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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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County Administrator Dan Biles departs Pasco on a high note

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Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles found himself in a position he doesn’t particularly enjoy on July 12.

On that day, he stood at the podium, facing the Pasco County Commission, while a resolution was being read. It detailed many accomplishments during his five-year tenure in the county’s top job.

The resolution praised Biles “for his dedicated service to Pasco County and his contribution to creating a people-focused organizational culture.”

County Administrator Dan Biles poses with Pasco County employees on July 12, the administrator’s last meeting with the Pasco County Commission. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

It also lauds Biles’ focus on customer service and his commitment to training leaders, as well as empowering them to improve business operations.

His work in that area led to “radical cultural changes” within the organization resulting “in significant performance gains across the enterprise, as well as three different local and national ‘Best Places to Work’ awards,” the resolution notes.

The document also spells out some of Biles’ most notable accomplishments, including “his unwavering leadership and administrative creativity through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; his involvement in making the construction of the Ridge Road Extension a reality, providing an essential hurricane evacuation route and a new major corridor for Pasco County commuters; and his collaboration in the momentous Moffitt Pasco County Project, which will provide more than 14,000 jobs in a geographic footprint larger than Downtown Tampa and more importantly, bring hope to innumerable people for decades to come.”

Additionally, Biles’ “People, Purpose, Performance” leadership philosophy has influenced members of his team who will carry on that desire to “prioritize people, connect them to their purpose and get out of the way of their success,” the resolution states.

This shot was taken during construction of the first phase of the Ridge Road extension. That portion of the road, between Moon Lake Drive and the Suncoast Parkway, is now open to traffic. Work continues on the stretch of Ridge Road that will extend it to U.S. 41. (File)

After Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles finished reading the resolution, Biles told the board: “It’s a little uncomfortable today because I don’t like standing up here. I actually prefer to be in the background, out of the spotlight, and let you or the team really take the credit for the great things that are happening.”

But Biles added: “I appreciate it. It’s been truly a remarkable five years. I don’t think I would’ve imagined the things that we’ve gone through the last five years, but thank you for all of the support, thank you to the team for all of the support, because I couldn’t have done it without the team, as well.”

He told commissioners he appreciated that they allowed him to work on building an organization that’s similar to corporations such as Publix, Southwest Airlines and USAA — that are focused both on their employees and the customers they serve.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done to support me over the last five years, even when we may not have agreed. That’s part of business, right?

“I think I’ve disagreed with every one of you from time to time. That’s part of a great work atmosphere … allowing discussion, debate and those kinds of things.

“Thank you for allowing me to tell you my opinion on stuff, because that’s also important,” he said.

Commissioners shared their thoughts on the administrator’s work, too.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told him he was the right leader, at the right time, to bring the county to where it is today.

Commissioner Jack Mariano cited Biles’ work with the Ridge Road extension project as a prime example of his leadership capabilities.

“When you had the opportunity to get Ridge Road done quickly, you took a step back and said, ‘You know what, we’re ready to go, but we have a big development that wants to come in here, a big job employer, a big opportunity,’ Biles told Mariano.

Biles didn’t disclose the name of the prospect at the time, but it turned out to be Moffitt, and the road needed to be reset to provide what Moffitt needed, Mariano said.

A sinkhole opened on July 14, 2017, just months after Dan Biles became county administrator for Pasco County. The incident attracted international attention. (File)

Mariano said he had disagreements with Biles.

“But we always discussed it. What I always liked is, I always got the truth, and with the truth, you can work with it,” Mariano said.

Commissioners Ron Oakley and Christina Fitzpatrick both mentioned their impatience at the pace of government, but also both thanked Biles for the work he accomplished.

Commissioner Mike Moore said the board made a good decision when it hired Biles.

Biles tested early
Constitutional officers Alvarez-Sowles and Tax Collector Mike Fasano also weighed in on Biles’ contributions.

Alvarez-Sowles, who has butted heads with Biles, especially over budget issues, told the administrator: “I respect you tremendously, and your leadership.”

Moffitt Cancer Center is planning a campus in Pasco County, which County Administrator Dan Biles said will have a profound impact — not only in terms of new jobs, but also in the quest to find a cure for cancer. (File)

She reminded those gathered that during Biles’ first year on the job, he contended with a sinkhole, wildfires, floods and Hurricane Irma.

“You were tested, right off the bat, to see what stuff you were made of. Sitting back, watching you and taking part in those conversations, I was really impressed. Very impressed with your leadership — about (your style of) encouraging and giving the power to your team, so they can do their jobs and getting out of the way so they can perform well,” she said.

Fasano attended the meeting specifically to offer some remarks about Biles.

“Over the last five years, I’ve seen a dramatic change, a great change for Pasco County. Not only because of your (county board) leadership, but because of someone like Dan Biles.

“I want to thank Dan.

“Thank you for the great work you have done for our county,” Fasano said.

Pasco County used to be viewed as a stepchild of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but that’s no longer true, Fasano said.

The former legislator also cited Biles’ work to help bring the Ridge Road extension to fruition.

Fasano said he used to seek funding every year for that project. At one point, representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation asked Fasano to drop the request, telling him the road would never happen.

“But it did happen, under Dan Biles leadership,” Fasano said.

Biles told the board that he’ll miss both the work and the people he worked with.

“At the end of the day, we have a great team that does great work, and Mike (incoming County Administrator Mike Carballa) is going to step in and take the county to the next level, with your support and the support of the rest of the team,” Biles said.

Published June 20, 2022

Let Us Do Good Village gets OK for amenity center

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has granted approval of a special exception to the county code to clear the way for an amenity center with the Let Us Do Good Village, a community being built by The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The requested center is planned for a site that’s slightly less than 5 acres on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about a half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff.

Plans for the new subdivision call for 96 single-family detached homes.

The amenity center is planned for construction at the main entrance to Let Us Do Good Village, at the intersection of Parkway Boulevard and Do Good Way, according to information the planning board’s agenda packet.

In addition to the amenity center, two neighborhood parks are proposed to be located in the western section of the site, adjacent to the Panther Run subdivision.

The planning board approved the request as part of its consent agenda. The consent agenda contains a number of agenda items that are voted on, in a single motion, unless someone pulls an item for discussion.

There was no public comment on the request.

While the planning board has the authority to grant special exceptions, the Pasco County Commission can revoke them.

Published June 20, 2022

Upgrades to Simons Road to start

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Zephyrhills Public Works plans to begin Phase II of the Simons Road project on July 25, with expected completion of the construction within about 240 calendar days, according to Shane LeBlanc, public works director for the city.

Aerial map view of the Simons Road Project, showing the new intersection that will be created at Fort King Road. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills Public Works)

The Phase II project includes a new road section, box culverts, and gravity walls. The project also includes sidewalks and turn lanes on Fort King Road.

When the work is finished, Simons Road will connect to both Eiland Boulevard and Fort King Road, offering motorists an additional route to State Roads 54 and 56 and Interstate 75.

Connecting Simons Road to Fort King Road — essentially creating a new intersection — consists of about 800 feet of pavement and costs about $2.2 million.

The project includes the installation of a traffic signal at Eiland Boulevard and Simons Road, which the city said is greatly needed because of increased traffic in the area.

Use of Simons Road has increased dramatically because of the opening of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, and Abbott Square (a Lennar Homes development behind the tennis center).

The community is expected to add about 700 residential units of single-family houses, townhouses and apartments.

BRW Contracting Inc. constructed Phase I and also is constructing Phase II. The contractor’s familiarity with the previous project is expected to be beneficial in the construction of the second phase of the project.

Published June 20, 2022

It’s not the cause, it’s the precedent, Commissioner Mike Moore says

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore wants his fellow commissioners to turn down a request by Feeding Tampa Bay because he fears granting it could open the door to scores of similar requests down the road.

Moore urged his colleagues to vote against a recommendation in the county budget to provide $250,000 in funding — over two years — to Feeding Tampa Bay. The money would be used by the nonprofit to construct a regional facility in Hillsborough County.

Moore’s comments came after Pasco County Budget Director Robert Goehig announced the list of budget recommendations for outside organizations for fiscal year 2023 included a new agency.

“The one new donation on this list is Feeding Tampa Bay. We are recommending that we provide $125,000 a year for two years to Feeding Tampa Bay to help them build their new facility,” Goehig said.

At that point, Moore told his colleagues: “I said, ‘No.’

“I have a serious concern about funding a capital project for a building that’s in another county.

“We have not-for-profits that feed people in Pasco County, as well. I would prefer to see those funds going to people here, closer to home, than I would a capital project outside of the county.

“If they were stating they were going to provide so many additional meals in Pasco County that was going to be pushed through one of our local organizations, then I probably would be more receptive of this,” he said.

“My fear is that you’re going to set a precedent here and next year you’re going to have 10 other organizations that are outside the door, asking you do something in another county, build a building, because they say they are providing services here,” he said.

“There’s a lot of nonprofits that aren’t located in Florida that provide services here in Pasco County,” he said.

He asked his colleagues if the board would support a similar request from a nonprofit in Louisiana because it’s providing services to Pasco residents.

Commissioner Ron Oakley responded: “The answer to that is no.”

But Moore said he wasn’t so sure, given the current request from Feeding Tampa Bay.

Oakley said he’s willing to provide a minimum level of support because “they help a lot of citizens here in Pasco County. I know they are here in East Pasco every week.”

Moore persisted: “We have additional charities here in Pasco County that do feed people.

“I’ll be honest with you, that $250 (thousand), give it to our Elderly Services and let them feed more people. We have a waiting list of people. We could divert those funds to our senior citizens, waiting there for more meals.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Moore.

“I don’t want to spend that money for capital outside the area,” Mariano said.

He said he hadn’t thought about diverting those funds to the county’s elderly meal programs, but thinks it’s a good idea.

“I’d rather take that $125,000 and feed a whole bunch of seniors,” Mariano said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said she supports the proposed expenditure.

“The number they asked for was much bigger than this,” Starkey said. “The reason I was OK with this number is because we are one of the major recipients of their food program. And so, they’re storing the food that comes up to be delivered to our nonprofits that get distributed to our people.

“That’s why I’m OK with this small amount. I hope one day they’ll have a facility in Pasco County, but right now for the region, it’s more cost-effective to have one big distribution center,” Starkey said.

“This doesn’t begin to compare to the cost of the food they’re holding for our citizens, so that’s why I was OK with this little number.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick also supports the expenditure.

“The number of citizens that benefit outweighs how much we are spending,” Fitzpatrick said.

She said Cathy Pearson, assistant administrator for public services, gave commissioners a breakdown of how many meals are provided and distributed.

“The amount that we’re investing is a lot less than it would cost us to provide those meals to all of those citizens,” Fitzpatrick said.

Unlike Moore, Fitzpatrick said she doesn’t view this as precedent-setting, but rather as a one-time thing.

Starkey added: “I personally don’t think $125,000 will even cover the cost of the racks that’s holding the food that’s coming to Pasco County.”

The discussion came up as part of a budget discussion, but the board won’t vote on the budget until September, leaving time for additional discussion on what the board will include in its fiscal plan for next year.

Moore said he appreciates Feeding Tampa Bay and what it does, but he reiterated that he won’t support this request.

“We should not be spending Pasco County taxpayer dollars to build a building that is outside (the county),” Moore said.

Published June 20, 2022

Political Agenda 07/22/2022

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Central Pasco Republican Club
The Republican candidates for Florida House District 55 — Gabe Papadopoulos, Brad Sollberger and Kevin Steele — will be featured at the July 25 meeting of the Central Pasco Republican Club. Join us to learn more about the candidates and their vision for the district.

The meeting is open to the public and the club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend.

The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The social begins at 6 p.m., with the business meeting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 813-996-3011.

Endorsements
Pasco County Schools Superintendent and Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano have endorsed the Pasco County School Board’s referendum seeking a tax increase of up to 1 mil, to support increased salaries for teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative employees of Pasco County Schools.

Supervisor of Elections updates
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has provided some updates regarding the upcoming Aug. 23 Primary Election, via news releases.

Corley has announced that on July 14, more than 116,000 vote-by-mail ballots for the Aug. 23 primary election were mailed to voters who had requested vote-by-mail. Ballots to uniformed and overseas citizens went out on July 8.

Voted ballots must be returned to the elections office by 7 p.m., on Aug. 23.

Corley reminded voters to be sure to allow sufficient time for first-class delivery by the U.S. Postal Service, or to hand deliver the ballots to any of the three Supervisor of Elections’ Offices in Pasco County. Voted ballots also are accepted at early voting sites, but may not be turned in at the polls on Election Day. Information on office locations and early voting sites is available at PascoVotes.gov.

Corley also noted that eligible voters who did not previously request a ballot can still receive one by calling the elections office, by submitting the request in writing, or by using the online request form on PascoVotes.gov.

Requests must include the voter’s Florida Driver’s License number, Florida ID number or last four digits of their Social Security Number; date of birth; and, Pasco County residence address.

Written requests also must include the voter’s signature.

Vote-by-mail ballots cannot be forwarded but can be mailed to a temporary mailing address if outside of Pasco County.

Voters are encouraged to confirm their mailing address when ordering a vote-by-mail ballot. Requests are fulfilled immediately, with ballots being mailed daily. The deadline to request a ballot to be mailed is 5 p.m., Aug. 13.

Written or telephonic requests for vote-by-mail ballots must come from the voter, an immediate family member, or legal guardian on behalf of a voter.

Voters may pick up ballots at any of the three elections’ offices until Aug. 14.

Those picking up ballots on behalf of someone will need a written request from the voter, designating them as the person authorized to carry out the ballot. The designee will be asked to provide a photo ID and to complete an affidavit before a ballot will be released to them.

Corley also has announced that sample ballots are available for the Aug. 23 Primary Election. The ballots are available at PascoVotes.gov.

The ballots will be emailed to Pasco County voters on July 28.

Voters are encouraged to look over their sample ballot and familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues before going to the polls.

To expedite the voting process, voters are encouraged to bring their completed sample ballots with them when early voting or on Election Day.
To view sample ballots online, voters should know their precinct and party of registration. Florida is a closed primary state, which means the candidate choices on your ballot will be candidates of the same party affiliation. All voters, including those registered without party affiliation or with a minor political party, will have non-partisan races on their ballot, such as school board candidates, judicial races, and a local referendum.

The direct link to sample ballots is https://www.pascovotes.gov/Elections/Sample-Ballots.

The Precinct Finder option is available to voters who are unsure of their precinct number, at https://www.pascovotes.gov/Precincts/Precinct-Finder.

If your voter registration is not up to date with a current address, you will not receive your sample ballot in the mail. Sample ballots are mailed to the address of record on file. To update your address, call 800-851-8754, or go to https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home.

Published June 20, 2022

Zephyrhills pursues a rebranding effort

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The Zephyrhills City Council voted July 11 to hire a marketing firm to pursue the city’s rebranding efforts.

Council members also approved a contract aimed at revitalizing Hercules Park.

A rendering of Hercules Park improvement project includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield, and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area. The estimated cost has been set at $4.2 million. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)  

The city came to an agreement with The Northstar Group, a marketing group, to help rebrand and reimagine the image of Zephyrhills.

The city also has signed a contract with a construction management company that will oversee the Hercules Park renovation project.

That project includes renovating the park and adding several new amenities.

Both efforts, which have been spearheaded by City Manager Billy Poe, received unanimous support by council members.

The city has been using “City of Pure Water” as its slogan, but Poe has advocated rebranding the city by choosing a new slogan, as well as a new logo for the town.

By rebranding, the city manager said he hopes to broaden the city’s appeal to a wider range of new residents, to boost its current population of 18,000. He also hopes the effort will help promote economic development, encourage civic engagement and boost tourism.

The rebranding project is expected to take about 34 weeks to complete. It will include market research, brand strategy, creative development, and action and implementation.

The City and Northstar also plan to reach out to citizens for their input.

This effort is separate from PlanZephyrhills 2035, which focuses on the city’s long-range comprehensive plan.

The rebranding project is expected to cost about $68,000.

The city awarded the Hercules Park construction management contract to the Tampa-based Wharton-Smith Construction Group.

Renovation plans have been drawn up for the new park on the land adjacent to Woodland Elementary. The estimated cost of the project is $4.2 million, and includes amenities such as a BMX track, a Frisbee disc golf course, a nearly 1-acre open playfield and a 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area.

No timetable yet has been set for the groundbreaking, beginning of construction or completion of the Hercules Park project.

Published June 20, 2022

Request calls for new 107-home subdivision

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request to allow 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.

The application seeks to change the zoning from agricultural and agricultural-residential designations to a master-planned unit development.

County planners found the request consistent with the county’s long-range plan and land development code, and recommended approval.

The planning board voted to recommend approval to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over county land use and zoning issues.

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

Cathryn Baxter Polonitza told the planning board that she’s worried about negative impacts on the area’s wild creatures.

“I know my neighbors see gopher tortoises pretty frequently. They are an endangered species,” she said.

The proposed development also appears to be closing off the wetlands, she said.

Plus, “our schools are completely overpacked, right now. We have portables.

“We have issues with traffic. I’ve seen myself, fire trucks not be able to go where they need to go because of the traffic we have on Lake Patience (Road),” Polonitza said.

She told the planning board that many of her neighbors couldn’t attend the meeting because it was being held during the middle of the day, when people are working.

Ron Rubrecht, another area resident, said he’s concerned about the wetlands and also the increased traffic.

“You’re going to put 200 more cars in the neighborhood,” he said.

There’s already backups as people pick up and drop off their children at Oakstead Elementary, which is on Lake Patience Road, Rubrecht said.

“Lake Patience is going to have to be a four-lane road with turn lanes, to accommodate the school,” he said.

Debbie Moore, who also lives nearby, told the planning board: “We’re just getting pounded and pounded and slammed in, as tight as you can possibly get.”

Like the others, she complained about adding traffic to Lake Patience Road.

“This is a very, very horrible road,” she said.

Barbara Heck, another area resident agreed with the traffic concerns: “You cannot get through Lake Patience at school time.”

Planning Commissioner Jonathan Moody asked Polonitza who had told her that gopher tortoises are an endangered species. They’re not an endangered species, he said, but are a protected species.

That means a survey will be done and the gopher tortoises will be removed and relocated, Moody said.

The planning board member said the same process likely was used to make way for other development that’s already occurred in the area.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the applicants, told the planning board that her client will comply with gopher tortoise requirements.

She also noted that the proposed density of the development is in keeping with the county’s long-range plan.

The proposed subdivision, which will consist of single-family detached homes, will be served by county water and sewer, the attorney added.

The type of development is what the county’s plan envisions, Wilhite said.

Published June 20, 2022

Pasco is taking another look at its residential parking rules

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If you live in a subdivision that’s been approved within the past 15 years in Pasco County, chances are no parking is permitted on your residential street — without a county permit.

Of course, not everybody is aware of the restriction.

“The general rule for most modern residential subdivisions is that they don’t allow parking on the street,” said County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder. “That’s by the zoning restrictions.”

That’s problematic, Commissioner Mike Moore said during the county board’s July 12 meeting, adding he thinks a change is long overdue.

“Do you really want to, every time you have few friends over —  maybe it’s on a whim —  to run down to the county office and get a permit because you’re going to have three extra guests come over to your house? It’s just silliness, right?”

Moore continued: “South Tampa allows street parking.

“Everybody knows in Cleveland, and outside of Cleveland, you can’t park on the side of the street where there’s fire hydrants. Common sense, right?” he added.

Parking on both sides of the street isn’t a good idea because emergency vehicles and large vehicles can’t get through, he said.

But allowing it on one side of the street shouldn’t pose problems, he added.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey supports the idea.

“Let staff comes back to us with some proposals. In many places on-street parking is used as traffic calming.”

Pasco Fire Chief Scott Cassin said he’d like to see whatever the county proposes and to weigh in on the issue.

Moore said he’d be happy to work with the fire chief on the issue.

Steinsnyder told the board there are areas in the county where residential street parking is allowed because the road is wide enough.

But he added, the board has granted requests in master-planned neighborhoods for streets that are just 20-feet wide.

If parking is permitted on both sides of 20-foot-wide street, there will be issues with fire service equipment or even RVs getting through, Steinsnyder said.

Moore said he’d like to see a recommendation from staff at the next board meeting.

“This is simple stuff,” the commissioner said.

Published June 20, 2022

Lutz Branch Library recruiting ‘friends’ of the library

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The Friends of the Lutz Branch Library are back in action collecting your used books and providing an array of affordably priced books for your reading pleasure, according to a news release from the group.

The group also offers many children’s books and a dedicated bookshelf to support home-schoolers.

The Friends, as they are known, were inactive because of the COVID-19 pandemic and also on hiatus during the six-month renovation of the library.

(File)

The library is open again and The Friends have organized and stocked the Book Depot with a diverse collection of hundreds of donated books ready for patrons, the release says.

The Lutz Friends of the Library was formed in 2000 by Helen Swisshelm, its first president and Hillsborough County Library Board member from 1990-2005.

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit group, with members who have a passion for books and the betterment of the local community.

Funds raised from book sales are used to sponsor programs and events at the Lutz Branch Library.

If you’d like to help, you can visit the Book Depot and make a purchase, donate books for the store, become a member of the Lutz Friends chapter, make a donation, and spread the word by telling your friends and liking their Facebook page.

You also can provide the Friends with feedback via a Patron Survey found on the Book Depot door. The group is volunteer- based and anyone can join.

If you’d like to find out more, stop by the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.

Explore more, with a Discovery Pass

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The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library’s Discovery Pass program is back, with a new and easier-to-use digital system, according to a news release.

A Discovery Pass gives you free admission or a tour pass to select local museums and attractions, and all you need is your library card.

Each pass provides a one-time admission or tour to an attraction on a specified date chosen by the customer.

The passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so reserving a pass in advance is recommended. Only one Discovery Pass can be checked out per adult library card.

Library customers can reserve a pass online and choose a specific date that they would like to visit the attraction within a 30-day period.

The customer can then print the pass or present it by phone at the museum or attraction for entry.

Participating museums and attractions include: the Tampa History Center; Hillsborough County Conservation Parks; the Glazer Children’s Museum; the American Victory Ship and Museum; the Tampa Theatre; the Henry B. Plant Museum; the Florida Holocaust Museum; Stageworks Theatre; the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts; the Tampa Museum of Art; the Straz Center for the Performing Arts; and The Florida Orchestra.

To sign up for a library card, visit HCPLC.org/GetACard.

Passes are not renewable; however, e-Passes can be replaced if lost.

To learn more about the Discovery Pass program, or to register, visit HCPLC.org/Discoverypass.

Published June 20, 2022