The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Efforts continue to blaze new trails in Pasco

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Pasco County is making progress on creating new trails to give residents more options — for getting around and staying fit.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a $2.3 million professional services agreement with Atkins North America Inc., to provide project development and environmental services in connection with the Orange Belt Multi-Use Trail.

The trail project was identified as a new project to be funded through the Pasco County Penny for Pasco Local Options Surtax that was renewed by voters in 2015, according to materials in the county board’s Aug. 9 agenda packet.

The board approved the professional services agreement, as part of a group of items approved on it consent agenda, without discussion.

The Orange Belt trail is on the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s list of priority regional trails.

It is intended to be a paved trail, 12-feet to 15-feet wide, spanning the county.

It will provide connections between three existing regional trail corridors: Starkey Trail Connector, Suncoast Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail.

Under the approved agreement, Atkins will develop the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the project, which would identify the alignment and required right of way acquisition and permitting.

The agreement also provides for the development of a plan that would divide the project into segments and would have independent schedules for design, right of way acquisition, and construction.

The agreement is to be completed within 740 calendar days from the date the Notice to Proceed is issued to Atkins, according to the agenda materials.

No dates have been established yet for the design, right of way or construction.

The study is expected to be finished by summer 2024. No dates have yet been set for design, right of way acquisition or construction. Preliminary cost estimates for the project are set at $38.5 million.

In another action related to new trails, the board approved a task order for $141,295, with Coastal Design Consultants Inc., relating to the design and permitting of the Boyette Road Multi-Use Path.

The task order provides for the design, permitting and post-design services required to construct an 8-foot multi-use path along Boyette Road extending from Vandine Road, on the south, to the most southerly pedestrian entrance into the Wesley Chapel District Park, on the north.

The project will create a continuous multi-use path along Boyette Road from State Road 54 to Overpass Road, and will provide walkers, runners and bicyclists with a safe route to and from the Wesley Chapel High School compound and Wesley Chapel District Park.

The design, construction plan preparation, permitting, utility coordination, and bid document preparation will be performed within 243 calendar days from the first Notice to Proceed. A second notice to proceed will be given for the post-design services.

Construction is expected to begin on the project in fall of 2023, with completion expected in 2024. The estimated cost of the project is slightly more than $1.3 million, including design, construction, construction engineering and inspection, according to materials in the agenda packet.

In other action on Aug. 9, the county board:

  • Approved an additional position in the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department to assist the department’s project manager to complete additional projects funded by the General Obligation Bond approved by voters.
  • Approved the purchase of two remote-controlled lawn mowers needed for maintenance of very steep areas in the county’s reclaimed water storage reservoirs.
  • Approved the reimbursement of $65,086.91 to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano for mailing expenses for tax notices for the 2021 tax year.
  • Approved an additional $35,000 in purchasing authority to Nabors, Giblin, Nickerson, P.A., for attorney’s fees, paralegal fees, travel expenses and costs as maybe incurred by the law firm on behalf of the county, for a cumulative total not to exceed $85,000. The law firm is assisting the county in its lawsuit involving a budget dispute between the county and Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Nikkia Alvarez-Sowles.
  • Approved the appointment of Frank Cornier, president of Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services, to serve on the board of the Pasco County Housing Finance Authority. He is filling a vacancy on the five-member board.
  • Approved a partnership between Pasco Fire/Rescue and the Florida Department of Health, Pasco County to treat and prevent opioid addiction in Pasco County. It includes the addition of up to three positions to support the program.

The program will implement a specialized unit to be deployed to incidents where citizens require medication assisted treatment and/or addiction stabilization services.

  • Approved $100,000 in additional purchasing authority for Florida’s Sports Coast, the county’s tourism marketing arm, for advertising, and funding of programs to incentivize events in Pasco, resulting in a new not-to-exceed amount of $1,272,064.00 for fiscal year 2022.

Published August 24, 2022

Opioid addiction is ‘a national crisis,’ congressman says

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recently was back in his Tampa Bay home district and spent time with people working on the front lines in the battle against opioid addiction.

One stop was at a community meeting at AdventHealth Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel, where he met with members of the public and representatives of Live Tampa Bay — an organization that’s focused on drastically reducing deaths from opioid addiction.

Bilirakis offered big-picture thoughts on the opioid epidemic and discussed wide-ranging efforts he’s involved with to address it.

“Currently, fentanyl is the leading cause of death in the nation for individuals ages 18 to 45,” said Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th congressional district.

“Folks, this is a national emergency. We must treat it like one. Our kids are dying. Our kids are dying.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recently talked about a number of federal initiatives aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths during a session at AdventHealth Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

“Sadly, the epidemic of substance abuse disorder and addiction continue to have far-reaching consequences that touch every community, every demographic and every single one of us,” the congressman said.

“Tragically, despite historic increases in federal funding in recent years to tackle this issue, the problem is only getting worse.

“With provisional data, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) estimates that over 107,000 Americans died of a drug overdose during the past year, with Florida having particularly alarming numbers, with over 7,000 overdose deaths,” Bilirakis said.

“This is an issue that we must attack in different ways,” said the congressman, who has authored several pieces of successful legislation taking aim at the problem.

He shared insights he’s gleaned from meeting with people who are on the front line of responding to the crisis.

He cited Tampa Bay’s notorious history of illegal pill mills.

“When government stepped up and put a stop to the pill mills, law enforcement saw a huge surge in abusive, illegally trafficked, illicit street drugs, including heroin and synthetic opioids and stimulant drugs, like meth (methamphetamine),” he said.

Criminals will find a way to provide illegal substances, so getting to the root of the problem is crucial, Bilirakis said.

“We know that the issue of substance abuse and mental health are inextricably linked. For years, I’ve been working on legislation to address our nation’s broken mental health system.

“I’m proud to tell you that this is a bipartisan issue folks. (U.S. Rep.) Kathy Castor works with me on this issue. We both sit on the Energy and Commerce committee, and we’re both senior members of the health subcommittee,” he said.

While progress has been made, much work remains, Bilirakis said.

“Too many barriers still exist for getting someone the help they need.

“I recently held a roundtable discussion with federal and local law enforcement officials, public health officials, behavioral health providers and emergency room physicians, to discuss mental health and substance abuse disorder.

“These are the professionals in our community who are battling this epidemic every single day.

“I believe you must look to them for guidance on the ways we can all work together to find more effective solutions.

“Their stories were both powerful and heartbreaking.

“The law enforcement officials identified that they are navigating two distinct concerns. One being (the) trafficking rings and the other being illicit drug users.

“They made it clear that this is a public health crisis, one that we cannot arrest our way out of. “They felt strongly that instead of utilizing incarceration that we need to expand our available treatment options,” Bilirakis said.

Law enforcement officials also told the congressman that they’re seeing “almost every type of drug being laced with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Very scary, ladies and gentlemen. Very scary.’”

There’s also counterfeit vaping pens, marijuana and prescription pills that are manufactured to appear identical to their counterparts, Bilirakis said. As a result, unsuspecting users ingest substances that have been laced with fentanyl and overdose.

Law enforcement told Bilirakis they also need more resources to battle illicit distribution and drug use.

Another issue is the shortage of licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and others who can provide assistance to people struggling with mental health and substance addiction issues, Bilirakis said.

“This is definitely an urgent need,” he said.

The gap in insurance — relating to providing coverage for residential health care — makes that option out of financial reach for many.

And, even when families use their life savings to procure residential treatment for a family member, it’s difficult for them to discern the best provider, Bilirakis added.

“Stable care is such a vital component, in ensuring patients do not relapse,” he added.

Emergency room physicians are overburdened, too.

When Bilirakis talked to them, they estimated that roughly half of their time is spent addressing patients who are suffering from mental health or substance abuse disorder issues.

The problem touches everyone’s life, to some degree, Bilirakis said.

“Our neighbors, our friends, our families are struggling and they need help,” Bilirakis said.

Despite the difficulties and the work that remains, Bilirakis said he knows it’s a battle that can be won.

“I have hope,” Bilirakis said, mentioning individuals he’s met who received quality treatment and are living happy and fulfilling lives.

“Federal, state and local officials must work in tandem — that’s the key, collaboration — with nonprofits and private organizations, to generate and implement solutions.

“Together, I’m optimistic that we can, and we will, win this fight,” he said.

Live Tampa Bay mobilizes business, faith, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in the Tampa Bay region who are dedicated to the mission of reducing opioid deaths.

Here are statistics from the organization’s research:

  • Tampa Bay’s opioid overdose rate of 23.3 per 100,000 population is 9.75% higher than the State of Florida, and 50.5% higher than the nation.
  • Experts estimate that the economic impact of the opioid epidemic on Tampa Bay is roughly $25 billion lost each year in gross regional product, with 35,000 workers sidelined from the labor force.
  • Nearly three people a day die in Tampa Bay from an opioid overdose, totaling 1,024 deaths in 2019.

For more information, visit LiveTampaBay.org.

Published August 24, 2022

Engineering firm wants office building on North Dale Mabry

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Tampa Civil Design is seeking a rezoning to clear the way for a 10,000-square-foot office on about 8.5 acres, on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line.

Pasco County’s planning staff has recommended approval of the request and the Pasco County Planning Commission did the same during its Aug. 18 meeting.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which makes final decisions on land use and zoning issues.

Jeremy Couch is the applicant on the request.

He frequently appears before both the planning and county board in his professional capacity, but at the Aug. 18 planning board meeting, he was there to answer any questions the board had about his proposed office project.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented Couch during the hearing.

She told the planning board: “It’s an ROR (retail, office, residential) land use, it’s on Dale Mabry, it’s pretty straight-forward.”

During the public hearing, John Calamari, of 20719 Preston Lane, noted that there were errors in the application.

For one thing, he said, the site is on the west side of North Dale Mabry Highway, not on the east side as indicated in the application. Also, the application indicates that Preston Lane intersects with North Dale Mabry, but it does not.

Calamari, who has lived on Preston Lane since 1998 said he’s concerned about the use of Preston Lane, which is a 15-foot-wide road.

He said construction traffic or traffic from the project could cause damage to Preston Lane, which is substandard.

“Two vehicles cannot pass on Preston Lane,” Calamari said.

Couch said “it’s my full intention to access this property from Dale Mabry.

“The property does have a legal easement to Preston Lane,” Couch said, so there’s a chance it could be used during the construction phase.

However, once the project opens, the intention is to allow access only onto North Dale Mabry Highway, Couch said.

“I don’t want to encroach on these folks’ neighborhood. We’re going to be a very quiet low-impact use,” Couch said.

The application did not propose any kind of connection to Preston Lane. If Preston Lane is used in any capacity, the application would need to be amended.

A county staffer told Couch that if he uses Preston Lane at all, he must submit a videotape showing the road’s condition before using it. The road must be maintained during its use, and then it must be restored to the original condition when the use is finished. The applicant must then submit a videotape depicting the road after it has been restored.

Couch said he intends to block off access to Preston Lane, once the project is finished.

Goldstein said the application must be modified and conditions would be attached, if Couch wants to use Preston Lane.

Published August 24, 2022

As school activities and sports ramp up, be sure to stay hydrated

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The beginning of a new school year is full of fresh starts.

It’s also a time when many school teams begin to kick into high gear — creating lots of opportunities to work up a sweat and get thirsty.

There are team tryouts, practices and, of course, games and tournaments.

By checking this chart, you can see that a piece of cheese and sunflower seeds, or peanut butter on a bagel, have more sodium and potassium than a sports drink. (Courtesy of Michigan State University Extension)

Sports drinks are a popular way to slake a thirst, and they do serve an important purpose. But most recreational athletes and exercisers don’t lose the level of electrolytes that warrant drinking a sports drink.

Most of us are better off with water.

Sports drinks were designed primarily to help elite athletes to stay hydrated and to improve their performance.

Of course, cool packaging, notable flavor names and bright colors do make them appealing to youths.

Just remember, the purpose of sports drinks is to replenish electrolytes as they are lost through perspiration, and this electrolyte depletion happens at an extreme level.

In some circumstances, sports drinks are the better choice.

For instance, if your child is outside in intense heat for an hour or more while doing vigorous activity, such as long-distance running or soccer, sports drinks will provide hydration faster because the glucose and sodium they contain help the body absorb water faster than just the water on its own.

But, if your child is active outside for less than an hour and is doing intermittent physical activity, or is simply riding a bike, they are better off with water.

Sports drinks are mostly water, with the addition of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium.

Food sources have these, too.

So, to replace carbohydrates after an intense workout, you can eat a piece of fruit instead, such as a banana or orange, which gives additional nutrients as well, and doesn’t have added sugar.

A Yale study found that more than one in four American parents considered sports drinks to be healthy for kids. But they actually are considered a sugar-sweetened beverage, a category that is shared with soda, energy drinks and flavored coffees.

A 20-ounce bottle of a sports drink has about 34 grams of added sugar.

Therefore, sports drinks are not meant to be a substitute for water unless the circumstances call for it — again, consider the intensity of the exercise and the time in the heat.

Remember, healthy snacks, without so much added sugar, can replace electrolytes, too.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published August 24, 2022

East Pasco cleanup yields nearly 12 tons of trash

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Pasco County’s code enforcement and solid waste teams conducted a cleanup in the Lock Street area of East Pasco and collected nearly 12 tons of trash.

Those county teams joined forces with the community to complete the gargantuan cleanup, according to a news release.

The cleanup included 561 pounds of hazardous materials and 11.74 tons of solid waste debris, the release says.

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes the area where the cleanup occurred, expressed his appreciation of the effort.

“The Lock Street Community Cleanup got rid of nearly 12 tons of trash and other debris, keeping our community clean for everyone to enjoy,” Oakley said, in the release. “This event, like others we’ve hosted, ensures Pasco County is an exceptional place to live, work and play.  I extend my gratitude to the many volunteers who work so hard to ensure a clean and healthy county.”

Pasco County hosts community cleanup events to give customers a convenient opportunity to get rid of trash, debris and hazardous materials that might otherwise lead to code violations or illegal dumping.

To report illegal dumping in Pasco County, call 727-847-2411.

Published August 24, 2022

Learns the ins and outs of securing grants

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The Hillsborough County Grants Collaborative is accepting registrations for its annual training conference.

The one-day training will include:

  • Presentations from top-tier grant writers who will share their knowledge and tips for developing winning grants
  • Hands-on sessions covering grant writing, building high-scoring financials and budgets, management, and latest in data mining for creating a highly competitive need section
  • Lunch provided during which a Funder’s Panel, composed of personnel who oversee grants to nonprofits, will be presented

The registration fee is $60.

The Hillsborough County Grants Collaborative is an all-volunteer group that provides opportunities for hundreds of grant writers, nonprofit leaders and their staff, and those interested in becoming grant writers in all types of nonprofits and governmental agencies to come together to learn, network, and share ideas and insights.

Its regular meetings are free and there is no cost to join and receive the group’s emails.

The session will be on Sept. 15, at the Children’s Board Hillsborough County, 1002 E. Palm Ave., in Tampa.

Those interested in attending can register online at hcgrantscollaborative.org
Revised August 24, 2022

Advocates for fire rescue crews keep up the heat on Pasco officials

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Advocates for Pasco Fire Rescue continue the push to reduce emergency response times in Pasco County.

Two speakers appeared before the Pasco County Commission during the public comment portion of the board’s Aug. 9 meeting, pushing for the board to have a greater sense of urgency regarding steps they can take to improve emergency response times.

Jim Carino, of New Port Richey, told board members that he has 35 years in fire service, including teaching stints to provide training for firefighters and emergency responders.

Ladder 38 is located at Pasco Fire Rescue Station 38, at 7541 Paramount Drive, in the Watergrass subdivision of Wesley Chapel. Its grand opening ceremony was on Aug. 27, 2019, several weeks after it began operations. (File)

“I moved to Pasco County in 1973 and have witnessed tremendous growth in the years I’ve lived here,” Carino said.

“I’ve been following with great interest Pasco firefighters’ fight to increase staffing and add more strategically placed fire stations to better serve the citizens of Pasco County,” he said.

“Government’s main responsibility is public safety. It must be a priority. Only a firefighter truly knows the demands and responsibilities that come with the title of firefighter,” he said.

The county’s firefighters have been asking the board for its help.

“The county continues to fall behind in keeping up with the demands of growth,” Carino said, and the additional demands for fire services.

He noted the county doesn’t meet the national standards on response times.

“I came here today to ask you to listen to the emergency workers and to develop a strategic plan and to follow it, to make the lives of the citizens of Pasco — and fire/rescue personnel here to protect them — safer.”

This badge represents Pasco/Fire Rescue.

Carino added: “We must stop kicking the can down the road and get serious.

“The longer we wait, the farther behind we fall and the more expensive it will get.”

Steve Akel, a member of International Association of Firefighters, Local 4420, also appeared before the board, reiterating numerous concerns he’s raised in the past.

He told board members the issue was brought to its attention in July of 2021.

The board continues to approve new construction at every meeting, but there are no new fire stations for emergency crews, Akel said.

“Response times are still above the national average. The department frequently has no ambulances available, and you’re still denying our firefighter his state-entitled cancer benefits,” he said.

“For a year now, Local 4420 has brought to your attention the death sentence you continue to issue to the citizens of Pasco, and the mass deficiencies in the board’s leadership. Leadership that allows fire stations to not be built for, and I quote, ‘for over a decade,’ knowingly putting the public at risk.

“Population increases by thousands monthly, with no support for public safety to retain experienced, or new employees, as is felt by the fire department and the sheriff’s office.

“In April, you were told that over 50% of response times were greater than 10 minutes and reminded that Signal 40 (the lack of available ambulances) was still an issue. In May, you were reminded that the G.O. Bond was approved in 2018, which was supposed to go to Fire/Rescue for five new fire stations and rebuild four, of which we have zero.

“You were told that in the last year we lost 50 firefighters, and that number has only increased,” Akel said.

Pasco Fire Rescue is third-busiest for EMS calls and eighth-busiest for fire calls in the state, Akel said.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick responded to the comments at a later point in the meeting.

Fitzpatrick said she’s proud of the board, county staff and the fire chief for working together to address the issue.

She provided this update on the status of the various projects.

Regarding the four new fire stations:

  • Station 9: Expected to open this fall at the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52
  • Station 3: Bid closed Aug. 9
  • Stations 2 and 4: Out for design and engineering; expected to begin construction in Spring 2023

Rebuilds

  • Station 17: Groundbreaking was held last year. Opening expected in late December or early January.
  • Station 20: Bid accepted. Groundbreaking expected within a month or two.
  • Station 18: Bids close Aug. 9. Groundbreaking expected within the next few months.

Fitzpatrick noted that Stations 9 and 17 were slowed down because of material and construction delays.

She added: “We still have stations 19, 22, and once that’s finished, we’ll be moving forward with the training center.

“I’m very excited to see that all of these stations are moving forward, and the majority of them will be built by next year.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey agreed that there’s a lot of activity.

“It’s surprising how slow government goes, but we have to follow all of these laws and rules, in purchasing and advertising and contracts,” Starkey said.

Starkey continued: “We’re doing everything we can up here to expedite these fire stations.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley thanked Pasco citizens for supporting the fire station projects through their approval of the General Obligation bonds, which have provided needed funding.

“We’ve got to be real grateful for our citizens stepping up, to take on some of that burden, along with us,” Oakley said.

Starkey added: “When these are done, our citizens will definitely feel the impact — in a positive way.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he’d like to see a presentation from Fire Chief Scott Cassin detailing what the county has done during the past 10 years, in terms of fire/rescue improvements.

“I think we’re doing all of the right things, as quick as we can. I think in a very short period of time, we’ll be in great shape,” Mariano said.

Published August 17, 2022

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation opens

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Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation had its first opening day of school, ever, ushering in a host of programs aimed to prepare students for myriad technical and professional careers.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, the newest school in Pasco County Schools, welcomed its inaugural crop of 570 freshmen and sophomores on the first day of school, Aug. 10. The school’s official address is 32555 Innovation Way. It’s where Curley Road meets Innovation Way, in Wesley Chapel. (Fred Bellet)

Some of those work opportunities already exist.

Others are expected to emerge in the future.

In either case, this high school will provide a broad array of opportunities for students, offering technical training, as well as opportunities for advanced placement, dual enrollment and general classroom work.

The school, at 32555 Innovation Drive, is located at the intersection where Curley Road meets Innovation Way, in Wesley Chapel.

The magnet school represents the first technical school of its type on the eastern side of the county.

Housed in a building that has a modernistic architectural design, the school’s programs include: applied cybersecurity and computer science, automotive maintenance and light repair; diesel maintenance; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; digital media and multimedia; applied engineering, robotics; welding technology; patient care technician; and, electricity.

The school opened with 570 freshmen and sophomores, but will add additional grades to create a school for ninth- through 12th-graders.

Students will be able to earn standard diplomas and industry certifications, as well as take Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses.

The school doesn’t have sports teams, but students will be able to play for the schools in which they are zoned.

The school will have clubs, with specifics determined by school and staff.

Published August 17, 2022

The school’s initials — KRAI — are on bold display on a base outside the main entrance of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. Meanwhile, in the background, students are heading to classes on the school’s second floor.
Students arrive for the first day of classes in the inaugural school year at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. The magnet school is beginning with just freshmen and sophomores, and will add grade levels to become a school for ninth- through 12th-graders.
Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation Principal Dee Dee Johnson greets students as they arrive for the first day of school. She also waves to cars near the drop-off point.
Fourteen-year-old Urijah Naughton, left, Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Mobley, 14-year-old Jayden Rivera and 14-year-old Joshua Barnes pause on their way to class, for the students to have their picture taken with Mobley, the new school’s resource officer.
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning stands near rows of cameras, tripods and accessories in the Digital Media Multimedia Design class at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. Browning took a brief tour of the school on opening day of the 2022-2023 school year in Pasco County Schools.
Jennifer Schwiegart, a learning design specialist at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, helps 16-year-old Malachi Miller find his classroom on a school map.

Incinerators proposed in Lutz

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Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) has announced a virtual public meeting relating to a request for two incinerators in Lutz.

The EPC has received an application from Louis Geraci LLLP, seeking an air permit to allow two air curtain incinerators (ACIs).

The proposed air permit will be for operation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs at a new commercial vegetative yard waste and land clearing debris disposal facility, to be located at 1225 Crystal Lake Road, according to the EPC announcement.

The project is planned on the north side of Crystal Lake Road, across from Idlewild Baptist Church’s north parking lot, according to Jay Muffly, of the Lutz Civic Association.

The applications calls for an air permit relating to the installation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs and associated material handling operations on the property.

This type of operation has the potential to generate smoke and dust from the burning and handling of the materials, according to the EPC notice.

The notice explains that an ACI is designed to blow a curtain of air over the burning material to promote efficient combustion, and minimize the emission of smoke and embers.

The EPC does not regulate any zoning, siting, transportation or location matters.

The EPC has notified nearby property owners and registered neighborhood organizations, and will host a virtual community meeting on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., to provide an overview of the proposed project, the process for public comments, and an opportunity to address questions and provide answers.

The community notice also points out that operation of an ACI for yard trash disposal also requires a Yard Trash Disposal Facility General Permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and requires the authorization of the EPC director, issued by the EPC’s Waste Division.

The public meeting is expected to last 90 minutes. The link to register for the virtual meeting was expected to be available on Aug. 16, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

To request access to the link or find out more, contact Diana M. Lee at 813-627-2600, ext. 1276.

Published August 17, 2022

107 homes approved in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that would allow up to a maximum of 107 homes on a 43.5-acre site in Land O’ Lakes.

The property is on the north side of Dogpatch Lane, about 390 feet west of Joy Drive, and abutting Joy Drive, about 690 feet north of Dogpatch Drive.

As a condition of approval, Attorney Barbara Wilhite said her client has agreed to install one 8-foot-wide sidewalk, heading north to south through the subdivision, to provide a safe place for students to walk to school. Normally, a 5-foot-wide sidewalk would be required.

The rezoning, approved unanimously by the county board at its Aug. 9 meeting, changed the zoning from agricultural and agricultural-residential designations to a master-planned unit development.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the request, deeming it to be consistent with the county’s long-range plan and land development code.

The county board’s approval came despite objections from area residents who raised concerns about potential impacts on wildlife and the prospect for additional traffic on Lake Patience Road.

Prior to the board’s vote, Debbie Moore, who lives nearby, told commissioners: “You guys don’t know this land at all. You haven’t walked it.”

She said she lives on 6 acres and her neighbors live on 20 acres.

“We have wetlands all around us,” she said. “You guys need to go see the area.

“You’re not considering the wildlife,” she added.

Cathryn Baxter Polonitza who lives in a nearby subdivision urged the county board to reject the request.

She said she’d gathered a petition with about 100 signatures of people opposing the proposed development.

She also noted that many area residents were unaware of the request.

Wilhite said the rezoning request was properly noticed.

Pat Rubrecht and other area residents raised concerns about adding traffic to Lake Patience Road, which they said is already dangerous.

Wilhite told the county board that this project is consistent with what the county envisions in its long-range plan.

The density also complies with the plan. The development also will be served by county water and sewer, the attorney said.

During the discussion, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told county staff that she’d like an update regarding the potential for adding a traffic signal at the intersection of Lake Patience Road and U.S. 41.

Published August 17, 2022