The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Downtown Dade City adds to its ‘eclectic mix’

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New storefronts in downtown Dade City are creating a buzz.

One of the newest additions is Flint Creek Outfitters, which opened nearly three weeks ago at 14129 Seventh St., at the intersection with Pasco Avenue.

The prime retail spot had been vacant more than two years following the closing of Remember When Antiques Mall.

A grand opening is planned for January.

Business owners Gordon and Kathy Comer of Dade City also operate Flint Creek Outfitters in Ocala. A store in the Westshore district in Tampa recently closed.

“We felt like for Dade City this is something that’s not been seen before,” said Ian Baldwin, manager of the Dade City store.

John Moors agrees, and the executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce can point to at least two other new businesses filling a niche in downtown – Truly Mediterranean Grill and Rolando’s Cigar Lounge.

“Those particular businesses are really welcome,” Moors said. “It’s adding to the eclectic mix of historic downtown.”

Moors believes the city, and even new development in Wesley Chapel, set the stage for the retail uptick in Dade City.

“It started with the city,” he said. “The city put its money in a new city hall.”

The 22,000 square-foot building will be completed in early 2016 at a cost of about $5.9 million. It replaces an aging structure dating to the 1920s.

“But, some of it has to do with growth to the south in Wesley Chapel,” Moors added.

The chamber has more than 440 members within the “greater” Dade City area, including businesses from Wesley Chapel to Brooksville. Some Lutz businesses also belong.

The growth is attracting a younger population from the millennial generation that enjoys the live, work, play lifestyle, and Moors said Dade City, with its traditional small town environment, is an option for them.

“They are saying ‘we can live in an authentic community and still be connected with high speed Internet where we live and work’,” he said.

Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando State College also are part of the mix. The Dade City Merchants Association has stepped up its marketing and special events.

The Florida Department of Transportation is upgrading U.S. 301, and plans are under way to connect a regional multi-use trail system including Hardy Trail in Dade City.

“One of the reasons Flint Outfitters owners decided to relocate (to Dade City) is that they saw some of the changes happening and saw other businesses opening,” said Moors, who knows the Comers. “They are certainly tailoring to a higher-end clientele.”

According to the company’s website, the family business began in Michigan in the mid-1960s with patriarch, Cecil Comer, who opened Apache Trailer Sales. Comer moved his family to Florida in the 1980s, and with his son Gordon, pursued opportunities in commercial real estate and trailer parks.

Flint Creek Outfitters is named for the creek surrounding a family farm in Antioch.

The store offers men’s and women’s outdoor clothing apparel and accessories. It also has equipment for hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping.

Fly tying lessons and special fly-fishing competitions are planned.

Flint Creek will have a full repair and service department for bicycles, and sell bicycles from the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation.

Guided tours and excursions can be arranged including trips to Costa Rica and Alaska, and trout fishing in Tennessee, according to the website.

“Everyone says a place like this has been needed for awhile,” said Baldwin. “We’re filling a void that was needed here.”

Published December 16, 2015

Business Digest 12/16/2015

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Business challenge
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its second annual SMARTstart Challenge business pitch competition on Feb. 25 in partnership with Saint Leo University’s student business plan competition. Local entrepreneurs will compete for a combined $10,000 in prize money.

The first-place winner will receive a six-month, on-site membership in a SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator. There are two incubators, one in Dade City and one in New Port Richey.

More than 20 start-up businesses competed in the inaugural event in 2015.

Applications will be evaluated on measures relating to important elements about the economics of the business and the ability of the applicant to be successful. Other considerations include market potential and research, the uniqueness of the business idea, evaluation of potential partners, financial plan and attractiveness of the business idea.

The application deadline is Jan. 8. Oral presentations of five minutes with a question and answer period from a panel of judges will be on Feb. 10. Five or six finalists will be selected for the final competition on Feb. 25.

The finals will be open to the public, with the first-place winner and runners-up announced at a reception following the presentations.

Applications are available online at SmartStartPasco.com.

For information about the challenge, call the SMARTstart Pasco Business incubators at (352) 437-4861, or email .

CABA celebrates 30 years
The Carrollwood Area Business Association will celebrate its 30th year with “Holiday After 5” on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

The event will feature ’80s music, the best ’80s attire contest, a dance contest, food and more.

The event is open to members and guests, and members of the community that have supported CABA.

For information and registration, visit USEcaba.com.

Chamber mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Center State Bank at 6930 Gall Blvd.

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

Ribbon cutting
The Southern Sweetheart will have a ribbon cutting and open house on Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 38424 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. The business offers event planning, embroidery, country chic items and clothing. The event is free and open to the public.

For information call (813) 382-0230, email , or visit TheSouthernSweetheart.com.

Doggie daycare
The Barkery Boarding & Daycare will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 5109 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz. The event is free and open to the public.

For information, call (813) 920-9800, or visit BarkeryBoarding.com.

Grand opening
The Spa Moritz will host its grand opening on Jan. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., in New Tampa.

For information on this free event, call (813) 971-4772 or visit SpaMoritz.com.

Networking lunch
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its “Next Regular Exciting Meeting” on Jan. 12 at 11:30 a.m., at Blackstone’s Bar & Restaurant, 38361 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Ed Caum, Pasco County’s tourism director.

For information, email Nils Lenz at , or visit the group’s website at Meetup.com/EastPascoNetworkingGroup/.

Business workshops
Pasco Economic Development Council will launch its next Co.Starters program on Jan. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The 10-week nationally known business development program helps business entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools to turn business ideas into action. The classes, on Tuesday nights, are offered through the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator program.

A facilitator will lead the collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded peers. The goal is to provide an understanding of how to create a sustainable business.

The cost is $295 for the 10-week program.

Preregistration is required.

For information contact Krista Covey, program director, at (727) 478-0670 or (352) 437-4861, or visit PascoEDC.com/incubator/events/co-starters.

 

Master yoga at Land O’ Lakes High School

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Christie McClure paces before her students who stretch into warrior poses atop balance boards that, at times, bobble beneath unsteady legs.

The temperature in the yoga classroom is a perfectly regulated 90 degrees. Humidity is 65 percent.

Students expect to sweat and, to sweat a lot.

Master yoga instructor Christie McClure, 15, founded the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Master yoga instructor Christie McClure, 15, founded the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

“The key to being on the board is you always want to have big breaths,” McClure tells her students, who are members of the Land O’ Lakes High School Yoga Club. “You’re going to have to have full trust in me.”

At age 15, McClure is a master yoga teacher, certified nearly three years ago through Live, Love, Teach, a nationally recognized yoga alliance program. It’s an unusual accomplishment for one so young.

She also is founder of the yoga club, a feat she accomplished in her first year at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“It’s really rare for a freshman to do that,” said classmate and yoga club member, 16-year-old Vanessa Toro.

Toro is among more than 60 students in the club. There are no dues. But, once a month, on a Friday, a dozen or so students get their yoga togs on and settle onto the balance boards in the hottest room in Land O’ Lakes.

McClure teaches Baptiste-style yoga at Florida Power Yoga, at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., directly across from the high school.

McClure’s mother, Denice McClure, owns the studio, which lives up to the motto etched on the studio’s storefront window – “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Yoga.”

Baptiste is very physical, high energy and nonstop motion. Gentle yoga, it is not.

Instead of rolling out a yoga mat, Leah Burch, 15, right, and Justin Cheriyan, 15, both from Land O’ Lakes, move into the chair pose on the patent-pending The Original Power Board.
Instead of rolling out a yoga mat, Leah Burch, 15, right, and Justin Cheriyan, 15, both from Land O’ Lakes, move into the chair pose on the patent-pending The Original Power Board.

And, classes at Florida Power give yoga another twist with boards that test balance and strengthen the body’s core.

Denice McClure, also a master yoga teacher, is co-creator of The Original Power Board. A patent is pending on the sturdy board that is generally yoga mat size with a rocking motion and a paddleboard look.

The boards are used with all classes. Sometimes free weights are added.

“This actually gets you pumped and sweaty,” said 14-year-old Novatana Wheeler.

“This is a different type of yoga,” said Leslie Rabi, age 15.  “You’re constantly sweating and constantly moving.”

The yoga poses are familiar – the downward dog, the chair, warrior one and two, and at the end, a few minutes of meditation, in the dead man’s pose.

“You get to stop time basically,” said Christie McClure.

Yoga is a family passion.

The young woman stretched into her first downward dog at age 5. Her mother had raved about how awesome her yoga class was.

“Well, I wanted to do that,” she told her mother.

Some students test their flexibility and strength with the wheel pose, while balancing on a board.
Some students test their flexibility and strength with the wheel pose, while balancing on a board.

Denice McClure had been a stressed-out parent, living in Ohio, with not enough hours in the day. But, she took yoga at a friend’s suggestion and came away a convert.

“Every piece of my life made sense,” Denice McClure said. “I actually had more time by going there.”

Trained as a chemist, she retired at age 38 and toured the country learning from different yoga teachers and working toward master certification.

Her daughter was right there, undaunted by being a child novice among adults. She has a maturity that is earned.

“She gets acclimated to the adult world,” her mother said,  “and forgets she is 15.”

Christie McClure wanted to start a yoga club at Pine View Middle School. But, she had to wait until freshman year at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“I wanted to have a club where students could find an outlet and get interested in an activity,” she said.

Florida Power Yoga puts a unique spin on power yoga as seen in the studio’s message on the front window.
Florida Power Yoga puts a unique spin on power yoga as seen in the studio’s message on the front window.

The club also focuses on helping other students who need help buying books and other supplies. Special yoga events are held to raise money. The goal is to donate $2,000 to the high school by the end of the year.

One recent Friday afternoon, Justin Cheriyan, 15, took his first power yoga class. He is a yoga club member who plans to be back.

“I was looking for a more aggressive form (of yoga) to relieve stress,” he said.

The appeal of power yoga covers the gamut from weight loss, to meeting up with friends, to becoming a more conditioned athlete, Christie McClure said.

Behind her, an eye-catching mural captures the spirit of power yoga with messages encouraging participants to “challenge your limits,” “get ready to sweat,” “inhale,” and “wring it out.”

Just give it your best and the rewards come, the young yoga teacher said.

“As long as you’re getting messy and feeling great, that’s what our goal is,” she said.

Published December 9, 2015

 

Pasco County fills leadership jobs

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New hires will step into leadership roles at three Pasco County departments.

Pasco County commissioners approved the hiring choices at their Dec. 1 meeting in New Port Richey.

Brian Head, a former chief deputy with the Pasco County Sheriff’s office, will be assistant county administrator for public safety and administration. He served 12 years with the sheriff’s office before retiring in 2013 with the rank of colonel. Most recently, he has been employed by Pasco-Hernando State College at its law enforcement academy.

Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

In 2011, Head was one of three finalists for the top cop job in Pasco County following the retirement of Bob White. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Chris Nocco as the county’s sheriff and, soon after, Head was promoted to second-in-command as deputy sheriff. He held that position at his retirement in 2013.

He is a graduate of Troy University with a degree in public administration, and also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Head’s start date is Dec. 14 at an annual salary of $115,000. He will oversee Fire Rescue, emergency management and the county’s new 911 communications center. He replaces Randy TeBeest who left several weeks ago to move out of state.

“I believe he is exactly the right candidate to help us put the cherry on top of the consolidated communications center,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

Cloyd “Flip” Mellinger will become assistant county administrator for utility services effective Dec. 9. His start date will overlap by a few weeks the remaining tenure of Bruce Kennedy, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Mellinger currently is director of utility services in Marion County, a position he has had for about six years. Previously, he also served four years in supervisory positions with the same department.

He served in the U.S. Navy and is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in science and environmental management.

His annual salary will be $128,000.

Kelley Boree will become director of parks, recreation and natural resources effective Jan. 4. She currently is parks and recreation director in Jacksonville.

She is a graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri with a degree in business administration. She has served in director level positions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Her annual salary will be $105,000.

“I look forward to leading an awesome parks team,” said Boree in comments to commissioners prior to her appointment to the job.

Published December 9, 2015

 

Pasco County to add metal detectors?

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Bag searches and metal detectors are routine outside council or commission chambers in most counties including Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough.

That is especially true on meeting days.

Pasco County is an exception.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey thinks it is time to rethink the county’s policy.

She brought up the topic at the conclusion of the county commission’s meeting on Dec.1.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey (File Photo)
Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey
(File Photo)

“I’ve had a couple incidents with people who might be considered fairly unstable,” Starkey said after the meeting. “It just really makes me concerned.”

County staff plans to report back to commissioners with data on costs and feasibility of installing metal detectors at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Other government buildings also could be included in plans to beef up security.

Starkey aired her concerns just a day before a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California left 14 people killed and more than 20 people injured.

It was another in a list of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation now labels as “active-shooter” incidents where an individual or individuals kill or attempt to kill people gathered in a confined area.

According to FBI data, there were 160 such incidents from 2000 to 2013, and the number is on the rise.

“I sure don’t want to see something happen here that happened in California,” said Starkey, in a phone interview on Dec. 3.

There was little enthusiasm for pursuing metal detectors during the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting.

Cost, in part, was an issue.

“It’s the taxpayers’ building,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“I think it’s okay to look at what other counties do,” Wells said. “Safety is No. 1. I agree with you there.”

County Administrator Michele Baker said the design of the government center in New Port Richey included room to allow metal detectors. But constitutional officers and commissioners, at the time, didn’t want to pursue that.

Ted Schrader, another commissioner, said he’s not sure the idea will find support now.

“I suspect you’re going to get some pushback from that,” Schrader said. “How do you pick and choose which buildings?”

He noted that security cameras are in use.

“A camera doesn’t stop someone coming in with a gun,” Starkey said. “I can tell you, there are employees here who are not comfortable.”

With its multiple entry points and limited lobby area, the Historic Dade City Courthouse, could pose some logistical challenges.

Tampa City Hall is a historic building similar to Dade City’s courthouse. Instead of using metal detectors there, Tampa police officers search bags and use security wands to screen people.

Outside Hillsborough County Commission chambers, sheriff’s deputies operate a metal detector.

“In this day and age it’s a sad thing, but we want to know if people are bringing guns,” Starkey said.

Published December 9, 2015

Get your pets, and pet supplies, here

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It’s not something that you would think would happen very often, but surprisingly enough, it happens more than you would think.

People show up at Pasco County Animal Services Department ready to adopt a pet, but forget to bring a leash or carrier to take home their new dog or cat.

And, when they forget the pet supplies, it can be problematic, said Animal Services Manager Mike Shumate.

Getting a pit bull from the shelter into a parked car, for instance, can go awry, if the dog decides to bolt, he said.

“We want convenience for our customers when they walk out the door,” Shumate said.

Pasco County commissioners voted on Dec. 1 to allow the agency to sell pet adoption supplies and promotional items to support the agency’s services, and its animal shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

Items for sale will include collars, harnesses, leashes, carriers, crates and training items. The supplies are expected to arrive at the shelter by January.

People adopted 699 cats and 1,499 dogs from the agency in fiscal year 2015.

To help encourage more adoptions, the agency is offering special deals through December. The fee for a dog older than eight months is $20; for a cat of any age, it’s $10.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines.

In addition to adding adoption supplies, the board also gave the agency permission to sells promotional products with embossed logos including T-shirts, cups, mugs, magnets and bumper stickers.

Those products are already available, Shumate said. The T-shirt in particular is popular, he said.

“We’re not looking at making any profit,” Shumate said. “We’re not in competition with local pet stores or veterinarians.”

The sales prices will be scaled to cover purchasing and handling costs to the county.

The pet adoption supplies are focused solely on providing the transition from shelter to new home.

The promotional items will help market the agency and its logo, Shumate said.

“It’s something people are going to recognize and know more about,” he said.

To adopt from Pasco County Animal Services, visit the shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. Or, for information, email .

Published December 9, 2015

Business Digest 12/09/2015

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Nick Thurston is the new senior vice president and regional president of Sunshine Bank in eastern Hillsborough and Pasco counties. (Courtesy of Sunshine Bank)
Nick Thurston is the new senior vice president and regional president of Sunshine Bank in eastern Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
(Courtesy of Sunshine Bank)

Sunshine promotions
Sunshine Bank announced promotions for Nick Thurston and Falene Ellis.

Thurston is the new senior vice president and regional president of Sunshine Bank for Pasco and eastern Hillsborough counties, according to an announcement from Andrew Samuel, president, chief executive officer and director of Sunshine Bancorp Inc., and Sunshine Bank.

Thurston will be responsible for managing all operational and business development aspects of the region, including three business bankers and commercial relationship managers, and five branch locations.

He has more than 16 years of banking experience, and has been with Sunshine Bank since July as vice president and business banking manager. Thurston lives in Plant City with his family and is an active member of the local community.

Ellis is the new vice president and human resources manager. She will be responsible for overseeing the human resources duties, which includes compensation, benefits, and fostering a positive working experience.

She has more than 20 years experience in human resources and banking. She joined the organization in July with the Community Southern Bank merger, where she also served as human resources manager.

Ellis has volunteered with Relay for Life in Bartow and Plant City for several years.

Holiday mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its holiday mixer on Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Legacy at Highwood Pines, 18600 Highland Preserves Parkway in Tampa. There is no fee for this event.

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

Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on Dec. 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.

Dulcee Loehn, coach at FocalPoint Business Performance of Tampa Bay, will explain how to “Change Your Habits and Transform your Business.”

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

Grand opening
Beauty Accents Studios will host a grand opening on Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 1528 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Suite 102, behind Florida Flowers. Enjoy refreshments and music, and greet a new member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Please RSVP by Dec. 10 by email to , or call (813) 803-7357. For information, visit BeautyAccentsStudios.com.

Coffee social
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly coffee social on Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at McDonald’s, 27643 Wesley Grove Blvd. (State Road 54), in Wesley Chapel. Join chamber members in a “no agenda” get-together over a free cup of coffee.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Networking
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a “Coffee Connection,” hosted by Horizon Bay, on Dec. 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at 414 Chapman Road, in Lutz. The event is free.

RSVP to Kelly at (813) 909-9679, or email .

CABA celebrates 30 years
The Carrollwood Area Business Association will celebrate its 30th year with “Holiday After 5” on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

The event will feature ’80s music, the best ’80s attire contest, a dance contest, food and more.

The event is open to members and guests, and members of the community that have supported CABA.

For information and registration, visit USEcaba.com.

Overpass at State Road 54 and U.S. 41?

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The Florida Department of Transportation is hosting a meeting to gather public comments on a proposed overpass at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

The event, which includes an open house and formal presentation, will be on Dec. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, at 2017 Riegler Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The presentation will be made at 6:30 p.m. The state is seeking public comment on two recommended options to address traffic problems at the intersection.

Traffic zips and rumbles through the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A proposal to improve the intersection could affect area businesses including Tibbetts Lumber Co., seen in the left background. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Traffic zips and rumbles through the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41. A proposal to improve the intersection could affect area businesses including Tibbetts Lumber Co., seen in the left background.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Both options would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41, and would require relocating some businesses and purchasing land for the project.

Businesses that could be in the path of the roadwork include Tibbetts Lumber Co., the CVS pharmacy, MCOR Automotive, a discount mattress shop, and Pinch A Penny patio and pool supply shop.

The state department of transportation is conducting a study to evaluate the project before settling on the design and type of improvements for the intersection. The study’s completion date is spring 2016.

Area business owners and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce had hoped for additional opportunities to discuss the matter.

On Oct. 30, the chamber sent a letter to the state agency requesting a public workshop. Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore also brought up the request at a Nov. 12 meeting of the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

State transportation officials were at that meeting to present the 2015 priority list for county road projects.

However, they said the public hearing is the only meeting on the schedule.

“Sometimes with workshops you have more time to discuss an issue than at a public hearing,” said Elayne Bassinger, president of the Central Pasco Chamber. And, area business owners, she said, “want an opportunity to speak.”

No one doubts that improvements are needed at the heavily travelled intersection.

According to the state transportation department, the intersection’s crash rate is higher than the state average.

About 99,000 vehicles per day travel through the intersection, but by 2040, state highway officials predict an estimated 208,000 vehicles per day.

Both highways are part of the county’s evacuation route, and they also are regional roadways for trucks that deliver goods to and from Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay and Port Manatee.

One alternative would cost about $160 million in total, including about $91 million for more than 70 acres of rights of way. More than 40 parcels, including existing businesses at the intersection, would be affected. About 24 businesses could be relocated, according to state transportation data.

The new interchange would provide four through lanes on U.S. 41 in each direction, two through lanes at-grade and two elevated lanes on State Road 54.

The other alternative would cost about $180 million in total, including about $50 million for nearly 30 acres of rights of way. About 20 parcels would be involved, but only six businesses would be relocated, according to state data.

Under this option, no additional lanes would be added to U.S. 41, and turn lanes would not change. There would be two through lanes at-grade and two elevated through lanes on State Road 54.

Draft documents describing the project are available to the public through Dec. 21 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. They also can be viewed at the state transportation department’s District Seven office at 11201 N. McKinley Drive in Tampa.

Statements, and exhibits and oral comments, will be accepted at the hearing. Also, all exhibits or statements must be postmarked or emailed no later than Dec. 21 to be part of the official public hearing record. A court reporter also will be available at the hearing for one-on-one comments.

Send statements to Kirk Bogen, Environmental Management Engineer, FDOT, District Seven, 11201 N. McKinley Drive MS 7-500, Tampa, FL 33621-6456.

For information, contact Stephanie Pierce, FDOT project manager, at (813) 975-6445 or .

Published December 2, 2015

More development proposed near Tampa Premium Outlets

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Another residential and commercial project is proposed for development on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, near Tampa Premium Outlets and the Cypress Creek Town Center.

Pasco County planners are reviewing a zoning request for about 32 acres owned by Highway 54/56 LLC. The sale of the property is pending approval of the project.

Lutz businessman Carl Anderson is the company’s manager, according to state records.

The site — named Brightwork Crossing — is north of State Road 54 and State Road 56, and west of County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard. The site is behind the Walgreen’s drugstore and nearby gas station, on both sides of Old State Road 54.

A couple of cows graze on land that is proposed for future residential and commercial development near Tampa Premium Outlets and behind Walgreen’s drugstore, off State Road 54. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A couple of cows graze on land that is proposed for future residential and commercial development near Tampa Premium Outlets and behind Walgreen’s drugstore, off State Road 54.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The proposal from Tampa-based Brightwork Real Estate is to build a 100-room hotel and up to 115,000 square feet of retail on about 14 acres on the east side of the site. Up to 350 apartments are planned on about 13 acres on the west side of the site. The plan also includes open space.

About 1½ acres would be added to the county’s critical linkage pathways to preserve natural resources and wildlife. In return, developers are seeking a land swap and for the county to vacate a section of Old State Road 54, which bisects the site and is a cut-through for motorists navigating State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

A neighborhood park would be built as an amenity within the apartment complex. There also would be a park-and-ride facility with 100 parking spaces and a bus transit stop.

No dates are scheduled yet for either a recommendation from the county’s Development Review Committee, or for a public hearing before the Pasco County Commission.

Published December 2, 2015

Pasco County adopts new marketing approach

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Saying that Pasco County is a place with “room to grow” is all but passé, now that developers are on a building spree that is gobbling up wide-open spaces.

Retail, rooftops, offices, hotels are plowing up dirt and raising expectations for a more diversified suburban community that accommodates hipper, trendier living.

So, out with the old, in with the new.

Pasco County is highlighting its ‘Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.’ The new slogan and a logo with the sand hill crane in flight are part of the county’s new marketing strategy.
Pasco County is highlighting its ‘Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.’ The new slogan and a logo with the sand hill crane in flight are part of the county’s new marketing strategy.

The county’s marketing slogan “Room to Grow” is gone. And the county seal – a green circle with the Historic Dade City Courthouse in the middle – will be phased out over the next two years, except on public documents.

The new slogan will be “Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.” Underscore the word vibrant.

And for a logo, watch the sand hill crane take flight as it rises before a bright orange sun.

“It’s a symbol of Pasco County, which is also taking flight,” said Jennifer Lachtara, marketing communications coordinator at the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The new marketing strategy acknowledges that Pasco is “neither overly built out nor overly rural,” Lachtara said.

The logo will begin showing up on business cards and county vehicles over time.

Residents got their first look at the new logo in May, when the county rolled out its “My Pasco” app for mobile phones.

On Nov. 17, Pasco County commissioners voted to approve the new logo, and the rollout of a re-branding program.

Commissioners voted 4 to 1, with Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano dissenting.

The new logo’s message doesn’t capture all that is happening in Pasco, with zip lines, skydiving and the upcoming ice rink, he said.

“I’d like to see something a little more active, more youth-oriented,” Mariano said.

But, Pasco Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey can’t wait to get new business cards.

“I think it’s very elegant,” Starkey said. “I think it describes us perfectly, open spaces and vibrant places.”

Efforts to create the new branding plan began more than a year ago, and included employees from the county’s Office of Economic Growth, Tourism Development, and the Pasco EDC.

Market testing included area chambers of commerce and homeowners’ associations.

A public perception survey received more than 530 responses, with most people in favor of the new logo. Only 29 negative comments were made, said Melanie Kendrick, the county’s acting program director for the Office of Economic Growth.

In such a large county, it is difficult to find a unifying theme that captures the diversity of west, east and central Pasco, Kendrick said.

The county currently has about 20 logos being used, plus logos adopted by its constitutional officers.

The next step is to create standards to license the logo for use by businesses, parks and other venues that highlight the open spaces, vibrant places image.

No funding is required to make the initial changes to business cards and stationery.

“As the items are being used up, we have to replace them anyway,” Kendrick said.

Published December 2, 2015