The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Weekly recycling coming soon to Pasco County

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved weekly curbside recycling, with haulers having 90 days to make the transition to the once-a-week recycling pickups.

Recycling previously was picked up twice a month.

Community Development Districts and Homeowner Associations can continue on their current recycling contract until their individual contracts with haulers expire, but once that happens, they will be required to meet the once-a-week recycling pickup standard, according to the board’s action.

In a separate item, commissioners improved a rate increase — capping the charge that haulers can collect at $16.81 a month. Previously, the maximum rate was $12.44.

The monthly charge is for both trash and recycling, and the maximum monthly charge had not been increased since 2009.

The weekly pickup schedule is expected to boost the county’s recycling tonnage, according to county officials. Customers also will be able to toss their recyclables into one bin.

However, they no longer will be able to recycle glass.

The county decided to drop glass recycling because there’s not a resale market for it in Florida, and broken glass contaminates the recycling stream, officials say.

County statistics reveal that Pasco residents recycle about 8,000 tons a year, while producing 379,000 tons of trash.

Officials expect the additional recycling pickups will capitalize on recycling that wasn’t being captured.

For more information on recycling schedules or to order a recycling cart, call your trash hauler.  A list of local trash haulers can be found at bit.ly/GarbagePickUp.

For more information on what can and can’t be recycled, visit bit.ly/PascoRecycling; call (727) 856-4539; or email .

Published June 12, 2019

Construction crews busy on roadwork in Pasco County

By

When it comes to construction activity on Pasco County roads, State Road 52 is a hotspot.

At least that was the message that David Gwynn, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven, delivered during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s breakfast meeting.

Gwynn briefed the audience on the state transportation department’s current and upcoming projects in Pasco, during the June 4 session at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Construction barrels, like these, have been a familiar sight on State Road 52, as work has been done to widen the road. (File)

“We’re trying to address some of our major issues we have in the transportation system in the region,” the transportation secretary told the crowd. “The State Road 52 Corridor is one that we’ve really put a lot of money into in the last few years, and we’re going to continue to do that in the near future.”

Among the projects, the state DOT is widening State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to the east of U.S. 41.

That stretch will be expanded to six divided lanes.

It is currently under design, with construction expected to begin later this year, Gwynn said.

Heading from east of U.S. 41 to west of County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard), State Road 52 will be expanded to four divided lanes.

State Road 52 also will be expanded to four divided lanes from County Road 581 to Old Pasco Road, with that project expected to be completed this year.

In 2020, the state DOT expects to widen U.S. 41 to a four-lane road, from just south of State Road 52 to Connerton Boulevard.

The biggest project, Gwynn said, will introduce a new State Road 52 route to U.S. 301.

That project involves widening the road to four lanes, beginning at the intersection of State Road 52 and Uradco Place, extending to the Bayou Branch Canal.

East of the canal, a brand new four-lane State Road 52 will branch off (south of existing State Road 52) and eventually will merge with Clinton Avenue.

This new alignment, expected to begin this fall, will provide an additional route from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301.

When that project is completed, the existing State Road 52 will be turned over to Pasco County to become County Road 52.

U.S. 301 is scheduled for several improvements, too.

There are plans to repave U.S. 301 from Pond Avenue to the north of Long Avenue. And, another project will widen the stretch from County Road 54 (Eiland Boulevard) to north of Kossik Road into six lanes.

David Gwynn is the secretary of District Seven for the Florida Department of Transportation. On June 4, at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel, he informed an audience about Pasco County’s new road projects. (Brian Fernandes)

Another project would expand U.S. 301 to four lanes south of State Road 56 to south of State Road 39. That two-mile project is expected to include a median, as well as a bike lane, sidewalk and a shared-use path.

Another two-fold project is under evaluation on U.S. 301, Gwynn said.

That project would expand the stretch from State Road 39 to Corey Street in Downtown Zephyrhills. Then, branching out from the Corey Street intersection would be two newly built one-way roads.

Each road would hold three lanes, run parallel to U.S. 301 and end just south of County Road 54.

Gwynn also mentioned the plans to add another entrance in Wesley Chapel from Interstate 75.

The new diamond interchange would connect Overpass Road to the interstate by way of a flyover ramp.

Overpass Road would be accommodated with two additional lanes from its intersection with Old Pasco Road to the exit ramp getting off the interstate.

From the ramp, to the intersection with Boyette Road, Overpass Road would be widened to six lanes. No start date has been determined yet, Gwynn said.

The director also revealed that Wesley Chapel is one of five areas being studied as a possible public transportation hub for traveling cross-county.

It would afford commuters traveling out of Pasco County to neighboring Hillsborough County an alternative from personal transportation.

And, Gwynn informed attendees of the new Florida legislation to build three multi-use corridors, adding new toll roads as well.

“The main purpose of them is to revitalize some of the rural communities that may have been left behind as Florida has prospered – to encourage job creation in these areas,” the director said.

One local corridor will be the Northern Turnpike Connector, which will bridge the Florida Turnpike northwest to the Suncoast Parkway.

Construction on the corridors is set for late 2022.

Gwynn also mentioned that the construction of the long-awaited diverging diamond in Wesley Chapel is still progressing.

The project, which is reconfiguring the State Road 56 bridge overpassing Interstate 75, will crisscross eastbound and westbound lanes upon reaching the bridge.

Four through lanes and two left-turn lanes will make up the westbound road on the south end of the bridge, to better accommodate heavier traffic flow. The eastbound road will hold only three lanes on the north end.

The project is still set to be completed in late 2021, Gwynn said.

Published June 12, 2019

Pasco advocates for additional lanes on I-275

By

The Pasco County Commission last week emailed a letter to the Hillsborough County Commission asking that board to support a regional approach to transportation.

Specifically, the Pasco commissioners want the Hillsborough board to support the Florida Department of Transportation’s request for an additional lane in each direction on Interstate 275, from north of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to south of Bearss Avenue.

The state transportation department has requested the general use lanes in a proposed amendment to the Hillsborough Metropolitan Long Range Transportation Plan.

The lanes would be built within the existing right of way of Interstate 275.

All five Pasco commissioners support the DOT’s request.

“Adding these general use lanes is an important priority to help the flow of people and commerce throughout region,” states the June 4 letter, signed by all five members of the Pasco County Commission.

“Not moving forward will have a detrimental effect on the proposed regional Bus Rapid Transit project. As you are aware, this project also is a priority of the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group,” the letter adds.

The issue came up during the Pasco board’s June 4 meeting, when they expressed concerns about the possibility of the project being derailed.

They decided that a letter was needed to ensure that Hillsborough’s board was aware of Pasco’s position on the issue.

They noted that the amendment to the long-range transportation plan is needed for DOT to move forward on the project.

Hillsborough’s commission was expected to take up the issue at its June 11 meeting, after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline.

Published June 12, 2019

Pasco County property appraiser sees bullish outlook

By

With Pasco County continuing to experience massive ongoing growth and development, the county’s tax rolls are expected to increase at least 9 percent this year, according to Pasco County property appraiser Gary Joiner.

Preliminary figures reveal that the county has already exceeded its tax roll from 2008, Joiner said, referring to before the economy tanked.

Pasco County property appraiser Gary Joiner (File)

The property appraiser’s remarks came during a speaking engagement at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce June breakfast meeting.

New residential and commercial construction make up the bulk of the increase, Joiner said, noting the county last year approved a record of more than 50,000 permits.

The taxable value of homesteaded properties will not increase by more than 1.9 percent this year, Joiner added.

“The great thing about that is, your home values aren’t outrageous, where they were in 2008. You’re not paying twice as much in taxes as you were in 2008,” Joiner said.

Plus, the county’s growth is likely to continue, he said.

Joiner expects Pasco to become Florida’s 10th largest county within the next 18 months, moving up a notch from its current ranking of the state’s 11th largest county.

“We’ve always been known as a bedroom community and ‘Little Pasco.’ Well, it’s not ‘Little Pasco’ anymore,” said Joiner, who grew up and lives in New Port Richey.

While growth can be a “great thing” for the county’s economy, it’s important for affordable housing and infrastructure to keep up, Joiner said.

He put it like this: “We’ve got to do it the right way, and we’ve also got to build roads and infrastructure way before we put a subdivision in. I think that’s where we lack. I think we’re 20 years behind in that. We’ve got to work harder on that.”

He continued, “I hate to see where some of the subdivisions are going, being where we were kids we hunted and fished there. You hate to see them tore up and these large oak trees taken down that you’ll never see again.”

Also on the subject of the county’s tax rolls, Joiner mentioned his office has made an effort to go after various forms of fraud, such as homestead fraud and agriculture fraud.

Joiner said the office has put more than $60 million in taxable value back on the county’s tax rolls since he took over in early 2017, including collecting nearly $1 million in back taxes.

“We’ve had our fair share (of fraud),” Joiner said.

Joiner also told the audience that the property appraiser’s office recently replaced its mainframe computing system and has upgraded to a more user-friendly website.

“We’re just working hard for you, trying to make a difference,” Joiner said. “We’ve tried to change a lot of things since I’ve gotten there — staff wise, productive wise, saving money.”

Joiner also touched on the county’s ongoing lawsuit with Pinellas County, where Pinellas has refused to pay property taxes on the 12,400 acres on the Cross Bar and Al Ranch property it owns north of State Road 52 and east of U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Joiner explained, last year alone, Pinellas made more than $2 million on that property from timber and pine straw harvesting, and therefore owes Pasco about $200,000 in taxes.

The Second District Court of Appeal recently sided with Pasco in the property tax dispute after it lost in the lower court. The issue is now likely to wind up in the Florida Supreme Court.

“We’re very confident we’re going to get it,” Joiner said. “It’s not fair that every person in this room, and every person around here has to pay (taxes), and yet they (Pinellas County) think they’re exempt.”

In an action related to that lawsuit, the Pasco County Commission voted on June 4 to send a letter to the Pinellas County Commission, urging them to drop its legal action. In essence, Pasco commissioners said it is only fair that Pinellas pay its taxes, just like other property owners.

B.C. Manion contributed to this report.

Published June 12, 2019

Music group aims to bolster local artists

By

Nomi Webb, of Lutz, is calling out to local Christian music artists interested in showcasing their work through her organization.

Her faith-based group, Tumbleweed Music Ministry, will present a platform for artists trying to break into the music industry. They’ll be producing their own records to be uploaded to the group’s website.

“I’m really about bridging the gap and bringing people together so that everyone feels inclusive,” Webb said. “My goal at Tumbleweed Music Ministry is to market all the original music that we’re going to be making here.”

In doing so, Webb is working with the Florida Christian Songwriters Association, in a quest to help Christian artists achieve a higher profile.

The group will meet in a space that has production equipment for creating tracks.

Instruments will be available for practice, but musicians are requested to bring their own instruments, too.

Webb, who is a songwriter, will assist those attending to address any areas of concern to them, and there will be an open forum for discussion.

She also will encourage group members to help each other to build their skills and to motivate each other.

Those attending also will have the opportunity to share personal testimonies and talk about their spirituality.

The first meeting will be on June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, with sessions meeting at the same time on following Saturdays.

Those interested in joining the group should contact Webb for additional details and the location of the meeting space. To reach Webb, call (813) 358-3142, or email .

Tumbleweed Music Ministry
When: Starts June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. After that, the group will continue meeting on Saturdays, at the same time.
Cost: Free
Details: Nomi Webb is hosting a Christian music production group to help local artists’ work gain notoriety.
Info: To find out where the group is meeting and for more information, call (813) 358-3142, or email .

Published June 12, 2019

Guardian ad Litem program wins a legislative victory

By

A new state law will improve the flow of information from court cases involving abused and neglected children, who are involved in both dependency and delinquency cases.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers are involved primarily in dependency cases, which means the children are in the legal system because they need a safe, permanent home.

Delinquency cases deal with children who have been charged with committing a crime.

Florida State Rep. Tyler Sirois, left, and State Sen. Aaron Bean stand at the side of Gov. Ron DeSantis after he signed into law a bill aimed at improving information to help abused or neglected children being helped by Guardian ad Litem. (Courtesy of Guardian ad Litem)

Sometimes kids leave an abusive home and are placed with relatives or a foster family in another district.

Some abused youth may later find themselves in legal troubles.

“We have a lot of children who we call crossover kids,“ explained Mariela Ollsen, director for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for the Guardian ad Litem program. “What this is going to do is allow our volunteer to be a part of those crucial stages in the delinquency so that they know what’s happening.”

Guardian ad Litem pushed for a better flow of information and the program’s voice was heard.

The new law requires that pertinent information about the child be shared in both cases – even when each is held in different circuits or counties. The new law received overwhelming bipartisan support in Tallahassee.

Under the new law, Guardian ad Litem volunteers and attorneys can now present dependency matters before a delinquency judge in order to provide a broader picture of the child’s situation – which they hope will result in a ruling that’s in the child’s best interest.

Because of child-attorney confidentiality, a Guardian volunteer may not be privy to all information. But, based on the trusting relationship with the child, the volunteer can still speak in the child’s favor.

The Department of Juvenile Justice also will be required to notify the dependency court of any updates, such as a youth being transferred to another juvenile justice facility.

“You have two different circuits who are trying to make decisions based on the same child,” Ollsen said.

She also noted that the Sixth Judicial Circuit was already one step ahead because it has attorneys that advocate for the youth in both court cases and has “unified family court systems, so one judge listens to everything involving the child.”

Now, the program can better advocate on a child’s behalf throughout Florida’s 20 circuit courts – some of which oversee multiple counties.

The legislation also allows guardianship over youth to be granted either in the district where the dependency case occurred, or the district where the child lives.

Before the new law, guardianship could only be filed where the child was currently living.

The new measure also allows guardians to be assigned in either districts to youth deemed as ‘incapacitated.’

These are young folks who have reached age 18 but may need help managing finances or daily routines.

The new law will help Guardian ad Litem in its efforts to find a safe, permanent home for children, Ollsen said.

“We want them to have a better future. The best way to do that is making sure that everybody has the information necessary,” Ollsen said.

Published June 12, 2019

Learn to share the road, for everyone’s safety

By

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), about 2 percent of deaths in motor vehicle crashes each year are bicyclists.

The American Automobile Association urges bicyclists and motorists to properly share the roadways, including bicyclists riding in the same direction as traffic and wearing properly fitted helmets. (Christine Holtzman)

Although child bicyclist deaths have declined over the years, deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have tripled since 1975.

Florida leads the nation in bicycle fatalities. Of the 783 pedalcyclists killed in 2017 in the United States, 125 (16 percent) were in Florida, as shown by the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A recent AAA survey of Florida cyclists reveals that 36 percent do not wear a helmet; 56 percent ride with traffic, 21 percent ride against traffic; and 74 percent of those who ride against traffic do so because they prefer to see approaching vehicles.

As Ride to Work Day nears on June 17, the NHTSA and AAA offer these safety tips to those on the road:

Bicyclist safety tips

  • Ride on the roadway or shared pathways, instead of on sidewalks.
  • Follow the same road rules as other roadway users do, including riding in the same direction as traffic, and obeying all the same traffic signs and signals.
  • Signal all turns.
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet every time, on every ride.
  • Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day, reflective gear in low-light conditions, and use head and tail lights at night.
  • Show motorists the same courtesy you expect from them. Respect is a two-way street.

Safety tips for motorists

  • Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving.
  • Yield to bicyclists while turning.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists.
  • Slow down and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  • Give bicyclists extra passing room in bad weather.
  • Do not honk the horn at a bicyclist, as it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway.
  • Check for bicyclists before opening your car door.
  • Expect the unexpected from children on bicycles.

Published June 12, 2019

Father’s Day is a big day for grilling

By

Father’s Day is often associated with grilling.

Grilling accessories are a popular Father’s Day gift idea, and some dads use this time of year to purchase a new grill — with businesses often offering special sales.

Father’s Day also is a time when families often go fishing — with fishing gear also being a popular gift category for dads.

If your little ones don’t like the idea of grilled fish and veggies, try fish tacos instead. (https://unsplash.com/photos/IlAPq27FxZ0)

So, why not tie those two themes together for a Father’s Day meal?

Instead of serving up the standard hamburgers and hot dogs, why not try grilling some seafood?

It’s a good way to offer variety, and a healthier option.

There’s a reason why fish is part of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Studies consistently have  shown these diets to have positive outcomes when it comes to heart health.

After all, fish has the healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, while the hot dogs and hamburgers have too much of the unhealthy saturated fat.

Some people don’t like grilling fish. They think it sticks to the grill too easily, it’s too delicate to barbecue, or they aren’t sure about the flavor.

An easy solution: Grill it wrapped in tin foil.

This packs the flavor, makes it tender, and leaves for much easier clean up.

The grilled fish also goes great with grilling vegetables in the tin foil packet as well.

One thing to note though: Some studies have shown that putting aluminum foil on high temperatures can cause it to seep into the food, particularly with acidic and salty foods.

Our bodies know how to rid of aluminum in small amounts, but research is still being done on what overexposure can do. So when using aluminum foil on the grill, it is best to do so in moderation.

This recipe is for cod fish, but it works with all kinds of seafood.

Grilled cod fish with vegetables:

Ingredients:
4 pieces of cod fish (serves 4)

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Breadcrumbs

1 medium onion, sliced into rings

3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped

4 to 6 bell peppers, sliced

2 carrots, thinly sliced

Any other vegetables preferred, such as asparagus, mushrooms and so on.

Directions:
Put one cod fish fillet on one large piece of tin foil.

Brush both sides of the fillet with olive oil and pepper.

Add breadcrumbs to the top, and herbs and spices to taste.

Place sliced onion and chopped garlic on top side.

Place sliced vegetables on the sides of the fish on the tin foil.

Wrap the tin foil tightly to make an enclosed cooking environment.

Grill at medium heat for 6 minutes to 7 minutes on each side. Close the lid. Make sure fish is cooked to 145 degrees.

Add salt, if desired.

You can eat it right out of the foil packet.

Now, there may be kids in the home who would prefer something else.

To make this more kid-friendly, try fish tacos.

You can still make the fish (or any white fish) as described above, but then easily break apart into bite-sized pieces to place in the heated corn or flour tortilla shells.

If you recall from last month’s column, the kids may be able to help with taco fillings, depending on their age.

Fish taco filling ideas: Diced onion, diced tomato, shredded cabbage and/or lettuce, avocado, cilantro, Pico de gallo, lime juice

For a taco sauce, mix the following (from NatahsasKitchen.com):

½ cup sour cream (can also swap for plain nonfat yogurt)
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons lime juice from lime
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads! Whether you’re grilling, fishing, hiking, biking, or relaxing indoors with the kids, enjoy your special day.

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.

Published June 12, 2019

New Wesley Chapel fire station comes with more offerings

By

Wesley Chapel now has Pasco County’s second largest fire station, and the opening of Station 13 was celebrated at a ribbon cutting on May 30.

The 9,400-square-foot station, off Old Pasco Road and Dayflower Boulevard, became operational several weeks before the celebration because the original station — which had been next to it — was torn down.

With scissors in hand, from left: Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson, Chief Scott Cassin, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, Pasco County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano, get ready to officiate the opening of Station 13 with the traditional ribbon cutting. The ceremony took place on May 30 outside the new station in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Despite the blistering heat, a crowd of firefighters, county officials and local residents gathered for the event.

The new station improves the county’s ability to respond to emergencies in the growing Wesley Chapel community.

“The new station is much larger [and] able to accommodate more firefighters,” explained Chief Scott Cassin, who oversees all county stations. “We were just maxed out over at the old station. It was too small for the growing community around here.”

The $3.5 million project was funded by the Penny for Pasco program.

Station 13 has three drive-thru bays, which can accommodate five vehicles, including a fire engine, an ambulance, a tanker and a brush truck.

Each rotating shift will be staffed by six firefighters, which includes one paramedic. A battalion chief also will be on duty.

The station is designed to house 10 firefighters, each with their own bunkrooms. The station also has a physical fitness area and a kitchen. There’s also a storage space for equipment.

And, there’s a sheriff’s substation.

“The station is also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and storm-hardened, which are all critical elements in today’s infrastructure,” the chief added.

Members of the Pasco County Fire Department are all smiles as they celebrate the official opening of Fire Station 13 in Wesley Chapel. Department members, as well as county officials and residents, were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30.

In addition to safety precautions, all vehicles will be hooked up to a diesel exhaust extraction system. With this, exhaust fumes will be vented out from the trucks to the outdoors.

“That way none of that diesel exhaust is in the air that we’re breathing,” Cassin said.

Many in the community came out to celebrate the opening, including Cypress Creek Middle-High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and student Sam Mazzeo.

“We have an incredible partnership with Station 13,” Hetzler-Nettles said. “They are our responding station.”

The importance of the station’s proximity to the school was evident last year when Mazzeo suffered a cardiac arrest on the school field.

An AED machine and CPR had to be used at the school to keep Mazzeo’s heart going before the firefighters arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

“I appreciate all the work you did,” the 18-year-old said, before the staff.

As a token of gratitude, the principal and senior student presented the station with a framed No. 13 Cypress Creek sports jersey.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who oversees the district where the station is located, offered a few words.

“This station means an improved level of service for both our citizens and our fire rescue team to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and actually the country,” Moore said.

He also added: “When I first came on as a county commissioner, one of the things we promised was we were going to make public safety one of our top priorities. I’m confident that we’ve done that, and we’ll continue to do that.”

The newly erected Fire Station 13 stands off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. The facility is the second largest station in Pasco County with new amenities for a safer environment and shorter waiting times in emergencies.

Jackie Parker was one of many who endured the sweltering heat to join the occasion.

She has been living in Wesley Chapel for more than 40 years and hasn’t had concerns about safety – knowing Station 13 is not far away.

“The department here has been quick to respond to needs in the community, and they’re very efficient,” she mentioned.

In fact, Parker witnessed the building of the original station in 1979, recalling when the antique fire trucks used to be parked on residents’ yards.

More Pasco residents will be put at ease when Wesley Chapel’s Station 38 will be opened late summer this year.

The opening of the sister station will reduce Station 13’s coverage zone, enabling quicker response times, Cassin said.

The occasion was marked with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

With scissors handy, Commissioner Moore and County Attorney Jeff N. Steinsnyder, joined Chief Cassin, as well as Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano in cutting a big red ribbon.

In a closing remark, Cassin said, “It’s time now to make new memories and turn the page to the next chapter in our history.”

After that, those attending were welcomed inside for a tour and refreshments.

Published June 05, 2019

Idea of temporary ban on mini-warehouses sparks criticism

By

The Pasco County Planning Commission has voiced objections to a proposal for an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.

Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, told planning commissioners that the six-month moratorium would provide time for county staff to craft proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.

The idea would be to guide the future placement of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities.

Such regulations are not a novel concept, LaPorte said. Other communities in Florida, including Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, have regulations on the books, as do other communities across the nation, she said.

But, planning commissioners, at their May 23 meeting, wasted little time letting county planners know that they don’t like the idea of a ban, even if only temporary in nature.

The planning commission rejected the idea, saying it is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey did not mince words.

“I think it’s overkill,” Grey said.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox said: “These facilities pay good property taxes, and they’re not a drain on services.”

He added: “At the end of the day, the market is going to determine what needs to be where.”

But, Nectarios Pittos, planning and development director, said that mini-warehouse facilities generally consume about 5 acres of land, and produce, on average, about five jobs.

He added that they also contribute to sprawl.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel wanted to know how the proposed moratorium would affect apartment builders, and he also wondered how much capacity the existing self-storage facilities have.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi put it like this: “There’s a need for it, or the developers wouldn’t be doing it.”

Planning commissioners also voiced concerns that the temporary ban could be extended for longer periods.

Grey told planners, “I think you ought to take it back and limit it to what roads you want to protect.”

No one from the public commented on the item.

The issue is on the Pasco County Commission’s June 4 agenda, but is expected to be continued until its June 19 meeting.

County Commissioner Mike Moore has repeatedly voiced his concerns about mini-warehouses occupying land that he thinks would be better used for businesses that generate jobs.

He has specifically criticized the use of land for storage facilities along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, which he has said is prime real estate that is suited for large employers.

If ultimately adopted, the 180-day moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also has said that storage facilities should not take up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.

Published June 05, 2019