The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Objections continue to proposed townhomes

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Residents living near Lake Thomas continue to oppose an increase in the density of development in their Land O’ Lakes community.

A proposed land use change would increase the maximum density from three dwellings per acre to six dwellings per acre, on a 42-acre site, on the west side of U.S. 41 about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff.

The Pasco County Commission signaled its support for the increased intensity, in a 4-0 vote to transmit the land use request for a review by state agencies. Commission Chairman Mike Moore was out ill.

Once the state completes its review, the request will come back to the county board for final action.

At that point, commissioners also are expected to consider a rezoning request on the same site that would allow 218 townhomes.

Commissioners supported the transmittal despite passionate objections by area residents.

Eight speakers appeared in opposition to the request.

They cited concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.

Ed Bly, of Little Lake Thomas Road, told commissioners, “today’s vote is not about 218 townhomes in Land O’ Lakes.

“In fact, 99% of Pasco residents have no idea the ramifications of today’s vote and its impact on the older, established communities throughout the county.

“Today’s decision will allow developers to bundle properties together in the old, established communities and then request to double the density of said properties. This will create a trend that will affect all of the older, established communities in Pasco County whether they are in Shady Hills, New Port Richey, Dade City or Zephyrhills,” he said.

“Today, I appeal to think of the older established neighborhoods in your districts and to think of the impact that today’s vote will have on them. Because it is these communities that make Pasco an appealing place to live and they deserve to be protected from this type of rezoning.”

Shirley Schmidt, who lives on Marsh Hawk Drive, urged commissioners to deny the request.

“This proposal should be rejected because it is not consistent with the neighborhood in type, density, surrounding land and stakeholder impact. The Pasco residents must be able to rely on FLU (future land use) maps.”

Joe Seidle, who lives on Lake Thomas Road, noted, “the applicant’s plan is incompatible with the neighbors. But less apparent, the applicant’s plan is incompatible with the rest of our community.

“Please don’t ignore this community’s heritage because some of out-of-towners from Pinellas want to turn a big profit.

“It has taken decades to build this community, but please realize you could be destroying it in just a matter of minutes.

“This place is unique and it deserves some special attention,” he told commissioners.

“Land O’ Lakes is a gem.

“Generations of nature-loving families have raised their kids here. Please resist this constant pressure to build, build, build. It’s times to protect, protect, protect,” Seidle said.

Other speakers raised concerns about traffic hazards and a potential for flooding.

“There’s got to be a left-hand turn out of this development,” said John Lann, of Marsh Hawk Drive. Forcing motorists who want to head north from the project to make a U-turn at Ehren Cutoff is dangerous, he said. “We’re just waiting for the accidents to happen.”

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, told commissioners that 98 people attended the two neighborhood meetings regarding the development.

As a result of concerns raised by area residents, her client purchased additional acreage to provide direct access onto U.S. 41.

The townhomes will be clustered internally to limit impact from the buildings on adjacent single-family residences. The units will be limited to four-unit townhomes and will be two stories, and there will be substantial buffering.

The conditions for the proposed rezoning also address concerns about boat access to Lake Thomas, she said, noting her client intends to build a passive boardwalk, which will prevent access to Lake Thomas.

Wilhite said the proposed project is consistent with the county’s vision for infill development in areas where there are water, sewer, schools and roadways to serve it.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that the request is in keeping with the county’s desire to direct growth up the U.S. 41 corridor.

“I see it as a transitional piece, and I am in support. I think the buffering is excellent,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he believes the concessions being offered will minimize the impact of the proposed development.

“They’re protecting the lake dramatically,” Mariano said.

Published February 26, 2020

Seminar focuses on youth drug use, suicide

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When Heather Sefton, of Wesley Chapel, began losing close friends to suicide, she didn’t know how to cope with the trauma.

The untimely demise of one in the Bay Area was preceded by six others in Sefton’s native New Hampshire.

From front left to back right: Yahkaira Borbosa, Imam Hassan Sultan, Teresa Daniels, Eddie Williams, Jesse Varnadoe, Al Hernandez and Emery Ailes were participants at a Feb. 17 health seminar. The program was hosted by Pasco-Hernando State College to address the issues of mental health and substance abuse. (Brian Fernandes)

“I really didn’t understand what was going on,” the 19-year-old said. “They all just kind of kept hitting me.”

She too, began having suicidal thoughts as a result of her own family issues and having struggled with her self-identity, she recalled.

Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has been active in providing resources for those like Sefton, seeking help.

One of its programs — Linking in Faith and Education (LIFE) — seeks to help improve mental and behavioral health by encouraging communication with group support.

The college also hosted a recent seminar – LIFE, Spirit, Wellness: Combating Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in Youth.

The Feb. 17 event, at PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, focused on the issues of mental health and substance abuse.

Panelist Teresa Daniels, a volunteer for the Tampa Bay branch of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, spoke about her son, Tristen, who took his life over five years ago.

“We had no idea that he was having any thoughts, or that anything other than what we believed to be normal high school stressors, [were] going on,” she said.

Daniels said she thought her son might be having issues coping with the loss of his  grandmother, as well as working odd hours and lack of sleep.

But, there were no serious signs of depression, she said, adding that Tristen was the class clown.

He may have been “masking” his true feelings, Daniels said.

In other words, he may have been hiding his personal issues, while in the company of others.

Likewise, Sefton said there were no obvious signs that her friends were suffering.

Panelist Eddie Williams, a PHSC mental health counselor, provided some advice.

“One of the things I would say the youth is missing usually [is] socialization,” he said. “Having a peer-to-peer support group, or another youth there to talk with, could break the mold. Talking is healing.”

Williams is trying to implement these kind of groups across PHSC’s five campuses.

When it is apparent that someone is doing the opposite of their usual routines, or interests, it’s best to consult them to find out if there’s underlying issues, Williams advised.

The college’s LIFE program also encourages a religious component to be used in offering help, as well.

It aims to educate faith leaders on how to rally around and support those within their community who have mental concerns.

It was Sefton’s growing attendance at Wesley Chapel’s Life Church that helped change things for the better, she said.

“I was found by Jesus,” Sefton said. “That’s really what got me through – my relationship with him.”

And, with finding therapy, she has begun to offer it, as well.

“I’m very vulnerable and open about my story now,” Sefton noted. “I feel like that’s led a lot of people to talk to me about how they feel.”

Johnny Crowder was present at the seminar to offer to those in need, another outlet – with Cope Notes.

This texting service sends multiple messages a day, to its users, consisting of inspirational words and questions.

Cope Notes asks questions for recipients to voluntarily respond to, or just to reflect upon.

The intent is to help others consistently focus on the positive, as their mood may change throughout the day.

Crowder founded the service as a result of his own background.

“I’m a suicide and abuse survivor,” he said. “I spent 10 years in treatment for mental illness.”

He said there wasn’t a specific catalyst that led him to suicidal tendencies.

Besides experiencing domestic violence at home, Crowder said he did not find a sense of community in school and felt isolated.

“It was a childhood full of trauma and neglect that eventually snowballed,” he explained.

Crowder said that he began to find solace in singing, painting, writing and playing the guitar.

This, coupled with socializing and gradually building trust, is what helped him through his pain, he added.

Another speaker, Rachel Starostin, provided a presentation on substance abuse, an issue in which she has struggled with.

She had lived an independent life as a nurse, raising three children before she was hit by a drunk driver.

As a result, she was placed on pain medication to cope with her injuries.

However, Starostin became hooked on her prescription medicine and found it difficult to maintain her daily life.

“I functioned for a long time — until I didn’t,” she said, adding that she gradually transitioned to crystal methamphetamine.

She began neglecting her responsibilities as a mother and eventually lost her home, having to move her children from one hotel to another, Starostin recalled.

A brush with the law resulted in her arrest and her children being taken in by their grandmother.

“When I got out, they didn’t want to come home,” Starostin said. “They didn’t want to look me in the eye.”

Elizabeth Statzer, of the Medical Center of Trinity, took part in Starostin’s class, noting “substance use disorders are something that effects all ages, all races, all genders.”

The Medical Center of Trinity offers selective programs to help users overcome their addiction, she said.

Services include in-patient mental health services. There also is an outpatient program at the hospital where an addict can come by for group therapy three days a week.

Family support groups and family-to-family education classes also are provided to assist loved ones.

Starostin went through a 12-step program for recovery.

She currently is a public speaker, educating others on the dangers of substance abuse.

She also plans to help open a faith-based recovery home for women.

For free treatment referrals and information, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at (800) 662-4357.

To learn more about, or to try Cope Notes for free, text COPE to 33222, or visit CopeNotes.com.

Published February 26, 2020

‘Downtown’ coming to Wesley Chapel

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Pasco County and Avalon Park Group/sitEX have reached an agreement on a package of incentives aimed at encouraging the development of a new downtown in Wesley Chapel.

The plan calls for a new mixed-use, urban-scale development on 215 acres, off State Road 54, in a community now being called Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Beat Kahli, who grew up in Switzerland, wants to create a place where people can get their daily needs met, without having to leave the community. (Courtesy of Avalon Park Group/sitEX)

Avalon Park Group/sitEX proposes to spend more than $800 million to create the new downtown, which will feature multi-storied buildings, with a mix of uses that will be within walking distance — thereby greatly reducing the need to drive outside of the community to go to work, take kids to school or meet various daily needs.

The Pasco County Commission voted 4-0, with Commission Chairman Mike Moore out ill, to approve an incentive package totaling $33.5 million.

The agreement outlines that the developer will spend about $83.3 million to construct a spine road through the project, multi-story parking decks and transit-related infrastructure.

The county has agreed to provide an annual rebate limited to 20% of the previous year’s property tax payments, which will be capped at $32 million and represents 38% of the cost of the public improvements.

Avalon Park/sitEX also plans four freestanding Class A office buildings, and has agreed to expedite the construction of the phase, containing a minimum of 75,000 square feet, in exchange for a loan of $1,250,250, which was approved as part of the deal.

David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth, spelled out some of the specifics during the county board’s Feb. 18 meeting.

“The typical buildings are four stories in height. Commercial will occupy the first floor and three floors of residential above it. There also are five to six parking decks and four freestanding Class A office buildings,” Engel said.

The project will include 2,695 residential units, 165,000 square feet of Class A Office, and 190,000 square feet of commercial space, Engel said.

“Fifty percent of the residential trip generation on the site will stay on the site, once the project is complete,” Engel said.

“The return on investment (ROI) to the county is substantial,” Engel said. “We looked at the ROI based on the nonresidential development for the downtown.”

The project is expected to generate 1,065 full-time jobs and have a total economic output of $84.4 million, according to county documents.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group, envisions creating a place people won’t have to leave, to meet their daily needs. Instead, they will be within walking distance to many of the activities they need or want to do.

A new downtown is planned in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“When I moved from Switzerland more than 25 years ago, it wasn’t actually the mountains which I missed in Florida.

“I knew there were none.

“It wasn’t even that it was hot and humid,” he said.

What he missed, was living in a place where he could live, work and play.

“If you want to satisfy a daily need, you wouldn’t have to go in your car. That’s what I was used to, when I was growing up in Zurich, Switzerland.”

“Instead of building subdivisions, we have to build towns,” Kahli said, noting that’s the only way to resolve the traffic congestion caused by daily commutes.

Pasco commissioners are enthused by the plans.

“It’s such a great project,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “We’re just really excited to watch this come up out of the ground.

“This will really be downtown Wesley Chapel,” she said.

Kahli’s company already has done a similar project — Avalon Park Orlando — and is currently developing Avalon Park Tavares and Avalon Park Daytona Beach using the same standards.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he’s aware of Kahli’s “tremendous success” in Orlando.

“I know you’re going to have it right here, as well. I’m glad you picked Pasco County,” Mariano said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: It’s going to be a great project for this area of Pasco County.

Starkey also noted: “This is cutting edge planning, right here. Being able to live, work and play in the same neighborhood is a great solution for sprawl.”

Published February 26, 2020

Planting the seeds of sustainable living

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Pasco County is pursuing a vision that’s aimed at giving people more opportunities to grow their own food, to learn the ins and outs of gardening, and to bring young and old together for a variety of activities.

A celebration was held recently at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to unveil a new “Food for All” mural and to offer tours of a new community garden.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, told the crowd that the effort to create community gardens across the county began a few years ago.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, is working to expand the number of community gardens across Pasco County. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Feb. 15 to celebrate the new community garden at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. (Christine Holtzman)

“No. 1, we wanted to provide recreational opportunities for folks of all ages and abilities.

“We also wanted to provide areas where we could beautify different parts of our county.

“We wanted to be able to provide a location for folks to be able to come and learn about a variety of topics, from horticulture all of the way over to water conservation, and composting and sustainable living practices.

“But, we wanted to ensure food sovereignty —  that anybody that was lacking, that was in need, would be able to have a place to go to grow their own food for their family; maybe even be able to start a small cottage industry, so they could be providing a source of income for their families,” Elmore said.

Such community gardens empower people, she added.

Elmore expressed gratitude to the Pasco County Commission for supporting the cause.

“They saw fit to see our vision to provide these spaces all across Pasco County, and you’re going to see more of these.

“We’re already on the east side of the county, here in Land O’ Lakes, and working on agreements for more community gardens on the west side of the county,” Elmore said.

She also expressed gratitude to master gardener volunteers who have been instrumental in helping to develop the community gardens.

“All of these plots are leased out for free to folks in our communities,” she said. “We have individuals. We have organizations. And, we have families, that are growing their own and learning to do so.”

Growing vegetables, and inclusivity, too
Elmore also noted the gardens can be used for special programs, such as the Gardening for Autism program, a six-week course that gives kids on the autism spectrum the chance to learn about horticulture.

Besides learning how to grow fruits and vegetables, they also can learn leadership skills, develop and hone social skills, and work on fine motor skills.

“And, we have been absolutely ecstatic at the response from the Autism Society of Florida and especially the impact that we can see these programs are having on children on the spectrum, as well as their families,” Elmore said.

Besides serving as the grand opening of the new community garden in Land O’ Lakes, the Feb. 15 event also featured the unveiling of the “Food for All Mural.”

Connor Laverty and Lucas Yingling, who are both on the autism spectrum, won the mural art contest. And, their work was transposed to the mural by Amy Nevins, an artist who lives in Palm Harbor.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to the Autism Society of Florida and to Nevins, for their involvement in the mural project.

“In Pasco County, what we want to do is to make sure that people of all abilities can participate in any activity we do,” he said.

That’s true, whether it means participating in an art contest and seeing one’s work on display, or having fun at a playground designed to be used by all children, such as the one at Wesley Chapel District Park.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also dropped by the event and commended the efforts to create more community gardens.

“I’m a big fan of community gardening. I’d like to spread this throughout my congressional district. How can we miss with something like this?”

Sonide Simon, of the county’s planning and development department, noted, “Our mural is a prime example of what it means when county government and community come together to make something beautiful.”

She also pointed out the benefits of growing healthy foods in a garden.

The vegetables growing there are “natural medicine” that can help combat chronic diseases, such as obesity, that are plaguing the nation, she said.

She praised the mural, which she said proclaims the message:  “let’s get back to nature and let’s make sure that everyone has access to food.”

Community gardens are creating communal spaces, which children and families can enjoy, she added.

Stacey Hoaglund, president of the Autism Society of Florida, congratulated the county and extension office for their involvement in the mural project.

These kinds of opportunities don’t always come to children with autism, she said.

“What this is about really, is inclusion. Being included in our communities. Being able to show what our kids, our adults with autism, are able to do. And, to become part of the overall life,” she said.

“I believe that a lot of people just underestimate the abilities of people with autism, and don’t include them in their communities as much as we would like,” she said.

“The Food for All Mural you have here — every time people drive by here and they see this beautiful wall, they can think about how people with autism are included in our communities, and have some really great things to offer,” Hoaglund said.

Published February 26, 2020

Transit authority to roll out new campaign

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The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the Hillsborough County Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) with a Human Trafficking Awareness & Public Safety Initiative Grant totaling $100,240, according to a news release.

The grant will be used to conduct a public awareness campaign about human trafficking leading up to Super Bowl LV, in Tampa in 2021.

Human trafficking is a modern-day slavery, affecting millions of adults and children in the United States and across the globe.

Traffickers move their victims on all modes of transportation, and sometimes use public transit due to its low cost, greater anonymity in buying fare cards, and less direct interaction with government or transit officials.

“Human trafficking is an unfortunate reality of society today,” said Carolyn House Stewart, interim HART CEO, in the release.

“HART looks forward to utilizing this grant to train our employees, many of whom interact with hundreds of people daily, to help recognize the signs of human trafficking and create more awareness about the issue,” she added.

The campaign will include educational materials for the public, and provide critical training for HART employees in recognizing and reporting human trafficking.

The FTA’s Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative involves $5.4 million in grants.

Published February 26, 2020

Pasco County Fair lives up to its theme

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The Pasco County’s Fair’s theme this year was “It’s an Adventure,” and the crowd at the event seemed to bring that idea to life.

Children are seen having a good time on the kiddie-approved ‘Frog Hopper’ ride at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22. From left: Ryder Karppe, 6, of Land O’ Lakes; Wyatt Barthle, 8, of Land O’ Lakes; Abigail Warren, 6, of Dade City; Christine Runner, 9, of Zephyrhills; Lily Lentz, 5, of Wesley Chapel; and, Liam Galley Salgueiro, 8, of Ontario. (Christine Holtzman)

The fair, which recently wrapped, ran from Feb. 17 through Feb. 23.

Held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City, it had a little of something for everyone.

Dozens of amusement rides dotted the landscape, giving thrill-seekers of all ages a wide selection of options.

Rides, such as the “Frog Hopper,” the kiddie coaster, the Ferris wheel and the carousel were just some of the child-approved choices.

For the more adventurous, one could try out the “Zipper,” in which people sat in caged carts that flipped upside down and spun, as they journeyed around a rotating oblong frame.

The “Ring of Fire” was another bold choice.

The ride was a giant loop fitted with track — similar to a roller coaster — which stood approximately 50 feet high. Riders, two to a seat, sat in a train that propelled forward, then backward, until the momentum would bring the train to stop on top of the loop, dangling riders upside down.

Angus, a life-like Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur (played by Nathanial Shufling), and his handler, Jeannine Tores, greet people as they walk along on the midway on Feb. 22. The pair are part of the ‘Walking with Giants’ attraction, presented by Prehistoric Adventures.

The rides weren’t the only attractions.

There also were daily agricultural shows and competitions, musical performances, magic shows, and even a Pirate high-wire aerial act.

There were lots of games of chance, too, with lucky winners walking away with plush dolls and goldfish.

Hungry patrons and foodies rejoiced — with a seemingly endless choice of concession options, including hot dogs, pizza, funnel cakes, fried Oreos and more.

Perhaps the highlight of the event, though, were the happy memories made by friends and family spending some time at the 73rd annual Pasco County Fair.

Published February 26, 2020

Five-year-old Clint Chessher, of Zephyrhills, reacts with excitement as he sits on the spinning wheel of the ‘Hillbilly Village’ funhouse. Clint was at the Pasco County Fair with his dad, Dwayne, and their friends, the Stoner family.

Nineteen-year-old Lucia Castillo, of Dade City, competes against her friend, Fletcher Jahn, in the ‘Water Gun Fun’ game at the 73rd annual Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22.
Jeremy Alford, of Dade City, plays a game that requires competitors to hang from a pull-up bar for at least 90 seconds, in order to win a prize. The longer the competitor hangs determines the size of the plush doll prize. On his first try, Alford came in at 90 seconds.
Seventeen-month-old Ridley Hoffman, of Indianapolis, enjoys a milkshake that his grandmother, Peggy Hoffman of Illinois, offers to him. This is the child’s first trip to Florida, and he and his family are staying in the Wesley Chapel home of his great aunt Kelly and great uncle Billy.
Andrew Bridegroom, of Dade City, holds the leashes of five of his goats that he and his children entered into various competitions at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 22. His 7-year-old son, Eli, won first place for Showmanship in the Pee Wee category, and Eli’s twin, Kassie, came in second. The competitions were presented by, ‘No Goats, No Glory Dairy Goat Shows.’

 

New East Pasco school gets a name

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A new high school that will focus on technology, STEM and business programs on the east side of Pasco County will be called the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The Pasco County School Board approved that name unanimously during the board’s Feb. 18 meeting.

The school is located at Curley Road and Keifer Road in Wesley Chapel on the former Kirkland Ranch property.

Program plans for the school include academies for Business, Finance & Marketing; Digital Technology; Engineering Technology; Health Science & Human Services; Transportation Technology; and Building Technology, according to Pasco County Schools’ Facebook page.

The school will serve grades nine through 12 and offer industry certification in high-demand career fields with a focus on technology, STEM, and business, the Facebook page adds.

The name Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation encompasses both the area where it will operate, and in general, to the school’s mission.

Board members received about 100 suggested names for the school.

Board member Alison Crumbley said there were so many fine people on the list that she couldn’t narrow it down to just one.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said the name — Academy of Innovation — is broad enough to cover the ever-evolving direction of career and technical education.

“As we know, CTE is changing daily,” Armstrong said.

The new school is slated to open in August 2022.

Published February 26, 2020

Zephyrhills steps back to the 1920s

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This year’s Founder’s Day weekend in Zephyrhills will give event-goers a taste of what life was like during the 1920s.

The event kicks off with a public dance, on the evening of March 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Those attending are invited to wear period clothing and to enjoy recreating popular dance moves of the era, including the “Charleston,” “Black Bottom” and “Shimmy.”

These Model T Fords rolled down the road during a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Main Street Zephyrhills)

The free event will be at Zephyrhills’ Eiland Clock Stage, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Street.

The Run for Life event on March 7 will start at the same location.

A 5K begins at 7:45 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 7:50 a.m.

Refreshments will be provided, and awards will be given after the run.

Registration can be done online, or the day of the event at 6:30 a.m.

The Founder’s Day Heritage Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

This free celebration includes games, live entertainment, vendors offering food, and arts and crafts.

It also will be the site for the 10 a.m. parade, where spectators can cheer on the stream of vehicles, bands and horse riders to grace downtown’s Fifth Avenue.

Online registration is $25 for the 5K run, and the virtual 5K run – for those contributing but not physically participating. The 1-mile run registration is $15 online. The price for each event goes up by $5, when registering the day of the run.

Proceeds will benefit the Zephyrhills Pregnancy Care Center, which helps to assist mothers and their young ones.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/vgv733j.

For additional information, call (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Founder’s Day  
When: March 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; March 7 –  5K run at 7:45 a.m., 1-mile run at 7:50 a.m., festival at 9 a.m., and parade at 10 a.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free admission for dance and festival. Online registration is $25 for the 5K run and $15 for the 1-mile run. Prices increase by $5 when registering the day of the event.
Details: Zephyrhills will step back in time to celebrate the 1920s era.
Info: For registration, visit tinyurl.com/vgv733j.
Info: Call (813) 780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published February 26, 2020

Aldi offers updates on Pasco stores

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The Aldi store in Odessa is expected to open this spring, and the Wesley Chapel store is expected to open by this summer.

That’s according to the latest information provided by Matt Thon, the vice president for the Haines City Aldi division.

The Lutz-Wesley Chapel area, Odessa and Zephyrhills are the chosen locations for three new Aldi stores. These branches will offer shoppers more grocery stores to choose from. (File)

An opening date for the Aldi in Zephyrhills has not been determined.

The Zephyrhills branch has not been built yet, says Todd Vande Burg, planning director for the City of Zephyrhills.

Work is underway to analyze the best relocation spot for traffic lights at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road, Vande Burg said.

The Aldi stores in Odessa, at 12134 State Road 54, and in the Lutz-Wesley Chapel area, at 2215 Sun Vista Drive, combined, are planning to hire 20 to 25 employees.

The Aldi website has information about available positions, explains the anticipated number of working hours, and details starting pay rates.

Openings include store associates, cashiers and stockers.

The website details duties for the various positions and qualifications needed for the job.

There also is information about benefits offered by Aldi and tutorial videos that give applicants an idea of what to expect.

The three new Pasco County Aldi stores will join the over 1,900 grocers nationwide.

To learn more about job opportunities, visit Aldi.us.

Published February 19, 2020

Under Construction 02/19/2020

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Wesley Chapel will soon offer more furniture options for comfort and style with the coming La-Z-Boy Furniture gallery. (Brian Fernandes)

Furniture store in Wesley Chapel
A La-Z-Boy Furniture gallery will be another outlet for those looking for the right home décor. The building is at 25960 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, and is 13,650 square feet. As part of the Cypress Creek Town Center, the structure is near the intersection of State Road 56 and Interstate 75. No completion or open date has been announced yet.

 

 

 

Electric station emerging
Land O’ Lakes will soon have a new electrical substation at the intersection of Morgan Road and U.S. 41. The substation will help distribute electricity as a result of a growing regional population. The new Morgan Road Substation will connect with the current substation on State Road 54 by way of a transmission line. The new substation also will have a transmission line that will run approximately 2.5 miles south to the intersection of North Dale Mabry Highway and County Line Road in Lutz. The substation is scheduled to be operational in November 2021.

Cigar shop to come
Cigar enthusiasts will enjoy the soon-to-come Cigars International shop. This store will offer cigars of all shapes, sizes and name brands. Located at 2691 Creek Grass Way in Lutz, the establishment will stand at 12,922 square feet. The building will be a part of the Cypress Creek Town Center, within walking distance of the coming Main Event and Rock N’ Brews establishments. It will be the third branch in the U.S., and the first of its kind in Florida. The completion and opening dates have not been announced.

Lutz to get office site
The Northwood Office and Warehouse building will soon be erected at 1040 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz. As its name implies, the inside will be comprised of both office and warehouse space, ranging over 10,000 square feet. The construction site is on the east side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, next to E&W Carpets Inc. Construction completion or opening date have not yet been announced.

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 February 19, 2020