The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Planning board calls for developer to build road

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning to allow a 108 single-family home subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, provided the developer meets a number of conditions — including the construction of a road.

The request, by Darrell A. and Karen J. Renner, calls for rezoning 50.5 acres of agricultural land into a master-planned unit development (MPUD), on the south side of Bexley Road, about a mile west of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Wisteria Loop.

The planning board initially heard the request on Sept. 30, then delayed it until Nov. 4 and then heard it again on Nov. 18.

The delays were made to give the applicant a chance to address expected traffic problems that neighbors and the planning board believe will occur, as the area continues to develop.

Some neighbors to the proposed development urged the planning board to require the applicant to build what the county calls a “vision road” to prevent cut-through traffic in the Wisteria Loop area, as the area is poised for significant growth.

Jeremy Couch, who lives on Wisteria Loop, urged the planning board to require the proposed improvement, which the applicant estimated would cost about $2.8 million.

Attorney Shelley Johnson, whose clients are seeking the rezoning, said they are willing to improve Wisteria Loop, to bring it up to county standards  — a condition that county planners required in their original recommendation for approval.

Subsequently, county planners changed the conditions to require the construction of the vision road, with the applicant being able to receive mobility fee credits that could be sold to recoup a portion of the costs.

Johnson noted that upgrading Wisteria Loop and improving a nearby intersection would cost about $1.5 million — significantly less than building a new road.

Chris Nocco, who is Pasco County’s sheriff, appeared at the meeting as a private citizen, not in his official capacity.

He’s against the proposed rezoning.

“I think one day they should be able to build homes, but not today.

“I don’t object to building houses, but build the houses when the roads are in place, and everything is ready to go,” he said.

“If you look at the whole Angeline project (a massive development planned in the area), this will actually tie into it because of Bexley Road.

Nocco said that if needed infrastructure doesn’t come first, existing neighborhoods will be threatened and the area will lack a coherent way to manage future growth.

“Let’s have a master plan for the entire road system,” Nocco said. “If we don’t address those issues now, we never will. All it’s going to do is create more congestion, more heartaches.”

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, spoke at a previous hearing on the request. Like Nocco, Gadd appeared as a private citizen.

Gadd urged the planning board to require the vision road, to help the area prepare for the inevitable traffic that will be coming through, as new developments spring up.

Johnson previously had told the planning board that her client would improve the existing or build the new one, but would not do both.

The willingness to do the either-or, though, changed when they learned about the sizable cost differential.

Planning board members Jaime Girardi and Don Anderson both said that building the vision road was a big burden for Johnson’s client.

But Anderson said he doesn’t see another way to resolve the issue.

David Goldstein, the chief assistant county attorney, said the applicant would get mobility fee credits that could be sold to other developers to recoup the additional expense, over time.

The applicant could be eligible for about $1.3 million in mobility fee credits.

The planning board ultimately voted to recommend approval of the project, provided that a vision road is built.

Planning board member Roberto Saez dissented. He said the area lacks the infrastructure needed to support the development.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land-use and zoning issues.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

The Lutz Arts & Crafts Show returns, after last year’s cancellation

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After calling off its biggest fundraiser of the year last year, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will host its 42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show during the first weekend of December.

The event has been popular for decades, typically attracting between 20,000 and 30,000 people, over the course of the weekend.

The annual arts and crafts show — known throughout the region — started small, with a crafts show at the Old Lutz School.

Visitors to the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show can check out offerings from more than 200 vendors, giving them the chance to do some one-stop shopping for unique items for people on their holiday list. (File)

It outgrew that venue and moved across U.S. 41, in traditional downtown Lutz, to the train depot community park, in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

Next, it moved to Lake Park, on North Dale Mabry Highway, before landing at its current venue, at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The event, geared with holiday shopping in mind, has been held without fail for decades, except for two years. It was canceled in 2015 because of a sinkhole in Lake Park, and it was called off last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers are confident that big crowds will turn out this year, as long as people realize the event is back on and as long as they remember that the venue moved to Keystone Prep High a few years back.

Those attending the event will be able to choose items from more than 200 vendors, said Faith Sincich, the event chair and a member of the woman’s club for 30 years.

While COVID-19 slammed the brakes on many activities last year, there is at least one silver lining, she said.

“Most vendors spent all of COVID making things because they couldn’t do anything else. Most vendors have a lot of inventory that they’re anxious to market,” she explained.

In other words, expect an excellent opportunity to find interesting and unique items.

Pat Serio, a woman’s club member, listed off categories of items that will be available: “Metal work. Woodwork. Handcrafted jewelry. All kinds of artisanal things — perfumes, soaps, sauces. Unusual plants.”

Finely crafted home décor is easy to find at the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show. (File)

There are plenty of items geared for children, too, Sincich said.

“They do a lot of trendy things, for grandchildren. My daughter has already put in some requests (for items for her children),” she said.

Over the years, the event has become known for its fun and friendly atmosphere, and its holiday vibe.

Santa will be there on both days. An orchestra will play holiday tunes. And, of course, there will be lots of food choices. The woman’s club will have its hot dog booth. The Boy Scouts will be cooking up something, too. And, there will be other vendors at the food court and the school will be selling food.

Admission is free, but there is a $5 charge per vehicle for regular parking and a $10 charge for VIP parking. Handicapped spaces will be available, but the supply is limited and is quickly exhausted.

Proceeds from the event support scholarships and a wide array of community causes.

Plus, it’s fun, said Serio, who has been pitching in on the event for about 20 years.

“It’s a wonderful family atmosphere,” Serio said.

“The crowd is enthusiastic. They’re all walking out with arms full of purchases, so something is going right,” the woman’s club member said.

42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show

Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa

When: Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free; VIP parking is $10 and regular parking is $5; there is a limited amount of handicapped parking.

Details: More than 200 vendors will offer items ranging from home décor, specialty foods, photography, jewelry and fine art at this juried art show. Santa is expected to make appearances on both days of the event, which has a holiday vibe and tends to be a big hit with families.

Dade City’s city manager receives 3.98 rating out of 5.0

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Dade City Manager Leslie Porter has made marked improvement in some areas and has room to grow in others — based on a recent performance review and evaluation from the Dade City Commission.

Porter scored a combined 3.98 out of a possible 5.0 points on the evaluation, which was delivered at the commission’s Nov. 9 meeting.

The evaluation covered a period from May 2020 through October 2021.

Each Dade City commissioner completed a summary evaluation scoring sheet and added comments.

Porter was graded on five broad categories:

Management/administration: 3.5

Governance: 4.3

Relationship building: 3.9

Leadership: 3.9

Financial acumen: 4.3

    File

Mayor Camille Hernandez led the evaluation, initially highlighting Porter’s strengths and accomplishments of late. For instance, she noted that Porter has enhanced her communication skills during the evaluation period.

Hernandez said the city manager’s weekly administrative updates to commissioners have been “very well-received and encouraged, so I ask you to continue to do that.”

She also praised Porter’s updates and judicious response to sensitive issues; increased visibility and community outreach; and, improved grasp of municipal governance, among other positives.

“It certainly has not gone unnoticed that you have stepped up,” Hernandez said.

During her tenure, Porter has managed through a pair of cybersecurity incidents; negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement between the city and the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association; and resolved crucial land actions to prevent possible de-annexations.

She also led the city’s COVID-19 response — developing policies for staffing, virtual meetings and access to public facilities.

While describing Porter as “moving in the right direction,” Hernandez identified areas in which Porter can focus more energy.

For instance, Hernandez there’s a need to foster more team-building and respect, throughout the workplace.

The commission also wants Porter to use best practices in setting city policies and procedures. For instance, the city manager should take advantage of guidance and resources available through the Florida City and County Management Association.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

The commission would like Porter to document and coordinate performance reviews and evaluations of other city staffers “in a more-timely fashion.”

Holding fellow city staffers accountable is another issue “that’s come up repeatedly,” Hernandez noted.

“All in all, I think it was kudos for the strengths that are witnessed, but I do think there’s some areas that we need to hold people accountable,” the mayor said of Porter.

“There’s just so much activity, we need to have systems in place to make sure that we are not dropping the ball and things are happening,” Hernandez said.

When the city drops the ball on an issue, it embarrasses the commission and reflects on city staff, Hernandez said.

“I do think these are resolvable issues, so I encourage you to look at these, resolve these, and keep moving forward,” Hernandez added.

She also emphasized that Porter should cross-train new staff and use them in various departments, at the city manager’s discretion.

Porter’s response to the evaluation was brief.

“Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it, and I appreciate the opportunity,” said Porter, who was hired as the city’s finance director in 2014.

She became interim city manager in February 2019, assuming the post held for many years by Billy Poe, who took a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (File)

Porter was selected after the city was unable to reach a contract agreement with Christopher Edwards, its initial top candidate for the position, who was then a real estate associate in Tallahassee and previously had served as deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

Instead of choosing to interview a list of new candidates, the commission opted to proceed with Porter for the post. She started with a base salary of about $99,000.

Before coming to Dade City, Porter spent nearly a decade working as town treasurer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach, in Maryland.

She has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Dade City seeks feedback on design plans for Seventh Street

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Dade City leaders are inviting the public to an open house to discuss conceptual design plans for the Seventh Street streetscaping improvement project.

The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Dade City Hall Commission Chambers, 38030 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The city hopes to make improvements to help create a downtown area that’s attractive, walkable and bikeable — essentially appealing to everyone who visits the area.

And, the city wants to hear the community’s reaction to possible improvements.

The city is considering the reconfiguration of street sections for traffic calming, and to accommodate sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and lighting.

The city has hired Johnson Engineering to develop a streetscape improvement conceptual plan along Seventh Street, from Pond Avenue to Florida Avenue.

Johnson Engineering has prepared first-draft renderings of the possible configurations of each typical section of the corridor.

The sections are:

  • Florida Avenue to Church Avenue
  • Church Avenue to Meridian Avenue
  • Meridian Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard
  • Martin Luther King Boulevard to Pond Avenue

The open house is intended to be an opportunity for members of the public to express what’s important to them.

“There’ll be information for people to see, people can come in and ask questions, (and) make comments,” Dade City Manager Leslie Porter said, during a Nov. 9 city commission meeting.

The feedback is important, she added, noting the engineering firm already is making some changes based on initial feedback received from residents and citizens. The city held a similar exercise for the Morningside Drive extension route study.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/j6ekbntz, or call 352-523-5050, ext. 420.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Covid-19 concerns cancel annual Tampa Tour de Clay

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Organizers of the annual Tampa Tour de Clay have announced that the event won’t be held this year.

Last year, the annual tour used a hybrid approach, allowing visitors to meet personally with artists and to also view pottery pieces virtually.

This 8-inch by 12-inch ash and rutile blue teapot, by Jack Boyle, sells for $125. (Courtesy of Deborah Gillars)

This year, the organizers decided it would be more prudent to postpone the event until December 2022.

The organizers explained why they would not be holding the annual Tampa Bay showcase for pottery and pottery artists.

“While we are encouraged to see the Covid-19 rate of infection continue to drop, our members felt it was still too risky to host a crowded indoor event, without the ability to require face coverings, putting you, our valued patrons and your families, at risk,” the news release says.

“The pandemic has been very challenging emotionally, economically and health-wise for so many, and the artists who make up the Tampa Bay Tour de Clay are no different. If anything, we are a microcosm of the struggles artists across the nation have faced,” the release adds.

The group’s 15 core members include those who earn their income and supported their families by traveling to juried outdoor festivals, showing their work in local galleries, working as graphic designers, owning galleries and art studios, and teaching.

Some of the members show their work only at Tampa Tour de Clay, the release adds.

“All the artists have struggled to create revenue when art festivals were cancelled, and galleries were shuttered. Each navigating the constantly changing rules, all the while taking into consideration the risks to their children, grandchildren and/or elderly parents in their care,” the release adds.

The group hopes to resume the annual event next year, on the weekend of Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, 2022.

While the pandemic goes on, the artists also have continued to create their works.

These pottery artists — William Kidd, Ira Burhans, Jack Boyle, Michel Ginouves and Glenn Woods —  will have a limited number of pieces available for purchase, at San Antonio Pottery, 11903 Curley St., in San Antonio.

To find out more about the Tampa Tour de Clay, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Tips to help avoid holiday traffic jams near I-75/State Road 56

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Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have offered a bit of a playbook to help motorists avoid holiday traffic jams near the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of the intersection on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a busy area.

Add the holidays and a major construction project into the mix, and traffic jams could become a real source of frustration during the holidays.

So, the folks at FDOT’s District Seven office are offering some practical suggestions that could help during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Their first word of advice? Avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the State Road 54/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

At the same exit, head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

In addition to issuing this guidance, the FDOT “will adjust traffic signals for seasonal traffic patterns and the project team is working on other plans to help improve travel times,” according to a news release from Kris Carson, spokeswoman for FDOT’s District Seven office.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

New agreement aims to give EMS students practical experience

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a request for the Pasco County Fire Rescue Department and the School of EMS to pursue a contract to allow students to participate in patient care activities.

The agreement, approved last month, calls for students to gain experience in a prehospital setting through an established clinical program, when the students are enrolled in the paramedic program at the School of EMS.

Currently, students that are employed by Pasco County Fire Rescue and enrolled in the School of EMS program to obtain paramedic credentials are not able to practice and apply paramedic exercises toward their certification hour allotment requirement.

Firefighters hired by Pasco County Fire Rescue agree to a “Condition of Employment” to elevate their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) status to Paramedic (a medically advanced treatment designation in the emergency services field more appropriate for service delivery through a premier organization within three years of employment with Pasco County Fire Rescue).

Establishing this agreement is expected to provide students with the opportunity to apply skills mastered in the classroom within a “real-world” setting while under close supervision and mentorship from their colleagues, and substantially increase efficiency in the educational advancement path of the county’s firefighters, according to the Oct. 26 agenda materials.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

MPO advisory committee adds two members

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The board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has appointed Christie Zimmer and Jim Engelmann to serve on the organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

The Pasco MPO is the lead transportation planning agency in Pasco County that serves unincorporated Pasco and the municipalities of Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.

The board took the action at its October meeting.

The CAC advises the Pasco MPO board on various issues coming before the board.

Under state and federal laws, the Pasco County MPO is responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process for Pasco County. Key responsibilities are the creation of the 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the five-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and the five-year Transportation Improvement program.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Thousands of new socks and shoes collected for Pasco kids

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Here’s a look at the scores of shoes collected in the sixth annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive, a partnership between Pasco County. Pasco Constitutional Offices and Pasco County Schools. The annual drive provides footwear for Pasco students in need. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The sixth annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive yielded nearly 3,000 pairs of shoes and nearly 4,000 pairs of socks that will be given to kids in Pasco County Schools, according to a county news release.

The annual effort, which involves Pasco County government and the county’s Constitutional Offices, resulted in a bounty of new footwear that was delivered to Wendell Krinn Technical School in New Port Richey on Oct. 27.

Since 2016, the Two Good Soles Drive has collected 12,310 pairs of shoes and 34,457 pairs of socks. Social workers give the items to Pasco students, according to the release.

“This donation drive makes a huge difference for our students in Pasco,” Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, said in the release.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

County allocates $100,000 for tourism website

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a $100,000 agreement with Madden Preprint Media LLC for a website redesign and redevelopment for the county’s destination management organization (DMO), known as Florida’s Sports Coast.

The bid was awarded as part of the board’s consent agenda, meaning it was part of a vote including several items, without board discussion or public comment.

The contract is for an amount not-to-exceed $100,000 in fiscal year 2022.

It is a one-year deal, but includes three one-year options to renew, upon mutual agreement, or unless it is canceled, according to the materials in the board’s Oct. 26 agenda.

During the bid process, 266 vendors received automatic email notices, including eight from Pasco County. Eighty-five manually searched for and downloaded the solicitation, three of which were from Pasco County. Four responses were received, none of which were from Pasco County.

The bids were evaluated by a committee made up of assistant county administrators Cathy Pearson and Erik Breitenbach; Adam Thomas, director of the county’s DMO; Louise Morgan, IT product manager, information technology; and Kolby Kucyk-Gayson, communications manager for the DMO.

Madden Preprint Media ranked the highest in the evaluation.

Published Nov. 24, 2021