The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Zephyrhills puts in strong bid to buy Hercules Park

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The Zephyrhills City Council voted to put in a bid with the Pasco school board to buy Hercules Park and develop a master plan to restore the historical park and former aquatic center.

Council members had a special public meeting April 20 to discuss options including purchase of approximately 2.5 acres of the park that has long been rumored as a site for a Race Trac gas station.

The decision was to offer $1.7 million for the entire 15.5-acre park, said Mayor Gene Whitfield.

The deadline for submitting the bid was April 24.

“There was a little bit of a time crunch,” Whitfield said.

Buying the entire park from the school board leaves less chance for a gas station or other commercial development at that corner of the park, the mayor said.

“We have nothing against private enterprise,” he added, “but this is a choice piece of property with a deep history in our community.”

The school board in early April announced plans to put a small parcel at the corner of U.S. 301 and County Road 54 up for commercial sale. The city council previously had been asked to rezone the site. In return, city officials had expected to reach agreement with the school board on a long-term, $1 a year lease for the remaining acreage.

The fate of Hercules Park has been under discussion for nearly two years, with some residents lobbying the city to negotiate for ownership.

The funds for the city’s bid, if accepted, would come from park impact fees, the Penny for Pasco program and about $700,000 from about $3.3 million in the city’s reserve fund, said City Manager Steve Spina.

The city could have an advantage over commercial bidders who would likely have to complete time-consuming environment impact studies, Spina said.

“We could settle right away,” he said. “I think it’s a viable option.”

The park got its name from the Hercules Powder Co., once the largest employer in Zephyrhills. The company processed pine stumps into rosin, turpentine and pine oil. Its property sprawled across 80 acres that became sites for the park, Zephyrhills High School and Woodland Elementary School.

More than two decades ago the school district gave the site to Pasco County with the stipulation that it be operated as a park or be returned to the school district. The county closed the facility nearly four years ago because it was too costly to operate.

Whitfield said it’s important to preserve green space as a balance to renewed commercial growth in the area. The north side of Zephyrhills needs more park amenities, he added.

“We want to make sure it (Hercules Park) goes back to being a park,” he said.

If the city wins the bid, a master plan will be crafted to restore the park, including the aquatic center. No hard figures on restoration costs will be available until such a plan is completed.

“We have some grant opportunities we can pursue,” Spina said. “A large part of the park would remain wooded and passive.”

Published April 29, 2015

Sexual offenders have fewer places to live in Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission is making it harder for certain sexual offenders and predators to find places to live within the county.

A new ordinance approved by the commission targets people convicted of sex crimes against children younger than age 16. Those crimes include sexual battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, and selling or buying a minor for sexual depiction.

People convicted of those offenses are banned from living within 2,500 feet of schools, child care facilities, parks, playgrounds and other places where children typically gather. That’s 2.5 times the state’s restriction, which sets the minimum distance at 1,000 feet.

“We’re not talking about Romeos and Juliets,” said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco. “These are the crimes that are the worst of the worst.”

County officials said 53 of the county’s 907 registered offenders are affected by the new ordinance.

Offenders who currently live within the new boundaries are grandfathered in, and don’t have to move.

However, if they move or if they violate any requirements they have as registered offenders, they must comply with the new restrictions.

Safety zones of 300 feet also have been established for locations including schools, school bus stops, YMCA and YWCA facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs, skate parks, public zoos, video arcades and fairs.

On Halloween, offenders must not have any contact with children or hand out candy. Outside lights at their residence must be turned off after 5 p.m., the time when children typically go out to trick-or-treat.

Public libraries were omitted from the safety zones.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that data shows libraries are among the most used locations for job searches.

If libraries wish to adopt their own policies to deal with this issue, county officials said their legal staff could assist them.

Therapist Robert Drake challenged the soundness of the ordinance. He said he has treated sex offenders for about 15 years and has never seen “empirical” evidence that 2,500 feet is a safer buffer than 1,000 feet.

“Really, are we making our community, our society, safer by putting more and more restrictions on people coming out of prison trying to rehabilitate?” Drake asked. “Is this really achieving our goal? I think more study is needed.”

Commissioner Mike Moore, who introduced the ordinance, maintained that if only one child could be saved, the ordinance was worth it. “This is an instance where we can make the county safer,” he said.

Published April 29, 2015

Club offers venue for artistic growth

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Artists always need venues to display their art and kindle their passion for creativity.

The Zephyrhills Art Club has been a friend to the local art scene for nearly 40 years, encouraging both budding and professional artists.

“It’s hard to find a place to show your work,” said Gainor Roberts, art instructor and retired art curator for the Carrollwood Cultural Center. “(The club) is great for networking.”

Artist Gainor Roberts, left, offers a critique of a painting by Zephyrhills Art Club president Joyce Owens. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Artist Gainor Roberts, left, offers a critique of a painting by Zephyrhills Art Club president Joyce Owens.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Roberts was a recent guest artist at the club’s monthly meeting and offered critiques of paintings by its members. Much of the art was on display in a “member mini-show” that featured garden scenes. Members later voted on their favorites.

Nelida DiLorenzo got some advice from Roberts on her garden scene that highlighted a pair of ethereal sprites. The painting had earned her a second place ribbon.

Roberts — who continues to teach and paint — is known for her still life and landscapes, and works in egg tempera, oil, pastel, watercolor and monotype.

DiLorenzo appreciated the critique.

“This gets you excited,” she said. “You have the interactions. You have to have the input from people.”

The club was founded in the mid-1960s by a group of local artists, including Ruth Coe who died in 2004.

Currently, the art club has more than 90 members. Its youngest member is 10; its oldest members are in their 80s.

In addition to its monthly meetings, the club has workshops, field trips and special events to encourage networking and artistic growth. The club also sponsors an annual juried art show.

Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., at the First Christian Church at 6040 Eighth St., behind the post office in Zephyrhills.

“It’s open to anyone,” said Joyce Owens, the club’s president.

In March, the club hosted a workshop in watercolor techniques led by Chinese artist Lian Quan Zhen. Other workshops have featured artist Betty Fairbanks on acrylic painting techniques and DiLorenzo on techniques in portrait painting.

Owens took one drawing class in college but always wanted to paint.

For decades her pursuit of art took a backseat to her service in the U.S. Army. “It was only the weekend thing,” she said.

Now retired, she works part-time but paints as much as she can, and has sold some works.

The club’s youngest member is 10-year-old Lilly Hernandez whose butterfly painting earned an honorable mention.

She began painting animals and flowers in acrylic and watercolor about two years ago. She joined the art club a few months ago. “It’s hard, but I enjoy painting them,” she said.

“All the members are so friendly.”

The young artist has “painting days” with her grandmother, Kathleen Munn.

“I kind of got her started,” said Munn. “We have a great time painting together. Her great-grandmother also inspires her to paint.”

Munn said her sister is a portrait artist. “I never thought I could do it,” she said. “I just started and taught myself, and I really love it.”

A visit to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., several years ago, proved inspiring to Tom Myers. “I’ve always liked art but never really thought I could get into it,” he said.

The Michigan native brought a landscape to the mini-show depicting a roadway and a field of mustard grass.

He, too, appreciates critiques.

“We’re looking for a little constructive criticism,” Myers said.

Longtime member Olga Burghdorf walked through the mini-show with Hernandez. They stopped in front of each painting to point out what they liked about each one.

Burghdorf, 86, joined nearly 20 years ago. She learned to watercolor first and then added other skills, including painting on glass. “I’m not a master of anything,” she said. “I just enjoy doing it all.”

She looks forward to the club’s meetings and extra activities.

“It’s just a chance to meet people and see other artists. It opens up a lot of doors.”

For information on the art club, call (813) 780-8562.

Published April 22, 2015

Will body cameras become new standard?

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the use of body cameras as standard equipment for its deputies beginning in February.

The Tampa Police Department has adopted a pilot program, using 80 cameras in three police districts.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor spoke recently at Saint Leo University about the use of body cameras. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor spoke recently at Saint Leo University about the use of body cameras.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The leaders of both police agencies spoke about the use of body cameras at the debut of the Criminal Justice Speaker Showcase on April 16 at Saint Leo University.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor addressed roughly two dozen faculty, students and media about the expanding use of body cameras.

Pasco’s deputies and investigators put on a body camera at the beginning of each shift.

Nocco made the decision to use the cameras after seeking opinions from other law enforcement agencies that were using the technology even before the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri.

“One thing that was consistent when they were asked the question ‘Would you ever go back?’ They all said no,” Nocco said.

The Ferguson, Missouri incident involved a white police officer who shot and killed a 17-year-old black teenager.

The incident sparked riots in Ferguson and a national protest regarding charges of excessive police force and racism.

An investigation cleared the officer in Ferguson of any wrongdoing.

The use of body cameras will have a significant impact on policing, Nocco said.

“It’s going to change the way we do law enforcement,” Nocco said. “It’s an evidence-based business model.”

Police departments already using the cameras have reported fewer confrontations and reduced complaints from residents.

Nocco also said he expects the court system will benefit, because more suspects will plead out cases rather than go to trial.

“If we can reduce the backlog because of the evidence, think how much more efficient courts will be,” he said.

Videos taken by bystanders on camera cellphones have brought mixed results.

A grand jury declined to indict officers caught on tape using a banned chokehold while arresting Eric Garner on Staten Island for selling single cigarettes. Garner died at the scene.

But another bystander in North Charleston, South Carolina taped a police officer shooting Walter Scott in the back as he fled after a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light. The officer has been charged with murder.

Still, the objectivity of a video is what many hope will resolve disputes of fact and create more transparency when confrontations happen.

“Once it is ironed out, it will be a regular thing” said Jennifer Booker, a staff member at Saint Leo University. “I think it will become a piece of evidence like DNA was in the 80s. They shoot exactly what happens from beginning to start.”

Rickado St. Fleur, a criminal justice major, hopes to some day work for the federal Homeland Security agency. “It’s definitely going to take some time to get used to them,” he said. “But it definitely helps. It will help society regain the bond with law enforcement.”

The Pasco sheriff’s department issued more than 400 sets of Taser Axon cameras that are mounted usually onto glasses, hats, on shirt fronts or collars of deputies or investigators. Cameras are turned on to record interactions with the public. At the end of a shift, video is uploaded to a docking station.

Castor opted for a pilot program with 80 body cameras deployed to 18 officers in each of three districts, and six to officers on bicycle patrols.

“We need to have our side seen,” she said.

It’s a learning curve for everyone.

“It’s going to be an ongoing process to see how the public reacts, and the officers,” Castor said. So far, acceptance has been high, she said.

The cameras raise questions about privacy, search and seizure protections, and about how the video can be used. Currently public record requests for footage are reviewed in-house. Software can blur out certain information such as license tags or identities of minors.

Lawmakers are weighing in during the current legislative session. One bill would require agencies that use body cameras to set policies on their use and training requirements. A second bill would set exemptions to the state’s public records law that supporters say would protect the general public’s privacy. Critics say that could lead to less transparency and allow law enforcement to conceal misdeeds.

Castor said there should be some limitations. She noted that Tampa successfully barred the release of video showing the deaths of two Tampa police officers killed during a routine traffic stop.

“I don’t think that we’ll see the end of legislation for several years,” Nocco said.

But Nocco believes that body cameras are here to stay.

“As we move forward, it’s going to be constantly evolving, constantly changing,” Nocco said. “We’ll be much better off for it.”

Published April 22, 2015

Efforts are on again for Ridge Road extension

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Pasco County is trying again to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build an 8-mile extension of Ridge Road.

The project is a high priority for the county to provide an additional evacuation route during hurricanes or other emergencies.

Consultants with Washington D.C.-based Dawson & Associates briefed the Pasco Commission on April 14 on its analysis of road designs requested by the Corps of Engineers, including the county’s initial proposal and 17 alternatives. The federal agency rejected a prior application based on insufficient data.

County officials expressed frustration over the agency’s lack of information regarding its requirements prior to sending in its application.

“We would do what you want, if you’d just tell us what you want,” said Georgianne Ratliff, an urban planning consultant serving as project manager on the Ridge Road extension.

The rejected application eliminated without analysis 10 alternatives that the county considered not practical to build largely due to cost. Corps officials said detailed analysis of all options had to be provided.

“They wanted a full analysis, and we have done that,” said David Barrows, senior counselor with Dawson & Associates.

At issue are about 58 acres of the 6,000-acre Serenova Preserve, set aside years ago to mitigate the loss of wetlands during construction of the parkway.

County officials must come up with an option that will do the least damage to the environment. Efforts to secure the permit have been ongoing for nearly 15 years.

Critics of the extension have said the project will open up the area to more development.

The county has determined that four of the 17 alternatives are practical options.

Costs range from about $77 million to nearly $102 million. The most expensive road project would be four lanes and would be partially elevated. Barrows said that alternative would be the least damaging to the environment.

It would impact about 23 acres of wetlands and 86 acres of upland habitat.

For several years the county’s budget has included about $42 million for the first phase of the project.

Currently the road dead-ends at Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey.

The extension would link to U.S. 41 with a connection to the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The Corps of Engineers must issue a permit based on regulations within the Clean Water Act.

Before the matter is all settled, other agencies also will weigh in. Among them are Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Environmental Protection Agency

The next step in the process is awaiting a response from the Corps of Engineers to know if additional information will be required, Barrows said. He hopes a meeting will be scheduled within two months.

While a final decision is still months away, Barrows said there is a better understanding of what has to be done.

“I congratulate you on securing the goal posts,” said Commissioner Jack Mariano. “I’m very impressed.”

Published April 22, 2015

Business Digest 04-22-15

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Taste of Boston to relocate
Taste of Boston plans to relocate from 1944 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Wiregrass area, to a shopping plaza at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz.

The seafood restaurant will close its location on Bruce B. Downs on May 31, according to manager Ashley Walker. By mid-June Taste of Boston will reopen on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard with more space, an outdoor patio and live music on weekends.

Manufacturers job fair
The Pasco-Hernando State College TRADE Grant Office will host the Florida Manufacturing Career Fair on April 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the college’s Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court. The Career Source Pasco Hernando, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Manufacturers Association of Florida and the Upper Tampa Bay Manufacturing Association also are sponsors.

The fair will bring job seekers together with representatives of the manufacturing industry.

Employers and job seekers should contact (727) 816-3345 or to register for this free event.

For more information visit PHSC.edu/mfg-cf.

Awards
Pasco Economic Development Council’s Smart Start incubator program received honorable mention at the 23rd Annual Future of the Region Awards ceremony in St. Petersburg on March 27. The awards are hosted annually by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to single out achievements in the public and private sectors for resource planning and management in the Tampa Bay region.

The incubator program mentors emerging and startup companies. Pasco County also received first place awards in the categories of development and infrastructure and going green, and second place award in community service.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing on April 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Hoosier Grille, located within Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club, 10630 Plantation Bay Drive.

Guest speaker is Chris Alvarez, chief financial officer of the Florida Medical Clinic. He will discuss plans to open an 80,000-square-foot medical facility on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, next to the Florida Hospital.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Register online by 3 p.m., April 22. Guests should pay online, as no credit cards will be accepted at the door.

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

Saint Leo University students
A class assignment with a new Tampa Bay area technology company, Entangle Media, became a real world experience for Saint Leo University students. Rae-Kwon Andrews, Tatiyana Cosme, Cedric Blatch and Elizabeth Schilling assisted the company in its app launch of DealMyBrand.com, a new social media management program.

Entangle Media offers a range of Internet services including web design and maintenance. Saint Leo professor Emma Brown collaborated with James Chittenden, consultant with the Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida, in placing the students at Entangle Media.

Learning center opens
Bricks4Kidz will host a ribbon cutting on April 23 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the office of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

The learning center will operate at the New Tampa YMCA Meadow Pointe clubhouse and Seven Oaks. It will provide a unique hands-on interactive curriculum focused on STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math). Technology and engineering-based camps will be available. More locations will be added.

For information, visit Bricks4Kidz.com/florida-wesleychapel/, or email .

Weight loss clinic
Come to the ribbon cutting for Florida Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 14945 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Guests can meet the doctors and practitioners who offer a range of services including anti-aging Botox and fillers, laser skin and vein treatment, skin rejuvenation and medical weight loss.

For information, call (813) 345-4044, or visit FloridaAesthetics.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet April 28 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Mike Wells Sr., Pasco County’s property appraiser, is the guest speaker.

For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at .

Networking breakfast
Calling all professionals. Join us for networking and a free continental breakfast on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at The Commons on Pretty Pond, 38130 Pretty Pond Road, Zephyrhills.

For information, call (813) 779-4501, or email .

YMCA in New Tampa
The New Tampa Family YMCA will celebrate its grand opening on April 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 16221 Compton Drive. Tour the facility and enjoy light refreshments. The facility features an outdoor conditioning area for strength training for adults, teens and children, who want to get active, fight the obesity epidemic and improve overall health. The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host the free event.

Non-members who mention the Wesley Chapel chamber ribbon cutting or the new outdoor conditioning area will not pay a join fee. This offer is valid from April 30 through May 7.

For information, call (813) 866-9622.

Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass. The half-day conference and entrepreneur exchange is for entrepreneurs, start-up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.

The cost is $30 per person or $35 per person after May 12. Registration is required. For information, visit PascoEdc.com.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

State loan could pave way for four-lane State Road 56

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The money isn’t in anyone’s bank account yet, but a state loan program might be the solution to fund the widening of State Road 56 to four lanes from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills, according to a press release from State Rep. Danny Burgess and State Sen. John Legg.

The lawmakers, in consultation with the Florida Department of Transportation staffers, including Secretary Jim Boxold, are looking to the State Infrastructure Bank as a potential source for a low-interest loan.

A low-interest loan from the state may be a way to create a four-lane extension of State Road 56, which now ends in Wesley Chapel over to Zephyrhills. (File Photo)
A low-interest loan from the state may be a way to create a four-lane extension of State Road 56, which now ends in Wesley Chapel over to Zephyrhills.
(File Photo)

The loan could be made to Pasco County for the cost of building additional traffic lanes.

The infrastructure bank provides loans and other assistance to public or private entities for projects that qualify for aid under federal and state law.

To start the process moving, a letter of interest must be submitted by May 29 for the loan to be included in the bank’s 2016 cycle.

“This is a much needed project,” said Burgess. “It’s important for economic growth to our area, a benefit that affects all of Pasco and all of the region.”

County officials plan to meet with state officials on April 16 to get details on how the loan would work.

“We’re still in early stages of exploring this,” said David Goldstein, Pasco’s assistant county attorney.

To many, the four-lane extension is a decade-long unfulfilled promise.

“I’m afraid if we let this go by now, it will be another decade,” said Charles Proctor, president of the Zephyrhills City Council and a long-time Zephyrhills’ business owner.

Current plans are to extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, as a two-lane road. Even for this two-lane project, money is an issue because land from adjacent landowners must be purchased for right-of-way.

If the state paid for four lanes, state highway officials said some other project on Pasco’s list likely would not get done.

The low-interest loan could be a way to avoid that scenario, but the effort to secure a loan faces hurdles including buy-in from the county and state, as well as from property owners and developers along the planned extension.

“This cannot get done unless the state, the county and the private sector come together for the benefit of our East Pasco county residents,” stated Legg in the press release.

The city of Zephyrhills is pressing its case.

As recently as mid-March, all five Zephyrhills’ council members, Mayor Gene Whitfield and City Manager Steve Spina headed to Tallahassee to lobby for four lanes as a priority for State Road 56.

This followed a February town hall meeting where area residents, elected officials and business owners met with Burgess, Legg and Goldstein to plead for construction of four lanes, not the current two lanes being planned. Legg raised the possibility of state funds being repaid with a loan but didn’t think the state had a mechanism for such a transaction.

Goldstein said he had some familiarity with the state bank, having explored its use for other county projects. He broached the subject at the meeting’s conclusion to Debbie Hunt, transportation development director for the Florida Department of Transportation. “She ran with it,” he said.

Since then the county has had ongoing discussions with developers and property owners whose land could bring thousands more homes as well as retail and industrial development to the area. Among the largest land tracts is the Two Rivers Ranch with about 3,500 acres. About half of the 6.7-mile extension would cut through the ranch.

“The county is not interested in putting a lot of money into this. It’s a state road,” Goldstein said. “There are a lot of other priorities. If there is a loan, we expect developers to pay it back. We might be a conduit.”

Before the Pasco commission can sign off on anything, Goldstein said there are a lot of details that must be worked out including how much money would be needed, terms of the loan and, most importantly, who would be responsible for the payback.

Spina applauded the new effort to find a solution.

“I think it’s pretty inventive of them to come up with an idea like this to find the money,” he said.

It makes more sense, Spina said, to do four lanes now and not wait five or more years when the project likely would be more costly.

Proctor envisions a major economic boost to the area’s commercial development if the four-lane road is built. He has heard from business owners who would like to locate in Zephyrhills and surrounding areas and from owners who would consider expanding operations, if there was an improved road for getting in and out of the city.

“I see nothing but positive,” Proctor said.

Published April 15, 2015

Lowe’s celebrates Land O’ Lakes opening

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Lowe’s, of Land O’ Lakes, is ready to throw open the doors to its new home improvement store on State Road 54. Work crews busied themselves last week with last-minute details to spruce up the landscaping and sweep clean what has been an active construction site.

The Lowe’s home improvement store at 21500 State Road 54 has scheduled a host of activities to celebrate its opening, beginning with a Pro Services Day set for April 16, which will also serve as the store’s ‘soft opening.’ (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
The Lowe’s home improvement store at 21500 State Road 54 has scheduled a host of activities to celebrate its opening, beginning with a Pro Services Day set for April 16, which will also serve as the store’s ‘soft opening.’
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

A week of celebrations will kick off with a Pro Services Day on April 16, to highlight the services and products that Lowe’s can provide business owners and their field representatives.

The community also is welcome to this “soft opening,” with store hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Food, demonstrations and a mystery gift card giveaway will be featured during the day.

“It’s a great opportunity for business owners to learn about the options Lowe’s has,” said Meredith Kleker, president of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a gracious way to extend the opportunities to help the business community feel part of the growth of this area.”

The 152,000-square-foot store is located at 21500 State Road 54, across from the Village Lakes Shopping Center. It is Pasco County’s third Lowe’s location.

Motorists will find new traffic signals at the entrance to Lowe’s that are meant to ease traffic in and out of the home improvement store, and the shopping center, as well.

Ongoing festivities will include a preview night on April 22, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with giveaways, a scavenger hunt, guided tours and refreshments from Benedetto’s.

A grand opening on April 23 will feature dignitaries from county government, the honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes and representatives of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The more traditional ribbon cutting will be given over to a “board cutting.”

“We’re really, really excited about the partnership (with Lowe’s),” said Kleker. “They’ve made a concerted effort to partner with businesses in our community.”

A Lowe’s Fest on April 25 will be an “all-out celebration,” according to a Lowe’s press release announcing the special opening events.

Marco’s Pizza, Pepe’s Cuban Café, Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, and a dessert truck will provide food. Activities include interactive demonstrations, giveaways, a photo booth, a magician, a children’s craft station, a community hand print banner and a petting zoo.

There also will be a special safety demonstration.

Store hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The regular store hours for this Lowe’s location will be Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lowe’s opening events

Pro Services Day
Where: Lowe’s, 21500 State Road 54
When: April 16, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What: Pro Services Day is dedicated to business owners and their field representatives, but anyone is welcome.

Breakfast will be provided by Panera Bread at 7 a.m. Lunch will be from Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Manufacturing representatives will do product demonstrations, there will be giveaways and Lowe’s in-house specialists can help set up business accounts. Giveaways include mystery gift cards ranging from $5 to $500.

From here on, the store will be “soft opened.”

Regular store hours for this Lowe’s location will be Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Preview Night
When: April 22, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What: A scavenger hunt, project starter giveaways, guided tours and refreshments by Benedetto’s.

Formal grand opening ceremony
When: April 23, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Who: Dignitaries from Pasco County, the honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes and members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the store’s opening.

Lowe’s Fest
When: April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What: An all-out celebration featuring food from Marco’s pizza, Pepe’s Cuban Cafe, Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que and a dessert truck. Activities will include interactive manufacturing demonstrations, giveaways, a photo booth, a magician, balloon art, face painting, a Build & Grow workshop, mystery gift card giveaways, a kids’ craft station, community hand print banner, a petting zoo and a demonstration by a fire safety inspector.

Published April 15, 2015

No 90-foot sign for new outlet center

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Tampa Premium Outlets’ developers can order an array of decorative signs for the retail complex under construction off State Road 56, but at least for now, a 90-foot pylon sign won’t be one of them.

The Pasco County Commission approved a signage plan that excludes the 90-foot pylon sign.

Simon Property Group opted not to seek a 90-foot pylon sign near Interstate 75 that would have advertised the Tampa Premium Outlets, under construction on State Road 56. (Courtesy of FRCH Design Worldwide)
Simon Property Group opted not to seek a 90-foot pylon sign near Interstate 75 that would have advertised the Tampa Premium Outlets, under construction on State Road 56.
(Courtesy of FRCH Design Worldwide)

The Simon Property Group, the outlet mall’s developer, initially requested the 90-foot sign as part of its signage plan, but dropped that portion of the request after the county’s development review panel raised objections.

Simon Property Group has the option to try again later, with a new application.

The sign had been planned for installation along Interstate 75. The county’s regulations would limit the sign’s height to no higher than 30 feet.

David Goldstein, Pasco’s assistant county attorney, also indicated the sign wouldn’t meet regulations of the Florida Department of Transportation and could affect Pasco’s share of highway funds.

Outlet mall officials had wanted the taller height to help motorists searching for the mall, as they zipped down the interstate.

As many as 80 percent of the outlet mall’s customers are expected to be coming from outside the area and will be unfamiliar with the local road system, they said.

While the tall sign was not part of the approved signage plans, the mall developer is enthusiastic about Tampa Premium Outlets.

“We’re excited,” said John Dionis, senior director of development for New Jersey-based Simon Property Group, who made only brief remarks before the commission’s April 8 vote.

“It’s been a great experience. We look forward to opening in October,” Dionis said.

The 441,000-square-foot retail complex is expected to have more than 100 shops on State Road 56, near I-75. To date, the only announced tenant is the anchor, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.

Following the vote, Dionis said he was not authorized to make comments. He referred questions about the sign to Les Morris, director of company public relations.

Published April 15, 2015

Compromise settles dispute over racetracks

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Dirt bike champion Chad Reed agreed to give up two hours of practice time on Saturdays, and the Pasco County Commission agreed to let him have a new permit for his dirt bike training compound on Duck Lake Canal Road.

The Saturday restrictions are part of a negotiated agreement that also requires Reed to maintain recording equipment for time-stamped videos of racetrack activities. He must keep the videos for 30 days for potential county review. Other rules spell out additional riding hours during the week, the number of riders at any given time, and a ban on any public uses for the tracks.

Reed and neighbors on the rural road in east Pasco have been battling for several years over the use of motorcycle racing tracks that Reed says are essential to his professional career as a racer in Motocross and Supercross competitions. The Australian native is a multiple American Motorcyclist Association Supercross champion.

Some of his neighbors say Reed’s dirt bikes roaring around and around the tracks create excessive noise at all hours.

“We’d prefer to have crickets and cows …. but we understand property rights,” said Dade City attorney Len Johnson. He represents the Larkin family — neighbors to the Reeds — and supported the compromise. “We’ve been working diligently to come up with something that works on all sides.”

The county sued Reed in 2013 and won an injunction to block use of most of the racetracks. One track approved in 2004 was excluded from the ban. The lawsuit alleged that Reed built additional tracks that didn’t have county approval.

The commission voted on April 8 to approve a new permit as well as a settlement agreement to end the litigation. A special magistrate will have authority to mediate future disputes between Reed and his neighbors.

“We think this is a great solution, so we won’t keep having these problems,” said attorney Barbara Wilhite, who represents Reed and his wife Ellie Jo Reed. The Reeds are trustees for the Reed Children Trust, the property’s owner of record.

The total property is about 63 acres, with about 24 acres developed as a racing compound. All tracks are outdoors but include two replicas of indoor tracks as well as two buildings and a go-kart track.

Not every neighbor is happy with the outcome.

Karol Klein brought a petition with 150 signatures of people asking commissioners to deny the permit. He said about 40 of those people lived in proximity to the Reed’s property.

Daniel Cox, the attorney for Klein and his wife, told commissioners the tracks are not compatible with the “little gentleman farms” within the rural setting.

Duck Lake Canal resident Ken Keith is among those who opposed the permit. “He (Reed) just comes there to cause a loud disturbance with his motorcycles,” he said.

But Darwin Croft said he lives within 800 feet of the Reeds and has no problem with the couple. A property owner should be able to do most anything he wants on his property, Croft said.

“If I stop and think about motorcycles…I can hear them,” he said. “It’s not an obnoxious sound. It’s motorcycles.”

Published April 15, 2015