The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

State Road 56 closure planned at I-75, weather permitting

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The closure of State Road 56 to all traffic, at Interstate 75, is planned to begin at 11 p.m., on April 30 and to end in the late afternoon of May 1 — weather permitting.

The closure is needed to accommodate reconfiguring the intersection to create the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) traffic pattern, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT’s) District Seven office.

(Courtesy of the District Seven Office of the Florida Department of Transportation)

A closure of State Road 56 at this location had been planned before, but was forced to be delayed because of the weather.

When the closure is in effect, no traffic will be allowed to travel through the work zone across I-75.

When the traffic pattern switches to the DDI on May 1, it will not operate at full capacity until the project is closer to completion, expected in Summer 2022.

That’s because the contractor will need to complete more work to open an additional through-lane on both eastbound and westbound State Road 56, and an additional turn lane from the northbound exit ramp onto westbound State Road 56, according to FDOT.

Here are the details on the detours during the planned April 30 through May 1 closure:

Eastbound State Road 56: Eastbound State 56 traffic will be detoured to the northeast on Wesley Chapel Boulevard (County Road 54) to State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard), then south on State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard) back to State Road 56. Additionally, the right-turn lanes on the south side of State Road 56 at Grand Cypress Boulevard onto eastbound State Road 56 will be closed and the left-turn lanes at Grand Cypress Boulevard on the north side of State Road 56 will be closed to prevent travel onto eastbound State Road 56. The eastbound State Road 56 ramp onto southbound I-75 will be open; any traffic traveling on eastbound State Road 56 past Grand Cypress Boulevard will be forced to enter southbound I-75.

Westbound State Road 56: Westbound State Road 56 traffic wanting to cross I-75 will be directed north on State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard) to State Road 54, then southwest on County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard) to State Road 56. Any westbound State Road 56 traffic between State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard) and Cypress Ridge Boulevard will be directed to U-turn at Cypress Ridge Boulevard to head back east on State Road 56 to State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard) and follow the remainder of the route outlined above.

Access to I-75: Available at the State Road 54/County Road 54/Wesley Chapel Boulevard interchange north of State Road 56 or Bruce B. Downs Boulevard interchange south of State Road 56. The only access to I-75 will be from eastbound State Road 56 onto southbound I-75.

Northbound I-275 and northbound I-75 to State Road 56: Access will only be open onto eastbound State Road 56. The northbound I-275 (Exit 59) and northbound I-75 (Exit 275) exit ramps to westbound State Road 56 will be closed. Drivers wanting to go west on State Road 56 will continue north past State Road 56 and use I-75 (Exit 279) to State Road 54/County Road 54. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left and go southwest on Wesley Chapel Boulevard/County Road  54 to State Road 56 and State Road 54, west of I-75.

Due to expected periodic backups on the Exit 279 ramp to westbound County Road 54/Wesley Chapel Boulevard, northbound I-75 drivers wanting to go west of I-75 on State Road 56 might consider using Exit 270 to State Road 581/Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and continue traveling north on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to State Road 54/County Road 54/ Wesley Chapel Boulevard, or take alternate east to west routes.

Southbound I-75 to State Road 56: Use Exit 279 to State Road 54/County Road 54. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left and go east on State Road 54. Turn right onto State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard) and go south to State Road 56.

Detour Route to State Road 56, west of Interstate 75: Use Exit 279 to State Road 54/County Road 54. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right and go southwest on Wesley Chapel Boulevard/County Road 54 to State Road 56.

Visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/262/430573-1-52-01, for the latest information about the planned detour.

Published April 27, 2022

Operation Stand Down offers a hand to homeless veterans

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Operation Stand Down offers an opportunity for veterans to take advantage of safe harbor from “combat on the streets” for one weekend a year.

Operation Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 38,000 homeless veterans, according to Operation Stand Down’s web page.

The event provides a time for the community to connect with our homeless veterans and to begin to break down the barriers that are keeping these heroes on the streets.

The “hand up, not a handout” philosophy of Operation Stand Down requires the work of volunteers, businesses, and local, state and national organizations.

Organizations will be available to provide direct services; veterans will have access to benefits they are entitled to receive; and referrals will be offered for those struggling with mental health, job, housing and addiction issues.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles shared news of the event during the Pasco County Commission’s April 19 meeting.

This year’s event is set for April 29 and April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both days, at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 111919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills, off State Road 52, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

Online registration for the event is open and walk-up registration begins on April 29 at 10 a.m.

Veterans taking part will have access to:

  • Free public bus transportation, to those who preregister
  • Free sleeping area
  • Free hot meals
  • Free notary services
  • A job fair
  • AA, NA and Celebrate Recovery support groups
  • Haircuts, showers and clothing
  • Medical and dental services
  • Behavioral and mental health services
  • Housing resources
  • State photo identification cards
  • Jobs and employment counseling
  • Personal hygiene kits
  • Women and children services
  • Recreation, such as cornhole, card games and other activities

For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.

Want to help?
Here are some ways you can help with this year’s Operation Stand Down, according to the organization’s web page:

  • Donate goods: Reading glasses, boots, backpacks, personal hygiene items and more
  • Donate time: Volunteers are needed to cut hair, serve meals, set-up, clean up, sort donations, provide medical and dental services, massages, therapy, and so on.
  • Provide needed goods and services for veterans and their families
  • Be a corporate sponsor
  • Donate funds to help purchase food, personal hygiene items, tents, port-o-lets, sleeping cots and other necessary supplies

For more information, visit OCNStandDown.org.

Published April 27, 2022

Hillsborough boards need volunteers

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Hillsborough County has a number of advisory boards and councils that have openings for volunteers.

Those interested in serving on these boards must live in Hillsborough County and be registered to vote there.

Applicants may apply to more than one board, but can only serve on one board at the same time, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Hillsborough County Commission.

Applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form.

Forms are available on the County’s website at HCFLGov.net. Click on the “Government” link on the top of the page, then the “Boards and Committees” link. The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Those applying to a board that requires a background check will be contacted by Hillsborough County’s Human Resources Department and/or First Choice with a link to complete the online background check. A response within 48 hours is required, at which time the link will expire.

Applications are due by the close of business on May 5.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Hillsborough County Commission in May or June.

Forms can be mailed to P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601.

Or, they can be emailed to , or faxed to 813-239-3916.

They also may be delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Tampa, 33602.

Here are the boards with openings:

  • Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee
  • Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • CareerSource Tampa Bay
  • Child Care Licensing Advisory Board
  • Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer
  • Code Enforcement Board
  • Council on Aging
  • County Internal Audit Committee
  • Cross Connection and Backflow Control Board
  • Cultural Assets Commission
  • Electrical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Health Care Advisory Board
  • Health Council of West Central Florida Inc.
  • Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program Review Committee
  • Historic Resources Review Board
  • Historical Advisory Council
  • Hospital Authority
  • Human Relations Board
  • Land Use Appeals Board
  • Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Plumbing & Gas Board of Adjustment, Appeals and Examiners
  • Public Art Committee
  • Value Adjustment Board

For any questions or more specific information on any of these boards, email  .

Published April 27, 2022

Name that mural

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Main Street Zephyrhills and the City of Zephyrhills are seeking help to name the mural shown here.

(Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills)Main 

The mural is part of the “Elements on 5th” public art series.

It’s in Transplant Park, a park that covers 0.2-acres, at Fifth Avenue and 12th Street.

The mural was inspired by a water drop landing in water.

It was designed by Main Street board member Christine Bennett.

Volunteers from the Design Committee chalked the outline and painted the mural earlier this year.

This is one of five murals located around town as part of the transformation strategy to revitalize and strengthen downtown Zephyrhills, through four aspects: Economic Vitality, Design, Organization and Promotion.

To learn more about the murals, log onto MainStreetZephyrhills.org/murals.

To submit your name suggestion for the new mural, visit log onto Form.jotform.com/220933714975059.

Published April 27, 2022

Why is Proper Digestion So Important?

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Shannon Corkrean, Magnolia Pharmacy (File)

When people think of digestion issues, most think about uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, passing gas, burping, constipation and diarrhea. But there are some lesser-known symptoms, which include feeling full after eating a couple of bites; feeling tired shortly after eating; loss of taste for meat; anemia; strong body odor; and sleeping problems.  If you are not breaking down the foods you eat, then you are not getting the nutrients out of those foods. For instance, if you are not properly absorbing B vitamins when you eat – then you may feel tired all the time. Making sure food is being completely digested, and making adjustments to diet your is sometimes the best place to start to help with chronic conditions.

Squirting a couple of drops of digestive bitters into your mouth before you eat can do wonders when improving digestion. You may hear the word bitters and automatically think about your favorite fancy alcoholic beverage, but bitters are so much more. Bitters are made by infusing a variety of medicinal herbs and work by stimulating digestive juices, bile and enzymes to help break down food. Depending on the medicinal herb used when creating bitters, they are also used to boost the immune system, help with inflammation, control appetite and sugar cravings, and improve liver health.

Think you may have digestion issues or wonder which bitter is right for you? Stop in to Magnolia Pharmacy for more information or schedule a consultation at www.magnoliapharmacyll.com, and as always, consult your health care professional before taking a new supplement.

Starkey Ranch event features ‘a little night music’

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The outdoor basketball courts on the edge of the physical education field at Starkey Ranch K-8 provided a place for the audience to watch the performance. (Fred Bellet)

The Starkey Ranch K-8 School teamed up with Michael Francis, music director for The Florida Orchestra, to present the Starkey Symphony Spectacular.

The outdoor concert featured performances by Starkey K-8 musicians, community members, and members of The Florida Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Francis.

The event was held outdoors on the physical education fields at Starkey Ranch K-8, in Odessa.

Attendees were encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and purchase food from the food trucks there.

The event was free, but the school received a portion of the food truck proceeds and donations, to support the school’s music programs.

Conductor Mariah Walukonis led the orchestra with Maestro Michael Francis during the Starkey Symphony Spectacular.
Violinist Jeffrey Mutter, of The Florida Orchestra, performs a piece for the audience.
Scott Carlson’s phone captures the performance by the Starkey Ranch K-8 Chorus. Carlson, of Odessa, is the school’s physical education teacher; his wife, Megan Carlson, teaches kindergarten. The video of the day was of their son, 11-year-old Lucas Carlson, who sang in the chorus.
From left: 5-year-old Guga Alvarenga, 6-year-old Duda Alvarenga, 9-year-old Brianna Semsedin, 6-year-old Liam Semsedin and 9-year-old Lilly Labruzzo watch the concert from the VIP section.

 

 

Michael Francis leads an orchestra comprised of sixth- and seventh-grade students from Starkey Ranch K-8; high school students from Mitchell, Gulf and River Ridge; community members; and musicians from The Florida Orchestra. That brought the total size of the group to 75.
Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, offers remarks about the musically talented students at Starkey Ranch K-8.

Honoring this public servant’s service

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From left: Commissioner Curtis Dwyer; Commissioner Donna DeWitt, O.S.B.; Mayor Richard Christmas; Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett, O.S.B.; and Commissioner Mike D’Ambrosio. (Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

Mayor Richard Christmas was honored during the April 12 St. Leo Town Commission meeting. He received a proclamation and a plaque, commemorating his 27 years of service on the Town Commission, including 13 as mayor. He did not seek reelection this year.

During his tenure, St. Leo underwent many projects and improvements, including the expansion of Saint Leo University, relocation of Holy Name Monastery, revision of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, development and contraction of the portion of Lake Jovita subdivision that was in the Town, and improvement of streets throughout St. Leo, according to information provided by the town.

The countywide Penny for Pasco initiative also was implemented, as was the Municipal Association of Pasco.

(Courtesy of the City of Dade City)

Going out on a high note
Before the Dade City Commission meeting began on April 12, Mayor Camille Hernandez was honored for 16 years of service to the community. Hernandez is retiring from her position as mayor, effective April 26. She was a commissioner for six years and then served as mayor for 10. From left: Commissioner Normita ‘Angel’ Woodard, Hernandez, Commissioner Knute Nathe, Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem James Shive and Commissioner Scott Black.

Published April 20, 2022

Commercial growth popping up in Pasco

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Brick-and-mortar projects are rising rapidly, expanding Pasco County’s booming growth.

Construction crews are building shops, restaurants, Class A offices, gas and convenience stores, and car washes — on sites with “Coming Soon” signs.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off Sierra Center Boulevard, next to Bonefish Grill. (Kathy Steele)

The county’s major commercial corridors – State Road 54 and State Road 56 – remain the epicenters of a construction juggernaut.

But Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, is an emerging source of expanded commercial and retail development.

Workers in hard hats and construction equipment engaged in projects are common sights on primary corridors in Pasco County.

Beginning on State Road 56, east of Interstate 75, options at The Shops at Wiregrass are expanding, or have expanded, to include Body Details; Crazy Sushi; Leonidas; and The Living Room.

New arrivals nearby include the Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Morningstar Storage.

On the west side of I-75, on State Road 56, new businesses are opening at Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Zaxby’s opened in September on an outparcel on the south side of State Road 56, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center. A Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is expected to open in a shell building under construction next door.

Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the state highway, is adding Zumiez, according to the outlet’s website. The store features “cutting-edge” clothing, shoes, accessories and brand names for skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Zaxby’s fast-food chicken restaurant opened in September on an outparcel of the Cypress Creek Town Center expansion, also on the south side of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Sun Vista Drive. Chicken Salad Chick is expected to occupy space in a new building under construction next to Zaxby’s, according to county permits.

On the north side of State Road 56, a Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction, next to Bonefish Grill in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

El Dorado is a 70,000-square-foot furniture store that will showcase as many as 20 storefronts offering furniture choices from contemporary to traditional. It is being built in front of Brighthouse Crossings apartments, near the Cypress Creek Town Center and Tampa Premium Outlets. A June opening is anticipated.

Also, a January 2023 opening is expected for the 300-unit, four-story Silversaw apartment homes, on Garden Village Way, off the town center’s Sierra Center Boulevard. Work also continues for the 260-unit Garrett Apartments at Cypress Creek Town Center..

Heading toward Land O’ Lakes, the Avila Living apartment complex is rising at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. Brick-and-mortar also is visible now at EOS Fitness.

U.S. 41, heading west from State Road 54, has had activity in recent months, too.

Circle K and 7-Eleven opened new gas stations and convenience stores on the federal highway, which locally is known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The Circle K replaced a demolished older strip mall at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Hale Road. The 7-Eleven and a Radiant car wash filled out a vacant corner at the Bell Lake Road intersection.

Land O’ Lake residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of Stonewater Grill, which fronts Bell Lake.

Stonewater Grill is a waterfront restaurant that is expected to open on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in early May. The restaurant will offer a range of menu options, craft beers and cocktails, a wine room, and an outdoor bar with patio dining.

In its previous renditions, the restaurant operated as Rapscallions, was rumored to be a future Hooter’s location that never came to fruition, and then served customers as Mosquito Grill and Bar, before closing and falling into disrepair.

Years ago, county officials moved to demolish the vacant and dilapidated structure.

But co-owners Dominic Difante and Scott Harris saw potential and now plan to open Stonewater Grill in early May.

They tore down most of the old structure and replaced it with a modern, stone-infused restaurant that will offer what Difante describes as an “elevated casual” dining experience.

The menu will include burgers, wings, tuna, steaks, chicken, and other options to please all tastes, Difante said.

There also will be patio dining with a bar, a wine room, a large event room with a bar, and an outdoor lounge area. He hopes to see customers dining, watching sports on large screen television, and returning two to three times a week, he added.

He hopes in the future to build a 75-foot dock, also suitable for outdoor dining.

“It’s a good area, a visible area,” Difante said. “I’m glad to be here.”

Projects galore on State Road 54
On State Road 54, moving west of the U.S. 41 intersection, an array of shops, restaurants, Class A offices and new apartments are transforming former pastureland.

The Shops at Ballantrae and the Cypress Ranch residential and commercial development especially are busy.

The Hub at Bexley is a new shopping and activity center at Bexley by Newland master-planned community, off State Road 54. Several shops and restaurants are scheduled to open by the end of 2022.

At Ballantrae, on Aprile Drive, the 54 Crossings Professional Center is under construction. The Class A office project includes two 60,000-square-foot office buildings. It will offer luxury flexible office space, lush landscaping, bicycle racks, a pavilion and walking trails, according to its website.

A shell building is under construction, also on Aprile, that will include a Five Guys restaurant and Trulieve, a medical marijuana store, according to county permits.

Opposite Ballantrae, Cypress Ranch is adding apartments and retail. Aldi’s grocery store, on Skybrooke Road, and Panda Express, on Harpers Run, are under construction. County permits also show work underway for EOS Fitness, Pacific Dental Services, The Learning Experience, and Chick-fil-A.

Next to a new Circle K gas and convenience store, Burger King is serving burgers and Woodie’s Car Wash is cleaning cars.

4 & Co. is a luxury business center and co-working space under construction on Bexley Village Drive in Bexley by Newland master-planned community.

Further west toward the Suncoast Parkway, The Hub at Bexley, off Bexley Village Drive, plans to open by the end of 2022. Its website lists future tenants for what is promised as a community gathering center, where residents can “come, stay and play.”

Among future tenants are Amazing Lashes; Bubbakoo’s Burritos; Checkmate Escape Rooms; Downright Deli & Donuts; Dr. Bawany dental office; Duckweed Liquors; Headlines Barbers; Haute Nails and Spa; P-Fit Fitness; Revolution Ice Cream; and The Poke Company.

Off Bexley Village Drive and Early Riser Drive, 4 & Co. Is planned for a summer 2022 opening. The company will offer about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-workspaces. Amenities include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture, and conference rooms.

The Springhill Suites by Marriott, also on Bexley Village Drive, is checking in guests.

In Odessa, commercial development at Starkey Ranch is expanding.

A new retail center – Shoppes at Starkey Crossings – is scheduled for an early 2023 opening on the north side of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, opposite the Starkey Ranch Town Square, anchored by Publix. Details on tenants are not announced, but the shopping center will have 20,000 square feet of leasable space, including a drive-thru window at one end.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come in Pasco, soon.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 20, 2022

Traffic alert released for County Line Road

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A Pasco County news release issued April 15 alerts drivers that a part of County Line Road, just east of Northwood Palms Boulevard, will be reduced to one lane of traffic on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crews will need to close part of the road to perform work on the County Line Road Multi-Use Trail project.

Details, according to the release:

  • Closure is set to begin Monday at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 3 p.m., barring any weather delays
  • Message boards and signs will direct drivers
  • Flaggers will provide traffic control

To see a map of the affected area, visit bit.ly/3OnShcC.

Cone & Graham Inc., is the contractor for this Pasco County Engineering Services project.

Beer and burgers were the stars at this fest

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The festival-goers came from as close as Land O’ Lakes, and from as far away as Jacksonville, to attend the second annual Pasco County Burger & Beer Festival.

They had a common goal: To sample all sorts of brews and to enjoy burgers at the event held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Besides being able to taste a wide selection, they also were able to vote on their favorite beer.

William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had the perfect shirt for the occasion — it said “This Guy Needs a Beer.” He was there with his wife, Michelle, to enjoy the day.

Sylvia Browe, of Jacksonville, traveled to Land O’ Lakes specifically to attend the festival. She and her friends were having fun dancing in front of the stage, as the music played.

Published April 13, 2022

From left: Laura and Mark Walsh, of Wesley Chapel; Rebecca Peterson, of Spring Hill; and, Alyssa Mascolo, of Land O’ Lakes, visited the sampling table of In The Loop Brewing, one of the brewers featured at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival. Laine Seals, of Wesley Chapel, manned the tap. (Fred Bellet)
Eighteen-month-old Ayden Cooprider will have to wait until the 20th annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival before she’s able to sample the beverages. But the little girl had plenty to see at the festival, accompanied by her mom, Sawyer, and Brett Martinez, of Land O’ Lakes.
Michael Cucuzzo, of Land O’ Lakes, is torn between the dark beer and light beer, but managed to taste one at a time prior to voting for his favorite brew. He was there with Nellie Singh, of Clermont, and Melissa Logan, of Land O’ Lakes.
Gary Woodring, a Lutz resident, chomps into a bacon cheeseburger from the Bacon Boss food truck. Woodring, his wife Denise, his mother-in-law Regina Kersten of Lutz, and friends attended the beer and burgers event. 
Patience was a virtue for those waiting for hamburgers at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Front, 8-year-old Jameson McAuley; his sister, 6-year-old Carrington; and mom and dad, Tom and Tiffany, didn’t mind the wait. Older siblings, 11-year-old Juliet and 13-year-old Braden also waited patiently for the line to move.
Tony Mozz plays guitar, as festival-goers listen from the lawn.
Shane Ryan, a vocalist for the New Port Richey-based Providence Band, was among the entertainers performing at the festival. Many festival-goers not only enjoyed listening to the music, but dancing to it, too.
The shirt said it all, and William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had a choice of beers from 12 different brewers at the second annual Beer & Burger Festival at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Rivera was there with his wife, Michelle. The couple voted for Leap Gate as their favorite beer.