The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Incentives add jobs, boost economy

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When Pasco County spends money from its Jobs and Economic Opportunity Trust Fund, it’s getting a healthy return on investment, according to David Engel, manager of the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

Engel recently gave the Pasco County Commission an update on the county’s primary incentive programs.

Between 2015 and 2025, the county expects to collect $60 million for its Jobs and Economic Opportunity Trust Fund, through its Penny for Pasco tax revenues. Those projections are based on a 3.5 percent annual increase, Engel said.

So far, the county has spent $22 million of those funds — on a variety of programs aimed at boosting job opportunities and increasing the county’s economy.

Programs include job skills programs and incentives for targeted industries that are investing in Pasco County and expanding the number of jobs in Pasco.

Industries that have received incentives include Touchpoint, Welbilt, Mettler Toledo and others, Engel said.

Job skills programs include AmSkills, the Pasco-Hernando Work Force Board and various programs through Pasco EDC, Engel said.

“For every (incentive) dollar that the board awards, we’ve gotten $10 back in gains to the county,” Engel said.

With the jobs creation incentive, which has been around since 2011, the Pasco County Commission, awards incentives to industries that create high-paying jobs. High-paying jobs are defined as jobs paying at least 115 percent of the median pay in Pasco County,

“This is one of our most highly successful programs. We’ve created almost 1,300 jobs since 2011. For every job we create, it costs the county around $3,800. We’ve look at other JCI programs across the state,” Engel said.

By comparison, the incentives cost $5,000 to $9,000 a job in other counties they looked at, Engel said.

Pasco’s return on investment in this program “is extremely high,” Engel said, noting for every dollar the county has spent, it has received $30 in benefit.

He also noted that the future is looking bright, too.

“Our pipeline is robust and growing,” Engel said.

The master-planned unit developments approved by the board, particularly along the State Road 54 corridor, are beginning to focus on their employment centers, the economic growth manager said.

“So, we have a number of big projects coming in, consisting of hundreds of thousands of square feet of Class A office buildings. Right now, we have three to four Class A office buildings we are processing for incentive awards now. We’ll make recommendations to the board of County Commissioners in the next several months,” he said.

Projected revenue: $59.65 million in the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund, over the life of the Penny for Pasco (2015 to 2025), assuming a 3.5 percent annual increase.
Expenditures to date: $21.8 million, includes operating expenses
Encumbrances to date: $34.7 million: Board-approved awards, excludes operating expenses

Published April 24, 2019

MPO board meeting addresses current agendas

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board addressed three key topics during its April 11 session.

Those items were:

  • The Tampa Bay Resiliency Study
  • Future transportation funding, through a proposed transportation surtax
  • A requested extension on a project related to the MPO’s long-range plan

John Villeneuve, director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), briefed the board on Pasco County’s efforts to prepare for severe weather conditions.

John Villeneuve, director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, briefed board members on a resiliency study to better protect infrastructure during natural disasters. (Brian Fernandes)

The county’s MPO has been collaborating with the MPO’s Hillsborough and Pinellas branches to comprise a variation of studies.

These studies are for the Resilient Tampa Bay: Transportation Pilot Project.

“What we’re trying to do is determine with the threat of potential sea level rises, if we have any kind of significant flooding due to rain or hurricanes,” Villeneuve said.

The study will help pinpoint locations where infrastructure could be strengthened to withstand natural disasters.

State Road 54 and U.S. 19 will be closely examined during this study.

Villeneuve’s presentation was informational in nature and no board action was required.

Under its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan, the MPO also proposed several options in raising Pasco County’s transportation revenue.

It factors in the current Penny for Pasco initiative – a one-penny surtax from every dollar collected in sales.

The referendum initially passed in 2004 and will discontinue at the end of 2024.

Wally Blain, a senior project manager who works in conjunction with the MPO, detailed five possible scenarios:

  • Penny for Pasco continues through 2045, thus excluding a transportation surtax
  • Penny for Pasco ends in 2034, introducing a half-penny transportation surtax in 2035
  • Penny for Pasco ends in 2024, introducing a half-penny transportation surtax in 2025
  • Penny for Pasco ends in 2034, introducing a one-penny transportation surtax in 2035
  • Penny for Pasco ends in 2024, introducing a one-penny transportation surtax in 2025

Currently, Penny for Pasco allocates 45 percent of collected funds to the Pasco County Commission, another 45 percent to the Pasco County School System and 10 percent to municipalities within Pasco County.

Of the county’s 45 percent share, 18 percent goes toward transportation development.

The MPO is most interested in the fifth option, Blain said, because it draws in the most revenue in 20 years — topping $3.2 billion.

However, state legislatures in Tallahassee could change how taxes on the local level are implemented.

“There’s some new legislation that’s pending right now that would look at changing the requirements of passing any new local sales tax,” Blain explained.

Some board members expressed skepticism.

“Are we suggesting that the school district doesn’t need any money?” asked Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Starkey stated that modifying surtax distribution might be possible, but that devoting all surtax money to transportation does not seem feasible.

In response, Blain noted that under Option 5, a charter county surtax separate from Penny for Pasco, would be solely for transportation.

He also said that the current 18 percent put toward transportation could then, in the future, be used to fund other agendas.

Blain said he would return to the board with a more “prioritized list of needs” to get the proposal in motion.

Also on the agenda was the MPO’s request for a time extension on a New Vision model project related to its Long Range Transportation Plan.

The $25,000 project is designed to forecast Pasco County’s travel demand, address the need for right of way, and determine how many lanes may be needed for the Vision roadway network.

The MPO asked for a six-month extension leading into October 2019 and the board passed the proposal unanimously.

The board met at the Pasco County Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

Published April 24, 2019

Fun in the sun — plus exercise, too

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Some residents of Betmar Acres, in Zephyrhills, hit the pool three times a week to work out and have fun at the same time.

From left: Joan Connell, Michael Blackman, T.A. Huggins and Bill Rood laugh, while the ball is in play near the net. (Christine Holtzman)

Laughter, cheers and good-natured teasing fill the air at the heated pool, while the players hit large colorful balls around, in water volleyball games.

About two dozen players jump, dive, swing and swat — in friendly games that give participants a nice workout, too.

Ninety-five-year-old Goldie Klebowski is one of the best players in the pool.

Besides playing water volleyball, she also manages a full schedule — volunteering at the Hospice thrift store and her church.

She offers this advice for aging well: “You need exercise, the more the better. Keep doing something, and feel good by helping others.”

Residents of Betmar Acres enjoy a series of friendly water volleyball games three times a week.

Betmar Acres, in Zephyrhills, is a manufactured-home community for residents age 55 and older. In the 1960s, there were just four mobile home parks in Florida, and Betmar founder M.H. Meengs saw the need for one in Zephyrhills.

Meengs turned his vision into an opportunity for development, when he bought 200 acres of former farm land along State Road 54.

He and his partner honored their wives by combining their first names — Betty and Mary — to christen the community, Betmar.

Today, Betmar Acres consists of nearly 440 acres, 1,700 homes, three clubhouses, 27 holes of golf, tennis and pickleball courts, two swimming pools, and a world-class shuffleboard facility. Residents at Betmar always have lots of recreational opportunities, including Bingo, ballroom and line dancing, live music shows, bocce ball, water aerobics, card games, computer and creative writing classes, block parties and garden clubs.

Published April 24, 2019

Tim Fisher, a snowbird from Michigan, pauses for a moment to consider his game strategy, during a water volleyball game at Betmar Acres.
Teammates Nancy Sisunik, a snowbird from Michigan, left, and Georgia Fulton, a snowbird from Ohio, both jump for the ball during an afternoon game.

Expo encourages better money management

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Offering ways to better manage money was the central theme of Pasco County Schools’ Financial Literacy Expo, held at Wesley Chapel High School.

Representatives from various organizations and companies came together to inform students and adults, alike, on how to prioritize their expenses.

The Wesley Chapel High session was on April 4. A previous session had been held on April 1 at Marchman Technical College in New Port Richey.

The Financial Literacy Expo gave high school students and adults the opportunity to gather information to increase their knowledge about financial issues. The April 4 event was held in the Wesley Chapel High School cafeteria with a host of booths representing various institutions. (Brian Fernandes)

The informative sessions were timed to coincide with Financial Literacy Month, which is celebrated nationwide in April.

“This was in response to our parent and community feedback to our survey last year,” explained Tina Stavrou, a senior instructional specialist for Pasco County Schools. “They felt that our students walk out of the (school) system being financially illiterate.”

The University of South Florida – specifically its Muma College of Business, was one of the organizations present at the event.

Amanda Houston, admissions recruiter/advisor, was at the institution’s booth — fielding questions.

She said funding for college tends to be the most common question among parents and students.

In addition to the information she could share at the financial literacy event, she also recommends seeking additional information at the university.

“We have a wonderful financial aid office available every day,” Houston said.

The office informs students of the various scholarships USF offers and is open to outside financial aid as well.

Although the school has a work study program to help offset expenses, students are encouraged to seek out assistance from different programs.

“Florida Prepaid is a huge help with a lot of students,” Houston said.

The statewide program invests funds toward future tuition by installment plans.

While it takes money to enter college, once there, business students at USF are taught how to build their wealth and maintain it.

Depending on their major, students may learn about estate and retirement planning, or from a corporate stance – assets and equity.

For students who are not business majors getting in-class guidance, there is the Bull2Bull program.

This program recruits those like Linda Higgs to help fellow students to become aware of financial opportunities and to come up with ideas to manage their money.

“They (students) really want to learn how to manage their money, it’s just hard in college,” Higgs said.

Michael Zmistowski, of the Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay, educates the public on preparing for retirement. He was among numerous guest speakers at Wesley Chapel High School’s Financial Literacy Expo, April 4.

In her experience helping peers, she found that students are open to the idea of investing to build a better future.

Coaching sessions are also offered to educate students on business jargon and direct them to the best sources for investing their money.

Across the cafeteria, Shirin Khorsandian stood behind the State Farm Insurance booth.

She noted that the company not only covers vehicles and homes, but health, banking and credit cards.

“We also have investment planning services we help small business owners with, and individuals,” the representative explained.

State Farm also addresses the risks associated with owning property – including a home.

For instance, homeowners are advised on what steps to take in order to hold onto their home in the case they lose their job.

Khorsandian also noted there’s a trend among younger generations to be less inclined to get a driver’s license, because of the growing popularity of Lyft and Uber.

Even with this in mind, State Farm emphasizes the importance of safe driving for teens.

“The reality is that it’s a huge financial risk that their parents are giving them, when handing over the keys,” she said.

The insurance company will sit down one-on-one with young drivers to educate them on what to do in certain scenarios.

Luigi Danielu, a senior from Wiregrass Ranch High School, was at the forum to soak whatever knowledge he could. He said that he often thinks about properly managing money.

“I’ve researched about how to build good credit, and I think that’s important for a lot of young people,” Danielu stated.

The expo came at a great time for the 18-year-old, as he just started his own business earlier this year – Partum Digital.

This online marketing company assists clients with the use of Facebook, Instagram and Google.

Danielu stated that social media has been a huge advancement for his company.

“We’re in the information age now,” he said. “You can almost create anything you want online.”

While he said that the expo was a learning experience for him, he would like other youth to take advantage of these events, becoming more educated than previous generations.

This sentiment was echoed by Michael Zmistowski who said he sees the importance of having high school courses geared toward managing finances.

Zmistowski is an advisor at the Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay.

In the building adjacent to the cafeteria, he was one of multiple speakers holding seminars in classrooms.

In his class, the advisor spoke on what he said are the top three worries surrounding retirement: outliving your assets, making a reliable income and a potential stock market crash.

His solution to these concerns was summed up with one response.

“The answer that I give to all of them is to create a purposeful spending plan,” Zmistowski explained.

He advised that in order to save, people must look at their reasons for saving, whether it’s for their kids’ education or their own retirement.

Also, unforeseen events, such as the loss of a spouse, need to be factored in, and most importantly, it should all be written down.

He addressed those who live paycheck to paycheck, finding it hard to save any money at all.

“Make a list of those things that you spend money on that are essential and those things that are discretionary,” the advisor encouraged.

Using food as an example, he stated that while this is an essential need, people can be conscious about how much they spend and how often they go out to eat.

Finding ways to cut back, even on the necessities, can result in small savings, he said.

With advice and support from institutions like this, Stavrou hopes that this will become an annual event for Pasco County schools.

Published April 24, 2019

USF dean shares tips for successful negotiations        

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When it comes to negotiations, there are two basic truths.

One, everyone negotiates.

And, two, everything is negotiable.

At least that’s how Moez Limayem, dean of the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, sees it.

Moez Limayem, dean of the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, gave a talk about negotiations at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s recent breakfast meeting. (B.C. Manion)

He shared his expertise on the art of negotiations at a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

“We all negotiate every single day, from the time we wake up, until we sleep. We negotiate with our kids, spouses, friends, business partners, employees, bosses, that’s what we do,” Limayem said.

Over the course of his life — in which he has lived, worked and studied on four continents — he has had the opportunity to observe “how ill-prepared most people are, for negotiation,” he said.

So, he offered the breakfast crowd a short course in effective negotiations.

He outlined 10 rules that apply in all types of negotiations — whether you’re buying a house or a car, or working out a business deal.

It’s important to remember that “negotiation is a discussion between two parties, two equals.

“Neither party has the power to get his or her way. If I can impose my way, that’s no longer a negotiation,” he said.

That being said, here are Limayem’s 10 rules for successful negotiations.

  • Rule No. 1: “Never start negotiating until you are ready.

“It’s amazing how many times a good negotiator will push you to start very, very quickly. Why? Because they want to catch you ill-prepared.”

“How do you get ready?

“There are three things to properly prepare.

“First one, do your research.

“For example, you want to negotiate a job, salary. What type of research do you do? What are other people making? Adjust for cost of living.  Go to the website; it’s amazing how much information you can find there.

“No. 2: Research. More research.

“No. 3: Research.

  • Rule No. 2: “Always be faithful to your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement).

“Based on your research, you need to know that level at which it (the deal) is not worth it anymore. What do you need to do? Walk away.

“If you are buying a car, what would be your BATNA. The maximum price you are willing to pay.

“How do you decide on your BATNA?

“Research.

In “2008, 2009, people did not stick to their BATNA. They were buying houses, more than they could afford and that led to a disaster.

“Do your research. Decide on your BATNA and be faithful to your BATNA.

“A good negotiator will always want to know your BATNA. Resist that. Don’t disclose your BATNA. That’s your secret. And, be willing to walk away.”

  • Rule No 3: “Never make the first offer.

“A good negotiator will push you to make your offer.”

But, don’t do it, he said, because “you might be losing out.”

  • Rule No. 4: “Listen more than you speak. We’re born with two receivers and on transmitter, so we should at least listen twice as much as we talk, especially in negotiations.”
  • Rule No. 5: “Never accept the first offer. Everything is negotiable.”

When someone is selling a house and they ask for $200,000, your first step, Limayem said, should be to: “Look the person in the eyes. Pause. Repeat the offer.”

Typically, just that alone will cause the seller to lower the asking price.

“Most of the time, that’s how it works. Try it.”

  • Rule No. 6: “Never make a quick deal.

“You need some time. Go back. Think about it. Analyze it. Talk to people you trust, then go back.”

  • Rule No. 7: “Do not negotiate with yourself.

“What happens when you negotiate with yourself? Bad things happen. You start negotiating with your BATNA and then you go to your emotion, and you leave a lot on the table.”

  • Rule No. 8: “Watch for the Salami effect.

“You give me a quote for renovating my house. One lump sum.

“A good negotiator (wants to know) how much for labor, how much for material, how much for this and for that,” he said.

A good negotiator would push for that because “he or she can select the things that make sense and forget about the things that don’t make sense.

“If you, as a negotiator, can do the Salami effect, that’s great. But, if you’re the other side, watch for it. Resist it.”

  • Rule No. 9: “We live in a world that is truly global.”

So, it’s important to be aware of cultural differences and norms, when doing business with international partners.

  • Rule No. 10: “Avoid the rookie’s regret. You did your research. You decided on your BATNA, you followed your rule. Move on. This will only hurt you.

“Always avoid regrets,” he said.

Published April 24, 2019

Out & About Expo offered fun for all ages

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Children had plenty of options to have a good time at the Out & About Summer Expo, presented by The Laker/Lutz News, and sponsored by Kids R Kids Learning Academy in Land O’ Lakes.

Angelina Williamson, dressed as Queen Elsa of Arendelle from Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ posed with countless little princesses at Out & About Summer Expo presented by The Laker/Lutz News, and sponsored by Kids R Kids Learning Academy. Here, she shares a moment with 5-year-old Daphne Coffee, of Lutz. The little girl’s grandmother said Elsa is one of Daphne’s favorite Disney characters. (Christine Holtzman)

Kids posed for photos with the Easter Bunny and Queen Elsa, petted a horse and baby goats, searched for eggs and took home beach balls, balloons and other giveaways from exhibitors.

But, the fun wasn’t limited to the younger crowd — adults also had a chance to search for eggs and won 60 prizes, including gift certificates from all sorts of businesses, and even a $100 bill that was won by Glenn Roberts, of Land O’ Lakes.

Besides having a good time, there were ample opportunities to pick up information from vendors representing attractions, summer camps, museums, shops and local businesses.

And, in addition to discovering new things to do close to home, expo visitors also sampled goodies from local restaurants and took home some swag.

The event was held on April 20 at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

“The Out & About Expo was a wonderful extension of The Laker/Lutz News, because the No. 1  reason why people read us every week is to find things to do close to home,” said Diane Kortus, publisher and owner. “It was a joy to host an event that so many families enjoyed, and to offer a venue for businesses to connect with these families face-to-face.”

Two-year-old Mason Pollock, of Land O’ Lakes, gets a kick out of feeding Della the Goat. Della and her goat friends were a big hit with the kids.
Dozens of children race to collect colorful eggs at the start of one of the egg hunts during the event. There were egg hunts for both children and adults, and those finding eggs redeemed them for prizes.
Land O’ Lakes resident Glenn Roberts won a $100 bill at the adult Easter Egg Hunt. His daughter, 7-year-old Chloe, was almost excited as her dad. (Terri Williamson)

Dade City is established as butterfly sanctuary

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Dade City has been inducted as a Monarch City USA – pledging to help preserve the monarch butterfly population.

In March, the city joined the ranks of four other Florida municipalities in addressing the plight facing these endangered insects.

The idea of seeking the designation was initiated by the Dade City Garden Club.

Nanette O’ Hara, a master gardener who lives in Hillsborough County, captured this photograph of a Monarch butterfly. (Courtesy of Nanette O’Hara)

After the scarcity of the butterfly species became a topic of discussion at a board meeting last year, club members felt compelled to take action.

“When we did our research and saw the numbers drastically declining, that was alarming,” said Joan Hepscher, a club member.

They studied the guidelines of the Monarch City USA organization during meetings in 2018, and earlier this year the club approached a longtime supporter of theirs for help – Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

She was instantly on board in helping to move the project forward.

“I have come to know and respect the garden club,” Hernandez said. “My line is: ‘How can I help you?’”

The mayor then brought up the issue as an agenda item before the Dade City Commission, which ultimately approved the project.

The mayor signed a proclamation in March to establish Dade City as a Monarch City USA.

This national organization was formed in 2015 to help prevent the extinction of monarch butterflies.

It gets to the heart of the matter, addressing the lack of milkweed and nectar plants – the butterflies’ food source.

Limited nutrition is due, in part, to harsh weather conditions during winter seasons.

Dade City has become a Monarch City USA. Here, Joan Hepscher, of the Dade City Garden Club, is being assisted by Jim West, of DeLand, which also is a Monarch City USA. (Courtesy of Sally Redden)

A 2016 study revealed that during the past two decades, the monarch population dropped by 68 percent, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

Through Monarch City USA, municipalities across the United States are encouraged to join the effort in populating their land with milkweed and nectar plants.

Hepscher noted that when monarchs migrate from Canada to the U.S., and then to Mexico, they need to have “way stations.”

“As they fly, they need to have places to stop, eat, refresh and lay their eggs for the next generation,” she explained.

While this is beneficial to the monarchs, it also contributes to the circle of life for other insects.

Butterflies are just one of many pollinators who work as a team to provide nourishment for each other.

Thus, the Garden Club sees their efforts as being two-fold, not only preserving the monarchs, but wildlife on a whole.

On March 16, they had a monarch butterfly seminar to educate the public on how they can contribute in their own backyards.

The club will grant certificates to residents who follow simple guidelines, such as planting milkweed and nectar in their gardens.

The club will hold itself to those same standards, planting on its premises outside the clubhouse, as well.

In the pre-butterfly stage, caterpillars also benefit by eating the plant leaves down to uneven shapes.

Hepscher said that although they may not look aesthetically pleasing, the unshapely leaves serve their purpose.

“This plant is doing its job because it was here to feed the caterpillars, and it’s done that,” she stated.

Adults aren’t the only ones who are encouraged to join in the effort.

Hernandez has enlisted the city’s youth council to help on the project.

The Garden Club also has twice-a-year programs at the Hugh Embry Library for kids called ‘Nature Detectives.’

In these classes, the youth watch videos, do crafts and are involved in other activities to help them learn about the animal kingdom.

“We do believe educating children is the way to change the future and getting them to respect nature,” Hepscher said.

In some ways, the kids may be ahead of the game as they’ve already studied the monarch butterflies in depth.

The Monarch City USA designation includes the opportunity to display a Monarch City USA sign, which has not yet arrived.

The city is planning a fall festival to celebrate its induction as a Monarch City USA. It also plans additional educational seminars.

The Garden Club hopes that such events are held annually to encourage the preservation of wildlife.

“We feel we can take control of the future and we can make it better here in Dade City,” Hepscher stated.

Published April 24, 2019

Playing a little B-I-N-G-O to benefit a school

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Maniscalco Elementary School, 939 Debuel Road in Lutz, had its  first Family Bingo Night to benefit the school. Dozens of students, their families and supporters joined together in the cafeteria for a fun-filled evening playing bingo for prizes. Besides winning bingo games, there were also chance drawings for gift baskets, games, gift cards and prizes. All proceeds earned from the event will benefit the Maniscalco PTSA.

Six-year-old Myah Piazza, of Lutz, left, uses an ink dauber to fill in the free square of her bingo card, while her father, Elijah, looks on. Myah is a first-grader at Maniscalco Elementary. (Christine Holtzman)
Dominique Orlandi, a math and science intern teacher at Maniscalco Elementary, holds up her card after winning the first game of the evening. She won a $5 cash prize.
Jessica Harlin, of Lutz, left, and 7-year-old guest announcer, Zoey Rosado of Tampa, call out numbers during one of the many games of the evening. Harlin, a PTSA member and the bingo night coordinator, mentioned that for a $1 donation, anyone in the crowd could be a guest announcer.

Movers for Moms helps survivors of domestic violence

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When moms and their children escape from a dangerous situation at home, they may not have a chance to pack clothing or personal care items, or other belongings.

This is the 11th year that Two Men and a Truck has organized the Movers for Moms Program, with the goal of giving back to mothers in need each Mother’s Day.

During 2018, the program, which operates nationally, collected more than 365,000 items for mothers and their children staying in hundreds of shelters, according to a company news release.

Locally, the Two Men and a Truck franchise will pick up items at a number of collection points, where businesses or other organizations have volunteered to accept donations.

Businesses accepting donations within The Laker/Lutz coverage area are:

  • Chris Black Insurance, 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Lutz
  • Cornerstone Air & Plumbing, 4946 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • First in Property Management, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • First National Bank of Pasco, 13315 U.S. 301, Dade City
  • First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54, Lutz
  • Florida Luxury Realty, 24646 State Road 54, Lutz
  • Future Home Realty, 27552 Cashford Circle, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel
  • Mason Title, 27544 Cashford Circle, Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco County Sheriff, 1195 Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel

Donations will be picked up by Two Men and a Truck during the week of May 6, and will be delivered on May 10 to Sunrise of Pasco County and The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Some of the program’s needs are:

WISH LIST
Curtains and curtain rods

Laundry baskets

Washcloths

Closet organizers

Alarm clocks and wall clocks

Calendars

Nail polish remover

Cotton swabs

Cotton balls

Batteries (AA, AAA,D,9V)

Nail clippers

Flip flops

Electric plug covers

Sponges

Pillowcases

Shower curtains

Blankets

Twin sheets

Twin comforters

Bath towels

PAPER PRODUCTS
Toilet paper

Paper towels

Copy paper

Two pocket folders

Kleenex/tissues

FOOD
Dairy products

Juice

Fruit

Vegetables

CLEANING SUPPLIES
Mops for industrial use

Brooms

Dust pans

Dishwasher detergent

Dishwashing soap

Comet

Bleach

Laundry detergent

Toilet bowl cleaner and brushes

Appliances
Microwave

Toaster

Washer

Dryer

Iron

Blow Dryer

New or gently used clothing

CHILDREN’S NEEDS
Diapers (sizes 3,4,5,6)

Pull-ups

Baby wipes

Baby bottles

Baby/kid shampoo

Kids toothpaste

Kids toothbrushes

Baby lotion

Baby over-the-counter medicine

Thermometers

Diaper rash ointment

Pacifiers

Bibs

Breast pump

Night lights

Breast-feeding pads

MEDICAL NEEDS
Cough/cold medicine

Pepto-Bismol

Alka-Seltzer

Rubbing alcohol

Peroxide

Triple antibiotics

Burn cream

Bandages

Cortisone lotion

Published April 24, 2019

Ridge Road project to open in 2020?

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A portion of the Ridge Road Extension — a project Pasco County officials have wanted for 20 years — could open in time for the beginning of the 2020 school year.

The Pasco County Commission heard an update on the project during its April 8 meeting in Dade City.

The proposed Ridge Road Extension spans  7.6 miles, reaching from Moon Road to U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

Margaret Smith, the county’s engineering services director, told commissioners that county staff, and representatives from the Florida Turnpike Enterprise and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been meeting weekly. The Turnpike is a co-applicant on the project with the county.

“We get together and talk about the issues of this project, just to make sure we keep it moving forward, just because it is an essential addition to our east-west grid in Pasco County.

“Just recently, we had the biological assessment and Fish and Wildlife both agreed that there was no issues with the permit,” Smith said.

Sam Beneck, the county’s project manager for the Ridge Road Extension, outlined a potential timeline for the project.

“We anticipate that by July 15, we’ll have completion of the Fish and Wildlife Service consultation. That represents the largest single task, in terms of time commitment, that remains on this project. It’s obviously outside of the county’s, the Turnpike’s and the Army Corps’ hands. It  really depends on the Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Beyond that, we’re looking at the start of September, an environmental assessment and statement of findings to be completed by the Army Corps. We anticipate that they will be working on that before the Fish and Wildlife consultation is done, so hopefully the consultation completes, they can complete their statement of findings and then we’re really looking forward to a Sept. 23 permit decision.

“This is based on our best available information,” Beneck said.”

Assuming that the permit is issued, the county is proposing a bidding approach that would reward early completion by $15,000 a day and charge $15,000 a day for every day the project is late. That approach will be brought back to the board for formal approval, he said.

“We’ve distilled that to three milestones,” Beneck said. “The contractor will not earn or lose their entire incentive based on one day. It will run incrementally, and we’re using that same $15,000 per day.

“Our first milestone, as an example, would be completion of four lanes of Ridge Road, between Moon Lake Road and Town Center Boulevard.

“That would provide a second entrance and exit to that (River Ridge Middle and River Ridge High) school facility. That is a major challenge in the afternoon. That would be completed by Aug. 10, 2020,” Beneck said, noting that is the first day of school.

“If they complete it on Aug. 10, then there’s zero dollars, between the contractor and the county based on that.

“For every day in advance, they’ll earn incentive and for every day after, they’ll lose that disincentive, that $15,000 a day.

“So, if they come in 13 days early, they’ll get a full $195,000 incentive; and if they’re 13 days late, they’ll be charged that disincentive,” Beneck said.

The next milestone is a two-lane opening that would allow two-way traffic between Moon Lake and the Suncoast Parkway by May 31, 2021, which would be prior to the 2021 Hurricane Season.

“This is our largest incentive, that $1.5 million,” Beneck said. “ Again, it’s not make or break on one day. If they’re a little bit late, they’ll be charged for being late, and if they’re early, they’ll start to earn that incentive.”

The third milestone is the overall completion of the project, which would be by May 31, 2022, the beginning of the 2022 Hurricane Season. Again, incentives and disincentives would be used. The maximum incentive/disincentive for this milestone would be $705,000.

Beneck told commissioners: “We started working very closely with the attorney’s office, with the purchasing office, to make sure that everything that we’re doing is defensible. Once that review is complete, we anticipate bringing the package to the board, as its own item, discuss it with you all, make sure you understand it and concur with the strategy.”

Another idea is to delegate authority to County Administrator Dan Biles, so he can sign the contract and issue the notice to proceed.

County Commissioner Mike Moore told Biles, “Dan, I like your idea of incentivizing being ahead of schedule and disincentivizing being behind schedule.”

He thinks the county should consider the same approach when it proceeds with the Interstate 75/Overpass Road interchange project.

County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey praised the effort to get the road opened in the vicinity of River Ridge Middle and River Ridge high schools.

“My kids all went to River Ridge Middle and High School. And, I can tell you, on the middle school dance, middle school prom, whatever, that traffic backs up way down Ridge Road. It takes a couple hours to get in to pick up your kid and drop them off. It’s a nightmare. So, this is going to be so wonderful for that high school and middle school.”

Starkey also wants to be sure the county pursues the opportunity to have a trailhead at the Suncoast Expressway.

“There is land there that is not part of Serenova that is land that was used by the Department of Transportation to build their borrow pits. They carved it out and then they gave it back to SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). We were told by SWFMD years ago that we could use that as a trailhead. It’s high and dry.”

Beneck told Starkey: “Yes, we are coordinating with the water management district on that, as well as a lot of other opportunities.”

Biles noted the trailhead is not part of the current set of construction documents.

Beneck said that’s correct, but the discussions are “laying the groundwork for those facilities in the future.”

Mariano praised the county’s staff for the progress it is making toward making the Ridge Road Extension a reality, singling out Biles for his contributions.

Biles told commissioners: “We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll be moving forward on this, late this summer.”

Ridge Road Extension, projected schedule
July 15: Fish and wildlife service consultation complete
Sept. 9: Environmental assessment and findings
Sept. 23: Permit decision and construction notice to proceed
October: Construction celebration ceremony

Potential construction schedule
August 10, 2020: Completion of four lanes between Moon Lake Road and Town Center Boulevard
May 31, 2021: Two lanes between Town Center Boulevard and Interchange, and four lanes through Interchange area to end of project
May 31, 2022: Phase 1 project completion

Published April 17, 2019