Kathy Steele

Cigar lounge opens in Dade City

December 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Rolando’s Cigar Lounge is a place where people pause and enjoy leisure time with friends.

A glass of wine or beer, and if desired, a hand-rolled cigar, awaits.

In the evening, a disc jockey plays music for listening and dancing, from salsa to jazz.

There are friendly games of pool or billiards, too. And, on football nights, a flat screen television is on view.

Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce.
(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

On some occasions, there might be a sighting of Stogie, the family dog and mascot for owner Rolando Reyes Jr.

The lounge is a transformation from the Quaker Bar that shut down last year in downtown Dade City. Reyes knew he wanted the spot immediately.

“I didn’t ever hesitate. It’s a trendy place,” he said.

The lounge, at 37945 Meridian Ave., is near Kafe Kokopelli, and across from the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Reyes brings a family legacy to the lounge.

His late father, Rolando Reyes Sr., began learning the cigar business as a young boy in Cuba. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s, and opened a small cigar factory in New Jersey. He moved the factory at other times to Miami and Honduras. At his death in 2012, he was a master blender known for two brands, Cuba Alliados and Puros Indios, according to an article in “Cigar Aficionados.”

The junior Reyes learned the skill of cigar rolling also as a young boy. For several years he operated Smoker’s Paradise, a tobacco shop in Wesley Chapel.

He moved his family to Dade City when he opened Rolando’s Cigar Lounge. A ribbon cutting, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, was held on Nov. 14.

Reyes is looking ahead to having a full liquor license. For now, he serves beer and wine.

He plans to change up the music nightly. Friday will be disco and Saturday will be salsa.

If anyone doesn’t know salsa, Reyes said, “I’ll be teaching people.”

Sundays will be for softer music, much like a piano bar. Reyes also is thinking of adding line dancing and karaoke nights, and Thursday will be ladies night.

Reyes sees familiar faces from Dade City, but he said customers also are coming from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and even Port Richey.

His lounge primarily caters to people in the mid-range of ages, from 30 to 50.

“They can’t find a place to go,” Reyes said. “It’s either too loud or too fast.”

But, Rolando’s could be just the spot.

“There is nothing like what I’m doing,” Reyes said.

Published December 2, 2015

Business Digest 12/02/2015

December 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New owner
Rob Kuntz is the new owner/operator of WIN Home Inspection in New Tampa after purchasing the company from D.J. Schmitt. The company’s service area covers primarily the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel market, and also Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Services include home inspections and screening, as well as sampling and testing services for real estate professionals, homebuyers and home sellers.

WIN Home Inspection is a national brand with 191 locations in 33 states.

Kuntz has a background in banking and real estate, and has served as credit card and mortgage manager, audit manager, compliance tester and registered trainee appraiser.

He is a member of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI), Greater Tampa Association of Realtors (GTAR), and the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR).

For information, contact Kuntz by email at , or by phone at (817) 774-1080. Visit the company website at WINI.com.

Zephyrhills breakfast network
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on Dec. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The sponsor will be Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

The cost is $7 for members, and $10 for non-members.

If you would like more information, call the chamber at (813) 278-1913, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Maid2Party will host a ribbon cutting on Dec. 4 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Winery, at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Please bring a box of cereal or other nonperishable food item to benefit Metropolitan Ministries, and receive a goodie bag.

Maid2Party provides cleaning services, catering and more.

For information, contact Kristie House at Maid2Party at (813) 428-3686, or visit Maid2Party.com.

Veterans workshop
CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a free Veterans Workshop on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at CareerSource Pasco Hernando, at 4440 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey. The workshop will aid veterans in finding resources and connecting with services they need including job fairs and training incentives. An emphasis will be placed on helping economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans meet their employment needs.

For information contact Jim Flaherty at (727) 326-1906 or email at .

Women-n-Charge luncheon
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Dec. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch, a holiday party and gift exchange, and extra time to network. The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting) and $18 for all guests (and members paying Wednesday and after).

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com. For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Holiday networking
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will meet Dec. 4 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., in the second floor conference room at the Health and Wellness Center, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. The event will benefit S.O.C.K.S., an organization that collects socks to give to cancer patients. Come enjoy a holiday-spirited celebration of WOW’s accomplishments in 2015.

For information, call the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Lutz mixer
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host an “After Hours Mixer” on Dec. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at E.L.L.A. Boutique, inside the Lutz Ace Hardware Store, at 18409 U.S. 41 in Lutz. Enjoy refreshments, wine and networking.

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

Business Link breakfast

Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Dec. 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 our small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

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, BeautyAccentsStudios.com.

Expert says jihadist terrorism is world’s No. 1 threat

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Jihadist terrorism is the No. 1 challenge facing the world, according to retired U.S. Gen. Barry McCaffrey.

The recent attacks in Paris brought that reality into stark view. More than 130 people died, and more than 350 were wounded, in a coordinated assault at six locations in Paris. It is an act of terrorism being compared to 9/11 in New York in 2001.

Retired U.S. Gen. Barry McCaffrey shakes hands with retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Morgan, following his talk at Saint Leo University. Morgan is a student worker in the Office of Veteran Student Services. (Photos courtesy Jonathan Shoemaker/Saint Leo University) — Retired U.S. Gen. Barry McCaffrey shakes hands with retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Morgan, following his talk at Saint Leo University. Morgan is a student worker in the Office of Veteran Student Services.
(Photos courtesy Jonathan Shoemaker/Saint Leo University)

The Islamic State of Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.

McCaffrey was clear on one point that has been a lightning rod for opposing views.

“This isn’t a Muslim problem. It’s a jihadist problem,” said McCaffrey, a NBC national security analyst. “I would argue that there is not a conflict between Islam and the West.”

McCaffrey made his remarks to an estimated crowd of 220 at the Student Community Center at Saint Leo University on Nov. 19. The retired four-star general was the first lecturer for the University Speaker Series.

He touched on a wide-ranging list of security issues including ISIS, nuclear proliferation, the future of Cuba post-Fidel Castro, and the tensions between Russia and the United States.

During a question and answer period, audience questions focused on ISIS and how to address its threats.

The U.S. exerts great power in the Middle East financially, politically and militarily, McCaffrey said but defeating ISIS, and terrorism in general, is complicated.

Retired U.S. Gen. Barry McCaffrey poses for a selfie with Saint Leo University student James Campbell.

“It’s much tougher than it looks,” he said. “In the long-term, some of these situations have no solutions. The best strategy becomes containing it, isolating it and waiting it out.”

In reference to the barbarism of ISIS and the recent Paris attacks, McCaffrey said, “There is an element of mankind based on cruelty.”

McCaffrey has served three White House administrations, including Republicans and Democrats. He describes himself as a nonpartisan observer — who has been in and out of war zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan — who gives objective opinions.

After Sept. 11, for instance, he was asked about border security including entry into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. At the time, the U.S. border patrol numbered less than 4,000 agents.

Saint Leo University William Lennox present retired U.S. Gen. Barry McCaffrey with a Saint Leo hat and a gift. Lennox is a retired lieutenant general.

“It was asinine,” McCaffrey said.

He recommended 45,000, a number he acknowledges he made up by looking at the New York Police Department, which protects 8 million people.

In today’s world, the U.S. needs to maintain air and naval forces that are at least two generations in advance of the technology of other superpowers. But, he said, “We’re not doing that.”

Instead, he said the nation has spent billions on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that, in his view, “went wrong.”

Still, in many ways, the country has never been safer, in part because its diversity and opportunities for success are strengths, McCaffrey said.

As a result, America assimilates immigrant populations better than Europe, he added.

Published November 25, 2015

Cash registers jingle at Tampa Premium Outlets

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Shopping madness begins at Tampa Premium Outlets in a shop ‘til you drop holiday extravaganza.

The outlet mall, which is experiencing its first holiday season, will open on Thanksgiving at 6 p.m., and will continuously operate through Black Friday, until 10 p.m.

Mall hours the rest of the weekend will be from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., on Nov. 28 and from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., on Nov. 29.

While shoppers are expected to flock to the outlet mall — which had a splashy opening at the end of October — local businesses may pick up some spinoff trade.

Local shops are already reporting that their cash registers are ringing up more sales.

Tampa Premium Outlets is having a shop ‘til you drop holiday extravaganza during its first holiday season. The shopping destination opened at the end of October, off State Road 56, west of Interstate 75. (File Photo) — Tampa Premium Outlets is having a shop ‘til you drop holiday extravaganza during its first holiday season. The shopping destination opened at the end of October, off State Road 56, west of Interstate 75.
(File Photo)

“I’ve already seen it,” said Jeremy Quijano, manager of Kona Swim Bike Run, at 27217 State Road 56. The triathlon shop is a short hop from the outlet mall, at the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

Quijano said a man came in the shop after dropping off his wife at the outlet mall. He put his focus on buying sports gear not on hours of outlet mall shopping. “I’m going to have some fun,” Quijano said the man told him.

The outlet mall is one half of a retail bookend that could bring more visibility to locally owned and operated shops.

Another customer told Quijano that he was driving past heading from The Shops at Wiregrass to Tampa Premium Outlets when he spotted Kona.

“I never knew you were here,” the customer said.

Before and during the grand opening, Hampton Inn & Suites saw a boost in reservations as the mall’s developer, Simon Property Group, booked rooms for its team members.

People from corporate headquarters are still flying in, said Todd Patrick, the hotel’s general manager.

But, reservations don’t have to come from long-distance travelers. Patrick said a woman from Spring Hill booked a night at the hotel within the past week because she wanted to get an early start on her shopping.

Overall, he said, “It’s hard to gauge. But, there are a few people making reservations to shop.”

That can happen, apparently, even when the drive from home is only 30 minutes.

The shopping season is expected to be strong as it officially kicks off on Black Friday, according to recent surveys by the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Sales should increase about 3.3 percent, according to one survey. Another consumer survey showed customers plan to spend $702 on average for holiday gifts, an increase from $677 in 2014.

“It’s a pretty sizable jump,” said Jesse Tron, spokesman for the council. Consumers are feeling pretty good. “It should produce what should be a very strong season.”

So, cash registers will be jingling at The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets. There really is no direct competition between them, but there is the potential for people who come to one venue to drive on over to the other, Tron said.

“The two are different kinds of shopping trips,” he added.

Local malls typically are destinations for area residents who stop by once or twice a week. Outlets malls draw regionally from shoppers who make it a day trip and stay for hours.

But, he said, “(Local) malls are increasingly looking at becoming experience destinations. They may add unique dining and entertainment options. It’s not necessarily about retail. It’s adding the extra layer. Local malls and shopping centers are very invested in their community.”

For more information on holiday shopping hours for Tampa Premium Outlets, visit PremiumOutlets.com/outlet/tampa/about.

Published November 25, 2015

Commissioner seeks to keep Target open

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey isn’t ready to concede that Target must close its store in Odessa.

The national discount chain recently announced the closure of 13 stores across the country for poor sales performance.

The Odessa location, at 16400 State Road 54, is expected to shut its doors on Jan. 30, displacing more than 140 employees.

Target officials say their workers will be offered positions at other stores.

Starkey has been trying to change Target’s mind.

“I let them know they are looking backward not forward,” said Starkey at the Nov. 17 meeting of the Pasco County Commission in Dade City. “We need to have a deeper dealing with Target and show them in person what’s going on in this area.”

There is no word on whether Target will reconsider its decision or send corporate representatives for a tour.

But, Starkey said the closure would be a “black eye” for Pasco County and Target.

“We’d like to move the discount to the next level, and move our Target off the closure list,” she said.

The super center in Odessa opened in 2006, only a couple of years before the economy tanked. Pasco County now is booming with new development, both commercial and residential.

That likely wasn’t a factor in Target’s decision.

Many big box stores are looking to downsize in an era of Internet sales, said Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator.

In fact, even as Target plans 13 closings, the company also is building 15 new stores in the next year. Only two are super centers. The others range in size from about 16,000 square feet to 29,000 square feet, according to Target.

At more than 120,000 square feet, the Odessa location, with a garden center and parking area, could be attractive to another business that wants to move quickly into ready-made space, said Gehring.

“It’s a negative. It could also be a positive,” he said. “It’s a major opportunity.”

Published November 25, 2015

Pasco supports fracking moratorium

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners approved a resolution seeking a state legislative moratorium on hydraulic fracking, and a study commission to review the pros and cons of the controversial method of drilling for oil and natural gas.

According to the resolution, public hearings also should be held, and the study commission should include representatives from the Florida Association of Counties, environmental groups, concerned citizens, and the oil and gas industries.

But, it took some heavy editing to reach a consensus at the commissioners’ meeting on Nov. 17.

Pat Carver, environmental chairwoman of the Dade City Garden Club, at the podium, asked Pasco County commissioners to support a statewide ban on hydraulic fracking. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Pat Carver, environmental chairwoman of the Dade City Garden Club, at the podium, asked Pasco County commissioners to support a statewide ban on hydraulic fracking.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Commissioners deleted several passages on scientific data that troubled Pasco Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey.

“I would like to get two sides of the scientific data,” she said. “I’ve only had one.”

However, she added, “I think we all want a moratorium.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore also has mixed feelings on the issue. But, he said, “I think there does need to be a study.”

During fracking, chemically treated high-pressure water is pumped into a drilled pipeline to break apart rock formations to extract oil or natural gas.

Supporters say fracking is a safer extraction method than mining for coal, and provides a cleaner source of fuel. Opponents say fracking leads to water contamination, and increases the risks of sinkholes and earthquakes.

Garden club members had hoped for a more forceful resolution from Pasco’s commissioners, but said they were glad the commissioners brought attention to the issue.

The club members are concerned about State and House bills expected to be voted on during the 2016 legislative session that begins in January.

Pasco County commissioners deliberate over the wording of a resolution on a moratorium for hydraulic fracking.

The bills place control of fracking with the state, leaving local governments with no “opt out” clause.

Such a clause is among the requests in the county’s approved resolution. But, when Starkey inquired if the state legislature could deny home rule, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said, “Yes. They’re the state legislature.”

The bills also require a $1 million study of the risks and hazards of fracking by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. The study would be due by June 30, 2017. The DEP then could adopt rules for issuing permits for fracking.

“There is no moratorium,” said Pat Carver, environmental chairwoman of the garden club, referring to the proposed state legislation.

The bills aim to write the rules to approve fracking, said Peggy Woods, a garden club member. “Once the horse is out the barn, there’s nothing else we can do,” she said.

Published November 25, 2015

Pasco commissioners elect new leaders

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The leadership gavel for the Pasco County Commission is now in the hands of newly elected Pasco Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is the new chairwoman of the county commission. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is the new chairwoman of the county commission.
(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Commissioners voted on Nov. 17 to appoint Starkey, who was the commission’s vice chair, to succeed Ted Schrader.

Schrader has pre-filed to run for the property appraiser’s office in 2016.

Pasco County Commissioners also named Mike Moore as the board’s vice chairman.

The largely ceremonial positions typically rotate each year among the five elected commissioners.

Starkey, who represents District 3, said her goal is to run efficient meetings.

She was elected to the commission in 2012 after serving six years on the Pasco County School Board. She replaced retiring Pasco County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand, who served nearly 28 years on the county commission.

Moore, who represents District 2, was elected in 2014. He replaced retiring Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri, who served two decades on the commission.

Published November 25, 2015

Business Digest 11/25/15

November 25, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Chamber names membership coordinator
Jennifer Reightler is the new membership coordinator with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Reightler joined the chamber’s staff in October, after taking a two-year career break to be a stay-at-home mom.

Reightler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a minor in economics, from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. She was an office manager for a tech company in Washington D.C., and was promoted to sales coordinator. She also has experience in human resources.

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, in the third floor conference center, Room B-303, at the Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost for chamber members is $15 in advance (register online by 3 p.m., Nov. 27). At the door, the cost is $20 for members and non-members.

For information, call (813) 994-8534, or email . Visit the website at WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Wednesday Morning networking
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Dec. 2 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family B-B-Q, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. Sponsorships are available.

For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

The sponsor will be Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

The cost is $7 for members, and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 278-1913, or email .

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com. For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848, or email .

For information, call the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

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

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Dec. 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 our small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

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 .

Business workshops
Copperstone Executive Suites is collaborating with Lane Business Consulting to offer a yearlong intensive program called “The Business Mastery Academy.” Each month, the program includes two on-site workshops, one telephone conference call, and a one-on-one coaching session for each participant. Two business consultants and between 10 and 15 business owners will offer their expertise.

Copperstone Executive Suites is offering 10 to 15 grants of $600 each to business owners who complete an online application and are accepted into the program. The remaining monthly cost for the business owner is $47 per month.

For more information, and to apply for a grant, visit Copperstone.info, or call Copperstone Executive Suites at (813) 298-7363 or Lane Business Consulting at (813) 486-2837.

Commuter trains coming soon?

November 18, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Nearly 80,000 Pasco County residents commute daily to jobs in neighboring counties, clogging the highways north and south with cars. But, CSX Florida could be on board to ease those traffic jams with a future commuter rail line chugging through the heart of Land O’ Lakes.

CSX officials are putting 96 miles of railroad tracks, from two separate rail lines, on the market. The tracks are lightly used for hauling freight, but could become available for passenger service.

One line would link downtown St. Petersburg with downtown Clearwater, head to Oldsmar, the Tampa International Airport and terminate in Ybor City.

The second line would start at the University of South Florida, follow along U.S. 41 through Land O’ Lakes, and end near Brooksville in Hernando County.

These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Since the 1990s, efforts to start some type of commuter or light rail service have gone nowhere. But, with CSX in play as a potential partner in a regional agreement, supporters say this time could be different.

The Florida Department of Transportation could play a major role in the project in partnership with CSX.

“I think there is momentum,” said James Edwards, Pasco County’s transportation manager.

The vision for a regional commuter line operating in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties is gaining traction from a regional advisory group, the Tampa Bay Management Area Leadership Group (TMA).

The organization is composed of representatives of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations from all three Tampa Bay counties.

On Nov. 12, Pasco County MPO got a briefing on the proposal. A few days earlier, Bob O’Malley, vice president of CSX Florida, had made a presentation to TMA.

A commuter rail system should not be confused with light rail. Commuter trains generally operate in more suburban areas with heavier train cars at higher speeds and more passenger volume than light rail. Light rail is better able to navigate urban streets with lighter-weight cars, quicker starts and stops, and fewer passengers.

Still, the proposal is preliminary. There are many unanswered questions — including costs, funding sources, the role of the MPOs, and who would operate the rail system.

Edwards said he hoped to bring some of those answers back to the Pasco MPO at its Dec. 10 meeting.

One model for Tampa Bay would be the Sunrail, a commuter system operating in the Orlando area.

CSX agreed to sell 61 miles of tracks for Sunrail. Total cost estimates were about $1 billion including land costs, track upgrades, rail car purchases and station construction. About 30 miles are operating now between Orlando and Winter Park. Another 30 miles is planned into Osceola County as well as a link to Orlando International Airport.

“We’re kind of mimicking their approach to this, but it is going to take some effort,” Edwards said.

The county’s high growth area now is centered along State Road 54 and State Road 56 where the Tampa Premium Outlets recently opened.

But, the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 also is set to boom as more master-planned communities, retail, hotel and offices are either under construction or ready to turn dirt.

Bexley Ranch, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is a prime example of what is to come, said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

The property, recently divided into Bexley North and Bexley South, falls north and south of Tower Road. It extends east to Suncoast Parkway and the CSX corridor.

As much as 1 million square feet of offices could be built there, Mariano said.

“Try to imagine if we put a rail stop there. It would be a huge economic boon if you look at that area,” he said.

Published November 18, 2015

Target store to close in January

November 18, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A Target store in Odessa is one of 13 stores that the national discount chain plans to close in January, according to an announcement from Target’s corporate headquarters.

The store, at 16400 State Road 54, opened nearly a decade ago. But within two years of its opening, the economy took a steep dive.

Now, despite a renewed boom in development and an improving economy, Target considers the Odessa store and 12 others in the nation to be poor performers.

This Target store in Odessa is one of 13 across the country that the national chain plans to close. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — This Target store in Odessa is one of 13 across the country that the national chain plans to close.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“The decision to close a Target store is not made lightly,” said Kristy Welker, a Target spokeswoman who responded to an email inquiry from The Laker/Lutz News. “We typically decide to close a store after careful consideration of the long-term financial performance of a particular location. Typically, the decision to close a store is a result of seeing several years of decreasing profitability.”

The 146 employees at the Odessa store will be offered transfers to other Target stores, Welker said.

They were notified of the closure on Nov. 2. The store’s last day will be Jan. 30.

Other Target stores on the closure list include locations in Texas, Arizona, California and Kentucky.

Target Corporation owns the property, which Pasco County appraises at about $6 million. Taxes due for 2015 are about $116,000.

Target representatives didn’t respond to a request regarding future plans for the property.

While Target is closing some stores, 16 stores have recently opened or are slated to open between October 2015 and October 2017, according to a list provided by company representatives.

While two stores are super-sized at about 122,000 square feet and 143,000 square feet, most of the others are smaller than Target’s usual footprint.

The smaller stores range in size from about 16,000 square feet to about 29,000 square feet.

Most are located in California or the Northeast. None on the list are in Florida.

Published November 18, 2015