Kathy Steele

Pasco ‘super park’ land near Dade City

March 14, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County recently purchased 155 acres for a proposed “super park” at The Villages of Pasadena, off Prospect Road and Highland Boulevard, near Dade City.

The acreage is conservation land that is the second purchase of a three-phase acquisition process. When complete, the county will have nearly 320 acres for the super park.

Because the 155 acres will remain natural and be used for passive recreation, the $4.6 million purchase price will come from the Penny for Pasco funds set aside for the county’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP).

However, the sale will be treated as a loan, with repayment in the form of park impact fees. Those fees will be collected from new residential and commercial development at The Villages master-planned community.

Also, new development within the Connected City corridor, including the master-planned community of Epperson, will contribute their share of park impact fees for the super park. A road is expected to link Connected City to the super park in The Villages.

“The county is still in the acquisition phase,” said Keith Wiley, the county’s parks, recreation and natural resources director.

Capital funds to design and build the park aren’t available as yet. The final land purchase of about 95 acres also must be negotiated, and approved by the Pasco County commissioners.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Wiley said.

The inclusion of Connected City as a contributor of impact fees for the park should help in getting the needed funds, he added.

Pasco County commissioners approved the newest purchase in December. The sale closed in January.

When the park is built, it will essentially result in two parks that are the size of district parks, next to each other.

One will be kept in its natural state for passive recreation, such as walking trails and kayaking. It will provide access to Buddy Lake.

The other will be an “active” park with ball fields, playgrounds, trails and other amenities.

There also are plans to co-locate the active park area with a planned elementary school. Co-location is a trend, as the county seeks to make the most efficient use of funds.

The recently opened Starkey Ranch District Park, at Starkey Ranch, is an example of co-location. It was built in partnership with Pasco County Schools, which plans to build an elementary and middle school at the site.

Published March 14, 2018

Pulte to build 350 homes in Wesley Chapel

March 14, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Pulte Group’s West Florida Division plans to build 350 single-family residences on the south side of Wells Road, east of Boyette Road, according to a news release from BoardroomPR.

The development will be a Centex-brand community, known as Wesbridge.

Pulte recently purchased about 104 acres for the project.

Sean Strickler, Pulte’s division president in west Florida
(Courtesy of Boardroom PR)

Wesbridge will be targeted to first-time homebuyers, with sales prices starting in the low $200,000s. There will be three different home designs on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot wide lots. Several homes will back up to open space, preserved land and water, according to the release.

Floor plans will range from 1,500 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. Homebuyers can choose designs with three to five bedrooms, two to four bathrooms and two to three car garages.

Wesbridge also will feature a resort-style swimming pool, splash playground, tot lot and dog park.

“This is an assemblage of four different pieces of property in a prime location,” Sean Strickler said, in a written statement. Strickler is Pulte’s division president in west Florida.

The location has easy access to Interstate 75, Interstate 275 and State Road 54, The Shops at Wiregrass, Tampa Premium Outlets, and the newly opened Wesley Chapel District Park.

It will be located across from Wesley Chapel Elementary School, Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School.

Wesbridge is Pulte’s third community in Wesley Chapel.

The first, Country Walk, sold out in February 2017, according to the press release. The second is in Epperson, the community that features the Crystal Lagoon.

Pulte is in its second phase of home sales for Epperson.

Wesbridge sales are expected to begin in early 2019, with homes move-in ready by summer 2019.

For information, visit Pulte.com.

Published March 14, 2018

Business Digest 03/14/2018

March 14, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Dade City Chiropractic opens
Friends, family, and members of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce celebrated with Dr. Deborah Fisher (holding scissors) at a ribbon cutting for the new office of Dade City Chiropractic, 14122 Seventh St. The office is in the alleyway between Top Drawer Antiques and Antiques Main.

Jelly beans, jelly beans
National Jelly Bean day arrives on April 22.

In honor of the approaching celebration, Candystore.com completed a state-by-state survey identifying the favorite flavors. The results were based on sales data and interactive surveys of more than 12,000 jelly bean eaters.

It revealed some surprises, including the dethroning of black licorice as the national favorite. The winner in 2018 is buttered popcorn, followed by black licorice, cinnamon, watermelon and cherry.

In Florida, the top jelly bean is watermelon, followed by peach and juicy pear. The “peach state” of Georgia prefers buttered popcorn. Cotton candy jelly beans melt in the mouths of Montana residents. And, coconut jelly beans appeal to Massachusetts’ residents.

The tiny, egg-shaped sugary convections are often associated with Easter. They get plopped into the green straw of Easter baskets, nestled next to the chocolate bunny.

President Ronald Reagan famously loved the candies and passed them around to visitors to the Oval Office.

The first known advertisement for jelly beans came from Boston candy maker William Schrafft who asked customers to send them to Union soldiers during the Civil War. But, the candies also can be traced back thousands of years to the Middle East.

For information on the survey, visit Candystore.com.

UPS accident-free drivers
United Parcel Service, widely known as UPS, honored 25 company drivers in Florida for 25 or more years of accident-free driving, including employees from Pasco County, according to a UPS new release.

Jeffrey Coakley, of Land O’ Lakes; Ruben Alfaro, of Lutz; Louis Lasseter of New Port Richey; and Stephen Matis, of Hudson were among more than 1,500 UPS drivers worldwide to be inducted into the Circle of Honor.

Florida has more than 630 Circle of Honor drivers with a combined total of more than 15,000 years of accident-free driving. UPS employs about 5,300 drivers in Florida.

Globally, about 10,500 UPS drivers belong to the Circle of Honor organization.

According to the release, UPS employs about 127,000 small package drivers who are among the safest on the roads. They log more than three billion miles a year and deliver nearly five billion packages annually.

UPS was founded in 1907, and issued its first driver handbook in 1917. The company began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. The safe-driving honor program began in 1928.

New MyPasco app
MyPasco mobile application can now provide wait times for construction permits, according to a news release from Pasco County.

Central Permitting Wait Times is a new addition to the MyPasco app menu. It allows customers of Building Construction Services to see a live view of permitting and zone wait times, as well as peak hours, before heading to the New Port Richey office.

This new mobile application is in addition to another MyPasco feature to Report Illegal Dumping. The app allows Pasco citizens to aid in identifying illegal dumping sites, and pursuing people who are illegally dumping trash and other debris.

NOTE: CORRECTED DATE
Women’s forum
A forum on women’s issues, “We Can Do It: Women Making Strides,” is scheduled for March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The free event is sponsored by PHSC and WOW (Women of Wesley Chapel) of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. The host is San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

Panelists are Hope Allen, president and chief executive officer of the North Tampa Bay chamber; Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and chief executive officer of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel; Melissa Harts, vice president of technology and distance education at PHSC; Paula O’ Neill, Pasco County clerk & comptroller; and Natalie Verdina, multimedia journalist for Fox 13 News.

Ghada Jadallah, of Dash of Salt & Pepper, will host a live cooking demonstration.

Registration isn’t required.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Membership lunch
The Greater North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

The cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Mixer and ribbon cutting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer and ribbon cutting for gastroenterology specialists, Nensey & Associates, March 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 5633 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills.

The event is free.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913 or .

Hispanic leaders’ mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The White Room Bar & Lounge, 6472 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy two-for-one drinks, free soft drinks, refreshments and Latin music.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Bus rapid transit could be ride of the future

March 7, 2018 By Kathy Steele

A proposed bus rapid transit system is under scrutiny as a “catalyst” project to jump-start a long-range regional transit vision for residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
It is getting mixed reviews from community leaders and elected officials in the Tampa Bay region.

While generally supportive of a proposed bus rapid transit system, Pasco County commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano want future transportation projects to focus on other areas within Pasco County, including western Pasco and the CSX rail lines that travel up U.S. 41 into Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. (File)

In the next weeks and months, representatives of Jacobs Engineering will gather public comments on the plan. The Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group, which includes Pasco County Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano, will get a finalized plan by October.

The group also will consider a second project for an urban rail system running on about 9 miles of CSX rail lines between downtown Tampa and the University of South Florida.
In January, a study by Jacobs Engineering singled out the bus rapid transit system, or “rubber tires,” as a doable starter project that would lay a foundation for a long-range transit plan for the region.
“It’s not replacing anything in the vision,” said Scott Pringle, of Jacobs Engineering. “It’s just to get things started.”
It also would be something that can be built, if approved, within about five years, Pringle said. The CSX rail project would have a longer timeline of about 10 years, he added.
The bus rapid transit system isn’t the usual bus service offered by most local transit agencies, Pringle said.
“They look like a train,” he said. “They feel like a train.”
Pringle has made presentations on the study to the leadership group, and, also recently spoke to the Hillsborough County Young Democrats at their meeting in Ybor City.
The project’s public rollout through spring and summer of 2018 will include online data and surveys, and a speaker’s bureau.
The Florida Department of Transportation funded the study, with Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) as the study’s manager.
The 41-mile bus route would travel from Wesley Chapel to downtown St. Petersburg, with connections to downtown Tampa, the University of South Florida and the Westshore business district. Routes also would connect to Brandon and Clearwater.
Estimated capital costs would be between $380 million and $455 million, with an annual operating cost of about $7 million.
Projections are for about 3.3 million trips per year.

The estimated cost per trip for the bus option is $8 to $10 per trip; and $11 to $13 for the CSX option.
Costs would be shared with federal, state and local governments.
A total of 21 bus stations are proposed, with 19 being at ground level and two elevated. Sleek, train-style buses would ride in designated lanes, bypassing other traffic. For a large portion of the route, the lanes would run parallel to Interstate 275, built on widened shoulders of the highway.
Placing designated bus lanes in the median would cost more than $2 billion, according to the study.
No right-of-way would be needed for lanes on I-275 shoulder. Right- of-way would be needed for bus stations.
Starkey said she had seen examples of how transit stations in Miami spurred new development. That can happen here also, she said.
“We have the ability to start something here that we all can benefit from,” said Starkey, speaking at a January leadership meeting.
The estimated travel time for a full ride from Wesley Chapel to St. Petersburg would be about 80 minutes to 95 minutes, assuming the bus stops at every station on the route.
Two stations would be built in Wesley Chapel, along State Road 54 and State Road 56. “They would be geared toward park and ride,” said Pringle.
At leadership group meetings, Starkey and Mariano have been supportive but have raised questions about the need for additional financial information. They also want future projects to focus on more areas within Pasco, including western Pasco and the CSX rail lines that travel up U.S. 41 into Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.
“I support starting in Wesley Chapel,” said Starkey, but noted that heavily populated west Pasco needs transit, as well.
Long-range options in the transit vision include self-driving vehicles, light rail, and water-based ferries.
“We are certainly leap-frogging in technology,” she said. “I’m excited to be a part of this.”
Mariano isn’t convinced it would take as long as 10 years for the rail project to materialize. He also wanted information on land values along the rail line.
“I think also Hernando County, at some point, needs to come in, especially looking at U.S. 41,” Mariano said.
Pringle said a dialogue with CSX would be needed. He also stressed that the timelines for the projects are approximate because a lot depends on the final plan and available funding.
“Both of these (projects) are competitive for federal dollars,” he said.
The study looked at a range of options, but Pringle said it became clear some were very expensive. “The prices kept going up and up,” Pringle said. “We were pricing ourselves out of a project.”
Federal agencies like to see projects that cost about $10 a trip, he added. That influenced the decision to focus on the bus rapid transit as a first project, Pringle said.
“Funding is what kills transit 99 percent of the time,” he said.
For information, visit TBRegionalTransit.com.

Published March 7, 2018

State Road 56 extension moving forward

March 7, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Construction on the State Road 56 extension is on track for its scheduled completion in late 2019, according to Florida Department of Transportation officials.

The approximately 6-mile extension will give motorists a new four-lane route between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

Work began in February 2017.

City planners in Zephyrhills are looking ahead to the project’s completion, and its impact on development.

Construction crews work on medians for the State Road 56 extension from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills. (File)

“We have a lot going on over here already,” said Todd Vande berg, Zephyrhills planning director. “It’s going to be a game- changer with State Road 56 coming here as a four-lane road.”

But, Zephyrhills officials also are pursuing an additional extension to State Road 56 that would link to State Road 39.

They requested $1 million in the Florida 2019 budget to fund a planning study for the project. Legislators are expected to approve a budget by March 9.

The budget then would go to Gov. Rick Scott, who has line-item veto authority.

Added connectivity helps the entire area, Vande berg said.

“We could have a true, multicounty arterial road,” he said.

Current roadwork will extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. A 10-foot wide multi-use trail will run along the south side of State Road 56. A 5-foot sidewalk will be installed on the north side.

Seven-foot bicycle lanes will be striped off in each direction.

Traffic signals are planned at Morris Bridge Road, at its new intersection with State Road 56, and also at U.S. 301 where it will connect with the new extension.

New residential and commercial projects are anticipated.

Four developers are planning master-planned communities along State Road 56.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport also will benefit from the project. The airport is undergoing upgrades.

About 440 acres adjacent to the site also are being prepared for future development, and will be marketed as site-ready.

As of Feb. 20, a checklist of milestones from state highway officials on the State Road 56 extension included:

15 retention ponds, of 17 total, are nearly complete
About 75 percent of the stormwater drainage system is installed
The first three layers of asphalt has been laid on nearly 2 miles of the 6-mile road
About 3 miles of concrete sidewalk is complete
About 1 mile of the multi-use path is complete

The westbound segment of the bridge work over New River also is finished and work is underway on the eastbound segment.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/ycx2x3y5.

Published March 7, 2018

Business Digest 03/07/2018

March 7, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Dog dining permits
Pasco County approved a new Dog Dining ordinance, which allows restaurants to obtain permits for doggy dining.

At permitted restaurants, owners can bring their dogs to designated, outdoor areas. Participating restaurants can establish their own dog dining hours of operation.

A one-time permit costs $50.

Interested restaurant owners can apply for dog dining permits online at Pasco County Central Permitting. Applications in person must be submitted at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The county’s MyPasco mobile application provides live Central Permitting Wait Times for applicants to plan their visits.

Dog dining applications must provide specific information, including a diagram and dimensions of the outdoor dining area, entryways and exits, any fences or barriers, and a sample of proposed signage for the dog dining area.

Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in revocation of dog dining permits, and a county citation.

For additional information, visit Central Permitting at PascoCountyFl.net.

First National Bank of Pasco
The First National Bank of Pasco will have a VIP reception and ribbon cutting March 8 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz.

There also will be a grand opening March 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free hot dogs, a bounce house, balloon animal artist, face painting, and a free piggy bank for children.

The bank primarily will serve the Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel market. It will provide customers a “new age of banking,” with an interior design loaded with technology. First National also offers a joint venture with Jarrett Ford to provide electric vehicle charge stations.

First National Bank of Pasco is the only community bank headquartered in Pasco County, with its main office in Dade City.

For information, call the bank at (813) 607-2555, or visit FNBPasco.com.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its March 2018 Momentum Thursday on March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be North Tampa chamber president Jody Fowler, who will discuss how to use LinkedIn Live.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., March 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Land O’ Lakes winery anniversary
The Land O’ Lakes Winery will have its third-year anniversary celebration March 11 from noon to 8 p.m., at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy wine specials, appetizers and door prizes. Singer and songwriter Fred Chandler, of Fred Chandler Epicoustic Events, will perform live original music.

For information, contact the winery at (813) 995-9463 or .

Central Pasco membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The cost is $20 for members who register by March 8. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or CentralPascoChamber.com.

Smart Business Series
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Smart Business Series on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Overnight Success Studios, 17743 Hunting Bow Circle in Lutz.

The cost is $20 per person. Seating is limited.

This new program offers professional development opportunities for chamber members and access to business building opportunities. Industry leaders will present each monthly program, which will be taped and made available later for online viewing.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

East Pasco networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet March 13 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

The cost is $20 in advance for members who register online by 3 p.m., March 9. Thereafter, the cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Enjoy two-for-one drinks, free soft drinks, refreshments and Latin music.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Rallying to protect the environment

February 28, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Opponents of the Ridge Road extension are digging in for a battle with Pasco, and if need be, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, over a road that would cut through a portion of the Serenova Preserve.

About 75 people showed up in hiking clothes on Feb. 16, to walk trails at the Serenova Tract, at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Richard Stauffer, of Aripeka, studied the trail map of the Serenova Tract. He is a regular visitor to the park and a member of the Florida Native Plant Society. He joined a large group of people on Feb. 16 for a walking tour at the Serenova Tract and a rally against the proposed extension of Ridge Road. (Fred Bellet)

It was a Facebook-promoted rally to bring attention to natural habitats that they fear will be lost if Ridge Road is built.

“Our concern is fragmentation of habitat and how much the county will pay for the road. It’s a Pandora’s box,” said Josh McCart, a member of the Sierra Club. He also helped organize the rally, sponsored by Save the Serenova Coalition. More than 30 area groups belong to the coalition, including the Sierra Club.

Coalition member Dan Callaghan was heartened by the turnout. He hopes it will be an inspiration to others to get involved.

As he watches development gobble up large tracts of land in Pasco, Callaghan worries that conservation lands, and wildlife habitats, will be lost.

“That’s the direction we’re heading in, if we don’t stop this. Serenova is a test,” he said. “If we don’t stop it here, Pasco is gone.”

The fight over this road began nearly 20 years ago.

Pasco County officials hope for a resolution, and a work permit from the Army Corps, by the end of this year.

Josh McCart, front right, of New Port Richey, helped organize a walking tour at the Serenova Tract. McCart, a member of the Save the Serenova Coalition, said he posted information on Facebook and was overwhelmed by the large turnout.

The proposed project is for an 8-mile extension of Ridge Road, which now dead-ends at Moon Lake Road. The new road would link Moon Lake in west Pasco to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, across from an entrance into the master-planned community of Connerton.

The road is a county priority that would serve as a new east-west evacuation route during hurricanes.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr. said, via email, that the new route would significantly reduce evacuation times for about 180,000 people who live within that evacuation zone.

“The road would also provide relief to people currently using (State Road) 52 and (State Road) 54,” Wells noted.

The county has set aside about $40 million toward an estimated $68 million for construction of the first segment from Moon Lake to the east side of the Suncoast Parkway exchange. An additional $2.5 million is allocated for right-of-way purchases.

No funds are available, as yet, for the second phase of construction, which would take the road to U.S. 41. That phase isn’t expected to be built until development occurs on land along that portion of the route.

The funding of Ridge Road is a sticking point for opponents, who say the county isn’t being transparent on the costs. They peg total costs as high as $150 million.

They also object to the monthly fee of about $28,500 paid to Washington D.C. consultants, with Dawson & Associates, to lobby for the road’s work permit.

Dan Rametta is an opponent of the Ridge Road extension through the Serenova Preserve. He has worked against the project for 20 years.

The project gained new momentum in 2017, as the Trump administration issued an executive order meant to speed up permits for infrastructure projects. Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also sent letters of support.

No decision has been made, but Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said, “We still expect it later this year.”

Attorneys for the Sierra Club recently submitted an 80-page document contesting the project.

“They sell it as a done deal,” said McCart. “It’s not a done deal. There are a lot of costs associated to this road. The (Pasco County) commissioners are not telling us the true costs.”

The money is what bothers New Port Richey resident Barbara Sullo, who was at the rally. The county needs to fix its flooding problems, which are especially chronic in west Pasco, she said.

“They say they don’t have money to fix the roads, and yet, they spend millions on the Ridge Road extension,” Sullo said. “I don’t think people realize it’s our money.”

County data, per Wells’ email, shows that the per capita costs for the 180,000 residents within the evacuation zone, and within 2 miles of Ridge Road, would be about $400 per person.

“That doesn’t seem like too much to ensure the safety of our residents facing hurricane evacuations,” Wells said, in his email.

In April, the Corps chose one of 17 proposed routes through the Serenova Preserve as “the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative.” Additional review is being done.

The focus is on land that was set aside in a court settlement to mitigate about 200 acres of wetlands lost during construction of the Suncoast Parkway.

The Army Corps has regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act.

Save the Serenova coalition member Dan Rametta said the settlement is being circumvented.

“How does a four-lane road keep it in its natural state?” he said. He points to the Ridge Road connection that will link with Connerton, and also will cut through a portion of the Bexley Ranch property.

“It’s basically a developer’s road,” Rametta said.

County officials said wetlands lost due to the road project will be mitigated through preservation of other lands. About 2.3 acres of wetlands will be impacted, but about 82 percent of wetland impacts have been reduced, they said.

And, bridges already built, and parts of the proposed road, are elevated above the conservation land.

“You can’t say we haven’t worked through the process to reduce the impact,” Biles said.

Save the Serenova coalition members said there will inevitably be environmental losses.

“Every time you divide a large parcel up, you diminish the land, the plants, birds, everything,” said Aripeka resident Richard Stauffer.

He is a member of the Florida Native Plant Society, which belongs to the coalition. There are concerns among its members about a federally protected plant – the pond spice.

Some plants were found in Serenova, though so far not within the proposed construction area, Stauffer said, adding that more research should be done.

Sharon Holding, also is a member of the native plant society. She handed out fliers and helped with the walking tour.

“Certainly, it will impact people out here,” she said. “We need these places as reprieve from the busyness of our lives.”

Pasco also needs conservation land for ecotourism. “I’d like to see us promote that” Holding said. “We can’t stop people from moving to Pasco. We can plan our developments a lot smarter.”

Rametta said the movement to block Ridge Road is getting stronger.

“Commissioners need to pay attention,” he said. “There are voters here. There are consequences.”

Published February 28, 2018

Welbilt will expand and add 110 jobs in Pasco

February 28, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Welbilt, a global manufacturer of commercial restaurant equipment, plans to expand its facility in Pasco County, and hire about 110 new employees.

Company officials announced the expansion Feb. 20 at the Pasco County Commission meeting in New Port Richey.

Pasco County commissioners and Welbilt executives announced plans to expand Welbilt, a global manufacturer of commercial restaurant equipment. (Courtesy of Welbilt)

The outcome could have been different as company officials had looked elsewhere in the Tampa Bay area for a suitable location. Welbilt, formerly Manitowoc Foodservice Inc., opened in Pasco more than 10 years ago.

“We’re very pleased we’re going to stay in Pasco,” said Thomas Wooderson, engineering director for Welbilt.

Wooderson said the expansion would be done in phases, with new employees hired, as space and need are available. The average annual salary for employees is almost $69,000, which is 200 percent more than the county’s average annual wage.

The project represents about $13.5 million in capital investment and should be completed by mid-2019.

Welbilt will remodel its existing research and development laboratories at 2227 Welbilt Road in New Port Richey, and build an additional 42,000 square feet.

The expansion will have laboratory space, a test kitchen and a new customer service center. There also will be a 190-space parking garage.

Welbilt will receive $650,000 in incentives from Pasco, and about $480,000 from Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program.

This rendering from Welbilt shows how the expanded facility will look on completion in late 2019.

An independent report showed that the Welbilt expansion will indirectly add more than 170 jobs that generate about $9.4 million in personal income annually.

It also will add about $10.9 million to Pasco’s Gross County Product, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council.

Welbilt is an international manufacturer, operating in 12 countries, with more than 5,000 employees. The company builds commercial restaurant equipment, including stoves, ice machines, grills, beverage dispensers, and walk-in freezers.

On average, about 2,000 customers visit Welbilt annually for specialized service in developing and designing kitchen systems, and products.

“That could double or triple,” Wooderson said, after the expansion.

Welbilt’s employees work collaboratively with chefs, restaurant chain operators, and independent restaurant owners, on customized design solutions, Wooderson said.

Connectivity and automation, especially, are becoming important in the food industry, he added.

“The industry is changing so fast we need to have a new corporate view on innovation,” he said. “We’re seeking greater opportunities.”

Published February 28, 2018

Women’s commission sets goals

February 28, 2018 By Kathy Steele

The goals for the Commission on the Status of Women are coming into focus, after nearly a year of research, discussion and goal-setting.

The 15-member volunteer group has created committees on health and safety, education and economic prosperity.

Members of the Commission on the Status of Women presented their goals to the Pasco County Commission. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, front row center, headed up efforts to establish the commission, along with attorney Michele Hintson (not shown). (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Issues that will be pursued in coming months include domestic violence, affordable child care, and women’s entrepreneurship, financial education and literacy.

Amanda Colon, chairwoman of the woman’s commission, gave Pasco County commissioners an update on the group’s activities over the past year.

Several of the group’s members joined her at the Feb. 20 meeting of the Pasco County Commission in New Port Richey.

“I truly cannot think of a more relevant time to be talking to you about women,” said Colon. “As the status of women goes in Pasco, so goes Pasco. Having women in crisis negatively affects our schools, our courts and our commerce.”

Raising the status of women will positively affect schools, courts and the local economy, Colon said.

The women’s status commission began its work in May 2017. Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson worked together to establish the group, which has five appointees by county commissioners.

Other members are from 10 area agencies, schools and nonprofits. They are African-American Club of Pasco County Inc., Hispanic Professional Women’s Association Inc., Metropolitan Ministries, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., the United Way of Pasco County Inc., Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Women Lawyers of Pasco Inc.

“I know you’re off to a great start,” Starkey said.

In the next months, the women’s commission will continue its work through goals set by each committee.

The health and safety committee members plan to distribute a community survey to complete a needs assessment. The goal is to launch an action plan within six months.

Committee members also gathered data from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Calls regarding domestic abuse were lowest in February, and the highest in September, October and November.

On April 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a free Women’s Symposium on harassment prevention at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road, in New Port Richey.

“We’d like to look forward to see what we can do to prevent harassment in business, and focus on our young girls going into business, but also raising up girls who have a voice and know how to use it,” said Suzanne Legg, a member of the women’s commission.

This will be an ongoing discussion, not a one-time event, she added. “We’d like to change #metoo to #notme,” Legg said.

The education committee members plan to focus efforts on affordable child care, as well as career guidance and training for single mothers, empty-nesters and seniors.

Seniors include grandparents who often are caregivers for their grandchildren, Colon said.

A third goal is to provide mentoring and education for at-risk youth.

“We’re focusing immediately on identifying and utilizing resources we have in Pasco,” Colon said.

The economic prosperity committee plans to help women entrepreneurs, with an emphasis on their financial education and literacy.

“Women earn less, save less and live longer, but are responsible for the same living expenses as those of men,” Colon said.

Women often pay higher interest rates on home loans, for instance. And, many divorced women don’t receive full child support payments, Colon added.

“One in five divorced women slide into the poverty line,” she said.

To register for the free women’s symposium, visit FTGIsymposium.eventbrite.com.

Published February 28, 2018

Business Digest 02/28/2018

February 28, 2018 By Kathy Steele

Netfest sponsors wanted
The Pasco County Economic Council is signing up sponsors and their chili recipes for the sponsor-only Chili Cook-Off at the Pasco EDC 16th Annual Netfest on April 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Epperson, 7851 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel.

Put on Western duds, or flip-flops and casual beach attire, to enjoy food, fun and Caribbean music at the Crystal Lagoon.

Trophies will be handed out for the “Best Chili in Pasco County” and “Most Unique.”

The chili cook-off is optional, but come support Pasco EDC and its economic mission.

The cost is $50 per person; $40 for each Pasco EDC investor and guests; and, $30 for Pasco County employees.

For information, call the Pasco EDC at (888) 607-2726.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/ya72otjs.

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on March 1 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway.

This is a “no agenda” event with time for social networking.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast March 1 at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Dennis Harmeson, of the Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

The cost is $8 for members, and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Dade City Chiropractic
Dade City Chiropractic will have a ribbon cutting March 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 141227 Seventh St., Suite 2, in the alleyway between Top Drawer Antiques and Antiques Main, in Dade City.

For information, contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or DadeCityChamber.org.

Women of Wesley Chapel
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the Women of Wesley Chapel breakfast mixer March 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

The cost is $5, and is for Women of Wesley Chapel only. Monthly meetings are for networking, business card exchange and friendship.

Please preregister for head count.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534 or .

Meritage Homes groundbreaking
Meritage Homes Communities will have a groundbreaking at Lake Hanna Preserves on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at 17818 Hanna Road in Lutz.

Breakfast refreshments will be served.

For information, call Marcelle Sebaali, Meritage Homes marketing manager, at (407) 929-7596.

Network breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet March 7 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The cost is $7 for members, if preregistered by March 1; or $10 at the door for members or guests.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its March 2018 Momentum Thursday on March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be North Tampa chamber president Jody Fowler, who will discuss how to use LinkedIn Live.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., March 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Land O’ Lakes winery anniversary
The Land O’ Lakes Winery will have its third-year anniversary celebration March 11 from noon to 8 p.m., at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy wine specials, appetizers and door prizes. Singer and songwriter Fred Chandler, of Fred Chandler Epicoustic Events, will perform live original music.

For information, contact the winery at (813) 995-9463 or .

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The cost is $20 for members who register by March 8. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or Centralpascochamber.com.