The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Political Agenda 01/29/2020

By

Corley issues warning
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has issued a warning that The Voter Participation Center (VPC) again has launched a voter registration mail campaign targeting Pasco County voters, according to a news release from Corley’s office.

The mail campaign contains “inaccurate information that is often alarming and confusing,” the release says.

Previously, these mailings “have been sent to family members who are deceased, their pets and underage children, and adult children who no longer reside or never resided in the household or the state of Florida,” the release adds.

“The mailings that reach eligible voters often arouse suspicion because they are already registered and feel that their registration has somehow been compromised,” the release continues.

Corley also noted that “VPC has also begun text messaging voters in advance of the mailing using an outdated list of phone numbers. We have already received reports that the messages are addressed to people who no longer have the phone number.”

The supervisor of elections also observed: “Our experience has been that VPC tactics further erode voter confidence at a time when the security of our elections is in the forefront. Please know that these organizations are in no way affiliated with my office.”

Pasco voters can register online at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index. They also can update their status there, too.

They can check their voter registration status online at https://registration.elections.myflorida.com/CheckVoterStatus
For additional information or assistance, call (800) 851-8754.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd, Wesley Chapel, on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The meeting features speakers, networking, coffee and dessert. New members and guests are welcome. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo (813) 360-9813.

More candidates vying for Pasco County offices
Alison Crumbley has pre-filed in the race of Pasco County School Board, District 4. The school board is a nonpartisan race. No one has filed so far to challenge the incumbent.

Mike Fasano has pre-filed for the office of tax collector. So far, the Republican incumbent does not face any challengers.

 

Seven Oaks PTA supports student achievement

By

Seven Oaks Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, has been named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence.

The accolade recognizes schools across the country which have strived to make advancements for student education in their schools.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, left, stands alongside Principal Shauntte Butcher, of Seven Oaks Elementary; Denise Nicholas, Heather Buboltz and School Board member Alison Crumbley. Butcher displays the certificate her school received after being named one of the 2019-2021 National PTA Schools of Excellence. (Courtesy of Seven Oaks Elementary School)

Three Pasco County schools achieved the honor, announced over the summer. Besides Seven Oaks, the others who received recognition are Wiregrass Ranch High School and River Ridge Middle School.

Heather Buboltz, former president of Seven Oaks PTA board, was instrumental in garnering the recognition.

“Everything is focused on the kids, and how we can improve things for them and their schooling,” Buboltz said.

The PTA board, which consists of parents and school staff, routinely holds meetings.

Denise Nicholas, who is first vice president of Seven Oaks PTA and president of the Pasco County Council PTA, said principals also sit on the board and have a voice in board decisions.

Parents also get to offer input during general assembly meetings held throughout the school year. And, online polling gives parents another opportunity to offer their thoughts, too.

For instance, based on feedback calling for an increased focus on technology and communication, Seven Oaks concentrated its efforts on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) program.

The school previously welcomed representatives from Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), which helped bring science to life through the use of telescopes and activities.

Seven Oaks also had an Omegaman presentation, as part of its effort to combat bullying.

At the assembly, a live superhero offered lessons on the importance of kindness.

“It’s a really great program,” said Maria Balestriere, current president of Seven Oaks PTA. “The kids really related and had a great time with him.”

The PTA also has implemented All Pro Dads, a program in which dads accompany their kids on campus, engaging in activities and breakfast, too.

And, students stay fit while being chaperoned outdoors for Walk and Bike to School days.

Children also get a chance to learn to be more independent through the PTA’s holiday shopping on campus, which gives kids a chance to select gifts for family members.

That program, Balestriere said, gives children a chance to learn about budgeting. And, on top of that, it teaches them how to be thoughtful about other people.

“Reading Under the Stars” gives kids the chance to appreciate literature in a fun way.

During the last evening event, both the principal and vice principal of Seven Oaks read to students who were dressed in pajamas and eating s’mores.

“Programs that we find that are successful, we try and continue,” Buboltz said.

However, new ones have received positive reception as well.

The most recent Ketchup Club gets adult volunteers to sit with kindergarteners and first-graders, and help them prepare for lunch.

The Seven Oaks PTA also has partnered with other PTAs to see how each school can assist one another.

“Seven Oaks has done a phenomenal job bringing their programs, and bringing the help and support to other elementary schools here in the area,” Nicholas said.

Buboltz said that the progress Seven Oaks has made is due to everyone working cohesively and sharing ideas.

Last year, the school’s PTA board attended the Florida PTA Legislative Conference in Tallahassee.

There, they met with Pasco County officials to once again advocate for students’ best interests.

“We’re dedicated to making a difference for all these kids,” Nicholas said.

Published January 29, 2020

Pasco County adopts rental registry ordinance

By

Pasco County has adopted an ordinance requiring owners of rental properties and vacant properties to register them.

The idea is to give the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office a way to find out who owns a property, or who’s authorized to be on it, when they’re called to a scene.

It also will give county officials information they need to pursue code violations, when a structure is becoming a hazard, property is littered with trash, weeds are overgrown and so forth.

Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the new tool.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco applauded commissioners, noting the registry will help residents who have been dealing with nearby crime and other issues resulting from problem properties.

“They can’t sleep at night. They can’t let their kids out at night. This is something that will help them bring back their neighborhoods,” Nocco said.

The ordinance notes that commissioners recognize that vacant properties and the condition of many rental properties “lead to a decline in community and property value; create nuisances; lead to a general decrease in neighborhood and community aesthetic; create conditions that invite criminal activity; and foster an unsafe and unhealth environment.”

The ordinance also notes that while the total number of homes have increased, the total number of homesteaded properties has declined.

The registry will give the county and Sheriff’s Office a reliable way to communicate with others when properties  are “abandoned, neglected, or left unsupervised, or when tenants/occupants are violating county regulations.”

Owners of rental or vacant properties who live outside of Pasco County must designate a licensed property manager, based within Pasco or adjacent counties. The ordinance defines a licensed property manager as one who holds a current and active Florida real estate license.

The registration form also gives the owner an option to enter into a “trespass agreement” with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, giving the Sheriff’s Office the authority to issue trespass warnings to individuals not listed as authorized occupants on the registry.

“I’m really glad that we’ve arrived at this day. This is really important to the constituents of Pasco County that we take care of this problem,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said.

“I don’t know that this will get us all of the way to where I think we need to be, but I think this is a great first step.”

Commissioner Mike Wells, who advocated for the registry, said “it’s going to increase (property) values. It’s going to help life-safety.”

It also will help the Sheriff’s Office and the county’s code enforcement department, Wells added.

At the same time, he said, such ordinances have to be carefully crafted.

“It’s a touchy thing. We don’t want to overregulate,” Wells said.

Joe Farrell, of the Central Pasco Association of Realtors, told commissioners, “we wholeheartedly support this ordinance.”

Published January 29, 2020

The kumquat is small, but it draws a big crowd

By

With its historic courthouse and local shops, downtown Dade City emanates a feeling of Southern Charm.

John Floyd, of Floyd Citrus, holds up a Nagami kumquat tree, as he makes his sales pitch to the crowd. Floyd, a 61-year resident of Dade City, said that this type of kumquat is a perfect ingredient for cakes and pies. (Christine Holtzman)

And, once a year, its streets are transformed when hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors descend on the East Pasco community to pay homage to a tiny, tart citrus fruit called a kumquat.

Now in its 23rd year, the annual Kumquat Festival was held on Jan. 25 and, as usual, people were enjoying themselves as they tasted kumquat pie, sampled kumquat ice cream, listened to music or did a little shopping from vendors, or local shops.

There was entertainment, too, with performances by such acts like the Pasco County Community Choir, Strawberry Express Cloggers, Pasco High School Jazz Band, Saint Leo University Theatre Department, Frank Savers with Influence of Music, and Nashville recording artist Kris Pierce.

Valerie Mann, left, enjoys her slice of kumquat pie, while her husband Dick, savors a spoon of kumquat ice cream. The Manns are snowbirds from Michigan, who spend their winters in Haines City.

This year, there were more than 400 vendors lining downtown streets, selling everything from handcrafted items, to produce and clothes.

It was an event for all ages. Kids could scale a rock climbing wall, take a pony ride, jump around in a bounce house or play games in the Kid’s Corral.

There was a quilt show, a car and truck show, and live entertainment, too.

And, those who came looking for kumquats?

Well, the little gold gem of the citrus industry was in great supply.

Kumquats could be purchased in the form of trees, in fresh bags of the fruit, in kumquat-infused ice cream, cookies, beer, marmalades, salsa — and, of course, the famous kumquat pie.

Published January 29, 2020

Heather Davis, of Tampa, and her husband, Andrew, admire a quilt named ‘Wild Thing,’ created by Helen Newcombe, of Zephyrhills. The quilt was one of several competing in the People’s Choice quilt competition, at the Hugh Embry Branch Library. The East Pasco Quilt Guild Inc., presented the quilt show. Tickets also were sold for a chance drawing for a quilt, with proceeds to benefit Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation Inc.
While her husband, Rafael, looks on approvingly, Joyce Lopez-Millan, of Brandon, left, gazes into a mirror as she tries on a handmade hat made by shop owner Laura Adams, center. Adams owns ‘Hats by Laura Michaels.’ She incorporates vintage articles into her work, such as lace from an 1800s-era wedding gown.
The Pasco County Community Choir belts out a gospel tune on the steps of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. The group was one of nine acts performing throughout the day in the historic courthouse square.
After climbing to the top of the 20-foot course, 5-year-old Olivia Antoni, of Tampa, rappels down the wall. Her parents, Jen and Mark, said that she has rock climbed before, but this course was the highest.

Pasco considered for new cross-county bus routes

By

Pasco County commuters may soon have easier access into neighboring counties, as two new bus routes are being explored along the Interstate 75 and Interstate 275 corridors.

Bus stops along State Road 56 and State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel would allow riders to catch buses traveling to Tampa and Saint Petersburg.

The bus rapid transit project would help travelers move around, while reducing congestion on the highway.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) has been working on the idea in conjunction with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) of Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The regional transit authority began a study in 2019 to evaluate the 41-mile bus route.

If implemented, those in Pasco could travel south into Tampa, stopping near the University of South Florida and in downtown Tampa. Bus riders would have the option to continue riding southwest, ending up in downtown St. Petersburg.

The highway also may be widened to accommodate a designated lane for buses as well.

The initiative has transitioned into the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, with the support of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Trying to find a way to improve transit and ease congestion has been an issue for decades.

Providing more public bus services across Tampa Bay could help reduce the estimated 50% increase in motorists expected over the next two decades, according to TBARTA.

Other cities across the nation —  including Los Angeles, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Las Vegas — already have bus rapid transit.

Routes can be selected based on where there is a high volume of businesses, attractions and daily needs.

Kurt Scheible is the director of Pasco County Public Transportation and sits on TBARTA’s Transit Management Committee.

He pushed for two bus stops when one was originally being considered for Pasco. This resulted in both State Road 56 and State Road 54 being selected, near their intersections with Interstate 75.

“(State Road) 56 is not really a good starting point for Pasco County, (State Road) 54 is,” Scheible said. “(State Road) 54 is where the customers are actually going to be. That’s where the people are and that’s where they’re going to go.”

Currently, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Authority offers bus rides from Wesley Chapel into Tampa.

While the exact locations of the proposed stops haven’t been pinpointed yet, they will be two new alternatives to the HART bus service.

With the support of FDOT, the project could cost up to $455 million.

Studies are scheduled for completion in 2021, but a construction timetable hasn’t been determined yet.

Published January 29, 2020

This female barbershop group enjoys entertaining

By

For these women, snowbird season in Zephyrhills means more than soaking up the warm Florida sun — it’s also a time to harmonize in a group called the Zephyr Sound.

The all-women’s barbershop chorus entertains at senior communities and nursing homes with their collection of four-part acapella harmonies.

Zephyr Sound members come from all over. They hail from Michigan and Maine, New York and Canada. Some live in East Pasco year-round.

Zephyr Sound, a ladies barbershop singing group, performs at local senior parks and nursing homes throughout Zephyrhills. The group formed in 1998. (Kevin Weiss)

They bring a cohesive, professional sound, but the female barbershop group considers itself to be informal, and welcomes new ladies of all ages to be part of their fellowship and fun.

The only requirement to join is the ability to simply “keep a tune,” said Peggy Shear, who serves as the group’s vice president.

Shear, who sings bass, said the group really needs lead singers who have melody and can hit a Middle C note, and an octave above.

Currently, the group has nine regulars, many of whom are retired, or on the verge of retirement.

Shear, who is a New York native and Wesley Chapel resident, joined Zephyr Sound about three years ago after seeing an ad in a newspaper.

She was hooked after her first rehearsal.

Shear appreciates the challenge of the use of the human voice to make music.

She explained, “I enjoy the people and I enjoy the harmony that I’m hearing, and learning how to stay more in tune when you don’t have an accompaniment.”

Zephyr Sound formed in 1998.

Rhoda Frederick, a ‘snowbird’ from Maine, has been with the group the longest. She joined in 1999.

For Frederick, the group provides an outlet to express her passion for music and for studying harmonies.

“It’s just a part of me,” Frederick said.

Other Zephyr Sound members describe the barbershop quartet as “addicting,” — that is, they say, once you get the hang of it.

That was Carolyn Kampf’s experience.

“Once I started singing barbershop, I just couldn’t give it up,” the Michigan snowbird said. “I just couldn’t. I’ve just gotta sing that four-part harmony,” Kampf said, signaling her joy, through the glee in her voice.

New Yorker Robyne Eastman echoed similar feelings about singing barbershop-style.

“It just becomes part of you,” Eastman said. “It’s something that you go out and search, if you have been in an organization or a full chorus, and then you move, you’re going to start searching, ‘Where is one close by? Where can I sing my heart?’”

Zephyr Sound practices Monday afternoons at Zephyrhills Wesleyan Church, from mid-November through mid-April.

They have a running list of about 25 songs — a mix of blues, old-time and patriotic tunes, as well as hymns and songs from musicals.

Some of the more well-known tracks they perform include “Ain’t She Sweet,” “Baby Face,” “Rockin’ Robin,” “Carolina in the Morning,” “This Country is My Country,” “God Bless America” and “Two Nations.”

The group tries to add a new tune or two to its repertoire each year, said Zephyr Sound music director Sue Shaffer, a Dade City resident.

Right now they’re learning “Mississippi Mud,” a barbershop track once recorded by Ray Charles and others.

Learning a new song takes time and practice. It requires getting the lead, tenor, baritone and bass on the same page, members say.

Shaffer observed: “It takes a little while to work out all the parts because some people aren’t sure of their parts, and so we have to learn it.”

Zephyr Sound typically sings a 30-minute program, when they perform about town. They show up in matching uniforms: Black pants, a white blouse, a vest and a scarf.

They encourage audience participation, to liven things up.

Each Zephyr Sound set list has a narrator, Shaffer said. And, it’s organized in such a way “that makes sense in the order we do it.”

The idea, she said, is “to make it a very interesting program that people don’t fall asleep on.”

Shaffer is another longtime member of the group, having signed up in the early 2000s. She came aboard with a lengthy musical background, having directed a number of choruses and as a former member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organization dedicated to advancing the education and performance of women’s barbershop singers.

Besides her love of singing, Zephyr Sound provides Shaffer a welcoming space for friendship and camaraderie. “I’m telling you, this has been the most supportive (group) that I have ever been a part of. Ever,” she said.

For more information or to book Zephyr Sound, call Peggy Shear at (813) 991-9326.

Members of the Zephyr Sound
Sue Campbell
Robyne Eastman
Rhoda Frederick
Carolyn Kampf
Pat Nugent
Joann Pasquale
Sue Shaffer
Peggy Shear
Nancy Switzer

Published January 29, 2020

If you enjoy quilts, you’ll love this gathering

By

If you’ve ever wondered what that family heirloom quilt is worth, you can find out at the 30th annual Farm Fest and Quilt Show in Dade City.

Those attending the event can find out the value of their quilt from Brenda Grampsas, a quilt historian. Verbal appraisals cost $20 and written ones cost $50.

But, that’s just one of the activities planned for the show set for Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Visitors also can bring in quilts to put on display.

And, they can purchase a ticket to take part in a chance drawing to win a quilt, too.

At noon, spectators can see a demonstration of strength, as teams of draft horses compete to see which can pull the heaviest weight.

And, of course, there will be opportunities to buy items from numerous vendors, offering crafted items and food.

There also will be demonstrations of doll-making, and of the process of turning sugar cane into syrup.

The event also features plenty of ways for kids to have fun, including face painting and barrel train rides.

Live music will be offered by The Barking Dogs and the Dulcimer Connection, and for those who want to check out the museum, tour guides will be there to share their knowledge.

Parking is free and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs for the horse competition.

Admission is $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; and free for those under 5. Admission includes the museum tour.

For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Farm Fest and Quilt Show
When: Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
Cost: $10 for age 13 and up; $5 for ages 5 to 12; free for those under 5
Details: This Dade City event features the handiwork of quilters and the strength of draft horses.
Info: Call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published January 29, 2020

Under Construction 01/22/2020

By

(Brian Fernandes)

First stand-alone Aussie Grill coming to Lutz
Bloomin’ Brands is building an Aussie Grill restaurant at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 56, in Lutz. The restaurant chain also is planning a Carabba’s Italian Grill and a Bonefish Grill at the town center. The 2,925-square-foot Aussie Grill also is expected to have a 305-square-foot patio. Aussie Grill will open in 2020.

 

 

Chase Bank to operate on State Road 54
A new Chase Bank is being built, on State Road 54 in Lutz, to replace an older one on the same corridor. The 3,000-square-foot structure, under construction at 23434 State Road 54, will have ATM machines, teller stands and offices. It will have a café area, too. It is expected to open in June.

 

 

Rock & Brews coming to Wesley Chapel
A new Rock & Brews is beginning to take shape at 2600 Creek Grass Way, near Interstate 75. The 10,000-square-foot family restaurant is under construction near The Main Event, an entertainment center that will be opening soon.

 

 

 

Another place to store your stuff
A new 100,000-square-foot self-storage facility is on its way to Wesley Chapel, for the convenience of those needing more space for their stuff. The new three-story building, under construction at 33624 State Road 54, is expected to be finished in the fall.

 

 

 

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published January 22, 2020

Medical marijuana ordinance gains first-round approval

By

Dade City is a step closer to allowing medical marijuana treatment centers within its city limits.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval to a zoning text amendment that would make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and would make them an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

The first vote took place on Jan. 14. A second hearing and approval are needed for the change to take effect.

Dade City Commissioners gave first-round approval for a zoning text amendment that would allow medical marijuana treatment facilities within specific areas of the city. A second hearing and approval are needed in order to adopt the change. (File)

More specifically, the amendment lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, but avoids much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The text amendment also would require any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

The amendment also includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no.

Black said: “I’m concerned about moving so quickly on the medical marijuana with this being still untested waters, but I’m also concerned about how we’re taking pharmacies out of zoning in the downtown business district.”

No one from the public weighed in on the issue.

The commission’s vote came after the Dade City Planning Board reviewed and voted to recommend the proposed amendment last month.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

Commissioners also:

  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for The Cove, a new 10-lot Habitat for Humanity subdivision located between 15th and 17th streets north of Main Avenue
  • Approved a subdivision preliminary plan for Countryside, a new 25 single-family lot subdivision located east of U.S. 301 on vacant lands on Countryside Place
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Approved a first reading ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Approved a final plat for the Shoppes of Dade City, for the development of eight lots, generally located at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment to approximately 3.04 acres of real property at 36830 Blanton Road, to a residential general zoning district. The moves allows for the proposed development of multi-family units at 10.5 units to 20 units per acre, directly across the street from Pasco-Hernando State College, where students and/or faculty could reside; the property is currently occupied by a quadruplex family residence. The applicant was PJW Management LLC.
  • Adopted a second reading of a zoning map amendment on approximately 61 acres of real property located at 38364 Clinton Avenue, to medium residential single-family zoning district The proposed use of the property will allow the development of a 249 single-family lot subdivision (Hilltop Pointe) at less than six dwelling units per gross acre; the property currently hosts a commercial farming operation. The applicants were Philmon Citrus Nursey LLC and Cephus Food Sales LLC.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon spoke out against some of the fast-moving development that’s been approved in the city of late, suggesting that potential negative traffic impacts aren’t getting enough consideration.

The commissioner directed her attention — and voted against —  the proposed 25-lot subdivision Countryside, east of U.S. 301, adjacent to a busy block that includes a McDonald’s. “We’ve approved several developments in the city limits, and it seems like traffic is kind of a cursory afterthought a lot of times,” she said.

Published January 22, 2020

County marks Ridge Road extension milestone

By

It was a historic day in Pasco County, as a groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate the upcoming construction of the Ridge Road extension.

The new stretch of road will give motorists another east-west option through Pasco County, and will provide an additional evacuation route in the event of a disaster.

From left: Sam Beneck, project manager for the extension, is joined by Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles, Pasco County Commissioners Mike Wells, Jack Mariano, Ron Oakley and Mike Moore; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Margaret Smith of Pasco County Engineering Services. The Jan. 13 groundbreaking ceremony was the first step in the construction of a project that’s been a county goal for more than 20 years. (Brian Fernandes)

The groundbreaking, held Jan. 13, followed a permit issued in December by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

County officials have been pushing for the project for more than two decades. When the extension is completed, motorists will have another east-west way to get across the county, in addition to State Road 52 and State Road 54.

The ceremony, which drew numerous dignitaries, took place at the end of Town Center Road. That’s where Ridge Road will extend, heading east.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, of District 2, kicked off the ceremony, with a few remarks. He was joined at the ceremony with his colleagues on the commission: Ron Oakley, Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey and Mike Wells.

“It’s another great day in Pasco County,” Moore said. “The Ridge Road extension is finally happening, providing a much needed east-west route through the heart of Pasco County for our citizens, and insuring another critical emergency evacuation route.”

Currently, Ridge Road runs between Moon Lake Road to the north, and DeCubellis Road to the south, in New Port Richey.

The roughly 9-mile extension ultimately will link the road to U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

Construction is being broken into two phases.

The new Ridge Road intersections and their anticipated completion dates go as follows:

Phase 1

  • From Moon Lake Road/DeCubellis Road to Town Center Road, with completion scheduled for 2020
  • From Town Center Road to Suncoast Parkway, with completion scheduled for 2021
  • Extension widened from two lanes to four lanes to Suncoast Parkway, with completion scheduled for 2022

Phase 2

  • Four lanes from Suncoast Parkway to Sunlake Boulevard, with completion scheduled for 2022
  • Four lanes from Sunlake Boulevard to U.S. 41, with completion scheduled for 2025

The first phase will cost an estimated $90 million.

The second phase has not been funded.

The project also has received congressional support.

Pasco County Commission Vice Chairman Mike Wells was one of the five county commissioners present for the groundbreaking of the Ridge Road extension on Jan. 13. Wells represents District 4, which includes a portion of the new extension’s path.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis of Florida’s 12th congressional district has been an advocate for Ridge Road’s extension. He has urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for several years to issue a permit for the project.

At the groundbreaking, Bilirakis said: “This is a team effort, and it is a big deal. We’re thankful this morning to celebrate a vision that began many years ago.”

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles also was instrumental in helping the project move forward.

He signed off on the permit, the day the county received it.

“As Ridge Road is built, it actually reduces the traffic on [State Roads] 54 and 52, and right around there by 10%,” Biles said.

Commissioner Mariano, who represents District 5, said: “The future’s bright for Pasco County. This is a major accomplishment for a community that stuck together knowing how important it was, and this is something we should be very, very proud of.”

Mariano also called attention to safety concerns that will be addressed as a result of the new corridor.

“One of the major reasons we elevated it (Ridge Road), was to make it safer so it can be used during a hurricane event as well,” he said.

Mariano made reference to Tropical Storm Debby, which caused State Road 54 to shut down in 2012.

“This right here is going to be for the safety of our citizens on the west side of this county,” added Commissioner Ron Oakley, of District 1.

County officials said the elevation also significantly reduces impacts to the wetlands of the Serenova Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve. They estimate that reduction in impacts to be as high as 83%.

The project includes 16 bridges, curbs, guardrails and fencing.

Impacts to wildlife are being taken into consideration as well.

The end of Town Center Road has been cleared of brush, and is now being surveyed for gopher tortoises in the vicinity, said Sam Beneck, the project manager.

Any tortoises found in the construction area will be relocated to another site, Beneck said.

While the county has been pushing for the project for decades, environmentalists have been opposed to it.

The opponents, including the Sierra Club Florida Conservation, have said the new measures do not go far enough in protecting the Preserve or wildlife.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who represents District 3, said the extension will provide another alternative for those going to River Ridge High School and River Ridge Middle, which are located along Town Center Road.

That will reduce congestion and improve safety, Starkey said, noting, “it was never intended” for both schools to have only one entrance.

“Not only is this a very important hurricane evacuation route, but it’s also very important for the well-being of the students and the faculty, and all this neighborhood of the River Ridge complex,” Starkey said.

“The Ridge Road extension will have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the community surrounding this site,” said Commission Vice Chairman Mike Wells, of District 4.

After remarks concluded, officials donned hard hats and grabbed shovels to take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking pose.

Ridge Road’s extension to Town Center Road is expected to begin in coming weeks, with construction of that portion expected to be completed by this fall.

Published January 22, 2020