The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Renovations will limit tax collector operations

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Renovations at the Dade City Tax Collector’s Office at the East Pasco Government Center in Dade City will temporarily affect the office’s operations, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

The office will be offering limited services from Aug. 4 through Sept. 30, according to the release.

The renovations are being made to improve customer services.

During the work, the office will continue to provide automobile/ boat registrations and renewals, all title work (Florida title and out-of-state titles transferring to Florida), hunting and fishing licenses, property tax, business tax, and dealer drop-off and pick-up work.

The office will not be handling concealed weapons permit applications or driver license services, including road testing. Those services will be provided at the office located at 4610 Pet Lane in Lutz (referred to by the tax collector’s office as its Wesley Chapel location).

To find out more about services available at the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office, locations, hours of operation and other information, visit PascoTaxes.com, or contact the centralized call center at 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338.

Published August 04, 2021

New subdivision recommended in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning for a new subdivision on the southwest corner of Lake Patience Road and Perdew Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

Applicants Pulte Home Company LLC and Curtis L. Law Inc., are requesting a change in zoning from an agricultural district to a master-planned unit development to allow 240 single-family homes on roughly 80 acres.

The land currently is occupied by a residence and agricultural pursuits, according to materials in the planning board’s agenda backup.

The county’s planners have found the request to be consistent with the county’s land development code and comprehensive plan, and they recommend approval of the request.

Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing the applicants, said the request calls for roughly 240 units, which is far fewer than the 400 possible under the comprehensive plan designation.

He also pointed to other master-planned unit developments in the area and noted that the site is located in the urban service area, where the county is encouraging most of its growth.

One resident raised concerns about traffic on Lake Patience and about any potential impacts the new development would have on an adjacent community’s two private lakes.

But Hobby said, “There’s a dedication of right of way for a future collector that runs along the eastern boundary, and I believe the lady who just spoke lives to the east of that, so our project, per se, will not end up being immediately adjacent to the road that she’s talking about or her subdivision.”

He also noted there is no access to the other community’s lakes.

The planning board voted unanimously, with Planning Commissioner Roberto Saez absent, to recommend approval of the rezoning.

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

Published August 04, 2021

Seeking to use historic buildings to generate a buzz

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Two historic buildings in the heart of the city could become a catalyst for attracting new life into downtown Zephyrhills.

City officials are seeking proposals from potential tenants for The Captain Jeffries House and The Carriage House — structures that have undergone relatively recent makeovers.

Local business owner Chemeka Chambers, of Zephyrhills, checked out The Jeffries House during the open house. The local landmark has been revitalized, and the city is looking for a new tenant. The city is seeking a tenant for the Carriage House on Ninth Street, too. (Fred Bellet)

“The city seeks an overall adaptive reuse of these historic buildings for the economic benefit of the area,” according to the city’s Request for Proposal (RFP).

In choosing the tenant, the city will consider the proposal’s “ability to provide an attraction or anchor” in downtown that will entice both residents and visitors alike, the RFP adds.

The document provides insight into the city’s vision for the potential of these historic buildings.

“The city believes that retail, restaurant operations are appropriate, and a feasible business opportunity, since the structures are located in the downtown Zephyrhills shopping district, which includes City Hall, the City Library, along with multiple retail shops and a microbrewery,” the RFP notes.

Linda Kerns, president of Main Street Zephyrhills, sits in the renovated lobby of the Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave., during the building’s recent open house. The City of Zephyrhills is seeking proposals from potential tenants of the Jeffries House and the adjacent Carriage House, at 5232 Ninth St. The idea is to use the historic buildings to help generate foot traffic in downtown Zephyrhills.

A city news release observes: “Both buildings are a short walk to the popular Zephyrhills Brewing Company, Your Turn Board Game Cafe, and Gentlemen’s Quarters Barber Shop.”

To encourage the redevelopment, the city may offer incentives such as zero lease payment for a period of time and assistance with remodeling costs to business owners who also invest in the property and will drive foot traffic to downtown, the city news release says.

Community Redevelopment Agency Director Gail Hamilton provides some background in the release.

“The downtown district has been evolving over the past few years into an area that draws our community members, and even people who don’t live in Zephyrhills, to it,” Hamilton says, in the release. “It’s got a very “Main Street” vibe, with the brick sidewalks, music throughout, string lights, and businesses that people enjoy frequenting. We are looking for businesses that will continue to add to the walkability and excitement of our downtown.”

The Captain Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave., is named after the city’s founder, Captain H.B. Jeffries, who established Zephyrhills as a retirement area for old Union soldiers.

The 2,365-square-foot structure, built in 1912, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Nov. 29, 1995.

In addition to the interior space, it has a 600-square-foot wraparound porch. It has original hardwood floors, windows, light fixtures, a fireplace and stained glass windows.

Work completed in 2016 included plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).

Local designer Allen Cooke, of Zephyrhills, who also works at Song Printing in Zephyrhills, checks out the view from a second floor window of The Carriage House. He and printer Sue Prenderville, of Wesley Chapel, toured the renovated building.

Some maintenance issues remain, which will be addressed by the city, in partnership with the new tenant. The idea is to avoid having to redo that work.

The Carriage House at 5323 Ninth St., was built in 1940. It is a two-story structure of 1,320 square feet, including a balcony on the second floor. It has restored original windows and folding garage doors.

The building has a one-bedroom apartment, with a kitchen and bathroom on the second floor, which has its own entrance.

New plumbing, electrical and HVAC work was completed in the structure during 2020.

The city’s RFP offers guidance to those seeking to lease these unique spaces.

“The city will evaluate proposals that offer further rehabilitation or reuse of the buildings in a new way that attracts people to downtown Zephyrhills.

“Innovative leasing proposals are welcomed.

“Proposals should be persuasive as to their feasibility and should reflect a realistic understanding of the building and its value,” the document says.

The deadline for proposals is 11 a.m., on Aug. 16.

An evaluation team will rank the proposals. The final selection will be determined by the Zephyrhills City Council, expected around mid-September.

Lease dates could begin as early as Oct. 1.

Published August 04, 2021

The Carriage House, at 5323 Ninth St., was built in 1940. It is a two-story structure of 1,320 square feet, including a balcony on the second floor.
Pedro Cruz, of Zephyrhills, was among those checking out The Jeffries House and The Carriage House, during a recent July 22 open house at the two historic buildings. Cruz’s son, Bengue, was in front of the historic structure serving up hot dogs. Left, Rob LaMacchia waits for his order and one for Jeremy Nansteel, both of Zephyrhills.
The Jeffries House underwent a renovation to its porch, and the refurbished porch was named The Hopkins Family Porch, to honor the donor.
Shelves of mementos and historical pictures — behind Karen Miller’s desk — tell the story of The Jeffries House. Miller, who is the purchasing agent for the city, was on hand to answer questions and give tours of The Jeffries House and Carriage House.

Library branch to reduce hours, then close for remodeling

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will be operating on reduced hours through Aug. 13, then will close on Aug. 14 for renovations, according to a Pasco County news release.

The library’s hours through Aug. 13 will be:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During its renovation, the library will undergo a complete, floor-to-ceiling upgrade.

The work is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum, which Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

Each library in the county’s system is being remodeled to provide a better user experience.

When the renovations are completed, libraries throughout the system will have updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air-conditioning and faster internet.

Materials on hold can be picked up at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, next to the library, on select days.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the remodeling can be found at PascoLibraries.org/lol-remodel/.

For additional information, in general, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published August 04, 2021

Having fun and learning, all at once

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Children had a chance to get an up-close look at big pieces of equipment — and to learn about them at the same time, during a Touch-A-Truck event, put on by Pasco County Public Works and Pasco Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Jason Farr, a heavy equipment operator for Pasco County public works, shows 12-year-old Marsello Cammarota, of Land O’Lakes, how to operate the vac truck. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The two county departments teamed up to give about 100 children a chance to see a grader, a grapple truck, a bucket truck, a vac truck and Gradall equipment, according to information provided by Ryan Hughes, of Pasco County’s media relations and communications team.

Robert Dingman, a heavy equipment operator, explained how the grader equipment works, and Josh Timms and Joel Terkovich, also equipment operators demonstrated the grapple truck for the children.

Bryant Fretz, an equipment operator for Pasco County public works, demonstrates how the lights on the bucket truck work to twin 9-year-olds Kharington Mitchell, left, and Honor Mitchell, of Land O’Lakes.

The kids cheered, as Terkovich picked up some branches.

Bryant Fretz, an equipment operator, and Tony Felice, a heavy equipment operator, showed the kids how the bucket truck works. The boom can stretch 65 feet into the air.

Jason Farr, a heavy equipment operator, explained how the vac truck is used to clean out storm drains and remove water from sites. The kids had a chance to press buttons on the equipment to move the vacuum.

Alan Jackson, an equipment operator, and Nino Rojero, a special equipment operator, showed the children the Gradall equipment, which is used to clean swales.

“The vac truck was my favorite. It is an interesting machine,” said 11-year-old Chase Christmas, of San Antonio. “This has been fun.”

Scott Denney, a labor supervisor said, “The kids have been awesome and have asked unique questions. They have all been attentive. It’s been a great group.”

Published August 04, 2021

From left: 11-year-olds Brian Pugliese, Jace Aguiao and Matthew Broderick, all of Land O’ Lakes, sit on a tree branch at the grapple truck station.

In-person public comments return to Hillsborough meetings

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The Hillsborough County Commission once again will allow in-person public comment, in a limited capacity, at county board meetings beginning Aug. 4.

The board sets aside 45 minutes at the beginning of its regular meetings to hear from the public.

Also, in order to maintain accessibility, the board will continue to allow a virtual option for public comment, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

COVID-19 coronavirus protocols have restricted in-person public attendance at the Hillsborough county board’s meetings, which are held in the second-floor boardroom of the Frederick B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., since March 2020.

Under the new rules, seating in the boardroom will be limited, with some overflow seating available in the first-floor multipurpose room. Speakers may address the county board from either location. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and to practice social distancing. Groups will be limited to four people.

Here are the guidelines for public comment:

  • All speakers, whether virtual or in-person, will be required to sign up in advance at HCFLGov.net/SpeakUp.
  • Online registration for both virtual and in-person public comment will open 48 hours before the meeting.
  • Sign-ups for both virtual and in-person public speaking opportunities for public hearings and public comments close at 9 a.m., on the day of the meeting.
  • Speakers, both virtual and in-person, will be called on in the order of when the speaker sign-up form is submitted.

Assistance will be available at the county government building between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Unless the board chair designates otherwise, speakers are limited to 3 minutes.

Audiovisual presentations such as PowerPoints, digital photos, audio, and video files for public comments are not accepted at this time. However, presentations may be submitted to the clerk’s office for insertion into the official record. Please email any submissions to .

Presentations of proclamations, certificates, and other recognitions will continue to be virtual, for the time being.

For more information, visit HCFLGov.net/SpeakUp. For general county information, call the Customer Service Center at 813-272-5900.

Published August 04, 2021

Pasco is planning to update its mobility fees

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to update the county’s mobility fee schedule — with proposed rates increasing, decreasing or staying the same in a number of categories.

The proposed fee schedule calls for a sizable fee increase in the retail category.

It also proposes the addition of two new categories — one that provides a discount for locally owned small businesses and another that establishes a rate for accessory dwelling units.

Changes are being recommended to the county’s mobility fees, which are used to help pay for the impacts that new development has on people’s ability to get around. (File)

Mobility fees are the charges which accompany new development to help cover the costs for multi-modal impacts — road, pedestrian, bicycle and transit.

Consultant Bill Oliver, a registered professional engineer, has conducted a number of mobility fee studies for the county. He managed this one, as well.

He presented the county staff’s recommended updated fee schedule to the  Pasco County Planning Commission for its consideration during the planning board’s July 22 meeting.

The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is expected to consider the proposed changes at its Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 meetings, Oliver said.

“The costs of implementing your mobility system have increased over recent years,” Oliver said.

“And, according to the Florida DOT (Department of Transportation), we expect those costs to continue to increase by about 3% per year, over the coming four or five years,” Oliver said.

“The bottom line is, the mobility fee rates do need to increase,” Oliver said. “We have to recover greater costs.”

The proposed fee schedule update would:

  • Continue the existing (zero fee) incentives for office, industrial, lodging, and redevelopment and infill in the West Market Area
  • Increase most retail fees by 50% over 4 years, divided equally by year, due to cost increases and partial or full subsidy removal
  • Increase rates for apartments by 6% annually, for a total of 24% over four years due to cost increases and full subsidy removal
  • Create a new category for locally owned small businesses, with a 50% discount in standard fees
  • Continue to charge full rates for mini-warehousing and mining
  • Increase other fees by approximately 3% annually, or about 13% over four years, to address cost increases
  • Create a reduced rate for accessory dwellings, sometimes known as mother-in-law residences

Accessory dwelling units are defined as an ancillary or secondary living unit, not to exceed 900 square feet, that has a separate kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area, either within the same structure or on the same lot, as the primary dwelling.

Oliver said the new schedule also is being changed to reflect changes made in state law during the last session of the Florida Legislature.

The new law establishes that impact fee increases must be limited to every four years, with a maximum of a 50% increase in individual rates.

A 50% increase must be implemented over four years in four equal installments, Oliver added.

In presenting his impact fee study to the planning board, Oliver said Pasco began charging transportation impact fees in 1985.

It later shifted to mobility fees and decided to provide mobility fee incentives to encourage growth in specific categories.

While the proposed fee schedule calls for increasing the rate for retail by 50% over four years, it also calls for giving a discount for locally owned small business.

He said that proposal is based on private conversations he had with each member of the Pasco County Commission at the outset of his update study.

The discount for locally owned small business is based on a concern they could not absorb the increased retail fees, he said.

For purposes of the fee schedule, locally owned small businesses are defined as businesses that are not chain operations, that have 25 or fewer employees and that are 51%-owned by people whose permanent household is in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Sumter or Polk counties

All other fees, such as single-family residential, institutional fees, recreational fees, other land use categories, will be indexed over the next four years at about an increase of 3.13% per year, Oliver said.

Oliver also noted that: “By and large, Pasco County’s fee rates are comparable to Hillsborough County’s — slightly less in some cases, slightly more in other cases.”

He added that Pasco’s incentives offer a great benefit for office, industrial and lodging developments.

The consultant reminded the planning board, “the change we’re making now is supposed to last us for four years, unless we find extraordinary circumstances.”

The county’s planning department has found the proposed changes to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and recommends approval to the Pasco County Commission.

The planning board voted to do the same, on a unanimous vote, with Planning Commissioner Roberto Saez absent.

If the changes are approved, they would take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, Oliver said.

Published July 28, 2021

Pasco County expanding its library options

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The Hugh Embry Branch Library is closed for remodeling and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library soon will close for a makeover, too.

Meanwhile, in just a few weeks, the new Starkey Theatre, Library and Cultural Center will open in the Starkey Ranch development, off State Road 54, in Odessa.

Hugh Embry has been cleared of its contents, with construction set to start on remodeling the 7,223-square-foot library. The $2 million project is expected to be completed by mid-2022, according to Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative.

Meanwhile, the 18,169-square-foot branch library in Land O’ Lakes is scheduled to close on Aug. 14, in preparation for its remodeling. That project is estimated at $4.75 million, and is expected to wrap up by late 2022.

The Hugh Embry library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements.(Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

Despite the difference in size, both libraries will be getting the same treatment, Harrison said.

“Both of these libraries were built, I believe, in the ’80s, and they are well overdue for a complete remodel,” Harrison said.

The two branches will get new furnishings, new lighting, faster broadband, new computers and printers for the public, Harrison said.

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling. Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments,” he said.

Space is being reconfigured at both libraries to maximize the space available for public programming, Harrison added.

In-person programs were curtailed by COVID-19, but the library system hopes to be able to resume those in the fall.

“We really can’t wait to get into some of these new spaces and start doing some of the in-person programs,” Harrison said. “That’s really what the public wants.”

At the same time, though, some remote programs introduced during COVID-19 will be retained, because they are popular and they meet a need, he said.

Funding for the library renovations is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison said.

Closing the branch libraries to allow remodeling will pose an inconvenience for patrons, Harrison said.

But, he also noted that it’s not feasible to keep the libraries open while doing the upgrades.

To try to mitigate the impacts, the library system has staggered the branch closings.

For instance, Hugh Embry wasn’t closed until the New River Branch Library was reopened.

It also is looking for alternative locations where patrons can pick up book holds, to minimize the distance people have to drive to borrow materials, he added.

As the Hugh Embry and Land O’ Lakes branches are temporarily closed, the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library and Cultural Center, referred to as the TLC, will be having its soft opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Aug. 2.

The TLC is on the campus of the Starkey K-8 School, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, and is the result of a collaboration between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools.

“During school hours, the children and the teen area will be closed off to the public and will remain available to the kids. Once school is over, then we open it up to everybody,” Harrison said.

The library has a 250-seat theater and the library system’s first Maker Space for ceramics, he added. “There’s a pottery wheel. There’s a kiln.”

Future plans also call for a library in Seven Oaks, in Wesley Chapel.

“It’ll probably be about three years down the road,” Harrison said. “That community has been clamoring for a library close to them.”

Published July 28, 2021

COVID-19 cases on the uptick

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COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, with outbreaks occurring in parts of the country with low vaccination rates, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of July 22, 35% of counties in the United States were experiencing high levels of community transmission, and COVID-19 cases were on the rise in 90% of the nation’s jurisdictions, according to a CDC interpretative summary of the week’s data.

That July 23 briefing, posted on the CDC’s website, notes that “the worrisome trends are due, in part,” to the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The increase in COVID-19 infections is being observed locally, too.

Officials with AdventHealth’s West Florida region are noticing “a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases” and “an increase in COVID hospitalizations at its hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hardee, Highlands, Pinellas and Marion counties, according to a media briefing from the health care chain.

“The Delta variant is the most prominent strain we are seeing in our system,” AdventHealth reports.

It also notes that “some 94% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19” across its nationwide system have not been vaccinated.

“We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, which is the most effective way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, as well as prevent new variants of the virus from spreading,” AdventHealth’s briefing adds.

The increase in cases is coming as schools gear up for the 2021-2022 school year.

Experts at the CDC have issued guidance for COVID-19 prevention in kindergarten through 12th grade schools.

That guidance says, in part, that “masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated.”

The CDC also “recommends schools maintain at least 3 feet of physical distance between students within classrooms, combined with indoor mask-wearing by people who are not fully vaccinated, to reduce transmission risk.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics also advocates “keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19” among its recommended interventions to prevent spreading the virus.

The Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts already have announced that masks would be optional in their schools during the upcoming school year.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has made it abundantly clear that he won’t support — and will actively battle — any attempts to make masks mandatory in the coming school year.

He addressed the issue during a news conference on July 22 at Indian River State College.

“We look forward to this upcoming year, to be a normal school year,” the governor said, during the conference, streamed by a television station covering the event.

“There’s been talk about people potentially advocating at the federal level imposing compulsory masks on kids. We’re not doing that in Florida, OK?

“We need our kids to be able to be kids. We need them to be able to breathe,” DeSantis said.

Parents can send their children to school with masks if they choose to do so, the governor said. He added, “But there shouldn’t be any coercive mandates on our schools.”

He elaborated on his opposition to requiring masks: “Is it really comfortable? Is it really healthy for them to be muzzled and have their breathing obstructed all day long in school? I don’t think it is,” DeSantis said.

If an attempt at a federal mandate is made, DeSantis pledged to fight it.

DeSantis went on to say: “If anybody is calling for lockdowns, you’re not getting that done in Florida. I’m going to protect people’s livelihoods. I’m going to protect kids’ rights to go to school. I’m going to protect people’s rights to run their small businesses.”

The governor also noted: “We have a situation where we have three vaccines that have been widely available for months and months, now.”

Contrary to what President Joe Biden said, DeSantis added, people who have been vaccinated have tested positive for COVID-19.

“But I think what it does do, is that it really prevents against severe outcomes, particularly death or a serious hospitalization,” the governor said.

For instance, “the nursing home fatalities are down 95% since the vaccines rolled out,” DeSantis said.

Health officials continue to urge vaccinations.

“The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself, including getting a vaccine when it’s available to you,” the CDC’s summary says.

The Delta variant now makes up an estimated 83.2% of the recent U.S. cases, according to the July 23 CDC report.

Published July 28, 2021

Improvements keep coming to Zephyrhills redevelopment area

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The concept design plan for Hercules Park renovations is being updated to include public requests for restrooms, artwork, educational signage, a retention pond, and Wi-Fi, among several other features such as playfields and pathways.

Initial design plans for a BMX bike track were not well-received during a workshop, so that piece is being removed from the scope, according to Gail Hamilton, director of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The 12-acre park property is at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

Upgrades continue to occur in the redevelopment district that is under the jurisdiction of the Zephyrhills Redevelopment Agency. (File)

Hamilton provided an update on the CRA’s activities in a number of areas during the agency’s last meeting. The Zephyrhills City Council serves as the board of the CRA.

The CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district.

The Zephyrhills CRA redevelopment district is approximately 501 acres. It encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside, and Plaza.

Other notable updates on activities within the district were shared during last month’s meeting. They include:

  • A CRA commercial matching façade and signage grant totaling up to $6,000 has been approved for Tara Hornbeck, doing business as Mulligan’s Tavern, at 5420 Gall Blvd.

Upgrades for the new Irish pub are slated to feature an aluminum frame cloth awning by the front door entrance, as well as replacement of rotted windows and doorframe.

The building was formerly the home of Salsa’s Mexican Grill, which has been closed for more than a year, Hamilton said.

Several other improvements outside the grant’s scope also will be completed — including parking lot repaving and landscaping — at the restaurateur’s expense. “We will have a nice looking building when it’s all said and done,” Hamilton told CRA Commissioners.

  • A $5,000 CRA residential ownership incentive grant has been approved for Elis Jose Burgos-Berrios, at 4929 16th St.

The grant’s purpose is to encourage home purchases within distressed neighborhoods as a catalyst to improve the owner-occupancy rate and neighborhood, one street at a time.

The grant requires Burgos-Berrios to file a homestead exemption on the property for five years.

Burgos-Berrios is a city employee, tasked with maintaining the city’s Oakside Cemetery, at 5301 First St.

  • Public Wi-Fi now is installed for Fifth Avenue, but the CRA is working with a consultant and the city’s IT department on developing a website landing page that Main Street will eventually oversee.
  • Zephyrhills Public Works has installed a slew of black benches throughout downtown, matching the color scheme of trash cans, signs and poles.

• The CRA has partnered with Main Street and public works to install blue Adirondack chairs (made of recycled plastic water bottles) attached with concrete slabs at Transplant Park, a pie-shaped area at 12th Street and Fifth Street. A neighborhood happenings sign promoting downtown parades and events also will be installed at the pocket park.

Published July 28, 2021