The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

New subdivision approved off Bell Lake Road

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning for a 27-home subdivision, at the northwest intersection of Bell Lake and Alpine roads.

The site for the proposed subdivision is about 1 mile east of U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

The approval will allow houses with a minimum of 40-foot-wide lots to be built on the 9.5-acre site.

The board’s vote, at its Feb. 4 meeting, was the second time it approved the request.

A previous vote, taken on Jan. 7, was voided after it was discovered an error had been made on the public notice of that meeting.

Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, said plans call for a rental home community.

The price points of the homes being constructed there would be in mid-200s to mid-300s, he said, but they are being built for a segment of the market that prefers renting to home ownership.

Pressman showed the board a power point with representations of the type of houses that American Homes 4 Rent plans to build.

Several neighbors spoke against the requested rezoning. They said the lot size is incompatible with surrounding developments.

They also cited concerns about the condition of area roads that would serve the subdivision. Other worries include potential impacts on the area’s drainage, and potential safety hazards for children because the area lacks sidewalks.

One of their biggest concerns, though, was the fact that the company building the homes specializes in rental homes.

They expressed concerns that those living in rental homes are less committed to upkeep because they aren’t as invested as individual homeowners. They also noted that renters tend to be more transient than homeowners.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said that the county doesn’t consider the question of whether a property will be rented, or owned, when deciding land use issues.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended denial of the request, citing incompatibility between the requested lot size and the area’s existing development pattern.

But, county planners recommended approval, noting the county’s long-range plan allows up to six dwellings per acre, and saying this development represents an appropriate transition.

Pressman pointed out that the request is for 2.85 dwellings per acre, less than half of what’s allowed in the county’s land use plan. He also cited the property’s planned 200-foot buffer.

But, neighbors said the site plan indicates that the homes will be clustered together, which effectively reduces the lot size.

They said the planned lot sizes simply are not a good fit for the area.

Conditions for approval include a requirement to improve Alpine Road, to the entrance of the subdivision. The development also must install a left-turn lane on Bell Lake Road, and provide  sidewalks on the frontage of the subdivision.

Eric Swanson, land manager for American Homes 4 Rent, a national homebuilder, said the average household income for its renters is $100,000.

He also described the typical renter as an older millennial with a family, and said renters typically stay at a property for two years to three years.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said this type of housing — rental homes — is a trend across the country, according to Urban Land Institute reports.

Neighbors expressed a variety of concerns.

Troy Gotschall, lives on Ladera Lane, just north of the planned subdivision.

“My biggest concern with this whole project is that the size of the lots do not meet what is in the surrounding area. That’s just not acceptable to us. It doesn’t make sense.

“It really gives us a heartache,” he said.

David Hodierne, who also lives on Ladera Lane, told commissioners: “Obviously, rentals concern us.”

He added: “One of the main questions I ask is: What need is truly being filled here? We have a high-density subdivision going into our rural community.

He cited the county’s declining percentage of owner-occupied homes and pointed to a recent action by commissioners to create a rental registry ordinance. When adopting that ordinance, commissioners cited concerns about the potential problems that result when rental properties are neglected, or attract criminal activity.

Margaret Gotschall, who lives on Fallglo Lane, said “the condition of the roads (Bell Lake and Alpine) is certainly a concern, especially with construction and increased traffic,” she said. “Bell Lake Road has deep, call them, ditches, on the side of the road.

“Alpine Road is very narrow. It’s deteriorating. The shoulders on both sides are caving in. It would need tremendous work to accommodate the additional traffic, and of course, the construction equipment that’s going to be going over these roads while this development is being constructed,” she said.

Karen Joeb, of Alpine Road, said “my grandson gets off the school bus. He steps in a ditch, to get across the road, to get across Alpine to come home.”

Curt Lessl, who lives on Alpine Road, said he’s already lost 160 maple trees in his backyard due to flooding.

“Putting this many homes, 10 feet apart from each other, on that small of property will overload that wetlands, which feeds into the wetlands and the drainage system that feeds into Banjo Lake right behind my property. It’s going to make an impact.

He also asked: “What guarantee do we have that this company, who is going to come in put in these rental properties, is going to maintain those rental properties.

“What’s going to happen when they decide to sell it to some other company that doesn’t have the same interest at heart? And then they sell it, and we’re left holding the bag.”

He urged commissioners: “Leave this area the quiet, small, low-density residential area that it has been for the last 50 years.”

Despite neighbors’ objections, commissioners sided with their planning staff’s recommendation and approved the rezoning, 5-0.

Published February 12, 2020

Will cross-county commuters have a new option?

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Commuters in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties could have a new way to get around, as planning continues on a proposed 41-mile bus route connecting the counties.

The plan being considered calls for designated rapid bus transit lanes to be built along the shoulders of Interstate 75 and Interstate 275.

Chris Jadick is the communications director for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA). At a North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast on Feb. 4, he explained to attendees the agency’s plan to expand bus services cross-county. (Courtesy of Chris Jadick of TBARTA)

The route would run from Pasco to Hillsborough County — beginning at State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, heading south to the University of South Florida and ending in downtown Tampa. The system also would have a leg continuing into Pinellas County, ending in downtown St. Petersburg.

Various bus stations would be built adjacent to the highway and within a 1-mile radius of communities with larger concentrations of commercial development.

Chris Jadick, of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA), outlined aspects of the proposed bus rapid transit system during a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Feb. 4.

The proposed project carries a price tag of $455 million, and is now in the project development and environment phase, Jadick told those gathered at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus.

Alternatives are now being evaluated to determine which would be most beneficial to the public, Jadick said.

The current plan being studied calls for designated lanes to be constructed along Interstates 75 and 275 shoulders, catered for buses only.

Increasing the number of stations could result in lower bus fares for commuters, Jadick said. But, it also affects how quickly riders can get from Point A to Point B.

“This all comes down to speed,” Jadick said. “The more stations you have, where they are, determines how quickly you can get somewhere,” he explained.

The study is scheduled to wrap up by August 2021, he noted.

When 30% of the design plan is set, federal funds will be allocated toward the project, Jadick said, aside from state and local assistance.

The project aims to help address Florida’s low-performance ranking in the area of public transportation, Jadick said.

“There’s no question we have great local transit providers. The problem is regionally. How do we connect Pasco County with the great opportunities in Hillsborough (County), or Hillsborough (County) to Manatee (County)?” he asked.

The regional transit agency oversees five counties: Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas.

The tri-county bus rapid transit system is just part of TBARTA’s 10-year vision plan. Another project in that long-range plan calls for expanded car and vanpool services.

The regional transit agency has been working in conjunction with the Enterprise rental service to provide feasible transportation options for government workers.

Plans are in the works to create a ride-sharing program to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road — which would decrease congestion, shorten commute times and result in cleaner air.

It is not yet clear when either of these new initiatives could begin offering commuters new alternatives.

Published February 12, 2020

Denial recommended on senior care site in Wesley Chapel

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended denial of a request for a conditional use permit to allow a residential treatment facility for up to 30 residents on Pomello Trace in Wesley Chapel.

Planning commissioners voted 5-0 against the request by Jordanes Hippolite, who is seeking permission to create an elderly care center, on a site at 29436 Pomella Trace, that’s smaller than a half-acre. The property is about 200 feet east of Caroline Drive.

The applicant proposed a single-story 4,500-square-foot facility. The application said the facility is intended for elderly residents.

In the application, the applicant states in part that, “as a Registered Nurse of 20+ years of experience, I’m writing this letter to request assistance in granting permission to build a home  for elderly care in Wesley Chapel.

“As a dedicated caregiver to elderly residents of assisted living and memory care communities  since 2000, I have worked as a nurse, where I assist residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with daily living needs.”

The county’s planning staff recommended approval, with a number of conditions.

But, several neighbors urged planning commissioners to reject the request.

Jeff Kirschner, of 29431 Pomello Trace, told planning commissioners that residents frequently take walks in the neighborhood with their pets, and their children ride their bicycles up and down the roads because there are no sidewalks.

He said the proposed care facility would be more appropriate on State Road 54 and is not “congruent” with the existing neighborhood.

“This was somebody’s backyard that someone purchased and wanted to make a commercial entity because of the convenience of it,” he said.

Michelle Obregon, of 29419 Pomello Trace, lives across the street from the proposed residential care center.

“I’ve been in the neighborhood for almost 15 years. The reason I chose the neighborhood was because of it being a quiet neighborhood to raise children in. I love Wesley Chapel. I love my neighbors.

“We only have one entrance in our neighborhood.

“We already have to share the road with those coming in and out. We have to share the road with our neighbors that are walking with their children. We have to share the road for the neighbors who are walking with their dogs. We have to share the road with the children who are riding bikes because we do not have sidewalks. We have to share the road with kids that are coming off the buses in the morning and afternoon.

“I know my neighbors. I do not know the people that will be living at the facility. I do not know the families of the people that would be living at the facility.

“This is a residential neighborhood. We want to keep it a residential neighborhood. We didn’t purchase for commercial to be put in there,” she said.

Other neighbors offered similar objections. They also raised concerns about ambulances coming and going to the residential care center, and about noise, drainage and property values. One neighbor submitted a petition with 112 signatures from people opposing the proposed use.

Planning commissioners Peter Hanzel and Michael Cox raised questions about trying to fit a facility of this nature on a lot of this size — while meeting necessary parking requirements.

“It’s almost like putting 10 pounds of sugar into a 5-pound sack,” Hanzel said.

“I don’t see the space there.

“To be very honest with you, I think at some point, you need to re-evaluate your business plan,” Hanzel added. “I don’t see it mathematically working out.”

Cox said: “Even at 20 (residents), how would you provide enough parking for the families that are coming out, and your staff and the support that would require.”

Cox added: “My mother was in an assisted living manor care unit for a long time. There was about 30 residents on the floor that she was on, and seeing the support staff that they had for those residents, there is no way in God’s green earth that you’re going to be able to do that on that piece of property.”

Cox called for denial of the request, which the board adopted.

The planning commission’s recommendation now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on the request.

Published February 12, 2020

Economic forecast is bright, investment expert says

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The forecast for both the United States and the world economy appear to be “pretty sunny” this year.

At least that’s the word from Tim McGee, director of macro strategy and research at U.S. Trust-Bank of America Wealth Management.

McGee offered that assessment during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s annual economic forecast luncheon recently at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel.

Tim McGee, director of macro strategy and research at U.S. Trust-Bank of America Wealth Management, was the featured guest speaker at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s annual economic forecast luncheon last month at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel. (Kevin Weiss)

At Bank of America, McGee manages a team of analysts that research global economic trends, and then develop those trends into investment strategies for individual clients, institutions and foundations supporting the wealth management business.

McGee’s economic outlook, delivered to a sold-out luncheon, contained predictions that should inspire confidence on the whole.

The global economy will “grow a little bit faster than it did last year,” McGee said.

“Last year, global GDP growth got down a little bit below 3%. This year it’s expected to be about a half a point higher than that,” he said. About the same should hold true for the U.S. economy this year, too, the speaker added.

The nation’s economy didn’t grow as much last year compared to prior years, but McGee noted: “we’re seeing signs that that’s starting to turn around and growth will move a little higher as the year progresses.”

In short: “We think we’re going to continue to be in this goldilocks environment where growth is good. We’ve got the lowest unemployment that we’ve had since at least the late 1960s and its staying much lower without showing signs of creating inflation as it would’ve in the past.”

There have been “hiccups” to the U.S. economy in the early part of 2020, he noted.

The coronavirus outbreak has negatively impacted stock markets, he said. Pandemics today are more disruptive to economic activity because of the globalization of the economy and an increased frequency of global travel.

“Nobody knows how bad it’s going to get,” he said, referring to the coronavirus outbreak. “What we know about pandemics is eventually they pass…but, that’s what we’ve got to contend with for a while.”

Aerospace company Boeing’s decision to suspend production on its 737 Max model airplane — due to potential safety issues, is “another thing hurting the economy,” he said.

Boeing is America’s largest exporter, and, the economic expert said that alone will “knock about a half point off of growth.”

But, this too, is viewed as a temporary issue.

And, McGee is bullish about the long-term sustainability of the U.S. economy.

America is in the midst of its longest economic expansion in its history — now going on more than 10 years, he said. During that time, the  country’s inflation rate has remained “very stable” — anchoring at about 2%.

He calls the current financial climate “the most stable, least volatile economic environment in American history.”

He pointed to a number of reasons for the current state of the economy.

For one thing, the country has made a transition to a service-oriented economy — away from a “much more cyclical and volatile” manufacturing and goods producing economy, he said.

There’s also a growing retirement population. That population is living longer and has accumulated wealth, so that creates a demand that’s steady over time and not subject to fluctuations in the economy for services including health care, travel and so on.

He also touched on the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies.

He credited the president’s corporate tax cuts for making U.S. companies competitive again, giving them a reason to continue operating in America rather than uprooting to other countries that traditionally have had lower taxes and labor costs.

He also cited Trump’s regulatory rollbacks, which he said have boosted small business optimism nationwide.

Before Trump was elected, previously imposed regulations — many pertaining to environmental and health care, and such — had become “the most consistent complaint of small businesses,” the financial expert said.

He then pointed to a survey from the National Federation of Independent Business that suggests small business confidence has increased in each of the last three years. It’s now reached its “highest confidence levels” in the survey’s 46-year history, he said.

McGee went on to explain the Trump administration’s economic policies have begun to benefit traditional lower wage, blue collar workers, too.

He elaborated: “Wages for people with less than a college degree are starting to rise faster than wages at the top, and this is a direct result of shifting from the globalization policy to the localization policies that are more focused on helping workers and businesses in the United States.”

McGee cited the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, which has indicated that America’s lower income and lower education population have expressed more confidence in their future earnings potential in the last three years.

He also referenced a January Gallup poll, which shows Trump’s job approval rating has risen to 49%, his highest in Gallup polling since he took office in 2017.

The speaker put it all into perspective: “The economy is reshaping itself — It’s helping lower income people, and that’s why surveys are starting to show people are much more happy with the way things now are than they were before.”

McGee added: “Trump’s blown up the political establishment. That’s why he’s so hated, because basically he’s reformed the Republican Party to represent workers which traditionally were democratic voters. (President Ronald) Reagan did something similar. If you look at Trump’s policies, they’re almost exactly the same as (what) Reagan did.”

Published February 12, 2020

E-Notify offers court event updates

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Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles announced the introduction of a program that allows individuals who register to receive alerts of upcoming criminal court events through text and/or email.

The system, called e-Notify, is intended to keep defendants and other interested parties informed about upcoming court events. A pilot project launched last October provided alerts in cases filed in Orange, Okaloosa and Nassau counties. The program expanded statewide as of Jan. 31, according to a news release.

The program was developed collaboratively by the state’s clerks of court and the state courts system.

The system was designed specifically to fulfill the Legislature’s direction to provide alerts to defendants in criminal cases, but it also offers a valuable resource to others wishing to be notified of case events.

The system should curb costly court ‘no-shows.’

Studies in jurisdictions where electronic alerts have been implemented have shown significant reductions in ‘failures to appear,’ or instances in which defendants miss their court events.

Users who sign up for the service choose how they will get alerts – email and/or text – as well as the timing of their reminders, choosing any combination of 14-day, seven-day or day-ahead notifications.

There is no limit to the number of cases users can sign up for to get alerts.

E-Notify users also are able to manage their subscriptions, and make changes to cases and frequency.

Those who wish to sign up can visit https://enotify.flcourts.org.

Published February 12, 2020

Music fest to liven up Zephyrhills

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This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival coincides with Leap Day, on Feb. 29.

The event will be held at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., from noon to 9 p.m., with its traditional all-day roundup of live performances.

This year’s Paulie Palooza Music Festival in downtown Zephyrhills will be on Feb. 29, also known as Leap Day. (Courtesy of Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Patrons will be able to listen to musical performances, browse an assortment of vendors and grab a bite to eat from a variety of food trucks.

Festival-goers also will have a chance to purchase tickets for prize drawings, or make bids on items at a silent auction.

Because of limited seating, those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. And, the event is pet-friendly, too, but pets should be on a leash.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Gulfside Hospice, which offers end of life care and treatment options for those with chronic illnesses. It also tries to help patients remain independent with skilled nursing and rehabilitation at home. These services are offered regardless of patient’s financial situation.

For more information, vendors or sponsors should contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or .

Additional information about the event can be found at Gulfside.org.

Paulie Palooza Music Festival
When: Feb. 29, from noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Zephyrhills’ festivities on Leap Day with live music, food and prizes.
Info: For vendor or sponsor information, contact Leesa Fryer at (727) 845-5707 or email . For additional information, visit Gulfside.org.

Published February 12, 2020

Learning about the origins of soul food

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February is known for Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, but it’s Black History month, too.

It’s a time when events and special lessons help convey the important contributions made by black men and women in the arenas of literature, civil rights, music, inventions, science, sports, entertainment and other fields of endeavor.

And, in that context, it’s a great time to learn about how history has had an influence on the flavors of food.

Collard greens are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, E, K and C, and are currently in season. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

Obviously, there are regional and historical influences on the flavors of food, such as Caribbean, East African and soul food.

Some may wonder what distinguishes soul food from southern food.

Soul food is a type of southern food.

The two types of food are similar, but it helps to know the history — and the sad reality of the origins of soul food.

While not called soul food initially, this type of cuisine came from the states known as the Deep South — Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Originally, it began as the basic foods that the enslaved African-Americans were able to eat. Those typically included leftovers or less desirable cuts of meat; starch, such as cornmeal, rice, or sweet potatoes; and, leafy greens.

To make the meat more palatable, black cooks would fry the food in fat or add fat when boiling it, and then would add seasonings and flavors, such as red hot peppers and vinegar. Those flavors are now a popular combination for hot sauce, a common condiment in the South.

Black families would garden to increase their food supply, as a means of survival. These families were resourceful, growing food that came with them during the slave trade, such as okra and black-eyed peas.

While many think of soul food including meat, such as pork — initially the cuisine was mainly a plant-based diet.

During the Emancipation and Reconstruction periods, the freed slaves and their descendants still ate mainly a plant-based diet, with meat used to add flavor, or for special occasions.

Over time, as the African-American community began to prosper, meat became a more regular staple, according to soul food cookbook author Adrian Miller.

Soul food and southern food are influenced by each, with soul food originating first.

While very similar, the primary difference is flavor.

Soul food typically is spicier, sweeter or saltier.

Why do they call it soul food?
The term “soul” started during the Civil Rights movement and became a popular adjective.

Black jazz musicians faced racism trying to play at various venues, and began to play more in their churches instead, giving it a more gospel sound, where the term “soul music” started being used.

From there, “soul” was used to describe other components of black culture, and the word became common when describing the recipes.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Here is a recipe, Soul Food Collard Greens, from iheartrecipes.com:

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds collard greens, cleaned and cut
  • 1 pound bacon ends, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 large jalapeno pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons to 3 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar

Instructions
Place the bacon ends in a pot, and place the pot over medium heat.

Brown the bacon, then add in the diced onions and cook until the onions start to sweat (similar to sauté but not meant to brown, only meant to release moisture on low heat for 5 minutes to 10 minutes, or until onions have softened and turned translucent).

Add in the minced garlic, then cook for 1 minute.

Pour in the chicken broth, and turn the heat up to high and let boil for 20 minutes.

Pour in the 2 cups of water, and turn the heat down to medium.

Start adding in the collard greens into the pot.

Once all of the greens are in the pot, sprinkle in the seasoning salt and ground black pepper.

Add in the sliced jalapeno and the vinegar, and stir the ingredients.

Cover the pot, and let simmer for 1 hour and 10 minutes over medium heat. Be sure to peek in and stir periodically.

Published February 12, 2020

The results are in from this year’s Pigz in Z’Hills

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Besides being a place where the community can gather to listen to music, enjoy some barbecue and have a good time — the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival also draws serious contenders for its barbecue competition.

Debbi Newman, of Lutz, balances several food containers, as her mother, Della, of Marshall, Missouri, looks on. The ladies purchased several food items, such as barbeque pulled pork and chicken, and sides like corn on the cob to enjoy from different vendors. (File)

This year’s 10th annual festival, which drew about 11,000 people, on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, was no exception, according to a news release from The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Fifty-six teams — including professional and backyard competitors — vied for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

Over the years, the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival has distinguished itself to be a qualifier for four prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City; the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational of Sanford; and, the World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Besides bragging rights, professional teams competed at the event for $10,000 in prize money.

These are the overall results:

Professionals

  • GitChewSum BBQ, of Venice, under head cook Allen Ponerleau: first place, winning $2,000 overall, plus $1,475 in individual category awards
  • Pig Chicka Cow Cow, of Apopka, led by Lee Thompson: second place, winning $1,500 and $500 in individual category awards

Both professional teams won trophies, too.

Backyard teams

  • Quid Pro Q, of Tampa, under Josh Zudar: first place, winning a trophy and $200
  • Smoke Meat Everyday, of Rockledge: second place under Chris Yarborough, winning a trophy and $100

Because it was the festival’s 10th anniversary, there were some new contests added on the evening of Jan. 17.

A Steak Cookoff and Kidz Grillin’ Competition sanctioned by the SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) was sponsored by Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC.

There also was a second Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Tampa Bay Cornhole Association, with a $500 purse.

Melanie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, shared some thoughts about the events in the chamber’s news release.

“We had a great time on Friday night with our new competitions. The Kidz Grillin’ Competition was a huge hit,” Monson said. “Local 7-year-old Aspen Bahr won the Kidz Grillin’ Competition by cooking a killer pork chop and was the youngest competitor. She was celebrated with hugs and cheers by her family and friends, and beamed receiving her trophy and medal. It is wonderful to see the impact Pigz has on our community,” Monson said, in the release.

“As always, our Pigz committee did a bang-up job organizing this event, and our 200 volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to make everything go smoothly,” concluded Monson.

She also expressed gratitude for the event’s sponsors.

Published February 12, 2020

Big changes coming to The Grove

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The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center is in store for a major makeover — something being hyped as a future downtown entertainment district for the growing Pasco County community.

Owner and developer Mark Gold unveiled his vision for the property during a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon last month.

He has sweeping plans for the large, but rather traditional strip mall, which is situated west of I-75 and north of State Road 54 .

New renderings for The Grove at Wesley Chapel show the addition of KRATE, a new plaza that will feature an 87-space container boutique shopping and restaurant park, plus an adjacent amphitheater and stage, trampoline park, miniature sports and more. KRATE is expected to be up and running within the next three months to six months, Gold said. (Courtesy of The Grove at Wesley Chapel)

The Grove is already  home to a 16-screen theater and more than a dozen national retail chains, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Old Navy and others.

Gold purchased The Grove for $62.7 million in September, through parent company Mishorim USA Real Estate Investments.

While many of those major retail spaces will remain in place, it’s what Gold has in mind for the property’s surrounding 114 acres of vacant land that’s been generating buzz.

“I’m going to build a downtown Wesley Chapel,” he told a packed room of chamber members at New Tampa’s Pebble Creek Golf Club on Jan. 23.

To do that, the developer is bringing an 87-space container park to the plaza, predicting it could open within the next three months to six months.

Called KRATE, it will feature renovated shipping containers filled mainly by mom and pop boutique shops and unique eateries. The containers will be grouped together by walkways with options for indoor and outdoor seating. Curbside parking will be available, too.

Gold said he’s already leased 96% of the container park, which includes as many as 35 eateries, all with “different tastes, different feeling.”

That many food options in one spot alone will be a major draw, he said.

“If you put 35 restaurants in one place, it brings a lot of people, because people want the variety — the kids want to eat something, mother wants to eat something else,” Gold said.

The Grove’s KRATE area will be surrounded by an entertainment complex, with a large amphitheater and stage, and family friendly activities, such as a trampoline park and various miniature sports, Gold added.

Gold also announced that he has secured a permit from the Pasco Commission to allow alcohol to be consumed throughout KRATE — news greeted by loud cheers and applause from chamber members.

The developer’s concept is somewhat similar to Sparkman Wharf in downtown Tampa’s Channelside District, perhaps on an even grander scale.

He predicted that The Grove, over time, will become “a place to be,” as a one-of-a-kind destination attracting people from all over Tampa Bay.

He think it fills a need in Wesley Chapel, particularly for families.

He put it like this: “There’s lots of kids in this area with nothing to do. If you want to do something, you need to drive to South Tampa and suffer through the traffic. I want South Tampa to come to us.”

Weekly and monthly community and cultural events also are planned for The Grove and KRATE, Gold said.

For instance, there will be a nationwide graffiti contest for KRATE, where each container park will be able to get its own unique design. For example, the outside of a pizza eatery could be decorated up with Italian-style food images. “Graffiti alone is an event,” he said.

The developer also envisions a local-based singing competition, modeled somewhat after NBC’s TV program, “The Voice,” with winners receiving cash prizes upward of $10,000.

“Everything is on the table,” he said.

While he has loads of ideas, he’s also seeking input from business leaders and residents.

“Please be involved, it’s important,” he told chamber members. “If there’s something that’s not good, or there’s something you really like, let us know. I’m not from here, so I really don’t know, I can only guess.”

In addition to The Grove, Gold operates more than a dozen commercial properties, mainly throughout the southeastern United States, including Florida locations in Jacksonville and Orlando. Many of those properties include attractions, such as indoor roller rinks, zip lines in parking lots, haunted houses, obstacle courses, trampoline parks, climbing walls and arcades.

He decided to purchase The Grove after hearing about the massive growth happening in Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities, he said.

With reports of another 50,000 homes coming online in the next 24 months, Wesley Chapel has been labeled the fastest-growing community in the Tampa Bay area, and one of the fastest in all of the southeastern U.S.

Gold sees the potential.

Published February 05, 2020

Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant

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Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.

Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.

“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”

Besides his work as an attorney, involvement in civic life and community service, Pete Hutchison ‘Hutch’ Brock II enjoyed outdoor activities and leisure time with family. (Courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home)

Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.

“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.

Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Brock was an advocate for youth.

He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.

He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.

Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.

He was a sports enthusiast.

He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.

As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.

Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.

After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.

He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.

He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.

He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.

Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.

Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.

“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.

Published February 05, 2020