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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pasco commissioners clash on apartment request

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A divided Pasco County Commission has continued a request for a conditional use that would allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation submitted the request, but the hospital chain intends to sell the 16.24-acre site to an apartment developer.

The land currently is zoned for commercial uses.

Development of apartments is allowed in the commercial zoning district, but the applicant first must secure a conditional use permit from the county.

Debate on the request at the county board’s Jan. 12 meeting revealed that commissioners are not on the same page, when it comes to this request.

In a departure from routine, the hearing also included a fairly detailed refresher from Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, relating to the board’s directive on  future apartment development along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.

That directive does not apply to the property in question.

Still, Pittos went over many of the statistics relating to apartments that were included in the board’s workshop on apartments in February 2020.

The proposed apartment development would be built next the BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which is expected to open in early 2023.

The new multifamily development features three four-story buildings, with a total of 248 units, according to Pete Pensa, a professional planner from AVID Group, representing the applicant. The site plan calls for active and passive recreation areas, the preservation of a significant amount of open space, and a connection to an existing multi-use trail on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Pensa also noted that the current zoning would allow uses that would generate more traffic than the requested zoning would create.

Representatives from the future BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and Blue Heron Senior Living, neighbors to the proposed apartment complex, both submitted letters of support for the project.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the apartment developer, noted that the proposed use meets the criteria in the comprehensive plan and land development code.

She also cited a recommendation of approval for the request from the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano, however, opposed the request.

Moore made a motion for denial, citing sections of the county’s land development code and land use plan that relate to economic development.

“The proposed conditional for multifamily will consume land and transportation capacity that the county must ensure is available for employment-generating land uses,” Moore said.

Mariano supported Moore’s motion.

The proposed development would be located directly on an arterial roadway, Mariano said, “with the connection that we have right there, it screams for something commercial — a job generator.”

Moore and Mariano weren’t the only ones opposed to the proposed apartments.

Seven emails in opposition were read into the record, and 17 other emails in opposition were received and filed.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, however, said the site seems suitable for apartments.

Starkey said the site is close to two transportation corridors and it also is within walking distance to nearby jobs.

While Moore has repeatedly complained that the area is oversaturated with apartments, Starkey disagreed with Moore’s position.

“I’m not sure this area is overbuilt for this price point. I think most of the housing around here is actually very expensive,” Starkey said.

Oakley said an apartment development on the site makes sense.

“I think the project fits,” Oakley said. “I don’t think the traffic would be a problem. I don’t think there’s going to be any issues with the schools. And, I think it fits in the neighborhood where it’s located. It’s a good project, as far as I’m concerned.”

Initially, when commissioners voted on Moore’s motion for denial, there was 2-2 split, with Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick not voting.

She asked for greater clarification, and after receiving it, voted against Moore’s motion.

She said she agrees with the project because it will be next to the hospital, and within walking distance.

Next, Mariano moved for a 60-day continuance, which Moore seconded.

Fitzpatrick supported the continuance to give her time to thoroughly study the issue.

That motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

After the vote, Oakley said, “I feel like I’ve been in a workshop I shouldn’t have been in.”

Published January 20, 2021

Burgess discusses pandemic response

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Florida State Sen. Danny Burgess undoubtedly has a full plate of responsibilities as he settles into his new legislative role representing District 20, which spans parts of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties.

Most notable for the 34-year-old Republican from Zephyrhills is tackling existing and lasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic. He is chairman of the newly created Select Committee on Pandemic Response and Preparedness — a role appointed by Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby.

Florida State Sen. Danny Burgess was the featured guest speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s Jan. 7 business breakfast meeting. The newly elected Zephyrhills Republican also is serving as chairman of the recently created Select Committee on Pandemic Response and Preparedness. (Kevin Weiss)

The first-term Senate member discussed COVID-19 response and other topics as the featured guest speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s Jan. 7 breakfast meeting at Golden Corral in Zephyrhills.

Burgess didn’t mince words regarding the magnitude of short- and long-term issues that need to be tackled by the 10-member pandemic committee.

“It’s a big responsibility ahead of us,” Burgess told the room of local business leaders. “We’re still learning as we go. We’re building this plane as we’re flying…because this is a new world we’re in and this (virus) has never existed before.”

The committee, Burgess said, will examine “every area that’s been impacted,” particularly in the way of business issues related to the coronavirus, including restaurants, retail, entertainment establishments and so on.

One such example is introducing liability protections if someone claims they contracted COVID-19 at a particular locale, he said.

Burgess explained: “As you’re opening up (businesses) again, you don’t need to be looking over your shoulder wondering if you’re going to get sued because this person said they got COVID at your place or your hand sanitizer machine was empty, right? That’s the kind of stuff that we’re looking at there.”

He continued with pro-business sentiments, adding “there should be a presumption that businesses should be open” through the pandemic going forward.

“You should be able to operate in an environment and not be told to shut down,” said Burgess, an attorney partnered in a full-service practice in Dade City.

“As long we we’re taking the appropriate (health and safety) steps and doing what you need to do as a business, you should not have to shut your doors because there are devastating impacts that could be just as bad as the virus, if you think about it.

“We have to make sure that people can earn a living, that people can stay on their feet and make a wage and not cripple our economy, and so there’s gotta be that balance.”

Aside from business impacts, surging mental health problems amid the pandemic will be a heavy focus for Burgess and other Senate leaders, too.

The lawmaker pointed out regional mental health crisis intervention calls “are up like 200%  routinely” in parts of the state, and suicide rates already “are really high, but that’s going up, too.

“I think all of us are extremely worried about the second- and third-order effects of the pandemic,” Burgess said. “I believe there’s things that are coming down the road that we haven’t fully realized yet, and a lot of it has to do in the world of mental health, some of the economic fallout that we’ve seen from people who don’t have a job anymore or lost their business, maybe lost their home, so I’m really concerned about homelessness, and I’m really concerned about mental health.”

Youth educational disruptions because of COVID-19 figures to be another boiling point for the committee, Burgess said.

“There’s going to be a lot of kids left behind potentially because of what we had to do with barriers of being able to go to school,” said Burgess, who also noted COVID-19 school closures have inhibited the reporting of child abuse and neglect cases.

Burgess said the state legislature also will be navigating tough 2021 budget sessions because of unforeseen cuts and shortfalls from the pandemic. Despite that, he said, “we have to continue to push for our priorities and things that are important to us, and just work within the means, right?”

COVID-19 vaccine clinic in East Pasco
Furthering on the COVID-19 topic, Burgess said he’s been in communication with the Florida Department of Health to secure at least one vaccine clinic at an East Pasco location.

Since Burgess’ talk, a drive-thru vaccination site has been set up at Saint Leo University.

There also is a drive-thru vaccination clinic in Pasco, and it’s on the west side —  at Sears in the Gulfview Square Mall, at 9409 U.S. 19, Port Richey.

Meantime, the senator said he and other state leaders are pushing for legislation to eventually make COVID-19 vaccines available at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, similar to how the flu vaccine is administered by a trained pharmacist at those respective locations.

Zephyrhills resilient through pandemic
Elsewhere, Burgess commended his hometown and surrounding areas for their resilience during the pandemic.

“I think the thing that always stands out to me about Zephyrhills and the East Pasco community is how much you support the community, and you would think in a time like this we’re all facing very financial constraining challenges you wouldn’t be able to do that as much, but it’s really incredible to see, despite the inward challenges that we’re facing that we didn’t stop supporting the greater community as a whole.”

Burgess made a point to praise growth and development of the city’s downtown main street corridor, and the varied activities and experiences the area now offers.

Those new attractions are drawing day-trippers from surrounding areas, such as Plant City and Tampa, he said.

He also tipped his hat to businesses popping up along Fifth Avenue, such as the microbrewery, axe throwing, billiards hall, a board game café, vintage crafts and furniture store, to name a few.

And all of this happening, despite the pandemic.

“I mean, I grew up downtown. I’ve been getting Slurpee’s at the 7-Eleven my whole life and it’s never been like this,” Burgess said. “It’s got like a life now, so this is becoming a little bit of a unique destination, so we need to capitalize on this.”

Published January 20, 2021

Vaccine demand continues to outpace supply

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Complaints about difficulties in registering for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have resulted in changes to those systems, but demand for vaccinations continues to outpace the supply of available vaccines.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough now are using the same registration system for vaccines.

Anyone age 65 and older who needs the COVID-19 vaccination must go to PatientPortalFl.com or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire: Health & Medical (CDR Maguire).

Saint Leo University hosted the first COVID-19 vaccine distribution in East Pasco County on Jan. 15, at its campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Jason Longo/Saint Leo University)

An account with CDR Maguire is required to register for a vaccination appointment.

Those who have created an account with CDR Maguire must log into the patient portal to register for an appointment.

Pasco’s health department announced that it would hold four vaccination clinics this week. Registrations for the clinics began on Jan. 17. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department planned to provide 400 vaccinations on Jan. 19 and 400 on Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Sears Auto Center in the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

There also will be 500 appointments on Jan. 20 and 500 on Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33710 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Those receiving the vaccinations should be sure to have a photo ID, when checking in for your vaccination appointment. If using the online patient portal, be sure to bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email you receive, containing the QR code.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties continue to have a fundamental issue with vaccine supply.

On the Hillsborough website, a health department note says: “Please understand that the vaccine is not widely available in Hillsborough County at this time and the distribution plans depend on vaccine supplies. Supplies are provided by the federal government and distributed to the states, which then allocate them to counties.”

Pasco County Commission members expressed frustrations about the vaccine supply problem at their Jan. 12 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised the issue, noting that Pasco’s health department was supposed to receive 3,500 doses on a particular day.

“They received zero, as we all know,” Moore said to his colleagues.

“Our current population, we’re guesstimating, is 560,000 —  I’m sure when the census comes out it will be closer to 600,000,” Moore said.

About a third of Pasco’s population is over the age of 65, he added.

If the county was to get 1,800 vaccines a week, it would take about 7 ½ years to vaccinate the population in Pasco County. At 3,500, it would take 3 ½ years to vaccinate the population of Pasco County, he said.

Moore said he’d been working on the problem with Dan Biles, county administrator; Andy Fossa, county director of emergency management; and Mike Napier, public health officer for the Department of Health — Pasco County.

Moore then reached out to Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“I was able to get him to send at least 1,000,” Moore said. “While I do appreciate that, that’s not enough.”

Moore said he and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley reached out to State Sen. Danny Burgess, and Burgess was able to secure another 500 vaccines.

“So, we ended up with 1,500 this week,” said Moore, who also expressed gratitude to Senate President Wilton Simpson and Rep. Randy Maggard, for their efforts.

But, Moore expressed his continued frustration about Pasco’s inability to get adequate vaccines.

“Every one of us (county commissioners) are getting the calls and the emails from our constituents. I know that each and every one of you, as well as I do, wish we could do more for them. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing that we can do is ask and beg. I really feel like I was begging yesterday, on behalf of our citizens. We need more vaccines in Pasco County,” Moore said.

Administrator Biles said “to be honest, the entire region is being shorted.”

“At the rate we’re getting it, it’s six-plus months, just to get the over-65 community,” Biles said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said “I’m trying to figure out why we’re getting shorted.”

She suggested sending a letter to the governor and state emergency management director, urging that “vaccines be distributed per capita, in a fair and uniform manner.”

The letter also should go to Senate President Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Starkey suggested.

“Let’s get that letter off immediately and get our fair share,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in: “I think we need to get a federal letter, too.”

Commissioners agreed with Starkey and Mariano’s suggestions, and approved separate motions to send both letters.

For more information on signing up for a vaccination and about the availability of appointments, visit the Pasco health department websites at Pasco.floridahealth.gov and the Hillsborough health department website at Hillsborough.floridahealth.gov.

Vaccines in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that outlines that providers can only administer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • Health care facility residents and staff
  • Those age 65 and older
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact
  • Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Keep wearing your mask
Even if you’ve had two vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s not enough information yet to say when it will stop recommending people to wear masks and to avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While experts learn more, they recommend that people continue to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often

Published January 20, 2021

Input from law enforcement welcome in planning efforts

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore failed to find support from his colleagues when he suggested adding a seat on the county’s planning commission for a representative from the sheriff’s office.

Moore recommended the expansion of the planning commission during the county commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.

He said Sheriff Chris Nocco has asked for such involvement in the past, and Moore asked his colleagues to move forward with the request.

“It would definitely be an asset, with the growth of the county, when it comes to public safety, as well as the traffic concerns. They need to be represented on the planning commission.

“We do have a school board (representative) that’s on the planning commission. It would only benefit us to have the sheriff’s office to have a representative on the planning commission,” Moore said.

But, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted: “the school board is on the planning commission only for the purposes of increase in residential density, and that’s by statute.”

He added: “I’m not sure you couldn’t put a representative of the sheriff’s office on it, but that would require a land development code amendment to change that composition.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey was not receptive to expanding the planning commission.

“It just seems kind of odd to me, to put the sheriff’s office on the planning commission,” Starkey said. “Is there any planning commission in the state that has law enforcement on it?”

Steinsnyder said he would have to research that question to find out.

Starkey then asked: “Is there anyone at the sheriff’s office with planning background?”

Moore responded that the sheriff does have someone in mind that he would like to appoint to that role.

Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, said “to Commissioner Moore’s point, obviously any time there are new developments, there could be criminal elements to that.

“There are other concerns with CPTED, which is crime prevention through environmental design — guardhouses, gates, security cameras, lights.

“And then, to Commissioner Starkey’s point, as well, anytime you add more cars on the road, you obviously add more people that are speeding, people looking for through routes and trying to get off major thoroughfares.”

The sheriff’s intent is that “so many of those things that do come through the planning commission, we would appreciate the opportunity to have eyes on, as they go through, and make recommendations,” Daniels said.

Starkey said she’s fine with having a safety voice, but doesn’t think the planning commission is the best place for that.

“We take public comment, and certainly we hold the sheriff’s comments in high regard, and I would think that he should come to the meetings. However, being a voting member — I think that’s just not the right place for them,” Starkey said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey that the sheriff’s office doesn’t need to have a representative on the planning commission.

Moore told his colleagues: “I guess I don’t understand the apprehension to have somebody appointed from the sheriff to be on the planning commission, when everything and anything approved does have some type of impact on law enforcement.

“They’re asking to be involved in those discussions,” Moore said, noting the sheriff’s office can add a “totally different insight.”

He also reminded board members of how important public safety is to the residents of Pasco County.

“We’ve seen time and time again, on our surveys, public safety always ranks No. 1,” Moore said.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning and development director, said that having a sheriff’s office representative provide input on pre-application reviews could provide a chance for the law enforcement agency to weigh in at a much earlier stage of the project, than they would at the Planning Commission stage.

County attorney Steinsnyder also noted that the sheriff’s office might be able to be involved in another aspect of the county’s planning efforts, too.

“They may need a seat at the table at ordinance review, where we’re developing the land development code changes,” Steinsnyder said.

But Moore pressed on, noting he’d made a motion to take the necessary steps to add a representative from the sheriff’s office to the planning commission.

That motion was seconded by Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick, but it failed, with Oakley, Starkey and Mariano voting no.

After the vote, Moore asked County Administrator Dan Biles to be sure to reach out to the sheriff’s office to invite them to have a member attend pre-application meetings, which Biles said he would do.

Biles also noted that the county already shares some planning information with the sheriff’s office, but he will make sure that the information is getting to the right place.

Published January 20, 2021

Zephyrhills CRA has full plate to start new year

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The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is ushering in the new year with a slew of projects and initiatives in the historic downtown district.

“There’s a lot going on that you’ll see in January that staff has been working on,” Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton said, during an update of the 2021 plans at a meeting with the CRA board of directors last month.

The Zephyrhills CRA is soliciting tenants for the Historic Jeffries and Carriage houses on Fifth Avenue. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.)

The CRA district 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.

Hamilton told board members that the agency has met with a consultant on forthcoming improvements to Hercules Park, a 9-acre city-owned parkland site at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

Discussions have centered around transforming the languished site into a passive park for residents — highlighted with trails and a picnic area, as well as regular maintenance.

Possible improvements include underbrush clearing and designing a more welcoming park entrance, along with installing a park fountain, benches, tree underlighting, and colorful sailcloth.

Another idea involves cultivating an art element into the park that pays homage to the history of the property.

A greater degree of detail will be developed once the consultant’s ideas are presented to the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Jan. 21, and then on to the CRA board and Zephyrhills City Council.

Hercules Park improvements are on tap in 2021, with an idea of making it a more welcoming, well-maintained passive park property. (File)

Funding for the park is available in this year’s city budget cycle.

Another CRA priority in the new year is outlining and ramping up a strategy for the Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task.

Hamilton mentioned Pasco County has started to enforce code cases again “and so we want to at least talk about neighborhoods cleanups.”

Code issues are popping up in the downtown area, and in other areas, she said.

“We want to get back on track with our cleanups and the task force, and so we will start meeting in January,” Hamilton said.

She also reported progress on the renovation of the Carriage House property, which is nearly complete. The two-story wooden structure is connected to the Historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave.

The property has undergone a $155,000 makeover by Zephyrhills-based Kerns Family Construction Company Inc. Now, it is just awaiting some electrical hookups, Hamilton said.

In addition to uplifting surrounding property values and maintaining a historic structure, the city hopes to lease the space out to a business or residential tenant for around $1,500 to $2,000 per month.

The renovated structure has received serious interest from possible tenants — as has its counterpart in the Jeffries House, Hamilton said. Three coffee companies have inquired about setting up some kind of business operation at the Jeffries House, Hamilton said. She also noted a couple of other projects are interested in using both the Carriage House and Jeffries House.

The Jeffries House was built in 1910 for Capt. Harold Jeffries, the founder of Zephyrhills who was responsible for bringing many Union Civil War veterans into the area. The house is a part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Another major undertaking for the agency is facilitating a development opportunity on a city-owned lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue/Eighth Street — situated across the street from Zephyrhills City Hall.

The vacant lot originally was expected to become two-story retail space, but city staff now is working on a plan to transform the corner into a residential property, Hamilton said.

She explained the rationale for the shift: “Right now, trying to get financing for retail is impossible. If it were housing, it would be a whole lot easier, so we’ve come up with an idea that I think you’ll like. We’ve tested (the idea) with some other groups.”

Cost estimates and more specifics are expected to be presented the next CRA Board meeting on Jan. 25.

Other notable updates from the CRA director’s report:

  • Initial design and cost estimates for gateway signage at Gall Boulevard/Fifth Avenue is expected to be ready in January, then presented to the CRA Board for further review.
  • A request for proposal (RFP) is being prepared for a mural design at the Lake Necessity retention pond. The site has already experienced some beautification with an ornamental fence. The plan is to hire an artist to paint the concrete sides of the fence, perhaps incorporating a natural scene with water images.
  • Zephyrhills Main Street has begun redesigning Transplant Park, a 0.2-acre passive park at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 12th Street. The location is just a few blocks east of the historic downtown district. The pie-shaped park, nestled between shaded trees, features landscaping and park benches.
  • Zephyrhills Public Works is completing the installation of irrigated potted plants along Fifth Avenue, specifically around street corners and medians landscapes.
  • Residential ownership incentive grants were approved to new homeowners for the properties at 5416 Eighth St. and 38245 12th Ave. (The grant provides $5,000 to new homeowners within the district, given they apply before purchasing/closing and file for homestead exemption for five years.)
  • A new business, Vintage Chix, recently opened in the downtown district, at 38501 Fifth Ave. The storefront sells vintage, repurposed furniture, including farmhouse, country French, shabby chic and rustic décor. The space also offers instructional craft and painting classes in a café atmosphere.

Published January 20, 2021

City of Zephyrhills gives employee service awards

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The City of Zephyrhills recognized several employees with service awards at a regular city council meeting on Jan. 11.

Seventeen employees were presented plaques for achieving benchmarks of five, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years of service, respectively.

A service award ceremony is usually conducted at the city’s annual Christmas party, but the celebration was unable to occur because of COVID-19, according to Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Zephyrhills Police patrol officer Ray Revell, right, is recognized for five years of service to the city. He is retiring in February having spent a combined 25 years in law enforcement, the bulk with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Also pictured is Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe. (Kevin Weiss)

Of note was a presentation to Zephyrhills Police patrol officer Ray Revell, who reached five years of service with the city, but is retiring having a combined 25 years of law enforcement experience.

Revell previously spent 20 years with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, in various capacities. There, he is known for spearheading a veteran housing unit at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center in 2014, which offers a range of services for military veterans in the way of counseling, rehabilitation, job placement, life skills and an outreach program. Revell came up with the idea upon hearing of a similar program during a leadership planning trip to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

Revell’s last day patrolling the streets of Zephyrhills was Jan. 11. His last official day in uniform will be sometime in mid-February. He joined the local agency on June 21, 2015.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have him for the last five years,” Poe said of Revell.

Meanwhile, the longest-tenured city employees recognized were streets foreman Joseph Galloway and building official Bill Burgess — as both achieved the 30 years’ service plateau. Galloway started working for the city on Oct. 3, 1990. Burgess began Oct. 25, 1990.

“The secret to any successful business or city is the longevity of their great employees,” Zephyrhills Council President Charles Proctor said at the meeting. “I’ve always been a major supporter of our employees and it’s exciting to see people staying with us for so long, and I appreciate all of your service, whether you’ve been here for one year or 30 (years), we appreciate your service to this great city.”

Added Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield: “I just want to congratulate the city employees that achieved the different levels of work and attendance and patronage to the city, and all the city employees who do such a great job. We just thank you all for the work that you do.”

Five years of service
Rodney Corriveau – senior planner – June 2015
Emile Limoges – patrol officer – May 2015
Ray Revell – patrol officer – June 2015
Eugene Howard – patrol officer – September 2015
Jodi Stewart – telecommunications operator – October 2015
Gene Rains – building maintenance specialist II – November 2015
Amy Knoechelman – customer service representative – November 2015

15 years
Peggy Panak – assistant library director – June 2005
Russell Guynn – parks maintenance worker II – June 2005
Stephanie Nelson – telecommunications supervisor – June 2005
Marvin Johnson – utilities service worker II – July 2005
Deborah Lopez – senior circulation clerk – August 2005
Kalvin Switzer – senior code inspector – November 2005

20 years
Tammy McIntyre – utilities department executive assistant – May 2000

25 years
Eugene Brown – public safety inspector – October 1995

30 years
Joseph Galloway – streets foreman – October 1990

Bill Burgess – building official – October 1990

Published January 20, 2021

 

Pasco allocates funds for new central office design

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a task order with CPH Inc., for the design of a new central office and warehouse for its facilities management department.

The agreement, which calls for an amount not to exceed $339,920, is being made under a continuing professional services agreement with CPH, according to backup materials in the board’s Jan. 12 agenda packet.

The county’s facilities management department currently shares space inside Fire Station No. 22, on U.S. 41.

That fire station is scheduled to be replaced by a new facility on the Asbel Road extension, which is expected to be completed in August 2022.

The existing fire station will be demolished to allow future development of a Public Service Center for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

The new facilities management office and warehouse will be built on the existing central Public Safety Campus to house facilities management personnel that provide services in the central zone of the county.

In Wesley Chapel, meanwhile, construction has begun on the Overpass Road interchange.

“That interchange will be open to traffic in the Summer of ’22. So that’s just around the corner,” County Administrator Dan Biles told commissioners during their Jan. 12 meeting.

“It actually may be open to traffic before the Diverging Diamond,” Biles said.

By closing Overpass Road during construction, the project will be accelerated by six months to nine months, Biles said.

In connection with the Overpass Road project, commissioners also adopted a resolution authorizing the rerouting of Blair Drive. The Overpass Road/I-75 Interchange Project requires Overpass Road at Blair Drive to be limited access for the safety of the public traveling on Blair Drive and on Overpass Road through the new interchange. To accommodate this requirement, an extension of Blair Drive is being constructed to connect to Old Pasco Road.

Blair Drive at Overpass Road will be closed and reconstructed as a cul-de-sac.

In another action, commissioners approved a state-funded grant agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation and Pasco County, relating to Lacoochee Industrial Area right of way improvements.

The project is aimed at supporting the creation of new jobs in Lacoochee using $5,469,395 approved by the Florida Legislature last year.

The funds will be distributed on a reimbursable basis.

The scope of work for this project consists of:

  • Reconditioning Bower Road from Cummer Road to State Road 575 (approximately 3,200 feet) through the use of full depth reclamation
  • Milling and resurfacing of Cummer Road from U.S. 301 to Bower Road (approximately 4,700 feet)
  • Adding a new right-turn lane on Cummer Road at U.S. 301
  • Providing driveway aprons, as needed and new signing and pavement markings
  • A new right-turn lane on SR 575 at Bower Road, new signing and pavement markings, and preparation of maintained right of way maps, in coordination with FDOT, along Bower Road and SR 575.

To avoid construction delays, the design and permitting phase of the project was

expedited with local funds.

Funding, in the amount of $300,000, was approved through the Office of Economic Growth in the Spring of 2020, to start the design and permitting phase of the project.

The project scope was split into two segments for the purpose of design and permitting. Segment 1 affects county roads, while Segment 2 affects the state highway system.

The design of both segments is currently underway with design and permitting of

Segment 1 to be completed by January 2021, while Segment 2 will be completed by June 2021.

The agreement also notes that the design and permitting phase will not be reimbursed by FDOT because that work preceded the agreement, but the grant support services associated with the design — a separate task order — will be.

Published January 20, 2021

Don’t forget: This year’s Kumquat Festival is set for March 27

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In the years before COVID-19, both locals and visitors alike could look forward to the end of January for a chance to enjoy the annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City.

But, concerns about keeping people safe have prompted organizers to postpone the 24th annual Kumquat Festival from its traditional last Saturday in January, to a March 27 date, instead.

Whether it’s kumquat marmalade, kumquat salsa or kumquat wine, you will likely be able to find it in downtown Dade City, during the community’s annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

“We felt it prudent to exercise extreme caution and move the date of the festival to ensure the health and safety of our attendees, our vendors, and the hundreds of people it takes to make this annual signature event a success,” John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.

Moors said there will be some other changes to this year’s festival, as well.

For instance, there won’t be shuttle services to remote parking lots, according to the release.

As in previous years, however, historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors and dozens of partner sponsors, the release notes.

The event also will feature the ever-popular Classic Car Show, Moors added.

The festival, which is attended by tens of thousands of visitors, showcases Dade City’s friendly, authentic, Old Florida feel, the chamber executive said.

The March 27 festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published January 20, 2021

Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line helps seniors get around

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Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line provides door-to-door transportation and bus passes for elderly, low-income, and people with disabilities who do not have or cannot afford their own transportation, according to the Hillsborough County website.

Transportation is provided for medical and social service appointments, grocery trips, health and wellness, personal business and more.

Sunshine Line continues to provide service with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Trips are prioritized based on trip purpose and provided on a space-available basis.

Eligibility for the program is based on income, age, disabilities, available transportation and where the transportation is needed.

To find out if you’re eligible and to enroll in the door-to-door service program, call Sunshine Line at 813-272-7272, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (The same number and hours apply for making reservations).

When calling to enroll, be prepared to provide the following information: Name, address and telephone number, Social Security number, date of birth, type of disability and household income.

Reservations for the service must be made at least two days in advance, but can be made up to seven days early.

Return trips are scheduled when you make your trip reservation.

Callers currently are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure to protect all riders.

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs that are larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long, as measured 2 inches from the ground, cannot be transported.

The wheelchairs also cannot weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied.

Transportation is provided Monday through Saturday, and is provided to the nearest location available. The drivers will not go into the building to find the customer, but will offer to assist to and from the building and into the vehicle, including help with the seatbelt and securing the wheelchair.

Changes to return times will be accepted, when possible.

Seating is limited in vehicles, and masks are required for passengers and drivers to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Published January 20, 2021

The Big Shred IV helps people dispose of documents

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If you have some sensitive or outdated documents you want to destroy, The Big Shred IV may be just the thing for you.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles directs traffic in the rain at the Big Shred event last year, in Dade City. (Courtesy of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has set two dates to give area residents the opportunity to safely dispose of documents they no longer need, according to a news release.

Last year, the event drew about 350 area residents who got rid of about 7.5 tons of documents. Over the three years the event has been held, more than 24 tons of documents have been shredded.

The times and dates for this year’s events are:

  • Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to noon: West Pasco Judicial Center, 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey
  • Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon: Robert Sumner Judicial Center, 38053 Live Oak Ave., Dade City

People who bring documents to be destroyed can watch while they are shredded.

Those wishing to take advantage of the service can bring in up to three copier-paper boxes or two tall kitchen trash bags of paper documents.

Staples, paper clips or other metal clasps must be removed.

“Last year, at New Port Richey, we had 5.5 tons of paper (shredded at the event),” Alvarez-Sowles said, at the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.

She noted that 264 cars came through that line.

In Dade City, the event was held on a rainy day, reducing the turnout. At that event, there were 82 cars, which yielded 2 tons of shredded paper that day.

Published January 20, 2021