The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Music fest to liven up Zephyrhills

By

This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival coincides with Leap Day, on Feb. 29.

The event will be held at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., from noon to 9 p.m., with its traditional all-day roundup of live performances.

This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival in downtown Zephyrhills will be on Feb. 29, also known as Leap Day. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Patrons will be able to listen to musical performances, browse an assortment of vendors and grab a bite to eat from a variety of food trucks.

Festival-goers also will have a chance to purchase tickets for prize drawings, or make bids on items at a silent auction.

Because of limited seating, those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. And, the event is pet-friendly, too, but pets should be on a leash.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Gulfside Hospice, which offers end of life care and treatment options for those with chronic illnesses. It also tries to help patients remain independent with skilled nursing and rehabilitation at home. These services are offered regardless of patient’s financial situation.

For more information, vendors or sponsors should contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or .

Additional information about the event can be found at Gulfside.org.

Paulie Palooza Music Festival
When: Feb. 29, from noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Zephyrhills’ festivities on Leap Day with live music, food and prizes.
Info: For vendor or sponsor information, contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or email . For additional information, visit Gulfside.org.

Published February 12, 2020

Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant

By

Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.

Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.

“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”

Besides his work as an attorney, involvement in civic life and community service, Pete Hutchison ‘Hutch’ Brock II enjoyed outdoor activities and leisure time with family. (Courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home)

Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.

“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.

Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Brock was an advocate for youth.

He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.

He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.

Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.

He was a sports enthusiast.

He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.

As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.

Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.

After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.

He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.

He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.

He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.

Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.

Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.

“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.

Published February 05, 2020

Under Construction 02/05/2020

By

Bonefish Grill emerging in Lutz
A Bonefish Grill restaurant is one of three Bloomin’ Brands restaurants being built in Lutz. At 2526 Sierra Center Blvd., the eatery will be in the same vicinity of an Aussie Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at Cypress Creek Town Center. At roughly 6,000 square feet, the building’s inside will be feature custom booths, and both a lounge and bar situated at the restaurant’s center. Construction is anticipated to finish in May.

Contracting company opening in Dade City
A Phillips and Jordan regional office is currently being built in Dade City. Located at 30115 State Road 52, the 15,600-square-foot structure will be three stories. The contracting company focuses on heavy civil construction, right of way construction and disaster relief. Construction completion has not been scheduled yet.

New car dealership on State Road 56
The Volkswagen Dealership of Wesley Chapel will join the chain of dealerships running along State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel. The 25,000-square-foot structure will be at 26500 Silver Maple Parkway. Aside from multiple offices, it will feature a service bay, showroom and outdoor carwash. Construction is scheduled to be completed in November.

New office plaza coming to Lutz
The Willowbend Offices plaza is currently being developed in Lutz. The structure is  located off of State Road 54 on Collier Parkway, heading southbound. The site is on the east end of Collier Parkway, adjacent to The Reading Corner school. The 12,190-square-foot development will consist of two separate buildings for office and medical space. A construction completion date has not been determined yet.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Starkey Gap project poses safety issues

By

The ‘soft opening’ of the Starkey Gap Trail has generated some concerns about safety.

The new segment of trail creates a connection between Pasco and Pinellas counties, and is an important link in the Coast to Coast Connector Trail, running from Saint Petersburg to Titusville.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been instrumental in pushing the Starkey Gap Trail forward. The pathway would be a part of the Coast to Coast Connector Trail, running from Saint Petersburg to Titusville. (File)

The estimated $2.6 million Starkey Gap Trail project starts south of Trinity Boulevard, in Pinellas County, heads north connecting to State Road 54 and goes west on the corridor to intersect with Starkey Boulevard.

The Starkey Gap Trail isn’t officially open yet, but that hasn’t stopped people from using it, said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Starkey has noticed a safety concern involving those walking the north end to the south end of State Road 54, to get to the trail.

As she put it: “They have been left in the little strip of concrete in the middle of State Road 54, absolutely terrified.”

She’s been vocal about getting an overpass over State Road 54, to solve that problem.

The overpass could would connect the north end and south end of the corridor, while avoiding motorists.

Starkey said she’s been discussing short-term solutions with David Gwynn, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) district seven.

The state is looking into potential funding sources, she said.

Starkey said a proper trailhead is needed too, to discourage those who use the trail from parking on the grass along Trinity Boulevard. A trailhead typically is located where the trail begins, and includes parking, so people can unload their bicycles.

It would be a means of offsetting parking buildup for establishments, and their patrons, off of Trinity Boulevard – such as Fox Hollow Golf Club and Restaurant.

Starkey noted: “If you’ve ever tried to park there for a lunch meeting or anything, [there] is very small parking. They’ve even had to pull off to the grass under the trees on the right.

“They’re not going to be happy if people are parking in their parking lot, for the trail, which goes right by there.”

Pasco County did not include the installation of a trailhead in its original plans for the project, but Starkey said she and Sam Beneck, a county project manager, have “identified a couple places that could be a temporary trailhead,” including Duke Energy property.

Advocating for trails and trail safety is nothing new for Starkey.

She frequently asks questions about potential trail connections during Pasco County Commission public hearings, to make sure potential linkages are protected.

She also is known for her work in the arena of bicycle safety, receiving the 2018 Elected Official Champion of the Year from the Florida Bicycle Association.

In bestowing the honor last year, Becky Alfonso, executive director of the association, praised Starkey’s work.

“Her experience, tenacity and public service record are admirable and inspirational,” Alfonso said, at the time.

Published February 05, 2020

Inspiring others with lyrical rhymes

By

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Saint Leo University added a hip-hop element — showcasing the rapper Duke.

The Jan. 21 event was a part of the school’s weeklong series, recognizing the iconic civil rights leader.

Duke shared his story and inspirational words – sometimes conveyed through rap lyrics.

Audrey Ward, left, stands alongside Bunduki ‘Duke’ Ramadan and Juan Carvajal.
Ramadan shared his life story through songs at a Jan. 21 event in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Brian Fernandes)

He noted his lyrics often are influenced by the words of the slain civil rights leader, the nation pauses to remember each year.

“He always tried to approach it from a positive light, and that really influenced me and my work,” he said.

Duke, born Bunduki Ramadan, said even before he was born, adversities have influenced his life, and those experiences led to his rap career.

His mother was still pregnant with him when his family fled during a civil war, from their native Sudan to Egypt.

Because of birth complications, Duke was pronounced dead upon delivery, but then was revived.

“By the grace of God, the baby gasps and begins to cry. That baby, that baby was me. That was my first time beating the odds,” he told those gathered.

The difficult birth, however, resulted in a health disorder that limited the use of his right arm.

His family relocated from Egypt to Jacksonville, Florida, where he grew up.

His brush with death, coupled with the encouragement of his parents, compelled him to push forward, despite his disability, the 27-year-old said.

Music has been a focal point in his life.

It started with his first attempt at rapping, during fifth grade.

Over the years, he has drawn inspiration from other hip-hop artists, such as Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West.

Besides enjoying the art form, Duke said it has been a therapeutic source for channeling his frustration.

Among other kids at school, he said, he felt like an outsider, being “caught up in the gray middle.”

Duke noted that at times he was picked on for his dark skin complexation.

During a rap intermission, he explained the range of emotions felt when faced with bullying.

In one verse, he rhymes: “Cool on the surface, but it’s like the oven on.”

He went on: “Music has such a strong impact on your mood, your mentality and your mindset.”

Likening music to food, he cautioned the audience to be selective with what they consume.

He also touched on education.

He told Saint Leo students that by being at the university, they’ve already beaten the odds.

He attended the University of Florida, majoring in economics.

After graduating, he received several lucrative job opportunities.

But, he turned them down.

“My dream was to pursue my music and be able to use that as a tool to motivate people,” Duke explained.

Eventually, he moved to Atlanta to pursue that dream.

He fell upon some hard times, financially.

At one point, he was sleeping in his car.

In one of his song’s, he poses this question: “Now am I really selling my soul, or am I doing what I got to do to get to the goal?”

By working consistently in a music studio and forming new connections, he was able to build a name as a rap artist, he recalled.

Now, he performs hip-hop shows several times a month across the nation.

Delivering motivational speeches at schools also is on his agenda.

He has built clientele through his own marketing agency.

He described his success in another song — getting the audience to rap along.

The audience repeated the lyrics, as Duke rhymed: “I got some food on my plate, thank God. I got some money in the bank, thank God. My whole family is straight, thank God.”

He references Dr. King’s legacy as hope that each coming generation will struggle less than the one before it.

In his acclaimed 1963 speech, “I Have a Dream,” King said: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Duke said he’s seen some progress. He said he would like to start a family one day, and he believes his children won’t have to face the same prejudice he experienced.

Duke said there’s power and value in gratitude.

“I want people to be grateful for what they have now,” Duke said. “Being grateful for what you have now is what paves the way for you to have more in the future.”

Published January 29, 2020

Seven Oaks PTA supports student achievement

By

Seven Oaks Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, has been named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

The accolade recognizes schools across the country which have strived to make advancements for student education in their schools.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, left, stands alongside Principal Shauntte Butcher, of Seven Oaks Elementary; Denise Nicholas, Heather Buboltz and School Board member Alison Crumbley. Butcher displays the certificate her school received after being named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence. (Courtesy of Seven Oaks Elementary School)

Three Pasco County schools achieved the honor, announced over the summer. Besides Seven Oaks, the others who received recognition are Wiregrass Ranch High School and River Ridge Middle School.

Heather Buboltz, former president of Seven Oaks PTA board, was instrumental in garnering the recognition.

“Everything is focused on the kids, and how we can improve things for them and their schooling,” Buboltz said.

The PTA board, which consists of parents and school staff, routinely holds meetings.

Denise Nicholas, who is first vice president of Seven Oaks PTA and president of the Pasco County Council PTA, said principals also sit on the board and have a voice in board decisions.

Parents also get to offer input during general assembly meetings held throughout the school year. And, online polling gives parents another opportunity to offer their thoughts, too.

For instance, based on feedback calling for an increased focus on technology and communication, Seven Oaks concentrated its efforts on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) program.

The school previously welcomed representatives from Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), which helped bring science to life through the use of telescopes and activities.

Seven Oaks also had an Omegaman presentation, as part of its effort to combat bullying.

At the assembly, a live superhero offered lessons on the importance of kindness.

“It’s a really great program,” said Maria Balestriere, current president of Seven Oaks PTA. “The kids really related and had a great time with him.”

The PTA also has implemented All Pro Dads, a program in which dads accompany their kids on campus, engaging in activities and breakfast, too.

And, students stay fit while being chaperoned outdoors for Walk and Bike to School days.

Children also get a chance to learn to be more independent through the PTA’s holiday shopping on campus, which gives kids a chance to select gifts for family members.

That program, Balestriere said, gives children a chance to learn about budgeting. And, on top of that, it teaches them how to be thoughtful about other people.

“Reading Under the Stars” gives kids the chance to appreciate literature in a fun way.

During the last evening event, both the principal and vice principal of Seven Oaks read to students who were dressed in pajamas and eating s’mores.

“Programs that we find that are successful, we try and continue,” Buboltz said.

However, new ones have received positive reception as well.

The most recent Ketchup Club gets adult volunteers to sit with kindergarteners and first-graders, and help them prepare for lunch.

The Seven Oaks PTA also has partnered with other PTAs to see how each school can assist one another.

“Seven Oaks has done a phenomenal job bringing their programs, and bringing the help and support to other elementary schools here in the area,” Nicholas said.

Buboltz said that the progress Seven Oaks has made is due to everyone working cohesively and sharing ideas.

Last year, the school’s PTA board attended the Florida PTA Legislative Conference in Tallahassee.

There, they met with Pasco County officials to once again advocate for students’ best interests.

“We’re dedicated to making a difference for all these kids,” Nicholas said.

Published January 29, 2020

Pasco considered for new cross-county bus routes

By

Pasco County commuters may soon have easier access into neighboring counties, as two new bus routes are being explored along the Interstate 75 and Interstate 275 corridors.

Bus stops along State Road 56 and State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel would allow riders to catch buses traveling to Tampa and Saint Petersburg.

The bus rapid transit project would help travelers move around, while reducing congestion on the highway.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) has been working on the idea in conjunction with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) of Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The regional transit authority began a study in 2019 to evaluate the 41-mile bus route.

If implemented, those in Pasco could travel south into Tampa, stopping near the University of South Florida and in downtown Tampa. Bus riders would have the option to continue riding southwest, ending up in downtown St. Petersburg.

The highway also may be widened to accommodate a designated lane for buses as well.

The initiative has transitioned into the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, with the support of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Trying to find a way to improve transit and ease congestion has been an issue for decades.

Providing more public bus services across Tampa Bay could help reduce the estimated 50% increase in motorists expected over the next two decades, according to TBARTA.

Other cities across the nation —  including Los Angeles, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Las Vegas — already have bus rapid transit.

Routes can be selected based on where there is a high volume of businesses, attractions and daily needs.

Kurt Scheible is the director of Pasco County Public Transportation and sits on TBARTA’s Transit Management Committee.

He pushed for two bus stops when one was originally being considered for Pasco. This resulted in both State Road 56 and State Road 54 being selected, near their intersections with Interstate 75.

“(State Road) 56 is not really a good starting point for Pasco County, (State Road) 54 is,” Scheible said. “(State Road) 54 is where the customers are actually going to be. That’s where the people are and that’s where they’re going to go.”

Currently, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Authority offers bus rides from Wesley Chapel into Tampa.

While the exact locations of the proposed stops haven’t been pinpointed yet, they will be two new alternatives to the HART bus service.

With the support of FDOT, the project could cost up to $455 million.

Studies are scheduled for completion in 2021, but a construction timetable hasn’t been determined yet.

Published January 29, 2020

If you enjoy quilts, you’ll love this gathering

By

If you’ve ever wondered what that family heirloom quilt is worth, you can find out at the 30th annual Farm Fest and Quilt Show in Dade City.

Those attending the event can find out the value of their quilt from Brenda Grampsas, a quilt historian. Verbal appraisals cost $20 and written ones cost $50.

But, that’s just one of the activities planned for the show set for Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Visitors also can bring in quilts to put on display.

And, they can purchase a ticket to take part in a chance drawing to win a quilt, too.

At noon, spectators can see a demonstration of strength, as teams of draft horses compete to see which can pull the heaviest weight.

And, of course, there will be opportunities to buy items from numerous vendors, offering crafted items and food.

There also will be demonstrations of doll-making, and of the process of turning sugar cane into syrup.

The event also features plenty of ways for kids to have fun, including face painting and barrel train rides.

Live music will be offered by The Barking Dogs and the Dulcimer Connection, and for those who want to check out the museum, tour guides will be there to share their knowledge.

Parking is free and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs for the horse competition.

Admission is $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; and free for those under 5. Admission includes the museum tour.

For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Farm Fest and Quilt Show
When: Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
Cost: $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; free for those under 5
Details: This Dade City event features the handiwork of quilters and the strength of draft horses.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published January 29, 2020

Under Construction 01/22/2020

By

(Brian Fernandes)

First stand-alone Aussie Grill coming to Lutz
Bloomin’ Brands is building an Aussie Grill restaurant at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 56, in Lutz. The restaurant chain also is planning a Carabba’s Italian Grill and a Bonefish Grill at the town center. The 2,925-square-foot Aussie Grill also is expected to have a 305-square-foot patio. Aussie Grill will open in 2020.

 

 

Chase Bank to operate on State Road 54
A new Chase Bank is being built, on State Road 54 in Lutz, to replace an older one on the same corridor. The 3,000-square-foot structure, under construction at 23434 State Road 54, will have ATM machines, teller stands and offices. It will have a café area, too. It is expected to open in June.

 

 

Rock & Brews coming to Wesley Chapel
A new Rock & Brews is beginning to take shape at 2600 Creek Grass Way, near Interstate 75. The 10,000-square-foot family restaurant is under construction near The Main Event, an entertainment center that will be opening soon.

 

 

 

Another place to store your stuff
A new 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility is on its way to Wesley Chapel, for the convenience of those needing more space for their stuff. The new three-story building, under construction at 33624 State Road 54, is expected to be finished in the fall.

 

 

 

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published January 22, 2020

County marks Ridge Road extension milestone

By

It was a historic day in Pasco County, as a groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate the upcoming construction of the Ridge Road extension.

The new stretch of road will give motorists another east-west option through Pasco County, and will provide an additional evacuation route in the event of a disaster.

From left: Sam Beneck, project manager for the extension, is joined by Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles, Pasco County Commissioners Mike Wells, Jack Mariano, Ron Oakley and Mike Moore; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Margaret Smith of Pasco County Engineering Services. The Jan. 13 groundbreaking ceremony was the first step in the construction of a project that’s been a county goal for more than 20 years. (Brian Fernandes)

The groundbreaking, held Jan. 13, followed a permit issued in December by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

County officials have been pushing for the project for more than two decades. When the extension is completed, motorists will have another east-west way to get across the county, in addition to State Road 52 and State Road 54.

The ceremony, which drew numerous dignitaries, took place at the end of Town Center Road. That’s where Ridge Road will extend, heading east.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, of District 2, kicked off the ceremony, with a few remarks. He was joined at the ceremony with his colleagues on the commission: Ron Oakley, Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey and Mike Wells.

“It’s another great day in Pasco County,” Moore said. “The Ridge Road extension is finally happening, providing a much needed east-west route through the heart of Pasco County for our citizens, and insuring another critical emergency evacuation route.”

Currently, Ridge Road runs between Moon Lake Road to the north, and DeCubellis Road to the south, in New Port Richey.

The roughly 9-mile extension ultimately will link the road to U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

Construction is being broken into two phases.

The new Ridge Road intersections and their anticipated completion dates go as follows:

Phase 1

  • From Moon Lake Road/DeCubellis Road to Town Center Road, with completion scheduled for 2020
  • From Town Center Road to Suncoast Parkway, with completion scheduled for 2021
  • Extension widened from two lanes to four lanes to Suncoast Parkway, with completion scheduled for 2022

Phase 2

  • Four lanes from Suncoast Parkway to Sunlake Boulevard, with completion scheduled for 2022
  • Four lanes from Sunlake Boulevard to U.S. 41, with completion scheduled for 2025

The first phase will cost an estimated $90 million.

The second phase has not been funded.

The project also has received congressional support.

Pasco County Commission Vice Chairman Mike Wells was one of the five county commissioners present for the groundbreaking of the Ridge Road extension on Jan. 13. Wells represents District 4, which includes a portion of the new extension’s path.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida’s 12th congressional district has been an advocate for Ridge Road’s extension. He has urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for several years to issue a permit for the project.

At the groundbreaking, Bilirakis said: “This is a team effort, and it is a big deal. We’re thankful this morning to celebrate a vision that began many years ago.”

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles also was instrumental in helping the project move forward.

He signed off on the permit, the day the county received it.

“As Ridge Road is built, it actually reduces the traffic on [State Roads] 54 and 52, and right around there by 10%,” Biles said.

Commissioner Mariano, who represents District 5, said: “The future’s bright for Pasco County. This is a major accomplishment for a community that stuck together knowing how important it was, and this is something we should be very, very proud of.”

Mariano also called attention to safety concerns that will be addressed as a result of the new corridor.

“One of the major reasons we elevated it (Ridge Road), was to make it safer so it can be used during a hurricane event as well,” he said.

Mariano made reference to Tropical Storm Debby, which caused State Road 54 to shut down in 2012.

“This right here is going to be for the safety of our citizens on the west side of this county,” added Commissioner Ron Oakley, of District 1.

County officials said the elevation also significantly reduces impacts to the wetlands of the Serenova Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve. They estimate that reduction in impacts to be as high as 83%.

The project includes 16 bridges, curbs, guardrails and fencing.

Impacts to wildlife are being taken into consideration as well.

The end of Town Center Road has been cleared of brush, and is now being surveyed for gopher tortoises in the vicinity, said Sam Beneck, the project manager.

Any tortoises found in the construction area will be relocated to another site, Beneck said.

While the county has been pushing for the project for decades, environmentalists have been opposed to it.

The opponents, including the Sierra Club Florida Conservation, have said the new measures do not go far enough in protecting the Preserve or wildlife.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who represents District 3, said the extension will provide another alternative for those going to River Ridge High School and River Ridge Middle, which are located along Town Center Road.

That will reduce congestion and improve safety, Starkey said, noting, “it was never intended” for both schools to have only one entrance.

“Not only is this a very important hurricane evacuation route, but it’s also very important for the well-being of the students and the faculty, and all this neighborhood of the River Ridge complex,” Starkey said.

“The Ridge Road extension will have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the community surrounding this site,” said Commission Vice Chairman Mike Wells, of District 4.

After remarks concluded, officials donned hard hats and grabbed shovels to take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking pose.

Ridge Road’s extension to Town Center Road is expected to begin in coming weeks, with construction of that portion expected to be completed by this fall.

Published January 22, 2020