The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pasco scores wins and losses, in this year’s state budget process

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When it comes to state funding for projects, Pasco had some wins and losses, during the last session of the Florida Legislature.

Ralph Lair, Pasco County’s intergovernmental officer and members of Sunrise Consulting Group, the county’s Tallahassee lobbying team, briefed the Pasco County Commission on some of the highlights during the board’s June 7 meeting.

One of Pasco County’s budget priorities that made it into the budget, but was axed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen, called for $14 million for the second phase of the Ridge Road Extension.

The governor also slashed a request by Moffitt Cancer Center for a $20 a million a year, which would have been recurring for 30 years, Lair said.

That would have paid out $600 million over time, which Moffitt was going to use to build its hospital, Lair said.

On the plus side, DeSantis retained $106 million in funding intended for infrastructure related to the Moffitt project, Lair noted.

Shawn Foster, of the Sunrise team, added:  “I know some of you had some major concerns.”

But he reminded board members that Moffitt got $23 million a year last year, though an increase in the sales tax for cigarettes.

Lair said DeSantis also vetoed $35 million intended for a a sports complex and about $5 million for an intersection project near the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village.

He also noted the veto of a $7.1 million request by Pasco Schools for a partnership school with Moffitt Cancer.

“The Sheriff’s Office had two projects. One of their items was vetoed for their office community outreach and engagement initiative for $150,000; but they did receive $3.2 million for a center for recovery for endangered and missing persons,” Lair added.

Pasco County did receive $2 million for Green Key drainage improvements and $5.9 million for right-of-way improvements relating to Lacoochee industrial development.

The Pasco County Fair Association got $2.5 million to do a barn replacement and the Pasco County Housing Authority received $700,000 for a 77-unit affordable housing for veterans, Lair added.

On the municipal front, Dade City received $9 million for the extension of Morningside Drive and a $4.2 million appropriation for a five-point intersection roundabout, which will be over on Meridian/St. Joe Road/State Road 52.

Commissioner Ron Oakley noted that the roundabout project was scheduled for two years from now, but the funding was brought forward so it can happen now.

A big-ticket item for Dade City, however, fell victim to DeSantis’ veto pen: A $39.7 million project to do a replacement of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and a relocation was struck from the budget.

The City of San Antonio received state funding for two projects: $600,000 for a stormwater management project and $900,000 for a sewer extension project.

The city’s request for $500,000 to harden its historic fire station was vetoed.

“The City of Zephyrhills was  our big winner in our community,” Lair said. The projects involved a sewer and water main extension; airport improvements; and, a street extension into the planned National Guard Armory.

Lair also noted that Saint Leo University received $15 million for a multipurpose arena complex, but also had two items vetoed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Veto Items
Before signing the state’s budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 443 items, totaling $3.1 billion. Here’s a look at some of the local items rejected by the governor:

  • Ridge Road Extension Phase 2B: $14 million
  • Sports Training and Youth Tournament Complex: $35 million
  • Moffitt Pasco County Life Sciences Park: $20 million per year for 30 years
  • Pasco-Hernando State College, remodel buildings A through E and Chiller Plant, west: $22.5 million
  • University of South Florida, Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences, Research & Teaching Facility, $75 million
  • Saint Leo University Organic Farm (The Farm) Initiative. $311,000
  • Two Saint Leo University programs relating to its Robotics Engineering Degree and Microcredentials Program: $1.2 million
  • Bills relating to Academy at the Farm: $11.8 million
  • Bills relating to Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership School: $7.1 million
  • Tampa Bay Thrives: Behavioral Health Navigation and Support Line: $300,000
  • Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Engagement Initiative: $150,000
  • Bills relating to Pioneer Florida Museum: $5.3 million
  • Bills relating to Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority: $1.4 million
  • San Antonio City Hall & Fire Station Hardening: $60,000
  • Pasco County Cultural Arts: $2 million

Source: 2022 veto list of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Published June 15, 2022

A memorial gathering is planned for Pasco female trailblazer

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Sylvia Young — the first woman elected to the Pasco County Commission — has passed away.

She will be remembered at a “Gathering of Friends” on June 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Sylvia Young was the first woman elected to the Pasco County Commission. She was initially elected in 1980 and was reelected until she retired, in 2000. (File)

Young served on the county board from Nov. 18, 1980 and re-elected to subsequent terms until she retired on Nov. 21, 2000.

Much changed during her tenure on the board, but one of her most obvious achievements involved championing the $2.3 million restoration of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

The distinctive building sits in the middle of a town square, at Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, in the heart of downtown Dade City.

In addition to advocating the structure’s renovation — which included stripping away additions that had been constructed through the years, Young also played a significant role in choosing the furnishings for the restored building.

The project was a success and led to the courthouse being listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 20, 2006.

A marker on the building, dedicated to Young, credits her for vision and commitment. In part, it reads: ”With great appreciation for your dreams, efforts, and dedication to the major role you played to keep history alive with the preservation of this historic courthouse.”

When Young stepped away from her elected post, she described the courthouse project as her “crowning glory.”

The building continues to play an integral role in the county, with the board rotating its meetings between its meeting room there and one in a more modern government center building in New Port Richey.

The county board has its sessions on both sides of the county to make it easier for people to participate in public meetings.

This marker credits Sylvia Young’s tenacity in championing the restoration of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

News of  Young’s death was shared on the Pasco County Government facebook page and circulated by its communications team.

On its page, the county offered these words, at the commissioner’s passing: “We are grateful for Commissioner Young’s leadership and will forever remember her lasting impact and dedicated service to Pasco County.”

An obituary, published by Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center, offers a glimpse into the late commissioner’s personal and professional qualities.

Miller, a lifelong resident of Darby, was 83 at the time of her death on June 7, according to the funeral home’s obituary.

She was the daughter of J.D. Miller and Hattie Bellamy Miller, a farming family who instilled in her a hard work ethic, dedication and love of family, and pride in her heritage, the obituary said.

She was known “as an impeccably dressed and beautiful woman with a feisty, outgoing, quick witted and determined personality, as noted by a close family friend and relative, Howard Bellamy,” in the obituary.

Besides serving on the county board, she also served on the Pasco County Fair Board for 40 years, the obituary added. She also was  an active member of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village for years.

Her survivors include her son, H.C. Young (Trish); a daughter, Mary (Mud) Lane; three grandchildren, Clint Young, Whitney Willis and Dakota Young; and, several great-grandchildren.

Published June 15, 2022

Voters set to vote in primary election on proposed tax for school pay

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Voters are scheduled to decide the fate of a referendum for school pay raises on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

The Pasco County Commission approved the Pasco County School Board’s request to place the ballot question on the primary ballot, as part of the county board’s consent agenda. Items on that agenda are approved in a single motion, without discussion.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, before the board’s vote, speakers urged the board to place the ballot issue on the general election ballot in November.

Erin Pike, representing Pasco Watch, urged the board to abide by a new state law, which takes effect on Oct. 1 and requires such referendum questions to be placed on the general election ballot.

“This will give you a true voice of the community,” Pike said.

“It’s well-known that a third of the voters show up for primaries, compared to general elections. There’s plenty of data to show that.

“All voices should be heard, as much as possible, to make sure the will of the people is heard and that’s your responsibility to do so. Vote no, on knowingly and willingly allowing the majority to not be heard.

“If you vote yes for this, you’ll be telling your constituents that you care more about what the school board wants, than making you sure you hear from the overall, collective voices, of Pasco County,” Pike said.

Another speaker, Jim Stanley, of Odessa, raised similar concerns.

“This legislation (H.B. 777) passed by nearly unanimous votes, in both houses of the Legislature and signed by Gov. DeSantis. Think about that. Nearly unanimous vote in the legislature is rare. You can hardly get both parties to agree today is Tuesday.

“But they came together and recognized the importance of having all voters weigh in on proposals to increase property taxes.

“The Legislature passed this bill because they know that general elections have three to five times the turnouts of primary votes and a tax which affects everyone, should be voted on by everyone,” Stanley said.

Other speakers raised similar concerns.

One speaker, from Dade City, asked: “Is there an ulterior motive behind it? Is there an attempt to manipulate the system? I pray not.

“My question became, why would we want to present any referendum, much less a tax referendum, on a ballot, when only a small fraction of the electorate will vote?” the speaker continued.

Another speaker, from New Port Richey, told the board: “It doesn’t seem right to me, that we put this on a primary ballot, where there are very few voters engaged, in voting in the election.

“It’s just not fair. It should go before the entire electorate,” she said.

Later on in the meeting, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted that the board had left the issue on its consent agenda, but really didn’t have the option to change the date.

The board’s action to place the school board’s requested ballot initiative was “ministerial” in nature, Steinsnyder said.

“It’s not discretionary. You didn’t have a choice. It had to go on the ballot,” he said.

He also noted that the change in state law takes effect on Oct. 1.

“It is not in effect now, so you can’t rely on legislation that was passed this session. You had no choice but to honor the school board’s wishes and put it on the primary election,” Steinsnyder said.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil,  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

Published June 15, 2022

Pasco Schools superintendent won’t seek another term

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has announced he will not seek reelection, when his current term ends in 2024.

Browning was elected as superintendent by defeating incumbent Heather Fiorentino in the primary election of 2012 and by defeating write-in candidate Kathy Lambert in the general election.

Before running for superintendent of Pasco Schools, Browning served as Florida’s Secretary of State under governors Rick Scott and Charlie Crist.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning will not seek reelection, when his current term expires in 2024. (File)

Before that, he was Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections for 26 years.

The schools superintendent announced his decision to not seek a fourth term in a June 2 YouTube video.

Browning said a variety of factors played a role in his decision, including many personal reasons.

“My wife, Kathy, is contemplating retirement and we have grandchildren who live out of state. “We want to be free to visit them more a lot more than we do.

“Some of the reasons are professional. I believe we are nearing the point where we will accomplish many of the goals I set out when I was first elected.

“Another reason? Well, it’s kind of a cliché, but you just know when it’s time.

“I am now in the  middle of my third term as superintendent. When I complete my term at the end of 2024, I will have served for 12 years.

“The tenure of superintendents these days is around five to six years. I can understand why so many of my colleagues move on, after five years or so.

“This job has been challenging and it has been gratifying. I have benefited from a supportive community and a great staff. And, without both, I never would have made it this far,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of so many things we’ve accomplished. We’ve expanded school choice, with innovative programs.

“We have done an amazing job managing growth.

“We weathered the pandemic better than most.

“And, all along, we kept the finances in order.

“But this is not a time to look backwards.

“I am determined to spend the rest of my term looking forward.

“We have so much more to get done, and I hope my announcement today will instill an even greater sense of urgency.

“I definitely feel that sense of urgency.

“We have work to do and I intend to finish strong,” he said.

When Browning came into office, he said he wanted to create a school system with more choices for parents and students.

During his tenure, the district has expanded educational options for students, by adding more magnet schools and more magnet programs. It also has increased participation rates in rigorous courses.

Under Browning, in concert with the elected school board, the district also has expanded opportunities for students wishing to pursue technical career options.

Some highlights during Browning’s administration include the opening of Starkey Ranch K-8 in Odessa. This was the first district school specifically designed to serve kindergartner through eighth-graders.

Through a collaborative partnership involving the school board, Pasco County and the developer of the Starkey Ranch community, the school was deigned to include a library, open to the public, as well as to students; a theater, which can be used for school and community performances; and, a district park, which provides facilities for both public and student use.

The district also partnered with Pasco-Hernando State College on a project to locate the state college’s  Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) on a campus shared by Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle School, also in Wesley Chapel.

Students in the school system can take advantage of IPAC’s programs and facilities. There’s a direct tie-in to the programming offered by the school district, too. Cypress Creek Middle has a black box theater.

In the coming school year, the school district intends to open Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, also in the Wesley Chapel area. That school will feature a broad range of technical training programs, along with academic offerings.

The district also has begun construction on a 6-12 STEAM magnet (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) school.

The school is being built on a site in the heart of Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

When fully developed the cancer research hub is expected to attract life science companies and researchers from around the world to pursue breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer.

While the district has made strides, it also has faced increasing criticism from speakers during its public school board meetings. Issues sparking controversy have included mask mandates on school campuses, money spent on professional training, textbook selection and the timing of a referendum intended to generate funding for raises for non-administrative district personnel.

On another front, soon after Browning announced his departure in 2024, former State Sen. John Legg pre-filed with the Pasco Supervisor of Elections, declaring his intention to seek the post.

Legg has served in the state’s Senate and in its House of Representatives, and is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Day Spring Academy.

The charter school, which serves pre-school through 12th grade, has five campuses.

Published June 15, 2022

Hats off, grads!

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The Laker/Lutz News salutes grads of all ages!

There were lots of big moments being celebrated around our coverage area in recent weeks, and there will be more before Graduation Season 2022 concludes.

Whether your favorite graduate was making the transition from prekindergarten, finishing up a doctoral degree, or progressing at any stage in between — it was a time to pause and celebrate.

We invited you to share photos of your favorite graduates, and you responded.

Here’s a look at the gallery of photos we compiled.

Alexandra Paige Hendrix is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. Her mother, Lara Hendrix Brennan writes: ‘She loves God, family, friends, playing golf and animals. Alexandra will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.’ (Courtesy of Lara Hendrix Brennan)
Cannon Frisco is a member of the Sunlake High School Class of 2022. Tammy Frisco writes: ‘Cannon will graduate with cum laude honors. He also won the Senior Superlative for Best Smile.’ Cannon plans to pursue the path to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Daniel Urbonas is the IB Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. He is a National Merit Scholar and will attend the University of Florida, studying in the College of Engineering, Honors Program. (Courtesy of Pam and Allan Urbonas)
Ellie Guglietta graduated from voluntary pre-kindergarten at Kids’ Stuff Preschool, in Lutz. Jessie Guglietta writes: ‘When asked, Ellie wants to be a dog sitter, and singer and songwriter when she grows up. But for now she enjoys school, swimming and Disney!’ (Courtesy of Jessie Guglietta)
Nathan Christ is a graduate of Discovery Point Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes. Victoria Christ writes: ‘He is very excited to graduate VPK (vol- untary pre-kindergarten).’ (Courtesy of Victoria Christ)
Trinity Swets is a member of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. Katy Swets writes: ‘In this photo, she is at her annual dance banquet, for Contempo School of Dance. She currently is a dance student at Contempo, as well as a teacher.’ Trinity plans to continue to teach dance at Contempo and to attend Pasco-Hernando State College, in the fall. (Courtesy of Katy Swets)
Andrea Burgess is a graduate from Steinbrenner High School. She is the great-niece of Mary Jane Weeks, an account manager for The Laker/Lutz news. Mary Jane writes: ‘She graduated with a 6.04 GPA and will attend the University of South Florida this fall, working toward a double major in computer science and music. I am so proud of her.’ (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Ethan Carnahan, of Lutz, graduated with honors from Hillsborough Virtual K-12. He will be attend- ing Florida Polytechnic University in the fall. (Shana Carnahan)
Katilyn Tawzer poses on her big day. Terry and Carroll Carpenter, longtime residents of Lutz, submitted this photo of their grand-daughter, Kaitlyn Tawzer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her grandparents were there to see their first grandchild to graduate from college. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Blake High School. Her family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Terry and Carroll Carpenter)
Lutz resident Mariah Tirado is a member of the Gaither High School Class of 2022. Her mom, Carolann Newsome, writes: ‘We are so proud of Mariah, she is truly one of a kind. She loves cowboy boots and rac- ing. Mariah races go-karts at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. She plans to become a Realtor.’ (Courtesy of Carolann Newsome)
Tracy Gaschler, who describes her- self as a super-proud momma, writes: ‘Rebecca Gaschler, of Lutz, graduat- ed with honors from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with degrees in political sci- ence, pre-law and psychology. The National Merit scholar is the 2022 Austyn White Memorial Award recipi- ent for her contributions to the UCF Moot Court team, She placed in nationals this year.’ (Courtesy of Tracy Gaschler)
Daniella Gutiérrez graduated from Wesley Chapel Elementary School and will attend Thomas Weightman Middle School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Good luck in middle school and remember, a positive mindset brings positive things.’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Kelsey Strigler, a graduate from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is heading to Florida State University. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Kylie Strigler, left, and Delaney Strigler are both graduates of eighth grade at John Long Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. They’ll be attend- ing Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Sebastian Gutierrez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Wesley Chapel High School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Sending warm congratu- lations today and wishing you all the best at Wittenberg University. We are so proud of you!’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Nicole Sanchez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Saint Leo University, in St. Leo. She’s the digital content assistant for The Laker/Lutz News. The Laker/Lutz News staff says to Nicole: ‘We’re proud to salute our very own graduate! Congratulations, Nicole. We’re happy you’re part of our team.’ (Courtesy of Nicole Sanchez)
Rielly Perez, who played varsity baseball, and Brooke Lea, who played varsity softball, are both graduates of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2022. Hiedi Perez writes that Rielly and Brooke have been friends since elemen- tary school and both are big believers in giving back to the community. Rielly will attend Nova Southeastern University. Brook will
attend the University of Central Florida. (Courtesy of Heidi Perez)
Everett Walker graduated from kinder- garten in Alpine, Wyoming. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother, Evan. He attends Thayne Elementary School. He is the great-nephew of Mary Jane Weeks, account manager for The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Kaylee Grace Billek is a volunteer prekindergarten graduate from The Cherry Tree. Shannon Billek writes, ‘I can’t believe your VPK year is over! Kaylee girl, you are the answer to my dreams. I am so proud of you and beyond excited you are now a Wildcat! Kindergarten here she comes!!!’ (Courtesy of Shannon Billek)
Luna Mistretta, 5, graduated from VPK at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School in Temple Terrace on May 26. She said she wants to be “a copy editor like Mama” when she grows up. She is the daughter of Ashley and Matthew Mistretta, art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

Development plans keep pouring in, in Pasco

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval on a number of requests for zoning changes that will enable sizable projects.

Some of the projects call for adding industrial land, but others feature a mixture of residential and commercial growth.

One request, titled I-75 Logistics Center, MPUD (master-planned unit development) was formerly known as the Pasco Commerce Center MPUD.

The planning commission has recommended approval for a request for a substantial modification of this project to 56.17 additional acres of land to the site, and to increase the maximum entitlements for development to 1.9 million square feet of industrial on approximately 224.57 acres.

The item was recommended for approval, with conditions, by county planners and had been part of the planning board’s consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are approved in a single motion, unless someone pulls the item for discussion.

In this case, planning board member Chris Poole pulled the item.

“I’m super excited about this project,” Poole said. However, he voiced concerns about the distance for the stacking of trucks that are headed northbound on Interstate 75 and are trying to come off to go to the commerce center.

Poole asked how the trucks will make the movement across three lanes of traffic to get to the site.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, noted that the Flying J. Travel Center is already located in this area.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, asked his transportation expert, Steve Henry, of Lincks & Associates, to address Poole’s question.

Henry told Poole: “We have met with DOT (Department of Transportation) on numerous occasions on this, on working out the geometry of how that is all going to work.

“We’re also working with Flying J because they do have a median opening in the left-hand turning lane.

“We believe that with all of the improvements we’re doing out there, that it will function actually better than it is today.”

Poole asked directly: “So will trucks coming off northbound (I) 75 onto (State Road) 52, will they still be able to get across there, into that lane, coming across three lanes of traffic?”

Henry responded: “Sure.They may have to stop, so on red, they’ll be able to turn or once they have a green light, they’ll be able to get across there without any conflict in traffic.”

Poole added: “I’m concerned about any backing onto 75, so I wanted to raise the issue.”

Henry added: “We’re making sure that geometry works.”

In another application, relating to a proposed development in Land O’ Lakes, concerns were raised by an area resident about maintaining access to an existing property.

The request, under the name of Zona Law MPUD, is for up to 130 single-family units and associated infrastructure on 75.65 acres.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, said this is the third MPUD from an original tract of land.

“The net residential density is under 3 (units per acre),” Hobby said.

He said he was aware that some neighbors are concerned about getting out onto U.S. 41.

He also noted that “for many years, DOT was against having a signal at Lake Patience and (U.S.) 41, but we understand that that has changed, and as part of this MPUD, my client is paying a proportion- ate, or fair share, towards the signalization, even though it’s probably a quarter or a half-mile away from the site.”

Hobby added:“I think the project fits in very well with the neighborhood.”

Betsy Law Lamoy, who lives in the area, told the planning board: “Several of my family members and I live on property directly south of this parcel being reviewed. I can’t say that I’m really for it being developed, but I understand, these things happen.

“My concern — our concern — is about a driveway, a road that provides access to our family property, that has been in our family for greater than 75 years,” she said.

The small driveway comes off a road that may be part of a future vision road, she said.

“It provides access to our property,” she said, adding the family wants to be sure it remains that way.

Hobby told the planning board:“We’re not going to land lock them. We can assure that there is no loss of access.”

The planning board recommended approval.

In other action, the planning board also recommended approval of these requests:

• A rezoning of a 740-acre site on the northeast quadrant of State Road 52 and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard for a request in the name of Hillcrest MPUD.The request is to allow a maximum of 1,800 detached single-family residences, 600 townhomes; 450,000 square feet of retail and, 200,000 square feet of light industrial/office on 740.2 acres. No one spoke against the request.

• A county-initiated rezoning for One Lacoochee Center WREC Property/EDC project. The request is from a residential designation to light industrial.

These requests now go to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning requests.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Pasco County clerk continues her push for a bigger budget

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Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is seeking a budget increase of 6.1% over her budget request of last year.

But that percentage increase relates to her re- quest from last year, not the actual amount she received.

Her request in this year’s budget is about $14 million. That’s roughly double of her current budget.

While the new request is being reviewed, the clerk and county remain locked in a legal dispute over how much funding the county is required to provide for the clerk’s operations.

Alvarez-Sowles outlined her current request during a recent budget workshop with the Pasco County Commission and county administration.

She said her request is essentially made up of three parts: the continuation of her current services; the balance of funding she did not receive last year for the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) funding; and funding for court-related local requirement — which refers to the Annex Courthouse in New Port Richey.

The clerk said the continuation of services requested in the budget refers to the services provided, along with increases for employee compensation, increased for the Florida Retirement System costs and increases in health insurance costs.

She said her budget includes a 5.3% average pay increase for employee compensation, but she told the board if the county’s average increase exceeds that, she would expect that her budget would be increased to reflect that. She said that County Administrator Dan Biles has agreed to that request.

The second part of her budget request refers to expenses related to the CJIS, which the clerk contends the county is required to pay, under state law.

Last year, the county agreed to pay $117,000 of those costs — far short of the costs for administering CJIS.

“My office has been paying the county’s responsibility since January of 2017.The county agrees that it is responsible for the IT (information technology) expenses and has agreed to fund this expense in the next fiscal year. My office can no longer fund the county’s responsibility.”

Her $14 million request also includes approximately $7.3 million for the operation of the annex courthouse in New Port Richey.

The clerk contends the cost for the annex courthouse also is the county’s responsibility, under state law.

But County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder the court case involves both the courthouse annex and the CJIS costs.

Steinsnyder said that before last year, the courthouse annex had never been classified as a local requirement.

“The big scary number is the $7 million number,” Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said. “How can that be justified to go from $6 million, you go to $14 million?”

Steinsnyder said he doesn’t believe the court- house expense is a local requirement.

“The clerk disagrees with me.And that’s going to be the big ticket in the declaratory judgment action, between the county commission and the clerk,” he said.

The court also will decide whether the clerk is entitled the CJIS expenses, Steinsnyder said.

“We are litigating both of those items and it may be that the clerk isn’t entitled to the CJIS funding, either,” Steinsnyder said.

Alvarez-Sowles responded: “I doubt that.”

Alvarez-Sowles told the board: “I don’t have revenues to cover the expenses.”

Because she doesn’t have sufficient revenue, she said her office’s expenses are supported through a trust fund.

“Other clerks’ offices are funding the deficits in my office for court-related operations. I don’t put money into that trust fund. I receive money from that trust fund and it is only the clerk’s money that goes into that trust fund,” she said.

Beyond what she has requested in the $14 million budget, Alvarez-Sowles reiterated her request the county provide for her employees whatever the average increase it gives to county employees.

Plus, the clerk said, her current budget doesn’t include the impact her office will experience as a result of the county’s decision to shift jail operations from the sheriff’s office to the county’s control.

A specific request regarding those impacts needs to be delayed until more information is available, she said.

She also mentioned the current request does not include back pay for the CJIS component or the courthouse annex — from last year’s request.

County Administrator Dan Biles said he will not be making recommendations on this year’s budget requests until he has more information from the property appraiser’s office.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Pasco School Board identifies how it would spend ‘Penny’ proceeds

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Woodland Elementary School’s cafeteria is now more spacious, allow- ing more children to eat at the same time. It also has a new stage, enabling the school to hold larger events. Those improvements were done using proceeds from the Penny for Pasco surtax. (FILE)

The Pasco County School Board has identified how it would spend its share of proceeds from a proposed extension of the Penny for Pasco surtax.

Voters will decide in November if they favor extending the tax. The special 1-cent sales tax initially was adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014. Voters extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Now, voters are being asked for another renewal — this time for 15 years, from Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2039.

The school district, Pasco County and the county’s municipalities share the proceeds, with the school district and county each receiving 45% and the municipalities splitting 10%.

The school board adopted a resolution listing specific projects, as well as spending categories, for the estimated $1 billion that it would receive in additional revenues.

The proposed list includes numerous new schools.

Those new schools on the list include a new elementary in the Bexley development and a K-8 in the Ballantrae area. Both of those developments are off State Road 54, in Central Pasco.

The district is proposing a K-8 in the emerging Central Pasco Employment Village, off State Road 52, west of Interstate 75. Another K-8 is expected in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

The district also would use Penny for Pasco funds to add computers in schools, upgrade the district’s computer network, fortify the safety on its campuses, upgrade athletic facilities and improve safety at driver pickup locations at schools, among other things.

The county proposes to spend its portion of the tax revenues this way: 40% for transportation, 20% for economic development, 20% for public safety; and, 20% for environmental lands, as well as park infrastructure.

The chart below is a look at the Pasco School Board’s proposed list of projects, based on a resolution the board approved on May 17.

Proposed Penny for Pasco projects*

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

  • Gulf Middle School new construction: $67.3 million
  • New Elementary School, Bexley area: $43.1 million
  • New K-8 School, Central Pasco Employment Village: $97.3 million
  • New K-8 School, southwest Land O’ Lakes: $71 million
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary new school: $38.4 million

School Complex,Villages of Pasadena Hills: $97.3 million

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Calusa Elementary: $8.6 million
Chester W. Taylor Elementary: $20.8 million
Cypress Elementary: $25.3 million
Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School: $20.4 million

Fox Hollow Elementary School: $26 million

J.W. Mitchell High: $35.8 million
Pasco High: $28.6 million
San Antonio Elementary: $33.1 million
Wesley Chapel High School: $35.8 million
River Ridge High: $40.5 million
River Ridge Middle: $43.3 million
Pine View Middle: $38.2 million

ATHLETIC FACILITY RENOVATIONS

• Hudson High: $4.8 million

• J.W. Mitchell High: $1.8 million
• Land O’ Lakes High: $9.4 million
• Pasco High: $10.5 million
• River Ridge High: $9.2 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $1.7 million • Wiregrass Ranch High: $1.8 million • Zephyrhills High: $5.2 million

CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS

• River Ridge High: $5.3 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $2.7 million

DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS

• Furniture replacement: $40.2 million
• Replacement of physical education equipment: $4.4 million
• Early Childhood Literacy Center: $2 million
• Energy Marine Center: $17.8 million
• Increase in student computers/devices: $45 million • Network infrastructure: $29 million
• School Safety & Security Equipment: $33 million
• School Safety & Security Hardening: $16.5 million • School Traffic Improvements: $11 million
• Transportation Depot – Alternative Energy: $14 million

* Figures are rounded
Source: Pasco County Schools

Published on June 8, 2022.

Planning board delays request, so neighbors can iron out issues

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has delayed a request in the Central Pasco Employment Village, to give neighbors a chance to discuss proposed conditions of approval.

The main sticking points involve the alignment of a proposed road and entitlements regarding commercial uses.

The requested zoning would allow development up to 2 million square feet of corporate business park and light industrial uses, as well as 300,000 square feet of support commercial/office on 321.13 acres.The site is on the south side of State Road 52, about a half mile west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.

The application, known as Eagle II, was filed by 3KS Family LLLP.

George Southworth, of 3KS Family LLLP, and Cynthia Spidell, a professional land planner, spoke on behalf of the application during the planning board’s May 19 meeting.

“We have a light industrial project. It’s an employment center. We have people that are looking for large, light industrial tracts, and we want to help the county fulfill that vision and bring some jobs to Pasco County,” said Spidell, who works for Stearns Weaver Miller, a law firm in Tampa.

She said her client is willing to reduce the commercial entitlement by 200,000 square feet, if the county is willing to exchange that for additional industrial development.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said the county board has made it clear that it wants to lift restrictions on industrial development in the Central Pasco Employment Village (CPEV).

The CPEV is an area designated by the Pasco County Commission years ago to create a coordinated vision among a group of landowners.

As adopted, the plan envisions a mixed-use employment village on more than 2,400 acres, located along the south side of State Road 52, roughly between the Collier Parkway Extension and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.The employment village is expected to contain commercial, residential and industrial uses.

A system had been developed to allow landowners to swap entitlements among them- selves, under the county’s supervision. But during the Pasco County Commission’s May 2 meeting, it became clear that at least some board members don’t think that landowners within the CPEV should have to jump through hoops, if they want their sites to be used for industrial development.

Disagreements already have arisen between CPEV landowners over entitlements, and a dispute of a similar nature arose at the May 19 planning board meeting.

Daniel Bergin, representing D&D Ranch of Pasco LLC, an adjacent landowner, asked the planning board to delay the request.

“Eagle II is seeking 300,000 square feet of commercial space,” Bergin said, which he said is inequitable, based on the overall total of commercial allotted within the CPEV.

Bergin asked Andy Joe Scaglione, the adjacent landowner, if he wanted to make some remarks.

“Most of this information was not submitted with the application. That’s why it’s such a mess,” Scaglione said. “I’d like to ask for a continuance because all of this information was not in the application.”

One issue in dispute involves the alignment of a proposed road that would be built on the Eagle II property.

Scaglione and Bergin said they were not aware of the proposed shift.

Goldstein, representing the county’s legal staff, told Scaglione it appears the new alignment would actually benefit Scaglione.

“The eastern side of your property seems somewhat landlocked,” Goldstein said. “What the applicant is saying, is by that moving it, they’re going to build you a road going out to the east.”

If the proposed road is left where it currently is, on the southern boundary, there’s a good chance it would never get built, Goldstein said.

That’s because the county typically doesn’t require landowners to build roads that aren’t needed by their developments, and in this case, the property already has access to State Road 52, Goldstein said.

Still, Scaglione asked for a continuance, say- ing the information came in at the last minute.

Spidell disputed that claim, pointing to a summary of a Nov.8 landowner meeting.

She presented a map to the planning board from that meeting, noting: “This is the map we showed.”

Goldstein asked the applicant if there’s a way to change the alignment of the road on its property, to avoid making a portion of Scaglione’s property unusable.

Southworth said they can provide connectivity, and “they can swing the road and hug their line.”

Goldstein observed: “I think there’s a way that you two could work out a connection point.”

But Southworth wasn’t so sure: “We aren’t going to work out a connection point with Andy Scaglione. It won’t ever happen.”

Planning board Chairman Charles Grey responded:“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Ultimately, planning board members voted 3- 2 to delay the request until their June 16 meeting. Planning board members Jaime Girardi and Roberto Saez dissented.

That allows the parties time to have a meeting, to see if they can resolve their issues.

After the planning board makes its recommendation, the request moves on to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on zoning and land use issues.

Pasco Schools’ employees to receive a 4% supplement

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Pasco County Schools’ teachers and non-instructional staff have ratified a contract resulting in one-time supplements.

Under the agreement, teachers will receive a one-time lump sum supplement equal to 4% of their salary, and the base teacher salary will be raised to $45,200 in accordance with state statute, according to information posted on the union’s website.

The non-instructional personnel also will receive a 4% lump sum payment. But the agreement also sets minimum amounts of the supplements for non-instructional staff. For those working six hours or more per day, the minimum supplement would be $700; for those working fewer than six hours per day, the minimum would be $350.

Additionally, the agreements include increases to the district’s contributions toward employee health insurance and Florida Retirement System benefits for the 2021-2022 school year, and nominal salary adjustments to teacher salaries based on a small increase to the state’s Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA) categorical, according to the district’s news release.

The United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) and the school district also have agreed to return to the bargaining table immediately, to begin negotiating additional salary improvements for 2022-2023.

On the Instructional contract, out of the 2,686 votes cast, 92% favored the contract. On the non-instructional side, 91% of the 1,998 votes cast favored the contract, according to the USEP website.

Pasco County School Board members approved the agreement in their May 17 meeting, taking action then to avoid a delay in issuing the supplements to employees.

Employees are expected to receive the supplements on June 17, according to a school district news release.

“This is very good news for thousands of employees who have been waiting to receive these supplements,” Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, said in the release. “This is extremely well-deserved.”

In addition to the supplements that were approved this year, the Pasco County School Board is pursuing a ballot initiative asking voters to improve a property tax increase to support pay raises.

The school board voted on May 3 to place the initiative on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

The referendum question asks voters to approve up to a maximum of 1 mil in funding to be designated for improving pay for teachers, bus drivers and other district personnel, except for administrators.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

There also is a requirement for “annual reporting to Pasco County taxpayers for transparency of the use of these funds.”

The board’s vote to pursue up to a full mil, followed persistent requests by Don Peace, president of USEP. The union leader has repeatedly cited the loss of personnel to other districts that pay better.

Peace said the district also needs another source of money to fill vacancies, to reduce the burden on existing staff, and to attract quality personnel to the district.

The union leader also has pledged USEP’s full support in efforts to secure passage of the referendum and, during a recent school board meeting, assured taxpayers that if the referendum is successful, the union will be paying close attention to how the proceeds are spent.

Published June 01, 2022