The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Economic impact for Pasco project set at $30 billion

By

Columnar Holdings recently announced the sale of $80.5 million in bonds for DoubleBranch, a mixed-use development planned for the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

At build out, the project is expected to include 4 million square feet of industrial space; 750,000 square feet of office; more than 500,000 square feet of destination retail and a multifamily neighborhood to support the new development, according to a news release.

At completion, DoubleBranch is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs, including many in the logistics, life sciences and health care sectors, the release said.

Its long-term economic impact is estimated at more than $30 billion, the release added.

“Columnar prides ourselves on being at the forefront of development trends,” said Michael Wolf, senior vice president for Columnar Holdings. “The land is situated alongside a major highway in one of the most desirable locations in Florida. Since purchasing it in 2021, there has been a strong desire across markets to live and work in centrally located communities,” he continued.

Phillips & Jordan, a national leader in heavy civil construction with regional headquarters in Pasco County, has been selected as the site contractor for DoubleBranch.

“The impact of diverse job creation will open tremendous opportunity for Pasco County for generations to come,” Sean Froelich, COO of Columnar, said in the release.

Columnar expects a groundbreaking ceremony to take place in early fall.

Published September 13, 2023

Sheriff’s Office shares tips for preventing scams

By

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has observed an uptick in crimes related to technology and is offering residents some advice on how to avoid falling victim to such scams.

“Criminals commonly use fear and technology schemes to try to con their victims. Most scams are different variations of the same old trick: try to intimidate people into handing over valuable information or hard-earned money,” a sheriff’s office posting says.

The PSO shares these ‘red flags’ to help people to avoid becoming victims:

  • Scammers often pretend to be from an organization you know, such as a government agency.
  • Criminals make demands or requests for your personal information, such as social security numbers, account numbers or credit card information.
  • Fraudsters will pressure victims to act quickly to resolve a problem in one phone call.
  • Wrongdoers make requests for specific forms of payment that are difficult to trace, such as gift cards.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office advises that if you are skeptical about suspicious behavior that may be a scam, call and report it to law enforcement immediately. Rapid reporting can help stop crime, and protect others from becoming a victim.

Published September 13, 2023

Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12 celebrating 90 years

By

(Mike Camunas)

Boy Scout Troop 12 in Lutz is planning a gathering to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

The event is set for Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Troop 12 is inviting the community to join them at a festival that will include food, activities, raffles, contests and more.

The event will be held at the Troop 12 Scout Hut, 205 Second Ave. S.E., in Lutz.

Attendance is free.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, email .

Published September 06, 2023

Mobi-Mats increase access at four Pasco beaches

By

Pasco County has been reimbursed for the Mobi-Mats it installed at Moon Lake, Anclote River, Robert K. Rees Memorial and Robert J Strickland Memorial beaches.

(File)

Mobi-Mats are roll-out surfaces that provide access onto the sand of beaches for those with mobility disabilities.

The costs for the Mobi-Mats and associated signage were covered by a donation totaling $29,041.45 from the Michael and Robin Lally Forward Foundation, which reimbursed Pasco County after it installed the Mobi-Mats.

The county secured the funding after a county employee saw a newspaper article about the Forward Foundation offering to pay local governments to install Mobi-Mats.

Within a week of hearing about the opportunity, the county’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department reached out to the Forward Foundation to seek funding.

The Forward Foundation agreed to reimburse the county for the Mobi-Mats it installed to provide access to people who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, who are pregnant, who experience balance issues, who have developmental disabilities, who have gait irregularities, who have neurological conditions, or weakness, or who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

The Pasco County Commission formally received the reimbursement of the funds from the Forward Foundation during a board meeting over the summer.

Published September 06, 2023

100-year-old Buffalo Soldier, New Tampa resident honored

By

(Courtesy of Diane Royer)

Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club Tampa Chapter honored World War II Army Veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood, a 100-year-old New Tampa resident. On Aug. 13, Caldwood, a Bronze Star recipient, was given the special honor during a ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church of Tampa Palms, 15102 Amberly Drive. Prior to the presentation, the Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club did an honorary ride to the church to honor Caldwood.

Caldwood served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, encountering German infantry and Third Reich soldiers in Italy. He was a medic, taking care of his brothers in arms in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon.
“I will say this,” Caldwood told The Laker/Lutz News in May, “it was a hell of a experience, a once in a lifetime experience, and what I learned was how it felt to live in a free society and a colorless society — because in Italy, it was color blind. You never heard the word ‘color’ in the two years I spent in Italy.”

Only a Few Homes Remain — It’s Your Final Chance to Build Your Home in Del Webb Bexley

By

Time is running out on your chance to live at Del Webb Bexley. We’ve built the ideal active adult community to suit your every need, and we are down to only a few homes left.

Our perfectly located community has quality-built homes rich with amenities and plenty of opportunities for residents —discover why so many others have decided to call Del Webb Bexley home.

ABUNDANT AMENITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS
At Del Webb Bexley, community relationships and lifestyle are everything. The community’s expansive 19,000-square-foot amenity campus serves as a standing testament to its residents’ important lifestyle priorities. This all-encompassing social and activity hub is the center of operations that brings the entire community together, focusing on health, inspiration and fitness.

The fittingly named “Meridian” is inspired by a warm, coastal Florida theme. It offers all the joy of seaside living plus convenient access to all Tampa Bay offers. It is here that you can meet for a game of Mahjong, enjoy a snack or watch TV while playing a game of cards and enjoying a glass of wine. The facility is not yet three years old and was designed utilizing Del Webb’s vast experience as the leading active adult community developer in the nation. 

“Your day can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like. Our homeowners have access to clubs and classes designed to meet every interest,” said Sarah Herting, marketing director. There are also scheduled monthly in-person and virtual events, seminars, and programs. “It’s a great way to make friends, explore new interests, or mingle with people who share the same hobbies.”

Staying healthy and active is a huge priority for the Meridian’s activity schedule. Inside the campus, the Maritime Fitness Center features cardio machines, as well as free weights and weight machines. It sits right across from the Floriblanca movement studio that houses fitness classes ranging from spin to boxing and yoga. Outside there are sports courts for tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball. The resort pool sits conveniently around the corner with plenty of shade, a spa and cabanas. The expansive yoga lawn is always available with coinciding classes for residents, and a span of scenic bike and jogging trails interconnects the entirety of the outdoor region. 

“Our residents want to keep moving and keep doing,” said Herting, “They want to stay informed and keep learning. It’s why we’ve implemented our monthly events newsletter to keep everyone in the know about what is happening here.”

High-intensity activity isn’t all of the Meridian’s features. For those looking to relax, the Bellamy Arts and Crafts room offers a variety of classes for the pursuit of knowledge or hobbies. The Soleil Royal Ballroom hosts year-round events and houses demonstration kitchens for cooking clubs and classes. The amphitheater on the event lawn does the same for music performances. At the center of it lies the Crow’s Nest Bistro & Sports Lounge with its selection of beer, wine, specialty meals, trivia nights, games, and Super Bowl parties. 

PREMIUM HOME QUALITY
With over 70 years in homebuilding, let Del Webb put our experience to work for you. We follow strict quality control measures to ensure accuracy and attention to detail. Our signature Build Quality Experience includes communication with you every step of the way. Our Del Webb Construction Standards meet or exceed building code requirements. All are backed by an industry-leading 10-year limited structural warranty and 5-year water intrusion warranty.

Quality review milestones include foundation and frame inspections, followed by a mechanical inspection, a drywall orientation, and a final inspection for a quality sign-off at completion. 

From the foundation to the roof, each stage of the build is executed with precision. The structural integrity of a Del Webb Bexley home is second to none, ensuring longevity and durability. High-quality fixtures, fittings and finishes adorn every corner, creating a sense of luxury and sophistication that surpasses expectations.

For potential residents looking to make Del Webb their home, there is no better time than right now.

“This is a community of friendship, lifelong relationships and connection. Anyone with those values will feel right at home here.”

IDEAL LOCATION
With its prime location, Del Webb Bexley, just off Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has made it its mission to transform the idea of “living a fulfilled lifestyle” into an all-encompassing community. Just east of the Gulf Coast beaches and northwest of Tampa, the active adult community of Del Webb Bexley offers easy access to workplaces throughout Tampa Bay and an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Tampa Premium Outlets. It is conveniently close to downtown Tampa and the Tampa International Airport. 

This active community has set out to become one of the most fun and engaging atmospheres for 55+ homeowners.

Del Webb believes in life well led in your own quality built home, rich with amenities and opportunities for residents and prime location. The Del Webb Bexley sales office and model park are open seven days a week for tours. For more information and to learn about current incentives, call 813-412-8842.

Published August 30, 2023

Pasco county board honors legislative aide

By

The Pasco County Commission set aside some time during its Aug. 8 meeting to honor Andy Taylor, a legislative aide who is leaving the county to accept a job with Tampa Electric Co. (TECO.)

Taylor was Pasco County’s first legislative aide, serving under former Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

He assumed that role in February of 2019 and continued in that capacity under Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, after Moore stepped away from public service.

Andy Taylor, a legislative aide to Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, recently was honored for the work he did for the county. He is surrounded here by supporters, many of whom made a special trip to be there. Taylor, who is holding the resolution, is departing the county to work in the private sector. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Taylor was heavily involved in Moore’s efforts to raise money and plan a universal playground, serving children of all ability levels, at the Wesley Chapel District Park, according to a resolution, adopted by the county board. 

He also was involved in Pasco County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the county’s economic development programs.

More recently, Taylor worked closely with Weightman to help the Pasco County Legislative Delegation and the county’s governmental affairs team to secure a $1.5 million appropriation for much-needed sidewalks near schools.

He also worked closely, first with Moore and then with Weightman to research issues and prepared for board meetings.

The legislative aide was known for having an eagle eye, when reviewing materials in the board’s agenda packet, and for his passionate devotion for promoting the county’s sports tourism efforts, the resolution says.

He is joining TECO’s state and regional affairs team, as regional manager for Pasco and East Hillsborough counties.

A number of people turned out to celebrate Taylor’s recognition by the Pasco County Commissioner.

Among those supporters were Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, members of the Florida’s Sports Coast tourism team, Taylors friends and other county employees.

County board members expressed their appreciation for Taylor’s efforts, with his former boss, Moore, doing so via a video from his vacation and his current boss doing so, from the board dais.

Taylor expressed gratitude for the honor.

He noted it was something of a full-circle moment for him.

It turns out that Taylor and Weightman have known each other for years.

Taylor previously was an aide to former Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham and Weightman was aide for former Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford.

When Pasco created its role for a legislative aide, it was Weightman who told Taylor about the opening and encouraged him to go after it.

Published August 30, 2023

Town Hall set for PHSC presidential finalists

By

The public has the chance to learn more about the four finalists to become Pasco-Hernando State College’s next president during a Town Hall at the college’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC).

The Town Hall will be on Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at IPAC, 8757 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

A new president is being named to replace Dr. Timothy Beard, who is retiring in January 2024.

A presidential search committee made up of business leaders, community representatives and faculty and staff members from PHSC have selected these finalists to succeed Beard and to become the college’s fifth president.

The finalists are: Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D; Eric Hall, Ed.D; Jesse D. Pisors, Ed.D; and, Saul Reyes, Ed.D.

Lucy Miller, special assistant to President Tim Beard and to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT), provided details of what to expect during the Town Hall meeting.

Each of the four finalists will have about 40 minutes on the stage, Miller said, via email.

PHSC’s Faculty Senate President Dr. Misty Price will be the moderator, who will interview each of them in a casual “talk show” format.

Dr. Price will pose some introductory questions and then field questions from those attending the session and from those who are attending remotely.

The idea is to not only introduce the finalists to employees, faculty, staff, students and the community, but to provide an opportunity for constituents to interact with the candidates — and to ask specific questions about the candidates’ vision for PHSC, according to Miller.

The college’s DBOT is expected to name PHSC’s new president at its Sept. 19 meeting, during its meeting on the college’s Spring Hill Campus.

Published August 30, 2023

Nominations sought for lifetime achievement awards

By

The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties (HCLWV) is seeking nominations for local leaders who have made significant contributions to the local community and the state of Florida, according to a news release.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award (or awards), will be bestowed to an individual or individuals who have dedicated their life to serving the public through education and advocacy at the local, state or national levels.

The 2024 Sydney and Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award(s) are open to individuals in Hillsborough or Pasco County who have improved government, protected the environment or enhanced their community through civic leadership at the local and/or state levels.

The League will honor and celebrate the achievements of the award recipients on Feb. 21 at the 16th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

Liana Fernandez Fox was honored during the February 2020 luncheon. The memory of Dena Gross Leavengood was honored, too.

Nomination forms may be found at HCLWV.org/laa.

Deadline for submission is mid-September. Angela Birdsong is the chair, and may be reached at .

Published August 30, 2023

A Sense of Place

By

The Back Road
Barry M. White, of Land O’ Lakes, snapped the road to the Ehren Cemetery on Ehren Cutoff in Land O Lakes on Feb. 9, 2022, while out looking to capture wildlife and nature through his lens.
Towering Over the Railroad
Clyde Parson, of Wesley Chapel, took this photo of the Lacoochee Water Tower on July 3, 2022, noting, ‘the railroad has been a point of interest for me since I was a kid, so I enjoy finding rail-related subjects to photograph. These photos, and most things railroad, evoke feelings of freedom and nostalgia for me.’
Double the Luck
Renee DiGioia, of Land O’ Lakes, grabbed this image of a double rainbow on Fort King Road near LeHeup Hill in Dade City on Aug. 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’d like an image to be considered for publication, please email it to . Please add a sentence or two, describing when and where you took the photo and what the image means to you. Be sure to include who took the photo, where he or she lives and contact information, in case we need to reach back.