The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco is ushering in 2021 with more shops, restaurants

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Shopping centers along State Road 54 and State Road 56 are continuing to attract more new stores and restaurants.

The Cypress Creek Town Center, Tampa Premium Outlets, The Preserve Marketplace, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard, Starkey Ranch Town Square, Starkey Ranch Business Center, The Shops at Wiregrass and the Grove at Wesley Chapel are building and remodeling in anticipation of new openings.

New shops and restaurants are opening or coming soon at the Starkey Ranch Town Square, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54 in Odessa. (Kathy Steele)

Total Wine & More is moving into the Cypress Creek Town Center in space formerly occupied by the Earth Fare grocery store.

The building, at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd., will undergo “interior alteration” for a remodel, according to a permit filed with Pasco County.

The town center, at the juncture of Interstate 75 and state roads 54 and 56, soon also will have a grand opening for Floor & Décor, now under construction on Sierra Center Boulevard. And, a Good Feet Store is on tap for the boulevard, too, according to county records.

A Hooters restaurant is under construction at the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

Across from the town center, construction is underway on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets for a Tidal Wave Car Wash. A Zaxby’s restaurant also is anticipated. Recent arrivals at the outdoor mall include Main Event, Cigars International and Rock & Brew restaurant.

Along State Road 54, west of U.S. 41, online shopping will get a boost from an Amazon shipping center under construction at 17030 Mentmore Blvd. The facility is within the Bexley by Newland master-planned community, at the intersection with Bexley Village Drive.

E sushi & grill is open at the Starkey Ranch Town Square, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54 in Odessa.

The Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard, west of Bexley, is completing a makeover with a Hooters restaurant under construction. And, Pasco County just sealed a deal to bring Santander Consumer USA to occupy a portion of the former Target Superstore. The deal includes bringing 875 new jobs to the county.

Rasmussen College also previously submitted plans to the county, indicating it would occupy 44,000 square feet in the former big box retail store.

Further west, The Preserve Marketplace and two shopping centers by Starkey Ranch, off State Road 54, have construction work in progress. But, some shops and restaurants are open.

Amazon is building a shipping center at 17030 Mentmore Blvd., at the Bexley at Newland community, off State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

CVS Pharmacy is open at The Preserve, along with the anchor grocery store, Greenwise. Majik Touch Cleaners is open, and 100 % Chiropractic is coming soon. Other businesses coming are Heartland Dental,  Chipotle, Panera Bread and Papa John’s.

At Gunn Highway and State Road 54, Publix is the anchor of the Starkey Ranch Town Square. Other tenants include e sushi & grill, J. Joseph Salon, The UPS Store, Polish The Nail Bar, and Zampelli’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant.

At Heart Pine Avenue, the Starkey Ranch Business Center hosts shops and restaurants including The Wicked Pour, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Yoga Six and Hungry Greek restaurant.

Tidal Wave Car Wash is under construction on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 54.

The Shops at Wiregrass, off State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs, and the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off State Road 54 west of Interstate 75, both are welcoming new stores and restaurants, too.

The Grove is in the midst of a major makeover, in progress, following the $64 million purchase of the shopping center by Mishorim Gold Properties in 2019.

The company is investing more than $110 million to renovate the Grove. Plans include a shipping container park – known as KRATE – with shops, offices and restaurants. A stage will feature daily live entertainment. A dog park and a playground will build on the overall design in promoting a community place in Wesley Chapel.

On its Facebook page, the Grove recently began teasing to future tenants at the container park with the “12 Days of KRATEmas.” Among the tenants are 365 Café Italiano; ATO, specializing in sushi and burritos; Provisions, with specialty coffees and an artisan café menu; and The Cake Girl.

Floor & Décor will open soon at Cypress Creek Town Center in a shopping center on Sierra Center Boulevard. Also, a Total Wine & More is slated to move into the Earth Fare space.

RAW, a workspace collaborative, held a grand opening Dec. 3.

In addition, Prime Barbershop and Brooklyn Water Bagels recently opened. King of the Coop, a Nashville hot chicken eatery, soon will open, too, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. It will be the second location for King of the Coop, currently located in the restaurant-rich Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa.

County permits also show Best NY Pizza Worx is coming to 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove.

The Shops at Wiregrass has opened, or will soon open, 11 new shops, according to a news release from the mall.

New shops are Beauty In Abundance, a beauty, hair care and make-up shop; Crimson Chain Leatherworks, specializing in costumes and accessories for Renaissance fairs, fantasy and historical reenactments; and Arega NY, a swim and activewear boutique.

Additional stores include a lululemon Pop-Up, specializing in yoga-inspired and athletic clothes for women and men; Chuck Lager’s American Tavern, a family restaurant with a classic menu of pasta and burgers; GO! Calendars Games and Toys; Ornament Shoppe, with decorative and personalized ornament selections; Design Hut, a boutique with personalized gifts including custom shirts; Hickory Farms, featuring cured meats, cheeses, wine pairings and hand-picked fruits; and, Fit2Run, a superstore with brand name athletic footwear, running apparel and accessories.

Sephora, a makeup and accessories boutique, is slated to open in spring 2021.

By Kathy Steele

Published December 23, 2020

Boundaries set for Starkey Ranch K-8

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The Pasco County School Board has set boundaries for the new Starkey Ranch K-8 school under construction in the Starkey Ranch development.

The school — part of a complex that includes a theater, library and cultural center — is scheduled to open in the 2021-2022 school year.

The board adopted the boundaries during it Dec. 1 board meeting.

Starkey Ranch K-8 will have a capacity for 1,500 students, and initially will open for kindergarten through seventh grade, allowing students entering eighth grade to remain at their current school.

The new school will draw students from Longleaf and Odessa elementary schools, as well as River Ridge Middle.

The school also will be a magnet school, attracting students from beyond its assigned boundaries.

In addition to adopting boundaries for Starkey Ranch K-8, the board made some minor adjustments involving the boundaries of Watergrass and Wesley Chapel elementary schools.

That change is being made as a result of the Epperson Ranch subdivision, Williams said.

No one from the public spoke for or against the boundary changes during the board’s meeting.

Published December 23, 2020

Vintage market delights holiday shoppers

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Those looking to do their holiday shopping while enjoying the fresh country air, all while supporting local artisans and businesses, were in luck.

Three-year-old Kaiden Hay, of New Tampa, left, and his 4-year-old sister, Kaiya, pose behind a wooden cutout depicting Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The children were at the Country Christmas & Vintage Market event with their parents, Eugene and Kara, and grandparents, Scott and Jennifer Cook, of Dade City. (Christine Holtzman)

The Country Christmas & Vintage Market, a family friendly event, was held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Dozens of vendors were on hand for the Dec. 5 event, selling various vintage items and antiques, as well as handcrafted goods. Items for sale included Christmas decorations, quilts, toys, jewelry, clothing and crafts.

A children’s area was set up inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, where many activities and craft stations were being offered. Games and crafts in this area included Ring Toss the Bulls, Snowball Throw, Santa Limbo, Ornament Bowling, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, and make-your-own Christmas ornament.

Four-year-old Alice Scarborough, of Dade City, plays a ring toss game inside the Mabel Jordan Barn at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. The young girl, along with her mother, Morgan, and, 1-year-old brother Raylen, stopped by the barn to play games and to take part in the children’s crafts being offered during the Country Christmas & Vintage Market on Dec. 5.

Live entertainment was provided by Gypsy Wind, a Pinellas County-based acoustic band, that played a blend of jazz, swing and acoustic music.

In addition to the main building, visitors could explore the many historic buildings on the grounds, like the Trilby Depot, the Old Lacoochee School, the John Overstreet House and the C.C. Smith General Store. Each building, and the surrounding grounds, were expertly decorated by the Dade City Garden Club in its annual effort to help beautify the grounds during the holiday season.

According to the club’s Facebook page, all circles of the club contribute to the project by donating the materials needed to create the historically authentic decorations. The Facebook page also noted that members of the Echebucsassa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined the garden club in decorating the Overstreet House.

Visitors touring the buildings were encouraged to vote for the best decorated building for a chance to win a family membership to the museum.

A cutest Elf contest, blacksmith demonstrations, and complimentary holiday photos rounded out the event.

Admission to the event was $5, and free for children under 5.

Wearing his Santa hat, 2-year-old Elikai Wingo, of Zephyrhills, has a seat on the steps of the Old Lacoochee School while visiting the Country Christmas & Vintage Market at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City, on Dec. 5. His mother, Samantha, said that he asked Santa Claus for a hamster this Christmas.
Ten-year-old Jillian Sereno, of Dade City, left, and her siblings, 7-year-old Elizabeth and 6-year-old Grady, enjoy a silly moment while sitting in front of the 1913 Porter Steam Engine that is on display outside of the Trilby Depot. The children were at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village on Dec. 5 enjoying the Country Christmas & Vintage Market event with their father, James.
Joel Prater, of Dade City, sits with his smiling 2-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, as she tickles the ivories on a vintage piano inside the Blanton Packing House building at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. Prater, who was born and raised in Dade City, said that his daughter enjoys playing with a toy piano at home and this is her first time playing a real one.
Gypsy Wind, a Pinellas County-based acoustic band, entertains the crowd with their new take on an old blend of jazz, swing, bluegrass and folk music.

Premier adds dental clinic space

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Premier Community Health Care Group Inc., will share clinic space with the Florida Department of Health in New Port Richey, and will provide dental services to insured and uninsured children throughout Pasco County.

The Pasco County Commission approved a lease agreement between the county and the health care agency at its Nov. 17 meeting.

In lieu of rent, commissioners will require an annual report each Oct. 1 detailing the number of children served. Premier Community Health Care also will pay $421 a month as its share of utilities.

The lease expires on Dec. 31, 2021. However, there are three one-year options to extend the lease.

The clinic is located in Building A, 10841 Little Road, in New Port Richey.

County commissioners agreed to the lease at the request of health department officials “to ensure dental services continue for school-age children throughout the county,” according to agenda documents.

Published December 23, 2020

Food advisory council members named

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The Pasco County Commission has appointed four new members to the Food Policy Advisory Council.

The action came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting.

New members are Caitlyn Peacock and Dan Mitchell, both at-large; Sanithpriya Pedamella, a certified nutritionist; and Andrea Figart, a Farmers’ Market representative.

The advisory board, created in 2015, promotes nutrition and affordable food options for county residents. Members make recommendations regarding food policies, including ordinances governing food truck operations and community gardens.

The board consists of 11 members and one non-voting member who is employed by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food/Agriculture/Science Program and who works at the Pasco Cooperative Extension Program.

No one applied for a fifth open position reserved for a Pasco County attorney with experience in food systems. Council officials reached out to Welbilt Inc., but no response has been received to date.

Published December 23, 2020

It’s Time To Get Your Flu Vaccination

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Yearly influenza vaccinations are extremely important because it builds the body’s immune system to respond and fight off viral infection. And getting a flu shot this year takes on added importance because flu and new coronavirus symptoms are nearly identical.

“I recommend yearly vaccinations, but if a person hasn’t had one in a while, this year is the year to do it,” said Steve Lee, M.D., president of the Conviva Physician Group, a physician-led network operating in nine markets in Florida and Texas.

“We specialize in the care of seniors, and since they fall into the high-risk category, I encourage our patients and the general public to get vaccinated to protect against this highly contagious virus,”  he said.

People who receive an annual flu shots normally have very few side effects, unless a new, significantly different strain of vaccine is introduced. Based on epidemiological tracking studies, the human body builds up a substantial immune system response to combat influenza when vaccinations are received annually.

“I encourage everyone not to wait until flu season is in full swing, and to get their vaccinations now,” said Dr. Lee. “Flu seasons varies from temperate to the tropical climates, and a variety of vaccines are available this year,” he said. “It’s important that people check with their primary care doctor, who will advise them on which vaccine they need for the best protection.”

The Center for Disease Control also recommends that the earlier a person receives a flu shot, the better. Immunity to the virus may last up to six months, in most cases. The flu season predictably lasts into late spring, and typically peaks between December and February.

The perception of the effectiveness of flu vaccines has varied over the years. The shift in consciousness toward getting flu shots was uneven at best prior to the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flue in the 1970s. Up to that point, many people were fairly apathetic about getting a flu shot, but the epidemic triggered a rush to receive vaccinations.

“We went from being a very naive population, to a highly immunized population almost overnight,” said William Russell, M.D., managing partner of Conviva Palm Beach.

With a focus on cellular technology, vaccines are now purified to a much higher degree to genetically characterize strains. This indicates a significant improvement in the vaccine’s profile, and provides additional protection and additional choices.

To learn more, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com, or call 1-833-CONVIVA.

Published December 16, 2020

Adding safety, security and savings to holiday shopping

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‘Tis the season of comfort and joy — unless you are trying to complete your holiday shopping in these pandemic-induced, economically shaky times.

Then, it’s more like the season of stress.

The good news is that with proper preparation, precautions and common sense, things can run much more efficiently.

Taynisha Berenguer, of the Hillsborough County Public Library System, recently presented a webinar loaded with valuable information about saving money and avoiding scams during the holiday season. (Courtesy of Taynisha Berenguer)

And, you might even save some money along the way.

That’s the word from Taynisha Berenguer, a library service/technology guide with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.

She recently shared a wealth of information in a webinar entitled: “Holiday Shopping: Safely, Securely, Sensibly.’’

“I know it’s a cliche, but shopping during the ‘new normal’ has a whole array of things to consider, and there are plenty of other things that you always need to think about,’’ she said.

Here’s how Berenguer broke it down:

The Basics
Any good shopping expedition needs a plan. That’s where budgeting applies. Even when they have a sound budget, shoppers often overlook the holiday incidentals — such as tape and wrapping paper, Berenguer said.

Research is essential, especially with so many online options.

The pandemic has mandated some creative thinking.

“You need to think outside the box … and by that, I mean it’s really easy to think about just the Big Three — Amazon, Walmart and Target,’’ Berenguer said. “There are a bunch of other retailers out there, along with many small local businesses. These are places to find some good buys and maybe find something really cool.

“If you’re going to the brick-and-mortar store, make sure that store is open. Some may be offering curbside service. You’ve got to have your hand sanitizer and mask. You should research the busy times, especially if you want to avoid crowds.

“Whether you’re online or in person, be ready for shortages and delays. There are issues finding gifts and even the necessities of daily life. You’ve got to be ready for an item not to be there. With everyone shipping everything, be prepared for delays and other issues.’’

Saving Your Money
Who doesn’t want to save money? It can be as easy as doing extensive Google searches, especially on big-ticket electronic items to unearth competitive prices and deals.

“Black Friday’’ is no longer just one day. Now it lasts for weeks. Major retailers everywhere are offering deep discounts that will linger through the holidays.

“You should look into price-tracking apps and coupon apps because there are a ton of them out there,’’ Berenguer said. “Price-tracking apps can help you compare prices with all the major retailers and maybe some others that you hadn’t considered. There are lots of coupons out there and they add up. You just have to seek them out.

“Also remember to use your credit card and store loyalty programs. Those points add up and sometimes we forget about them. If you keep up with those, it can significantly lower the cost of your purchases. But, you’ve got to stay organized.’’

Saving Your Sanity
If you don’t have your holiday shopping wrapped up before Thanksgiving, you must exercise patience, planning and good humor.

To avoid frustration, check shipping timelines before your purchase. There’s always a backlog at the holidays — but especially during the pandemic.

“Most retailers are good about establishing the timelines and letting you know about potential delays,’’ Berenguer said. “If you don’t need it to get there by Christmas, keep in mind that you could ask for a discount on the shipping.

“Be aware of the return policies. One of the biggest hang-ups on returns for gifts are people who don’t have the receipt. Keep all your emails concerning the purchase because it’s the same thing as a paper receipt. And, if you’re just not sure what to buy someone — that can be stressful, too — gift cards are always a good option. It can be for a local shop, an experience. Sometimes, people value experiences over products.’’

Safety And Security
It’s not just about masks and hand sanitizers. When it comes to holiday shopping, you need protection from the proliferation of scams.

“People are finding more inventive ways to take your money,’’ Berenguer said. “You can’t forget that when you’re shopping.’’

That applies when doing your research.

“Carefully consider the online reviews,’’ Berenguer said. “Not all are honest. Companies buy fake positive reviews. Competing companies buy fake negative reviews. You’ve got to vet them, read between the lines and look at a lot of them to pick up on patterns.

“Also, be very skeptical of social media ads. You will see really deep discounts popping up on your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Be wary. Sometimes, these products don’t even exist. If someone is trying to sell you a $700 television for $100, and it seems too good to be true, it probably is.’’

Berenguer cautioned to only shop on secure Web sites (look for the https:// prefix, which indicates that your data is secure and not out there for all to see).

“Your data is extremely valuable in this day and age,’’ Berenguer said. “You have to safeguard that data. You probably notice these very targeted ads on your social media accounts. Companies want to find out about you and what you are purchasing.

“You have to be proactive. Make sure you always update your safety features. Change your passwords. Don’t volunteer information or data. They want access to your location, your data, your microphone — and you should immediately say no to all of that.’’

Berenguer said it’s wise to use intermediate payment methods — such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay — in order to have a firewall between the retailer and your credit card information. You shouldn’t keep your payment information stored on any retail sites for convenience — even reliable ones — because any site can be hacked.

“My rule of thumb is give the least amount of data as possible,’’ Berenguer said. “When you sign up for coupons or take surveys, your information will be aggregated and you’ll get ads you don’t want. I use a secondary email and call it my junk email. I give a fake last name. You’re not obligated to provide this information and if you are pressured to do so, I would carefully consider whether you want to use that service. You have to protect your interests because no one else is going to do that.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published December 16, 2020

New auction venue to open in Zephyrhills

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Pasco County commissioners granted a conditional permit to Sierra Farms Inc., and Royal Auction Group for a public auction venue in Zephyrhills.

The venue will occupy about 23 acres in the southwest corner of a larger parcel at the intersection of Gall Boulevard and State Road 56.

Currently, DAX or Dealers Auction Xchange, and the 301 and 56 Flea Market operate on land in the northwestern portion of the property.

Sierra Farms and Royal Auction must submit a site plan to the county. Amplified music and a public address system are permitted only during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The county commission rezoned the property in 1984 to allow uses such as a fairgrounds, auto show, flea market, and exposition hall.

The property’s future land allows for “major attractions” and residential uses. The auction venue is located in the major attractions portion of the site, and doesn’t encroach on the designated residential area.

Published December 16, 2020

Wetlands’ impact costs $2.7 million

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Pasco County will pay about $2.7 million to buy wetland mitigation credits related to construction of the Ridge Road extension.

The Pasco County Commission approved a resolution for the payment to EIP (Ecosystem Investment Partners LLC) and the Old Florida Wetland Mitigation Bank during the county board’s Nov. 17 meeting.

The resolution described the payment as due to “unavoidable wetland impacts.”

Ridge Road is under construction but remains embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club against the United States Army Corp of Engineers. The federal agency approved the road’s permit after a controversy spanning more than two decades about its construction.

The Sierra Club alleges that the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relied on a faulty, outdated environmental report that omitted impacts to some endangered and threatened species.

County officials describe the road as a necessary addition to the county’s emergency evacuation routes.

Environmentalists have said the county wants the road to accommodate additional  development along the road’s pathway.

The road extension is intended to provide an east-west pathway from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey, to U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes.

Published December 16, 2020

Pasco names director of support services

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Pasco County commissioners approved the appointment of Paula Baracaldo for the newly created position of director of support services, effective Jan. 1.

Baracaldo will receive an annual salary of $105,000.

The position results from a county departmental reorganization, prompted by Pasco’s growth over the past years. COVID-19 also is adding to the demands for services.

Baracaldo’s new position is part of the public services branch. She currently serves as chief of staff for Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

Baracaldo primarily will have oversight of the veterans services and the fiscal services divisions, formerly part of the community services department.

She also will support other executive functions within the public services branch.

Baracaldo is a public certified manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in political science and international studies, and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University.

Published December 16, 2020