The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Long-term planning efforts continue for Pasco’s roads

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Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will adopt a new plan, in December, pushing forward its long-term agenda for the county’s road system.

Its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan gives an overview of what roadway modifications could be made within a 20-year span.

Wally Blain of Tindale Oliver and Kasey Cursey of AECOM, consultants who work alongside the county’s MPO, explained some highlights of the 2045 plan at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, on Oct. 8.

Some key projects include:

  • Widening State Road 52 to six lanes, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
  • Widening State Road 52 to four lanes from U.S. 41 to Old Pasco Road
  • Widening U.S. 41 to four lanes, from its intersection with State Road 52, heading south to Connerton Boulevard
  • Extending Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway
  • Constructing a new State Road 52 alignment, east of Interstate 75, to connect with Clinton Avenue

Improvements on State Road 54 also are planned, but how to proceed has not yet been determined.

While State Road 54 continues to be an ever-congested corridor, especially at the intersection with U.S. 41, the roadway may see new improvements in Pasco County’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. (Brian Fernandes)

“We know that State Road 54 is a huge priority for the county,” Blain said. “There’s been much discussion about what would be the preferred solution or strategy for State Road 54.”

The map indicates that the Vision 54/56 plan will be evaluated for potential transit improvements, overpasses, elevated lanes and alternative intersection designs.

“[The] county and DOT (Department of Transportation) are working on the coordination of traffic signals on State Road 54,” Blain noted.

However, there are no plans to widen State Roads 54 and 56 respectively, from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301, according to the map.

Blain said: ”What we’re doing in the plan is we’re setting aside the money to do the project, and as those studies are completed, implementation can begin to happen right away.”

Currently, there is $395 million set aside for Vision 54/56 studies and improvements.

The long-range plan also proposes revamping the county’s public transportation system. That includes adding Sunday services, increasing the frequency for bus pickups and drop offs, and extending services to as late as 11:30 p.m.

“The MPO is a federally funded and mandated organization. It’s required in large metropolitan areas to do the transportation planning – where will people live and where will jobs exist, according to our crystal ball, by the year 2045,” Blain said.

Based on those projections, schematics of Pasco County were drawn showing potential road connections and widenings, as well as improvements to the transit system, he said.

Pasco County residents were surveyed in 2018 to get feedback on the MPO’s proposed plans. About 1,600 surveys were received.

Needs were identified, and then, he said, “we look at our revenues and what can we afford based on our expected revenue streams.”

Another survey was conducted for additional public feedback over the summer, to consider practical suggestions that could be implemented in the MPO’s cost-affordable plan.

While Pasco County’s transportation system receives appropriations from the federal and state levels, it also collects revenue from the county’s Penny for Pasco surtax.

The program raises funds through a one-penny surcharge for every dollar of sales tax collected by the county.

Of the portion allocated to the county, 18% goes toward transportation.

The 2045 long-range plan calls for the renewal of the Penny for Pasco program after 2024, as it currently stands.

Transportation revenues collected from federal, state and county levels are projected to exceed $7 billion from 2025 to 2045, Blain said.

Every five years, the Long Range Transportation Plan is reevaluated for potential modifications.

The 2045 plan would see slight allocation increases to specific projects in contrast to the 2040 plan.

Here are some specifics:

  • Road capacity would receive 69%, compared to 64%
  • Sidewalks and bicycle facilities would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Technology and congestion management also would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Roadway maintenance would receive 15%, compared to 9%

But, Blain also noted that transit projects would see a decline from 25% to 10%.

That decrease is due to the MPO’s assumption that there will not be any new local taxes or revenues generated toward transportation, Blain added.

The public is encouraged to engage in a 30-day comment period, starting on Nov. 1.

For more information or to give comment feedback, please visit MobilityPasco.com.

MPO public workshops
Where/When: New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey (Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Avenue in Dade City (Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel (day/time to be announced).
Cost: Free
Details: The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization will unveil and explain to guests its roadway projections for 2025 to 2045.
Info: Visit MobilityPasco.com.

Published October 16, 2019

Changes could lead to ‘employment village’

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning on 130 acres on the southwest corner of State Road 52, about 70 feet west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, to allow 1 million square feet of light industrial and 200,000 square feet of support commercial.

Commissioners approved the request as part of their consent agenda, which means it was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and county planners, and there was no public opposition.

The application for the request was filed by 3KS Family Limited Partnership.

The site is currently unimproved and is being used for agricultural activities.

County staff has initiated a comprehensive plan amendment to allow multiple master-planned unit developments on the acreage, rather than a single master-planned unit development, and to make some additional changes.

Development on the site will be limited to light industrial or a target primary business, as identified by Enterprise Florida as a qualified target industry for the tax refund program, or a business that is identified by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., on the economic development target industry list.

Access to the site will be off State Road 52, according to county documents.

The project is currently being evaluated by the Pasco Economic Development Council for the Pasco Ready Site Program.

Published October 16, 2019

Raising money to preserve the Old Lutz School

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On the surface, it will appear like any typical fall festival.

Vendors will line up, selling a wide array of items — and visitors to the Autumn Day at the Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz, will be able to stock up on all sorts of stuff.

There will be handmade soaps and scrubs. Salsas, jams and jellies. Wreaths. Terra cotta pots. Toys. Plants. Wooden signs and more.

The event will be on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This is what the Old Lutz School looked like decades ago — not much different from what it looks like today. (File)

Besides having the chance to check out scores of vendors, guests also can attend a free gardening workshop at 9:30 a.m.

Lynn Barber, from the University of Florida/IFAS-Hillsborough County Extension, will conduct the gardening workshop, which will focus on using high-color, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants in your home landscape.

On top of all that, people can tour the historic school building.

In a way, that’s what the event is all about — a method to raise money for the upkeep and preservation of a building that has played an important role in the life of the community of Lutz, said Stephanie Ensor, one of the organizers for this weekend’s event.

Ensor is a member of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, a group formed in 1978 to preserve the building’s past and assure its future.

The group organizes an Autumn Market Day and a Spring Market Day each year, to raise money, she said.

The fundraisers are used to help make repairs, she said, and keep the school open for community events.

Upcoming repairs will include new front doors for the schoolhouse and treating for termites, she said.

“They’re repairing and rebuilding the existing windows. We can only do a few at a time because they’re really expensive,” Ensor said.

“We’re only doing three windows now. We’re going to get some new front doors because those have rotted out.”

The Old Lutz School is an important building in Lutz, Ensor said.

It is on both Hillsborough County’s Historic Landmark Registry and the National Register of Historic Places.

The old brick building, which has Colonial Revival architectural style, was designed by Frank A. Winn Jr. He also designed the Seminole Heights Methodist Church in Tampa, the Municipal Fishing Pier and Pavilion in Ballast Point Park and Tampa Heights Methodist Church, according to the Citizens for the Old Lutz School’s website.

Originally, the building had four rooms downstairs and a large auditorium upstairs. But, within a few years, the auditorium was divided into four rooms, plus a teacher’s room, the website adds.

The school educated generations of Lutz families, before closing decades ago. Volunteers now run the building, Ensor said.

And, each year, it is opened during the month of December, to welcome families to visit the school for several evenings of free community celebrations during the holiday season.

“This will be our 23rd year of hosting Christmas at the Old Lutz School.

“We host it for the whole month of December. It allows a place for the community to come together. It’s totally free. It just sort of gives back to the community, which has given to us,” Ensor said.

The building serves as a local gathering place, and helps to preserve “the small-town feel of our community,” Ensor said.

“We’ll get families that will meet up there with their little kids, and the kids are running around and playing, and watching a movie in the entertainment tent. It just gives everybody a real sense of community that is hard to come by these days.”

“It’s so genuine.

“We get so caught up in our day-to-day lives. It gives us a chance to slow down. And, that’s what we love about the schoolhouse,” Ensor said.

Autumn Day
Where: The Old Lutz School, 18819 U.S. 41 in Lutz
When: Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What: Autumn Day features a variety of vendors. A gardening workshop will be given on high-color, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call Stephanie Ensor at (813) 244-2256, or email .

Published October 16, 2019

Five-acre lots approved on Northeast Pasco tract

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning to allow homes to be built on 5-acre lots on a 211-acre tract at the northwest corner of Trilby Road and Dowling Lake Road.

The previous zoning required a minimum residential lot size of 10 acres.

No one spoke against the request during the commission’s Oct. 7 public hearing, where the request was approved unanimously.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners had recommended approval for the request.

But, it had encountered opposition by area residents during a planning commission meeting, which sparked so much discussion, it was continued to another planning commission meeting before a vote was taken.

Neighbors expressed concerns about protecting the lake and preserving the area’s tranquil nature. They also cited the potential for safety hazards on Trilby Road, as a result of additional traffic.

However, no one appeared at the Pasco County Commission’s public hearing on the request to make those arguments.

The area’s development pattern includes lots ranging from 3 acres to 10 acres, Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator told commissioners.

She also noted that the conditions limit lakefront development to eight lots, and prohibit a community dock, community boat launch or community beach.

Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant, Massey Partners Limited. He was there to answer any questions the commissioners might have, but none were asked.

Published October 16, 2019

Dade City Christmas parade seeks applicants

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Dade City’s 2019 Christmas Parade is just around the corner, and those who want to be a part of it are invited to apply.

The parade will be in downtown Dade City on Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., where spectators can enjoy decorated floats, bands or walking units.

Those wanting to take part in Dade City’s 2019 Christmas Parade can entertain spectators, along with Santa Claus himself. Applicants need to register by Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., at the latest. (Courtesy of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

“It’s very much a community event run by wonderful volunteers,” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will once again host the parade, which also will be sponsored by AdventHealth Dade City.

Those wanting to take part in the parade must register online.

Registration is nonrefundable, and is set at $40 for individuals and businesses.

Nonprofit organizations can register for $25 with photo proof uploaded in the application process.

Deadline for applications is Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. Applications can be obtained at DadeCItyChristmasParade.com.

For additional information, contact the chamber at (352) 567-3769 or online at DadeCityChamber.org.

Dade City 2019 Christmas Parade registration
When: Deadline for applications is Nov. 11 at 5 p.m.
Cost: $40 for individuals and businesses; $25 for nonprofit organizations with photo proof uploaded on application
Details: Those wanting to participate in the upcoming parade can still apply online.
Info: For parade applications, visit DadeCityChristmasParade.com. For additional information, contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or online at DadeCityChamber.org.

Published October 16, 2019

Building a stronger local economy

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When people think of economic development, they tend to think of groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and large companies generating lots of jobs, said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.

In reality, though, maintaining a strong local economy means attracting new job generators and helping existing businesses to grow stronger and add jobs,  Cronin said.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc., said the elements of a strong local economy include attracting new employers, and helping existing companies to succeed. (File)

“The bread-and-butter is working with our existing businesses to make them more competitive, so they can go out and compete with the rest of the world. And, it ends up being the best commercial we’ve got. If we take good care of our existing business, other people will come. It’s a great testimony.

“It’s a lot easier to work with 100 companies that create one job than to recruit one company with 100 jobs,” Cronin said, during a recent East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting in Dade City.

Helping local companies grow means working with them “to either remove obstacles or help them make additional sales and create jobs,” Cronin told the breakfast crowd.

Attracting new companies is no simple feat, the economic development expert said.

“There’s 16,000 agencies in the United States that are all trying to recruit business. When a company is looking to locate somewhere, and they say, ‘Hey, I want to move to the Southeast’ —  there’s probably 200 choices that they can choose from.

“So, they’re not trying to add you, and say, ‘Oh, what a wonderful community Pasco is, I want to figure out how to add them.’ They’re trying to cut us out of that mix because ultimately they want to cut it down to two choices that will compete with each other, using incentives.

“Our goal in those types of searches is to be included, and then to stay in the game long enough — where we don’t get cut. And then, at the very end, you use tools like incentives and work force training and things like that to be able to locate a company here,” Cronin explained.

While attracting large employers with high-paying jobs is a worthy goal, the county needs to be sure to create opportunities at every level, Cronin said.

The county needs to be sure that it has tiers of opportunity, ranging from high-wage jobs to service jobs — to avoid creating a chasm between the haves and the have-nots, he said.

“Our goal is to diversify the economy, become more competitive, and ultimately create jobs,” Cronin said.  “We need to make sure we’ve got a robust economy for all of those different people.”

It’s also important to keep a pulse not only on what’s happening now, but on future needs, he added.

“Things have changed. The way we do business has changed.

“It behooves us to get a better understanding of what these changes are, so we can help businesses proactively,” Cronin said.

“Business used to come to us when they were hurting, or they had a challenge,” Cronin said.

Now, he said, “a lot of these changes are happening so rapidly, they’re (businesses) not in a position to simply respond. They need to be proactive,” he explained.

“Companies used to add jobs to become more competitive. Many don’t have that goal anymore. Some companies are actually looking to automate and cut jobs to become more competitive,” Cronin said.

Keeping abreast of the changing business needs and new workforce requirements are among the challenges that Pasco EDC addresses, as it continues to seek ways to expand opportunities for existing companies and to attract new employers to the area, Cronin said.

Published October 09, 2019

Dade City’s downtown soon to receive flood relief

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The completion of a project now underway in downtown Dade City aims to address flooding problems that have plagued the area for years.

The public works project, which began in August, involves the installation of new stormwater piping.  Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s public works director, is overseeing the project.

Behind Dade City’s City Hall, a portion of Pasco Avenue is being unearthed to facilitate new piping. This is one of several routes to see pipe placement that will help diminish flooding in the downtown region. (Brian Fernandes)

The work is being done to address major flooding that hinder parts of downtown, DeBono said.

“What this project does is to aid in mitigating a lot of that sheet flow, by channeling the water in new drains – curb drains, street drains – in various configurations,” the director said.

Sheet flow refers to the water that settles at ground level or higher.

DeBono added: “What we’re doing is we’re actually bringing it (water) down below grade with the stormwater collection system, to basically help cars navigate down the roadway instead of having 6 (inches) to 7 inches of water that they have to go across.”

The concrete-made pipes will be placed underground, spanning 2,400 linear feet and ranging in size.

New curb drains will relieve roadways of rain water by sending it directly into the piping system.

The construction will begin at Seventh Street’s intersections with Church Avenue, and Pasco Avenue – further north. Then it heads east on Pasco Avenue to Third Street, where it will head north up to Meridian Avenue.

The piping will head east passing U.S. 98 and the CSX railway, eventually dumping the water into Irvin Pond.

The pond will be reconfigured and widened to accommodate the additional water it will receive. A larger surface area also will grant more time for the wastewater to be treated.

Canal Street, just east of Irvin Pond, will undergo modifications as well.

Underneath the roadway, a culvert pipe is currently situated for better ease of water off the street. There are plans to expand this structure as well.

The project will benefit both shop owners and those going through downtown, DeBono said.

Signs indicate where construction is taking place. Detour routes have been established, too.

The director also mentioned the installation may impose some inconvenience, as it is being done during the day.

“We understand that there’s businesses there along most of the corridor that we’re going down, and we make a best effort for allowing patrons to actually get to their locations,” he said.

The estimated $2.3 million-project is funded by state appropriations as well as the Florida Department of Transportation and Dade City.

Construction is set for completion for some time between the middle and later part of next year, DeBono said.

Published October 09, 2019

Rattlesnake Festival offers new features, special guests

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It’s that time of year again, when the Rattlesnake Festival offers two full days of fun at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, following a special concert by the world-famous Bellamy Brothers to kick off this year’s event.

The Bellamy Brothers will perform on the evening of Oct. 18, with separate tickets sold for that event.

The traditional festival activities will be offered on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Where else can you feel slithery snake skin but at the annual Rattlesnake Festival? This year’s event is set from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. (Courtesy of Joe Simmons)

The event, now in its 53rd year, will offer some new features and bring back some old favorites, too.

“We want the festival to continue to be an annual event that everyone looks forward to just like they did for more than 50 years,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, which is hosting the event.

The Bellamy Brothers’ concert at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the fairgrounds, will be their first festival appearance since 1968.

Festivities on Oct. 19 are planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , with some events occurring only on that day, including Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show and a live performance by Clerks with a Cure in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

That day’s schedule also includes the 41st annual Rattlesnake Run, held at the San Antonio Park at 12750 Oak St., in San Antonio. This will be comprised of a pet-friendly 5-mile run starting at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

And at 6:30 p.m., the Rattlesnake Festival After Dark concert will provide musical entertainment by the Seventeenth Street Band and River Junction Band. Admission will be $10 per person at the gate.

Activities on Oct. 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exclusive to the day will be the Subaru Off-Road event as well as a dance and theater exhibition in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both days will feature first-time and traditional offerings.

Some new features this year include a live bear exhibit and Soccer Collies – where people and dogs interact in a soccer game.

Also new will be the Walk on Water Air Bubbles that allows patrons to roll around inside a bubble, floating on water.

Jim Mendenhall’s snake show will make a comeback, along with Tampa’s Croc Encounters crocodile and reptile show, and other wildlife exhibits.

Also returning are bounces houses, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and pony rides.

Hungry patrons can visit the food court with various options, and there will be an array of vendors selling arts and crafts.

The purchase of a  $15 wristband provides unlimited access to numerous fair rides provided by Big O Amusements.

Parking is free and admission is $5 for those ages 3 and older.

Proceeds will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which helps to provide weekend meals to kids in need.

To pre-register for the run, visit www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

General admission for the Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.RattlesnakeFestival.com.

For additional information, please contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at .

Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (Bellamy Brothers Concert); Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission $5 for those ages 3 and up for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 events; General admission for Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and limited; 1-mile run is $20 for 18 and up, $15 for ages 11-17, and free for ages 10 and under; 5-mile run is $40 for 18 and up, and $25 for those under 18
Details: The festival kicks off with a live performance from the Bellamy Brothers. New and returning fun features and activities will be there on the other two days to enjoy. Vendors and a food court will be there, too.
Info: contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at . For Bellamy Brothers concert tickets, visit www.RattlesnakeFestival.com. Pre-register for the run at www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

Published October 09, 2019

Amping up entertainment in Downtown Dade City

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It was an eventful day for Melanie Armstrong, as she stood at the site where she’ll soon be operating Savory Roots — Catering and Events.

The shop will soon be part of a coming downtown Dade City attraction that will be known as – The Block.

Located in the heart of downtown Dade City, the premise at 14313 Seventh St. is expected to become a hub for retail and social entertainment.

Business partners Melanie Armstrong, left, and Larry Guilford, don hard hats along with Ben Borregard, Bill Borregard and McKenzie Wiliamson at the groundbreaking for The Block, on Sept. 27. This new plaza is expected to become a hotspot for fun in downtown Dade City. (Brian Fernandes)

Armstrong was excited on the morning of Sept. 27, as she was joined by contractors, Dade City officials and area residents during a ground breaking celebration.

Besides being a future tenant, Armstrong helped conceptualize the project alongside realtor and investor, Larry Guilford.

“We’ve been working on this project for about a year and a half,” Guilford noted at the ceremony. “We want to create a place where people can enjoy family and friends.”

The project is a new take on two existing buildings.

The premises — which spans 21,000 square feet — has an extensive history as a car dealership, going back for decades.

After it became vacant, it became a coveted spot.

“Being in commercial real estate for many years, in the area, I’ve always loved to look at this building,” Guilford said. “I saw a lot of potential in this property.”

The First National Bank of Pasco provided a loan for the project, enabling Armstrong and Guilford to push their agenda forward.

Remodeling is expected to cost at least $700,000, he said.

Most of the construction will entail reconfiguring the interior space in both buildings.

The structure facing Seventh Street will have a section designed for retail spaces.

Another part of the building will be an open venue to accommodate events such as weddings, parties and fundraisers.

There also are potential plans for a bridal shop and a brewery, Guilford mentioned.

The second building will be turned into a CrossFit gym.

And an outdoor patio will run between the two complexes, placed with seats, tables and string lights hanging above.

While it will be inclusive to all, it also is geared toward the younger-adult demographic, Guilford said.

“You’re going to see more activity here, especially as residential growth gets closer,” he added.

With schematics drawn, Armstrong already has pinpointed where her food catering shop will be located.

Savory Roots has been operating for more than a year in downtown Dade City, but will be relocating to The Block, when it opens.

The newly modified plaza will accommodate the expanding business, Armstrong said, noting that “we’re growing a lot and we need the additional space.”

She thinks The Block will not only benefit her business, but also will be a boost for the whole town.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez agreed: “This is going to be a major game changer – for Dade City – in terms of bringing people downtown [and] experiencing all that we have to offer.”

Most demolition work will be handled by construction workers, but visitors — donning hard hats and goggles — had the chance to take a few whacks, with sledge hammers, during the groundbreaking.

Guilford thinks The Block will help create a new vibe.

“I think it kind of changes the face of event entertainment. It brings new life to this end of town. I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.

The CrossFit gym is expected to open its doors in February, followed by the retail complex in May.

Published October 09, 2019

Two families celebrate new Habitat homes

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It’s not every day that a new homeowner moves into a new Habitat for Humanity home, and it’s even less common for two housewarmings to take place on the same day.

But that’s exactly what happened on Oct. 2, as Debra Brown turned the key to walk the hallways of her new home. Charles and Megan Free with their children, who live next door, did the same thing.

Debra Brown was all smiles as she opened the front door to her new home on Oct. 2. Recently constructed, her house was an initiative by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County, along with its community partners. (Courtesy of Richard Riley)

They were celebrating along with Habitat of Humanity of East & Central Pasco, which held a double-home dedication on Blanton Street, in Dade City.

The event attracted scores of people to share in the homeowners’ joy.

Both homes were constructed through a program supervised by Habitat for Humanity of East &  Central Pasco County.

Beyond celebrating the homeowners’ new dwellings, the Habitat for Humanity branch is celebrating its 25th year of building homes in Pasco County.

“These keys represent hours and hours of sweat, hours of work, hours of dedication [and] hours of love,” said Laurel Weightman, Habitat development director. “It doesn’t just take hands, it takes community support.”

There was a separate housewarming ceremony at each of the homes, with gifts for each household.

The gift baskets were filled, item by item, as a scriptural text was read, representing each gift.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club contributed gardening supplies, a plant, books, food supplies, a first aid kit and fire extinguishers.

The club also gave back packs to each of the Free children, Keaton, Fallon and McKenna.

The East Pasco Quilters bestowed big, colorful quilts to the new residents of Blanton Street.

“We’ve had so much love and support from everybody all along the way,” Megan Free said, to the crowd assembled outside her home. “We really wouldn’t be where we are today without every one of you.”

In order to provide these homes, Habitat for Humanity relies on community partners, such as Catholic Charities, to help find the right candidates.

Habitat came across the Free family while they were being sheltered at a Catholic Charities facility.

The Free family children took an active role in cutting the traditional ribbon with gigantic scissors, before entering their new home. This was part of a double home dedication held on Oct. 2.

“Our circumstances were not the best, not making the money to survive on our own, with the always increasing living rates,” Charles Free said.

The couple had never owned their own home, and at times depended upon family support, he added.

Brown also faced hardships after moving to Dade City from West Palm Beach.

The phlebotomist, who also is a first-time homeowner, lived with her uncle for some time.

She sought out assistance from the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation (CDC) and was soon referred to its collaborative partner, Habitat for Humanity.

Jere Ferguson is the director for Volunteer and Family Services at Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County.

He helped to approve Brown and the Frees for newly constructed homes that were financially suitable for them.

“The mortgage payment is capped at 30% of their income when they apply, and that never changes for the life of their mortgage,” the director explained.

This ensures the payments are manageable, so they can have funds available for other needs as well, Ferguson said.

Habitat is always thinking about long-term prosperity and that’s why Blanton Street was a good location for the homes, Ferguson explained.

Getting homeowners integrated into a safe and friendly environment is a priority, he added.

“Now what we started to do is build houses together,” Ferguson said. “Whether it’s two or three houses together, or a community of 14, so that they have each other to support and to stand with.”

And that’s why Brown and the Free family are now next-door neighbors.

For a year, the homeowners were helping to construct their new residences along with volunteers and construction crews.

Shaunce Gwinn was one of those volunteers.

“As I was walking through, I said to myself, ‘These are actual dream homes that we’re building and we’re making people’s dreams come true,’” Gwinn said.

Seeing the smiles on the homeowners’ faces makes him smile, too, he said.

Besides working on their own homes, the neighbors helped each other.

The homes were finished and ready for entry in September – 10 months after construction began.

The two homes have a similar layout. Upon entering, wooden floors lead to the dining and living rooms, as well as the hallway. The tiled kitchen is decked with marble counters, a stove, fridge, a built-in microwave and cabinets.

The hallway leads to the laundry room already supplied with a washer and dryer, then to a single bathroom and three bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own bathroom.

Looking around her new home, Brown said, “It’s something I worked towards for a long, long time.”

“Now I know how to build a house – a little bit,” she added, laughing.

In the Free household, the kids raced from room to room.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing,” Charles Free said as he stood in one room. “Words can’t describe the feelings that I’m experiencing right now. We can’t wait to get in – just to have a place for the children to run and play.”

Published October 09, 2019