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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Elected leaders say park needs are being felt across Pasco

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The need for additional recreational opportunities rang out loud and clear during a joint session of elected Pasco County leaders and those from municipalities on the east side of the county.

Zephyrhills Mayor Billy Poe noted: “We’ve seen such large growth on the east side of Pasco and the development of Pasadena Hills. The question has come up several times about the possibility of a regional park on the east side of Pasco, possibly along (U.S.) 301, so both Dade City and Zephyrhills benefit from it, (as well as) San Antonio and St. Leo.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’s interested in increasing aquatic opportunities — for competitive swimmers and for other swimmers, too.

Weightman said he’s talked to county staff about the issue, noting there’s no community pool east of U.S. 41, aside from the YMCA and St. Leo.

He said an aquatics center, which could accommodate competitive swimming, could benefit the county’s tourism efforts. But he also noted that it is important to provide an opportunity for people to learn how to swim.

One of the two swimming pools that Pasco County operates is at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

“Folks moving into our county — they need to know how to swim. It’s a quality of life and safety factor,” Weightman said.

The county board member said he fully supports “some kind of a recreational center with an aquatics component — a significant aquatics component.”

He also noted it might behoove the county and its cities to work together on creating an aquatics center, instead of developing competing facilities.

Keith Wiley, who oversees the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department, said his team greatly desires addressing the aquatic needs on the east side of the county.

He noted there are plans to move forward with a super park in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is in the Wesley Chapel area. 

Wiley said he plans to recommend that the super park become home to a community pool.

“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity to talk to the school board for the possibility of a partnership because (at) the two pools the county does operate, we see a lot of activity from the high school swim teams. And, I think, quite honestly, they have some skin in the game,” Wiley said.

He also told the elected leaders that Pasco’s parks department is working on a master plan to define a recreational trail system. 

“The idea is to really be high-level, to ultimately figure out what our trail system looks like,” he said. The planning will cover such things as prioritizing connections through greenways, near existing state and county-owned properties, and recognizing hubs of concern, he said.

This planning is separate from work being done to establish an alignment for the Orange Belt Trail.

On another note, the county parks department is teaming up with the City of Dade City on a feasibility study related to park facilities located in the areas of Lacoochee, Trilby, Villages of Pasadena, Naomi S. Jones Park, Burks Park, and the James Irvin Civic Center.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told the elected leaders: “The James Irvin Civic Center is located in Naomi Jones Park. It was built in the 1960s and has served its useful life. The city is currently partnering with the county. We’re conducting a feasibility study for park facilities in East Pasco County.

“One of the deliverables from the study will be a schematic design, with preliminary engineering and landscape planning for a new community center,” she said.

Porter also noted: “We would hope to continue our partnership with the county, providing the recreational services. Currently, the county offers the programming there, as well as with the Armory. We don’t have the staffing at the city level to do that.”

Dade City Commissioner Angel Woodard told those gathered: “I would just like to stress the importance of why we are trying to construct a new facility.

“When you have a building that’s been built in 1960 and one addition to that building took place in 1992 — and, it is not sufficient for the community.

“We don’t have anywhere on the east side of the county, on a cold night, to even up to bring our homeless in.

“We don’t have anywhere, on this side of the county, during the COVID crisis, to hold funerals.

“This is vitally important that we stand together to move forward to create a community center.

“One of the biggest things that I hear, over and over again, is ‘We have nowhere for our children to go.’

“And, that needs to change,” Woodard said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey mentioned that the community center project might be a good candidate for federal funding. She recommended that city officials look into that.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mariano suggested this could be something that the county and city worked on together.

Published February 15, 2023

Pasco MPO adopts new goal to reduce impacts from traffic perils

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Pasco County’s traffic fatalities and serious injuries caused by crashes are heading in the wrong direction, Tina Russo, a planner for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) said at a meeting last week.

She’s urging everyone to get involved in reducing the number of people who die, or who are seriously injured because of crashes.

She uses the term “crash” rather than “accident” because that keeps the emphasis on prevention, she said during the Pasco MPO’s Feb. 9 meeting.

Her comments came as she explained the organization’s recommended system performance measures for safety, which are required by federal law.

Russo and Johnny Coors, a transportation planner for the Pasco MPO staff, shared statistics, representing a five-year rolling average of fatalities and injuries resulting from crashes.

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s staff recommended striving to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from crashes in Pasco by 10%. The organization’s board adopted the staff’s target to submit to federal authorities. (Mike Camunas)

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

Russo and Coors recommended targets for calendar year 2023 based on local data provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Performance measures are used to establish targets and objectives for management of Pasco’s transportation system and to evaluate progress made toward meeting those targets.

The performance measures include total fatalities and fatality rate; total serious injuries and serious injury rate; and total bicycle and pedestrian fatalities, as well as serious injuries.

“Zero is our goal,” Russo said.

But, she added, the goals submitted to federal authorities must be achievable.

The targets are set based on a five-year rolling average, said Russo, who is deeply involved in safety efforts.

Last year, the target was set to maintain the status quo. This year, it calls for a 10% reduction.

Russo said it takes coordinated efforts to bring about positive change.

“This crash data is not just a number on a piece of paper. These are stories of people’s lives that are affected forever by these numbers,” she said.

In 2021, Pasco had 105 fatalities.

“These numbers are calculated based on long-form crash reports that are done on all of our roadways done by law enforcement,” Russo said.

“We actually look at every one of those crash reports and delve into: How can we prevent these, or what can we do differently? The bad part is that we’re going in the wrong direction. We are going up, in fatalities,” she said.

On a positive note, serious injuries are declining, she said. 

That’s a national trend, which appears to be a result of increased safety features in vehicles, she added.

She also told the MPO board that there’s no easy solution because Pasco’s traffic fatalities occur across the county, not in a few concentrated areas.

“There is no exact intersection, where we can really focus on, where most of our numbers are,” Russo said. She did note, however, that U.S. 19 continues to be a big part of the problem.

She told board members that there are behaviors that are causing people to be killed.

“Lane departures is one of our biggest ones. Most of those are people driving off the road and hitting a fixed object, with no seatbelt on,” she said.

“Speed is always a big one,” she said.

Aging drivers face a greater risk of mortality when involved in high-speed crashes, she said.

Road design is another factor.

“If it’s wide, people are going to drive faster,” Russo said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed that roadway design plays a critical role.

“We have to be careful when we’re building roads that we’re not building speedways,” she said.

For instance, Lake Blanche Drive offers motorists a straight shot, with no cross roads.

“People will drive the speed they feel safe. You can feel very safe going 75 mph down that road,” Starkey said.

She noted that complaints have been coming in about speeding on the road.

“We have drag racing going on, and kids zipping up and down on little motorcycles. We should have put a traffic circle in there, to calm it down,” Starkey said.

On the other hand, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said narrow roads can be dangerous — especially when they don’t have shoulders — because there’s no way to avoid a crash.

Russo noted:  “An 11-foot lane with safety edges is different than an 11-foot lane with no shoulder at all.” 

Resolving traffic safety issues takes a collaborative effort — involving traffic operations, project management, planning and public education, among other things, Russo said.

“We all have a role in this,” she said.

She also noted there may be one silver lining to getting stuck in traffic.

“Congestion, sometimes, is the best thing for safety,” Russo said. “The reason why you drive fast is because you can.”

Adopted targets for 2023

  • Number of fatalities: 93.8
  • Rate of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 1.9
  • Number of serious injuries: 889.6
  • Rate of serious injuries per 100 million miles traveled: 17.6
  • Number of combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries: 105.5

Adopted targets for 2022

  • Number of fatalities: 99.8
  • Rate of fatalities per 100 million miles traveled: 2
  • Number of serious injuries: 1,058.6
  • Rate of serious injuries per 100 million miles traveled: 21.3 
  • Number of combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries: 125.2

Published February 15, 2023

There’s plenty to see, do, and to eat, at this fair

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The 76th annual Pasco County Fair kicks off with a parade in downtown Dade City, before ushering in all sorts of festivities and fun — for people of all ages.

The parade, dubbed “Something to Crow About,” is set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 20 in downtown Dade City.

Later on, at 3 p.m., the fair gates and exhibits open at the fairgrounds, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Fair-goers will have loads of choices.

This midway, from a previous Pasco County Fair, serves as a reminder of the fun that awaits visitors to the 76th annual Pasco County Fair, set for Feb. 20 through Feb. 26. (File)

They can check out the Big Rock Amusements Midway, or take in the poultry and rabbit exhibit. They can watch Robinson’s Racing Pigs, or take in Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, and those are just a few of the choices being offered on Day One of the fair.

That’s not to mention, of course, the rides.

Thrill-seekers who want to get their pulse racing will be able to satisfy their desires, as will the less adventurous types.

Choices on this year’s Midway include a Cobra Coaster, Flying Elephants, a Beach Buggy, the Giant Wheel and the Grand Carousel, to name just a few.

Of course, there are art, photography and plant exhibits. And, there are all sorts of contests, too, including a spaghetti-eating event, karaoke and a talent competition.

The history of fairs in Dade City dates back to 1915, according to the fair’s website.

But it wasn’t until 1947, when a group of local businessmen got together, that the fair began to showcase county resources.

“The group was led by San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon, along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura,” the website says.

“The group found a perfect location on 40 acres along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site. On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources.”

Based on the planned activities and exhibits for this year’s fair, those ideals appear to have staying power.

76th annual Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 through Feb. 26
Hours:
Feb. 20: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 21 through Feb. 23: 4 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 25: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City
Cost: Regular ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, children under 5 admitted free.
Parking is free.
Info: Visit www.pascocountyfair.com

Published February 15, 2023

City and county elected leaders officials discuss future Orange Belt Trail

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Elected officials from Pasco County and from municipalities on the county’s east side met in a joint session earlier this month to discuss projects within their individual jurisdictions and to talk about topics of mutual interest.

The future path of the Orange Belt Trail was a topic of considerable conversation.

Pasco officials have been talking about creating a recreational trail from Trinity to Trilby, linking communities such as Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel,  Dade City along the way.

This map shows a generalized look at the planned Orange Belt Trail. The exact path of the trail has not yet been determined. Existing conditions will be considered before a final path is set. The idea is to generally follow along the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor. Officials want the public to know there are no plans to go through existing structures. (File)

The recreational trail will mostly follow the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor, but not precisely.

The trail is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, but also could incorporate sections intended for equestrian use.

Sam Beneck is leading the planning efforts for Pasco County.

He told those gathered at the joint session: “On the Orange Belt Trail, we are underway with our public outreach portion. We’ve been getting really strong response from folks, moving that PD&E (project development and environment) study forward.

“We expect that we’ll have another public meeting here, late spring, early summer. We’ll show alternatives that have been developed, based on that public involvement, and then by about this time next year, we would bring a completed study to the board, with the conclusions and that alignment.

“We do have a couple of segments that are progressing independent of the study, such as along Trinity Boulevard, where there’s no controversy, no acquisition necessary and where the county really needs to have a pedestrian facility.

“We’re also underway with the Withlacoochee State Connector Trail. There’s a segment that aligns with Morningside. We’re also using Coastal Design to connect the pieces there, so that can be ready to go when that roadway project is built and the north segment is under design with Florida Design Consultants, not quite ready to turn that over to right-of-way acquisition. “We’re still trying to minimize our impacts. We only have, maybe, three landowners we would impact, and as little impact as possible would help expedite that project. We know that’s another one that’s been a long time in process.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that 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.

“I know there was some angst at one of our kickoff meetings of what that alignment might look like,” Starkey said.

She continued: “When I put on the state map about 15 years ago, when I was on the State Greenways and Trails Council, we just pinged the abandoned railroad corridor line. And I know that some of that property has since been sold. So, we just want to make sure that people on the east side know that it’s not a literal line, but the goal is, once we get across (I-) 75, to make sure it finds its way to the Withlacoochee State Trail.”

Starkey continued: “But we’re not going to be coming over anyone’s house or driveway or anything like that. It’ll be more of a challenge, once we get to the east side, to figure that route out, but it’s not the intent to be condemning anyone’s property. But the goal is to get it to the Withlacoochee State Trail, in the best way possible.”

Beyond the sheer recreational value, the trail also could open the door to some economic opportunities, Starkey added.

“It will greatly benefit your restaurants and shops and communities, similar to what the (Pinellas) trail did for Dunedin,” she said.

So, if the trail doesn’t come directly to a downtown area, the county and city could work together to develop a spur, she suggested.

This is a portion of the former Orange Belt Railroad corridor. (File)

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano noted that he visited the Boulder, Colorado area, where he saw a remarkable trail system.

“It’s driven their whole economy,” he said.

He also noted the success of the Pinellas Trail.

He said his mother used to live in Dunedin and he took her to lunch at a restaurant near the trail.

“I can’t tell you how many bikers would stop, sit have lunch,” Mariano said.

To help facilitate small business opportunities and encourage amenities for trail users, Starkey said Pasco is looking to develop an overlay zoning district along the trail. It would allow certain kind of businesses to easily locate within its confines.

“Coffee shops. Ice cream shops. Small mom-and-pop entrepreneurial opportunities that trail users would enjoy. It’s a great opportunity for small business.

“I know our family opened up a little market and coffee shop in a barn, along the Starkey Trail — Starkey Gap Trail. We get trail-riders in from all around the country, into our place.

“The other day we had folks from the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a whole group of them, come in on their bikes. They were all in from Tallahassee,” Starkey said.

“We suggest that you guys think of that, when it comes through your town,” Starkey added.

Vincent D’ Ambrosio, the mayor of St. Leo, said “We appreciate the county and the county commissioners for your efforts to bring trails and pathways to St. Leo community.

“Regarding the Orange Belt Trail, we are aware that the old railroad bed now routes through established private property. We’d be happy to assist with educational efforts and offer feedback about any alternative routes.

“If the trail ends up being routed along the existing State Road 52, we feel that would be a great tie-in with that, and with the Town of St. Leo.

“In other words, we support the trail coming through St. Leo and we’re happy to work with you on that trail,” he said.

Starkey said that even if the Orange Belt Trail didn’t go directly into St. Leo, efforts can be made to establish a spur to make a connection.

Timing for the Orange Belt Trail project will depend upon available funding, through grants and other sources. Those interested in learning more can visit OrangeBeltTrail.com.

Published February 15, 2023

March 1 is application deadline for tax break

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The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser has issued this reminder: Homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption.

When a home is purchased, state law requires the home’s value to reset to the current market value.

If a homestead exemption application is approved, Hillsborough County homeowners are protected with a 3% cap, thanks to the “Save Our Homes” Amendment, according to a news release from the property appraiser’s office.

Hillsborough County homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption, which if approved for a Florida resident, gives an annual 3% cap on the homestead property’s assessed value. (Mike Camunas)

This amendment places a limitation of 3%, or the percentage change of the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less), on any annual assessment increase on homesteaded properties in Florida.

Florida residents who are approved for a homestead exemption benefit from an annual 3% cap on the homesteaded property’s assessed value. 

“In order to protect against any future market-influenced increases, a new homeowner should file for a homestead exemption,” Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said, in the release. “With so many people relocating to Hillsborough County in the past year, and many people choosing to buy a home here, we want to make sure our residents are aware of the homestead exemption and the tax savings available to them.”

To file for a homestead exemption in Hillsborough County, you will need to show proof of permanent residency with a Florida Driver License or identification card, vehicle registration, voter registration, or Permanent Resident Alien Card.

The homeowner must establish Hillsborough County as their legal domicile, reside on the subject property as of Jan. 1 and be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.

If a trust holds the property, the trust’s beneficiary with the right to occupy the home also may be entitled a homestead exemption, the release said.

Apply online for a homestead and other exemptions by visiting the Hillsborough property appraiser’s website. You also can file for a homestead exemption in person at one of four Hillsborough property appraiser office locations.

Pasco County homeowners also are eligible for a homestead exemption on their primary residence, For information regarding filing for exemptions in Pasco County, visit PascoPa.com/exemptions/exemptions/homestead/.

Published February 15, 2023

Pasco clerk loses first round in legal dispute with Pasco County

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Thirteenth Judicial Court Circuit Judge Emily Peacock has ruled in favor of Pasco County in a lawsuit filed by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles over a budget dispute.

The clerk filed the lawsuit in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court but it was assigned to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit by Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order.

According to the judge’s ruling, the clerk “asserts that the funding for the multiagency criminal justice information system (CJIS) is a mandatory expenditure of the county and that the county has no discretion in its decision to fund the system nor may it phase the funding in over a period of time.”

A court has ruled against a lawsuit filed by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles over a budget dispute with Pasco County. The clerk has said she will appeal the ruling. (File)

The judge noted that “the county argues that the requirement of the funding for the multiagency CJIS system is limited to the existing system that was in place at the time that constitutional amendment and statutory amendment were adopted.”

The judge added that the county argues it has budgetary authority to phase the funding for such expenditures over time.

The judge also noted that the clerk asked for declaration that the county is obligated to fund judicial operations of the clerk’s office at the courthouse annex.

The clerk also asked for supplemental relief, dependent on the court’s determination on the preceding counts, according to the judge’s ruling.

The judge ruled in favor of the county’s assertion that the mandatory obligation to fund the CJIS system applied only to the system that was operating at the time of the adoption of the various provisions.

The judge also found “the county has the authority to review, analyze and make modifications to the budget submissions of the various constitutional offices, including the clerk.”

Because of the first two findings, the judge did not grant any supplemental relief, according to her 13-page ruling issued on Feb. 9.

After the ruling was issued, Alvarez-Sowles shared the ruling, through a media release and also issued this statement: “While we are disappointed by the Court’s ruling, we appreciate its professionalism. Filing a lawsuit against Pasco County was never our first choice. This case involves complex legislative history and significant funding issues affecting Clerks of Court, their criminal justice partner agencies, and citizens statewide. We are confident in our interpretation of the applicable law. Therefore, we will seek appellate review. 

“Although we are going to appeal, we remain optimistic and committed to transparent and collaborative dialogue to arrive at the best outcome for our respective offices and the citizens of Pasco County.”

February 15, 2023

Donated computers help new homeowners

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office has donated computer workstations for new homeowners through Habitat for Humanity.

As part of the Hillsborough tax collector’s community outreach initiatives, Millan’s office has established a process to donate surplus obsolete equipment to nonprofit community partners aligning with the tax collector’s office mission and core values, according to a news release.

Last year, the office donated 200 surplus computer hard drives and computers to Computer Mentors of Tampa. This year, the office’s surplus included 25 all-in-one workstations. The tax collector worked with eSmart Recycling to refurbish the workstations to be made available for Habitat for Humanity.

eSmart Recycling has created a network of collection points and logistics partners to recycle their computers following the best industry standards, saving electronics from going to the landfill and using the proceeds to fund technology labs for kids worldwide who don’t have access to computers.

“The timing of this incredible donation was perfect! We were looking for a way to create sustainable homes scheduled to be built by Habitat for Humanity to come with a refurbished computer for the new families,” said Tony Selvaggio, CEO of eSmart Recycling, in the release.

“Thanks to the tax collector’s donation, we can now commit to 10 homes,” said Selvaggio.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, visit HabitatHillsborough.org.

For more information about eSmart Recycling, visit eSmartRecycling.com.

Published February 15, 2023

Zephyrhills’ rebranding begins to take shape

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The City of Zephyrhills is getting ready to tell its story.

It’s all part of the rebranding process that Pasco County’s largest municipality is undergoing — one that will carry the town into the future, and will provide a more complete picture.

Zephyrhills, in conjunction with North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm, has finished its community research, which is aiding in the town’s rebranding efforts.

Data has been collected from 1,486 unique inputs, including nearly 1,000 online surveys, focus groups and interviews. The firm will use the feedback to develop options that include a new town logo, motto, color schemes and other elements to to rebrand Zephyrhills.

The City of Zephyrhills, Pasco County’s largest municipality, is undergoing a complete rebranding of the town, from its slogan, to logo and more, with the help of North Star Place Branding + Marketing. (Mike Camunas)

“We were very happy we got this much feedback,” said Patrick Golden, executive creative director for North Star. “Sometimes communities can be survey fatigued, but we got a lot of responses, and getting input from the community in this type of venture is very important.

“We’ve seen a lot of passion in the people, and that’s very indicative of the city and what the city brings to its people and always has brought to its people. That’s just going to help when it comes to finding the brand of the city.”

That passion was on display when Zephyrhills and North Star hosted a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1, allowing for about a couple dozen citizens and stakeholders to offer their opinions.

Those present brought up views and themes consistent with the data collected, from keeping the same ‘town fee’ to remembering and honoring the town’s history and veterans. They also want the town to be known for more than being where the bottled water comes from, its skydiving, and, of course, being “Snowbird Central.”

“The passion (we’ve seen) is what is going to make the brand the best it can be,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “Trust me, the comments we have gotten, not all of them have been positive — and we’ll address the negative ones.

“People just walk up to me, and say, ‘Why are you spending so much money on this (rebranding)? Why are you spending any money at all on this? What’s wrong with the logo we have? This is where the water comes from, what’s wrong with that?

“And it’s not to get rid of the water logo or get rid of the skydiving component. We feel we’re more than one thing, and we want to tell our story before someone can tell it for us and then not get it right.”

Indeed, rebranding the city, Golden added, is not about doing away with what Zephyrhills already has, but refining the story and finding a cohesive one. The story will encapsulate the town as it moves forward and looks to soon surpass a population of 20,000.

“People are usually excited, not just to see what we come up with, but what everyone said their community is about and how everyone sees their city, from the outside,” Golden added.

The City of Zephyrhills and North Star Place Branding + Marketing had a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1 — welcoming those in attendance to share their thoughts about their town with the rebranding firm’s representatives.

The city and the rebranding firm launched a community-wide online survey on Oct. 17, giving everyone in Zephyrhills a place where they can share their input and have their perspective counted.

The survey asks several questions, including how one would describe Zephyrhills, how others perceive Zephyrhills and even to name some things that people outside the community should know about the city.

In the survey, participants were asked to pick two descriptors of Zephyrhills. The top two chosen were “Snowbird destination, older residents,” which accounted for 43% of the answers, while “Where growth is headed” came in at 27%. Another category, “neighborly, hometown feel” came in at 23%.

The data also showed Zephyrhills greatest assets, with the top responses being the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Main Street, Skydive City, the city’s many parks, the municipal airport and the proximity to Tampa and Orlando.

The $68,000 rebranding project now moves to the creative phase, as North Star’s team will produce options to present to the city, tentatively in about five months.

Zephyrhills, currently known as “The City of Pure Water,” will then choose a new brand aimed at increasing interest and investment in its residents, entrepreneurs, companies and visitors.

“We are a small town, but what we’re trying to do is grow and maintain that small-town feel — that’s important because if you lose your downtown, where’s your center of community?” Poe said. “I think the story of Zephyrhills is that we’re an emerging community that’s always been known as the ‘Snowbird Capital’ and I think we’re so much more than that.

“Yes, we have the water (bottling plant), we have the skydiving, but Zephyrhills is a very open-minded community that is always trying to better the lives of its citizens.”

Published February 08, 2023

 

Pasco’s GDP growth outpaced Florida’s, economics expert says

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Pasco County compares well when it comes to growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) and in the cost of its houses, but not as well when it comes to its household income and the educational level of its workforce.

Those were among highlights shared by Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, during an economics luncheon hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Zachary A. Smith, assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, provided insights about Pasco County’s economy, in a presentation that included local, regional, statewide and national data. (Courtesy of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

Smith’s analysis made comparisons between national, regional, statewide and local factors that affect the economy.

He presented some of his key findings at a luncheon gathering on Jan. 19 at Heritage Springs Country Club in Trinity. The event attracted a wide range of business executives, entrepreneurs, government leaders, elected officials and others.

Pasco’s GDP grew by 45% from 2010 to 2021, outpacing other Florida counties that, on average, grew by 33%, Smith said. The pace of GDP growth put Pasco among the top 10 in the state, he added.

Smith did a comparison of Pasco against this sample cluster of counties: Alachua, Leon, Manatee, Okaloosa and Volusia.

“Pasco County is the fastest-growing group in the comparison group,” he said. However, he added, the county could improve in both high school and bachelor’s degree completion rates.

Details in his report showed that slightly more than 90% of Pasco residents have a high school diploma, while slightly  more than 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Pasco’s per capita income of $50,479 is also less than the state average of $62,270, according to Smith’s report.

The report also notes that Pasco’s population includes about 5% more retirement-aged people than the national average.

Pasco County’s gross domestic product compares favorably with other counties around Florida, and Florida’s GDP compares favorably across the nation. Signs of construction activity remain abundant in Pasco, signaling new roads, new businesses, new schools and so on. (File)

Smith also observed that Pasco County depends less on government expenditures than other Florida counties.

“If we’re relying less on government expenditure and more on private industry, that’s a good thing, to me,” Smith said.

“Pasco County seems to be growing organically, based upon opportunities. It doesn’t look like the typical county,” Smith said.

At the statewide level, Florida has consistently ranked in the top 10 in migration, from 2010 to 2021, he said.

In 2021, it recorded a migration rate of 1.91%, which made it the fastest-growing state, in terms of migration.

“People are moving to Florida because it’s beautiful, has a low unemployment rate and is adding jobs,” Smith said.

It’s also growing at a faster rate as compared to other states, he said.

Florida’s GDP growth from 2010 to 2021 was 33%, ranking it among the nation’s top 10.

Its growth has been consistent, too, he said.

“Employers have added jobs over 30 consecutive months. Private sector yearly growth rate has exceeded the nation’s for 19 consecutive months,” he said, adding, it’s not just a one-off.

It costs about $50,000 less to own a house in Pasco County than it does on average across the United States, according to Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University. (File)

“Consecutively, we’re growing faster than everybody else,” he said.

Most recently, hospitality and leisure have been growing, but there’s also been growth in education, health services, trade and transportation, he said.

Regional analysis
At the regional level, the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, grew at a rate of 3.8% between 2010 and 2021.

That placed the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA at 194th out of 384.

Compared to other MSAs in Florida, it ranked in the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of the MSAs in Florida are growing faster.

“That’s not that good of news, in terms of growth,” Smith said.

In terms of inflation, the region didn’t compare well, either.

With an inflation rate of 9.6% , the region is getting hit harder than the national rate of 7.1%, he said.

“It’s not good.”

He provided some specifics on items that were more expensive in November 2021 than they were in November 2020.

“Real estate prices skyrocketed, up about 16% from November 2021, from 2020,” he said.

The cost of energy was up by 13%, he said.

The cost of dairy, fruits, vegetables and home furnishings also are up between 9% and 10%.

Pasco County’s burgeoning population has created a demand for coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment and other retail options.

Takeaways about Florida and Pasco’s economies

  • Florida is in the top 10 states, in terms of migration and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
  • Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater is growing about as fast as other urban areas across the United States, but is growing a little slower than the average urban area in Florida.
  • Inflation is hitting the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater region harder than other urban areas. The categories of food, housing, energy, and services all experienced inflation greater than 10% from November 2020 to November 2021.
  • From a Pasco County-level perspective, the two line items that had a statistically significant influence over growth were the percentage of the population under 18 years of age and the percentage of the population that fell below the poverty line.
  • After comparing Pasco County to Florida and the United States, the cost of homes was lower (about $50,000 less), but household income is lower, too, and the workforce is less-educated.
  • Changes in the Information Industry are pronounced over time, the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) coming from government expenditures was relatively low.
  • Pasco County seems to be growing organically based on opportunities: It doesn’t really look like the typical county in Florida.

Source: Zachary Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University.

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco gets good news in lawsuit involving Ridge Road extension

By

(Mike Camunas)

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pasco County’s motion for summary judgment in a case involving the legality of the extension of Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder announced that finding during the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 24 meeting.

Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywel issued the positive order on Jan. 20, Steinsnyder said.

The case involves a “permit challenge that was filed by Sierra Club when we issued our notice to proceed to our contractor to construct Ridge Road about two years ago,” Steinsnyder said.

“There is still the potential for an appeal but Judge Honeywel’s order is well-written and it should be difficult for them to challenge,” the county attorney said.

Published February 08, 2023