The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Voters decide outcome in municipal races

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There will be mostly familiar faces on elected city government boards in East Pasco, following the April 12 municipal elections.

Dade City Commissioner Scott Black held onto his seat by defeating challenger Kelly Smith. Black received 471 votes to Smith’s 259.

Joining Black on that board will be Ann Cosentino, who was elected to fill an opening created by Mayor Camille Hernandez, who retired from her seat on the board.

Commission Group 2 winner Ann Cosentino and her supporters wave to passing cars on Meridian Avenue on April 12, as the newly elected official defeated opponent Keeley Karatinos. (Mike Camunas)

Cosentino received 432 votes; Keeley Karatinos received 285.

Cosentino was impressed by the turnout.

“There was a rolling amount of people coming in and it felt like record numbers to me,” she said.

The candidate had placed signs up and down Meridian Avenue and pitched a tent with her supporters at 6:30 a.m., in front of Precinct OO1, at the First Baptist Church of Dade City, at 37511 Church Ave.

Karatinos did the same thing.

Commission Group 1 winner Scott Black retained his seat by receiving 64% of 730 votes over opponent Kelly Smith on April 12.

Both candidates were out waving as drivers passed — with some motorists responding by honking their horns.

Before the votes were tallied, Cosentino was ready for whatever the outcome would be.

“I’ve always been surrounded by people and a team that really support me and believe in me, and that has made running really worth it,” Cosentino said. “I’ve done all the hard work and I’ve worked as hard as I possibly can, so I’ve been at peace no matter what the result will be.”

Incumbent Black also was at Precinct 001, waving to passersby, on Election Day.

Precinct 001 Supervisor Robert McConathy said the enthusiastic voter turnout is a sign of the pivotal time that Dade City is experiencing.

“Lots of things have been taking place in the city and a lot of people want to see change.

“When that happens, you see high voter turnout.”

The Town of St. Leo also had a contested seat, where voters selected William Hamilton to fill Seat 5 on its commission. Hamilton secured 30 votes; opponent Susan Lashlee received 9.

Some municipal leaders were reelected without challenge.

Winning their seats unopposed were Alison R. Cagle, Sarah E. Schrader and John T. Vogel, in the City of San Antonio; Donna H. DeWitt and James E. Hallett, in the Town of St. Leo; and, Lance Smith and Ken Burgess, in the City of Zephyrhills.

Dade City Commission

Group 1 results
Scott Black: 471
Kelly Smith: 259

Group 2 results
Ann Cosentino: 432
Keeley Karatinos: 285

St. Leo Town Commission
Seat 5
William Hamilton: 30
Susan Lashlee: 9

UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES

San Antonio City Commission
Alison R. Cable
Sarah E. Schrader
John T. Vogel

Saint Leo Town Commission
Seat 1: Donna H. DeWitt
Seat 3: James E. Hallett

Zephyrhills City Council
Seat 1: Lance Smith
Seat 4: Ken Burgess

Published April 20, 2022

Traffic alert released for County Line Road

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A Pasco County news release issued April 15 alerts drivers that a part of County Line Road, just east of Northwood Palms Boulevard, will be reduced to one lane of traffic on April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crews will need to close part of the road to perform work on the County Line Road Multi-Use Trail project.

Details, according to the release:

  • Closure is set to begin Monday at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 3 p.m., barring any weather delays
  • Message boards and signs will direct drivers
  • Flaggers will provide traffic control

To see a map of the affected area, visit bit.ly/3OnShcC.

Cone & Graham Inc., is the contractor for this Pasco County Engineering Services project.

This high school will open doors to new possibilities

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This has been a long time coming.

Since 2018, to be exact.

Ever since Wendell Krinn Technical High opened in New Port Richey — replacing Ridgewood High — there’s been a need for a technical school on Pasco County’s east side.

Soon, that need will be served.

Pasco County Schools is spending $70 million on Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a school that will feature leading-edge programs on an ultra-modern campus.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, at 32555 Innovation Drive in Wesley Chapel, is a state-of-the-art $70-million high school set to open in August. It will provide an array of technical program options for students. (Mike Camunas)

Being built in the rapidly growing community of Wesley Chapel, the new high school is set to open this August, for the 2022-2023 school year.

The STEM (science, technical, engineering and mathematics) high school will feature a curriculum that allows students to earn a standard diploma, while having the opportunity to earn industry certifications.

Dee Dee Johnson, Kirkland Ranch’s inaugural principal, said this type of school has been needed on the east side of the county for a long time.

The campus gives students a chance to attain a well-rounded education, while also exploring programs that might not be their exact focus.

Students will have access to trade and technical programs such as automotive maintenance and repair, including diesel; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; cybersecurity; digital media and multimedia design; engineering and robotics, welding; electricity; and, patient care technology.

Kirkland Ranch is opening with freshmen and sophomores, but will be adding junior and senior classes.

Both school and district leaders are enthused about the new opportunities that Kirkland will provide.

“We’re excited about the whole experience for those students,” said Dr. Kim Moore, assistant superintendent for Career and Innovative Programs.

The school’s STEM focus “is integrated into everything because STEM is a mindset. The programs will all have interconnection,” Moore said.

Kirkland Ranch has been designed to foster collaboration among students.

Several programs are deliberately located close to each other to make it easier for students from various programs to bring their work together.

“Engineering needs to understand the trades of building and construction, just like electrical needs to, as well,” Johnson said. “Honestly, we’re excited about how all of the programs can collaborate and work together. I think that’s really cool because that’s how it will work in the real world. We’re excited to see what every program can build and create.”

The school district also is excited to have a diesel automotive program, one that can and will work on its school buses.

A construction welder works on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a $70-million project to bring a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school to the east side of Pasco County.

“They’ll be able to service our own vehicles — which is just about one of the coolest things the school system will have,” Moore said.

Pasco County Schools is taking full advantage of the county’s unprecedented growth, especially in the Wesley Chapel area.

With the abundance of nearby construction projects — on buildings, roadways and other infrastructure — there’s plenty of opportunity for technical jobs. Those are the kinds of jobs that will be easily accessible to students who receive training and can become certified before leaving high school.

“Think about it,” Moore said. “Large employers like the hospitals coming in right there in Wesley Chapel will need everything from doctors to nurses to biomedical to technicians. But those large businesses will need buildings; jobs that will go to welders and construction and engineers. Those businesses might have vehicles, in which our students will be prepared to work on those mechanically.

“A lot of strategy went into selecting career fields and programs at Kirkland Ranch — that way it would meet the needs locally,” Moore said.

“We took a comprehensive local needs assessment that focused on the jobs needed in Pasco, especially right nearby in Wesley Chapel. We’ll have ready a pool of employees right here in Pasco County that will attract even more businesses.”

Kirkland Ranch is set to be completed this summer, with students expected to have a chance to tour the building sometime in July, Johnson said.

“Everything is on track, which is amazing in what we’re facing (with supply chains) at this time,” Johnson added.

Anticipation is growing and the excitement is palpable, as school and district leaders prepare to welcome the first students to Kirkland Ranch.

“If I was in high school again, I would have gone to this school,” Moore said, with a laugh. “I would have loved to have gone to a school like Kirkland Ranch.”

Interested in enrolling?
The Pasco County Pathways second enrollment period runs through April 18. For more information on Kirkland Ranch, its programs and enrollment, visit KRAI.pasco.k12.fl.us/.

Published April 13, 2022

New Kirkland Ranch principal described as ‘a blessing’

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It surprised Dee Dee Johnson.

The longtime Pasco County Schools teacher and administrator was named 2021 Principal of the Year in November and all of it came as a shock, especially when Superintendent Kurt Browning showed up with a bouquet of flowers.

Dee Dee Johnson was named Pasco County School District’s 2021 Principal of the Year and is now principal of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. The new high school is set to open in August. (Mike Camunas)

“Oh, it was very unexpected,” said Johnson, who has been with Pasco County Schools for 18 years. “It was pretty cool that my peers nominated and voted for me. There are so many great leaders in the area and so many great leaders that I’ve learned from and still reach out to. I felt great that everyone recognized that I worked hard and want to do what is best for the kids.

“I was very surprised to get the award.”

Those who know Johnson and her work, however, weren’t as surprised. As someone who worked her way up from math teacher to principal of the soon-to-be-opening Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, it was a long time coming. Especially to one of those leaders who has witnessed Johnson’s career firsthand.

“We are just blessed beyond blessings to have her,” said Dr. Kim Moore, assistant superintendent for Career and Innovative Programs. “She is a phenomenal leader with a proven track record. Every school she has gone to has improved because she is that phenomenal leader.”

Johnson is a product of the school system where she works. She attended Quail Hollow Elementary, Weightman Middle and Zephyrhills High.

At Zephyrhills High, she was a soccer star — earning a scholarship to Florida Atlantic University, where she graduated in 2000.

“She is from the community and knows the community,” Moore said. “So everyone knows her and she’s earned that trust as a person from the community.”

Johnson began her career as a mathematics teacher at Centennial Middle and then moved on to her alma mater, Zephyrhills High. Next, she became assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High, where she was named principal in 2017.

In the 2018-2019 school year, she became principal at Pasco Middle.

Superintendent Browning named her Kirkland Ranch’s first principal in September.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to be that school’s principal,” Moore added.

Johnson’s ties run even deeper with Pasco County’s school system, as her husband, Mike, is the football coach at Cypress Creek High in Wesley Chapel.

Now, Johnson’s days are filled with planning to open Kirkland Ranch, which includes visits to the construction site until the work is finished this summer.

“I’m ready for August,” Johnson said.

“But the kids will come and tour it in July, so I really just can’t wait until then,” she said.

Published April 13, 2022

Pasco school board talks ‘referendum for raises’

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The Pasco County School Board is expected to pursue placing a referendum on the ballot to give voters the opportunity to approve or reject higher taxes to support salary increases for teachers and district support staff.

During the board’s April 5 workshop, according to school board member Colleen Beaudoin, the board’s chairwoman, Cynthia Armstrong, told Superintendent Kurt Browning “there appeared to be a consensus for him to write up a resolution to bring back to the board for consideration.”

Beaudoin also said that Armstrong told Browning there didn’t appear to be a consensus among board members regarding the amount of a millage increase the board wishes to pursue.

The issue is expected to come up at the board’s April 19 meeting.

According to the workshop background materials, the board is considering these options:

  • A .5 mil increase, which would yield an average instructional increase of $2,000; non-instructional, $850
  • A .75 mil increase, which would yield an average instructional increase of $3,000; non-instructional, $1,275
  • A 1 mil increase, which would yield an average instructional increase of $4,000; non-instructional $1,700

Based on Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $150 a year, if the increase is .5 mil; $225 more per year, if the increase is .75 mil; or $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil, according to district workshop materials.

Based on district calculations, 1 mil would generate $37 million; .75 mil, would generate $28 million and .5 mil would generate $18.5 million.

Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), addressed the board, earlier in the day, during its regular meeting.

“I’ve come to you over the past several months advocating that we do better for employees. I continue that conversation today.

“We have got to do better.

“Since the beginning of the school year in August, 1,354 employees have left the district, due to retirement or resignation. Seventy-three percent have been zero to 5-year employees; and 14% have been 12-plus year employees,” he said.

“We have got to do better to retain our employees.

“After this meeting, there will be a workshop to discuss a referendum. This initiative is no longer an option for this district, but a necessity for us to attract and retain experienced and highly qualified employees, into the future.

“I’ve advocated for this for almost five years and the time has finally come for us to make a collective decision.

“It is my hope that this board would move this conversation forward to a formal vote and take the necessary steps to get this initiative placed on the November ballot.

“I will state here today that USEP will fully support this endeavor.

“We need to make this happen for our employees, our students and our community.

“Together, let’s make positive changes for Pasco. Together, we can do better,” Peace said.

Beaudoin said she fully supports seeking a full mil increase.

She prepared notes for the workshop, which, when interviewed about the session, she offered to share with The Laker/Lutz News.

“I thought it was really important to give context — that these are people (who need the raises), Beaudoin said.

She took it upon herself to circulate about the community to talk to people, to glean examples of real-life situations.

Beaudoin said she spoke to a veteran 17-year teacher who was taking home $1,100 every two weeks in Pasco. That teacher now makes double that amount, in Hillsborough County.

Beaudoin spoke with another teacher, with 28 years of experience, who left Pasco to go to work in Hillsborough. That teacher received a $15,000 pay increase.

Pasco eSchool recently lost an English language arts teacher to Pinellas County, for a $7,500 pay increase.

Wesley Chapel High School lost a teacher to Hillsborough for $12,000 more. The teacher would like to return, but can’t afford the pay cut.

Those were just some examples of teachers changing counties for better compensation that were cited in Beaudoin’s notes.

She also reported the district is losing teachers to other industries.

“Businesses are seeing that teachers make great trainers. We want our teachers using their talents for our kids. We don’t want them leaving the profession. Pasco High lost a science teacher to go to Moffitt. This was a great teacher who was in tears and did not want to leave.  However, she has to provide for her family,” Beaudoin wrote.

The school board member said she realizes that Penny for Pasco and the referendum on pay raises would be on the ballot at the same time, but she believes the community will support its schools.

They are two different measures, Beaudoin said, noting the Penny for Pasco provides funding for school construction, remodeling and other capital needs. The referendum, on the other hand, addresses people needs.

Ultimately, Beaudoin said, it’s about providing quality schools for the county’s students.

“I am hopeful that our community sees the importance of good schools and what good schools do for our community — because they are the backbone of our community,” the school board member said.

Published April 13, 2022

Improvements on Curley expected to be finished by summer

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Developers are engaged in a number of projects along Curley Road, with work expected to be completed by the summer, according to information provided by the engineering services team of Pasco County.

Crews divert traffic as roadwork continues, south of the Epperson development on Curley Road. (Fred Bellet)

Here’s a synopsis of the work involved:

Curley Road, from north of Overpass Road to Tyndall Road:

  • Repaving
  • Curb installation
  • Roundabouts installed at Curley Road and Elam Road, and Kiefer Road and Ibis Grove Boulevard
  • Turn lanes installed along Curley Road onto Avery Scope View; at Turtle Grace Loop/Rockfleet Drive; at Innovation Drive/Ivy Stark Boulevard
  • Left-turn lane installed along Curley Road, northbound onto Tyndall Road
  • Signal installed at Innovation Drive/Ivy Stark Boulevard
Motorists will find several roundabouts along the northern area of Curley Road.

Curley Road, from south of Overpass Road (where south Infinite Drive will eventually intersect with Curley Road) to about 1,000 feet north of Overpass Road:

  • Widening to four lanes
  • Roundabouts installed at Curley Road and future Infinite Drive; Curley Road and future Victory Crossing Drive
  • Dual left-turn lanes and single right-turn lanes from Curley Road onto Overpass Road, in both directions

A multi-use path also is being installed from the roundabout south of Overpass Road to Tyndall Road. The path will run along the east side of Curley Road, from the future Infinite Drive to Elam Road, and then switch over to the west side of Curley Road, from Elam Road to Tyndall Road. And the project includes a sidewalk on the west side of Curley Road from Overpass Road to Elam Road.

Pasco County will be reimbursing developers for the four-lane widening and the two roundabouts at Curley Road and Infinite Drive; and Curley Road and Victory Crossing Drive, estimated at roughly $6.5 million.

Published April 13, 2022

RVs will be rolling to a resort in Northeast Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has approved the North Pasco RV Resort, a development that is planned for 550 RV spaces, and at least 10,000 square feet of resort lodge and clubhouse facilities.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to rezone the land from agricultural uses to a planned development. Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick dissented and Commissioner Jack Mariano was absent.

The approval came despite urgings for the county board to deny the request from opponents who characterized it as a threat to the rural way of life.

The 132-acre site, bordering Interstate 75, east of Lake Iola Road and south of Blanton Road, is within the county’s Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay Area.

The overlay district is intended to protect the character of the rural landscape, preserve scenic views and vistas, and ensure that on-site development is compatible with the character of the surrounding area, according to the county ordinance that established the district.

Lisa Moretti, who lives on Iola Woods Trail, spoke against the request and submitted documents detailing why the board should vote against the RV resort.

“I’m affected by this development. It will greatly impact my life and the life of those in our community,” said Moretti, who also questioned the legality of the proposed change.

Moretti told commissioners: “It’s important that you see the will of the community. This amendment will not benefit the rural area economically, culturally or in any other way. It will endanger our visitors, our wildlife, our water supply, our property values and our community lifestyle.”

She concluded by saying: “We built a community, I ask that you don’t let him (developer) tear it down.”

Nancy Hazelwood, active for year in efforts to protect the Northeast Rural area, put her objections plainly: “This thing just does not fit in a rural area. It’s going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

Margaret Woods, who lives on St. Joe Road, in Dade City, raised a question about whether it was appropriate for Commissioner Ron Oakley to be involved in the process.

“Mr. Oakley has not recused himself even though there appears to be a conflict of interest on his part, with regard to this property and with the project, itself.

“The property was owned and sold by his sister. He’s been actively involved in promoting this RV park, from the very beginning, even at the neighborhood meeting, he was there, promoting the RV park,” Woods said.

“So, in the appearance of impartiality, ethics and transparency, I believe that Mr. Oakley should recuse himself from both discussion and voting on this matter.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey asked County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder for a ruling on the issue.

Steinsnyder addressed Oakley: “Commissioner Oakley, I understand from previous discussions that you had a family member that previously owned this property, it was sold not contingent upon any future approvals by the board. Correct? So, it wasn’t a zoning-contingent contract.”

Oakley: “I didn’t even know the property was up for sale at the time, and it sold. I never met the new owner until two or three months after it had closed.”

Steinsnyder: “So that transaction is done, and under state law, you have no conflict.”

Starkey, then addressed Oakley: “OK. So, legally, you must vote.”

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented the applicants, VCARE Consultants LLC.

VCARE also hired Frances Chandler Marino, who wrote the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay Area plan, to review the proposed plan for compliance with the rural plan.

The plans, which are binding as part of the conditions, include substantial  landscaping — including an internal master landscape and tree plan, extensive buffering along Lake Iola Road and landscaping for each RV stall.

Conditions also address how the site will be graded; prohibit mining; require the splashpads to be recirculated; require a 6-foot paved shoulder extending beyond the property to accommodate bicyclists riding in the area; limit the height of the building to two stories; and require a sewage treatment plant for the project.

Wilhite also suggested the board make a finding of fact, in the ordinance, specifically stating that the request is compatible because of the project’s proximity to I-75.

The attorney said she heard both Marino and county staff cite the fact that the site is next to a busy highway, as a reason for supporting the request.

Wilhite said she realizes that residents are concerned about setting precedent, and noted that adding that language could address that concern.

But Hazelwood rejected that rationale.

“The I-75 reason for an RV park just doesn’t make sense,” Hazelwood said.

“I participated from the beginning, in the rural area plan. We would have never agreed to the rural area plan if we had said, ‘Hey, right through the middle of the plan we’re going to have high density because you’ve got an interstate.’ Nobody told us that.

“We hope that I-75 does not encourage more,” Hazelwood said.

In voting against the rezoning, Fitzpatrick said she didn’t feel “that this is the original expectations of the Northeast Rural Area protection plan.”

Published April 13, 2022

Pasco County raises tourist development tax

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Pasco County has increased its tourist development tax by 1%, making the new rate 5%.

The action came during the Pasco County Commission’s April 5 board meeting, on a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Jack Mariano absent.

Adam Thomas, the director of tourism for Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, appeared before the commission to request the increase.

The tax is paid by visitors who stay in short-term lodging in the county, Thomas said.

Adam Thomas, director for Pasco County’s tourism brand, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast (File)

The proceeds are used to support tourism outreach efforts, which are coordinated through Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, Pasco’s Destination Management Organization (DMO).

Thomas reminded commissioners: “In 2019, you invested and supported our rebrand of Florida’s Sports Coast, and since then we’ve taken our market share to new heights, new levels that we previously did not reach.

“Since 2019, we’ve seen our visitor economy grow, with the current resources that we already have in place,” he said.

The tourism marketing group now wants to take Pasco County’s story to international market places, Thomas said. It is particularly interested in marketing to Europe, he said, noting the county attracts some European visitors.

Commissioner Mike Moore, who is the chairman of the Pasco Tourist Development Council, said that the council unanimously supported the proposed increase.

He said there were no real issues or questions from the council.

“It’s not our citizens here in Pasco County that pay this, it’s actually people who come and visit,” Moore said. “We’re the lowest (tourist development tax rate) in the area.”

“As we all know, Adam and his team have done an excellent job with the funds they’ve received so far.

“I haven’t had one person reach out and say anything negative about this. And, the hoteliers are onboard. And they’re the one who are going to have concerns, if they’re going to have concerns about it,” Moore said.

Pasco County’s 10-day bay scallop season in July could help boost tourism efforts in 2022.

Kathy Lambert, who lives in Dade City, did have objections.

She told the county board that she was there when they initiated the tourist development tax and she had objections then.

She said she’d like to see a county board that isn’t “going to keep digging into the taxpayer’s wallet,” whether those taxpayers are from Dade City, or coming from Washington D.C., to enjoy Pasco County.

Board chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, however, spoke in favor of the increase. “I have not had opposition from anyone in that industry. We heard not a peep.”

Moore agreed: “They actually welcomed it.”

Starkey replied: “It gets them more business.”

The Tourist Development Tax initially was authorized by the county on Sept. 5, 1990, as a 2% tax imposed on each whole and major fraction of each dollar of the total rental charge for overnight accommodations for a term of six months or less within the unincorporated areas of Pasco County.

Since then, the county increased it to 4% on Aug. 15, 2017.

The majority of the funds resulting from that increase are earmarked for debt service of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus.

The tax applies to any living quarters or accommodations in any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment, apartment motel, rooming house, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, or condominium for a term of six months or less

The authorization for the tax increase also spells out the types of expenditures allowed with the tax funds.

Published April 13, 2022

Beer and burgers were the stars at this fest

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The festival-goers came from as close as Land O’ Lakes, and from as far away as Jacksonville, to attend the second annual Pasco County Burger & Beer Festival.

They had a common goal: To sample all sorts of brews and to enjoy burgers at the event held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Besides being able to taste a wide selection, they also were able to vote on their favorite beer.

William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had the perfect shirt for the occasion — it said “This Guy Needs a Beer.” He was there with his wife, Michelle, to enjoy the day.

Sylvia Browe, of Jacksonville, traveled to Land O’ Lakes specifically to attend the festival. She and her friends were having fun dancing in front of the stage, as the music played.

Published April 13, 2022

From left: Laura and Mark Walsh, of Wesley Chapel; Rebecca Peterson, of Spring Hill; and, Alyssa Mascolo, of Land O’ Lakes, visited the sampling table of In The Loop Brewing, one of the brewers featured at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival. Laine Seals, of Wesley Chapel, manned the tap. (Fred Bellet)
Eighteen-month-old Ayden Cooprider will have to wait until the 20th annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival before she’s able to sample the beverages. But the little girl had plenty to see at the festival, accompanied by her mom, Sawyer, and Brett Martinez, of Land O’ Lakes.
Michael Cucuzzo, of Land O’ Lakes, is torn between the dark beer and light beer, but managed to taste one at a time prior to voting for his favorite brew. He was there with Nellie Singh, of Clermont, and Melissa Logan, of Land O’ Lakes.
Gary Woodring, a Lutz resident, chomps into a bacon cheeseburger from the Bacon Boss food truck. Woodring, his wife Denise, his mother-in-law Regina Kersten of Lutz, and friends attended the beer and burgers event. 
Patience was a virtue for those waiting for hamburgers at the second annual Pasco County Beer & Burger Festival, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Front, 8-year-old Jameson McAuley; his sister, 6-year-old Carrington; and mom and dad, Tom and Tiffany, didn’t mind the wait. Older siblings, 11-year-old Juliet and 13-year-old Braden also waited patiently for the line to move.
Tony Mozz plays guitar, as festival-goers listen from the lawn.
Shane Ryan, a vocalist for the New Port Richey-based Providence Band, was among the entertainers performing at the festival. Many festival-goers not only enjoyed listening to the music, but dancing to it, too.
The shirt said it all, and William Rivera, of Zephyrhills, had a choice of beers from 12 different brewers at the second annual Beer & Burger Festival at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Rivera was there with his wife, Michelle. The couple voted for Leap Gate as their favorite beer.

 

Mixed-use project gets OK on State Road 52, east of Interstate 75

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a mixed-use development on State Road 52, about 2 miles east of Interstate 75.

The 28-acre project, known as Amavi Village, has been approved for 220 units and 74,813 square feet of commercial/office space.

Bruce Landis, a representative for the applicant, appeared at the county board’s April 5 public hearing on the request.

He told board members that the plan is to create a project that is “Live. Work. Stay. Play.”

The site will have a central access off State Road 52, which will serve both the residential and commercial elements of the project, Landis said.

The development has a connectivity plan to encourage people to walk or ride their bicycles within the project area.

It also has a planned limited access off Hartman Road, to the proposed Orange Belt Trail, Landis said.

The development has no plans to use Hartman Road for vehicular access, because “it has a beautiful, beautiful, canopy of oak trees” that the developer doesn’t want to disturb, Landis said.

In addition to the residences, the developer plans a clubhouse/conference center, where residents can schedule business meetings, he said. A park will be adjacent to that facility, enabling parents to wrap up their meetings, while their kids play outside, he said.

The project also will have a pet spa, Landis added.

No one from the public spoke for or against the rezoning request, which received unanimous approval from the board, except for Commissioner Jack Mariano, who was absent.

The request had received recommendations for approval from both the Pasco County Planning Commission and from the county’s planning staff.

On another matter, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told her colleagues that she has been in discussion with Nectarios Pittos, director of planning and development, and Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, regarding the issue of affordable housing.

Starkey said she’d like the county to explore how it can move forward on that issue.

The commission chairwoman wants to know: “What are other counties doing to try to stave off a housing crisis?”

She also wants to talk about accessory dwelling units and other ideas to address the problem.

In her conversation with Pittos and Esbjerg, she said the consensus was that addressing housing affordability and possible solutions “was best done in an affordable housing workshop, so that what’s going on can be articulated to all of the commissioners” and, to discuss possible policy decisions.

On another topic, Commissioner Mike Moore told his colleagues that new numbers are available regarding Pasco County’s official population. He said the U.S. Census Bureau’s updated numbers have Pasco County at 584,067.

“I think it’s still an undercount,” Moore said, but he said he wanted to mention it, to make sure that reports coming to the board are using the updated figure.

Published April 13, 2022