The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Speed limits change, more Penny for Pasco projects funded

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The Pasco County Commission during its Aug. 22 meeting voted to reduce speed limits on three county roads, and it disbanded the Airport Zoning Commission because the commission had wrapped up its work.

Pasco County motorists should be aware that lower speed limits have been adopted on stretches of Morris Bridge, Chancey and Little roads. 

The speed limit on Morris Bridge Road, from the Pasco County line to State Road 54 has been reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph.

A study conducted in the 3.4-mile area on Morris Bridge Road found that there had been 75 crashes within three years. The traffic volume on the road is an average of 14,000 vehicles per day.

The county board also revised the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph on Chancey Road from Morris Bridge Road east to Sandy Drive and from Allen Road east to US 301 (Gall Boulevard).

An assessment of traffic conditions, operational safety, and accident history was performed on Chancey Road from Morris Bridge Road to Gall Boulevard, according to materials in the board’s agenda packet. Within the last three years, the study area has seen 76 crashes. The background materials also noted that traffic on Chancey Road is significant, with an average of 8,700 vehicles per day passing through the area.

The speed limit on Little Road, from Plathe Road to Decubellis Road also has been decreased, in this case, from 55 mph to 45 mph.

The county board’s agenda packet notes that Little Road to the north and south of the study area has a posted speed limit of 45 mph.

The agenda background materials note that in the judgment of engineers in the county’s Traffic Operations Department, reducing the speed limit would improve operational safety and maintain uniformity of speed.

The county board also added some projects to be funded with Penny for Pasco tax proceeds. The revenues have exceeded projections, so the county is able to fund approximately $9.8 million in additional projects.

Here’s a look at what’s been added to the list:

Public safety

  • The Fire Rescue Logistics Building 

Engineering
Road improvements

  • Denton Avenue and East Road
  • Old Pasco Road

Sidewalks

  • Grand Boulevard 

Signalization 

  • Baillie Drive and Broadmoor Drive at Rowan Road Intersections
  • Cypress Creek Boulevard at County Line Road
    • Lakeview Drive/Bethwood Avenue at Moon Lake Road
    • Mitchell Ranch Road at Seven Springs Boulevard 
  • Mitchell Ranch Road at State Road 54
    • Notre Dame Drive at Rowan Road
    • Oakwood Preserve at Mansfield Boulevard
    • Slidell Street/Lacey Drive at Moon Lake Road
    • Trinity Boulevard at Cool Springs Parkway
    • Winding Oaks Boulevard at North County Line Road 

In other action, the county board disbanded the Airport Zoning Commission.

That advisory board was created to address issues relating to airport zoning and land use compatibility regulations.

The county board adopted Airport Zoning Overlay Districts on Aug. 8, which signaled the completion of a collaborative effort involving the county’s legal staff, planning staff, the Airport Zoning Commission and community stakeholders.

The county board also:

  • Approved the extension of a lease with Arts in Motion Community Youth Theatre/Arts Education Inc., for the Florida not-for-profit community youth theater to occupy the 5,828-square-foot building at 13971 Seventh St., in Dade City. The board also approved two additional one-year renewal options. The group is using the former IT/Data Building in Dade City.
  • Appointed Denise Nicholas as the District 5 representative to the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for a three-year term beginning on Aug. 8 and ending Aug. 8, 2026.
  • Adopted a resolution recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day as a time to remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. The resolution noted that Pasco County suffered 1,510 overdoses last year, of which 289 were fatal.

Published September 06, 2023

Lutz Boy Scout Troop 12 celebrating 90 years

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(Mike Camunas)

Boy Scout Troop 12 in Lutz is planning a gathering to celebrate its 90th anniversary.

The event is set for Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Troop 12 is inviting the community to join them at a festival that will include food, activities, raffles, contests and more.

The event will be held at the Troop 12 Scout Hut, 205 Second Ave. S.E., in Lutz.

Attendance is free.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, email .

Published September 06, 2023

The Point Distillery is expanding

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The Point Distillery is expanding and will be creating 20 to 25 new jobs, according to background materials in the Pasco County Commission’s Aug. 22 agenda packet.

The distillery, in New Port Richey, will be adding a new bottling line, which will expand the company’s ability to obtain contracts, nationally and internationally, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC).

The Pasco EDC’s announced the company’s expansion after the county board’s vote to approve an interest-free loan to The Point Distillery.

The Point Distillery, in New Port Richey, has announced an expansion, which is being supported through an interest-free loan from Pasco County. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman voted against the interest-free loan, while other commissioners supported it.

“For me, it’s a fundamental issue on what government should and should not be doing. I just have a concern that the government is giving interest-free loans for private business and we’re operating as a bank, and I just fundamentally just disagree with that.

“It has nothing to do with the business, I don’t believe Pasco County government needs to be working in a capital investment space. There’s risk to the taxpayer money. It’s just a principled position I have on it, it has nothing to do with the business and the success of the business.

“I just think that that business needs to be done in the private sector and Pasco County shouldn’t be competing with banks and other loan entities,” Weightman said.

But other commissioners disagreed.

Commissioner Ron Oakley told Weightman: “You’ve got to remember that it’s board policy to help small businesses, and so we do go out and try to help. A lot of businesses cannot afford to show a way that they can pay it back.

“This particular business has done that in the past and has paid very well,” Oakley said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told Weightman: “The microloan program was started years ago with (Pasco) EDC. I think we put money into it and we had the private sector put money into it as well. It helped these small businesses get loans that otherwise couldn’t get (them.)

“You could pretty much look at giving grant money and not get anything back. At least we’re getting money back from this, coming forward. That just helps them to make the next step, to make an investment and create (a total of) 50 more jobs.”

David Engel, the county’s economic growth director, provided some policy perspective for Weightman.

“Our office doesn’t arbitrarily dole out money or request or recommend money to be provided to businesses in the county,” Engel said.

He explained a board resolution, which established the guidelines for the Penny for Pasco.

“It stipulates that we should provide aid and assistance to target industries and businesses to create jobs, create a public purpose benefit to the local economy.

“This Point Distillery project meets all of the criteria of the board’s adopted, stipulated policy, for Penny for Pasco funding.

“In 2018, the property owner bought the project for $1.4 million, has pumped $400,000 of its own capital into equipment,” Engel said.

The company has already created 32 jobs and will be adding approximately 20 more, with the new equipment it is installing, Engel said. It plans to transition into a double shift, he said.

“If you look at the value equation here, the jobs that this business is creating are for people that needed a second chance, whether that be single parents or ex-felons that served their time.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano said offering loans to businesses is just one tool in the toolbox to help stimulate job growth for county residents.

“And, if you look at the Pasco Re-entry Program, which is a board-funded program through our Workforce Board, we pay the Workforce Board $7,000 for a job placed and trained. This is $962.

“The calculation is key. Zero interest is actually the incentive.

“At the prevailing borrowing rate in Pasco County, 4.22% as of last June, that’s $50,000 in interest expense. If you apply that to the 52 jobs, I think that’s very efficient use of public funds.

“Might I add, redevelopment is very difficult.

“This is a redevelopment story in the West Market area.

“The property was formerly occupied by drug abusers and vagrants. The property is cleaned up. It’s a vibrant business.

“Why do we give them the incentive?

“It’s because they have enormous startup costs to get the new line of business up and running.

“We’re providing a helping hand, getting a lot back in return, and they do pay taxes,” Engel said.

Weightman told Engel he appreciates the detail and the fact that Pasco is following its own rules, but he still doesn’t believe that Pasco should have the role of providing interest-free loans for private business endeavors.

That money could be spent in other ways for the overall public benefit, Weightman said.

Mariano told Weightman he appreciates his input, but views these loans as “another tool in the toolbox” to help bring more jobs to the county.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she supports helping the county’s small businesses to grow.

“I think it’s part of government,” Starkey said.

She also noted that she questioned providing a zero-interest loan but was persuaded that the county is getting a great return on a small investment.

Weightman also said he’d like to see a spreadsheet of how much the county has invested and the overall return.

Engel said he’d welcome such a review. “Our overall ROI (Return on Investment) to all of the expenditures going through our office, including the PEDC is, for every dollar out, we have $62 back to the economy.”

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, and Spencer Wolf, the distillery’s CEO, addressed the expansion, in the Pasco EDC’s news release.

“This is great news and wonderful timing as more manufacturers begin to locate along the State Road 52 corridor,” Cronin said, in the release.

“We are delighted with the support from Pasco County and eagerly look forward to our continuing development and expansion,” Wolf said.

Published September 06, 2023

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