The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

On a mission to protect local wildlife

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has recognized the outstanding wildlife habitat management efforts of private landowner Jake English of Pasco County, according to a news release.

Jake English of Pasco County was honored for his habitat management efforts as part of the FWC’s Wildlife Habitation Recognition Program. (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

The honor is part of the Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program, which pays tribute to exemplary landowners by giving them a sign to display on their property, as well as a certificate to recognize their habitat conservation efforts.

English began working with the FWC in January 2020 to create a management plan for his 30-acre property, Drexel Farms, where he implements a variety of practices to benefit game and imperiled species, as well as other wildlife species on his property. These beneficial practices include prescribed fire, brush management and invasive plant control to improve the food, shelter and water available to wildlife on the property, the release said.

More than 70% of land in Florida is privately owned, while more than half of all threatened and endangered species in the United States depend on privately owned land to thrive. These private lands play a critical role in wildlife conservation.

Without private landowner efforts, countless plant and animal species would be at risk of significant population declines, which could result in them becoming listed on state or federal threatened and endangered species lists, according to FWC.

“We are impressed by the hard work Mr. English has put into his property,” said Luis Gonzalez, FWC’s southwest regional landowner assistance program coordinator, in the release.

“His management practices have provided tremendous habitat improvement for local fauna. We hope his efforts can serve as an example for all other private homeowners in Florida to follow,”  Gonzalez said.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/LAP and click on “Landowner Recognition Programs,” and to find help and resources for managing wildlife on property, click on “Wildlife and Habitat Assistance.”

Published September 06, 2023

Fields at LOL Rec Complex to get irrigation upgrade

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This is one of the fields getting new pipes. The tentative date for reopening the fields is Nov. 7. (Mike Camunas)

Due to a much-needed upgrade, six baseball and softball fields and four multi-purpose fields at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex are closed.

The fields, at 3032 Collier Parkway, are getting brand new irrigation and sprinkler systems, replacing the original pipes that were installed when the park opened in January 1992.

The fields are located at the front of the complex on the original 40 acres on which the complex was built. The complex, which also has a gym, pool complex, tennis courts, a skate park and concession stands, added a 40-acre expansion in the back in the mid 2000s.

The fields host leagues such as Land O’ Lakes Little League and Florida Premiere FC.

The fields are tentatively set to reopen Nov. 7.

Published September 06, 2023

Six baseball and softball fields and four multi-purpose fields at the front of Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, are closed due to the county’s Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department installing new irrigation and sprinkler systems.
New pipes will replace the original pipes that were installed when the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex opened in 1992.

Massive project proposed on State Road 52

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request by Jeffrey Hust and Margaret Hust for a mixed-use development that includes 1.6 million square feet of mixed use and 1,000 multi-family dwellings.

The proposed mixed uses are 800,000 square feet of light industrial, 400,000 square feet of office and 400,000 square feet of commercial and retail uses.

The proposed master-planned unit development (MPUD), known as Abbey Crossings, is being planned for 245.24 acres on the south side of County Road 52, intersecting with McKendree Road.

The land currently is zoned for agricultural and commercial uses.

In addition to the rezoning, the applicant is asking for greater flexibility in the neighborhood park design for the multi-family apartments and is seeking a reduction in the on-site parking requirements.

The planning and development department has reviewed the requested variations and found that they meet or exceed the intent of the code, according to the planning commission’s Aug. 24 agenda materials.

The proposed project is within the boundaries of Connected City, specifically in the Business Core Center.

No one spoke during the planning board’s meeting for or against the project.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission for final action.

Published September 06, 2023

Mobi-Mats increase access at four Pasco beaches

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Pasco County has been reimbursed for the Mobi-Mats it installed at Moon Lake, Anclote River, Robert K. Rees Memorial and Robert J Strickland Memorial beaches.

(File)

Mobi-Mats are roll-out surfaces that provide access onto the sand of beaches for those with mobility disabilities.

The costs for the Mobi-Mats and associated signage were covered by a donation totaling $29,041.45 from the Michael and Robin Lally Forward Foundation, which reimbursed Pasco County after it installed the Mobi-Mats.

The county secured the funding after a county employee saw a newspaper article about the Forward Foundation offering to pay local governments to install Mobi-Mats.

Within a week of hearing about the opportunity, the county’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department reached out to the Forward Foundation to seek funding.

The Forward Foundation agreed to reimburse the county for the Mobi-Mats it installed to provide access to people who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, who are pregnant, who experience balance issues, who have developmental disabilities, who have gait irregularities, who have neurological conditions, or weakness, or who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

The Pasco County Commission formally received the reimbursement of the funds from the Forward Foundation during a board meeting over the summer.

Published September 06, 2023

Hurricane Idalia makes landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area

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The National Hurricane Center reported catastrophic storm surge along the coast of the Florida Big Bend area, with damaging winds spreading inland over northern Florida in an update posted at 9 a.m. on Aug. 30.

The hurricane center reported NOAA radar data indicated maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, with higher gusts.

A NOAA National Ocean Service tide gauge at Cedar Key reported a water level of 6.8 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of the inundation in that area, according to the hurricane center’s update.

Meanwhile, while the Tampa Bay region escaped a direct hit, officials continue to caution residents about potential dangers from flooding and storm surge.

In a news release issued around 7:20 a.m. on Aug. 30, Pasco County officials urged residents to stay home, stay in their shelter and stay off the roads.

“If your home is flooding, please turn off the power, call 911, and our emergency crews will respond as quickly as we can,” the county release says.

“Powerful storm surge and tropical storm force winds will continue to impact Pasco County through Wednesday afternoon.  This is not the time to venture outside, unless your home is flooding, and you need to get to safety.”

The county’s 911 center is receiving numerous calls about flooding.

“Our first responders are rescuing people from flooded homes and from cars trapped in flooded streets.  Staying out of harm’s way is the best way to protect yourself and your community,” the release says.

The county also provided this key information:

  • Stay Indoors – away from windows and doors. Seek shelter in the innermost part of your home, preferably a small, windowless room, until the severe weather threat has passed.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Travel unless absolutely necessary. Roads may be flooded or blocked by downed trees, debris or power lines.
  • Stay Informed – monitor a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, local news outlets and official Pasco County social media channels for the latest information.
  • Emergency Calls – if your life is in danger, call or text 911.
  • For general information and questions, call Pasco Customer Service at 727-847-2411.

“Your safety is our top priority, and we strongly advise following these guidelines to protect yourself, your family and your neighbors until the dangerous weather has passed,” the release adds.

The county is coordinating with other agencies in its response to Hurricane Idalia.

City of Tampa officials also continue to warn residents of the dangers of storm surge.

The risk of storm surge remains until the afternoon of Aug. 30, according to a city news release.

Residents leaving their homes on Aug. 30 were urged to be extremely cautious because of the potential flood risks due to high tide.

City crews and first responders also will be actively canvassing the area to identify possible flooding and other issues, the release says.

To report storm debris on public property to ask storm-related questions, Tampa residents can call 813-872-4636.

Published Aug. 30, 2023.

Orange Belt Trail meeting sparks questions, criticism

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Planning continues on the Orange Belt Trail — a proposed 37-mile recreational trail across Pasco County — but the project is facing resistance by property owners in East Pasco.

Residents from Dade City, Zephyrhills and Trilby turned out for a recent meeting to pose questions and voice criticism.

The proposed trail has been years in the making and the ultimate path is months away from consideration by the Pasco County Commission. As envisioned, the Orange Belt Trail will be a multi-use trail traversing the county, from Trinity to Trilby.

Pasco County officials and Orange Belt project leaders invited the public to two open house forums to discuss alternate routes and to solicit feedback on the project.

Pasco County officials speak to a packed house at the Dade City Woman’s Club on Aug. 15 about alternate routes that are being considered for the Orange Belt Trail, a proposed, continuous 37-mile multi-use trail through Pasco County, from Trinity to Trilby. The meeting attracted residents, community leaders and concerned citizens. Beyond seeking additional information, many in attendance expressed fiery opposition. The proposed trail has been the subject of controversy in some areas, with objections arising by some about how close the trail is to their private property, especially in East Pasco. (Mike Camunas)

The Aug. 15 session, at the Dade City Woman’s Club, attracted a packed house of residents and community leaders.

After listening to a presentation by the project team regarding potential alignments, several members of the crowd posed fiery questions about the proposed paths.

They wanted to know what the county plans to do about the trail intersecting private properties or aligning with backyard property lines. Questions also were raised about the cost of the project and how it will be funded. Others wanted to know how the county will ensure the trail’s upkeep and security along the path.

Wiatt Bowers, project planner and consultant, and Erin Swanson, the new project manager, fielded the questions and criticism. Swanson replaced Sam Beneck, the former project manager.

“Funding for the project is coming from the Penny for Pasco fund (PFP),” Swanson told the crowd. “Other funding will come from the SUN Trail Program.”

“A project of this scope and scale — each mile of trail is most likely in the millions,” Bowers added. “There is not a set budget yet until we have the routes finalized, but the longer it is, the more expensive it will be.”

The Orange Belt Trail will, more or less, follow the path of the old railway and will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

It is expected to have recreational and economic opportunities along the way and will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail. The multi-use trail is expected to be 12 feet to 14 feet wide, and will be paved, but portions of the path also could incorporate equestrian uses.

The project has faced criticism by some for using Penny for Pasco funds, which critics say could be better spent on other projects, such as school improvements and infrastructure.

Opponents also have criticized the potential placement of the trail near homes.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey previously offered assurances the trail will not require involuntary taking of private property, but some residents continue to express concerns.

Some property owners pointed out that the proposed path, including the alternatives, show the trail just mere feet away from their property line. Several speakers essentially asked the project team why the county wants to build something that’s not very useful.

Others chimed in that they don’t want the trail in their backyards.

Starkey noted in February the alignment of the Orange Belt Trail, on the east side of Interstate 75, is more complicated than it is on the west side of I-75.

The project team’s presentation appeared to confirm that.

In Section C of the trail — which stretches from St. Leo north to Trilby — there are five alternative routes being considered. They are based on previous community workshops, held in December and April and additional feedback received on the project’s website and through online votes.

“We are just working on the best place to put (the trail) and where it doesn’t impact people’s properties,” Swanson said.

The Orange Belt Trail plans on using existing trails, as well as where the old Railway used to run, to create a 37-mile continuous trail from Trinity to Trilby.

Project leaders encouraged those who attended the open house to continue to provide feedback online and in person. They also provided ways, besides alternate routes, the trail will tackle issues of privacy and territorial reinforcement.

The project, supposedly, will make use of natural elements, such as scenery and trees, but also sidewalks and transparent fencing.

The fencing idea got pushback from the crowd.

“We don’t want to look out and see fencing on our property that we didn’t put in,” a speaker said.

“That’s why we moved out here (to East Pasco) in the first place — to get away from a trail or fence,” another added.

Project leaders tried to reassure attendees the routes were not finalized and that’s why there were these meetings, as well as more in the near future.

“Ultimately, the build or no build will come down to your elected officials,” Bowers said. “We have seen overwhelming support for the project, but what’s best is to continue to give us your feedback.”

Criticisms also were raised by some members of the crowd regarding the lack of attendance at the meeting by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district covers East Pasco, and Commissioner Starkey, who has been a staunch advocate of the trail.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman was there and spoke to many of those attending the session at length. His district covers Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

At this point nothing about the trail is set in stone, project planners said. The goal has been to make a 37-mile crossing Pasco, but that might not happen, Bowers said.

“It is entirely possible that we get a no build,” Bowers said. “It is also entirely possible it doesn’t connect from Trinity to Trilby.”

Conversely, at the “West Side” meeting held Aug. 16 at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library in Odessa, the crowd was much smaller and calmer than its East Side counterparts.

According to Orange Belt officials, only about 50 people were in attendance, as there is only one build alternative on routes on that side of the trail. 

Most people in attendance live near Tower Road, which is currently going through a Feasibility Study for possible extension and expansion, and their questions related to how the trail may integrate into the road expansion.

Commissioner Weightman raised the issue about the Orange Belt Trail during the county board’s Aug. 22 meeting. Weightman said he attended both community meetings and shared his observations.

“There’s a clear difference of opinion on the trail. Really, once you get east of Bellamy Brothers (Boulevard), folks are pretty passionate about the direction of that trail and our office has had several meetings. I encourage folks to hear what the folks that get impacted — once they get east of Bellamy Brothers, what they have to say.”

This map graphic shows alternate routes proposed for the Orange Belt Trail on the eastern side of Pasco County that include San Antonio, St. Leo, Dade City and Trilby. (Courtesy of Diane Jones)

At the meeting on the west side of the county, he heard “encouraging remarks.”

Oakley said there’s been a misunderstanding on the east side of the county.

“They are thinking that we’re cutting their land in half.

“That’s not going to happen. We’re not going to condemn any of their property. “We’re not going to cut their property in half. And they need to understand that.

“The trail will be coming across the entire county.

“It’s going to be a very well-used Orange Belt Trail,” Oakley said.

Starkey added: “I talked to some business people on the east side, one, whose last name is Simpson, and he’s very excited about the opportunities that he’s going to have to put retail along the trail.

“There is no doubt that the closer you are to a trail of this type, your property values go up and it’s actually safer because there’s more eyes around to stop crime,” she said.

“I look forward to more and more discussions on this. I think it’s going to be wonderful for the county,” Starkey said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano said there are many potential routes.

“I think there are alternatives to make it all work out,” Mariano said.

Orange Belt Trail
Details: A proposed, continuous 37-mile multi-use trail through Pasco County, from Trinity to Trilby. Pasco County government officials are taking feedback and comments from the public to consider as they make plans for the trail’s alignment. At this point, they are considering various alternatives.
For more information or to provide feedback and comments, or to take the public survey, visit OrangeBeltTrail.com. To learn more about Pasco County Engineering Services, visit MyPas.co/3tzL8N3.

— B.C. Manion contributed to this story.

Published August 30, 2023

Academy at the Farm plans to launch high school

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The Pasco County School Board has approved an amendment to Academy at the Farm’s charter contract that allows the school to begin phasing in a high school program, starting in 2025-2026.

The school has been granted its request to add ninth grade, in the 2025-2026 school year, and to add one grade level each year,  to phase in grades nine through 12, according to materials in the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 22 agenda packet.

The charter school, at 9500 Alex Lange Way in Dade City, is operating under a 15-year renewal contract amendment adopted by the Pasco school board on Aug. 1, 2013.

Academy at the Farm, at 9500 Alex Lange Way, currently serves kindergarten through eighth grade, but plans to phase in a high school beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. (File)

In the 2025-2026 academic year, the school plans to increase its total student enrollment from 700 students to 876 students.

Under its high-performing status, Academy at the Farm intends to fully implement a high school campus serving grades nine through 12 in 2028-2029, the background materials say.

Its anticipated enrollment is:

  • 876 students in grades kindergarten through nine, in 2025-2026
  • 976 students in grades kindergarten through 10, in 2026-2027
  • 1,076 students in grades kindergarten through 11, in 2027-2028
  • 1,176 students in grades kindergarten through 12, in 2028-2029.

The school board approved the action as part of its consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are approved in a single vote, without comment, unless someone pulls an item from that agenda for discussion.

About Academy at the Farm
Where: 9500 Alex Lange Way, Dade City
Details: Academy at the Farm is a K-8 charter school that intends to phase in high school, beginning in 2025-2026. The school focuses heavily on higher education, but also has several agricultural aspects, such as a working farm, livestock, crops and more. Any parent can apply for their child or children to attend Academy at the Farm; however, there is a lottery list that resets every March, and it has a long waiting list.
Info: Visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

Published August 30, 2023

Pasco seeks $12 million loan for Wiregrass campus sports fields

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The Pasco County Commission voted 4-1 to seek a $12 million loan to help cover the costs for sports fields and other improvements at the Wiregrass Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco Commission Chairman Jack Mariano voted against the loan — after unsuccessfully seeking to persuade his colleagues to delay the issue while exploring other ways to repay the loan.

Under the proposal brought to the board, the loan will be repaid with Tourist Development Tax dollars.

A look from a lofty angle at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel. It plays a key role in Pasco County’s sports tourism marketing efforts. The Pasco County Commission has approved seeking a $12 million loan to add sports fields to the campus, something that’s long overdue according to the county’s contract with the Porters, who donated the land for the sports campus. (File)

Mariano advocated taking a closer look at potential sources of money to repay the loan.

“I think we can do this better. I think we have other sources. We’ve got Penny for Pasco money.

“The road infrastructure, we can look at transportation impact fees,” Mariano said.

The county might also be able to use park impact fee money, he said.

He said he didn’t think the board had the detail it needed and sought to delay the vote until more information was obtained.

His words did not sway his colleagues.

Adam Thomas, director of tourism for Florida’s Sports Coast, told the county board: “We do have a contractual obligation to the family that donated the land.”

He also noted that the sports campus, which is in Wiregrass Ranch, is the centerpiece of the county’s sports tourism efforts.

Commissioners Seth Weightman, Kathryn Starkey and Ron Oakley spoke against Mariano’s request for a delay.

“We’re, what, three years behind schedule on this,” Weightman said. “I want to become compliant in the contract.”

Starkey added: “I am in full support of this project. I think we have an obligation to finish it. It pains me that it’s such a big hit on our tourism folks, but I think we need to finish our obligation.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the county board, “Like any loan, there’s nothing that would preclude us from early payment, repayment. We need the authorization to go get the money, so we can actually start the project.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley expressed his support.

“I’m for moving forward with this project. We’ve been waiting too long, 2 ½ years past due of having these fields built. We need to go forward and make sure we do the right thing.”

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
The field house attracts a wide array of events; it also is used by area youth and adults when it’s not scheduled for tourism-related activities. Pasco County has approved a loan to help cover costs for adding multipurpose sports fields, a multi-use trail, parking, restrooms and a concession building and other improvements.

Thomas, who leads Pasco’s tourism efforts, cautioned against using funds from various sources because that could reduce the availability of the multi-purpose fields at the sports campus for tourism-related events.

Thomas also broke down the costs for the expansion, which total approximately $14.9 million and will be covered by the $12 million loan and other county funding sources, according to Carballa.

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

Published August 30, 2023

Vending machines with the power ‘to change’ kids

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Pricilla Shillingford, as a mom and nurse, knows how to be prepared with supplies — specifically baby supplies.

And as a mom and a nurse, Shillingford knows there are times when those supplies are forgotten or, unexpectedly, run out.

“My husband and I were always like,” the 31-year-old Land O’ Lakes woman said, “we wish there was a vending machine where you just just grab some wipes or diapers or whatever you may need, where you didn’t have to go into a big store to get it.”

Land O’ Lakes mom Pricilla Shillingford, inspired by one of her kids, thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have vending machines that dispensed needed-in-a-pinch baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes and even snacks and toys?’ So, four years ago, Shillingford started Go Baby Vending and put up a couple of vending machines that supplies on-the-go parents with those items, with locations at the Glazer Children’s Museum and The Shops at Wiregrass. (Mike Camunas)

“When my 4-year-old was an infant,” she continued, “we were always forgetting something or it wasn’t in the car when we were out. So, we thought: “What if those were in a vending machine? I knew plenty of parents like that, where we could spend more time at the event or venue instead of having to leave or stop at Walmart or CVS.”

Schillingford started Go Baby Vending — which is just an ordinary vending machine, however, it is stocked full of baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes, and even snacks and toys. All are necessities an on-the-go parent might need in a pinch.

Schillingford brought in the machines in 2019, originally setting up two locations: at the Tampa Premium Outlets and another in Orlando.

Now, her two locations are at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, and another located The Shops at Wiregrass, inside the restrooms’ alcove between JCPenney and Macy’s.

“These are the first in Florida I’ve seen,” Schillingford said. “It’s so helpful to moms, dads, parents, grandparents — and I like to keep the prices reasonable. I’m a parent — I get it. I’m not going to overpay for something that isn’t that expensive in a store.”

Prices for items start as low as $1, but Schillingford isn’t a total capitalist. She donates 5% of the proceeds to various charities, usually ones geared toward helping children, such as St. Jude’s or All Children’s hospitals.

Choosing locations for the machines involves a bit of strategy, Schillingford said. The vending machine needs to be in venues that will, usually, have plenty of children and families out and about. 

Places such as zoos, museums and parks are typically good spots, as she’s also working on securing locations at Bounce House in Tampa and Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland.

“I also talked to the managers of these places and see what items they think they’d like to see in the machines,” she said.

She gets her inventory from big box stores and local businesses and also occasionally adds new selections. For instance, she just added portable chargers for tablets.

Go Baby Vending has two machines, including this one at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, that dispenses baby supplies such as diapers and formula.

“Those seem to always run out of power as the kids watch them,” she explained.

The VA nurse said her husband, Shomari, and their kids, Jayden, Jovani and Selena, help to maintain and stock the machines.

So far, she’s relied on word of mouth and social media to get the word out about the vending machines.

“When parents find out about it, they think it’s a great thing to have available,” she added. “Parents will spread the word and then at least they have this option if they ever need anything or something else they forgot — as parents, we’ve all been there!”

Go Baby Vending Machines
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel; and, Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
Details: Two locations (with possibly more to come) of vending machines that dispense much-needed baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes, and even snacks and toys, for parents on the go or in a pinch.

Published August 30, 2023

Is Regional MPO in Pasco’s future?

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Discussions continue over the best route to take in planning Pasco County’s transportation future.

A study is underway to examine the pros and cons of creating a Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that would include Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

By joining forces, the region would have a better chance of attracting federal dollars for large transportation projects, David Gwynn29, secretary of the District 7 Office of the Florida Department of Transportation, has said during public discussions on the issue.

The idea appeals to some who believe it’s the only way to tackle the significant transportation issues facing the Tampa Bay region.

David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven office, has said the Tampa Bay region’s ability to secure federal funds for projects would be stronger, if the area had one transportation planning board that spoke with a single voice. (File)

But others worry that creating a Tampa Bay Regional MPO would create problems for smaller jurisdictions, which, theoretically could be overlooked when it comes to prioritizing projects and doling out funds.

Carl Mikyska, executive director the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), gave an informational presentation on the issue during the Pasco County MPO board’s Aug. 17 meeting.

The Pasco County MPO is the lead transportation planning agency for Pasco County. Its board is made up of elected leaders in Pasco County, Port Richey, New Port Richey, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

Early in the board’s discussion, Mikyska wanted to make something perfectly clear for board members: “One of the misconceptions is that there might be multiple MPOs within the region.

“While we currently have three MPOs (Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas), if there was to be a (Tampa Bay) regional MPO, it would take away the individual MPOs.

“So, a piece of dirt may have only one MPO, if you will,” the Pasco MPO executive director said.

One way to address specific needs of individual counties would be to have satellite offices in the counties, or to create a technical advisory committee in each area, so local issues could be brought to the regional board’s attention, he said.

He reiterated: “If there was a regional MPO board, there would not be an individual Pasco (board).”

Setting priorities, sharing funds
Concerns also have been expressed about how the money would be handled, Mikyska said.

“I guess the best correlations I could give you is when you get married. You have two individuals that are both working, you get married. Two incomes in one household.

“The expenditure of funds here, both for planning, as well as construction, would be mixed in with the money for Pinellas, the money for Hillsborough. That pot would be larger. Theoretically, the money in Pasco should not change, but what would change is how that money is distributed,” he said.

The Pasco MPO executive continued: “We have a prioritization process for selecting projects here, one that was customized to the needs of Pasco County. It would then be a regional prioritization process and it may look a bit different.”

For instance, he noted, Pasco has prioritized safety and economic development. It’s not clear how that would shake out if a regional MPO replaces the local board.

While a study is underway to look at the advantages and disadvantages of merging the individual MPOs, there is no mandate for a merger to happen, Mikyska added.

The Legislature has mandated the study, but the state does not have the authority to force a merger, Mikyska said.

“The determination of how the MPO is composed is exclusively in your hands. You cannot be forced into a regional MPO because of the way that the codified federal regulations are written.

“The Legislature does seem to have a strong interest in seeing a regional MPO but they are unable to mandate it. So, the best they can do is mandate this study,” Mikyska said.

Pasco MPO board member Ron Oakley, who sits on the Pasco County Commission said initially he thought a regional approach would be better because it would strengthen the area’s ability to attract federal funds.

Having a voice, and a seat at the table
But Oakley said he’s concerned about Pasco losing its voice in the process.

“The chance of us having a real good say is very slim because it has to be done by population. Hillsborough and Pinellas are much bigger right now,” Oakley said.

Pasco County MPO board member Ron Oakley is not sold on the idea of trading in three local transportation planning boards to replace them with one board for the Tampa Bay region.

He’d like to see an arrangement where the individual MPOs can operate independently, but join forces to support specific projects that would benefit the region.

Mikyska said he believes that could be accomplished by working through the Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance, which is a collaboration of the three MPOs in the Tampa region, plus some of the surrounding counties.

“I think we can demonstrate a cooperative nature among us,” Mikyska said.

He noted there appears to be an appetite for a regional MPO in the Tampa Bay business community and among state lawmakers.

But he said there’s less clarity regarding where Pasco and Pinellas counties stand on the issue, and while Hillsborough County has resisted the idea in the past, he’s not sure about its current position.

Pasco MPO board member Matt Murphy, deputy mayor of New Port Richey, said he shared Oakley’s concerns about local issues losing out if a regional MPO is formed.

“We have our pot of money now. If we go to the region, it gets put in a bigger pot. There may be years, maybe multiple years, where we may not get much of it.

“It seems almost like a leap of faith — to try to trust everybody else — and we may get the raw end of that,” Murphy said.

Pasco MPO board member John Hoover, who is mayor of Port Richey, noted: “Obviously, we’re being forced to be part of the study. Is the intent here that, after the study, they can come to the conclusion they want to move to try to force to regionalize?”

Mikyska said he’s not sure the study requires a conclusion.

Hoover asked: “Is it the federal level that makes us autonomous, that we can make it regional or not?”

Mikyska responded: “That is correct.”

MPO board member Scott Black, a city councilman from Dade City sought additional clarification: “We’d have the veto ability to remain on our own, if we wanted to?”

Mikyska answered: “That is correct. You would have to vote to join the larger MPO, then dissolve the individual MPO here, in Pasco.”

Black then noted that he agrees, philosophically, in taking a regional view.

However, he added:  “Not to sound parochial, but I like being at the table.

“I like being able to have that voice for the things that are unique to our part of the county.”

Black also questioned the need for a regional MPO, versus the existing setup.

“I don’t think this is broken. I don’t think it needs to be fixed,” Black said.

Published August 30, 2023