The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pasco has blazed a trail on combating human trafficking

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When the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking was created nearly a decade ago, it was forging into unchartered waters.

“We were the first commission established in the state of Florida,” Liana Dean, chairwoman of the commission said during the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 9 meeting.

“We have been looked to for guidance, not only in the region, but around the state,” she said.

“I feel like we’ve really made an impact over the past decade,” she added.

The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is made up of individuals in the following sectors who are working together to combat human trafficking.

There’s a member of the county board; two representatives from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; a representative from Pasco County Schools; a community/victim services advocate; a representative from the tourism/hospitality industry; a medical and/or behavioral health professional; a faith-based community member; an anti-human trafficking community advocate; a member from the business sector; a survivor of human trafficking; a professor/researcher from a local institution of higher learning; and a member-at-large, from any of the identified sectors.

Working to raise awareness, to educate
Over the last decade the local commission has trained close to 15,000 people both here and across Florida, helping them understand how to identify the signs of human trafficking and what to do when they do.

The commission has put together public awareness campaigns, which have achieved an estimated 6 million impressions, Dean said.

Its in-person events have attracted thousands of people, Dean said. 

“We were the first county in the state of Florida to get human trafficking curricula into all of Pasco County schools. That was huge, before the state legislature mandated it. We got calls from all over the state of Florida: ‘How did you all do that?’

“So, I feel that the things we’ve been able to accomplish have really positioned us as a leader in the state of Florida, when it comes to addressing human trafficking and preventing it,” she said.

The commission also has worked with a group of teen students who have created three public service announcements aimed at combating human trafficking.

“That is messaging that the kids put together. They were so concerned about messaging they were receiving on social media, the things that they were bombarded with, the attempts to recruit them, the attempts to groom them – that they wanted to address it,” she said.

The public service announcements are expected to air on television in coming months.

“We’re also educating RV Parks in Pasco County. We touched every RV Park and have given them education and information about human trafficking,” Dean said.

“So, that was a big initiative that we did last year. We partnered with GoPasco to put information on all of the buses in Pasco County, not just for the general public but to reach potential victims, as well.

“We worked with law enforcement, all five law enforcement agencies to get information out. We partnered with Fire Rescue to launch the same campaign.”

The group’s survivor representative, Laura Henderson, also addressed the board.

She briefed them on the local commission’s plans for this year.

“We plan to train all 3,300 county staff on human trafficking and provide them with a wallet-size card that outlines indicators and red flags, as well as how to report.

“County staff also will be provided with materials on how to seek help that they can give to potential victims they may encounter,” she said.

It also will promote the public service announcement prepared by Teens Battle Human Trafficking, which will air on television and will stream on social media.

The commission and a partner will host an event aimed at engaging business in the battle to end human trafficking.

It also will partner with Pasco Fire Rescue to create awareness materials. And, it will create a mailer that can be sent out to Pasco households.

The local commission also is partnering with the University of South Florida’s Advocacy Lab to further regional anti-trafficking efforts, as well as taking steps to address labor trafficking.

Human trafficking is a significant problem
In addition to hearing from representatives of the human trafficking commission, the county board also adopted a resolution that provides perspective on the scope of the problem.

The resolution declared the month of January as national slavery and human trafficking prevention month, and Jan. 11 as national human trafficking awareness day in Pasco.

The resolution defines human trafficking as “a crime against a person whereby, through exploitation, an individual is compelled to work or engage in a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion, thereby being stripped of their rights and humanity.”

The resolution adds that “traffickers typically use multiple means to control their victims, including beatings, rape, isolation, forced drug/alcohol dependency, withholding of documentation, and psychological and emotional abuse.”

The resolution cites statistics from the International Labor Organization that “conservatively estimates that there are over 49.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, and that this crime is second only to the illegal drug trade in terms of the speed of its growth and the profits that it generates, as human beings can be sold repeatedly.”

The resolution also notes that human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states, with Florida consistently ranking third in the nation in both the number of calls made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the number of cases identified.

In Florida in 2021, there were 781 identified cases of trafficking involving 1,253 victims, with 151 being children, the resolution adds.

Pasco County Commissioner Gary Bradford, who worked in law enforcement, sponsored the resolution.

He said “the work the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking does toward educating not only individuals, but entire organizations, is hugely important.”

He added: “This month, I urge everyone on how to identify the signs of human trafficking and report potential illegal activity to local and state law enforcement.”

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles also offered her thoughts on the topic.

“This is something that my team sees every day, day in and day out,” she said.

She thanked the members on the commission on human trafficking for the work that they do.

“It is so critical and so important. 

“We’re going to help you put that word out, so we can help to put a stop to human trafficking,” the clerk said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added: “I want to thank you for all of the work you do, and the awareness you bring to human trafficking.

“I’m so proud of our county in being first in so many ways, on this topic.”

She also thanked Henderson, a survivor of human trafficking, for having the courage to step forward. 

The first-hand testimony resonates with listeners, Starkey said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, who sat on the human trafficking commission’s board for six years, thanked the members of that commission for its continuing work.

“A lot of people don’t know that you are nationally known for all of the good work you’ve done in the past, and you continue to do so,” Oakley said.

Common signs that may indicate human trafficking
Do they show signs of physical abuse, such as bruises in various stages of healing?
Are they able to speak with individuals alone?
Do they speak in a manner that appears to be scripted or rehearsed?
Do they appear to be monitored by another person?
re they disconnected from family, friends or community?
o they live in poor conditions?|
Can they freely leave where they live?
Do they lack personal possessions and identification documents?
If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Trafficking Hotline at 800-373-7888.

Published January 17, 2024

​Pasco board wants greater protection for the county’s trees

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a resolution declaring Jan. 19 as Arbor Day in Pasco County, and, at the same time, they called for greater efforts to protect the county’s tree canopy.

Board members praised the work of Keep Pasco Beautiful, which is collaborating with county staff, on efforts to protect Pasco trees and to encourage tree planting.

The board adopted a resolution that details the history of Arbor Day and touts the many benefits of trees.

Preserving the beauty of Pasco County’s trees comes up frequently during public discussions of potential impacts from growth. Trees play a significant role in creating Pasco’s beauty, and county board members say they want more protections for trees. (File)

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who sponsored the resolution, noted: “There was a time when we used to do more on Arbor Day.

“I don’t know about you,” she told her colleagues, “but when I drive by and I see all of those trees get knocked down, it’s very difficult.

“We understand development comes here, but my husband always says, ‘When you knock it down, you can always replace.’

“I think it’s really important for the county to be putting its tree canopy back in place,” Starkey said.

The first step is to document the existing canopy, Starkey said.

Kristen King, a planner in long-range planning, told the board she’s been working on the issue with Mike Woodard, the county’s arborist.

“We put together a group of people within the county to actually look at all of the different aspects of our different departments that are touching trees — whether it has to do with permitting, whether it’s dealing with parks, whether it’s dealing with public works,” she said.

The group also is looking into grant opportunities, she said.

“But first, we’re looking at our tree canopy, doing a tree canopy study,” she said.

That will involve doing a potential tree inventory, so the county can look at the issue from a strategic approach, determining what it has and where it needs to go, she added.

“So, we created what I call our Tree Dream Team,” King said.

The group also has partnered with Keep Pasco Beautiful, which is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. Keep Pasco Beautiful has a staff member in Pasco.

The group also is working with Covanta Pasco, King said.

“On Arbor Day, we are doing a tree giveaway. We are having people preregister through the Keep Pasco Beautiful website (KeepPascoBeautiful.org).”

The free tees will be distributed on Jan. 19, at Aloha Veterans Park in Holiday and at the One Stop Shop in Dade City (see glance box for details).

The county board also approved spending $1,000 in county funds to match Keep Pasco Beautiful’s donation.

Like Starkey, other commissioners expressed the need to protect the county’s trees.

The setting sun over Lake Pasadena is seen from one of East Pasco’s highest elevations at 240 feet above sea level. This ‘mountain’ is part of a series of rolling hills in the area, many of which feature beautiful trees.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said he has noticed that many developers come in and immediately clear the lot they plan to develop, regardless of the lot’s size.

“I’ve asked several developers that have come before me that that buffer area of 150 feet, or 100 feet, if there’s a 50- or a 100-year-old tree, please leave those trees in that buffering area, which shouldn’t affect the rest of the property,” Oakley said.

He said he understands that some trees must be removed because of elevation issues. But he added, if at all possible, he thinks developers should leave those mature trees.

“It’s something we need to keep in our county,” Oakley said. “Those 100-year and 50-year trees are very important.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman agreed: “It pains me when you see us knock down grandpa oaks – you’re talking three to four generations before they come back.

“Oak trees are important. They make our roadways a pleasure to drive on.”

Starkey also noted that the county needs to take another look at how much it charges developers who remove trees.

Currently, they pay a certain amount per inch into a fund, Starkey said. But she noted the figure hasn’t been changed in quite some time.

“I want us to take a look at that again,” she said, noting her staff is researching how other counties handle the issue.

“I think some trees need some special consideration,” Starkey said.

“I hope we will work on protecting part of what makes this county so beautiful.

“I hope we start taking the money that’s been paid to the tree mitigation fund and just start planting some trees around the county,” she added

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he’d favor spending as much as $10,000 from the county’s tree mitigation fund to provide additional trees.

Starkey listed a host of benefits that trees offer. Those include providing needed shade, reducing energy costs and protecting the environment.

“There’s just a million reasons why we need to protect our trees,” Starkey said.

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
What: Keep Pasco Beautiful along with Covanta, Tampa Bay Water and Pasco County are giving away free trees to celebrate Arbor Day. Free trees in 1-gallon to 3-gallon pots will be given away, so they can easily be transported. An arborist will be on site to answer tree questions.
Where: Aloha Gardens Park, at 3120 Darlington Road in Holiday, and the Stallings Building, also known as the One Stop Shop, at 15029 14th St., in Dade City
When: Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You must preregister to receive a tree. Visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org for more information. 

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco County moves ahead on first portion of Orange Belt Trail

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Pasco County is negotiating an agreement to move ahead on the first portion of the Orange Belt Trail, a project that one day is expected to stretch 37 miles, from Trinity to Trilby.

The Pasco County Commission voted at its Jan. 9 meeting to delegate authority to County Administrator Mike Carballa to negotiate and execute an agreement relating to the Orange Belt Trail, from Little Road to Gunn Highway, along Trinity Boulevard, Cool Springs Parkway, Community Drive and State Road 54.

This is a piece of the original Orange Belt railway path. Pasco County is planning to construct a 37-mile trail, stretching from Trinity to Trilby, mostly following the route of the old Orange Belt Railway rail line.
The trail’s final path is expected to be decided by the Pasco County Commission in March. (File)

Carballa was authorized to finalize an agreement that doesn’t exceed the budgeted amount of $2.35 million, plus 20%, according to background materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

The action was approved as part of the board’s consent agenda, which means it was approved, without discussion by the board.

A county evaluation committee shortlisted these firms in this ranked order: Coastal Design Consultants, Inc. (Coastal) and Atkins Realis USA, Inc. (Atkins).

The agreement is for the design, permitting and post-design work on that portion of the project.

Carballa has the go-ahead to execute a contract with Coastal, but if an agreement can’t be reached, he can negotiate with the second-ranked firm.

Funding for the agreement is included in the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget, in the Penny for Pasco Transportation Fund.

If the contract price exceeds the budgeted amount, the county administrator will amend the budget accordingly and report that to the county board in a quarterly budget amendment.

Materials submitted by Coastal Design Consultants say the Orange Belt Trail “will enhance the regional trail network by interconnecting the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail.

As work continues on developing a plan for the Orange Belt Trail, desires have been expressed for amenities, such as wayfinding, trail heads including restrooms and water fountains, and paths that are away from busy roads.

First phase of trail planned near Little Road
If negotiations are successful, Coastal will handle the design, permitting and construction of the first phase of the trail from Little Road to Gunn Highway, which is approximately 4.9 miles.

The proposed width of the trail will be from 12 feet to 15 feet.

This phase proposes to utilize the existing rights of way of Trinity Boulevard, Cool Springs

Parkway, Community Drive, State Road 54 and Gunn Highway to contain the trail.

The trail design will include a variety of amenities such as wayfinding signage, benches, trash receptacles, water stations, and a trailhead facility.

The proposed trailhead facility will be located on Trinity Boulevard and is requested to contain an access drive, parking area, restroom, and connection to the existing Starkey Gap Trail.

The design of this urban trailway will require Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pedestrian crossings at all cross streets and will include two bridges.

A desire has been expressed to make a portion of the Orange Belt Trail accessible to equestrian uses.

Coastal said its approach will be to design a project that minimizes impacts to the existing improvements within the rights of way. 

While the county moves ahead on this segment, decisions remain to be made on the trail’s overall path.

Several community workshops have been held and the county’s engineering team is expected to soon present final alternatives for the board’s consideration.

Trail planners have laid out alternatives in four locations across the county:

Alternative A: From Trinity Boulevard to Old Pasco Road

Alternative B2: From Old Pasco Road to County Road 579, also known as Prospect Road

Alternative C1: From County Road 579 (Prospect Road) to Dade City

Alternative C3: From CR 579 (Prospect Road) to the Withlacoochee State Trail

The four alternatives will be broken down into nine smaller segments and will undergo additional analysis before a final vision is presented to the county board at a hearing this spring, where the public will have an opportunity to weigh in.

The proposed Orange Belt Trail will, more or less, follow the path of the old Orange Belt Railway and will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

It is expected to have recreational and economic opportunities along the way and will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail.

Residents from Dade City, Zephyrhills and Trilby turned to a community meeting to find out more about the proposed route of the Orange Belt Trail and to raise questions about how close the trail would be to existing neighborhoods. They also voiced concerns about negative impacts the trail could have on their quality of life.

The multi-use trail is expected to essentially be 12 feet to 14 feet wide, and will be paved. Portions of the trail, however, also could incorporate equestrian uses.

Public has had plenty to say
Considerable feedback already has been received at community meetings.

City of San Antonio made a formal request to the county board – seeking Alternative B1 to be dropped from consideration. Elected city leaders said that route is too close to residential neighborhoods, creating concerns about privacy, safety and noise pollution.

They also said the increased foot and bicycle traffic could disrupt the tranquility and security that residents who dwell in San Antonio enjoy. Plus, they raised issues about the potential for an increase in littering, vandalism and other undesirable activities.

San Antonio officials also complained that the needs of the community were not adequately considered.

East Pasco residents also gave trail planners an earful during a community meeting at the Dade City Garden Club. 

They raised concerns about the potential for private property being needed for the trail. They also questioned how it would be funded.

Throughout the process, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey – a staunch trails advocate – has declared that those fears are unfounded. She has repeatedly said there are no plans for the county to take property against landowners’ wishes.

Other considerations have included cultural, socioeconomic, natural and physical resources, the release says.

For more information on the Orange Belt Trail, visit OrangeBeltTrail.com

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco County continues battle against Florida’s ‘Live Local Act’

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It’s no secret that Pasco County deplores the “Live Local Act’ adopted last year by the Florida Legislature.

The Pasco County Commission so vehemently opposes it that the board has directed its legal staff to pursue a lawsuit if any applicant for a Live Local project refuses to back down.

The Live Local Act allows an applicant to convert land zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed uses into multifamily developments, provided the project serves people who meet income criteria.

The law preempts local government from blocking the developments and it provides a property tax break to the developer.

The county has led the charge in opposition to the law.

It has joined forces with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in lobbying efforts to change the law.

The Pasco county board took another step at its Jan. 9 meeting, adopting changes to its land development code that strip projects from local economic incentives if the projects seek tax exemptions allowed under Live Local.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman has been particularly outspoken on the issue.

He has said it’s a bad law that thwarts Pasco’s efforts to attract job-generating businesses to the county.

During the Jan. 9 meeting, Weightman shared this piece of news with his colleagues: “We have two existing apartments in Trinity. They’re built. These existing apartments are applying and they’ve submitted to the county to become Live Local projects.

“They’ve applied to become Live Local properties,” Weightman said. “They want a $768,000 a year tax exemption, while charging over $2,000 a month rent for a two-bedroom.

“The company is from California,” he said.

So, local businesses, landowners and taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill, Weightman said.

“The only people getting a break are these out-of-state companies. It does not benefit our residents. It’s egregious.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the county needs to stand firm on its decision to sue any company trying to invoke the Live Local Act.

“Stay the course on our lawsuit. Sue them,” Starkey said.

Ralph Lair, the county’s governmental affairs liaison, said that other cities and counties are paying attention to Pasco’s actions regarding this issue.

“Take note that cities and counties around the state are looking at what we’re doing and have reached out,” Lair said.

So far, the county has been unable to persuade state lawmakers to make all of the changes Pasco is seeking, but efforts continue, Lair said.

Published January 17, 2024

Lutz veteran hits the big 100

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During a century of living, Charles L. “Charley” Barr has created quite a collection of memorable moments.

Thirty-six family members gathered to celebrate Charles L. Barr’s 100th birthday. They came from Florida, Oregon, Missouri and Indiana. (Courtesy of Linda Cobbe)

Charley added to that list on Jan. 6, celebrating his 100th birthday at Chapman Manor in Lutz.

He was surrounded by 36 family members – including his five children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four nieces. Several spouses of his children and grandchildren were there, too, according to his daughter, Linda Cobbe, who shared details about the party and her dad’s life.

Besides family members who came from Florida, Oregon, Missouri and Indiana, many of Charley’s friends who live at Chapman Manor joined in to celebrate him hitting the big 1-0-0.

Charles ‘Charley’ L. Barr served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-24 navigator in World War II. He’s shown here during a military pinning ceremony during his early days in the service.

Charley was born on Jan. 6, 1924 in Bruceville, Indiana, to Charles H. and Alice Barr. He graduated from Bruceville High School in 1942.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, from 1943 to 1945, as a B24 navigator, stationed in England. He flew 24 bombing missions during World War II.

He received the Air Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. 

He held the rank of lieutenant colonel at the time of his discharge.

The family arranged to have WWII memorabilia on display at the party, including navigation maps from his bombing assignments, his medals, and photos.

This is the birthday cake that was served during Charles ‘Charley’ L. Barr’s 100th birthday party on Jan. 6 at Chapman Manor, an assisted living facility in Lutz.

Charley received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1947. Besides being in the marching band, he was vice president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

During college he met Helen Lenore Morris, and Charley and Helen were married in 1948.

They went on to have five children.

Charley’s work life included a stint at Studebaker from 1949 to 1952. Next, he purchased Barr’s Feed and Supply in Ossian, Indiana, which he ran from 1952 to 1958.

He was appointed clerk treasurer of Ossian in 1950 and never lost an election after that, serving in that role until 2004. He also owned an accounting business and retired from that in 1990.

Charley and Helen  – who had been Florida snowbirds – moved permanently to Venice in 2004.

Helen died in 2011, and Charley has been living at Chapman Manor since 2017.

Published January 17,

Spotlight on Talent seeks competitors for 41st annual performance contest

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Young performers who want a chance to show off their musical, singing or other entertainment skills can take to the stage at the 41st annual “Spotlight on Talent.”

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with its musical theater number during a previous Spotlight on Talent. (File)

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

Those wishing to compete in this year’s event have until Jan. 25 to apply.

Auditions for the acts will be on Feb. 10 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.

Hundreds of area students are involved each year, in the competition open to young people through high school seniors. The talent show gives young people a chance to show off their abilities, while also providing entertaining shows for the audience.

Contestants come from nearby Pasco communities and from as far away as Tampa, Brooksville and St. Petersburg. The contest attracts vocalists, dancers, instrumental musicians, piano players, baton twirlers, bands, gymnasts and all sorts of other entertainers.

Applications are available online at HeritageArts.org.

The two final shows will be on March 16, one beginning at noon and the other at 7 p.m..

The grand prize is a $1,000 scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating senior who lives in Pasco and attains the highest score from the judges.

All styles of performing talents are accepted, both as solo acts and in groups. Paid professional judges select the finalists and winners.

If you would like to be a community sponsor, or if you have questions, contact Barbara Friedman, at 352-424-0135 or

Published January 17, 2024

Business Digest 01/17/2024

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Luis Viera has been reelected chairman of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board. (Courtesy of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority)

HART board reelects Luis Viera
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board reelected Councilman Luis Viera as chairman, Commissioner Michael Owen as vice chair and director Melanie Williams as secretary of the transit authority’s board of directors for 2024.

“This is such a pivotal time for HART and for the board to continue to stand with the people that we serve and with our amazing workers,” Viera said, in a HART news release.

Viera has been on the HART board since February 2020 and has served on the Tampa City Council since 2016.

The HART board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the transit authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), the City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat).

Officers of the HART board (chair, vice chair and secretary) are elected annually.

For more information about HART service, visit GoHART.org.

County department relocates
Pasco County Building Construction Services (BCS) has relocated to just down the street from its former site in New Port Richey.

Operations began at the new location, 8661 Citizens Drive, Suite 100, on Jan. 16. The office is in what is known as the former Social Security building.

The new first-floor suites offer more space and convenience for our growing permitting and inspections teams who are processing permits faster than ever.

“Relocating to the Citizens Center will centralize operations and increase collaboration with our team members,” Roy Mazur, assistant county administrator of development services, said in a news release. “We’re looking forward to having Building Inspections and Central Permitting under one roof to improve efficiency, create more training opportunities and offer a one-stop shop to our customers.”

The new space is expected to offer shorter wait times for customers and to provide collaborative spaces for staff training and meetings. Those needing services in Central Pasco can continue to visit the full-service office in Land O’ Lakes. Those requiring services in East Pasco can visit the Dade City office.

Visit MyPas.co/PascoBCS for office locations.

GROW Pasco
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide array of business topics at Grow Pasco, which is set for March 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 12338 Priory Circle, in San Antonio. Grow Pasco features 15 breakout sessions, led by some of the best business minds in the area. Go to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website to find out more about the topics, the speakers and how to register. The Pasco EDC’s website is PascoEDC.com.

Pasco Corrections is hiring
Pasco County Corrections is hiring corrections officers and corrections officer trainees, and will have an in-person career fair on  Jan. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be at the Pasco County Corrections facility, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Corrections leadership will be conducting on-the-spot interviews.

Broadband grant funding available
FloridaCommerce has announced that more than $13 million in broadband grant funding is available through the Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program to connect communities with digital devices.

The program connects communities in need of broadband internet access with funds for devices and equipment for digital workforce, education and health care opportunities — like applying for a job, securing a degree, and attending a telehealth appointment, according to a state news release.

Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations and community action agencies serving high-poverty areas. Funding through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program expands broadband access by making computers, laptops, tablets and routers available for loan through local community centers like libraries and schools and equips Multi-Purpose Community Facilities with the devices necessary to ensure full connectivity throughout the facility.

Eligible entities are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, at FloridaJobs.org/Broadband.

To date, more than $226 million has been awarded for 88 strategic projects in 53 Florida counties for broadband internet expansion that will impact more than 250,000 unserved and underserved businesses and homes through the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program. 

Planning board recommends denial of land use change in rural protection area

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended denial of a request that would remove acreage from a county rural neighborhood protection area, and would increase its potential density.

The application by Old Pasco Townhomes seeks to change the comprehensive land use designation from Res-3, which allows up to three dwellings per acre, to Res-6, which allows up to six.

The request also calls for removing the 18.36-acre site at the northeast corner of Old Pasco Road and Hadlock Drive, from a county rural neighborhood protection area.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the request, but the planning board rejected that recommendation.

The planning board based its call for denial on a Pasco County policy that states the county shall recognize rural neighborhood protection areas “as areas that include existing rural neighborhoods that deserve and require special protection from the intrusion of urban uses, densities and intensities.”

The policy also notes that impacts in such areas “shall be minimized through the use of the standards and options for stepping down development and densities and transition of land uses, e.g., gradual reduction of intensity in uses, as well as additional buffer and setback standards in order to minimize visual and noise impacts on adjacent rural, residential developments.”

This case is complicated
The site is in an area designated for rural protection, but it also sits in an area the county has designated as an urban services expansion area – meaning that it is in an area that is expected to become more urban.

During the meeting, Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, pointed to Grantham Ranch, an existing nearby single-family subdivision. She said the proposed townhome project would be built in an area that is expected to change.

Christie Barreiro, of Heidt Design, who also represented the applicant, told the planning board: “Old Pasco Road is going to be a four-lane road, 124 feet in width. A lot of that right of way has already been purchased by the county. The county also is running utilities up Old Pasco Road for projects along (State Road) 52.

“This area, as we were saying, is in the urban expansion area, and also is in the south market area, which is supposed to be a high-density, high-intensity area. It seems odd, but it’s because it’s a parallel reliever to Interstate 75.

“So, you have Old Pasco on the west and you have McKendree Road on the east, and those are supposed to relieve the congestion on (Interstate) 75.

“So, in that corridor, it was always planned to have more intense, more dense development,” Barreiro said.

Nearby residents, however, told the planning board that they purchased large lots in the area because of its rural nature. They said they thought they would be protected from urban encroachment because their homes are in a rural protection area.

As one neighbor put it: “I don’t want to look at townhomes out my backyard. I bought 5 acres in a rural area for a reason.

“It’s an expansion area to some people. To other people, it’s their life, their house, their yard where their grandkids play.

“I don’t want to see my home considered an expansion area,” she said. “Removal from a rural protection area kind of negates the word protection. It’s not protected, if it can easily be removed.”

Planning board vice chairman Jaime Girardi, who was sitting as chairman because of Charles Grey’s absence, said the area is changing.

“You’re 1 mile from Overpass (Road), where they just built a whole intersection and a whole interchange at I-75,” Girardi said. “You’re half a mile from the school (Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle School), half a mile from Grantham Ranch.”

The Grantham Ranch subdivision is built on land designated for three homes per acre.

Planning board member Jon Moody voiced misgivings.

He told his colleagues: “I’m having a hard time deciding this case. We clearly have a conflict in the comp plan (county comprehensive land use plan), probably should have been cleaned up in 2010, when the urban service area — expansion area — whatever we’re calling it, was overlaid over a rural protection area.

“I’m not sure whether that was a right decision or a wrong decision. I see the controversial entitlements we’ve approved east of I-75, at this location.

“So, it makes sense to me that we might see development along the west side of the interstate,” he said.

“That being said, we’re being told by the applicant, well, it’s going to be a four-lane road 10 or more years from now, maybe. There’s no money for it. And there’s still people there that still live a rural lifestyle.

“And yes, we’ve got some intrusion into that lifestyle by subdivision, single-family detached homes, but we haven’t got attached product yet.

“That’s the conundrum I’m trying to figure out.”

‘Doesn’t seem to fit with character’
Moody noted that planning board chairman Grey has observed on more than one occasion that an area must “be ripe” for development.

In this case, Moody said, “I just don’t feel that it’s ripe for (the) attached townhome product, the Res-6 (six residential units per acre).

“If this were going to come in as detached, I can see if they were going to come in as E-R (estate residential) zoning, or R-2 zoning on half-acre lots or something, that’s a little more dense than what’s out there.

“Or even some use that might require some utility services — but not down to attached product.

“This doesn’t seem to fit with the character of the area. It may be in future character, but I just don’t feel like it is for today’s character,” Moody said.

Planning board member Peter Hanzel also had issues with the request. He said the site is in a rural area. Hanzel made a motion for denial, which was seconded by Moody.

Other planning board members agreed with Moody’s assessment that the type of development being requested doesn’t fit in with the area’s current development.

Planning board member Chris Poole put it this way: “I think this is before it’s time out here.”

Poole said there are obvious issues with the comprehensive plan, but, he added: “Protections of the folks that live a rural lifestyle means something. This particular growth is ahead of its time.”

Planning board member Derek Pontlitz said from a planning perspective, the request makes sense.

“Obviously, you want your densities closer to your major thoroughfares because that’s going to put less traffic on the local roads trying to get to the 75s and the arterial stuff,” he said.

“This density will make sense at some point. I think I tend to agree that it’s probably not ready yet,” Pontlitz said.

Planning board member Chris Williams told Wilhite: “Barbara, I understand your explanation of the service area expansion. What I’m still struggling with is, everything around there is future land use Res-3.

“So, all of sudden, we’re plunking down Res-6.”

Wilhite said Grantham Ranch is a single-family subdivision and that the proposed townhome project would be a low density for a townhome development.

Girardi said he has an issue with removing a piece from the middle of the rural protection area.

“To take it out of the middle and go all of the way to Res-6 at this time is, I think, a bit of a stretch at this time,” Girardi said.

Although the planning board recommended denial, they don’t have the final word.

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

Published January 10, 2024

Pasco Schools adding capacity to address increasing enrollment

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As Pasco County continues to grow, questions are popping up regarding the school district’s ability to handle increased enrollment spurred by new development.

Jon Moody, who sits on the Pasco County Planning Commission, raised the issue during the planning board’s Dec. 7 discussion of a proposed change to the county’s comprehensive plan.

The request is being made to set the stage for a 200-unit townhome development and commercial uses, at U.S. 301 and Roanoke River Way, in Zephyrhills.

Moody asked Chris Williams, who sits on the planning board as the school district’s representative, about the planning report accompanying the request.

“It says right now that Chester Taylor is operating at 133%, it will be 136% with the next K through 8 opening in 2029, so is there anything on the horizon quicker to give relief to the elementary school?” Moody asked Williams.

Williams, who is the school district’s director of planning, told Moody that the district currently is in negotiations with the developer of Two Rivers, a massive project between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301, off State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

“I’m not sure how that is going to wind up,” Williams said. The district would like to build an entire campus on the Two Rivers’ property, but is aiming for at least a K-8 school there.

“We’re also getting ready to rebuild West Zephyrhills Elementary and completely build a brand-new school behind the current school, and add capacity to that. And that is projected to be done, probably 2025 or 2026,” Williams said.

“And potentially, when that reopens, my intention might be to rezone those schools: Woodland (Elementary), West Zephyrhills Elementary, Chester Taylor (Elementary) — and try to redistribute some of those populations,” Williams added.

The district also plans to add a wing to Chester Taylor Elementary to increase its capacity.

“Adding a wing (at Chester Taylor) won’t solve the problem in and of itself, but adding a wing and doing some rezoning will help us,” Williams said.

The school district planning director also noted that in the coming school year the district will open the new Kirkland Ranch K-8 magnet school on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, off Curley Road in the north part of Wesley Chapel, across from Epperson Ranch.

“That could have a little bit of impact on the Zephyrhills area,” Williams said. However, he added, it likely will have a far greater impact on the Wesley Chapel and San Antonio areas.

Two Rivers is already under development and those students will begin coming to Chester Taylor immediately, the school district planning director said.

Moody noted that given the current situation, the proposed land use change would exacerbate an existing problem.

Williams agreed, but said the district is working on solutions.

“Long term, I’m fine with this (proposed land use change), but, in the short term, we’re working on those plans (to increase capacity),” Williams said.

Published January 10, 2024

Improving public notice a front-burner issue, Pasco planning staff says

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It’s no secret that Pasco County residents want a better system to inform them of requested land use and zoning changes.

The issue comes up repeatedly, and did so again at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Mary McKnight, who lives on Saint Joe Road, told the planning board that she deliberately went looking for public notice signs involving the Nov. 2 Cherry Hill West rezoning request, on a site off the VFW dirt road and couldn’t find any.

The attorney for the rezoning request said the site was posted, but said she will make an extra effort to ensure the notice is visible before the county board decides the case.

Planning board member Jon Moody voiced frustration over the county’s seeming inability to resolve the problem.

“I don’t understand what the holdup is, in getting the signs,” Moody said.

The planning board member, like county board members, said the signs should be larger.

“If I’m driving 50 miles an hour, there’s no way I can see a 1-inch letter written on a 24-by-36 sign. It’s unfair to the population,” Moody said.

He continued: “There was some direction to get larger signs, and I don’t understand what’s the holdup to get the larger signs. I know if I need a sign, I can call the sign shop and I’ll have it in a week. So, I don’t understand what the problem is.”

Moody said the public is constantly complaining about not seeing the signs, which are intended to provide public notice to allow interested parties to be involved in the process.

“I follow the Facebook group (regarding Pasco’s growth). There’s constant banter on the Facebook group about signs. That’s something that we really need to work faster to correct.”

“It just seems that it’s an easy problem to fix. We shouldn’t have to have constant complaints that ‘I didn’t see the sign, I couldn’t see the sign,’” Moody said.

Planning board member Derek Pontlitz agreed.

“We definitely need to improve our noticing abilities because this is not the first time that we’ve had someone come up and say, they didn’t hear about it, they didn’t see it, see the sign or whatever,” Pontlitz said.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, assured the planning board that addressing the issue is a priority.

“This is on our front burner. We are in the process of revamping the entire notification process, everything from the website, to the signs, all of it. There are some complicated aspects to it because we are transitioning a few of the pieces and how they are done.

“For example, the county currently buys the signs in bulk and everybody has to come and pick up signs and do different things. We are kind of changing that whole thing as well.

“So, there’s a lot to the process, but it is front-burner,” Tippin said.

Moody asked: “Any idea of time frame?”

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, told Moody: “The time frame that we are shooting for right now is February/March, for both revamping the notification process and the signage.”

Moody wanted to know if the county will continue buying the signs in bulk, or whether applicants will buy their own signs.

Pittos responded: “That’s going to be worked out in the next couple of weeks.

“We are targeting February or March, making that public, but that’s how front-burner it is for us. Hopefully we can hit that target. There’s a lot of priorities on the desk, at the moment,” Pittos said.

Tippin told the planning board that the county is planning for a change in the size and design of the signs.

“So, we’re not going to have that small, illegible print any longer,” Tippin said.

Moody responded: “I think that’s probably the biggest problem. You know, you get a plastic sign and you get rain, and, of course, the ink runs off and the sign is blank after a few weeks, especially in the summertime.”

Tippin noted that another issue involves the placement of the sign.

“Where do you put them if you’re in the middle of a stretch of roadway where traffic is going 50 mph and there’s not a stop sign? Where do you put it, how do you put it to catch people from both sides?” Tippin said.

Pasco county board members have asked for a quick resolution of these issues.

Pittos told them during a recent meeting that county staff has been working on the issue at the same time they are planning to make a shift on publishing notifications of requested changes.

In the past, the notifications have been required in a newspaper of general circulation. But a change in state law, adopted more than a year ago, allows the county to publish those notices on its own website, which it is preparing to do.

Published January 10, 2024