The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco board approves $15.2 million for Wiregrass sports field project

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

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

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

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

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

The planned improvements include:

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

Here’s how those costs break down:

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

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

Published September 13, 2023

State Road 54 widening in Wesley Chapel now open

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published September 13, 2023

Pioneer Lutz woman leaves a permanent mark on her community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published September 13, 2023

Economic impact for Pasco project set at $30 billion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published September 13, 2023

Devouring cannolis — an offer they couldn’t refuse

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Contestants were shoving in sweets at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s first Cannoli Eating Contest on Aug. 27. They were vying for prizes such as Tampa Lightning Bay and Busch Gardens tickets, and gift cards to the family-owned Italian market in Wesley Chapel, as dozens of onlookers and friends and family watched. Dan DeMarco won after eating six cannolis in his round.

Land O’ Lakes resident Trinity Boyle tries to keep down a cannoli during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27. (Mike Camunas)
Allen Sciloi, left, and Eric Shavez, both of Wesley Chapel, try to devour as many cannolis as they can at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.
Land O’ Lakes resident Christa Boyle eats a cannoli as fast as she can during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Boyle, of Land O’ Lakes, downs a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel during its inaugural cannoli eating contest on Aug. 27. Boyle would come in third and take home prizes like gift cards to the market and a spa.
Wesley Chapel resident Chris Baron scarfs down cannolis at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.
Andrea Coleman, of Wesley Chapel, can’t figure out how to eat more cannolis during an eating contest on Aug. 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel resident Richard Colhauer attacks a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
New Tampa resident Alan Hadaway takes a big bite of a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.
Wesley Chapel resident John Walsh tries to keep down a cannoli.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liam Tighe, of Lutz, bites into a cannoli on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s cannoli eating contest in Wesley Chapel.
Spring Hill resident Vinny Albanese, center, can’t keep in a laugh trying to eat a cannoli and neither can Daniela Matinez, of Wesley Chapel, left, during an eating contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
Up to 25 contestants tried to outdo one another eating the most cannolis on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

Price increases for new West Zephyrhills Elementary

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The Pasco County School Board approved an agreement with Wannamacher Jensen Architects Inc., in May, with the company’s initial fee based on an estimated cost of $39 million for a project to essentially replace the existing West Zephyrhills Elementary School, at 37900 14th Ave., in Zephyrhills, with a new facility.

But, according to background materials for the school board’s Aug. 22 meeting, “there have subsequently been changes that have resulted in an increase in both the scope of work and in the overall square footage of the new building.”

As a result, the agenda materials add: “This has increased both their design and construction administration work significantly since their original proposal, not least of which is the impact of the new building location and the additional civil services required, which has resulted in an increase to the overall construction budget.”

That new overall construction budget is $51 million.

The changes have led to an increase in the architect’s original fee of $1,006,805 to a new fee of $3,804,240, according to the agenda packet.

The school board approved the change, as part of its consent agenda, without discussion.

Published September 13, 2023

Multi-use trail at Withlacoochee River Park now smoother

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A 1.7-mile trail in Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City, was recently improved due to deterioration of the preexisting trail and damage that was caused by tree roots. Park visitors now will be able to stroll or bicycle along a smoother path. (Mike Camunas)

Visitors to Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City, will now be able to enjoy a smoother walk or bike ride in a portion of the park.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department recently completed paving a section of a trail that meanders through the park.

About a mile of the paving project has been completed and the rest of the 1.7-mile project is expected to be done next year.

The project cost $47,050 for the one-mile section, and the remaining section will cost $47,800. 

The trail was deteriorating because of damage from a pre-existing trail and tree roots.

The improved trail will offer a better experience for park visitors.

Withlacoochee River Park is 406 acres of forested park with a river, kayaking and boarding, trails, fishing, wildlife, RV parking and observation tower.

The park also holds several events annually, such as the Bay Area Renaissance Festival for several weeks in the spring.

Published September 13, 2023

Pasco joins lawsuit regarding insulin pricing

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Pasco County is joining a lawsuit relating to the pricing of insulin, a life-saving medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

The Pasco County Commission approved an agenda item on Aug. 8 to join in insulin litigation, after the county was approached by the law firm of Magazine & Light Law Group, which is the local counsel to a team of lawyers, Levin, Papantonio, Rafferty et. al., Kozyak, Tropin & Throckmorton, Seeger Weiss and Baron & Budd.

The board’s Aug. 8 agenda item explains that “the price of insulin has skyrocketed over the last 20 years.”

The background materials also note that diabetes has become the seventh-leading cause of death in the country.

“The main premise of this litigation is that insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers have artificially inflated the price of insulin at the expense of self-funded health plans,  such as the one operated by the Board of County Commissioners for its employees,” the agenda materials say.

“A handful of manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), control the insulin market. Sanofi, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly comprise 96% of the global insulin market by volume and 99% by value, Pharmacy Benefits Managers, Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and Optum RX control 89% of the PBM market,” the materials say.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder and Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended the engagement of outside counsel to seek compensation “for the overpayment of costs” through the county’s health insurance program.

Under terms of the contract, the county will not pay outside counsel, unless there is a monetary recovery. If money is recovered, the county will pay costs and fees out of the recovery made.

Published September 13, 2023

Sheriff’s Office shares tips for preventing scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has observed an uptick in crimes related to technology and is offering residents some advice on how to avoid falling victim to such scams.

“Criminals commonly use fear and technology schemes to try to con their victims. Most scams are different variations of the same old trick: try to intimidate people into handing over valuable information or hard-earned money,” a sheriff’s office posting says.

The PSO shares these ‘red flags’ to help people to avoid becoming victims:

  • Scammers often pretend to be from an organization you know, such as a government agency.
  • Criminals make demands or requests for your personal information, such as social security numbers, account numbers or credit card information.
  • Fraudsters will pressure victims to act quickly to resolve a problem in one phone call.
  • Wrongdoers make requests for specific forms of payment that are difficult to trace, such as gift cards.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office advises that if you are skeptical about suspicious behavior that may be a scam, call and report it to law enforcement immediately. Rapid reporting can help stop crime, and protect others from becoming a victim.

Published September 13, 2023

Zephyrhills’ park renamed to honor Ellis Harrold

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Lincoln Heights Park, located on Lincoln Avenue, east of Airport Road in Zephyrhills, will be known as the Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park, based on a Zephyrhills City Council’s Aug. 28 vote. A special city advisory board voted on Aug. 15 to recommend renaming the park to honor the first African American hired by the City, Ellis Harrold, who would work for the City for 34 years. (Mike Camunas)

The City of Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved the renaming of Lincoln Heights Park in Zephyrhills to honor the city’s first African American employee.

Council members Jodi Wilkeson, Lance Smith, Ken Burgess, Steven Spina and Charles Proctor voted 5-0 on Aug. 28 to rename it the Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park.

A special advisory board was formed by the City Council on June 12 to look into renaming Lincoln Heights Park, which sits between homes on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Airport Road. Brought forth from a resolution by the newly elected Spina (Seat 2), the renaming was a way to honor Ellis, the city’s first African American employee, who worked for the municipality for 34 years.

The advisory board unanimously recommended the renaming on Aug. 15.

Harrold has resided in Zephyrhills since 1957 and was a resident of the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. He was hired by the City in 1962.

The park currently has no signage, but there will be a sign added with the new name. That is planned to happen after the city unveils its new Zephyrhills-wide signage to accompany the municipality’s rebranding efforts that are still under development.

The city manager’s office also said there will most likely be a small unveiling ceremony featuring Harrold and his family and members of the community at a date to be announced later.

Published September 06, 2023