The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Joe Potter

Rezoning clears way for development of large subdivision

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A zoning amendment approved by Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on April 10 makes it possible for a large subdivision to be developed within the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH) after other requirements are met.

Plans call for 796 dwelling units and 75,000 square feet of non-residential use to be developed on 101 acres of property located within Village B of the VOPH.  

The VOPH is a dependent district comprised of approximately 22,000 acres bounded by State Road 52 to the north, Eiland Boulevard to the south, Curley Road to the west, and U.S. Highway 301 to the east.

(Sven Mieke/Unsplash)

A site plan will need to be prepared and presented to the BOCC before development of the proposed subdivision can begin. 

The part of the site that is located by Curley Road “is the most important corner for everything going into VOPH and it had to be done right,” said Clarke Hobby, an attorney with the Tampa-based law firm of Hobby & Hobby P.A., representing the applicant.

“This is a very good project and it looks very nice,” said BOCC chairman Commissioner Ronald Oakley, who represents District 1 where the property is located.

The request by RDPD V LLC, a Zephyrhills-based limited liability company, to have the property’s zoning changed from an Agricultural District (AC) to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) was approved by a 4-0 vote.

Commissioners voting on the measure in addition to Oakley were Jack Mariano, District 5; Kathryn Starkey, District 3; and Seth Weightman, District 2. BOCC Vice Chairman Gary Bradford, District 4, was not present for the meeting.

In other business on April 10, commissioners:

  • Approved a zoning amendment allowing a maximum of 105 townhouses to be developed on approximately 17.6 acres of property in District 1 located on the south side of Clinton Avenue, approximately 330 feet west of Fort King Road. New Clinton LLC, a Land O’ Lakes-based limited liability company, had requested the property’s zoning to be changed from an A-C Agricultural District and an R-2 Low Density Residential District to an MF-1 Multiple Family Medium Density District. 
  • Approved a zoning amendment that will allow 37 single-family detached units to be developed on 26.6 acres of property in District 4 located on the north side of Willow Bend Parkway, approximately 250 feet north of Pasco-Hillsborough County Line Road. EC Willow Bend LLC, a St. Petersburg-based limited liability company, had requested the property’s zoning to be changed from E-R Estate Residential to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD).
  • Approved transmitting to the Florida Department of Commerce a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment that would allow 18 single-family residences to be built on approximately 92.6 acres of property located in District 1 at 17001-17005 Bellamy Brothers Blvd. Sandbarren LLC, an Odessa-based limited liability company, requested the comprehensive plan amendment. 

The property is near the intersection of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard and Johnson Road. A man living on Johnson Road said he and neighbors didn’t want the property rezoned because the density that was being requested was very much out of character with the surrounding area.

The BOCC will reconsider the request during its June 4 meeting after it has heard back from the Florida DOC and other reviewing agencies.

• Approved an ordinance amending the Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) so 3.49 acres of property owned by Russell K. and Leann Finlay could be used for commercial purposes. The property in District 1 is located on two lots on the east side of U.S. 301, approximately 200 feet north of Marka Drive.

The Finlays plan to construct a 21,000-square-foot small commercial center on the property, said their representative Anne Pollack. Part of the space will be used for the Finlay’s business and they will be able to add six additional employees. The remaining six to eight spaces may be leased to other businesses resulting in an increase of employment in the area, said Pollack, who is an attorney with the St. Petersburg-based law firm of Fletcher Fischer Pollack P.I.

• Approved a zoning amendment allowing 1.95 acres of property located in District 2 on the northeast corner of Tupper Road and State Road 54 to be used for commercial purposes. Dempsey and Daughters Inc., a Wesley Chapel-based for-profit corporation, requested the zoning amendment.

They are required to submit a deed restriction stating that the property will be specifically reserved for those commercial uses set forth in the Pasco County LDC to ensure that the property provides the benefits of commercial development, including, but not limited to, adequate employment generation. The rezoning will become effective when the deed restriction is recorded in Pasco County’s public records.

All three of the zoning amendments, the large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and the change to the LDC were approved by a vote of 4-0.

In addition, a resolution was approved by a vote of 4-0 to amend part of the BOCC procedural rules to establish the position of second vice chair. Commissioner Starkey was elected to fulfill that role. 

She will be able to perform the duties of the chair in the absence of both Oakley and Bradford, and only will be authorized to perform those duties for one day. This change was made due to the absence of both Commissioners Oakley and Bradford from the BOCC meeting on March 26, due to health reasons. Commissioner Mariano was temporarily designated as acting chair at that meeting as he is the longest serving member of the BOCC.

And a resolution electing to not exempt property under the “Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption” was continued to the May 7 meeting in Dade City because Gov. Ron DeSantis had not yet signed the legislation as of April 10. 

The act would grant tax exemptions to units in multifamily projects that are used to house natural persons or families whose annual household income is between 80% and 120% of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within Pasco County. 

Officials previously said the county could lose out on $38 million in tax revenues over a 35-year period if a pair of properties that were considering using the Live Local Act received tax breaks.

Also, Commissioner Weightman nominated Matthew Munz to fill a seat on the Pasco County Planning Commission that was previously held by Peter Hanzel who recently retired after serving on the PC for many years.

Munz’s appointment was confirmed by the BOCC and he is scheduled to participate in the planning commission’s May 2 meeting at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

Published April 24, 2024

Enjoy summer camp at a local YMCA

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As the weather turns warm, and the end of the school year gets that much closer, so does the thought of keeping children busy and off their devices. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is here to help with your family’s summer camp plans. We offer campers the opportunity to try something new while they build character through activities based on the Y Core Values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

(Photos courtesy Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA)

Our East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills has so much to offer — from traditional camp activities like outdoor games, art and sports, plus a variety of adventures throughout the week.

Geared for ages 6 to 12, camp participants will experience a memorable and fun summer. The East Pasco Y has a camp stage complete with camp seating where campers start and end their day with an energetic opening and closing ceremony. 

“The East Pasco YMCA offers many wonderful amenities for our camp kiddos to enjoy every day at summer camp! Firstly, right next to our camp stage out in our open field is a GaGa Pit, 9 Square, and a retention pond for all kinds of games, and activities,” explains Alex Delgado, associate executive director, East Pasco & Dade City YMCA. 

“We also have a six-lane, 25-yard-long swimming pool that they get to swim in daily at camp. The pool itself, as well as the deck, were renovated in 2021, so it is still very new. Next, our basketball gym is a great space to play all kinds of sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, indoor soccer and indoor hockey. Campers often play team-building games and partake in fitness classes there as well. Lastly, we have two racquetball courts used for arts & crafts, as well as team-building,” adds Delgado.

Dave Boyle, executive director of Tampa Y’s Camp Cristina, oversees our camps, and shares we are expecting 1,700 campers this year.

“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements. Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections,” said Boyle.

“We believe that the bonds formed at camp — between peers, with nature and within oneself — are more vital than ever in our increasingly digital world. Our activities are deliberately designed to encourage campers to engage deeply with the world around them, particularly the great outdoors.

“Being outside isn’t just a backdrop for our camp; it’s a canvas for adventure, learning, and discovery. Additionally, we’re reinvigorating our range of age-appropriate games, infusing them with innovative ideas and approaches. These games are not only fun but are carefully crafted to promote developmental skills, teamwork, and healthy competition. By blending the best of traditional camp experiences with a contemporary perspective, we’re creating an environment that is both nostalgically familiar and excitingly new, ensuring that our campers enjoy the most enriching and memorable summer possible.

“Each counselor brings a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to offer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others,” notes Boyle. 

Here’s what the American Camp Association’s stats on the value of summer camp tell us, direct from campers:

  • Camp helped me make new friends: 96% 
  • Camp helped me to get to know kids who are different from me: 93%
  • The people at camp helped me feel good about myself: 92%
  • At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first: 74% 

Spots are still available but are filling up fast. The East Pasco Family YMCA is at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca for more information or to register.

For additional YMCA locations, visit https://www.tampaymca.org/.

Kiran Malik-Khan is the senior communications director of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

Published April 24, 2024

Local seniors turn out for Thrive Over 55 expo 

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More than 400 seniors attended the Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo on April 4 at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel – The Grove 16 sponsored by The Laker/Lutz News. Forty-plus senior-related vendors shared information with attendees, and event sponsors Gulfside Healthcare Services and Vertos Medical each hosted an informative breakout session during the event. Guests also were treated to free breakfast and lunch.

(Courtesy of Adrian Garson)

Two changes you may notice at your next dentist appointment

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Practices in oral and overall health care continually advance to keep you well. Here are two changes affecting dental care you might notice at your next visit.

1. Updated recommendations for dental X-rays. In the past, when your dentist took X-rays of your teeth, you probably wore a leaded apron or thyroid collar. That may change with your next visit.

According to 2024 safety recommendations by an expert panel of dentists at the American Dental Association (ADA), abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer needed for patients of all ages and health statuses (like pregnancy). These tools can block the main X-ray beam. When this happens, additional X-rays may be needed, something your dentist wants to avoid.

(Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels)

To get the best images of your teeth, your dentist or dental team will make sure you are properly positioned for your X-rays and that the beam is focused on the area of interest. Shielding may still be used in some practices due to local regulations, so ask your dentist if you have any questions about X-rays.

ADA experts also recommend that X-rays be taken only when your dentist believes they will provide the necessary diagnostic information to help you reach your best dental health. Dental X-rays emit very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of experiencing potentially harmful effects very small. Still, taking X-rays in moderation lessens radiation exposure.

2. New guidelines to manage dental pain. If you see your dentist for a tooth extraction, recent guidelines endorsed by the ADA recommend that you be prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to manage short-term dental pain.

When used as directed, on their own or in combination with acetaminophen, NSAIDs are an appropriate and effective way to manage the inflammatory pain that comes after a tooth extraction or during a toothache when dental care is not immediately available. This guidance applies to patients of every age.

In the unlikely event that your pain does not improve after the second or third day following your procedure, return to your dentist to rule out complications or other sources of pain.

In limited circumstances, an opioid prescription may be appropriate for patients 12 and older, though dentists should use extreme caution when prescribing opioids to those 12 to 17 years old. When discussing options to treat your dental pain, inform your dentist of your history with opioids and any factors that may contribute to dependence on or misuse of such medication.

If your dentist prescribes opioids for pain management, the guidelines recommend that you be given the lowest effective dose, with the fewest tablets and for a short period. “Just in case” prescriptions are not recommended, and your dentist should instruct you on the proper storage and disposal of the medication.

To search for an ADA dentist in your area, visit FindADentist.ada.org. Learn more about caring for your smile at MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s website for oral health education.

Oral health guidelines change over time with advancements in technology and data regarding best practices to enhance patient safety and well-being. With any change, your dentist’s priority remains the same: to provide you with the best dental care possible. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions about the latest recommendations in oral health.

-StatePoint

Published April 24, 2024

Governor signs bill that eases acquisition of land for conservation purposes

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(The Center Square) — Legislation signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will make it easier for the state to purchase land for conservation purposes.

DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1638, which provides that 96% of revenues from the 2021 gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state be deposited in the Indian Gaming Revenue Fund to acquire and manage conservation land.

(Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

“This is really a landmark piece of legislation, and it’s one in a series of landmark efforts that we’ve done over these last five-plus years to conserve Florida’s natural resources and to restore some of the great treasures that this state has, such as our Florida Everglades,” DeSantis said during a news conference held Thursday.

DeSantis stated that during his first term, he promised that his administration would take conservation efforts seriously, allocating around $3.3 billion for conservation preservation and water quality improvements.

DeSantis noted that the current year’s budget has $1.7 billion and that his administration is way ahead of schedule on keeping those promises worth $3.5 billion over the next four years.

“We have now either completed or started more than 65 Everglades-related projects since January of 2019,” DeSantis said. “We broke ground and completed the old Tamiami Road bed removal project six months ahead of schedule and completed the raising of the Tamiami Trail, which (has) allowed more water to flow south into Everglades National Park.”

DeSantis pointed out that the C-44 reservoir and stormwater treatment area have been completed, allowing fresh water into the Indian River Lagoon in the St. Lucie estuary. The C-43 reservoir is on its way to completion.

“We’ve also made major progress on the crown jewel of Everglades restoration, the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir (EAA). We broke ground on the treatment wetland portion of the EAA project a full year ahead of schedule,” DeSantis said.

Marcellus Osceola Jr., the elected chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, spoke in support of the projects and thanked the efforts of the legislature to make them a reality.

“Without your efforts and your tirelessness towards the efforts of cleaning up the water, cleaning up the Everglades, not only just for us but for all native Floridians…we all have to do our part…so do your best and educate everybody else around, because without that what do we have? That’s our greatest natural resource,” Osceola said.

Published April 17, 2024

Dade City’s ‘crown jewel’ shines brightly

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With hundreds of people involved and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, a renovated Touchton Park in Dade City officially opened on April 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The conclusion of the two-year project was celebrated with remarks from dignitaries and a reception afterwards at the Dade City Garden Club.

This plaque on a wall at the entrance identifies the site as Touchton Park. Some of the work that was done as part of the renovation project is visible in the background. (Joe Potter)

“This is truly a blessing for the City of Dade City,” the Rev. Clyde E. Carter said as he offered a prayer. The park will be there for generations to come because of the renovation, Carter added.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the visionaries, planners and hardworking individuals who turned this dream into a reality. Their dedication, creativity and unwavering commitment . . . transformed an idea into this beautiful park we stand in today. This project is the crowning jewel of Dade City,” Dade City Mayor James “Jim” Shive said.

J. Thomas Touchton of Tampa provided substantial financial support for the park’s renovation between 2023 and 2024. He is a grandson of Ruth Embry “Miss Polly” Touchton. He also established an endowment fund to help pay for the park’s future maintenance.

“This park was named for my grandmother Ruth Embry ‘Miss Polly’ Touchton after her death in 1986 at the age of 99 — and at the end of her 89 years of living in, and contributing to, Dade City,” Touchton said in an interview.

Conversations he had with Pat Carver, who was a member of the Dade City Garden Club for 60 years before she died in 2023, and others, prompted him to ask Dade City’s leadership if he “could renovate the park as a gift to Dade City and rename it simply ‘Touchton Park,’ so I could recognize my grandfather and my parents (and, in the end, also my great-grandparents) with plaques that mention many of their civic, business, personal and political contributions to Dade City over almost nine decades,” Touchton said.

Touchton’s financial contribution for the renovation led to the park being renamed Touchton Park. He also helped to establish an endowment fund to be used for the park’s future upkeep.

J. Thomas “Tom” Touchton, at the podium, left, accepts a plaque from James “Jim” Shive, Mayor of Dade City, during a rededication of Touchton Park. Standing behind the men, from left: Rev. Clyde E. Carter; Scott Black and Ann Cosentino, city commissioners; and Normita “Angel” Woodard, mayor pro tem. (Courtesy of Joe Potter)

The park has two levels for people to visit and enjoy. The upper level is known as The Grove and sits 22 feet higher than the lower level, The Garden. Steps were installed so people could have access to both levels of the park.

A retention wall was placed between the upper and lower levels, and underground infrastructure was installed along Southview Avenue and Fifth Street to help improve stormwater drainage there. 

New parking spaces also were created along Southview Avenue and Fifth Street, and other amenities were provided as part of the city’s investment of $192,000 in the park, according to City Clerk Angelia “Angie” Guy.

In addition, new sidewalks, benches, picnic tables and swings were installed. 

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) contributed $50,000 that was used to buy new trees, plants and shrubs to improve the landscape of the park that’s located adjacent to the Dade City Garden Club on Fifth Street.

Some of the park’s past history was provided as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It was noted that longtime Dade City residents Paul and Brenda Rhinesmith donated the nearly 2-acre site where the park is located to Dade City in 1979. They required that the park be named after “Miss Polly” Touchton, who was widely known as a matriarch and civic leader in Dade City for more than 75 years. 

Memorial plaques that tell about the many accomplishments of members of the Touchton family have been installed at the park.

Some family members whose names are listed on the plaques include: Touchton’s great-parents, Wallace Estill Embry (1846-1911) and his wife, Minerva Carolyn “Sallie” Cooper Embry (1857-1950), who brought their seven sons and one daughter, “Polly,” with them when they left Kentucky and arrived in Dade City by train on Jan. 5, 1898. “He came here to grow shade tobacco – which developed a virus in the nineteen teens – which put him out of that business – but he was known as an enthusiastic “booster” for Dade City and Eastern Pasco County,” Touchton said.

His great-grandmother Embry was charter president of the Dade City Woman’s Club and was active in her church. Their home place was where the Dade City Post Office is now located, Touchton said.

From left: Scott Black, Dade City commissioner; Charles Touchton III and his wife, Jan, of Tampa; Judy Touchton, a sister of Silver Spring, Maryland; Susan Touchton and John Touchton of Tampa, who are J. Thomas Touchton’s daughter-in-law and son; J. Thomas “Tom” Touchton of Tampa, who paid to renovate most of the park; James “Jim” Shive, mayor of Dade City; Angelia “Angie” Guy, clerk of Dade City; Normita “Angel” Woodard, mayor pro tem;, Ann Cosentino, Dade City commissioner; and Lisa Simon, former Dade City commissioner.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

His great-uncle, Hugh Embry, one of the seven Embry sons, started Dade City’s library, which carries his name today, Touchton said. He was one of “Polly” Touchton’s brothers.

Sallie Embry Massey, the daughter of another Embry son, Boone — and the mother of Julia Massey Pittman — married Herbert Massey, one of the founders of Pasco Packing Company (later Lykes Pasco) — at one time the largest citrus processing plant in the world, Touchton said.

His grandfather, Charles F. Touchton Sr., was born on July 7, 1883. He was one of the organizers of the Dade City Board of Trade (now the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce) and later chaired the Board of Trade Committee that brought the first major installation of electric streetlights to Meridian Street in downtown Dade City. He was a charter member of the Dade City Kiwanis Club; chairman of the Board of Deacons of the First Baptist Church; and a pharmacist, rancher and citrus grower. He died on June 8, 1957.

His grandmother, Ruth Embry “Miss Polly” Touchton, who was a church leader and Sunday school teacher, rolled bandages for the Red Cross during World War I. She was the longest serving member — 77 years — of the First Presbyterian Church here and sang in its choir for 55 years. And she was a charter member of the Dade City Woman’s Club and of the Dade City Garden Club. She died on May 1, 1986, at 99 years of age. “Much loved and respected — certainly worthy of having a park named for her,” Touchton said. 

His grandparent’s home was where City Hall is now located, Touchton said.

His parents, Charles F. Touchton Jr., and Thelma Gray Hannon Touchton’s names are also on memorial plaques. 

His father was born in 1911 and became the first Eagle Scout in Pasco County in 1927. He was charter president of the Dade City Rotary Club and a member of the Pasco County School Board. In addition, he was a city commissioner and mayor of Dade City, and chairman of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. He was known to many in Dade City as both “Mister Insurance” and “Dade City’s official greeter.” He was a fundraiser for the Dade City Armory, the Boy Scouts and the March of Dimes. Some of his father’s other roles were a rancher, citrus grower and salesman. He died on May 26, 1988.

His mother was born on Sept. 24, 1911, and was well-known as a wife, mother and gardener. She was originally from Gainesville and was a smart, independent woman.  An avid reader, she introduced the arts and reading to her children. An organizer of the Dade City Garden Club and its second president, she was also president of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was a leader of women in two churches — Presbyterian and Methodist — in Dade City. She died on Dec. 9, 1988, Touchton said. 

In his closing remarks, Touchton said he hoped visitors to the park would bring their children and grandchildren so they could read the memorial plaques. He said he also hoped that they, as well others in future generations, would be influenced by what his family had done and would also seek to play major roles in Dade City.

Published April 17, 2024

State to penalize those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl

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(The Center Square) — Penalties are set to increase in the Sunshine State for those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl, after new legislation was signed Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate bills 718 and 66. The first creates a second-degree felony for any adult individual who recklessly exposes first responders to fentanyl that results in an overdose or serious bodily harm.

SB 718 also expands protections for individuals against prosecution if they seek help for themselves or someone else if they believe an overdose is happening. SB 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day, while directing the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to opioids.

(Ron Rogers/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

DeSantis said during a news conference in Sanford there is a huge amount of fentanyl pouring over the southern border from Mexico. He also added that this has had a huge impact on communities throughout the U.S.

“It’s not just a southern border problem; this fentanyl ends up in communities from coast to coast,” DeSantis said. “We have been setting records as a country for the amount of opioid overdose deaths, driven by fentanyl coming across the southern border.”

DeSantis noted that the state of Florida has done what it could to help with the southern border, including sending state troopers, other law enforcement and the State Guard to Texas to help stem the flow of undocumented migrants.

“We’re happy to do that because I think it’s an American problem, not just a Texas problem, and the Federal government is really just not doing the job that it needs to do and has really helped facilitate the mess that we’re in,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that fentanyl is often laced into other recreational drugs, which is causing more people to overdose, essentially poisoning them.

“Maybe someone buys the pill thinking it is something else, it’s laced with fentanyl, then all of a sudden that one pill could be enough to kill somebody,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also noted that the Biden administration is responsible for this crisis and that the new legislation will help curb some of that by keeping first responders safer in their jobs.

“Because of the Biden administration’s unwillingness to secure the southern border, law enforcement officers are encountering fentanyl at alarming rates. I’m signing legislation today to keep officers safe on the job, and to further combat the opioid epidemic.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also expanded the state’s Coordinated Opioid Response (CORE) network from 12 counties to 29.

“Opioid addiction has been a scourge in the lives of too many Floridians and too many Americans around the country,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the support of our legislators, we are continuing to take steps to address this human tragedy. CORE’s expansion will support and treat more Floridians and serve as a model for states around the country.”

Published April 17, 2024

Large employment project gains initial approval

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A rezoning request for property within Pasco County’s I-75 Interstate Employment Area gained initial approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission during its April 4 meeting.

The approximately 745-acre site is located north of State Road 52 and west of Interstate 75. It is currently zoned for agricultural, single family/mobile homes and general commercial purposes.

The request by Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC to have the zoning changed to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) will be considered by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) during its May 7 meeting in Dade City. The Planning Commission (PC) acts in an advisory capacity to the BOCC.

(Etienne Girardet/Unsplash)

If approved, the applicant plans to develop 190,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 3,000,000 square feet of light industrial space, 500,000 square feet of office space, a 250-room hotel, 1,550 multi-family apartments, 150 townhomes, 600 single family homes and 27 single family estate homes. 

“So far, it is the third largest employment project behind Speros (16.5 million square feet) and Double Branch (4.7 million square feet),” said Ryan Hughes, a Pasco County public information officer.

Plans call for between 375 acres and 400 acres of the property to be used to help increase the number of people working in Pasco County, said Clarke Hobby, an attorney with the law firm of Hobby & Hobby who was representing the applicant. 

However, the PC didn’t give Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC everything it had asked for in its request for rezoning the property — they had to withdraw three variances they had requested from Pasco County’s Land Development Code.

Those variances would have provided for the amount of land that had to be set aside for neighborhood parks to be calculated differently, the amount of buffering and screening required within the development to be reduced, and for being allowed to have a minimum width of 1.7 parking spaces per apartment unit rather than 1.9.

Those requests may be made to the county’s planning staff in the future and then presented to the PC or BOCC depending on which has final authority in the matter.

In other business before the PC last week:

• Agreed to send a request by Timber Ridge MPUD – Timber Ridge Dade City LLC for a zoning amendment to the BOCC. Approximately 48.2 acres of property on the west side of U.S. 301, west of 14th Street, is currently zoned R-3 Medium Density Residential District. The applicant is seeking for it to be rezoned to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) so a maximum of 190 single family detached units may be constructed on the site. 

Some area residents told PC members they were opposed to the request because of concerns the traffic flow on 14th Street would be adversely impacted. 

Traffic on 14th Street south of the proposed project is currently using 20% of the street’s capacity in the afternoon, said Michael “Mike” Raysor of Tampa-based Raysor Transportation Consulting. After the project is completed, traffic would use 35% of the street’s capacity, Raysor said.

Traffic on 14th Street north of the proposed project is currently using 15% of the street’s capacity. Traffic there would be 35% after the project is completed, Raysor said.

Nancy Hazelwood, a resident of Trilby, asked the PC to restrict where traffic could come from out of the development, and to reduce the subdivision’s density.

The applicant withdrew its request to be able to have a stub-out for future connection to a vacant parcel on the northwest portion of the site.  The plans still call for Catalina Drive to be used for emergency access purposes. Also, there never was any intention by the planners to connect to Powerline Road, said attorney Clarke Hobby, who was representing the applicant.

And 291 single-family homes could currently be built on the property so the developer is proposing to reduce that amount by 101 homes, Hobby said. 

The BOCC will consider Timber Ridge’s request during its May 7 meeting in Dade City.

• The PC also agreed to send a request by Russell K. and Leann Finlay for a change in zoning from an A-C Agricultural District to a C-2 General Commercial District to the BOCC. The request is for approximately 3.49 acres located on two lots on the east side of US 301, approximately 200 feet north of Marka Drive. If the request is approved, the Finlays plan to construct a small commercial center containing approximately 21,000 square feet.

The Finlays plan to use part of that space for a business of their own, said Anne Pollack, an attorney with the St. Petersburg-based law firm of Fletcher Fischer Pollack P.I, representing the Finlays. This would make it possible for them to employ an additional six people, so they would then have 10 people working for them, said Pollack. 

The number of people employed in the area could also be increased by other businesses leasing the six or eight other spaces that could be available in the commercial center, Pollack said. 

The PC made some changes to the Finlays request prior to agreeing to send it on to the BOCC. The Finlays had agreed to some voluntary deed restrictions that PC members didn’t think were appropriate since the proposed commercial center would be in a rural setting.

The BOCC will consider the request at a future meeting.

Published April 17, 2024

Closing the STEM skills gap to create new possibilities for kids

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Over the next decade, it’s projected that nearly 3.5 million manufacturing and STEM-related jobs will be available, yet 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to a skills gap, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advocates are addressing systemic educational barriers that impact student success in order to fill this skills gap and expand opportunities for young people.

(Kevin Jarrett/Unsplash)

That’s the idea behind Driving Possibilities, a $110 million STEM career readiness and community engagement initiative of the Toyota USA Foundation. Its unique approach brings industry and academia together, while coordinating nonprofit services that address barriers and societal disparities—all to prepare youth for successful futures.

“From machine learning and connected technologies to autonomous vehicles and electrification, the career opportunities of tomorrow will be boundless for those with STEM skills. During this time of rapid industry advancement, it’s more important than ever to give all young people an equal opportunity to access rewarding careers in high-growth industries tomorrow,” says Colleen Casey, executive director, Driving Possibilities.

With the goal of increasing student awareness, excitement and interest in STEM learning, the multi-pronged approach of Driving Possibilities includes innovative, hands-on STEM programming from pre-K to 12th grade levels, professional and leadership development for teachers, and industry exposure and mentorship opportunities for students. The program also addresses students’ essential needs to ensure they have the food, transportation, mental health services, after-school programming and early intervention literacy support they need to succeed.

This long-term initiative is already making a huge impact for thousands of families in such high-need locations near Toyota’s operations in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama. And while the program looks a little different in each location because it is based on the unique needs of each community, the mission remains the same: to level the playing field for students facing educational barriers.

“Young people are tomorrow’s problem-solvers, makers and innovators. But they can face many roadblocks on their journey. Listening to what students need and then working within their communities to come up with solutions, will contribute to thriving communities, stronger local economies and limitless possibilities for all,” says Casey.

Published April 17, 2024

New Florida law increases penalties for organized retail theft, porch piracy

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a measure designed to combat organized retail theft and porch piracy.

DeSantis signed House Bill 549, which lowers the threshold value for third-degree felony theft. The governor added that retail theft results in skyrocketing customer prices because businesses need to recoup their losses.

“That has an impact on you as a consumer because the prices will go up to reflect those stolen goods,” DeSantis said. “That’s just basic business. If they’re not able to sell those goods, if those are losses, then they gotta find a way to compensate.”

(Meanwell Packaging, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

DeSantis said that the recent phenomenon of stores locking away certain goods to prevent them from being stolen is demoralizing for customers. They said it is not good for quality of life. He further noted that the behavior of thieves shows contempt for the law.

“Then of course, if you have people come in and just steal retail and walk out, that creates a contempt for the rule of law that has a spillover effect in areas far beyond retail theft,” DeSantis said.

“Florida is a law-and-order state, and our policies combating organized retail theft are another shining example of how we are leading the nation,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Grateful for Gov. DeSantis signing this important piece of legislation into law, as well as for the work of Representative Rommel and Senator Trumbull this session to keep building a stronger, safer Florida.”

According to DeSantis, Florida has seen a decline in retail theft over the last four years and added that he thinks it’s because people know that Florida is not a state a thief would want to “try that” in.

“We are seeing issues with retail theft across the country, nationwide 88% of retailers have reported that shoplifters are more aggressive and violent now, compared to just a few years ago, 49% said they have observed much more violent and aggressive behavior,” DeSantis said.

He noted that those committing these crimes do not think they will be held accountable, and in some parts of the country, stores are closing down all together.

“You see stores closing down in other parts of the United States, whether that’s Target closing nine stores in Portland and Seattle, Walmart closing stores in Chicago, Nordstrom closing stores in San Francisco, that is a direct result of the lack of commitment to the rule of law and holding criminals accountable,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that is not what will happen in Florida and that the new legislation will ensure that retailers can continue operating their businesses and criminals are held accountable.

Published April 17, 2024