The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

St. Petersburg’s Pier: great views, fun options

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St. Petersburg’s new pier on Tampa Bay just may be one of the best places to visit during this trying pandemic.

Besides the geometric Pier Point building, shaped like a futuristic spaceship, the 26-acre pier district offers soaring sculptures, vast grassy areas, waterfront beaches and trails, a splash pad for kids, local artisans selling their creations, and an array of restaurants. No wonder it cost $93 million and took three years to build.

The Pier Point building at the new St. Pete Pier looks like a futuristic spacecraft. (Karen Haymon Long)

Here, you can take yoga and pilates classes on the grass; and walk, bike, skateboard, paddleboard, and, yes, even fish on a fishing deck that’s part of the five-story Pier Point building.

If you park along Beach Drive, you can walk three-quarters of a mile to the pier’s end with water views on both sides. Turn around for a panoramic view of downtown St. Petersburg’s skyline.

Yachts and smaller boats bob in Tampa Bay to the south, and the iconic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club sits majestically to the north, just as it has since 1926.

On the over-water walkway just before the Pier Point building, Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center offers a touch tank, interactive displays, videos and exhibits on the bay’s ecosystems, marine wildlife and the group’s conservation efforts. The highlight is an 1,800-gallon estuary habitat filled with fish from local waters. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12.

A children’s splash pad, quiet and lit up at night, is popular in the daytime, especially when it’s hot. (Courtesy of City of St. Petersburg)

Plan to spend the day if you can, especially if you like to walk. From the pier district you can walk north and south along the waterfront or on sidewalks that lead to a bayfront volleyball court, a palm garden, Williams Park, and to the Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Petersburg Museum of History and the Salvador Dali Museum. Downtown shops and restaurants are an easy walk west.

The district has on-street parking and two metered parking lots. Boaters can slide into boat slips and stroll to the pier.

A 10,000-square-foot Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, close to a parking lot, offers indoor and outdoor dining with views of the bay and downtown. Owned by Florida author Randy Wayne White and partners, it has an extensive Florida-themed menu featuring grouper and Cuban sandwiches, shrimp and grits and pork many ways. You can even buy White’s hot sauces and Doc Ford T-shirts, in honor of the main character in many of White’s popular novels. It gets very crowded, so reservations are recommended by calling 727-857-8118. See DocFords.com for the menu.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, with the new pier stretching out beyond it, is a good place to eat grouper sandwiches with a water view. (Courtesy of City of St. Petersburg)

Nearby, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro offers everything from crab avocado eggs Benedict to shrimp tacos. Spa Beach Bistro, near Spa Beach Park, sells pizzas, ice cream, cocktails and more.

The Pier Point building has several options: the casual Driftwood Cafe sells takeout snacks and ice cream. A fancier restaurant, Teak, is on the fourth floor and is open for lunch and dinner. It offers breathtaking views and a menu featuring everything from paella to short ribs. The roof-top Pier Teaki, is a modern take on a classic tiki bar. It has the best views of all and serves local draft beers, 30 varieties of rum, and bar snacks.

A tiki totem seat in Pier Teaki, a modern take on a classic tiki bar at the St. Pete Pier. (Karen Haymon Long)

The Pier Point building also has a few shops. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells fishing supplies, while Pier Gear & Gifts sells T-shirts, hats and other items touting the pier.

Outside, along the promenade leading to the pier’s end, The Marketplace features local vendors in kiosks under artistic solar shades selling St. Petersburg souvenirs, hats, locally made foods and gifts, jewelry, T-shirts, Caribbean sauces and other items. Here, kids – and adults, too – can get their faces painted.

Some people like the district’s sculptures most of all, especially the billowing, color-changing net flying high in the sky called “Bending Arc,” created by Tampa’s Janet Echelman. Another favorite is an airplane sculpture by Mark Aeling entitled “First Flight,” in honor of the world’s first commercial flight in 1914, when Tony Jannus flew the city’s mayor from St. Petersburg to Tampa.

“Myth (Red Pelican)” was inspired by the pier’s geometrical design and pelicans, which artist Nathan Mabry says symbolize St. Petersburg’s kindness, friendship and generosity. “Morning Stars,” a mosaic by Xenobia Bailey consisting of colorful, crocheted geometric configurations, is 23-feet wide and 7 ½-feet tall, while a bronze sculpture called “Olnetopia” depicts rocks and wild waters, representing “the dynamic power of life,” according to its creator Nick Ervinck.

That sculpture’s theme seems fitting for the pier district.

Everywhere you look – from couples toasting cocktails in Pier Teaki to kids romping through the splash pad – you see the joy of life.

‘Bending Arc,’ a billowing net sculpture that changes colors, is one of the highlights of St. Petersburg’s new Pier District. It was created by Tampa’s Janet Echelman, internationally known for her works. The Vinoy hotel looms in the background. (Karen Haymon Long)

St. Pete Pier
Where: 800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg
Hours: Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m. Restaurant hours vary.
Cost: Free admission to pier; parking fees vary
Info and restaurant details: StPetePier.org.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published November 17, 2021

Seeking tax assistance volunteers

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Two programs that provide tax assistance and tax counseling for the elderly are seeking volunteers to assist in the effort.

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program, which has operated for over 50 years, helps people who need assistance to prepare their own tax returns.

The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors, according to a news release.

While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers, who are certified by the IRS.

In Pasco County, the VITA Tax Program is under the umbrella of the United Way.

There currently are 100 volunteers, but more are needed.

Training is provided. To find out more, email lead volunteer Bill Humphrey, at  , or call him at 727-808-4483.

For additional information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

Published November 17, 2021

Hillsborough projects to be paid with federal funds

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Hillsborough County has allocated American Rescue Plan funding for a list of projects that address infrastructure, affordable housing, fire rescue and food insecurity needs, according to a county news release.

Here are some of the ways the federal funding will be spent, based on the Hillsborough County Commission’s Nov. 3 vote:

  • Infrastructure projects including septic-to-sewer conversions, to protect groundwater in parts of the county that were developed before the county had wastewater services, and stormwater drainage programs
  • Efforts to address social issues, such as food insecurity and homelessness, including the purchase of a 36-unit apartment building in the University Area to provide affordable housing for residents emerging from homelessness
  • A new Hillsborough County Fire Rescue station alerting system to replace outdated alerting and dispatching technology in the county’s 44 fire stations.

The county will continue to review and approve projects over the next three years, until all of the $285 million received in rescue plan funding is allocated, which must be accomplished by December 2024, the release says.

The county board also is scheduled to receive, at its Nov. 17 meeting, a proposed list of $35 million in road resurfacing projects to be funded through rescue plan dollars.

Published November 17, 2021

Bowling for fun — and for veterans

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Veterans participating in the afternoon session of the ‘Heroes In Our House BVL’ bowling benefit included from left: Will O’ Steen, of Zephyrhills, who served as emcee; Jackie Arnold, of Zephyrhills; Art Brasch, of Dade City; and Geoff Hopkins, of Tampa. (Fred Bellet)

They went out to roll some balls, to hope for strikes, and to enjoy the company of family and friends — all the while showing their support for veterans.

The “Heroes In Our House BVL” bowling benefit was held Nov. 7, at East Pasco Pin Chasers, at 6816 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. BVL stands for Bowlers to Veterans Link, and it raises money to support veteran causes.

The event took place the weekend before Veterans Day, celebrated each Nov. 11 on the anniversary of the end of World War I. The national holiday honors all who have served in the military.

There were two sessions of the bowling benefit, where people competed for prizes and bragging rights.

Geoff Hopkins, of the Tampa James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, said BVL bowling benefits are a great way to raise money for veterans through bowling.

Hopkins’ efforts have provided funding for recreation therapy and creative arts therapy programs for veterans at the hospital.

Published November 17, 2021

There were two sessions of the ‘Heroes In Our House BVL’ bowling event. Those joining the morning session, from left: Will O’Steen, of Zephyrhills, event emcee; Ken Kenyon, of Dade City; Cliff Tucker, of Land O’ Lakes; Gene ‘Doc’ Stanek, of Zephyrhills; James ‘Tex’ Myrice, of Dade City; Paul Haney, of Zephyrhills; and Maurice Winpigler, of Tampa. Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) is a nonprofit that provides support for veteran programs.
Geoff Hopkins, of the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, in Tampa, was delighted by the turnout at the ‘Heroes In Our House’ bowling benefit, at East Pasco Pin Chasers, 6816 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, on Nov. 7.
Steve Gartner, of Zephyrhills, prepares to take his turn in finishing up a frame at the ‘Heroes In Our House’ bowling benefit. He and his wife, Susie, were partners during the bowling benefit.
A silhouette of Jackie Arnold is created against the bright lane lights, as he pirouettes and delivers his bowling ball in the pocket of a strike. Arnold lives in Zephyrhills.
Pin Chasers in Zephyrhills recently hosted the ‘Heroes In Our House BVL’ fundraiser to benefit veterans.

 

 

 

 

 

The Laker/Lutz News has new owner

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Street Media LLC — the parent company of the Village Voice, LA Weekly, Irvine Weekly and Bay Area Marina Times — has acquired The Laker/Lutz News.

Diane Kortus, publisher of the Laker/Lutz News for 21 years, announced the sale during a companywide staff meeting on Nov. 9.

The newspaper and its website have a reach of 150,000 readers and followers in the communities of Lutz, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Dade City and San Antonio.

Brian Calle, Street Media’s publisher and chief executive officer, said he was attracted to the newspaper and its website because of its quality community journalism and its tremendous potential to expand services.

Brian Calle

“I am super excited about the Greater Tampa area,” Calle said. “The Greater Tampa area is just growing. I feel like that this community, in particular, has the most potential for growth.

“There are so many cool things that are happening. The opportunities are almost endless — you can see that just from driving around. You can see the construction and the new businesses coming into town.

“There’s just tremendous opportunities, an abundance,” he said.

The Southeast also is an interesting place for Street Media to look at, in terms of investing, he said.

The quality of community journalism produced by The Laker/Lutz News, was an important selling point, Calle said.

“You have a community paper with a clearly engaged community, so something is going really, really well here.

“I was so excited when I saw how thick the paper is. That is rare,” he said.

In many ways, Calle said, The Laker/Lutz News “could be a model for elsewhere.”

The newspaper was recognized in July by the Florida Press Association as its 2021 Top Weekly Newspaper in its largest circulation division.

During the companywide meeting, Calle assured the staff that there would be no personnel cuts.

He also explained the genesis of his company’s name: Calle means street, in Spanish.

Calle said he plans no massive changes to the newspaper’s content.

“I just want to help add things, particularly to make the digital product more accessible to both readers and advertisers, but while at the same time sustaining the print product,” he said.

When Calle’s company acquired LA Weekly, there were substantial layoffs, some former employees led an advertising boycott and even went on to launch a new publication.

As he assumes ownership of The Laker/Lutz News, he said: “There’s no ulterior motives. There’s no political ulterior motives. There’s no business ulterior motives.

“Anytime that you are trying to do something of consequence, you are going to get criticism.

“I think in our current climate, people will jump to conclusions, and frankly, make things up.

“Judge us on what product we put out, not on what people say about us, because people can say anything they want.

“We’ve delivered in L.A. We just won several press club awards in L.A.

“Irvine Weekly and the (Bay Area) Marina Times, in San Francisco, are both thriving community papers, and we revitalized Village Voice, which was one of the most iconic papers in the country that was completely closed.

“So, for me, I don’t pay much attention to naysayers or people who have opinions that are untrue. I say, just watch what we do and make up your own mind.”

Calle describes himself as approachable and super accessible.

He encouraged readers and advertisers who would like to reach out to him to do so, via email at .

Published November 17, 2021

After 21 years, a new chapter begins

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The Laker/Lutz News announced on Nov. 9 that it had been sold to Street Media LLC, a group of about 40 employees headed up by Brian Calle, who will work with my team to extend our reach and influence by adding services we have just begun to touch on — in digital advertising content, marketing and other new media opportunities.

Brian shared with me before we closed on the newspaper’s sale that he marveled at what an amazing job we do producing such high-quality local journalism that is well-read and well-received throughout the communities we serve. It’s rare and unique, he told me, to see a thriving and growing local publication selling almost exclusively print ads to support it.

One of the reasons I selected Brian as the next steward of The Laker/Lutz News is because he understands our commitment to the print editions of our papers and because he understands that our readers want to receive their community newspaper in their driveway every week.

With our solid base of followers, Brian plans to expand our offerings and keep abreast of this area’s tremendous growth and to prepare for the thousands of new residents moving to Pasco County in the coming decades.

I’m proud of the readership we’ve built, including these impressive statistics recently reported by an independent circulation auditing firm:

  • 75% of households in our market area in Pasco and north Hillsborough counties read our newspaper on a regular basis
  • 75% frequently purchase products and services from ads seen in our paper
  • 79% have the paper delivered to their home
  • 75% keep the paper in their home for up to four days after it is delivered
  • 40% have household incomes over $100,000
  • 51% have graduated from college, including 20% with advanced degrees
  • 41% are between the ages of 35 and 54, which is 3% more than the U.S. census bureau reports for the zip codes we reach

Readers of The Laker/Lutz News dispel the mistaken belief that people born after 1980 do not read newspapers, and get all of their news online. That may be true in many places, but not here in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City and San Antonio.

You read The Laker/Lutz News because it provides you with pertinent and well-written stories that make a difference in your life. It’s because of this outstanding local news coverage that The Laker/Lutz News was recognized by the Florida Press Association as its 2021 Top Weekly Newspaper in its largest circulation division.

I am incredibly proud of this achievement, the high journalistic standards we continuously maintain, the connection that we have to the communities we serve, and the impressive list of businesses who advertise in our pages every week.

Making the decision to sell The Laker/Lutz News was difficult because I love what I do, and care deeply for my employees, readers, community and advertisers.

But there is more to who I am than just the owner of this newspaper. I am a mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

I need and want to spend time with Vic Anthony, my partner for 10 years; and with my daughter, Rachel, who lives in Tallahassee; my son, Andy, his wife, Erin, and my grandchildren who are ages 6, 4, 2, with a fourth on the way. I also want to spend more time with my siblings, who live in Gainesville and Minnesota, my home state.

I will be 67 in February, and hope to have another 25 years to embrace more closely those I love best, and to explore the world outside of Pasco County.

I am fortunate to have found Brian as your new publisher because he already shares my passion for The Laker/Lutz News. I believe he will be a good steward of my legacy, and will take what my team and I have built and create an even better community newspaper.

I want to express my gratitude for my talented and committed staff, who have stood alongside me all these years. They have brought me incredible ideas and shared their vision of what The Laker/Lutz News could be.

These folks do their jobs every week and back up their colleagues, regardless of hurricanes, pandemics and personal hardships. They make sure that every Wednesday you have a new edition of The Laker/Lutz News.

My team not only has contributed to the success of the newspaper, but they have been a source of inspiration, and have become my friends. Each of them has brought their unique talents to the paper, and I want to recognize them individually, here:

  • Mary Rathman, editorial, 19 years
  • Terri Williamson, sales, 18 years
  • Mary Eberhard, accounting, 18 years
  • Carolyn Bennett, sales, 17 years
  • Matt Mistretta, artist, 16 years
  • Stefanie Burlingame, artist, 13 years
  • B.C. Manion, editorial, 11 years
  • Kevin Weiss, editorial, six years
  • Kelli Carmack, marketing, two years
  • Mary Jane Weeks, sales, eight months
  • Trevor Lloyd, marketing, six months
  • Nicole Sanchez, marketing, six months

Although I will still be around the next several weeks during the transition, it’s time for me to say goodbye and to say thank you, to all of you. I will forever value your friendships and support, and it is my hope that you will embrace Brian, as you have me.

Published November 17, 2021

Pasco Schools shifting start times

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The Pasco County School Board has adopted a new schedule for school starting and ending times, effective in January.

The board unanimously approved the shift, during its Nov. 2 meeting, knowing that the new scheduling will disrupt virtually every school and student throughout the district.

They said a shortage of bus drivers forced their hand.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning

Board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning said other options were explored, but, in the end, none of them could ensure the on-time arrival of students to school.

“We are, and have been, very concerned about the loss of instructional time for our students,” Browning said. “We have had numbers of our students coming to our schools upwards of an hour late.

“We are somewhat in a desperate place to ensure that we can fill the gap for those 60 to 65 drivers that we do not have,” Browning added.

“There’s nobody in this district that likes this plan, including the superintendent. I don’t like it. I don’t like anything about it,” he added.

However, he noted, having students arrive late is not appealing, either.

The district has been flooded with suggestions for how to solve the problem.

It has tried different strategies, but all of them fell short, according to Betsy Kuhn, an assistant superintendent who oversees the district’s transportation departments.

People suggested the district ask parents to drive students to school.

The district did.

The response was too small to reroute buses and take any off the road, Kuhn said.

Some recommended the district charge bus riders.

It can’t because it has a state obligation to transport students living two miles or more from school, Kuhn added.

Some said the answer is higher pay for drivers.

“I’ve gotten lots of emails (in which) people say, ‘If you just pay $20 an hour, this will all go away,’” Kuhn said.

She supports a pay raise for bus drivers, but said, “we know, from looking at other districts and from looking around the country, that pay alone does not solve this problem.

“While we do want to do that, and hope it is something we can do in the very near future, it’s not going to be the quick fix here,” Kuhn said.

School board chairman Allen Altman said some have recommended that schools run on a split schedule. Those riding a bus would be on one schedule; and others arriving on their own, would be on another.

“I’ve talked to some of our school people,” Altman said. They essentially told him that would be impossible.

Kuhn concurred: “School operations would be an issue.”

Board members also heard from scores of people explaining the negative impacts that shifting the school day will cause.

Two parents came to the board’s Nov. 2 meeting to share their concerns.

One said his wife teaches in the district.

He said the new school starting and ending times creates a child care issue.

Spending money for child care, in essence, lowers his wife’s teaching salary.

Although she loves teaching, from the family’s economic standpoint, they might be better off if she took a job where she could work from home.

Another parent raised concerns about traffic safety issues.

The new schedule has Wiregrass Ranch Elementary and Wiregrass Ranch High School starting at the same time.

Both schools are located on Mansfield Boulevard.

He’s concerned about having so many vehicles coming and going at the same time.

Board members expressed empathy for the impact the scheduling changes will have on families, students and the community. But they said the district must do what it can to ensure students don’t miss out on instructional time.

The superintendent initially had called for the new schedule to be in effect for the second semester of this school year and for the entire school year, in 2022-2023.

But he has stepped back on that recommendation, agreeing, instead, to reassess the situation in May to determine whether the change will be necessary for next school year.

The district also will continue its efforts to recruit more drivers.

One way it hopes to entice applicants is by making sure potential drivers know that the district offers flexible scheduling.

Drivers can take morning shifts, afternoon shifts, or both. They also can choose to work only on specific days of the week, Kuhn said.

PROPOSED BELL TIMES
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Bexley                         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Centennial                   9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Chester Taylor            10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Connerton                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Denham Oaks             10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Double Branch            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Lacoochee                   8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Lake Myrtle                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
New River                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Oakstead                     10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Odessa                        10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Pasco                           8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Pine View                    10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Qual Hollow                10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Rodney B. Cox             8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
San Antonio                9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sand Pine                    9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sanders                       9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Seven Oaks                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Veterans                     9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Watergrass                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
West Zephyrhills         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Wiregrass                    8:10 a.m.        23:20 p.m.
Woodland                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Centennial                   8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
Rushe                          7:15 a.m.         1:42 p.m.
Cypress Creek             8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
John Long                    9 a.m.              3:20 p.m.
Pasco                           7:10 a.m.         1:30 p.m.
Pine View                    9:10 a.m.              3:30 p.m.
Stewart                       9:10 a.m.              3:35 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Weightman                 8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Cypress Creek             7:10 a.m.         1:37 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    8:10 a.m.         2:35 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    9:10 a.m.         3:35 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes              7:10 a.m.         1:35 p.m.
Pasco                           7:15 a.m.         1:45 p.m.
Sunlake                       7:10 a.m.         1:44 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            7:10 a.m.         1:34 p.m.
Wendell Krinn             8:10 a.m.         3:05 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch         8:10 a.m.         2:36 p.m.
Zephyrhills                  7:10 a.m.         1:36 p.m.

Note: These schools are located in or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. For a complete list of schools and proposed bell times, visit the Pasco County Schools’ website at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published November 10, 2021

Work resumes on State Road 52 widening

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Construction has restarted on State Road 52, near the Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

A new contractor, PCS Civil Inc., began work on Oct. 25.

The contractor is expected to spend a few weeks doing cleanup, surveying and other tasks necessary to safely resume operations, according to an update from the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District Seven office.

Work on the project stopped on July 28, 2021, when the original contractor notified FDOT that it was halting work on the project. The state transportation department declared the contractor in default on Aug. 3.

Pipes await a crew on the south side right of way, along State Road 56. Construction again has started up on a project aimed at easing congestion at the State Road 56 and Interstate 75 interchange, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

The FDOT requires its contracts to have bonds issued by a surety company.

The surety company was required to obtain a completion contractor and chose PCS Civil Inc.

The State Road 52 project calls for widening the road to a six-lane divided highway from the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41.

The contract also includes widening U.S. 41 for approximately 1 mile, approaching the State Road 52 intersection. A 12-foot wide multi-use trail — to be built along the north side of State Road 52 — is another element of the project.

The estimated cost for the State Road 52 widening is $49.8 million, according to FDOT’s website.

While work has resumed on State Road 52, it is expected to begin again soon on the State Road 54 widening, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road, according to the FDOT update.

The prospective completion contractor is sending the surety company an updated price proposal.

A completion contract is expected to be with the surety by Nov. 12, with execution of the contract to follow. Once that occurs, the contractor is expected to begin work within a week.

In the meantime, mowing and litter removal is expected to occur.

Another project that had been halted involves the construction of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) project being built at the State Road 56 and Interstate 75 interchange.

That work stopped June 25, when the contractor informed FDOT it was halting work on the project. On July 1, FDOT declared the contractor in default.

Work resumed on Sept. 13, after Superior Construction Company Southeast LLC was selected by the surety company to complete the work.

The project, estimated at $33.6 million, is now expected to finished in summer 2022, according to FDOT’s website.

The project will reconfigure the State Road 56/I-75 interchange between County Road 54 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.

The existing diamond interchange at the intersection will be converted to a DDI.

The main change will be to diverge, or cross, State Road 56 traffic to the left side of the road through the interchange, and then cross vehicles back over to the right side of the road on the opposite side of the interchange, according to a description on FDOT’s website.

The changes will help to alleviate traffic congestion to reduce travel time for motorists in this rapidly growing area.

A DDI was chosen for the State Road 56/I-75 interchange because of the proven ability of this traffic configuration to increase safety and capacity while using a large amount of the existing interchange footprint, including the existing bridge, according to FDOT.

The DDI also was chosen because of its ability to handle heavy left-turn volumes, such as the westbound to southbound movement from State Road 56 to southbound I-75.

For more information about these or other FDOT projects in Pasco or Hillsborough counties, visit FDOTtampabay.com.

Published November 10, 2021

Zephyrhills Council nixes downtown theater renovation

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The idea of breathing life back into the historic Zephyrhills Home Theatre is taking a backseat — at least for now.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 25 voted to deny an appraisal of the dilapidated downtown building, located at 38521 Fifth Avenue.

The $3,600 appraisal — if it had been approved during the regular council meeting — would’ve been performed by NewStream Companies in Tampa, and would have provided some clarity regarding a potential last-minute state appropriations request for the project.

There have been conversations for several years about reviving the 500-seat twin theatre —perhaps transforming it into a playhouse or a venue to hold various community events.

The former Zephyrhills Home Theatre sits at 38521 Fifth Ave. The Zephyrhills City Council denied an appraisal of the historic building, which would’ve been the first step in the remodeling and renovation of the space. (Kevin Weiss)

The theater was built in 1948 by lumber magnate and former Zephyrhills Mayor I.A. Krusen.

Back then, it was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South, with comfortable seats, a wide stage, and a glass-enclosed “crying room” for babies.

The movie house closed in 2007, but remained available for rent. It reopened in 2010, but was shuttered again.

In a memo, city staffers recommended approval of the appraisal and submitted a state appropriations request for the purchase and renovation of the Zephyrhills Home Theatre, asserting it “will bring additional activity downtown, thus spurring additional growth and development.”

The remodeling concept was renewed after state Sen. Danny Burgess — a Zephyrhills native — recently reached out to staffers and encouraged the submittal of a state appropriations request, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said.

Staff continued preliminary discussions with Burgess and the property owner regarding the possibility of the city acquiring and renovating the buildings, Poe explained.

But council members raised a number of issues about the potential renovation, putting a halt to the initiative for now.

Council members noted that the city already is seeking funding for a trio of multimillion projects. Those are: A sewer main and water main extension for $3.48 million; Zephyrhills Municipal Airport improvements for $5.33 million; and Zephyr Park improvements for $5 million.

Council members voiced concern about submitting a fourth appropriations request to the state to revive the theater, theorizing it might jeopardize one or more of the other projects.

Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson characterized those other projects as “the things we’re desperate for.”

Another concern is spreading staffers too thin, if all four big-ticket items gained approval.

Councilman Lance Smith noted that the city has a lot going on.

Other potential problems include insufficient time to gather necessary details and the lack of a concrete plan of action.

The deadline for submitting appropriation project requests to the Florida House for the 2022 regular legislation session is Nov. 17.

The city would be unable to get all of the information needed by that date to turn in an accurate request, Poe said.

Another issue involves the feasibility of doing a renovation.

The building’s age and condition also could lead to further unanticipated costs, upon a complete survey and feasibility study.

The city has encountered this kind of a dilemma in the past, with renovations of the Sixth Avenue Fire Station and Historic Jeffries House, to name a few.

Smith noted: “That (theater) building, whatever you can possibly imagine it would cost to renovate it, it’s going to be double or triple, guaranteed.”

Wilkeson agreed: “There’s lots of things that could be wrong with the building.”

The two-story theater building also features two small commercial units on the first floor — a salon and barbershop — and two residential units on the second floor.

Also, if the city purchased the building — that would remove a commercial building off the tax rolls.

Councilman Charles Proctor raised this question: “Are we in the business, as a city, to be purchasing all these properties, and taking them off the tax roll?”

Despite myriad concerns, Poe pointed out that this may have been the window of opportunity to capitalize on the theatre renovation project — given strong representation from Burgess, state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, and Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, respectively.

Zephyrhills did well with state appropriations last year.

It received $6.5 million for water and wastewater improvements on Handcart Road; $4.6 million for improvements to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; and, $3 million for improvements to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The city also was selected as the site for a $25 million state-of-the-art Florida National Guard Armory.

“As we know, kind of all the stars are aligned at the state,” Poe said. “Last year and this year is our best opportunities that we have. We have friendly senators or representatives, as well, in the right seats.”

Council President Alan Knight said he appreciated Burgess for suggesting the idea of renovating the theater. But Knight noted: “I just think that it’s not a real good time right now.”

Wilkeson concurred: “I just don’t think we can put together something professional enough that it would support Senator Burgess’s goals and objectives.”

Published November 10, 2021

Zephyrhills approves street resurfacings

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Two dozen streets throughout the City of Zephyrhills are set to be improved this year.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 25 unanimously approved a construction agreement with Zephyrhills-based Asphalt Paving Systems Inc., to resurface a total of 24 streets within the city limits.

Total cost of the work is not to exceed $598,572, slightly under the city’s budgeted amount of $600,000 for the project.

The streets will be repaired with either cape seal or double-micro surfacing, according to Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

The agreement — part of a piggyback bid with Lee County in southwest Florida — calls for work to be fully completed within 45 calendar days of the notice of commencement.

The action came following a staff recommendation from the city manager and Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc.

The Zephyrhills streets to be resurfaced include:

  • 14th Avenue — First Street to DE West
  • Ninth Avenue — U.S. 301 to First Street
  • 10th Street — North Avenue to 12th Avenue
  • Lincoln Avenue — Airport Road to Parker Street
  • Parker Street — Lincoln Avenue to Kennedy Avenue
  • King Street — Lincoln Avenue to Kennedy Avenue
  • Freefall Avenue — Chancey Road to DE West
  • 13th Street — North Avenue to 16th Street
  • B Avenue — Eighth Street to 20th Street
  • 23rd Street — Sixth Avenue to Heights Avenue
  • Park Drive: This road is a loop that begins and ends at Fifth Avenue
  • Pretty Pond Road — Greenslope Drive to new construction match line
  • 17th Street — Fifth Avenue to North Avenue
  • Fort King Road — North Avenue to 15th Avenue right of way
  • 16th Avenue — U.S. 301 to Fort King Road
  • Airtime Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE East
  • Skydive Lane — Freefall Avenue to Gate South right of way
  • Sun Path Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE West
  • Flight Line Avenue — Skydive Lane to DE West
  • Greenslope Drive — Daughtery Road to Kossik Road
  • A Avenue — 20th Street to Eighth Street alley west
  • Ninth Street — South Avenue to C Avenue
  • 13th Avenue — 14th Street to Eighth Street

• Zephyrhills Water Park north and south side parking area

Published November 10, 2021