The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pasco County eyeing vacation rental rules

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Pasco County is looking to tweak its vacation rental rules, to make them more applicable to today’s times.

The issue came up during the public comment portion of the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 meeting.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the county’s vacation rental ordinance is not working.

Nancy Thrower, who lives in Hudson, asked the board to amend the county’s ordinance that governs vacation rentals.

“I’m here today to request that you begin the process to amend the current Pasco County ordinance governing vacation rentals.

“As you know, the current Pasco County vacation rental ordinance, enacted way back in 1999, restricts vacation rentals to 30 days or more, unless community owners file a petition with 51% owner support to change the minimum to six days instead,” Thrower said.

“It would be to our whole county’s benefit to update this ordinance, as soon as possible, because right now, Pasco County is losing out on much-needed revenue.

“It is out of reach financially for most families to take 30 days off, in a row, for summer vacation.

“Pasco County businesses are also missing out on tourist revenue.

“We all know that COVID-19 really stressed our economy.

“The extra revenue generated from updating this ordinance would go a long way to helping local businesses continue getting back on their feet, and then prosper going forward.

“Our county businesses will definitely see an increase in customers, with this change, as it will help extend our tourist season.

“Third, investors are losing money.

“Many condo owners purchase their properties to enjoy themselves and use them as vacation rentals to help pay for them until they retire,” she told commissioners.

She said that changing the ordinance would be a step toward supporting local businesses.

“Passing an ordinance of no less than six days is sufficient to keep condo complexes and other associations from competing with hotels, while unburdening private businesses, so all can prosper.

“My ask is that you change the current 30-day Pasco County Vacation Rental Ordinance to a six-day minimum.

“Please empower homeowner associations and property owners with the right to propose a longer minimum stay for their own properties, if they so choose. Please amend this ordinance to make it less restrictive on our personal property rights, and help our local businesses thrive,” Thrower said.

Commissioners do not respond to speakers during the public comment period of their meetings, but later in the meeting, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said that the issues raised by Thrower are valid.

Starkey said there are vacation rentals all over the place in Gulf Harbors, and the county’s current ordinance is not working.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano wants the board to have a discussion regarding how it wants to proceed on the issue of vacation rentals.

“I don’t think we can code enforce our way out of the new reality of short-term rental. So, in my opinion, we need to have rules in place that we can enforce. But we can’t enforce anything, when they’re not allowed.

“I think our short-term rental ordinance needs to go and we need to put rules in place — fire, safety.

“We need to manage them, and right now we’re not.

“So, I think we should talk about short-term rentals,” said Starkey.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said: “It is something we need to address. I think we need to scrap the ordinance, start afresh. And start allowing people to do this, as quick as we can. A new set of rules.”

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told the board: “You’ve got a 1999 ordinance that predated when the Legislature changed the rules and said anyone that had an ordinance in place at the time that they passed their legislation could keep it. But once you start playing with it, you lose that grandfather.

“The Legislature has taken away your ability to adopt a new one (vacation rental ordinance).

“If you scrap the ordinance, you scrap it.

Starkey added: “Right, we lose our grandfather.”

One option is to simply get out of the business, Steinsnyder said.

Mariano suggested: “Maybe we need to do an agenda item and we can discuss it.”

Starkey added: “Get tourism involved.”

Commissioner Mike Moore agrees that the county’s tourism team should be involved in the discussion.

Mariano asked Steinsnyder: “Can you bring what the effect would be, if we went with just the state regulation? So we can all look at it ahead of time before the next meeting?”

Steinsnyder agreed to do so.

Published May 26, 2021

Gas station proposed at Overpass and Boyette

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A rezoning is being sought to allow a gas station at the southeast corner of the intersection at Overpass and Boyette roads, in Wesley Chapel.

Creighton Companies LLC is the applicant for the request.

The 4.9-acre site currently consists of 1.84 acres zoned as part of a master-planned development and 3.06 acres zoned for agricultural uses.

The rezoning request calls for a new master-planned zoning that would accommodate development of a 4,650-square-foot convenience store with 16 vehicle fueling positions and ancillary car wash, and 10,000 square feet of general commercial/retail.

The project site would have a right-in only connect to Boyette Road, a full access connection to Boyette Road, and an existing right-in, right-out connection to Overpass Road, shared with the adjacent Kids R Kids day care facility.

The buildout of the convenience store and fueling station is anticipated within approximately one year, according to the agenda packet.

The requested change was prompted by recent development approvals, including Overpass Business Park and the planned interchange at Overpass Road and I-75, which is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2023, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

A companion request also has been filed to change the land use map from a designation allowing residential to one that permits commercial uses. The planning board and county planners also have recommended approval of that request.

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

Published May 26, 2021

County board takes action on land use issues

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a $1.5 million contract for renovations at Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

Commissioners selected Blackwater Construction Services LLC to do the work, out of nine responses received.

In other action, at the board’s May 18 meeting, commissioners:

  • Approved a rezoning to allow Cypress Ridge Professional Office Center on a 9.1-acre site on the west side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, north of State Road 54/State Road 56
  • Approved a rezoning to allow a light industrial park district on a 5-acre site in East Central Pasco County, on the west side of Old Lakeland Highway, north of Townsend Road
  • Forwarded a land use request for state review involving a proposal to allow a mixed-use development on a 35-acre site at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41. Once the state review is done, it will come back for a final vote by the county board, which is scheduled for July 6. A companion rezoning also must be approved before the development could proceed.

The proposed development would include retail, as well as a number of other uses that could include office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

Board members also continued:

  • A rezoning request by Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about ½-mile east of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes, for a residential subdivision on 75.15 acres.
  • Continued to a date uncertain a request by Kiddie Campus University Inc., for a rezoning to allow a general commercial use at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive. County commissioners recently rejected a request to change the land use designation on the land from a residential designation to one that would allow commercial use. Area residents strenuously objected to the proposal because the potential buyer of the site wanted to build a gas station there. Neighbors said they don’t oppose the use of the site for a non-residential use, but they want one that is less intense, such as a professional office development.

Published May 26, 2021

David Lambert’s contributions attract attention

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The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes at its May 18 meeting to thank David Lambert for his many efforts through the years to improve the quality of life in Pasco County.

Lambert, who has worked 27 years for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), has played a leadership role on numerous boards and has been an advocate for increasing mental health services, according to a resolution adopted by the board.

David Lambert was honored during the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 board meeting. Lambert received a standing ovation for all of the work he has done to serve on boards to help others, particularly those struggling with the challenge of mental illness. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He has been heavily involved in efforts to expand mental health services in Pasco and Hernando County through the “Recovery through Work” program known as Vincent House Pinellas, Vincent House Pasco, and Vincent Academy of the Nature Coast, according to the resolution.

Vincent House Pasco, in partnership with Pasco County’s Community Development department recently received the National Community Development Association 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award. The project was cited as an “exemplary and innovative use of Community Development Block Grant funds,” the resolution says.

Vincent House Pasco joins Vincent House Hernando and Pinellas in delivering hope, providing individuals with mental illness the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to increase self-worth and to become productive citizens, the resolution notes.

The honor also highlights Lambert’s work with numerous government and community leaders over the years to help create opportunities for others.

Lambert serves as president of Van Gogh’s Palette covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, which offers needed services to those living with mental illness.

He’s worked with WREC CEO Billy Brown and the WREC staff to improve mental health services throughout the Tampa Bay region, the resolution says.

He’s also worked diligently with Van Gogh’s Palette co-founders Elliott and Dianne Steele; founding board member and retired Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger; State Senate President Wilton Simpson; the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pasco County Commission, the resolution says.

Lambert began his career at the WREC 27 years ago, as a meter reader. Over the years, he has worked as a lineman and journeyman, before moving into his current role in which he oversees five departments, including member and community relations, government affairs, purchasing, safety and human resources, the resolution says.

In his professional role, Lambert has worked closely with local, state and federal officials —  fostering the goals and objectives of the WREC’s commitment to its members in its five-county service territory and the community, at large.

He’s held board roles in such organizations as the Pasco County Housing Authority, Pasco-Hernando Career Source Board and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Besides being honored by the county board, Lambert was honored by Summer Blevins, a member of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ staff.

“I am just here to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of David Lambert, and his countless contributions to our community, and to leave an extension of remarks that have been entered into the official Congressional Record on his behalf,” Blevins said, leaving a binder containing those remarks on the county’s board’s podium for Lambert to pick up.

Lambert was then invited to the podium to offer some remarks.

He responded first, by expressing gratitude.

“Thank you, and I’m very humbled by this proclamation.”

Then, he shared the accolades.

“A lot of credit goes to a lot of people who really have stepped up and done a lot of things. No one does anything by themselves, and you all were instrumental in bringing Vincent House to Pasco, and your leadership was unbelievable.”

He specifically named County Administrator Dan Biles, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, and County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Senate President Wilton Simpson for leaving no stones unturned.

“And, for that, you’re going to save thousands of lives,” Lambert said.

“Mental health is a big issue within our communities and, nationally, and we certainly need to focus on that a lot more. I’m just greatly appreciative,” he said.

His gratitude also extends to family, the WREC and for the people of Vincent House.

The people of Vincent House, he said, “prove to me every day, that just because you have a disability — a mental illness or something — you can lead a full and productive life, given the tools and resources, if you have them.”

Published May 26, 2021

Pasco board considers road priorities

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be identifying its list of priority projects at its June 10 meeting.

The list includes projects that are included on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) from 2022 to 2027, which includes projects that are funded and those not yet funded.

The list also includes projects that are not part of the TIP, but are considered to be priorities by the MPO, which is responsible for updating the priority list, which in turns provides guidance to the Florida Department of Transportation, in developing its developing its tentative work program.

During a workshop session, MPO Executive Director Carl Mikyska explained: “The first year of the TIP is actually part of the proposed budget. That means the Legislature has actually adopted the list of projects.

“At this point, the budget has been passed by the Legislature. I do not believe it has been signed by the governor.

“While years two through five are considered for planning purposes, you can consider them to be fairly solid planning. A project in year two is likely to then advance next year into the first year and be part of the proposed budget. DOT has to work on a cash flow basis. If their cash flow rises or falls, due to fluctuations in the economy, you may see minor changes to it.

“DOT does not put projects in year two, year three, etc., that they do not intend to advance forward,” he said.

“Projects in the TIP include Florida DOT projects, as well as our local projects, and this is a federal requirement.

“The projects cover the whole gamut from safety, all of the way down to capacity improvements,” Mikyska said.

“Those projects are based on our priorities here at the MPO, as well as the ones for the region,” he said.

Mikyska identified some of the significant projects that are included in the five-year plan.

Within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, these include:

Significant projects

  • State Road 52, from east of U.S. 41 to Ehren Cutoff

“Construction is scheduled in 2026. Right of way is in there from Ehren Cutoff to Bellamy Brothers Road, and while we do note that construction is not funded, I do note for our board that the DOT does not purchase right of way for projects they have no intention of building.

“I would anticipate that that would appear as a construction project in one of future TIPs.

  • State Road 52, at North 21st Street, from Church Avenue to Suwannee, in Dade City

A roundabout is scheduled for construction in 2026.

  • State Road 52, at College Avenue/Pompanic

A roundabout is scheduled for design/build in 2023.

Resurfacing projects

  • State Road 52 from Meridian Avenue, from west of Storch Lane to U.S. 98/U.S. 301, in 2022
  • U.S. 301 to Hillsborough County line, south of State Road 39, in 2023
  • State Road 54, from U.S. 41 to Knights Road, in 2023.
  • U.S. 41, from the Hillsborough County line to Bell Lake Road, in 2023

Lighting projects

  • U.S. 301, from Tucker Road to Pretty Pond Road, in 2024
  • State Road 56, Willow Oak Drive to The Shops at Wiregrass mall entrance, 2023
  • State Road 56, at The Shops at Wiregrass entrance to Meadow Pointe Boulevard, 2023

Pedestrian and bicycle projects

  • State Road 54, from west of Mitchell Place Plaza entrance to Marathon Drive — a complete streets project, in 2023
  • School Road, from Community Center to U.S. 41 — a multi-use path, 2026
  • Orange Belt, in 2025

Those were just some of the highlights, Mikyska said, noting the projects range from aviation to planning.

MPO board members raised some questions about projects that are part of the list, but not necessarily in the order they’d like to see them in.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said she’s disappointed that the roundabout planned in Dade City is not expected to be constructed until 2026.

“We were told, not too long ago, that we were looking at a 2024 date.

“I just found out from staff yesterday that it was moved from 2024 to 2026 for construction,” Hernandez said.

The planned roundabout in St. Leo/San Antonio is equally needed, Hernandez said; she just wishes the one in her community had not been pushed back.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey asked if it would make sense to do the Meridian roundabout sooner than the one at College Avenue and Pompanic, which is slated for 2023.

However, a staff member of the DOT told the MPO that the shift to 2026 was related to design and right of way issues.

Starkey offered an optimistic thought: “When the Clinton Avenue extension opens, maybe we’ll see a drop in the traffic there. So, maybe that will help a little bit.”

Starkey also asked: “Did you show the 54/41 (State Road 54/U.S. 41) fix anywhere on here?”

Jensen Hackett, of FDOT, told Starkey the project is partially funded for right of way through 2025.

It is not yet clear how FDOT will proceed at that intersection, he added.

“I believe that they’re waiting for a couple of the traffic data to come in,” he said.

Starkey said that intersection needs to be addressed.

“That’s of great interest to everybody in the county,” she said.

Starkey added: “Of course, we think that when Ridge Road opens up, that will eliminate some of the suffering down there.”

Starkey also asked about the status of the design for an overpass that is planned at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.

Tina Russo, of the MPO’s staff, told Starkey: “We’re finishing up the preliminary design.”

In addition to the TIP, there’s also a long list of priority projects that do not yet have an identified source of funding.

Published May 19, 2021

Hillsborough Schools avoid state takeover

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Hillsborough County Schools will avoid a state takeover of its finances through the state’s agreement to provide a lump sum payment of $101 million in federal relief dollars.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis and School Board Chair Lynn Gray held a joint news conference to announce the news and to talk about how the school district goes forward from here.

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis

Davis said the release of the Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) II funds, coupled with district cost control strategies, create an opportunity to move forward on solid financial footing.

He said the lump sum payment will allow the district to transfer some of its COVID-19 expenses — to free up some of its general fund dollars.

It also has allowed the district to meet the state’s fund balance requirement to avoid a financial takeover by the state — a prospect that has loomed large in recent months.

“This year has caused a lot of angst,” Davis said, noting that feeling of unease has been pervasive throughout the district at all levels, and within the community.

The district’s dire financial prospects prompted massive cuts.

“We started out around 1,600 positions that we thought we were going to have to cut in the spring. But after working with our school leaders, looking at master schedules, we drilled that all of the way down to around 715 positions that we had to cut,” Davis said.

While the district is trimming a sizable number of positions, the vast majority of employees will be retained — through attrition, retirement or transfers to new assignments.

As of last week, there were still 95 individuals who had not been placed, but the district continues to look for potential opportunities, Davis said.

“I do believe that the 95 number will potentially go away,” he said.

Besides reducing positions, Davis said the district has taken other cost-cutting measures.

For instance, it has sought ways to leverage federal funds, reduced overtime and renegotiated contracts, he said. Through its steps, it has recouped $55 million since January.

The district needs to make sure it has systemic reviews looking forward and uses organizational controls to ensure it doesn’t face the same financial problems in the future, the superintendent said.

Board Chair Gray put it this way: “Now, with the ESSER II dollars, we can stabilize our fund balance. We want to assure our community that the district is taking swift action to solve this financial emergency.

“Our goal is to be transparent throughout the entire process, with all of our stakeholders.

“To this end, we will be forming a financial advisory committee,” she said.

Davis said he and his staff and cabinet will take furlough days, but said district administrators — unlike previously planned — will not be furloughed this year or next.

While reducing expenses, the district also needs to boost revenue, Davis said.

To that end, it intends to ramp up its marketing — particularly of the district’s magnet programs — to entice more students to take advantage of the district’s offerings.

Increased support is essential, too, he said.

“We have to continue to galvanize as a community to push our local legislators, and also legislators throughout the state. We’ve got to continue to ask for additional funding in education,” Davis said.

Published May 19, 2021

New 122-unit subdivision proposed off Old Pasco Road

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Victorious Life Assembly of God Inc., is seeking a rezoning that would allow 122 single-family homes on 41.80 acres on the east side of Old Pasco Road, about 250 feet south of Overpass Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The request seeks to change the zoning from agricultural to a master-planned unit development.

Both the Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners have recommended approval of the request during the planning board’s April 22 meeting.

As part of the rezoning request, the applicant asked for variations from the county’s land development code.

The applicant is seeking a variation of a requirement to landscape the neighborhood park according to the county’s landscaping and screening requirements. Instead of placing a buffer around the perimeter of the park, as required, the applicant has suggested planting landscaping with the park.

The park, according to information in the planning board’s agenda packet, “will be designed to have an open feel and be visible from the residential development across the streets for safety purposes and aesthetics. The design will create an open feel so that it brings the community together and provides greater safety for the residents.”

The applicant also asked to decrease the required size of the park from 1.20 acres to 0.70 acres. That request is tied to a negotiation with the county for a smaller park, in exchange for dedicating an additional 1.23 acres of right of way needed for the future widening of Old Pasco Road, noted Tammy Snyder, a county planner.

She also noted that Wesley Chapel District Park is a large park, within walking distance from the proposed subdivision.

However, Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel took issue with the request for a smaller park — noting that would shortchange residents within the subdivision. He also disputed the rationale citing the location of Wesley Chapel District Park as a justification for creating a smaller park within the neighborhood.

“How does that benefit the residents that are going to live there? It doesn’t,” Hanzel said.

He also questioned the notion of people from the neighborhood walking to Wesley Chapel District Park. He cited distance and safety concerns.

“I find it difficult to have adults or children walking Old Pasco Road, especially in the future, because it’s going to become a four-lane road eventually,” Hanzel said.

Hanzel also said fencing is needed to separate the neighborhood park and the pond on the site.

“This size park, which I would refer to as a kiddie park, you would assume there would be some type of barrier between the park and the pond,” he said.

It’s needed to keep young children, who are often attracted to water, from getting into the pond, he said.

Representatives for the applicant agreed to add fencing, to increase the park size from 0.70 acres to 0.90 acres and to add an amenity package at the park.

With those added conditions, Hanzel made a motion for approval, which was seconded, and the board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning and conditions.

The request was next scheduled to be heard at the Pasco County Commission’s meeting on May 18, which was after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

Published May 19, 2021

Solar farm proposed in Zephyrhills

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Tampa Electric Company is seeking permission to proceed with a 74.5 megawatt solar farm and substation, north of County Line Road and east of Paul S. Buchman Highway.

The request is part of the company’s long-term strategy to build a grid that is reliable and meets its customer’s needs, according to a March 20 letter the utility company sent to some Pasco residents.

The letter is among materials in the agenda packet for the May 6 meeting of the Pasco County Commission.

Tampa Electric, otherwise known as TECO, is seeking a special exception from the planning board to proceed with its plans.

Planning commissioners opened the hearing on the request, but continued it after the representative for the utility company had technical problems in making a remote connection.

One couple, who live in an area surrounded by the proposed solar farm, voiced opposition to the project. They said they’re concerned about potential — as yet unknown —  impacts the solar farm could have on their health.

In its letter, TECO officials said “If all goes well, we hope the solar facility is complete and producing energy from the sun in 2023.”

The county allows solar farms as a special exception in some agricultural districts.

The proposed solar farm would be located on a 576-acre site that now contains the Palm River Dairy Farm and some single-family dwellings, according to materials in the agenda packet.

The site is in the southeastern portion of unincorporated Pasco County.

The future land use designation on the site is for residential and light industrial uses.

The current use of the site is for an active dairy farm, and as pasture for dairy cows and cattle.

The proposed solar farm will use film photovoltaic (PV) panels that absorb sunlight and directly produce electricity, the agenda materials say.

The solar farm will encompass approximately 95 acres of the total site, but the panels will be situated at different locations on the land, according to maps in the file and meeting testimony.

Access to the property is from Bay Avenue.

The subject site is located next to Martin Marietta Materials, which uses are aggregate transfer facility, asphalt plant, rail spur, aggregate sorting and conveyance system, storage yard, sales and operational offices.

The solar farm will be unmanned and will be remotely monitored.

The maximum structure of the photovoltaic panels, supports, substation building, and any other structures shall be 15 feet. A lightning mast and the utility equipment located totally within the substation site may exceed this height, provided they comply with the additional setbacks of the county’s land development code.

Conditions for approval, contained in the agenda packet, spell out minimum setbacks, buffering requirements and noise regulations.

Also, before approval of the preliminary development plan and/or preliminary site plan, the applicant shall provide a decommission plan for the site, which may be reviewed and approved by the county administrator or his designee.

If the applicant ceases operations or the solar farm no longer works properly or is abandoned, the applicant is responsible for decommissioning the solar farm within 180 days.

The decommissioning shall include the removal and disposal of all material and equipment, in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and practices.

The site also shall be restored to the condition that existed immediately following the initial site clearing and grading, the agenda materials say.

Published May 19, 2021

Request seeks mixed-use project in Land O’ Lakes

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Efforts are underway to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with a mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, which also is known as U.S. 41.

The request calls for changing the land use designation from commercial to planned development on approximately 35 acres.

It also calls for a text amendment to the long-range plan.

The master-planned unit development for the property is proposed to have a Land Use Equivalency Matrix (LUEM) to allow the exchange of the approved retail for the other approved land uses, according to agenda background materials.

The use of the matrix will ensure there is no increase in the project traffic with the exchange of land uses.

The requested land use change calls for allowing up to 275,000 square feet of retail, as well as these uses: office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

As part of its request, the applicant has agreed to establish a minimum development potential for non-residential uses along U.S. 41 to ensure non-residential uses are protected. These are not permitted to be exchanged for other uses, within the proposed LUEM.

Surrounding uses to the site are Walgreen’s to the north; a vacant office to the south; The Groves, San Jose restaurant and Publix to the east; and wetlands and agriculture to the west.

There also is an existing trail along the east side of Land O’ Lakes Blvd, extending from Tower Road to Connerton Boulevard.

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of the requested land use change and text amendment.

The request was set for consideration on May 18 by the Pasco County Commission, which is after The Laker/Lutz News went to press. The county board has the final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

A companion rezoning request also has been filed, which also must be considered by the planning board and also gain approval from the county board before it could take effect.

Published May 19, 2021

Flurry of road projects underway in Pasco

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Drive along nearly any major Pasco County artery and you are likely to be backed up in traffic —  during rush hour.

At the same time, it’s obvious to motorists that work is underway on numerous Pasco roadways.

David Gwynn, District 7 secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation

Once those projects are completed, Pasco’s road network is expected to be better able to handle the county’s considerable growth.

Projects under construction, or that soon will be, are expected to improve traffic flow at State Road 56 and Interstate 75; offer smoother travel through East Pasco County on a new alignment for State Road 52; increase access to Interstate 75 with a new interchange at Overpass Road; and, add capacity at State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

Those projects were discussed a transportation briefing hosted by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce via Zoom — featuring Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Thibault and Bilirakis touched on a number of big-picture issues involving transportation.

Thibault talked about the expectation of reduced gas tax revenues over time, as motorists make the switch to electric cars and vehicles with higher fuel efficiency.

Bilirakis talked about the proposed $2 trillion infrastructure package.

He said he doesn’t support the package.

He doesn’t think enough of the money is devoted to traditional projects, such as roads and bridges ,and said too much is directed toward the Green New Deal and human infrastructure projects.

The current proposal, he said, “is a non-starter for most Republicans.”

Thibault said Florida’s transportation solutions must address both existing and future needs.

“We currently have approximately 22 million residents and an additional 800 people a day that keep calling Florida home,” he said.

It’s no secret that Pasco’s growth is adding congestion to its roads.

Transportation improvements, on the other hand, take time to accomplish.

Thibault said it typically takes about nine years to get from concept to concrete —which involves everything from planning, to doing environmental studies, to acquiring right of way, to relocating utilities and so on.

Improvements, however, are designed to have staying power.

“When we begin the efforts on these projects, we usually design them on a 20-year horizon,” Thibault said.

Besides needing assessment and planning work, there’s also the issue of funding.

FDOT District 7 Secretary David Gwynn told those listening: “One of the reasons there are so many projects in Pasco County is because Pasco County has really been a great partner. We work directly with the county commissioners all of the time.

“On some of our projects, the county has actually stepped up and put some skin in the game,” said Gwynn, whose district includes five Tampa Bay area counties.

“The Overpass Road interchange — that’s primarily funded by the county,” Gwynn said.

“The great (State Road) 56 extension that opened just last year, the county stepped up, did a state Infrastructure Bank Loan to fund part of that project and also helped in acquiring a lot of the right of way from the large property owners along the corridor.

“When the county really partners with us, it really allows us to make our money go further, because we can go ahead and leverage some of the local money to match our money.

“The State Road 52 realignment, similarly, the county worked hand-in-hand with us with major developers along that route, to make sure right of way was being dedicated for the project,” Gwynn said.

Bilirakis said he has worked with Pasco County on the Ridge Road extension project.

“I was heavily involved in helping to secure the necessary permits for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow Phase 1 of the Ridge Road expansion. It took a lot of years, but we all worked together and we persevered,” he said.

Now, Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th congressional district, said he’s advocating for $15 million in federal funding to help pay for the second phase of the extension.

He realizes it won’t cover the entire cost, but he noted: “It would be a good start.”

The Ridge Road extension is a public safety project that provides an emergency route for residents in West Pasco and North Pinellas counties, Bilirakis said.

At the same time, it helps to reduce traffic congestion by providing another east-west route through Pasco County, the congressman said.

Note: See additional round-up of road projects here.

Published May 12, 2021