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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Seniors in Service live up to their name: Serving seniors

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Chris Noble recalls when an 82-year-old woman approached him at an event, with tears in her eyes. 

She asked him: “Can I be one of those people you call?”

Lily Nichols, Patricia Anguiano, Dana Marroquin and Roy Smith were among the morning volunteers for Seniors in Service. (Courtesy of Pam Plager)

The woman was referring to calls made through a telephone reassurance program called Telepals.

It’s one of the programs offered through Seniors in Service, a nonprofit dedicated to providing solutions to community challenges by engaging volunteers ages 55 and older to help others in need.

Telepals began during COVID-19 to help keep people socially connected, to combat the issue of isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

Participants can choose between long weekly social calls, or short-and-sweet daily check-ins. 

Noble is the community engagement manager for Seniors in Service.

Seniors in Service volunteer Ed Datz engages a student with some one-on-one time. (Courtesy of Chris Noble)

As he was talking to the woman who approached him, he learned that the woman’s husband died a couple years ago and was having a tough time connecting with people.

During that conversation, Noble also learned that the woman’s husband was under hospice care, and she had nothing but great things to say about the service he received. 

Plus, he found out the woman had experience working in a nursing home.

He suggested they meet at a local hospice, and when they did, she filled out an application.

The hospice workers took it from there.

Fast-forward six months, when Noble gets a call from the woman.

“She said, ‘I want to call and thank you so much for encouraging me to volunteer because it snapped me out of the funk I was in. I made some nice friends, and I have a little more sense of purpose now,’” he said.

Success stories like this one are so rewarding, said Noble, who lives in Dade City.

He firmly believes that volunteering helps others, as well as the volunteers themselves.

“Being engaged and being part of the community and having that camaraderie and that sense of connection with people… it makes you feel good,” Noble said.

When Seniors in Service was founded in 1984, it had 17 employees and about 450 volunteers. Now, it has 34 employees and close to 1,400 volunteers serving Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The nonprofit helps disadvantaged children, frail elders, overwhelmed caregivers, disabled adults, struggling veterans, hungry families and others.

“We primarily began our journey by working with seniors and getting them to go into the public schools to be teacher aides. We called the program ‘Foster Grandparents,’ and it’s still around today,” Noble said. 

Just in Hillsborough alone, Seniors in Service has between 200 and 300 volunteers for Foster Grandparents. 

Over the years, Seniors in Service has applied for grants, enabling it to broaden its scope and reach more people in need.

Initially, the nonprofit provided help in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. But four years ago, it secured a grant and has branched into Pasco County.

Noble came onboard Seniors in Service when it came to Pasco and was the one to spearhead the Pasco RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) program.

Noble and his team have connected with people in Pasco who are “55 and better” and are looking to give back, and introduce them to Seniors in Service’s community partners. 

“We go out into the community and say, ‘Hey, do you have a couple hours to give? We will find you a place to volunteer with one of our community partners who works with other seniors. We will find the right place for you to serve around your schedule and availability,’” Noble said. 

Another program Seniors in Service offers is ‘Health Buddies,’ which helps an individual with a chronic illness manage that illness. 

“We do it through a medicine called companionship,” Noble said. “We have somebody over a 12-week program provide companionship three to four times a week. They have someone to share that burden with. It has been very powerful and effective.”

Seniors in Service
Where: 1306 W Sligh Ave., Tampa
Details: Seniors in Service, which was founded in 1984, connects volunteers, ages 55 and older, to meet the needs and challenges of at-risk seniors, veterans and children in the community. The nonprofit serves Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties and helps more than 2,500 individuals annually through community service.
For more information or to volunteer, visit SeniorsInService.org, or call Chris Noble at 813-492-8916.

Published March 08, 2023

Pasco proclaims its first International Trade and Tourism Day

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Pasco County recently celebrated its first International Trade and Tourism Day, and plans to make it an annual tradition.

The Pasco County Commission adopted a resolution on Feb. 21 to recognize relationships between Pasco and its partners around the world and the increasing role that global trade is playing in the county’s economy.

The increasing interactions between Pasco and other parts of the world have boosted Pasco’s gross regional product and have resulted in thousands of local high-skill, high-wage jobs, the resolution says.

A delegation, including Pasco County staff, trade and tourism representatives and the mayor of two towns in Belize, joined with the Pasco County Commission to celebrate the county’s first International Trade and Tourism Day. The county intends to make this an annual tradition to highlight the positive impacts the county derives from international trade and tourism. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Setting aside a special day to celebrate each year is intended to highlight the benefits derived from global partners through their direct-foreign investments, and their contributions to Pasco through job creation and capital investment.

The resolution notes these activities by international partners “are made possible through strong partnerships with international resource partner organizations; the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce; Foreign Consular Offices; the United States Department of Commerce; and Global Tampa Bay, a regional partnership between Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties that increases international business opportunities for local companies and markets the region globally as a top business destination.”

The resolution adds that the Pasco county board “and local trade and tourism companies continue to work together to connect with future generations, build the next generation of skilled trade and tourism employees, take charge of the public image of trade and tourism, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.”

Earl Trapp, who is the mayor of two towns in Belize, joined a delegation representing trade and tourism interests at the county board’s Feb. 21 meeting to accept the resolution.

The group also had its photograph taken with the county board.

Trapp told the county board: “We are very much humbled and privileged to be here this morning, at this historical moment. I want to congratulate you on your great strides in developing this International Trade and Tourism Day, something of what I believe will bring economic development to your area.

“I’m very much amazed at the many developments that have taken place over the past 20 years.

“I am sure the transformation, through your leadership, had to have come with vision, with enthusiasm, proper planning, unity and of course, had to come through support of the community.

“I’m hoping this visit today will be the beginning of building relationship among common interest for both regions, and something that will bring mutual benefits for all of us.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who advocated for the new day set aside to honor tourism and international trade, said “We are so excited that you are first visitors on our International Trade and Tourism Day.”

Adam Thomas, executive director of Florida’s Sports Coast, said that as the county’s tourism marketing becomes more sophisticated, it is telling the county’s story in an international marketplace.

“Central America is a key market for us. We are very honored and appreciative of the partnership we have with the TDC (Tourist Development Council), as we continue to tell our story to the global market,” Thomas said.

Published March 08, 2023

Pasco breaks ground on jail expansion project

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Pasco County has broken ground on a 608-bed expansion on a 28.5-acre site at its Pasco County Corrections Center, 20101 Central Ave., in Land O’ Lakes.

Officials held a groundbreaking on Feb. 23 to celebrate the start of the project, which includes new inmate housing, a virtual visitation center, medical and mental health areas, inmate intake and release areas, kitchen and laundry facility improvements, and other features.

This sign is on the current campus at the Pasco County Detention Center, at 20101 Central Ave., in Land O’ Lakes, just off U.S. 41. A project is underway to add 608 beds, as well as other new and updated facilities, at the jail. (File)

Voters approved general obligation bonds for the $145 million expansion project in November 2018.

During the groundbreaking, officials offered remarks about the project in interviews that were videotaped and disseminated by the county’s communications team.

“We’re overcrowded in the facility,” County Administrator Mike Carballa said. “We can’t just go and put a ‘No Vacancy’ sign up, right? We have to house these folks.”

Stacey Jenkins, Pasco’s chief correctional officer said: “The expansion is going to allow us a better opportunity to classify our inmate population, so with that, it’s going to improve the safety of our staff.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman added: “This is a great win for our corrections officers. As we move in the modern policing, this facility will be a fantastic and modern workplace for our corrections officers, and hopefully it gives them a new, clean, safe environment to work in.”

Jack Mariano, chairman of the county board, talked about improvements the expansion will offer.

Elected county leaders, county staff and other dignitaries fling shovels of dirt on Feb. 23 to signify the official groundbreaking of the Pasco County Detention Center expansion. The project, which will add 608 new beds and other improvements, is expected to be completed by Summer of 2025. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“There’s going to be better visitation, where people can do it remotely, safely — taking a lot of stress and strain off the system, as well,” he said.

Mariano added: “The voters spoke very clearly in 2018 … They voted for it. They wanted to see it happen. It’s going to be a great benefit for Pasco County.”

Mike Tippy, a project executive, noted there will be challenges because the expansion is being added next to an operating jail. So, for example, “the kitchen still has to run, even though we’re putting a new kitchen in. The laundry still has to operate, even though we’re moving to new laundry facilities.”

Chief Correctional Officer Jenkins said the expansion will enable the county to provide more programs for current inmates.

It also will provide new opportunities for “inmates who have medical conditions and mental health conditions,” she said.

Moss & Associates is spearheading the construction work on the project, which is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2025.

John Bowden, of Moss construction, said: “This is a big project, very exciting, a large project. We’ve assembled an A-plus team. We’re very excited about what we’re going to deliver over the next couple of years. “

County Administrator Carballa expressed confidence in the county’s staff and the contractor.

“Our team is up to the challenge. I appreciate the hard work and the professionalism of the complete design/build team and our partners there,” the county’s chief executive said.

“This is truly a heavy lift for the organization, but in the end, the juice is worth the squeeze,” Carballa added.

Pasco County Detention Center expansion
New and updated facilities include:

  • 608 additional beds
  • Kitchen and laundry updates
  • Medical and mental health areas
  • Inmate intake/release areas
  • Staff support and administrative offices
  • Pre-trial hearing area
This is a rendering of what the Pasco County Detention Center expansion will look like, at completion. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Access to inmate booking photos
Pasco County has announced that the county now offers access to basic inmate booking information, including photos, for inmates at Pasco Corrections Center in Land O’ Lakes.

Just visit the Pasco Corrections webpage, PascoCorrections.com, and click on either the In Custody or Past Arrests links to access the searchable databases.                       

Give the system a few moments to load booking photos, then simply click on the photo to download. To request a booking photo that doesn’t appear on the website, email Pasco County Customer Service at .

Requests for additional information about arrests must be directed to the arresting agency.

Published March 08, 2023

Watch out for door-to-door scammers

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The City of Tampa Utilities department has issued a consumer alert after a customer reported being targeted by a man posing as a water department employee, according to a news release from the city.

The imposter reportedly knocked on the customer’s door and threatened to shut off water service unless he received payment immediately. The customer did not pay, and the imposter left, the release says.

The water department wants to remind customers that all notices, including notices for overdue balances and shutoff notices, are sent in writing through the mail or via email for e-bill customers.

Customers also may be contacted over the phone regarding overdue bills, the release adds.

Authorized payment methods are listed on the back of the utility bill.

“We’ve seen different types of scams pop up over the years, preying on people’s fears,” Eli Franco, director of water operations, said in the release. “We want residents to know that we do not send city employees to knock on people’s doors to perform collection activities. We also remind residents that they can always contact our office directly to confirm that they are speaking with a city employee.” 

Water department employees are required to show proper identification and operate vehicles that display the city logo and other official markings.

Any contractors working on behalf of the department also are required to display identifying credentials, the release says.

Water department officials urge customers to report similar incidents, or verify their account status, by calling 813-274-8811.

Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to this scam should contact the Tampa Police Department by calling 813-231-6130.

Published March 08, 2023

Choose to eat healthier, all year long

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This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month — “Fuel for the Future” — aims to promote a healthy vegetarian and/or plant-based diet.

While March is designated as National Nutrition Month, the West Central Florida County Health Departments, including Pasco and Hillsborough, are encouraging everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits that can be followed throughout the year, according to a news release.

The National Library of Medicine indicates a high-sugar, high-fat, processed food diet has contributed significantly to obesity and chronic disease, the release said.

Americans consume fewer daily servings of fruits and vegetables and they consume a large quantity of red meat and poultry each year — creating a much higher daily intake of calories and protein than required in a healthy diet.

Making healthy eating habits doesn’t require a drastic lifestyle changes and a good eating pattern isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ endeavor.

Registered dietitians can offer advice on ways to fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternatives to cooking methods and how to incorporate family favorite foods into everyday meals.

The local health department also can serve as a valuable resource on getting started on expanding your own food horizons.

To reach the Department of Health-Pasco, call 727-619-0300. For Hillsborough, call 813-307-8000.

For more about nutrition and National Nutrition Month, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at EatRight.org.

Published March 08, 2023

Exploring the origins of pizza — a truly universal food

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Before we start exploring the early beginnings of pizza, I thought I’d share a little joke.

Did you hear about the guy who took a second job at a pizza parlor? 

He kneaded the dough.  

From controlling the sodium, to adding whole wheat flour to the dough for extra fiber, homemade pizza is a healthier version of the typical delivery and frozen options. (Courtesy of Unsplash.com)

Was that humor a bit too cheesy?

Well, I did say it was a little joke.

But all kidding aside, it’s no secret that pizza is a staple in the American diet.

It’s everywhere: On college campuses, in school cafeterias, at business meetings, at parties, on Sunday game days, and on, and on, and on.

In fact, about one in every eight Americans reports eating pizza on any given day.

So, here are some fun facts that I’m guessing you haven’t heard about pizza.

For one thing, pizza’s origin has roots in several countries.

The Greeks and ancient Egyptians made flatbreads for thousands of years before pizza was introduced in the United States. Also, Romans prepared panis focacius, their version of flatbread — today described as focaccia.

Here are a few more facts:

  • In the late 1800s in Naples, Italy, a pizza maker named Esposito made a pizza special for Queen Margherita in honor of the colors of the Italian flag (mozzarella, tomatoes and basil).

Today that’s known as Margherita pizza.

  • Modern pizza was influenced heavily by Italian immigrants, who introduced pizza to the United States. The first pizza parlor on record opened in New York in the early 1900s.
  • Industrialization brought about the ability to mass produce ready-made foods including fresh and frozen pizzas in grocery stores.
  • Different regions began developing their own style of pizza. Chicago deep-dish, New York’s thin crust, California-style, Philadelphia Tomato Pie, St. Louis-style, Detroit-style, and others.

Now that we’ve gotten to know a bit more about the history of pizza, I’m wondering: Which kind of pizza do you prefer?

Pizza continues to evolve.

The list of toppings has been expanded to include barbecue, mac and cheese, eggs, fruit, nachos, even 24-k gold.

Some pizzas are topped with tomato-based or pesto sauces, but there also are white sauces and sauce-free pizzas, too.

Of course, herbs are a common ingredient, and when it comes to herbs, the fresher the herb, the stronger the flavor.

Vegetables also can be a fun ingredient, such as onions, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, asparagus tips, zucchini, green beans, broccoli.

The options truly are endless. 

Common pizza ingredients — tomatoes and cheese — combine to provide umami, one of the five basic tastes. 

Meats are savory and salty, while fresh fruit like pineapple, pears or peaches give a little sweetness to balance out the savory. 

Crusts come in many varieties, too. Some are thick, others thin. There’s whole wheat, gluten-free, cauliflower crust and others.

From a nutritional standpoint, pizza gets a bad rap because of the high calories, sodium, and saturated fat, mostly in the cheese and meat. 

A typical thin slice of just cheese has about 300 calories, so be mindful of how many slices you have and what toppings you put on.

To help keep your pizza healthier, use vegetable toppings to help fill you up.

You also can resist the temptation of overindulging by making your pizza a side item, instead of  an entrée. 

Prepare a big salad with your favorite greens and low-fat dressing, then have a slice of pizza on the side.

Remember, pizza can be enjoyed on occasion and it’s a fun food to share.

In fact, Pi Day, which is coming up on March 14, could be a perfect day to do just that.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Pasco County Extension intern Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this column.

Recipe

Tomato-basil Pizza
Note: This made-from-scratch pizza, from Mayo Clinic, has a chunkier sauce made from chopped fresh tomatoes or crushed canned tomatoes. Also, to make this plant-based, leave out the cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole-wheat (whole-meal) flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 cups canned unsalted crushed tomatoes, drained
  • 2/3 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2/3 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese 

Directions
Heat the oven to 375 F. 

Lightly coat a 10-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray. 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. 

Add the oil and warm water and mix well. 

Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. 

With floured hands, knead the dough for 1 minute. 

If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 teaspoon at a time. 

Gather into a loose ball. 

Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes. 

In a small bowl, stir together the tomatoes, basil, black pepper and garlic powder. 

Roll out dough and press into the prepared baking pan. 

Spread the tomato mixture over the dough. 

Top with grated cheese. 

Bake until the dough is browned, and the cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes to 20 minutes. 

Cut the pizza into 8 slices and serve immediately. 

Published March 08, 2023

Ash Wednesday begins a season of prayer, reflection and sacrifice

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A student receives ashes from Father Anthony Ujagbo outside of Saint Jude Chapel at Saint Leo University on Ash Wednesday. (Courtesy of Isaac Jeter/Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo University marked the beginning of the Lenten Season with the distribution and reception of ashes on Ash Wednesday, which was Feb. 22 this year.

Father Cosmas Amadi, left, and Father Anthony Ujagbo, who are seeking master’s degrees at the university, distributed ashes outside of the Saint Jude Chapel. Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey also distributed them at the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

Lent is a 40-day period leading to Easter, during which Christians of many different denominations choose to fast, pray, reflect, do penance, give alms or use other means of making a sacrifice or performing works of charity.

The ashes, which are applied on foreheads in the shape of a cross, are an outward sign reminding Christians of their mortality and their need to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.

Published March 08, 2023

Festive day marks open house for BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital

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Visitors had plenty of options at BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital’s community open house.

Outdoors, they could get free health screenings, apply for jobs, grab a bite from a food truck and enjoy live music.

Indoors, they could take self-guided tours, with stops in various parts of the hospital.

They could peek into the fully equipped private patient rooms. The rooms have ample space for visitors and they are Alexa-enabled, allowing patients to play music, turn lights off and on, raise and lower blinds, and, of course, call the nurse, among other things.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is scheduled to open on March 7. It aims to help meet the health care needs in a growing region. (B.C. Manion)

Tour-takers also could see a surgical suite, check out different departments, learn about various services and enjoy the artwork adorning walls along some hospital corridors.

They also could get a glance at the hospital’s restaurant, Waves Café, and take a look at the gift shop.

Hospital employees were stationed at spots throughout the tour, to field questions. Signs were posted, too, providing additional details.

Staffers eagerly shared their enthusiasm for being part of the BayCare team.

Some employees at the Wesley Chapel location transferred from other BayCare hospitals. They said they’re happy to work closer to home.

Others are new to the health care organization.

Many — whether new to BayCare or not — said they were attracted by having the opportunity to be part of a brand-new hospital and to help set the tone for quality care.

Rebecca Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is enthused, too.

Rebecca Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is eager to lead a new hospital that aims to introduce the area to BayCare’s quality of care. Some patients who will use the hospital already are familiar with BayCare because they’ve received care at the health system’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and at BayCare’s main campus in Tampa.

“I’m just so thrilled to be here. I’m so excited to be a part of bringing something new to the community, to be able to represent BayCare and the BayCare values,” she said.

She was pleased, too, by the event’s turnout.

“It’s been a phenomenal morning. It’s extremely humbling, to me, to see how gracious the community is to us,” the hospital executive said.

Thousands turned out.

The crowd was diverse. There were families with young children, retirees and people of all ages, in between.

The vast majority arrived in shuttle buses provided by the hospital, catching rides at stops at The Shops at Wiregrass or Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Others strolled over, from the adjacent Seven Oaks neighborhood.

“It’s a testament of the healthiness of this neighborhood — how many people have just walked over,” Schulkowski said.

All of the patient rooms in the hospital are private. They are Alexa-enabled and there’s ample room for visitors, too. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Many of those she spoke with were curious about the hospital’s services.

Those services will include medical services and health care resources relating to: breast health; diabetes and endocrinology; diagnostic services including imaging and lab; ear, nose and throat; emergency room; gastroenterology; heart and vascular; intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds; interventional radiology; orthopedics; primary care; pulmonology and respiratory; surgery including robotic surgery; urology and wound care.

But the services will not include labor and delivery.

“One of the reasons we chose not to do it is when we looked at the demographics, most of the people moving to this area — they’re established families,” the hospital president said.

BayCare does offer those services at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

Beyond providing health care services, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is providing a significant number of jobs.

It currently has about 350 team members, including full-time, part-time and labor pool positions, with about 90% of the openings filled, Schulkowski said.

There also will be additional staffing needs, as the hospital grows.

“We built the foundation of this hospital, with expansion in mind. We want to grow with the community,” Schulkowski said.

She estimated the staff will grow to around 600 in the future.

Originally, expansion wasn’t expected for at least four or five years.

But the hospital president said: “According to the response of the community this morning, it might be faster than I thought.”

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel
Where: 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. (The location is on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, between State Road 56 and State Road 54, east of Interstate 75.)
When: Opening day is March 7. Visiting hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why: The hospital will provide health care services in a growing region. It has 86 private rooms and 20 Emergency Room beds. It offers comprehensive medical services and health care resources, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds, diagnostic services such as imaging and lab, and surgical services.
Cost: The 318,000-square-foot building is on a campus of more than 40 acres. The project’s estimated cost is $246 million.
Fun fact: Alexa stands ready to assist. Patients can ask Alexa to play music, turn on the TV, turn off the TV; raise the blinds, lower the blinds; change the temperature; and, of course, call the nurse.

Published March 01, 2023

 

Pasco’s tourism numbers approach 1.5 million visitors

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Pasco County attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors during fiscal year 2022, and impact from tourism on the economy was more than $916.5 million, according to a report shared with the Pasco County Commission last week.

In terms of direct spending, tourism generated more than $636.6 million. That’s up 24% over fiscal year 2021.

The tourism industry also generated 11,403 jobs, totaling $288.2 million in wages.

Scalloping is a popular activity, bringing a significant number of visitors to the area during Pasco’s summer scalloping season. (File)

For every 130 visitors to Pasco County, a job is created, said Adam Thomas, executive director for Florida’s Sports Coast, the county’s Destination Management Organization.

In terms of revenues, the county received slightly more than $5 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues collected for more than 1.5 million room nights generated in Pasco’s short-term rental accommodations.

Pasco restaurants, gas stations, hotels, shopping and entertainment venues benefit from the traffic tourism brings to the area, but Pasco residents benefit, too.

Thomas said that revenues generated by tourism saved an estimated $384 per Pasco County household in fiscal year 2022.

That figure is based on how much more revenue the county would have had to generate to provide the same amount of services as it provided — with the economic boost provided by tourism, Thomas explained.

Tourists said they would like to see additional dining options added in Pasco County. (Mike Camunas)

With the exception of 2020, when the pandemic hit, Pasco’s tourism trends have been up for the past five years, Thomas said.

“People are noticing us, they’re coming here, they’re experiencing our product from a visitor perspective and the market is rich, in terms of tourism,” Thomas added.

The county’s tourism marketing efforts also are paying off, according to Thomas.

Every dollar spent on marketing the destination results in $106 in visitor spending, he said.

The report also tracks how visitors arrive to Pasco, how long they’ve been planning their trip, where they are coming from and how long they stay.

Generating room nights is a big part of a successful tourism effort. Pasco County has set its sights on attracting more international visitors. (Mike Camunas)

It turns out that 90% of Pasco visitors drive into the market and 47% of them planned their trip within a month of traveling.

Of those staying in the area, 25% stayed at hotels or motels and 17% stayed with family or friends.

About 38% of the visitors traveled with one or more children, and about 25% traveled to the area to attend or participate in a sporting event. 

Three in five visitors stayed one or more nights, and the average stay was four nights. Typical travel parties spent $227 per day, with an average of $982 over the course of their trip.

Thomas’ comments to the board were based on a report completed by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc.

Downs & St. German has been partnering with several events, tourism attractions, venues and short-term rental accommodations since 2018, in order to run face-to-face, phone, and online surveys with Pasco County visitors.

As a result of those efforts, the research company compiles profiles of visitors coming to Pasco County and quantifies the economic impact of tourism.

Florida’s Sports Coast, Pasco’s Destination Management Organization, uses the information to better target its marketing efforts to increase tourism in Pasco.

Pasco tourism by the numbers
These figures are from a report compiled by Downs & St. Germain Research, comparing fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2021:

Economic impacts:

  • Overall economic impact: $916.6 million, up 27%
  • Visitor spend: $636.6 million, up 24%
  • Room occupancy: 68.1%, up 1.5%
  • Average daily rate: $119, up 28.7%
  • Room nights: 1.5 million, up 7%
  • Local jobs created: 11,403, up 23%
  • Wages and salaries: $2.9 million, up 24%
  • Tourist Development Tax: $5 million, up 39%

Visitor profile

  • Average visitor: Is 49 years old, female, with income of $90,800
  • 90% drive into the area; 10% fly through Tampa International Airport
  • The typical stay is 4.3 nights
  • Travel parties spend $227 per day; $982 over course of visit

Top visitor activities

  • Casual dining: 73%
  • Shopping: 54%
  • Seeing family and friends: 54%
  • Visiting parks and nature: 52%

Top desired additional activities

  • More restaurants: 26%
  • More family friendly activities: 23%
  • More outdoor activities: 23%
  • More sporting events: 22% 

Published March 01, 2023

Pasco eyes possible Ridge Road extension to Overpass Road

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The final segment of the Ridge Road, which is scheduled to reach U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could turn into just another stop along the road.

The board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) — the county’s lead transportation planning agency — has decided to let its staff explore the possibility of extending Ridge Road over to Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel.

The study came at the suggestion of Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano who noted that work has been approved to plan an extension of Overpass Road to U.S. 301.

If that extension occurs to the east of Overpass and if the proposed link is approved to U.S. 41, then Ridge Road potentially could become another east-west road corridor across Pasco.

The stars on this map indicate the end point of Ridge Road on U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes and a potential endpoint for an extension that would take it to Overpass Road. The potential extension is just an idea at this point. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Mariano discussed the idea with Carl Mikyska, executive director of the Pasco MPO, and brought the issue to the board at its Feb. 9 meeting, for discussion and direction.

“Currently, state roads 54 and 52 offer east-west movements, but there’s a distance between those two roads. The concept here is to look at a mid-county, east-west connection,” Mikyska said.

Mariano told his MPO board colleagues: “The traffic relief we’ve felt from the Ridge Road extension, running from let’s call it Moon Lake to Suncoast has been great,” Mariano said.

Ridge Road is slated to reach Sunlake Boulevard in the summer and then stretch over to U.S. 41 in 2025, he said.

He encouraged his colleagues to support a closer look at extending it to Overpass Road.

“Let’s investigate it, see if it works. I think if you put that other road going across this whole county, it’s going to really help us long-term with our transportation issues,” he said.

Mariano added: “This is not a brand-new idea. When I was first elected, this was one of the things we talked about. We had to decide whether we were going to keep fighting with (U.S.) Army Corps (of Engineers) to get the Ridge Road extension, we were looking to get all of the way to (Interstate) 75.”

The decision was made at that time to get Ridge Road to U.S. 41 and then look at an additional extension, Mariano said.

“I think it’s wise to take a look at it now. Let’s get started on it and see where it takes us.”

Starkey asked about potential environmental restrictions.

Mikyska noted: “There are some wellfields in there and it’s labeled the Cypress Creek Preserve.”

Starkey added: “I don’t know what kind of restrictions are on there. I just don’t know what we would be up against if we went through there.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman expressed words of caution.

“So, obviously this goes through the heart of my district,” he said.

“The property that is owned through here is kind of a conglomerate of Tampa Bay Water, SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) owns parcels and there’s some private entities.

“As it gets further east, there’s conservation easement with one family. A little bit further south, Quail Hollow, then it connects into the Overpass area.

“That area is such a significant area for our water supply, our water quality,” he said.

“Studying it (the road extension), is one thing. I think we really, really need to understand the impacts, if we go disturbing that because that water supplies, obviously, you know the Greater Tampa Bay area, with an essential resource,” Weightman said.

“It’s a very environmentally sensitive place. It’s a very pristine piece of nature.

“I just want that on the record as we look at this,” Weightman said.

Mariano responded: “I respect what it is. I look at the Suncoast Parkway running right through the heart of Serenova. Keep in mind, too, when we did that, there were 6,500 homes that had been built, 250 acres of commercial development, 250 more acres of other retail that was going to be put in and all of that got extinguished going through.

“I don’t know what the limitations are. I don’t exactly know all of the effects. But I will say, I think that we’ve built that Ridge Road extension, environmentally very sensitive, protected everything down below it.”

Mariano added that the extension could be a two-lane road or a four-lane road.

“We don’t know until we study, the ramifications, etc., but it’s such a critical piece of us, going east-west. I think it’s worth a look. Especially now, since the Overpass interchange has been built. That’s a $55 million product that we’ve got for infrastructure, instead of going all of the way to (U.S.) 301. I think we need to look at both sides.

Weightman responded: “I don’t disagree with looking at a road concept. My concern is once the road is there and limits are pushed, for developments and what comes along with it. I think we just need to be very measured, as we go through this process and really understand the impacts of these properties and building on them.”

Mariano: “’I’m not looking at anything but the roadway to go through.

“If we don’t look at it, we’ll never know.”

Lance Smith, who sits on the Zephyrhills City Council, told his colleagues: “I’m like Commissioner Weightman, I’m very sensitive to the land there. We can study that and we could minimize any impact to it because we don’t need sprawling development along a road, but if we need to move traffic, that’s a different issue.”

The next step will be for the Pasco MPO staff to look at the idea, as it screens projects that would be conducted with the long-range transportation plan.

That list is due in December of 2024, Mikyska said. 

“So the suggestion would be, that as we put in projects to the long-range plan, we take them to a higher-level screening,” Mikyska said.

That screening will provide “a better sense of what exactly we would be facing, in terms of any challenges, such as you’re identifying here.

“I think that would give you a clearer picture of what this facility may offer for challenges and opportunities, and it would allow you to have a more informed choice as we look at going forward or not going forward,” Mikyska said.

Published March 01, 2023