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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

Pasco county board honors legislative aide

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The Pasco County Commission set aside some time during its Aug. 8 meeting to honor Andy Taylor, a legislative aide who is leaving the county to accept a job with Tampa Electric Co. (TECO.)

Taylor was Pasco County’s first legislative aide, serving under former Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

He assumed that role in February of 2019 and continued in that capacity under Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, after Moore stepped away from public service.

Andy Taylor, a legislative aide to Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, recently was honored for the work he did for the county. He is surrounded here by supporters, many of whom made a special trip to be there. Taylor, who is holding the resolution, is departing the county to work in the private sector. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Taylor was heavily involved in Moore’s efforts to raise money and plan a universal playground, serving children of all ability levels, at the Wesley Chapel District Park, according to a resolution, adopted by the county board. 

He also was involved in Pasco County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the county’s economic development programs.

More recently, Taylor worked closely with Weightman to help the Pasco County Legislative Delegation and the county’s governmental affairs team to secure a $1.5 million appropriation for much-needed sidewalks near schools.

He also worked closely, first with Moore and then with Weightman to research issues and prepared for board meetings.

The legislative aide was known for having an eagle eye, when reviewing materials in the board’s agenda packet, and for his passionate devotion for promoting the county’s sports tourism efforts, the resolution says.

He is joining TECO’s state and regional affairs team, as regional manager for Pasco and East Hillsborough counties.

A number of people turned out to celebrate Taylor’s recognition by the Pasco County Commissioner.

Among those supporters were Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, members of the Florida’s Sports Coast tourism team, Taylors friends and other county employees.

County board members expressed their appreciation for Taylor’s efforts, with his former boss, Moore, doing so via a video from his vacation and his current boss doing so, from the board dais.

Taylor expressed gratitude for the honor.

He noted it was something of a full-circle moment for him.

It turns out that Taylor and Weightman have known each other for years.

Taylor previously was an aide to former Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham and Weightman was aide for former Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford.

When Pasco created its role for a legislative aide, it was Weightman who told Taylor about the opening and encouraged him to go after it.

Published August 30, 2023

Town Hall set for PHSC presidential finalists

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The public has the chance to learn more about the four finalists to become Pasco-Hernando State College’s next president during a Town Hall at the college’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC).

The Town Hall will be on Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at IPAC, 8757 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

A new president is being named to replace Dr. Timothy Beard, who is retiring in January 2024.

A presidential search committee made up of business leaders, community representatives and faculty and staff members from PHSC have selected these finalists to succeed Beard and to become the college’s fifth president.

The finalists are: Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D; Eric Hall, Ed.D; Jesse D. Pisors, Ed.D; and, Saul Reyes, Ed.D.

Lucy Miller, special assistant to President Tim Beard and to the District Board of Trustees (DBOT), provided details of what to expect during the Town Hall meeting.

Each of the four finalists will have about 40 minutes on the stage, Miller said, via email.

PHSC’s Faculty Senate President Dr. Misty Price will be the moderator, who will interview each of them in a casual “talk show” format.

Dr. Price will pose some introductory questions and then field questions from those attending the session and from those who are attending remotely.

The idea is to not only introduce the finalists to employees, faculty, staff, students and the community, but to provide an opportunity for constituents to interact with the candidates — and to ask specific questions about the candidates’ vision for PHSC, according to Miller.

The college’s DBOT is expected to name PHSC’s new president at its Sept. 19 meeting, during its meeting on the college’s Spring Hill Campus.

Published August 30, 2023

Gulfside Hospice launches new online shop

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The Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes have announced the grand opening of its innovative Online Thrift Shoppe to complement its fleet of in-person stores throughout Pasco County, according to a news release.

The hospice thrift shops have provided affordable clothing, furniture and household items since 1992, for Pasco County residents to purchase.

The stores now offer a virtual shopping experience — while remaining committed to their loyal customers and the mission of supporting hospice care in the community, the release said.

Shoppers can go to ShopGulfsideThrift.org to browse through the online collection of items from the comfort of home.

The Online Thrift Shoppe features a large variety of items from each of the four Gulfside store locations — Bayonet Point, Dade City, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. With the online option, shoppers can ‘visit’ all stores at once.

Currently, each online purchase requires the buyer to pick up the items at their convenience from the designated store.

All proceeds from the virtual store will benefit patient care and bereavement programs at Gulfside Hospice, just as the brick-and-mortar stores do.

For more information, call 800-561-4883.

Published August 30, 2023

Nominations sought for lifetime achievement awards

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The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties (HCLWV) is seeking nominations for local leaders who have made significant contributions to the local community and the state of Florida, according to a news release.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award (or awards), will be bestowed to an individual or individuals who have dedicated their life to serving the public through education and advocacy at the local, state or national levels.

The 2024 Sydney and Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award(s) are open to individuals in Hillsborough or Pasco County who have improved government, protected the environment or enhanced their community through civic leadership at the local and/or state levels.

The League will honor and celebrate the achievements of the award recipients on Feb. 21 at the 16th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

Liana Fernandez Fox was honored during the February 2020 luncheon. The memory of Dena Gross Leavengood was honored, too.

Nomination forms may be found at HCLWV.org/laa.

Deadline for submission is mid-September. Angela Birdsong is the chair, and may be reached at .

Published August 30, 2023

PHSC names four finalists in its search for a president

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Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has announced its four finalists in the search for a new president, to replace Dr. Timothy Beard who is retiring in January 2024.

A presidential search committee made up of business leaders, community representatives and faculty and staff members from PHSC have selected these finalists to succeed Beard and to become the college’s fifth president.

The finalists are: Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D; Eric Hall, Ed.D; Jesse D. Pisors, Ed.D; and, Saul Reyes, Ed.D.

The finalists will be introduced during a town hall at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel on Sept. 6, according to a news release from the state college. (More details will come soon regarding the town hall meeting.)

The candidates will tour PHSC’s five campuses on Sept. 7, providing a chance for them to meet faculty and staff members.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees will make the final selection, expected later in September.

The search committee selected the finalists from among 50 of the most qualified candidates provided by Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting firm, the release said.

“This search committee has meticulously reviewed all applicants and we are confident PHSC’s District Board of Trustees’ final selection is amongst these distinguished candidates,” John Mitten, PHSC trustee and chair of the PHSC Presidential Search Committee, said in the release.

The college’s news release also provided information about each of the finalists. Here’s a condensed synopsis:

Gilbert Evans Jr.

Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D.: Evans is a native of Central Florida. He received his Associate in Arts degree from St. Johns River Community College. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in English and educational leadership from Florida State University, and a Ph.D. and J.D. from the University of Florida.

While at the University of Florida, Evans’ Ph.D. dissertation, “Job Satisfaction and Organizational Climate as Perceived by Community College Presidents,” was nominated Dissertation of the Year.

He graduated law school with distinction. 

His work also has been published in several professional and educational journals.

He has been at St. Johns River State College for 26 years, serving in various capacities. He currently is vice president for legal affairs/general counsel for the college.

He also served as an attorney at Lowndes, Drosick, Doster, Kantor, and Reed in Orlando, Florida, where he specialized in bankruptcy, family law, and probate. He is a member of the Florida Bar and is a Florida Certified Family Law mediator.

He is married to Detra Nicole Evans, and they have two children, Derrick and D’Asia.

Eric Hall

Eric Hall, Ed.D: Hall was raised in Pasco County, and has more than two decades experience serving in executive leadership, with extensive expertise in the fields of education, public safety and public policy.

Currently, he is secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, a position he assumed through a November 2021 appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Previously, he served as the state’s first senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), where he oversaw multiple divisions, including the Florida College System.

Before joining FDOE, he was deputy state superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he led multiple divisions and initiatives within North Carolina’s education system.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary science education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of South Florida.

He serves on several boards and councils including the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Florida, among others.

He is the son of two public school teachers. He and his wife, who is a school social worker, have two children.

Jesse Pisors

Jesse Pisors, Ed.D.: Pisors is a seasoned leader in the field of higher education. His 25-year career includes serving as vice president at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) and at the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).

His leadership at TAMUSA showcases his dedication to inclusivity, where more than 75% of the student body is Hispanic and 60% are first-generation students. 

During his tenure at UHV, initiatives included restructuring the Office of University Advancement and executing a $13 million campaign, surpassing its goal by 12%.

His work in the University of Houston System’s $1 billion campaign, indicates his involvement on a larger scale.

Pisors holds a Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University, where his dissertation focused on fundraising challenges and expectations facing university presidents.

Fluent in Spanish, he spent three years leading a private K-12 school in Mexico earlier in his career.

He has provided conference presentations and articles to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), presenting at conferences, sharing his insights on various aspects of educational advancement and serving on conference committees.

Pisors also has served on the board for a number of organizations, including Rotary, United Way, the American Heart Association, and the YMCA.

Saul Reyes

Saul Reyes, Ed.D: Reyes has served as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs of the College of Central Florida since January 2015.

The college, which serves Marion, Citrus and Levy counties consistently has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation.

Reyes’s 35-plus years of higher education experience includes 14 ½ years in the Florida College System.

He previously served at Polk State College, as dean of student services and center manager for the JD Alexander Center. Before that, he worked at the University of South Florida.

He’s had extensive involvement in leading student-centered programs and services to promote enrollment, retention, completion, transfer, and employment.

He holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of South Florida and a master’s in counseling from West Virginia University.

He has participated in numerous educational leadership programs.

He serves as board chairman for the Marion County Cultural Alliance and is on the national board for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute.

Reyes, born to Cuban immigrants, is a first-generation American and first in his family to graduate from college.

Reyes and his wife, Sharon, have been married since 1986. They have sons, daughters-in-law and four grandsons.

Published August 23, 2023

Motorists have a new way to get around in Wesley Chapel

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There’s a new way to get from State Road 56 to State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

The extension of Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard, between the two state highways, opened on Aug. 12.

The completed project is expected to improve traffic heading north and south through Wesley Chapel, and to provide an alternative to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, another route for north and south travel.

(Mike Camunas)

Prior to the extension, Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard was only partially open, ending at Chancey Road that came off Bruce. B Downs, and ended near the gated communities of Estancia and Esplanade.

Work is underway to extend Chancey Road to the east, where it ultimately will create a new intersection at Meadow Pointe Boulevard, just north of State Road 56 headed east.

The new Wiregrass Extension, heading south, eventually turns into Mansfield Boulevard at State Road 56, with Mansfield passing by the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, Wiregrass Ranch High School and Dr. John Long Middle School.

The road, heading north, ends at State Road 54, bringing drivers to the Wesley Chapel Super Walmart, as well as the several car dealerships by the nearby Saddlebrook Resort. 

The extension between State Road 56 and State Road 54, with its 45 mph speed limit, has been landscaped with greenery. It also has streetlights to enhance safety at night, sidewalks for pedestrians and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Additionally, starting Aug. 20, Mansfield Boulevard began its pavement rehabilitation project, with crews resurfacing the roadway and adding new markers from Oakwood Preserve Drive to just south of Ganga Way.

The project is expected to take a few weeks to complete, while work hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Published August 23, 2023

Advisory board recommends renaming Zephyrhills park

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A special city advisory board unanimously approved the recommendation of renaming of Lincoln Heights Park in Zephyrhills to honor the city’s first African American employee.

The advisory board held a special meeting on Aug. 15 to consider the issue.

The name of Lincoln Heights Park, located on Lincoln Avenue, east of Airport Road in Zephyrhills, soon could be Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park. An advisory board voted for the renaming on Aug. 15 and the Zephyrhills City Council is scheduled to vote on that recommendation at its Aug. 28 meeting. The name change has been suggested as a way to honor Harrold, who was the city’s first African American employee. He worked for the city for 34 years. (Mike Camunas)

The group was made up of Mayor Melonie Monson, Dave Walters, Eileen Westerman, Beth Aker, Randy Stovall, Tracy Mahon and Tracy Sullivan.

City Manager Billy Poe also was in attendance.

The board voted 4-0 to recommend the renaming of the park to Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park. (Three advisory board members were absent).

Poe said the resolution will be presented to the City Council for approval at its Aug. 28 meeting.

During the June 12 City Council meeting, the board was formed to look into renaming Lincoln Heights Park, which sits between homes on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Airport Road. The action was spurred by a resolution brought forth by newly elected Seat 2 City Councilman Steve Spina.

The park’s renaming is the city’s way to honor Harrold, who was hired by the city in 1962 and worked there for 34 years. Harrold has resided in Zephyrhills since 1957 and was a resident of the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

The city previously honored Harrold in a proclamation on Feb. 27.

That proclamation noted Harrold “broke barriers that existed at the time and opened doors for other African Americans to work for the City of Zephyrhills.”

According to the board, and the town charter, there is criteria to rename a park, with this small park falling under the consideration of “a person, living or deceased, that has made a significant contribution to the city, either monetarily or through outstanding civic service.”

Board members enthusiastically agreed it was a worthy renaming and the park “was in need of not only a rebranding” but also of some improvements.

The park includes a pavilion, picnic tables, basketball court and playground.

Poe said the park needs some minor fixes, but nothing major or urgent.

He also noted the park currently has no signage, but a sign will be added with the park’s new name.

But the city manager also noted that new signage will come after the city unveils its new town-wide signage, as part of Zephyrhills’ rebranding efforts, which remain under development.

Poe said it’s likely that at some point there will be a small ceremony featuring Harrold and his family, following the city commission’s final action on the park’s renaming.

Published August 23, 2023