The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills Council nixes downtown theater renovation

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The idea of breathing life back into the historic Zephyrhills Home Theatre is taking a backseat — at least for now.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 25 voted to deny an appraisal of the dilapidated downtown building, located at 38521 Fifth Avenue.

The $3,600 appraisal — if it had been approved during the regular council meeting — would’ve been performed by NewStream Companies in Tampa, and would have provided some clarity regarding a potential last-minute state appropriations request for the project.

There have been conversations for several years about reviving the 500-seat twin theatre —perhaps transforming it into a playhouse or a venue to hold various community events.

The former Zephyrhills Home Theatre sits at 38521 Fifth Ave. The Zephyrhills City Council denied an appraisal of the historic building, which would’ve been the first step in the remodeling and renovation of the space. (Kevin Weiss)

The theater was built in 1948 by lumber magnate and former Zephyrhills Mayor I.A. Krusen.

Back then, it was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South, with comfortable seats, a wide stage, and a glass-enclosed “crying room” for babies.

The movie house closed in 2007, but remained available for rent. It reopened in 2010, but was shuttered again.

In a memo, city staffers recommended approval of the appraisal and submitted a state appropriations request for the purchase and renovation of the Zephyrhills Home Theatre, asserting it “will bring additional activity downtown, thus spurring additional growth and development.”

The remodeling concept was renewed after state Sen. Danny Burgess — a Zephyrhills native — recently reached out to staffers and encouraged the submittal of a state appropriations request, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said.

Staff continued preliminary discussions with Burgess and the property owner regarding the possibility of the city acquiring and renovating the buildings, Poe explained.

But council members raised a number of issues about the potential renovation, putting a halt to the initiative for now.

Council members noted that the city already is seeking funding for a trio of multimillion projects. Those are: A sewer main and water main extension for $3.48 million; Zephyrhills Municipal Airport improvements for $5.33 million; and Zephyr Park improvements for $5 million.

Council members voiced concern about submitting a fourth appropriations request to the state to revive the theater, theorizing it might jeopardize one or more of the other projects.

Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson characterized those other projects as “the things we’re desperate for.”

Another concern is spreading staffers too thin, if all four big-ticket items gained approval.

Councilman Lance Smith noted that the city has a lot going on.

Other potential problems include insufficient time to gather necessary details and the lack of a concrete plan of action.

The deadline for submitting appropriation project requests to the Florida House for the 2022 regular legislation session is Nov. 17.

The city would be unable to get all of the information needed by that date to turn in an accurate request, Poe said.

Another issue involves the feasibility of doing a renovation.

The building’s age and condition also could lead to further unanticipated costs, upon a complete survey and feasibility study.

The city has encountered this kind of a dilemma in the past, with renovations of the Sixth Avenue Fire Station and Historic Jeffries House, to name a few.

Smith noted: “That (theater) building, whatever you can possibly imagine it would cost to renovate it, it’s going to be double or triple, guaranteed.”

Wilkeson agreed: “There’s lots of things that could be wrong with the building.”

The two-story theater building also features two small commercial units on the first floor — a salon and barbershop — and two residential units on the second floor.

Also, if the city purchased the building — that would remove a commercial building off the tax rolls.

Councilman Charles Proctor raised this question: “Are we in the business, as a city, to be purchasing all these properties, and taking them off the tax roll?”

Despite myriad concerns, Poe pointed out that this may have been the window of opportunity to capitalize on the theatre renovation project — given strong representation from Burgess, state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, and Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, respectively.

Zephyrhills did well with state appropriations last year.

It received $6.5 million for water and wastewater improvements on Handcart Road; $4.6 million for improvements to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; and, $3 million for improvements to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The city also was selected as the site for a $25 million state-of-the-art Florida National Guard Armory.

“As we know, kind of all the stars are aligned at the state,” Poe said. “Last year and this year is our best opportunities that we have. We have friendly senators or representatives, as well, in the right seats.”

Council President Alan Knight said he appreciated Burgess for suggesting the idea of renovating the theater. But Knight noted: “I just think that it’s not a real good time right now.”

Wilkeson concurred: “I just don’t think we can put together something professional enough that it would support Senator Burgess’s goals and objectives.”

Published November 10, 2021

Zephyrhills approves street resurfacings

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Two dozen streets throughout the City of Zephyrhills are set to be improved this year.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 25 unanimously approved a construction agreement with Zephyrhills-based Asphalt Paving Systems Inc., to resurface a total of 24 streets within the city limits.

Total cost of the work is not to exceed $598,572, slightly under the city’s budgeted amount of $600,000 for the project.

The streets will be repaired with either cape seal or double-micro surfacing, according to Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

The agreement — part of a piggyback bid with Lee County in southwest Florida — calls for work to be fully completed within 45 calendar days of the notice of commencement.

The action came following a staff recommendation from the city manager and Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc.

The Zephyrhills streets to be resurfaced include:

  • 14th Avenue — First Street to DE West
  • Ninth Avenue — U.S. 301 to First Street
  • 10th Street — North Avenue to 12th Avenue
  • Lincoln Avenue — Airport Road to Parker Street
  • Parker Street — Lincoln Avenue to Kennedy Avenue
  • King Street — Lincoln Avenue to Kennedy Avenue
  • Freefall Avenue — Chancey Road to DE West
  • 13th Street — North Avenue to 16th Street
  • B Avenue — Eighth Street to 20th Street
  • 23rd Street — Sixth Avenue to Heights Avenue
  • Park Drive: This road is a loop that begins and ends at Fifth Avenue
  • Pretty Pond Road — Greenslope Drive to new construction match line
  • 17th Street — Fifth Avenue to North Avenue
  • Fort King Road — North Avenue to 15th Avenue right of way
  • 16th Avenue — U.S. 301 to Fort King Road
  • Airtime Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE East
  • Skydive Lane — Freefall Avenue to Gate South right of way
  • Sun Path Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE West
  • Flight Line Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE West
  • Greenslope Drive — Daughtery Road to Kossik Road
  • A Avenue — 20th Street to Eighth Street alley west
  • Ninth Street — South Avenue to C Avenue
  • 13th Avenue — 14th Street to Eighth Street

• Zephyrhills Water Park north and south side parking area

Published November 10, 2021

Hiking — it’s a fine way to enjoy the great outdoors

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Anybody ever tell you to take a hike?

Well, it’s not a bad idea, and this time of year is a great time to do it, especially since the sixth annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree has begun.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is included in Hillsborough County’s 2022 Hiking Spree. It is one of 22 locations people are encouraged to visit throughout fall and winter. Within the park is a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail and 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River, and an opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators. (File)

This annual event offers residents an adventure challenge to explore different types of trails at local parks and preserves.

This year’s Hiking Spree features 26 trails at 22 locations spread throughout the county, encompassing neighborhood parks and recreation centers, conservation parks, nature preserves and state parks.

Here’s how it works: Complete at least eight trails between November and the end of March, and you will earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a pet bandana.

Participants can choose one hike that’s not on the listed locations.

Participants may go hiking solo, or along with a friends and family. Hikers can bring along dogs, too, as long as the canines are kept on a leash.

Hikers may repeat any trail twice for credit, as long as the hikes occur on different dates.

The Hiking Spree is designed to offer something for everyone, from hiking rookies to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Trails are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous.

Lengths range from less than a mile to over 5 miles, such as the 5.36-mile Snaggy Run trail at Bell Creek Nature Preserve in Riverview.

Five of the 2022 Hiking Spree parks and preserves fall within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. They are: Northdale Park, Ed Radice Sports Complex, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Lake Conservation Park, Lake Frances Nature Preserve, respectively.

While many of the parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the Hiking Spree each year, a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

That includes Lettuce Lake — one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 East Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural flood plain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities.

Hillsborough County’s 2022 Hiking Spree encourages people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves. If you complete at least eight trails at designated parks and preserves between November and March 31, you will receive a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a dog bandana.

Another darling is the 1.25-mile Singing Bluffs Trail at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, in Plant City.

The trail is revered for unique elevation changes due to some old phosphate mines, alongside plenty of wildlife to admire from afar.

Making the list for the first time this year is the 2.5-mile Tidal Walk preserve Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.

Hillsborough County’s hiking extravaganza — which draws thousands of participants annually — began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.

It was modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably Summit Metro Parks’ community hiking event throughout Akron, Ohio.

More than 5,500 people registered for last year’s Hiking Spree, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The five-monthlong achievement window spanning fall and winter is timed to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather, and to coincide with prime bird-watching times.

Parks officials recommend that novices first gain experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to the conservation parks and nature preserves.

The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, most trails at neighborhood parks are ADA-accessible.

Conservation park trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical neighborhood park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that traverse a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods, to wetland swamps, to bottomland forests. Most of the conservation parks have amenities, such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.

Nature preserve trails, meanwhile, take the nature experience up several notches — almost as if you’re briefly leaving civilization for a hike. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife.

Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information. They do not have restrooms or running water. Moreover, trails are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers, and have rougher terrain.

Participants are encouraged to post photos from their hikes using the hashtag #TakeAHikeHC.

For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Here is the list of parks and trails for the 2022 Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks — short, paved trails with water facilities

  • Stephen J. Wortham Park, Riverview: Bluestem Trail: 1.4 miles
  • Northdale Park, Tampa: Owl Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Ed Radice Sports Complex, Odessa: Radice Fitness Park: 1.25 miles
  • All People’s Life Center, Tampa: All People’s Fitness Trail: 0.45 miles
  • Rodney Colson Park, Seffner: Cougar Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Boyette Springs Park, Riverview: Blackbird Fitness Trail: 0.75 miles
  • Bertha and Tony Saladino Park, Brandon: Sandhill Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles

Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Tampa: Hammock Run: 1.25 miles; Boardwalk: 0.75 miles
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, Plant City: Singing Bluffs: 1.25 miles; Levee Trail: 2.6 miles
  • Lake Conservation Park, Lutz: Lake Vista Trail: 1.5 miles
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Plant City: Picnic Trail: 1.9 miles
  • Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park, Tampa: Bobcat Trail: 0.4 miles, Otter Trail: 0.6 miles, Eagle Trail: 0.25 miles

Nature Preserves — no facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve, Plant City: Longleaf Loop: 5 miles
  • Alafia River Corridor South Preserve, Lithia: Horseshoe Trail: 3 miles
  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview: Snaggy Run: 5.36 miles
  • Bahia Beach Nature Preserve, Ruskin: Wetland Walk: 1.4 miles
  • Lake Frances Nature Preserve, Odessa: Pasture Pass: 4.5 miles
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, Plant City: Creekview Trail: 4.36 miles

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, Lithia: Old Agrico Hiking Trail: 1 mile
  • Little Manatee River State Park, Wimauma: North Hiking Trail: 2.9 miles
  • Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach: Tidal Walk: 2.5 miles
  • Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa: Wetland Trail: 3.5 miles

Come prepared, and pace yourself

When hiking, remember to bring these items:

  • Correct trail map for your destination
  • A compass or GPS
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Appropriate shoes
  • Sun protection

Published November 10, 2021

Roadway connectivity is key to Zephyrhills’ economic vitality

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The Zephyrhills area has experienced burgeoning activity in the way of residential growth and commercial development.

Pasco County Commission chairman Ron Oakley has witnessed it firsthand, since being elected in 2016.

“Zephyrhills has been a very good, working city,” said Oakley, who represents District 1, which covers areas in East and Central Pasco.

“Economically, they’ve done very well over the years, and I mean, it just didn’t start here lately, it’s been that way.

Pasco County Commission chairman Ron Oakley was a featured guest speaker during the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit in October, at Zephyrhills City Hall. (File)

“They have a good council here, and they have good planners and others,” the county board leader said.

But Oakley is especially enthused about the forthcoming roadway connectivity in and out of the city limits — which he detailed as one of the featured speakers at the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit held last month, at Zephyrhills City Hall.

The Oct. 13 event was organized by the City of Zephyrhills, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), and AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City.

These were among the finished or active projects that Oakley highlighted:

  • State Road 56 extension, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills
  • Wire Road pavement rehabilitation
  • County Road 54, east to 23rd Street, which includes traffic signals, turn lanes, and multi-use path
  • U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road, which includes traffic signals and median improvements

“Those are great things happening, because that’s going to help everybody move around better,” Oakley said.

Some countywide roadway upgrades also will benefit the municipality, too, Oakley noted.

That includes the $33.6 million diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56, which is expected to be completed in summer 2022.

Oakley put it like this: “What good is a diverging diamond to Zephyrhills? Well, economically, it helps people get in and out of the area, and it helps them get here, and then also to get out of here.”

There’s also the $64 million interstate interchange on I-75 at Overpass Road, south of State Road 52, scheduled for completion in late 2022 or early 2023.

“That’s going to help divide that traffic up from (State Road) 56, to Overpass to (State Road) 54 and then (State Road) 52,” Oakley said.

By spreading the traffic out, “your movement will be much better,” he explained.

Oakley was quick to point out that these big-ticket roadway infrastructure projects would not be possible without the mobility fees paid by surrounding growth and development.

“None of this happens without the fact that we’re doing a lot of residential development that brings in impact fees (mobility fees) and school impact fees that builds schools, and also pays for the roads that you see,” he said.

Large developments are in progress
Oakley also told the crowd about some of the large-scale developments that he said, “are cropping up everywhere around the city.”

He directed attention to Two Rivers, a master-planned unit development (MPUD) zoning off State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

Roadway infrastructure improvements — such as the Overpass Road connection with Interstate 75 — were a key theme during the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit.

The project is substantial.

The county has approved up to 6,400 residences, more than 2.6 million square feet of office and industrial, and 630,000 square feet of commercial uses.

The 3,405-acre property’s southern boundary is on the north side of County Line Road, and its northern boundary is on the north side of State Road 56.

The Two Rivers development also includes a site for an elementary school, middle school and high school, an 80-acre district park and a public safety site.

“All these developments are going to bring more people into the economy of Zephyrhills; very important for that economy,” Oakley said. “Those people coming in will be really helping a lot of businesses here in Zephyrhills.”

The speaker acknowledged the possible strain on services and utilities such as water and sewer, but assured local citizens that the county is well-prepared.

“There’s nothing wrong with good, planned growth,” Oakley said.

The commissioner also shared his vision and standards for new residential developments popping up in East Pasco.

These large developments, the commissioner said, should entail “good architectural views, good landscaping, and a place you’d be proud to live in.”

In the same breath, he pushed back on small-lot housing subdivisions.

“I honestly believe that we shouldn’t have 40-foot lots,” he said. “We have some, and they work, I guess, somewhere, but they’re really too small.”

He continued, “We want to build a whole residential development that’s more of a community, and not houses right beside each other, with no landscaping. We want something to be proud of in Pasco.”

Elsewhere, Oakley mentioned the county is working on plans to help small businesses, in the way of zero-interest loans, grants and other assistance programs.

“They’re pretty much the backbone of our community, when you think about all the small businesses,” said Oakley. “We have the big businesses, and they’re a different source themselves, but small business is very important.”

State Rep. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills

Burgess bullish on Zephyrhills armory
State Rep. Danny Burgess, R- Zephyrhills also participated in the economic summit, speaking virtually from his Tallahassee office.

His remarks focused on the forthcoming Florida National Guard Armory coming to Zephyrhills that is set to be located near the city’s municipal airport.

State lawmakers earmarked $25 million for the construction of the project during the past legislative session.

Burgess described the project as “a first-of-its kind, state-of-the-art armory.”

He said it will employ many full-time Army officers during the week, plus hundreds of soldiers and service people visiting on weekends.

The legislator views the armory as “a big economic driver” for the city, where soldiers and service members “work and eat and stay and play in our community.”

“It’s not just a military installation, it’s not just a home for the National Guard,” Burgess said. “It’s going to be really good, and it’s moving fast, so we should hopefully have some great direction here soon.”

What makes the project even more special, Burgess said, is that Zephyrhills is a community that has deep military roots and a record of support for the armed forces.

The city was founded by Civil War veteran Capt. Howard B. Jeffries, as a retirement area for union soldiers.

The city’s airport property was used by the U.S. Army in the 1940s as a training airfield for combat pilots.

“We should all be very, very proud of this,” Burgess added of the armory.

Burgess went on to praise the city’s windfall in the latest state budget, which included several appropriations, including $6.5 million for water and wastewater improvements on Handcart Road; $4.6 million for improvements to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; and $3 million for improvements to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Said Burgess, “It’s a testament to our community, to the things that are happening in our community, to the businesses in our community and our community leaders.”

As a sign of the municipality’s wave of progress, back in June Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared at Zephyrhills City Hall for a state budget-signing ceremony— penning into law a record-setting $101.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2021-2022.

The invite-only press conference drew several dozens of area residents, business owners and government officials, in a standing-room only affair.

Burgess also credited Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) for his continuous support of Zephyrhills at the state level.

“He has always looked out for that community, and he sees the value in our location geographically and from an infrastructure standpoint, and he just wants to see us succeed,” Burgess said.

Other featured presentations during the summit came from Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg; David Waronker, CBD Real Estate Investment president; Randy Stovall, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition chairman; and Tom Ryan, Pasco Economic Development Coalition director of business development.

Zephyrhills is now Pasco’s biggest city
The City of Zephyrhills has surpassed New Port Richey as Pasco County’s biggest city, based on data collected in the 2020 U.S. Census.

The Pasco County Commission discussed the shift during its board meeting on Oct. 26, noting that it will have to make some new appointments to boards that include a representative from the county’s largest municipality.

Census data reports that Zephyrhills had a population of 17,194 on April 1, 2020. Its population was 13,288 as of April 1, 2010.

New Port Richey’s population was 16,728 on April 1, 2020, compared to 14,911 on April 1, 2010.

Census figures for local jurisdictions include:

Jurisdiction                             April 1, 2020               April 1, 2010
Pasco County                          561,891                       464,697
Zephyrhills                              17,194                         13,288
Dade City                                7,550                           6,437
New Port Richey                     16,728                         14,911
Hillsborough County               1,459,762                    1,229,226
Tampa                                     384,959                       335,709

Pasco County Commissioners discussed Zephyrhills’ shift to become the county’s largest city, noting that it will mean that some appointments will need to change next year because certain boards require representation from the county’s largest city.

Published November 03, 2021

Pioneer Florida Museum will guide Dade City Christmas Parade

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Dade City kicks off its holiday season each year with the Magical Night Christmas Parade, an event that dates back to at least 1982.

It typically draws thousands of spectators, to see floats, entertainment acts, bands, vendors, seasonal displays and Santa Claus.

The annual Christmas shindig will press on, but under new guidance and leadership.

The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village now will host the downtown holiday event, instead of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The parade is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., in downtown Dade City.

The Dade City chamber indicated it wanted to focus efforts on larger events, such as the signature Kumquat Festival, traditionally held the last Saturday in January, according to Pioneer Florida Museum executive director Stephanie Bracknell Black.

The decision to hand the Christmas parade off to the local museum came after Black recently met with Dade City Chamber executive director John Moors and city administration.

“It was just mentioned to us that the chamber was no longer looking to do the Christmas parade,” Black said.

“They were looking for someone else to take it over…and it just seemed like a good fit for the museum to go ahead and take it over,” she said.

The Christmas parade was canceled last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Attendees shouldn’t expect too much change from the typical holiday format, at least for this year, as the museum takes the reins so close to the date.

The announcement of the parade organization change came in an Oct. 20 press release from the museum.

Many volunteers who have previously worked on the parade with the chamber are expected to continue to assist the museum.

“We’re doing mostly everything pretty much the same,” Black said. “We’ve had the similar requirements and stuff that they had done in the past. It’s going to be the same. We’re going to try to keep it the same as it always has been. It’s worked in years past, so we’re going to go ahead and give it a try and keep everything pretty much the same.”

The official parade route will begin at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard/Fifth Street, head west on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard/Seventh Street, south to Church Avenue, and then east to Fifth Street, in front of the local post office.

Simpson Lakes jumped aboard as the parade’s first sponsor and Grand Marshal.

Black, who lives in Zephyrhills, has brought her children and grandchildren to the event many times over, during the parade’s three-decade run.

She’s also been actively involved in the festivities, when she worked for Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County, which has had floats in the parade previously.

“I think everybody looks forward to the night parade,” she said. “It’s part of everyone’s Christmas tradition in this area.”

It’s customary for people to eat, shop and stroll the city’s downtown area hours before the event kicks off. Attendees also are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the night’s showing.

Black acknowledged it’s tough to speculate about how many attendees are expected this year, with lingering pandemic issues, but she noted, “usually every year, it’s one of the bigger parades.”

The museum is currently accepting parade entry applications and other sponsors.

Parade entry applications are due by 5 p.m., Nov. 12.

Registration may close early if the parade entries reach the limited capacity of about 80 floats.

Black noted entries “seem to be coming in pretty quickly.”

The Pioneer Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and education of Florida’s pioneer heritage.

The museum is located a mile north of downtown Dade City, just off U.S. 301, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

For more information, visit PioneerFloridaMusuem.org, or call 352-567-0262.

Dade City Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City

Published November 03, 2021

Saint Leo is adding athletes to its Hall of Fame

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After more than a year of waiting — due the COVID-19 pandemic — Saint Leo University’s athletics department will formally be able to recognize and celebrate its Hall of Fame Class of  2020, which features three individual honorees and one team.

The East Pasco-based institution will host an induction ceremony on Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m., at The Block, 14307 Seventh St., in Dade City.

Inductees in the Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020 include Kit Gardner (baseball football, basketball, track and field), Daphne Washington (basketball), Pat Bowen (baseball), and the 2005 men’s soccer team.

The night will begin with a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a dinner and ceremony.

Tickets for the event are $40 per person, with Hall of Fame members getting a discounted price of $25. Tickets can be purchased at Your.saintleo.edu/hoco.

The induction ceremony is part of the university’s homecoming weekend, which features other events on and around campus, including the annual Spirit of Saint Leo Golf Tournament, several alumni games and in-season athletic contests.

The addition of the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Class brings the total number of inductees to more than 140, as well as three teams.

The Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame was organized by the Saint Leo Alumni Association and Saint Leo athletic department in 1986-1987.

It was created to honor former students, coaches and administrators who excelled in Saint Leo athletics in the prep school, junior college or senior college.

Its purpose is “to perpetuate the memory of those persons who have brought distinction, honor and excellence to Saint Leo athletics, and familiarize the entire campus community and alumni with the university’s rich athletic history.”

Kit Gardner (File)

Here is a closer look at the inductees:

Kit Gardner (1960)
From 1957 through 1960, Kit Gardner excelled as a four-sport athlete at what was then Saint Leo Prep — competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field.

Gardner served as both the kicker and quarterback for the football team while starting as a guard on the hardwood; he also played shortstop for the baseball team while competing in hurdles on the track.

With his versatile athletic dexterity, Gardner was a two-time “The Yankee Clipper” award winner at Saint Leo, the highest athletic award given out during the Saint Leo Prep era.

Gardner went on to serve in the United States Air Force and then became a golf professional at the Columbia Country Club in Columbia, South Carolina.

Daphne Washington (File)

Daphne Washington (1993)
Daphne Washington had a celebrated four-year career on the court between 1989 through 1993 — and remains one of the women’s basketball program’s most productive scorers and rebounders.

She ranks second in program history in career scoring (1,495 points) and fifth in rebounding (704 rebounds).

Meantime, her career field goal percentage (54%) and single-season field goal percentage (58.8% in 1991-1992) are tops in program history, while total free throws made (297) ranks second in the books.

As for other accolades, Washington was Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Freshman of the Year in 1989-1990, and went on to become a two-time Honorable Mention All-SSC selection and a Second Team All-SSC performer as a junior.

Pat Bowen (File)

Pat Bowen (1999)
Pat Bowen joined the Saint Leo baseball program as a walk-on in 1995, but etched his name into the record books by the time he graduated in 1999, also penning that into a short-lived pro ball career.

A native of Millersville, Maryland, Bowen ranks second in program history in career strikeouts with 266, behind only Dave Garcia (303, 1993-1996).

He posted a 20-8 career mark including five saves; those 20 wins ranked him third all-time at the end of the 1999 season.

During his junior campaign, Bowen ranked seventh among all NCAA Division II pitchers for strikeouts per nine innings at 11.9. He also started and led Saint Leo to a historic 11-8 victory over powerhouse Florida State University in May 1998.

All told, Bowen was part of a pair of NCAA postseason appearances (1996, 1999), an All-South Region honoree in 1999, and a two-time All-SSC selection.

Following a storied Saint Leo career, Bowen was drafted in the 34th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Anaheim Angels, where he spent a few years playing in rookie-level ball and the independent circuit.

After a few years of professional baseball, Bowen began coaching youth sports and went on to be the head baseball coach at Bishop McGuinness Catholic School, in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Joel Harrison was head coach of the historic 2005 Saint Leo men’s soccer team. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University athletics department)

2005 Saint Leo men’s soccer team
The 2005 Saint Leo men’s soccer team — under then head coach Joel Harrison— became the first program in school history to capture a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Championship after a notable 7-1 run in conference play and a 15-1 regular season mark.

Unforeseen circumstances prevented what could’ve been an even more memorable season.

Because of Hurricane Wilma, the team was unable to compete for an SSC Tournament Championship, but earned the right to host the 2005 NCAA South Regional.

Saint Leo had a 14-day layoff before competing in the regional final against Lynn University, falling 3-1.

The team was led by All-American and Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017 member Asmir Pervan along with four others who earned All-SSC honors, including Brent Stanze, Matias Pereze, Giancarlo Conte, and Hall of Fame Class of 2018 member Eusebio Herrera-Montoya.

Pervan was named SSC Player and Offensive Player of the Year, while Herrera-Montoya brought home Freshman of the Year honors. Also, Harrison was named the SSC Coach of the Year.

Published November 03, 2021

Soccer stars

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(Courtesy of Colin Eke)

The Goal Diggers claimed the NewAPSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) women’s recreation summer season title at Wesley Chapel District Park. Members of the winning squad include: Katie Assaf, Shelley Cox, Amber Elrom, Kristy Flaughter, Sarah Gelinas, Stephanie Kominiak, Karryn Matthews, Claire Owen, Taylor Reiss, Alicia Szilagyi, Charleen Wilson and Lindsay Zullo. Registration is now open for the league’s fall season, which begins Nov. 7. For information, visit NewAPSL.com.

Conference champ

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(Courtesy of Aimee Williams)

Sunlake High senior Cody Williams won the 2021 Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) individual champion last month at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, firing a 77. Williams’ efforts also helped pace the Seahawks to a conference team title. Williams, left, is pictured with coach Bob Kamps.

Upgrades on tap for Zephyrhills Municipal Airport

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Major renovations and changes are coming to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — in an effort to transform the facility from a general aviation airport to one that offers more accommodations for corporate jets.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe dished on the various happenings at the city-owned airport, located at 39459 South Ave., while speaking during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit at Zephyrhills City Hall.

The Oct. 13 event was organized by the City of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), and AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is undergoing several upgrades and improvements. Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe detailed the forthcoming changes during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit earlier this month. (File)

The city manager was among several speakers during the economic summit.

Poe quipped that the local airport is “the best in Pasco County,” adding, “part of that is because we’re the only general aviation airport in Pasco County, but we are growing.”

He opened his briefing by mentioning the progress coming along on the extension of Runway 1/19 — with tree-clearing already underway along Chancey Road.

The project lengthens the runway by 1,500 feet — up to 6,200 feet, from the current 4,700 feet.

The work is being funded through a $5.9 million state appropriation that was received back in 2018.

The 1,500-foot extension will allow the airport to accommodate an additional 17 different types of aircraft (including C-2 and D-2 corporate jets that hold anywhere from 14 to 20 passengers), Poe explained.

“We’re trying to grow, we’re trying to go more toward the corporate customers,” Poe said.

The airport also received $3 million from the state this past year to construct itinerant parking for all aircraft arrivals and departures other than local aircraft operations.

This upgrade goes hand in hand with the Runway 1/19 extension.

The parking is for the additional corporate jets the airport is hoping to attract through its longer runway, the city manager said.

Presently, incoming and outgoing aircraft are forced to park in front of the airport’s fixed-base operation terminal, which is not ideal, Poe noted.

“We have issues with the jet parking, right in front of the terminal, trying to get gas. It’s just not good; there’s a lot of potential issues that happen with that,” said the city manager.

Other airport improvement projects also are in the pipeline. These are mostly being funded with help from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), with the city contributing a smaller share. The list includes:

  • Rehabilitation and pavement of Taxiway A
  • Upgrades to the fuel farm
  • Upgrades to airfield beacons

Zephyrhills has its eyes set on greater aviation infrastructure improvements, too.

In advance of the 2022 legislative session, the city is requesting an additional $5.33 million from the state that would encompass building another taxiway, two box hangars and a newly renovated fixed-base operator terminal.

The most expensive proposition of the three-pronged initiative — if funding is approved — is a new fixed-base operator terminal, which would become a rest stop for pilots flying in and out of the airport, while also serving as an upgraded office space for airport staff.

Said Poe, “When pilots come in, they need to be able to plan the rest of the legs of their flight, have an area to come in, relax, watch some TV, take a shower, grab something to eat.”

Elsewhere, Poe underscored the critical role of the Pasco EDC — specifically business development director Tom Ryan — for helping to promote the municipal airport at ongoing events and conferences nationwide.

Ryan is responsible for business development of new and expanding office, technology, and industrial related businesses and parks, according to the Pasco EDC’s website.

His responsibilities also include coordinating strategies to support economic development efforts in targeted areas, including confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and incentive programs.

“Tom makes trips all over the country and talks highly of Zephyrhills, and helps to market us (to places) where the city cannot get out to,” Poe said.

Poe also emphasized the airport could not make major improvements without grants from the DOT, FAA and state legislature.

He pointed out the city has received roughly $10 million worth of grants in the past three years alone, adding, “there’s (been) a number of grants, millions of dollars before that, and there’s hopefully, millions of dollars after that.”

Published October 27, 2021

CRA agency outlines initiatives

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The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is hitting the ground running regarding initiatives in the city’s historic downtown district, in the new fiscal year.

The Zephyrhills City Council, which doubles as the CRA board, has approved the agency’s 2021-2022 budget for $879,814.

That’s a sizable increase from the previous budget, which was $578,244.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has set forth several initiatives for the city’s historic downtown in its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills CRA)

That boost is partially due to an increase in the agency’s ad valorem revenues during recent years.

In the fiscal 2021-2022 budget, the agency’s tax increment financing (TIF) revenues are proposed to be $562,848 — up from $428,630 in 2020-2021 and $315,410 in 2019-2020, respectively.

“What we’re doing is working,” CRA Director Gail Hamilton told the CRA board during a Sept. 27 meeting at Zephyrhills City Hall. “The values continue to increase, the market doesn’t hurt us any at all, so what we’re doing as far as residential is going well, it’s working. We’ve got some new commercial projects going in the coming year.”

However, Hamilton acknowledged retail spacing “continues to struggle” in the historic district, so the agency is planning some incentive programs to lure new merchants.

The bulk of this year’s CRA budget is set aside for three major capital outlay projects — combining to total $672,500:

  • Little But Loud outdoor venue: $250,000
  • First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills parking lot improvements: $320,000
  • Entrance signage installation: $102,500

The Little But Loud project, planned at 38426 Sixth Ave., is envisioned as an entertainment backyard space of sorts featuring food trucks, vendor carts, games, live music, public art installations, and various seating and lounge areas.

It is planned for a 150-foot by 60-foot city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street, and is the CRA’s scaled-down version of Sparkman Wharf, a popular waterfront venue in downtown Tampa’s Channelside.

“I know there are some that say we can’t do it for $250,000, but we’re going to see what we can do,” Hamilton said, referring to Little But Loud.

Hamilton also underscored the importance to lease and repair the church parking lot located right in the center of downtown, at 38635 Fifth Ave.

She said the East Pasco town has few public parking options in downtown, aside from Zephyrhills City Hall, which is often at capacity.

“One of the problems that we encountered last year was that there is no public parking in downtown,” she said.

Besides formalizing a long-term lease, CRA funds will be used to address paving, stormwater and lighting issues on the church’s lot, which is over 20 years old.

“When a developer comes to us and wants to build something, we have strict standards on what the parking lot has to be. We have to follow those standards, as well,” Hamilton told CRA board members.

“It’ll be an asset to have a paved parking lot downtown,” she added.

Installing entrance signage to provide a gateway to the historic district is another noteworthy capital project.

The first sign is expected to be constructed and installed between Fifth Avenue and U.S. 301.

Moving forward, Hamilton said the agency is aiming to launch “a real campaign” about what the city has to offer “and try to get people motivated to look at downtown and the CRA district.”

The CRA director later encouraged city leadership to make suggestions about what else they’d like to see within the historic downtown district — which spans approximately 501 acres and encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

She noted some smaller undertakings in the past year included installing landscaping, benches and pots along Fifth Avenue; installing public Wi-Fi downtown; and installing streaming wireless audio speakers downtown.

“If there is a project, if there is something you see in another community, let us know, let’s talk about it,” said Hamilton. “The CRA has to be nimble enough that we can change and meet the demands of the market, because improving the market, improving the ad valorem taxes is why we’re here.”

Meantime, Main Street Zephyrhills Director Faith Wilson shared several event updates during the CRA meeting:

  • Preparations are underway for Halloween Howl, scheduled for Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., along Fifth Avenue. Family friendly activities will include a pony ride, petting zoo, haunted house, hayride and face painting. There also will be a ghost tour “to offer our citizens something new and exciting,” Wilson said.
  • The 2021 Festival of Lights Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., in downtown Zephyrhills. This year’s event theme is “Candyland Christmas.”
  • The annual Zephyrhills Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival may need to be rescheduled or pared to an evening event with no parade.

It’s anticipated March 5 date coincides with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest.

The city’s Founder’s Day event is supposed to be on the Saturday closest to March 10, without going beyond it. City officials are actively discussing various options and possibilities, noting parade attendance has fallen off over the years.

  • Main Street Zephyrhills Board of Directors approved a new “community and unity” initiative, which aims to help create a positive narrative around events and partnerships within the city. “We all want to do good for Zephyrhills,” Wilson said, “and by working together, we can do great things for our community, so organizations can join together with Main Street to co-host and coordinate events downtown, and instead of competition, it’s cohesive and we work together.”

One upcoming “community and unity” event is the First Florida Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association Fall Rally Honoring Our Nations Veterans, from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14.

  • Wilson also noted that she participated in the Florida Main Street’s fall quarterly conference meeting in Crystal River. “There were some great community branding and marketing strategies presented,” she said.

City of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency fund

Budget: $879,814

  • Personnel services: $112,549
  • Operating expenditures: $69,765
  • Capital outlay: $672,500
  • Contributions: $25,000

Published October 27, 2021