The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco Health director receives accolade

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Mike Napier

Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, has been named “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year,” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors.

The annual award is bestowed to an individual whose public service actions go above and beyond, according to a news release.

In choosing Napier, the West Pasco Board of Realtors said: “During the past 20 months, Mr. Napier has guided the Health Department in Pasco County through the COVID-19 pandemic in exemplary and tireless fashion. The health department provided essential information and services to the community regarding COVID-19 resources and aided businesses as they navigated through COVID protocols. Mr. Napier worked very closely with the Pasco School District and the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to provide updates and partner with officials to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines to county and school staff and students.”

The health department leader’s actions were credited with helping businesses and schools remain open.

The West Pasco Board of Realtors has more than 1,500 members and is the largest trade organization in Pasco County.

Published January 12, 2022

Two new home dedications

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Jimmie Mitchell stands in the kitchen of her new Habitat home. (Courtesy of Habitat Pasco)

Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County celebrated the recent holidays with a pair of new home dedications in Dade City, the first in-person dedications to be done in almost two years, due to the pandemic.

“We have been able to dedicate homes virtually during the pandemic, something that we were grateful for, since Habitat continued to build and sell affordable homes during the pandemic,” said CEO Crystal Lazar, in a news release.

“But to finally be able to see the faces of all those hands and hearts involved in the building of these new affordable homes, well, that can’t be replaced by a video,” Lazar said.

Besides the keys to their new homes, Jimmie Mitchell and Ashley Westberry also received gifts from the East Pasco Quilters Guild and the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County was founded in 1994 and has enabled 153 families to make a move from rental housing to owning a home of their own.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County and how to help families that are seeking the opportunity to build a better life, visit HabitatPasco.org.

Published January 12, 2022

Mike Mashke, executive vice president of First National Bank of Pasco, right, hands Ashley Westberry the keys to her new home.

Citizens academy graduates one class, welcomes another

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Pasco County has a program that gives citizens a chance to get an in-depth look at government functions. Here is the recent crop of graduates, along with the Pasco County Commission, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller and the county attorney. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Pasco County Citizens’ Academy recently announced the latest group of graduates from its program.

The academy helps to educate citizens about the county’s governmental operations.

It includes sessions hosted by elected officials, department directors and other county staff aimed at providing a deeper look at government functions and services.

In addition to giving citizens a better understanding of local government, the program also helps develop a pool of knowledgeable people who can act as ambassadors, serve on advisory boards and become volunteers, according to information provided by the county.

Here are the names of the recent graduates:

  • Patsy Albert
  • Samantha Almaraz
  • Meghan Benoit
  • Michael Cianfarani
  • Leticia Collins
  • Linda J. Connolly
  • Chris Cusick
  • Cindy Donovan
  • Andrea Eisenhauer
  • Valerie Francis
  • Zach Harris
  • William Humphrey
  • Catherine Julian
  • Stephanie LeFew
  • Renee Logan
  • Brian Persaud
  • Geraldine Sanchez
  • Jessica Schmidt
  • Bonnie Schobert
  • Carissa Villa
  • Scott F. West

A new class begins on Jan. 19.

If you are interested in learning more about the Citizens’ Academy, visit MyPasco.net/citizensacademy.

Published January 12, 2022

Hillsborough wants community’s input on equity, inclusion

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Hillsborough County wants residents to weigh in about diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that impact the quality of life across the county.

The county is offering options for residents to take part in January, to help inform an equity profile study that is now underway, according to a news release.

This input will be used to help guide the Hillsborough County Commission in its decision-making on equity issues.

The county is looking for input regarding inequities that impact the quality of life in the following areas: economic opportunity, housing, land use and zoning, transportation, digital divide, health care, criminal justice and food security.

To participate, call the 24/7 voicemail and leave a message at 813-327-4716, or email The deadline for comments, through either approach, is Jan. 31.

Published January 12, 2022

A Tax Refund Is A Great Way To Fund Home Improvements

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You already may be thinking about how to best use your tax refund, which most people will be receiving in January and February.

“Using your tax refund to be proactive and upgrade your home’s mechanical systems before there are problems, is a gift to your family’s long-term health and comfort,” said Miguel Silva of Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes

Silva explained that if your home was built in the past 12-20 years, it is likely overdue for a new A/C system, water heater and possible electrical panel.

“With inflation rising and the cost of goods increasing at a rapid rate, a wise investment would be to take your tax return and invest the money back into your home’s mechanical systems prior to additional price increase and to avoid any future shortages,” said Silva.

Tax refunds provide plenty more benefits for home upgrades with a future-oriented mindset. For example, a tax refund can cover the cost of converting to a tankless hot water heater or replacing your electrical panel. And it’s better to take care of it now before the summer months are upon us.

“Most panels in older homes are wired for just 100 or 150 amps, which is not enough wattage for today’s myriad home electronics,” said Silva. “Most tax refunds will easily cover the cost to replace your entire electrical panel with a new one.”

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 in Land O Lakes and has been serving our local community for over 15 years. Over the years, it has built a strong, long-term relationship with the community that is evident by their customer ratings.

“Every morning, we are stocked and prepared to address any customer dilemma that might arise,” said Silva. “Please call us today to get a quote for your home improvement project, so you’re ready to go when your tax refund comes in. We look forward to serving you and having you be one of our satisfied customers.”

Tax Refund Specials

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Upgrade on higher seer A/C and tankless water heater at the same time

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*All coupons exclude customer-supplied products

Published December 29, 2021

Avalon Applauds

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Congratulations to Martin J. Levins II, a senior at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Martin is an exceptional student both inside and outside of the classroom. He dedicates his time to studying and has been a member of the National Honor Society since starting high school. The National Honor Society organization recognizes students that commit themselves to values such as scholarship, service and leadership.

Martin also has been recognized nationally for his academic prowess over the years by the executive branch of the United States of America.

“I am a proud recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence each year from 2017-2020,” said Martin.

The award focuses on a recipient’s success within the classroom, and maintaining grades that average from 90-100+ points on the grade point scale.

On Sept. 29, 2019 Martin received his Eagle Scout award, the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America program. Only 4% of scouts go on to achieve this rank by completing merit badges that benefit the community and continuously exemplify the scout oath and law.

“I wanted to become an Eagle Scout to learn leadership and responsibility that could aid me in all aspects of my life,” said Martin. Even to this day, he continues to scout, and is currently a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.

Service is at the forefront of how Martin determines his extracurricular activities. Not just as a Scout, but by using other local organizations as tools of service to give back.

“I’m a School Spartan Ambassador, which involves using the school to raise money for the community,” said Martin. “In November, we raised funds for November Needs. During Christmas, we raised money for a toy drive for underprivileged children, and a campus cleanup.”

In 2020, Martin was awarded the Saddlebrook Preparatory School Community Service Award. He was also was awarded the Green Ball Award for recycling over 40,000 used tennis balls in Saddlebrook.

Martin owes his drive for success and passion to succeed in life to the great example of his father.

“My father has always been my role model and a man that I look up to. He instilled the values in me I hold close in all I do, to this very day,” said Martin. “I am so grateful to have learned about the world from him.”

An amazing start to the new year

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(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Meet Eliana Rose Jones — the first baby born at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in 2022. Baby Jones was born at 4:53 p.m., New Year’s Day, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Her proud parents are Sheree and Ian of Land O’ Lakes. The hospital gifted the family a basket of goodies to start the year off in an amazing way. Congratulations to the family and the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North maternity teams.

Worth a repeat

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Gary Owens of Land O’ Lakes, last February, submitted his photo of an osprey in flight over Lake Heron, for our Local Wildlife section. It is worth a repeat, as we look back at some of our favorite reader-submitted wildlife photos.

More residential and commercial growth coming to East Pasco

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Zephyrhills is hitting its stride as growth and development gain momentum along the traffic corridors of what is now Pasco County’s largest city.

The signs of new growth are everywhere along Zephyrhills’ major corridors including U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard, and State Road 56.

Construction is changing the city’s landscape.

Heavy equipment prepares land for the construction of a new Radiant Gas Station and other retail on the west side of Gall Boulevard, in Zephyrhills. (Fred Bellet)

New developments include The District at Abbott Square, a master-planned community behind the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, and Abbott Park, a residential community off Dean Dairy Road.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is expanding and there’s new retail at Zephyr Commons shopping complex.

These signal the city’s increasing population.

It grew from more than 13,000 residents in 2010 to more than 17,000 residents in 2020, according to data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

In addition to Abbott Square and Abbott Park, Hidden River and the Links at Calusa Springs also are adding rooftops to Zephyrhills.

“The fact is that the need for housing is just exploding statewide. Tampa is running out of space,” said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director. “We were the next logical location.”

The view from the exit of Tropical Acres on Blue Lagoon Drive will soon change as ongoing construction site preparation will transform the east side of U.S. 301.

The widening of State Road 56 to four lanes opened Zephyrhills to more development, Vande Berg said.

He also noted that city officials have worked to ensure that residential projects were not “cookie-cutter.”

Abbott Square, as an example, will offer one-story villas, two-story townhouses, and will feature three different lot sizes.

“I think people appreciate that. Not all residential is on 40-foot-wide lots like every other development,” he said.

Preserving trees, installing sidewalks and adding trails are highlights of new residential development.

Zephyrhills is building on Pasco’s countywide efforts to attract tourism through an emphasis on sports facilities such as the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center.

In coming months, Vande Berg said the tennis center will add dormitories to accommodate increasing interest in tournaments and training opportunities.

The facility also is attracting new residential including the Abbott Square project. The Lennar Homes development, on Simons Road behind the tennis center, will build about 700 residential units of single-family houses, townhouses, and apartments.

West of Dade City on State Road 52, a new residential development, Abbey Glen, is under construction.

Abbott Park, off Kossik Road near Zephyr Commons, is a new residential community by Metro Places.

Summerstone is a new single-family and townhome development, off State Road 56, west of Morris Bridge Road. It is located in Wesley Chapel, just a short distance west of Zephyrhills.

Chipotle’s restaurant recently opened at Zephyr Commons. Planet Fitness had a recent ribbon-cutting. Chick-Fil-A opened, too, on an outparcel of the shopping center on the northeast corner with Pretty Pond Road.

More retail is anticipated. And plans for the site include about 400 residential units.

The Pretty Pond intersection is becoming a hub for Zephyrhills shoppers, who are adding Zephyr Commons to their destinations along with established plazas along Gall Boulevard (U.S. 301), including Merchants Square, Towne View Square Shopping Center, and North Town Center.

On the west side of Gall Boulevard, at Pretty Pond, the former site of Rainbow Court and Brightside Manor mobile home park, is being prepped for new commercial development. A sign planted at the site advertises a coming Radiant gas station and convenience store. A car wash also is anticipated at the site.

Zephyrhills’ downtown, on Fifth Avenue, is enjoying its own commercial revival.

The opening of Zephyrhills Brewing Company in 2016 set the stage for renewed interest in downtown, said Melonie Monson, president, and chief executive officer of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

“It has been an economic driver,” she said. “It’s brought traffic in on weekends.”

New shops opening within the past year include Vintage Chix, a boutique clothing store; A.O.K., a sports bar featuring axe throwing; and Your Turn, a board game café that serves coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and a choice of hundreds of board games to play.

A site preparation worker makes his way through a parcel of land on Gall Boulevard, just south of North Town Center on Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills.

Tina & Joe’s Café opened recently in the historic Jeffries House, built in 1910 for Zephyrhills’s founder Captain A. B. Jeffries. The café serves salads, sandwiches, lobster rolls and desserts.

Also, Planet Jupiter, a hookah lounge, is “coming soon” to a storefront on Fifth Avenue.

“Our downtown is really growing,” said Monson.

On Gall Boulevard, near downtown, Jerry’s Crystal Bar reopened after being ravaged by fire in 2020.

Checkers on Gall and Culver’s on Eiland Boulevard are new additions to the quick service food options.

The chamber recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for Hoops Heaven, on Chancey Road along the city’s industrial corridor. The indoor training facility offers basketball training for youth in the Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel area.

Hoops Heaven adds to both Zephyrhills’ and Pasco County’s goal of advocating for sports and ecotourism to build economic growth and bring jobs, Vande Berg said.

“Someone came from out of town and saw a need for youth basketball,” the planning director said.

By Kathy Steele

Published January 05, 2022

Portion of Ridge Road now open

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A portion of the Ridge Road extension has finally opened up — after some two decades in the making.

This new 4.2-mile, uninterrupted section of roadway runs from Moon Lake to the Suncoast Parkway — offering an east-west thoroughfare in the county.

Project manager Sam Beneck talked about the roadway and its importance. Eventually the road is planned to stretch as far as U.S. 301. But right now, Beneck hopes to finish the roadway as far as the Suncoast Parkway in the weeks ahead. (Fred Bellet)

Pasco County officials hosted a media-only availability and “drive the road” event on Dec. 22 in New Port Richey, for Phase One of the long-awaited roadway project.

Two of the four lanes were expected to open in the days following the special media gathering.

Various reporters and photographers had a chance to speak with county officials who’ve been instrumental in the road’s construction; news crews were escorted onto the roadway in county vehicles, as the location remains an active construction zone.

Pasco County Commission Vice Chair Jack Mariano touted the road’s first phase, and eventual build out, in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Vehicles traveling south on the Suncoast Parkway pass over the Ridge Road extension. The area under the parkway’s underpass is still under construction.

“I am so delighted to see the Ridge Road extension getting ready to be opened up,” he said. “It’s been such a long time coming.”

The other two lanes of the 4.2-mile segment — from Town Center Road to Suncoast Parkway — are anticipated to be finished by fall 2022.

Meanwhile, the second leg of the extension, which is slated for completion in 2025, will extend Ridge Road to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Total construction cost of the entire project is nearly $161 million, with over $151 million in project county funding.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore recently announced that he had asked State Rep. Ardian Zika and State Sen. Ed Hooper to sponsor legislation seeking $14 million for the project, adding they both have agreed to do so.

The completion date for the second leg might be accelerated, if the Florida Legislature provides additional funding for the project.

County officials have pushed for the extension for decades, justifying the need for it to provide an additional east-west hurricane evacuation route.

Stops along the several miles saw remedies to environmental concerns. Pouring from the staff vehicles, County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, pictured far left, leads the way as staff members, media and county commissioners observe a wildlife tunnel for critters wanting to cross from the south side of the new roadway to the north side.

The 9-mile extension, once completed to U.S. 41, also will relieve traffic on State Road 52 and State Road 54, the only two through east-west roads that carry traffic across the county.

“It’s going to alleviate on (State Road) 54 and (State Road) 52,” Mariano said. “It’s going to provide that hurricane evacuation route that’s so desperately needed, not only for Pasco County, but for Pinellas County, as well.”

He added, “The amount of time it saves, is about six hours for the evacuation, so it just makes our people that much safer and our community that much stronger.
The extension also will support the area’s burgeoning growth.

A huge development known as the Angeline community will be rising on thousands of acres, south of State Road 52 and west of U.S. 41.

The future growth includes a 775-acre Pasco campus planned by Moffitt Cancer Center, near the Ridge Road and Suncoast Parkway interchange.

Moffitt’s campus is expected to become a magnet for life sciences research.

The county’s elected leaders and economic development experts also expect Moffitt’s development to have a transformative effect on the area’s future development and to generate thousands of jobs.

Said Mariano, “With Moffitt coming in, it’s going to be a great boost for the economy, and allow easy access for west Pasco residents who want to work there, and back and forth.”

Published January 05, 2022