracted international attention. (File)

Mariano said he had disagreements with Biles.

“But we always discussed it. What I always liked is, I always got the truth, and with the truth, you can work with it,” Mariano said.

Commissioners Ron Oakley and Christina Fitzpatrick both mentioned their impatience at the pace of government, but also both thanked Biles for the work he accomplished.

Commissioner Mike Moore said the board made a good decision when it hired Biles.

Biles tested early
Constitutional officers Alvarez-Sowles and Tax Collector Mike Fasano also weighed in on Biles’ contributions.

Alvarez-Sowles, who has butted heads with Biles, especially over budget issues, told the administrator: “I respect you tremendously, and your leadership.”

Moffitt Cancer Center is planning a campus in Pasco County, which County Administrator Dan Biles said will have a profound impact — not only in terms of new jobs, but also in the quest to find a cure for cancer. (File)

She reminded those gathered that during Biles’ first year on the job, he contended with a sinkhole, wildfires, floods and Hurricane Irma.

“You were tested, right off the bat, to see what stuff you were made of. Sitting back, watching you and taking part in those conversations, I was really impressed. Very impressed with your leadership — about (your style of) encouraging and giving the power to your team, so they can do their jobs and getting out of the way so they can perform well,” she said.

Fasano attended the meeting specifically to offer some remarks about Biles.

“Over the last five years, I’ve seen a dramatic change, a great change for Pasco County. Not only because of your (county board) leadership, but because of someone like Dan Biles.

“I want to thank Dan.

“Thank you for the great work you have done for our county,” Fasano said.

Pasco County used to be viewed as a stepchild of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but that’s no longer true, Fasano said.

The former legislator also cited Biles’ work to help bring the Ridge Road extension to fruition.

Fasano said he used to seek funding every year for that project. At one point, representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation asked Fasano to drop the request, telling him the road would never happen.

“But it did happen, under Dan Biles leadership,” Fasano said.

Biles told the board that he’ll miss both the work and the people he worked with.

“At the end of the day, we have a great team that does great work, and Mike (incoming County Administrator Mike Carballa) is going to step in and take the county to the next level, with your support and the support of the rest of the team,” Biles said.

Published June 20, 2022

Let Us Do Good Village gets OK for amenity center

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has granted approval of a special exception to the county code to clear the way for an amenity center with the Let Us Do Good Village, a community being built by The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The requested center is planned for a site that’s slightly less than 5 acres on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about a half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff.

Plans for the new subdivision call for 96 single-family detached homes.

The amenity center is planned for construction at the main entrance to Let Us Do Good Village, at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Do Good Way, according to information the planning board’s agenda packet.

In addition to the amenity center, two neighborhood parks are proposed to be located in the western section of the site, adjacent to the Panther Run subdivision.

The planning board approved the request as part of its consent agenda. The consent agenda contains a number of agenda items that are voted on, in a single motion, unless someone pulls an item for discussion.

There was no public comment on the request.

While the planning board has the authority to grant special exceptions, the Pasco County Commission can revoke them.

Published June 20, 2022