The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco’s Senior Services expands programs

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Pasco County Senior Services will be the new lead agency for Community Care for the Elderly as of Sept. 1. The county will provide in-home programs and on-site services, as it does at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Services Center at 6801 Wisteria Loop.
(Mike Camunas)

Pasco County Senior Services (PCSS) has been named the new lead agency for Community Care for the Elderly in Pasco County, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release.

The transition comes on the heels of a vote by the Area Agency on Aging board of directors.

Currently, PCSS administers the Home Delivered Meals program and four Congregate Dining Sites.

Pasco County will additionally oversee these three programs for seniors:

  • Community Care for the Elderly
  • Alzheimer Disease Initiative
  • Home Care for the Elderly

The county’s Senior Services department focuses on supporting the health, vitality, independence and well-being of seniors.

The department aims to ensure seniors in the community will not experience any disruption of service, the release said..

“This is a great opportunity for Pasco County, and we look forward to expanding our services to our seniors,” said Brian Hoben, director of community services, in the release.

“There’s no need to worry. Our clients can expect the same continuity in services that they have already experienced,” said Hoben.

For more information about all services and programs offered, call 727-847-8011.

Published September 20, 2023

Meal planning for power outages when a big storm comes through

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The Tampa Bay region emerged relatively unscathed by Hurricane Idalia, as its path veered off to the north of us.

Of course, some areas suffered damage — but it wasn’t the catastrophic disaster here that it could have been.

Avoid panic shopping when a disaster threatens by stocking up your pantry well in advance, with foods you can prepare when a hurricane or tropical storm knocks out your power. (Unsplash.com)

Still, hundreds of thousands of people across Florida lost power.

In fact, any time the electricity goes out, it begs the question: What’s for dinner tonight? What’s for dinner tomorrow night? And, what about breakfasts and lunches?

Shoppers cleared shelves of some items at many stores, or had already stocked up their pantries with canned vegetables, jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna and other things — yes, I am talking about you, potato chips.

But do you have a plan for how to use these items?

Meal planning shouldn’t go out the window when prepping for a natural disaster.  

Your hurricane food should be well thought out, just as your family’s weekly menu during normal circumstances should.  

Of course, when the electricity is out, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to satisfy everyone’s taste, especially among picky eaters.

But the main goal is to stay full and to keep nutrition in mind, so you don’t just fill up on cookies.

Here are some suggestions to help you weather a storm.

Be sure to have enough food and water on to last between three and seven days.

When preparing meals, begin with using perishable food items first since they will spoil if not used quickly.

So, once the storm clears, you can grill your meats — outdoors.

If you have cold milk, use it early, too, so it will not go to waste.

When the power goes out, a fully stocked freezer keeps food frozen for up to 48 hours, and a half-stocked freezer for 24 hours. Food in the fridge is safe for four hours.  

An insulated cooler with ice can keep food cold for a few days, but test its reliability before a storm hits, as some brands are more heavy-duty than others.  

A thermometer for the cooler is necessary to ensure it stays below 40 degrees F.

Be sure you have a separate cooler for meat and foods eaten raw if possible, or place the meat in a leak-proof container or bag and place at the very bottom.  

The cooler should be packed with several inches of ice or with frozen-gel packs.  

Block ice lasts longer than ice cubes.

Before the storm arrives, you can create your own blocks of ice by cleansing used milk or water jugs, filling them with water and freezing them.

Be careful when using dry ice to keep your foods cold.

Heed any boil water notices, and make sure to have hand sanitizer for washing hands in case there’s no water supply.  

Also, don’t forget to stock up on disposable eating utensils, can opener, trash bags, aluminum foil, paper plates and bowls, storage bags and so on.

For post-storm meals that don’t involve cooking, keep in mind the different food groups and how you can incorporate them into snacks or meals.

For instance, here’s some information about those food groups, from a colleague from Broward County Extension, that you might find useful:

Grain group: cereal, crackers, breakfast bars, rice cakes, bread, dried pasta, taco shells/tortilla shells, bread sticks, graham crackers, pretzels

Vegetable group: canned vegetables and soups, canned three-bean salad, fresh vegetables: tomatoes, avocado, onions, peppers, cucumbers

Fruit group: canned fruit in their own juices, dried fruit, trail mix with fruit, unsweetened applesauce, packaged raisins, fresh fruit: apples, bananas, pears, oranges

Dairy group: powdered, canned, or shelf-stable milk, shelf-stable pudding, nutritional drinks

Protein group: peanut butter, bean spreads, packaged nuts, beef or turkey jerky, canned: tuna, ham, salmon, sardines, chili, ravioli, and beans (kidney, black, lentils, etc.), pumpkin/sunflower seeds

Cooking a few things in advance adds more options too, such as pasta, quinoa, hard boiled eggs, or rice and just storing them in the cooler to eat cold.  

You can also wash and chop fruits and vegetables in advance while you still have water and power.

While we know the “hurricane classic” meals like tuna with crackers or peanut butter sandwiches, there are more creative options too.  

You might have seen disaster prep cookbooks, either as a hard copy or viewing articles and PDFs online (though hard copy is more power-outage friendly).  

Check out the cookbook from Florida International University Student Health and Wellness: https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/healthy-living-program/_assets/docs/resources/huricanecookbook.pdf

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute ofFood and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipes for days when the power is out
Breakfast ideas:
Basic Oatmeal (serves 1)
½ cup instant oatmeal
1 cup shelf-stable milk
1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup or brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes

Banana Crunch Wrap (serves 1)
1 whole wheat tortilla shell
2 Tbsp crunchy peanut butter
2 Tbsp chopped banana chips
1-2 Tbsp coconut flakes (optional)
Can also add granola for more crunch.
Spread peanut butter on shell, add other ingredients, and roll

Simple Chia Pudding (serves 1)
¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup shelf-stable milk of choice
2 Tbsp syrup, honey or brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla
Combine ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 30-60 minutes until it forms a pudding consistency.
Can also add fruit and nuts. 

Lunch or dinner ideas:
Sweet Three Bean Salad (serves 6)
28 oz. can of vegetarian baked beans
16 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
16 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can corn kernels
½ cup canned pineapple juice
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Pinch of cinnamon
Mix everything into a bowl and enjoy

Bean Burrito (serves 1)
1 whole wheat tortilla
½ cup refried beans or black/pinto beans
¼ cup salsa
½ cup canned spinach, drained and patted dry
1 Laughing Cow wedge
Guacamole (optional)
Spread cheese in middle of tortilla, then add beans and remaining ingredients and roll

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Vegetarian Baked Beans (serves 4)
1 can candied yams or 15 oz sweet potato puree
½ cup shelf-stable milk of choice
Butter spray 1 Tbsp canola oil
28 oz. can vegetarian baked beans
Combine sweet potatoes/yams, milk, and butter/oil.  Serve with ½ cup baked beans.

Lentil Tacos (serves 1)
2 soft or crunchy corn tortillas
½ cup cooked canned lentils
2 Tbsp salsa
¼ tsp each of garlic and onion powder
¼ tsp dried chili powder
Pinch of salt
Chopped onion, lettuce, or avocado, if desired
Combine lentils with salt, salsa and spices. Put lentil mixture in shells and serve with toppings.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco needs to address invasive species, county board member says

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants the county board to create an ordinance aimed at reducing the spread of invasive species.

She raised the issue during the county board’s Sept. 5 meeting.

She suggested the ordinance she’s recommending should describe what should be done when invasive species are discovered on land that is being developed.

She’s particularly concerned about the presence of cogongrass.

Cogongrass, she said, is one of the most invasive species in the world and said it is not easy to eradicate.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he thought the board had already dealt with the issue when it requested the county to develop some best management practices relating to its right-of-way mowing contractors.

County Administrator Mike Carballa responded: “Those things on our side of the house were taken care of, and we put money in the budget for eradication in some of our areas.

“But to the commissioner’s point, when it spreads, it becomes the county’s problem, so you want to stop it at the source. I would need to research to see if that’s something you do at the site development stage, I don’t know. There’s some land development rules that we would have to consider with that. We’ll take it for action and report back to the board.”

Weightman added: “I would have thought that would have been inferred from the previous conversation.”

But Starkey said: “We never did anything for the private sector.”

Starkey noted that the Southwest Florida Water Management District deals with cogongrass immediately because they don’t want it to spread.

“They eradicate it right away,” she said.

Starkey added: “I’m telling you, it will be a huge nightmare, if we don’t get it.”

Published September 20, 2023

Remembering the victims of Sept. 11

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The president of the United School Employees of Pasco and the Pasco County School Board paused on Sept. 11, to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the heroes who responded.

Don Peace, the union president, said: “I’m at a school board meeting on this, the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 of 2001.

“On that tragic day — Sept. 11, 2001 — we were notified mid-morning, at Gulf Middle School, of a tragedy unfolding across the northeast and at the Pentagon.

“We gathered in a locker room and watched the TV, in disbelief, as buildings crumbled and people were lost in the rubble.

“Even more alarming was the host of people jumping out of burning buildings, in an attempt to escape the horrendous fires.

“First responders — and I use that term collectively, “ Peace said, “as not all that ran to help those in turmoil were police, fire or health workers, but also average citizens, who saw a need and acted, without thought of personal safety.

“Heroes came in all shapes, sizes and walks of life.

“Lives were changed, many saved, because of the actions of those brave souls on that day.

“We are forever in debt to those who unselfishly thought of others first, putting themselves in peril to make a difference in other people’s lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families today, in remembrance of their service,” Peace said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin shared her reflections on the tragedy of that day, too.

“It’s been 22 years since the horrific attack on our country. We will always remember the lives lost and the families whose loved ones never came home.

“The pain of losing loved ones continues forever.

“There are many heroes who made sacrifices that day. May we always remember and honor them — the Armed Forces, first responders and countless others whose act of service to save our people and defend our nation’s freedom, exemplified the strength of the American people.”

School board chairman Megan Harding paid tribute to the anniversary by requesting her colleagues and the public to devote a moment of silence “for those who have lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones, 22 years ago.”

Published September 20, 2023

County board faces heat for proposed tax increase

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For the past two years, the Pasco County Commission has faced pressure from first responders to improve funding for the county’s fire rescue services.

Last week, the heat was coming from a different direction.

During discussion of a proposed tax hike to support fire services, property owners urged the county board to find ways to trim costs, or tap into other sources of revenue, rather than asking taxpayers to pay more.

Some critics told the county board that it’s getting too expensive to live in Pasco and that they may be forced to move.

Firefighters have urged Pasco County officials to expand funding for emergency services. At the same time, taxpayers have made it known they think the county needs to find ways to reduce spending rather than raise taxes. (File)

The county has proposed increasing the millage for the county’s Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) from its current rate of 1.8036 to 2.3 mills. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 worth of taxable value.

The increase would cost $49.64 a year for the owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000.

The increase is intended primarily for salary increases, opening two fire stations, software upgrades, mental health, and more firefighters and equipment.

County Commissioner Seth Weightman told his colleagues he can support some of the proposed increase, but not all of it.

The commissioner expressed irritation at changing proposals regarding the Fire MSTU through the course of budget talks.

During initial discussions, no increase was proposed for the Fire MSTU, then it went to a five-year plan, and now, a 10-year plan, Weightman said.

“You keep moving the goal line every time we have these budget talks,” Weightman told County Administrator Mike Carballa.

“These are big jumps.”

Weightman said people are feeling pressured by higher property and vehicle insurance premiums and other inflationary impacts.

Taxpayers are objecting, he added.

“In my office, every day the calls are going in. People are nervous about what these increases are going to look like,” he said.

Property owners also gave the county board an earful during the first public hearing on the budget, held Sept. 5.

One East Pasco man told the county board: “I’m here to protest the budget increase. I represent myself, my neighbors and my fellow citizens in Crystal Springs, and to let you know that we know exactly what you are doing. You’re not fooling anyone.

“It’s bad enough I have to pay $3,000 a year, which isn’t bad compared to him, for a mobile home that I own outright on my own land, that I own outright, without you coming to me and saying, ‘That’s not enough. We need 25% more.”

He wasn’t buying the county’s reasoning that it needs more money because of the effects inflation is having on the government’s ability to pay for needed infrastructure and services.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’s sensitive to the effects that higher property tax insurance, higher car insurance and overall inflation is having on county residents. He supports raising the millage level for the county’s fire services, but not to the degree that’s been proposed.

“You’re going to lecture us about inflation. You know what we’re expected to do when inflation hits us? Tighten our belts, cut costs and do more with less. That’s what we’re expected to do.

“Fifteen years of exponential growth going into the coffers of this county and you’re coming to us and you’re telling us, ‘It’s not enough. We need 25% more.’ It’s outrageous.

“You know what roads and schools and firehouses are? Impacts from overbuilt sprawl, of which you are the overseers of.”

The man suggested: “Double the impact fees, triple ‘em. That’ll stop the sprawl.

“You know what I expect you to do? Do more with less, tighten your belt and cut costs.”

He wasn’t the only speaker who told the board to look for solutions other than raising taxes.

One resident noted that owners of rental property pay higher taxes because their properties don’t qualify for homestead exemptions.

As they pay higher taxes, he said, they will have to pass along the tax hikes to their renters.

He said he doesn’t want to do that, but doesn’t have the option not to.

Another resident told board members that if the higher tax is adopted, he will do what he can to help Weightman retain his seat and whatever he can to make sure the other board members don’t.

One firefighter appeared before the board to speak on behalf of the higher tax rate: “I recognize that raising taxes is a big deal, and I recognize that people are having a tough time right now. But it occurs to me that had this millage rate been adjusted, even in the most modest amount five years ago, what a much better financial position we would be in now, and how much of that growth that’s come to this county, of people of wealth, of means from other areas that are buying these expensive homes, the portion they could have been paying into our tax rolls to build our fire department to what it should be.”

The speaker also noted that a comparison by Florida TaxWatch showed that Pasco County ranked 57th out of the state’s 67 counties, in terms of expenditures for public safety.

“That’s unbelievably low. It’s a testament to the work that the men and women of your fire department have been putting in for it to function as well as it has.”

Because of Pasco’s growth, the amount of spending per capita for fire department spending has been decreasing, the firefighter noted.

“It’s time to adjust the millage for the fire department to bring us to the area that we need to be,” the speaker said.

While opposition was apparent, commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Ron Oakley spoke in favor of the proposed increase.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said the county must hire more firefighters to address increased demands for services, as Pasco grows. It also needs to provide competitive pay or will lose its firefighters to other counties.

“We’ve always been known as a very conservative, and lower-cost alternative to the counties around us,” Starkey said. “I think when you’re a fast-growing county like we are, it puts pressures on everything.

“To have it take 18 minutes to have someone respond to a call, it’s not OK. That’s a life-and-death situation. The steps that we’re taking today are not getting us all of the way where we need to be, but again, we’re taking a conservative step forward.

“These are not frivolous things that we’re having to vote on,” Starkey said.

Oakley said voters previously approved a bond issue for additional fire personnel and more fire stations.

“If you gave this issue to the citizens, I would almost guarantee that they would pass it,” Oakley said.

Like Starkey, Oakley said the county must improve on its response times.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano also noted the taxpayer approval of the general obligation bonds to support fire services.

The county is attempting to provide the kind of services people want, Mariano said.

“The people have told us they want to live in a quality place,” Mariano said.

Carballa said he was persuaded to bring the proposed Fire MSTU to the board in May because the Fire MSTU was insolvent.

“In the red?” Starkey asked.

“In the red, correct,” Carballa replied.

The county administrator continued: “The county had gone eight years without an increase in that fund. The exponential rate of growth and the demand of services, the need to outfit new fire stations with firefighters and equipment. It’s simply at a point where it’s not sustainable,” he said.

The county also has a challenge retaining firefighters because other counties offer better pay, Carballa said.

“We lose firefighters to Hillsborough, City of Tampa. It’s highly, highly competitive,” the county administrator said.

At the same time, Pasco has increasing needs for service.

“We are the third busiest ambulatory agency in the state of Florida. And, our response times are suffering and we are playing a lot of catch-up, due to the growth,” Carballa said.

Carballa told the board that a shorter planning horizon would likely result in a lower millage rate request for the Fire MSTU.

Mariano encouraged him to look at a five-year plan, instead of one covering 10 years.

“We can present the board with options,” Carballa said.

The board’s final budget hearing is set for Sept. 19, at 5:15 p.m. in the boardroom at the Pasco County Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published September 13, 2023

After 90 years, Lutz Scouts still trooping along

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They’ve been prepared for this for 90 years.

Scouts, and their leaders, of Boy Scout Troop 12 are celebrating the pack’s 90th anniversary in 2023, as the youth-based organization took time to reflect on its impact on the Lutz community.

From left: Boy Scout Troop 12 members, Life Scout Gabe Luria, Life Scout Grayson Tibbett, Second Class Scout Nate Miller and Second Class Scout Gavin Miller look over a project at the troop’s Scout Hut, 205 Second Ave. S.E., in Lutz. The four young men are part of Troop 12’s nearly two dozen members. The troop, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, has had its hand in countless community service projects. (Mike Camunas)

With 24 scouts of varying ranks, about a dozen adult leaders and an absolutely impressive list of Eagles Scouts through the years, Troop 12 has been developing boys into men, then into leaders, for nine decades.

“There’s two sides to it, really,” Gabe Luria, assistant senior patrol leader and life Scout, said. “On the one side, you hope to live up to it all, but also not wreck the history by letting this place burn down or something. On the other side, you realize, wow, this is my troop and look at what they’ve all done.

“It’s kind of insane they’ve done so much and been around so long.”

Troop 12, even with its history, is different from many other troops for several reasons.

For starters, according to former Scoutmaster and Troop Historian Paul Evans, the troop has had an uninterrupted charter since it was formed in 1933. Sometimes, troops can dissolve or merge with another troop — Troop 12 did just this as recently as two years ago with Troop 21 out of St. Mary’s Church in nearby Lake Magdalene.

Additionally, Troop 12 also doesn’t have to rely on a church or school to hold its meetings, as it’s not dependent for a meeting place. It has its own Troop Hut, or building, located at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz.

It’s a medium-sized meeting hall where the scouts come together to work on their projects, trips and initiatives. It also houses not only their equipment, but a plethora of history and scout memorabilia.

Troop 12 in Lutz established its charter in 1933 and has produced dozens of Eagle Scouts. Many have become established community leaders and business people, and some have children who have been members of the troop.

“No one has the history we have,” second-year Scoutmaster Doug Tibbett said. “Since we don’t have to rely on churches or other places for facilities to meet at, it allows us to do a little bit more by having our own property.

“When (my son, Grayson, and I) came in, we didn’t really know everyone,” Tibbett added, “but became quite comfortable with everyone quickly. Eventually, you are sending your son off on a trip or camping with people that you want to rely on. Everyone’s vetted and on the up and up, and because of it, we get great leadership.

“As a parent, I’m not worried about my son or the boys because we have quality leaders.”

Leaders, as it turns out, that actually lead.

Troop 12 is self-run by the young men, which gives the scouts a chance to really step into leadership roles.

“I like that we’re youth-run,” Luria said. “We practice leadership in a practical manner, so we have to lead, but we get to lead in a way that we learn from it.

“And that way, becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t just about putting it on your resume. It’s about being able to show that we can actually lead the Troop.”

Troop 12 Scout Masters, from left, Bill Weber, Josh Luria and Paul Evans, discuss some upcoming projects. They also reminisce about the 90-year-old troop’s storied history.

Troop 12 had its first Eagle Scout when Ralph Combs earned the honor in 1939. Not long after that was their second Eagle Scout, Sydney Evans, who would go on to serve in World War II, only to return to Troop 12 and become a Scoutmaster.

According to Tibbett, Troop 12 members generally become Eagle Scouts around 16 years old, about two years before they age out of scouting.

“We try to get them to Eagle before the fumes kick in: car fumes and perfumes,” Tibbett said. “They get cars and girlfriends, so sometimes they branch out their lives, which is fine, but we like to see them mentor, too. We don’t want them to Eagle and disappear, and they usually don’t. With all the Eagles on the board (in the hut), some have become leaders in the community.”

Troop 12, in Lutz, lowers the American flag during a ceremony, and to protect it from an approaching storm on Aug. 28.

“It’s an organization that you don’t realize what you get out of it until later,” Evans added. “I think that’s why many end up coming back, even if not to lead, but to see the troop, talk to the scouts, see how we’re doing.

“They’re always a part of Troop 12.”

Also always a part of Troop 12 is its impact on the community, specifically from its service to its many institutions — which include the countless Eagle Projects that dot the small unincorporated town.

Tibbett, Evans, Luria and the rest of the Troop can’t help but see the projects, from work done at Carolyn Meeker Dog Park, a butterfly garden, aviaries, retired flag boxes at multiple locations, and work done at Lutz Library and Cemetery.

The bottom line is be prepared for many more Eagle Projects in Lutz coming from Troop 12.

“You can’t look around Lutz without seeing one, and, of course, we always look at places close to us (for projects), from the K-8 School to the Old Schoolhouse,” Tibbett said. “Those projects, they’re great, because they’re a part of Lutz and always will be.”

“To walk around Lutz and see all the previous Eagle Scout projects, that’s really cool,” Luria added. “In fact, we went to a campsite somewhere in Georgia and (a project) said, ‘Eagle Scout Project Troop 12’ and that’s insane since it was hundreds of miles from Lutz.

“One day, some kid is going to do the same thing to my project and that’s going to be pretty cool, too.”

Published September 13, 2023

Pasco board approves $15.2 million for Wiregrass sports field project

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Construction is expected to begin on additional fields at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Camp as part of a $15.2 million project that is scheduled to be completed by fall 2024. (File)

The Pasco County Commission has approved a contract with Trias for slightly more than $15.2 million for phase two of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel.

The specific not-to-exceed amount of the contract is for $15,211,150.

The county board voted 4-0 to approve the contract.

During a previous commission meeting, the board approved pursuing a loan for $12 million to cover costs associated with the project. The loan is expected to be repaid with Tourist Development Tax revenues, since the sports complex plays a key role in the county’s tourism efforts. There is a possibility that the county will find another source of funding, but for now, the board is proceeding with the contract to allow it to proceed on a project that’s already about three years overdue, according to previous board discussions.

The planned improvements include:

  • Five multipurpose sports fields, with lighting (plus lighting at two existing fields)
  • Parking for the area
  • A concession stand with restrooms
  • Three pavilions
  • A multi-use trail
  • A parking area for the pavilions, concession stand and trail
  • A roadway loop to take teams to the multipurpose fields
  • Stormwater ponds
  • Additional landscaping

Here’s how those costs break down:

  • Exterior improvements, including fill, curbs, fencing, parking, roads: $6.6 million
  • Building (three pavilions, one multipurpose restroom/concession): $1.7 million
  • Fields (turf surface, under-draining, root zoning): $4.6 million
  • Electrical (lighting, street lighting): $1.3 million
  • Landscaping and irrigation: $450,000
  • Contingency: $250,000

Construction is expected to begin this fall with completion expected in fall 2024, according to documents in the county board’s Sept. 5 agenda packet.

Published September 13, 2023

State Road 54 widening in Wesley Chapel now open

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A long-in-the-making road project in Wesley Chapel is now partially open.

State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, just east of Curly Road headed toward Zephyrhills, has now opened its new lanes following its widening project that began in November 2017.

State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, just east of Curly Road headed toward Zephyrhills, has now opened its new lanes following its widening project that began in November 2017. (Mike Camunas)

Starting at Curly Road and ending at Morris Bridge Road and Eiland Boulevard, there are now four lanes on the road, and then there are six lanes once State Road 54 hits Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

State Road 54 reverts back to two lanes, heading east and west, as construction work continues to finish the lanes and intersection at Morris Bridge and Eiland.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in preparation for Hurricane Idalia impacts, removed barrels in the construction zone from east of Curley and to the east of Morris Bridge/Eiland to assist in hurricane evacuation and eliminate potential projectiles. 

According to FDOT’s projects website, all thru-lanes are open. Dual-turn lanes are still operating in a single-lane turn configuration. Drivers are urged to use caution driving this area as it remains a construction zone.

As construction resumed after the storm, some barrels will be replaced, but lanes are expected to be open except for temporary lane closures in work areas for paving, striping and various work items.

The progress of the road has been of interest to thousands of people who move through the area.

This section of State Road 54 passes by several schools, including Creative School World – Wesley Chapel, Pinecrest Academy and New River Elementary, as well as churches (Calvary Baptist and Trinity Church), the New River Library and communities such as Hamilton Park, Chapel Crossings and Avalon Park.

Published September 13, 2023

Pioneer Lutz woman leaves a permanent mark on her community

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During her lifetime, Elizabeth Riegler MacManus got a thrill from gathering old photographs and tracking down facts about the people, places and institutions in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

This poster captures the importance that citrus groves played in the development of Lutz and Central Pasco County. Elizabeth Riegler MacManus amassed a vast collection of historical artifacts and those are being shared through The Elizabeth Riegler MacManus Collection, which is being dedicated in a Sept. 20 ceremony at the Lutz Branch Library. (Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative)

Over decades, she amassed a huge collection of historical regional artifacts.

Her passion prompted her to write books, including two she co-authored, with her daughter Susan A. MacManus.

One, “Citrus, Sawmills, Critters & Crackers: Life in Early Lutz and Central Pasco County” was completed during Elizabeth’s lifetime.

She and Susan had wrapped up most of the legwork for the sequel, “Going, Going … Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories,” before Elizabeth died in  2008.

The books contain a treasure trove of photographs and recollections transcribed from oral histories that Elizabeth had collected.

Next week, much of the work amassed by Elizabeth during her lifetime will be shared through the dedication of The Elizabeth Riegler MacManus Collection.

A ceremony to unveil the collection has been set for Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m., at the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.

The materials tell the personal stories of the people and industries that played a role in the evolution of the Central Pasco and northern Hillsborough communities.

The digital collection includes regional serial publications, photographs, a group of deeds and titles, pioneer reunion photographs and genealogical documents, hand-drawn maps and artifacts, according to materials relating to the upcoming event.

The library display includes items relating to the area’s orange groves, railroads and other elements that played a pivotal role in shaping the development of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and nearby communities.

The dedication ceremony will include remarks by Jeffrey Huggins, the library’s community engagement manager; Dr. Gary Mormino, the Frank E. Duckwall Professor of History Emeritus from the University of South Florida; and by Elizabeth’s daughter, Susan, a retired USF professor of political science.

The collection has been made possible through a donation by the families of Dr. Susan MacManus, Dr. Lou MacManus and Dr. Cameron MacManus Jr.

Elizabeth Riegler MacManus Collection
What: Dedication of the The Elizabeth Riegler MacManus Collection, a compilation of historical materials about the families, businesses and culture documenting the pioneer life and history of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and other areas of Hillsborough and Central Pasco counties.
When: Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
Cost: Admission is free. It will include a look at the display, some remarks by speakers Jeffrey Huggins, and Dr. Gary Mormino and Dr. Susan A. MacManus, both retired professors from the University of South Florida. Refreshments will be served.

Published September 13, 2023

Economic impact for Pasco project set at $30 billion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published September 13, 2023