The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Connerton Corner to get McDonald’s

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McDonald’s restaurant is set to open at Connerton Corner in late summer.

It is yet another sign that developers are looking north along U.S. 41 to bring retail to Land O’ Lakes, an area where more rooftops are popping up.

A groundbreaking for McDonald’s is expected by mid-April, with an opening date slated for late July or early August.

A dump truck tips a load of dirt onto a vacant lot that in April will be the site for a groundbreaking of a new McDonald’s restaurant, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A dump truck tips a load of dirt onto a vacant lot that in April will be the site for a groundbreaking of a new McDonald’s restaurant, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Construction crews currently are preparing the site at the entrance into the master-planned community of Connerton, at U.S. 41 and Pleasant Plains Parkway.

The site is owned by Orlando-based Connerton Corners LLC, according to Pasco County records.

For McDonald’s franchise owner, Jose Hernandez, the restaurant will be his 11th restaurant in the Tampa Bay area. His 10th restaurant recently opened at 11367 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Hernandez also owns franchises in Trinity, New Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes. He bought most of his locations in 2014 from Bob Brickman, a long-time franchise owner in the Tampa Bay area.

“(Pasco) is destined for very progressive growth,” said Hernandez, who began his career with McDonald’s more than 25 years ago. He has been an operator/owner since 2008 but also has served in corporate positions including more than four years as president of McDonald’s Caribbean division.

McDonald’s has restaurants in about 120 countries. Hernandez has visited more than 80 of those countries and helped open restaurants in Central and South America and the Philippines.

Hernandez now calls Pasco County home.

“It’s amazing after a world tour to come home,” Hernandez said. “We are very fortunate to be in our location in Pasco County, (an area) that is still under discovery.”

He was 9 years old when his family immigrated from Cuba to south Florida. In 1989 Hernandez relocated to Tampa where he began his career with McDonald’s.

The fast-food chain currently is sprucing up the design of its restaurants including Hernandez’ location at Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and State Road 54.

The company also recently introduced the all-day breakfast to its menu. That is going over well, Hernandez said.

The Connerton Corner restaurant will be testing another new concept – self-ordering by kiosk. The Ridge Road location also has kiosks.

Hernandez said customers can walk in, place an order at a kiosk, then sit down and wait for an employee to deliver the meal tableside.

“I believe it’s a whole different experience,” he said.

It’s a sign of how much social media and new technology is influencing customer service, he added.

Initial testing has been positive but the system will be tweaked to work through any kinks in its operation. Employees will help guide customers through the process. “We’ve done a lot of prep work to bring it forward,” Hernandez said.

The new restaurant initially will fill about 60 to 65 positions. Current employees from other locations will help get the restaurant started but local residents also will have opportunities to apply for jobs, Hernandez said.

“I think it grows from there,” he said.

Published March 9, 2016

Seeking Pasco industry nominees

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Nominations are being accepted for the 2016 Pasco Economic Development Council Industry of the Year Awards.

Winners will be announced at the 30th annual Appreciation Banquet in September.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement.

Nominees should be service, manufacturing or technology companies operating in Pasco County. Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits/others.

The awards will be separated into divisions based on number of employees. Evaluations are based on job creation, increased capital investment, and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2015 and June 2016.

Each year, more than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County attend the awards banquet, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials.

Awards were presented to eight companies in 2015, and the winners were The Laker/Lutz News; Applicant Insight; SAHM Co.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Preferred Materials; Easy Business Software; Veterans Alternative Therapy; and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

All nominations for 2016 must be received by the Pasco EDC, via email at or fax (813) 926-0829, prior to the close of business April 29. All submissions will be reviewed by the Nomination Review Subcommittee and/or Pasco EDC staff to determine eligibility. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Published March 9, 2016

Business Digest 03/09/2016

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Grants for women
Are you a woman in business who could use $1,000? Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants that can be used toward business-related equipment, services or continuing education. The mission of Women-n-Charge, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Applications are available online and are due April 15. Winners will be announced at the May 6 meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Internet seminar
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Pasco-Hernando will host a free seminar on Internet Marketing on March 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. Participants can gain an understanding of the Internet Marketing technologies, and how they enhance the ability of a small business to reach customers and communicate a brand, products and services.

For information, call Jim Karam at (727) 842-4638, or visit Score439.org.

Business podcast
Learn everything you need to know about your business credit through a free online seminar on March 10 at 1 p.m., hosted by SCORE Pasco-Hernando. Ty Kiisel, contributing editor of OnDeck, will discuss three questions most lenders want answered about you and your business. Kiisel will explain how your business credit profile works and dive into the two drivers influencing your profile. You’ll get advice on five things that can build a strong business credit profile.

Kiisel is author of the book, “Getting a Business Loan: Financing Your Main Street Business.” OnDeck is an online platform for small business loans.

For information, visit Score439.org, or email .

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on March 10, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Franchising seminar
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Pasco-Hernando will host a free seminar on March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. The seminar, “Understanding a Franchise Business,” will explain key considerations and expose the myths of owning a franchise business. Participants can learn and understand the potential, the issues, governance, support, resources available and more.

For information, call SCORE at (727) 842-4638, or visit Score439.org.

Hospital ribbon cutting
The Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will host a ribbon cutting and open house for its Cardiac Cath Lab and MEGA Heart Expo on March 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and Trinity-Odessa Chamber of Commerce will participate in the 1 p.m. ribbon cutting.

Visitors can step inside the human heart, learn about cardiovascular functions, observe examples of various types of heart disease and see information about some of the latest medical treatments for heart problems.

For information and to register visit, FHWesleyChapel.org/event, or call (813) 929-5432.

Watermark job fair
Watermark Communities will host a job fair for its new Trinity location on March 14 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Marriott Residence Inn at NorthPointe Village, 2101 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. Watermark is a leader in the senior living industry.

Positions as cook, dishwasher and server are available.

For information, call (727) 597-4082, or visit WatermarkCommunities.com.

Luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be March 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Guest speaker will be Gayle Hill of UpHill Marketing Group.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $18 if prepaid.

For information, contact John Jay Anglada, of Finest DeeJays, at (813) 298-3232.

Chamber mixer
The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on March 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Meals on Wheels, at the social agency’s offices at 38145 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Meals on Wheels at (813) 782-2793.

Pasco encourages commercial growth

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A revolving loan program, with an initial outlay of up to $15 million, could soon prime the pump for new commercial development, and bring more jobs to Pasco County.

The funds can be used by private investors to make land site-ready for development or to construct shell buildings for potential office, industrial and flex-space uses.

The goal is to entice greater investment in the one area of growth lacking in the county – offices and industrial space.

“We don’t have the product,” said Melanie Kendrick, the county’s acting program director for the Office of Economic Growth.

There is land available, Kendrick said, but investors want to move quickly and want site-ready properties.

On the other side, land owners may be reluctant to invest in utility infrastructure or speculative construction.

“We’re trying to lower the carrying costs to fill that gap,” Kendrick said.

The county initially launched the loan program in late 2015. But, the request for proposals was tweaked for a relaunching in February.

Funding is from the Penny for Pasco program, which was approved through voter referendum in 2012, and began collecting revenues in 2015. The money goes into the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund. To date, more than $4.3 million has been collected. Over 10 years the program is expected to collect nearly $54 million that will be parceled out over 25 years for economic development.

The county’s goal is to create more than 100,000 jobs in 10 years.

The loan program has two parts.

Pasco Accelerate Development Sites (PADS) gets sites shovel-ready with funds that help install water, sewer and other utility improvements.

Pasco Occupant Ready Shells (PORS) helps with construction costs on shell buildings, without a tenant or buyer. But, having a building ready can attract an employer who wants to begin operations quickly. The “shell” can be completed to the specifications needed.

Application deadline for the program is April 11 at 2 p.m. Pasco County commissioners will be asked to rank applicants’ proposals, based on staff recommendations. The item likely will be reviewed at their May 24 meeting.

Commissioners can decide which projects will receive funding, and how much each will receive.

Pasco County officially distributes solicitation documents through the Florida Online Bid System. Solicitation documents may be downloaded at no cost.

Documents also may be obtained from the county’s purchasing department in accordance with Florida Statutes that pertain to public records.

Published March 2, 2016

Radio system improvements planned

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Pasco County is replacing dinosaur analog with new age digital.

The county is replacing a 26-year-old, outmoded radio communications system.

New radios, antennas and cell towers will enhance Pasco County’s public safety coverage.

In recent years, the existing system has been plagued with complaints by residents about dropped 911 calls.

Todd Bayley, Pasco County’s chief information officer, stated the obvious to Pasco commissioners in February. “The system is at maximum capacity,” he said. “We have coverage issues currently.”

Commissioners approved a $14.5 million contract with Williams Communications Inc., to add seven new cell tower sites for a total of 10 sites countywide. Existing sites are in New Port Richey, Darby and Dade City. The new sites will enhance public safety coverage particularly in new growth areas of Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

In addition, the new system will replace old hand-held and portable radios, add antennas to existing sites, and enhance capabilities at the county’s 911 emergency center. The project will roll out over three years, with completion expected in July 2018.

“It’s giving us total 100 percent coverage everywhere in the county,” Bayley said.

The current system relies on three cell tower sites, 2,500 hand-held and portable radios, and 11 dispatch consoles for 911 calls.

The manufacturer’s expiration date for that system is in 2017.

The upgraded system will support public safety agencies including the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Management, and Pasco Fire Rescue as well as law enforcement agencies that have merged emergency operations with Pasco. Those include Port Richey, Dade City and New Port Richey.

In addition, the county supports communications on board more than 30 percent of Pasco County School District’s buses. Communications among all county agencies also will be enhanced and expanded.

Funding is from the Penny for Pasco tax money collected annually by the county, with 20 percent set aside for public safety projects.

The new system will be compatible with radio systems used by law enforcement and public safety agencies in surrounding counties.

As an added feature, Bayley said certain public safety and fire rescue officers will be able to download an application to a Smartphone, and with the punch of a button, start talking over the radio system.

“So, they don’t always have to have a radio on their hip,” Bayley said.

As the systems are traded out, the transition should be seamless as the new system is compatible with the existing system, Bayley said.

The county plans to fund the project initially by borrowing from the general reserve funds and then securing a loan to reimburse those funds. The loan closing is expected on March 9.

Published March 2, 2016

New Dade City Hall ready for debut

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Dade City residents will get their first official peek inside their new City Hall at a ribbon cutting on March 11 at 10:30 a.m.

City employees and law enforcement officers, however, are already getting accustomed to the new, 22,000-square-foot building. They moved in about three weeks ago.

“We’ve gotten settled in,” said Gordon Onderdonk, the city’s public works director.

(Courtesy of Wannemacher Jensen Architects)
(Courtesy of Wannemacher Jensen Architects)

Now, it’s the public’s turn to explore the new seat of city government, and the headquarters for the Dade City police department.

Ribbon-cutting festivities will include a performance by the Pasco High School Band, as well as speeches by guest speakers, a flag raising and a rendition of the national anthem. Those attending will be able to go on guided tours of the complex, and refreshments will be served.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects created a design for two separate buildings that are joined by an entryway canopy and a courtyard. One side of the complex houses city offices; the other is headquarters for the Dade City police force.

In preparation of the celebration, the Dade City Commission approved the temporary closure of Meridian Avenue from Fifth Street to the U.S. 98 Bypass from 8 a.m. to noon on March 11.

Construction on the new City Hall began in March 2015 on the site of the old building.

In the 1920s, developers planned a hotel at the location, but that was never completed.

During the Depression, the building found new life as a federal work project and served as the hub of city government for decades.

Through the years, city agencies outgrew the space and moved into other buildings.

During construction, some City Hall employees were relocated to an annex building and to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot on U.S. 98 at U.S. 301.

Consolidating offices in one building will make it easier for people to do business with the city, Onderdonk said.

“This is one-stop shopping for them to take care of everything. It’s all in the same building and will be convenient,” he said.

The city’s police department vacated its previous location on Pasco Avenue.

The new facility has typical features of a police department, including interview rooms, holding cells, a booking area, a special area for the K-9 unit and a conference room. But, there also is new and upgraded technology.

The city commission chamber also will benefit from technology upgrades, including a projector screen that will make it easier to observe meetings.

The approximately $5.9 million budget for the building’s construction came from the countywide Penny for Pasco program and the city’s reserve fund.

Published March 2, 2016

Business Digest 03/02/2016

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Terra Restaurant, in Zephyrhills, is a recent addition to the area’s dining options. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Terra Restaurant, in Zephyrhills, is a recent addition to the area’s dining options.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Fresh-food dining experience in Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is now home to Terra Restaurant, a fresh-food dining experience at 6834 Gall Blvd. Terra offers a varied menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, steak, lamb and crepes. A kid’s menu is available. Among Terra’s entrees are a New York strip, Jaeger Schnitzel and mango tilapia. Fruits and vegetables are organic. Soups and side items are made from scratch daily without preservatives or artificial flavors. Wild-caught seafood and grass-fed beef are served, too.

For information, call (813) 355-4862, or visit TerraRestaurantFL.com.

Networking forum
The third annual Open Doors Forum will be on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the TPepin Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa. The free forum is to help minority, women and small business owners connect to opportunities in government contracting.

Attendees will be able to meet government prime contractors and subcontractors with the goal of forming new partnerships. Business owners will be able to connect with small business loan specialists and representatives of government agencies. Those attending also have the chance to learn how to do business with local government.

Participating agencies are Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Hillsborough County School Board, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa General Hospital and Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

Prime contractors will include Beck Group, David Nelson Construction, Kimmins Contracting Corp. and Skanska.

Hillsborough County’s Disadvantaged Minority/Disadvantaged Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Encouragement programs are the event’s organizers.

For information about registering, call (813) 276-2729, or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/OpenDoors.

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic & Wellness will have a ribbon cutting on March 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Blvd., in Lutz. The clinic is on the south side of State Road 54, just south of Livingston Road.

For information, call Aprile Chiropractic at (813) 909-1644, or visit AprileChiropractic.com.

Need skilled labor?
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate the graduation of 28 students, who now are certified production technicians through the National Emergency Grant program. They are ready for on-the-job training with local manufacturers.  Each graduate comes with up to a $2,000 on-the-job training fund that goes directly to their new employer.

Also, stop in to visit the college’s Engineering Technology Lab and meet the new engineering technology faculty.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 816-3227.

Auto care ribbon cutting
Honest 1-Auto Care will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on March 8 at 9 a.m., at 14318 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact George Maajoun, president of Honorable Auto Care LLC, at (727) 647-3270.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on March 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, or email .

Medical career job fair
CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a Medical Career Job Fair on March 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Rasmussen College, at 8661 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey. Dress professionally and bring resumes.

For information, call CareerSource at (352) 200-3020, or visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street could meet in the middle

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Discussions on opening up Mansfield Boulevard in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe community and linking it to Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch hit dead-end after dead-end for years.

Pasco County and the City of Tampa sparred over how to divvy up road improvements and pay the costs.

So, the two roadways that cut through expensive subdivisions on either side of the county line still don’t connect. Instead, they end at a barricade that has become a magnet for illegal dumping.

Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch is on the other side of a barricade where Mansfield Boulevard dead ends in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe subdivision. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Kinnan Street in New Tampa’s K Bar Ranch is on the other side of a barricade where Mansfield Boulevard dead ends in Pasco County’s Meadow Pointe subdivision.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

In a recent medical emergency, one K Bar Ranch resident learned just how unsafe the divide could get. Confusion over which agency should respond and the lack of road access left him waiting 45 minutes for medical attention.

There is renewed hope, however, that opposing sides can find common ground.

“It’s like the stars are in alignment,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione.

Just as she was nearly ready to hit send on an email to Pasco County commissioners, she got a call from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Both wanted to restart discussions on connecting the roads.

“He didn’t know I was even sending the letter,” Montelione said.

And, the developer of Meadow Pointe had scheduled a meeting with Pasco officials to discuss the same topic.

On March 9, Moore, Montelione, Pasco staff members and Tampa staff members will meet to consider options.

Moore reported to fellow commissioners last month of his conversation with Montelione.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey quickly offered her support.

“I’m all about connectivity,” she said.

Lack of connections kept K Bar Ranch resident, Otto Schloeter, in agony for 45 minutes after a neighbor made a 911 call for him.

Schloeter suffered third degree burns on his arm due to an accident while cooking lunch. Outmoded 911 technology contributed to confusion regarding which rescue unit from which county should respond, but Montelione’s letter cited another culprit as well – the barrier between Mansfield and Kinnan.

It took nearly two hours for Schloeter finally to reach Tampa General Hospital for a severe injury that required skin grafts, according to Montelione’s letter.

“What I’m hoping to get from this is a road map to move forward,” said Montelione. “It’s not about everybody getting everything they want. It’s about getting to some mutual benefit agreement.”

Nearly three years ago, efforts to address the issue fell apart when the City of Tampa rejected Pasco’s request for city taxpayers or the developer to fund traffic calming devices on Mansfield, which is in Hillsborough County.

At the time, Pasco officials were hearing from Meadow Pointe residents who were concerned about increased traffic on Mansfield, if the roads were opened.

Mansfield is located off State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, just beyond The Shops at Wiregrass.

The boulevard winds past Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, several subdivisions within Meadow Pointe, the construction site for the county’s elementary school “W,” and Dr. John Long Middle School before dead-ending at Kinnan and K Bar Ranch.

Tampa and Pasco officials also tried unsuccessfully to negotiate other grid improvements to improve circulation via Beardsley Drive and Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

Some contentious issues could be smoothed over by a 2015 agreement between the City of Tampa and MI/Homes, the current homebuilder for K Bar Ranch.

The company is open to paying for turn lanes, traffic signals, sidewalks and striping of lanes on Mansfield and Kinnan.

Traffic calming devices on Mansfield, however, are still at issue.

But, Moore said he is hopeful about an agreement.

Opening access for residents to move back and forth between counties is going to be vital, as both counties proceed with new development and expanding populations, he said.

“We want to think responsibly. You’re going to need these connections,” Moore said.

Published February 24, 2016

Culver’s ready for custard day on Feb. 29

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The countdown is less than a week away for the opening of Culver’s restaurant.

The aqua building with the royal blue highlights is a visible sign of the growth under way near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

“There is such development in this area,” said franchise owner Marty Roeske. “There’s going to be nothing but growth. We’re excited.”

Construction crews are pulling together last-minute details to prepare for the Feb. 29 opening. A grand opening will be scheduled, probably in March, when Culver’s founder, Craig Culver, is expected to attend.

The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
The pastel blue of Culver’s restaurant, off State Road 56, matches the Florida Key West style of Tampa Premium Outlets. The sign is counting down to the Feb. 29 opening.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Next door, Cheddar’s Casual Café is under construction, also fronting the outlet mall along State Road 56.

Other anticipated restaurants include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Starbucks, On the Border, Panda Express and Chick-Fil-A, according to Pasco County records.

The Roeskes are establishing some firsts for Culver’s.

“It’s the first Culver’s to say ‘baby blue’,” said Lucas Roeske, who is assisting his father in restaurant operations.

The official color is a shade of aqua. The royal blue is the signature Culver’s color.

This restaurant also has patio seating, another first for Culver’s.

The fast-food chain’s menu serves up Culver’s signature, “Butterburgers,” as well as fried chicken, sandwiches and salads.

And, for desserts, there are Culver’s frozen custard treats, made fresh daily and scooped into waffle cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes and malts.

The Roeskes aren’t newcomers to restaurants or to Culver’s.

They own a franchise in Wisconsin, which is operated by another of Roeske’s sons.

That franchise opened in 2000 as Culver’s 97th restaurant.

Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.
Lucas Roeske, left, and his father, Marty Roeske, stand beside the menu board at the drive-through at Culver’s restaurant.

The Roeskes initially looked in Hillsborough County for locations, but eventually landed at the site that is one of Pasco’s hottest development areas.

In addition to restaurants, Costco and Kohl’s are among future retail headed to the junction of State Road 56 and Interstate 75, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center.

On the north side of State Road 56, more retail, offices and potentially a hotel also are coming to the town center.

With five high schools close by, Marty Roeske said there is a good employment base.

More than 80 people have been hired, and the number could go as high as 100, he said.

The family moved to Pasco more than a year ago, leaving behind the cold and snow of Wisconsin.

“We love Wesley Chapel,” said Marty Roeske. “It’s very much home to us. It’s a community-based area.”

Culver’s is located at 2303 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For information, visit Culvers.com.

Published February 24, 2016

Town hall covers myriad topics

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A local church was packed with more than 100 residents during a town hall meeting held by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff.

Those attending had a chance to get a primer on how Pasco County departments function, and to get snapshots of what’s happening across the county and in their neighborhood.

They also got a chance to speak face-to-face with county staff members on issues, including the proposed Ridge Road extension, flood prevention efforts, and the future of the State Road 54 and U.S 41 intersection.

The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz.

County staff members gave presentations about planning and growth, stormwater, code enforcement, parks and recreation, crime prevention, capital projects and transportation.

More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Residents had a chance to ask a few questions at the end of each presentation, and could meet privately with staff members, too.

“We tried to think of things that are of concern to you,” Starkey said, in her opening remarks.

Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator, gave residents a picture of the county’s population growth.

The census pegged the county’s population at about 467,000 in 2010. Even during the recession, the county grew by about 20,000 residents a year, Gehring said.

And by 2040, the population could increase to about 905,000 countywide.

“This will be the predominant growth area,” Gehring said of central Pasco especially along the State Road 54 corridor.

Residents from Sierra Pines, in Lutz, raised concerns about flooding. Their neighborhood suffered during the summer rainfalls and they worry that enough isn’t being done to address stormwater problems.

The county has identified about $300 million in stormwater projects, but has no funding source as yet.

“That will be an issue with the county commission this year,” said Starkey. “We’re trying to figure out how to do that.”

One resident asked about completion of the Ridge Road extension.

The 8-mile long project is a high priority for the county as a link connecting east and west Pasco, and as an evacuation route in hurricanes and other emergencies.

It has been delayed for more than 15 years, as the county awaits a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Starkey said the application is the longest standing permit request in the country.

Pasco hired a consultant several months ago to help with the process.

“We’re going to try to get louder and louder, and get this squeaky wheel done,” Starkey said.

Finding a solution to the increasing traffic congestion, especially at State Road 54 and U.S. 41, is another issue that has stirred controversy.

Two volunteer task forces created by Pasco County are currently reviewing a set of road projects to improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation also is reviewing options that could include a flyover that would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41 and potentially set aside toll lanes.

But, a range of transportation options will be needed to deal with traffic, as growth and development proceed, said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Transit and even passenger rail along the CSX rail line that crosses U.S. 41 at State Road 54 are possibilities, he said. The rail line is a back door to the Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, and into Pinellas County and Clearwater, he said.

“It is a line that absolutely connects us,” he said. “It’s an underutilized asset that may come into play in the future.”

Published February 24, 2016