The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

‘Biggest Little Train Show’ delights train enthusiasts

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Hundreds of model train collectors and enthusiasts converged at the historic Zephyrhills Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave., over the weekend to attend the Zephyrhills Model Train Show & Swap Meet.

Zephyrhills Trainmen Association members Bill Craven, a snowbird from Albany who resides part-time in Zephyrhills, left, and Glenn Young, a snowbird from Canada who lives part-time in Dade City, discuss the train that Young powered using a Wi-Fi interface. The interface allows the user to operate the lights and horns by using a cellphone as a remote. (Christine Holtzman)

The restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line railroad depot has been hosting the event every other year (on odd years) for the past decade.

The show, known as the ‘Biggest Little Train Show in Florida,’ attracted numerous vendors dealing in predominately HO scale and N scale trains.

The Zephyrhills Trainmen Association — a  volunteer, five-member group of train buffs — has organized the show since its inception.

The centerpiece of the show is a 8-foot by 17-foot interactive HO scale layout, built and maintained by the Trainmen, which is on permanent display at the museum.

One of the four train systems speeding along the tracks inside this impressive display is rigged with a tiny camera that broadcasts onto a television, allowing the user to enjoy the ride, as if they were the engineer.

Eleven-year-old Aidan LeVasseur, of Land O’ Lakes, is mesmerized by a small N scale train making its way around the track. The layout was up for auction, sold to the highest bidder at the end of the show.

All of the buildings in the display are to scale, and many represent actual buildings, landmarks and businesses in Zephyrhills.

Years ago, several of these businesses paid to have their replicas professionally made, but the most enduring are the ones that were constructed by members of a bygone era, who have since passed away.

Maintaining a large layout is a group effort.

Trainmen member Bill Craven, a snowbird from Albany who lives part-time in Zephyrhills, appreciates what each member has to offer.

“Different men in the group have different skills, each guy is good at something. We have an electrician, we have a guy that could put new paved roads down, another guy knows computer-driven design. I’m good at the landscaping, making sure that the trees are in top shape,” Craven said.

Danny Miller and his wife, Jo, watch the trains of the large layout zip around the tracks. Danny is a huge train enthusiast.

Operating on a shoe-string budget, the Trainmen, who belong to the nonprofit organization Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., rely heavily on donations from estates, and in exchange, the donors can receive a tax benefit.

Estates often will donate model train collections because the surviving family does not have any interest in the hobby, or the collection may take up too much space. Many people donate to keep the history alive and to give their trains new life, for another generation to appreciate.

The group spends the two years in-between the shows collecting donations, taking inventory, and doing any necessary repairs and cleaning to prep them for the next sale.

In addition to the Trainmen’s offerings, there were several local vendors on hand selling everything from antique pieces, individual cars and full sets, to starter sets for those that are just beginning their journey in the hobby of model trains.

By Christine Holtzman

Published March 20, 2019

A close-up look of various HO scale engines that were available for sale.
For sale, an antique Lionel train from 1936, featuring Donald Duck and Pluto. William ‘Murph’ Murphy, the owner of K&M Treasures and Antiques in Zephyrhills, said that this Disney-themed train is what saved Lionel from going out of business after the Depression.

Pasco poised to lift ban on dock roofs on lakes

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The Pasco County Commission appears ready to allow boat docks on private lakes to have roofs over them.

Commissioners had a public hearing on March 12 regarding a proposal to amend the county’s land development code that currently prohibits the roofs.

No one from the public spoke for or against the proposed change during the public hearing.

This is a look at Bell Lake, which has some docks that have roofs. (File)

The change would apply only to inland water bodies, not coastal waters, according to Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder.

Commissioner Jack Mariano wanted to know if the county could allow the protection for boats on canals, if enough people in that particular neighborhood supported them.

Steinsnyder responded: “You really can’t legislate that way with your land development code.”

Commissioners are scheduled to have a final public hearing on the issue on March 26 at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

Though no one from the audience spoke during the commission’s recent meeting, three Land O’ Lakes residents previously spoke in support of the change at a Feb. 5 meeting.

Joe Steffens, Sandy Graves and Denise Brand, all of Land O’ Lakes, urged commissioners to allow the roofs over boat docks on private lakes.

Steffens, who is a marine contractor, has been pushing for a change — and has been discussing the issue with individual commissioners for the better part of a year to try to make that happen.

Both he and Graves told commissioners that the roofs over boat docks have been a way of life in Central Pasco, and asked them to drop the prohibition against them.

Brand, of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant in Land O’ Lakes, also requested the change noting that the restaurant would like to make changes to its dock and is worried that it wouldn’t be able to replace the roof.

Published March 20, 2019

Dade City picnic offers a taste of New York

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About 80 people packed the clubhouse at Country Aire Manor recently for the annual Otsego County picnic.

Besides catching up with friends and making new acquaintances, those gathering enjoyed a potluck lunch, had a chance to reminisce, and share their East Coast and Southern cultures.

New Yorkers and Floridians alike gathered for the 2019 NY Otsego County Picnic on March 8, at Dade City’s County Aire Manor clubhouse. Guests got to meet up with both new and familiar faces, while eating various foods. (Brian Fernandes)

Sally Harrington, of Cooperstown, New York, said she was happy to run into old friends.

“I’ve seen a lot of people that I haven’t seen in years – which is very surprising to me,” said Harrington, a Florida snowbird, who made a point to attend the picnic before heading back up North.

She was invited to the Dade City get-together by her friend Ken Morris, an Otsego County native with strong ties to the yearly picnic. His grandfather, a New York transplant to Zephyrhills, was one of the event’s founders.

“I was a high-schooler when I use to visit him,” Morris recounted. “It was a great place to get out of the snow.”

Word of the picnic typically gets around either by email chain, telephone calls or word of mouth.

As this year’s host, Rex Yurenka personally helped to circulate invitations.

“Most of these people are from New York and they have houses down here,” said  Yurenka, a snowbird himself.

Those gathering had a chance to share special foods.

Joe Corraro, for instance, prepared his signature-style meatballs for the picnic. A native of Otsego County, he also is a former firefighter and former pizza parlor owner.

Now a resident of Zephyrhills, Corraro has been a regular at the picnic for nearly a decade.

When it comes to deli sandwiches, Corraro observed, the North beats the South.

But, the South has a real advantage on another front, he said. The warm weather is a whole lot nicer than shoveling snow, he said.

Besides Corraro’s meatballs, the buffet included pasta salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, goulash stew and fruit salad, to name just some of the items.

And, this year, for the first time, the event featured live entertainment.

Guitarist Jim Dorn took to the stage, playing songs dating back to the 1960s.

Another high point was the chance drawing: Sixteen guests won prizes to take home.

Yurenka said he had just two rules for the picnic’s guests:  “Go away full and have a good time.”

Published March 20, 2019

Zephyrhills Founder’s Day celebrates ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’

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Thousands flocked to downtown Zephyrhills to celebrate the city during the 109th Founder’s Day Heritage Parade & Festival on March 9. This year’s theme was “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” — honoring the impact that transportation has had on the growth and success of the community. A parade, which featured vintage automobiles, kicked off the event in the morning.

Dozens of local vendors and food trucks lined Fifth Avenue, and some side streets, offering patrons various dining and shopping options. Live music was performed throughout the day and there was a K-9 demonstration by the Zephyrhills Police Department. This year’s festival also featured the second annual Beard & Mustache Competition, which awarded cash prizes to the men with the most impressive facial hair.

The event was hosted by Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave.

Keeping up with the theme of this year’s Founder’s Day festival, 15-year-old artist Kaylee Day, of Zephyrhills, puts the finishing touches on her chalk drawing, a 1962 Corvette. She chose this particular automobile because it is her grandfather’s favorite car. (Christine Holtzman)
Rodney Walker, CEO and barber of The Gentlemen’s Quarters, left, signals for the audience to cheer if they think Charles Vickery of Odessa should win first place in the Beard & Mustache Competition. Vickery, with his 16-inch beard won the title and $250. Also pictured are James Martinez, of Zephyrhills, second from left, and Chris Vickery, of Land O’Lakes.
While the ReNewed Life Church Worship Team performs on stage, 6-year-old Skylar Allison, left, 4-year-old Mackenzie Fleming, center, and 7-year-old Amaya Jordan sit on the stage steps and watch videos on a phone. Skylar and Amaya are sisters and Mackenzie is their cousin. The girls all reside in Zephyrhills.

 

Seminars aim to empower Pasco women

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The first of a three-part series aimed to advance the interests of Pasco County women took place on March 4 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, on Collier Parkway.

All of the meetings, being presented by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women and the Pasco County Commission, are being held at the library, and are free and open to the public.

The theme of the first part of the series was “Health and Wellness.”

Sarah Cobelli, of BayCare Behavioral Health, was one of the speakers who took part in a presentation on ‘Health and Wellness’ hosted by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women, on March 4 at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, on Collier Parkway. (Brian Fernandes)

Guest speakers Mike Napier, of the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, and Sarah Cobelli, of BayCare Behavioral Health, shared pertinent information relating to women’s health issues.

“Virtually everything we do at the health department is in partnership with someone else,” explained Napier, administrator for the Florida Department of Health — Pasco County.

The department works with Moffitt Cancer Center, Premier Community Healthcare Group and other partners.

They work to bring awareness to issues such as cervical and breast cancer, and provide information about treatment options.

The department also receives government funding, which is used to provide screenings.

Efforts also are being made to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A, and the health department is receiving assistance in this effort from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Napier said.

Through this collaboration, vaccinations are offered in the jail system, Napier explained.

“The good news is, it’s almost 97 percent – after you’ve had those shots – that you’ll be immune to any Hepatitis A,” Napier said.

Napier also advocates child vaccination for Hepatitis A and for the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Napier dispelled the notion that HPV is always linked to physical intercourse, stating that the stigma makes parents hesitant about vaccinating their children.

Teenage pregnancy, however, is a reality that the department addresses through its family planning program.

“It’s very difficult when we see moms coming in at 16-17 [and] trying to get them to finish school,” Napier said. “We’ve got to do something about that.”

The program offers testing, counseling and various contraceptive methods.

It also works in conjunction with schools to make sure students are well-educated and have a resource to call for help.

Tobacco use is another area of local concern, Napier pointed out.

“Unfortunately, Pasco County continues to have some of the highest smoking rates in the state,” the administrator said.

As of last year, 21 percent of adult Pasco residents were chronic smokers, according to the health department.

It also noted in a 2013 study that 22 percent of women in the county were smokers – significantly in the 18 to 44 age range.

The health department is working with medical institutions to distribute and collect health surveys.

The effort allows hospitals and other health care facilities to share medical information, and to better identify health trends based on demographics.

“It’s going to be consistent with all the hospitals and the health industry, to be able to say, ‘We all see the same data and now we’re going to try to act on that data,’” Napier stated.

The administrator also noted that providing mental health care to women who need it remains challenging.

Cobelli provided a presentation focused on behavioral health and substance abuse among women.

As a program manager for BayCare, she oversees community-based services for both children and adults.

“One of the newer additions to BayCare – within the last couple of years – is behavioral health integration, that especially females find comfort in,” Cobelli said.

This program is a convenient means for women to see their primary care physician and speak with a mental health counselor within the same office.

Another outreach program allows nurses, with a mobile medical unit, to go outdoors informing the homeless about medical resources and housing that may be available to them.

There’s also outreach to teenage mothers.

With the help of case managers, another state-funded program provides intervention for pregnant or postpartum women struggling with substance abuse.

For the 2018 fiscal year, Cobelli stated: “About 65 percent of the women that are enrolled have a primary diagnosis of an opioid disorder.”

There are also services available to women outside the program to help with essentials, such as car seats, strollers and baby formula.

BayCare encourages women with substance abuse, who are coming out of jail, to attend its group meetings three times a week.

With the Alternatives to Incarceration Pasco program, BayCare works with the Sheriff’s Office to establish special services for those with substance disorders.

The second part of the series, focused on Economic Prosperity, will be held on April 8.

The third part of the series, focused on Safety and Access, will be presented on May 6.

For more information visit, PascoCountyFL.net/2662/Commission-on-Status-of-Women.

Women’s lecture series presented by the Pasco County Commission on the Status of Women and the Pasco County Commission
Where: Land O’ Lakes Library meeting room, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: Upcoming sessions are planned on Economic Prosperity on April 8 and Safety & Access on May 6. Both sessions start at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free to public
Details: A series of presentations from guest speakers will discuss educating and advancing Pasco County women
Info: Visit PascoCountyFL.net/2662/Commission-on-Status-of-Women. 

Published March 20, 2019

Work ethic pays off for Dade City native

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Ryan Lowery, a Dade City native and 2008 graduate of Pasco High, is serving at the U.S. Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Lowery has served for six years and works as a Navy fire control technician. He is serving within the U.S. Pacific Fleet area of operations.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Lowery (Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rusty Pang)

As a fire control tech, Lowery is responsible for the weapon system onboard submarines and has the ability to work with sonar to track all contacts.

He credits his success in the Navy to many lessons learned in Dade City.

“From my hometown, I learned a good, hard work ethic, which leads me to successfully accomplishing my job on a day-to-day basis,” Lowery said, in a release.

Although there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Lowery noted he is most proud of advancing to the rank of petty officer second class because it is proof of his hard work and determination.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Lowery, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. His brother currently serves in the United States Army.

Lowery takes great pride in serving in the Navy.

“To wake up every morning, put on the uniform and go to work as a Navy sailor will forever have a great impact on my life. It means a lot to serve this country and to know that all of my loved ones are being protected,” he said, in the release.

Published March 20, 2019

Casino night will support Sunrise of Pasco

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Sunrise of Pasco, Domestic & Sexual Violence Center will present a Casino Night on April 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 4G Ranch, 22501 State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to benefit participants of Sunrise of Pasco.

The event will include a bourbon bar, appetizers, cigars, an open bar, blackjack, roulette, craps, bingo and slot machines.

Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Individual tickets are $150 and include the open bar, heavy appetizers, a free cigar or wine glass, live entertainment, casino games and $2,500 in ‘funny money’ to get you started.

To purchase tickets, call (352) 521-3358.

For more information about the fundraiser, visit SunrisePasco.org, or email .

Sponsorship forms also can be secured by calling the above number or using the website.

Published March 20, 2019

Chiselers Market: Find deals, support preservation

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Elena Cifuentes sits at a table in a warehouse near downtown Tampa, painstakingly restoring a broken Hummel figurine.

Cifuentes, who teaches at the University of Tampa, leads a restoration team whose work offers a mere glimpse into the massive volunteer undertaking behind the annual Chiselers Market.

The market features thousands of items that are sold to support the restoration and preservation of Plant Hall at the University of Tampa.

These women are part of The Chiselers Inc., an organization that’s been putting on an annual market for decades, to benefit preservation of the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall. From left, front row: Cookie Ginex, Gail Dee Russ, Susanne Sanders and Beth Garcia. From left, back row: Esther Hammer, Elena Cifuentes and Teri Willis. (B.C. Manion)

This year’s market offers items ranging from the funky to the sublime.

Bargain-hunters can find linens, intricate lace, crystal chandeliers, kitchenware, collectibles and thousands of other items.

The Chiselers Inc. — celebrating its 60th anniversary — puts on the annual sale. The group is made up of women volunteers, primarily  from South Tampa, but also from Lutz, Wesley Chapel, West Chase, St. Petersburg, Sun City and other communities.

These women appear to have at least two things in common: A collective love for Plant Hall, and a true appreciation for the bond they have with each other.

The National Historic Landmark that their work benefits was completed in 1891.

In the beginning, it was an opulent hotel constructed by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant.

With European artworks and furnishings, it attracted wealthy and famous patrons to Tampa.

Its distinctive minarets, its chrysanthemum windows, its spacious veranda and its gingerbread woodwork make the building a true city of Tampa treasure.

The former Tampa Bay Hotel served as a command post in the Spanish-American War, and Teddy Roosevelt, Clara Barton, Stephen Crane and Frederic Remington stayed there.

This is one of the collectibles in the room where Terri Naylor volunteers. She helps price various items before the annual Chiselers Market.

Other famous guests have included Babe Ruth and Thomas Edison. John Phillip Sousa performed there, and Booker T. Washington spoke there, too.

The structure became home of the University of Tampa in 1933.

The Chiselers have the annual market down to a science.

Preparations begin months in advance.

Donations are brought to a warehouse near downtown Tampa, where they are sorted, repaired (if needed), priced and boxed — for delivery to the University of Tampa for a preview party and market day.

When donations initially arrive at the warehouse, they are divided into different sections. Furniture goes into one area. Collectibles into another. There are areas for books, for art, for  fine linens and bargains. There’s a silent auction area, too.

Teri Willis, third vice president of the Chiselers, is this year’s market chair.

A trip around the warehouse reveals a huge assortment of items awaiting this year’s shoppers.

If you need a picture frame, you’ll be able to choose from hundreds.

There’s interesting art, too.

“Much of it is collectible art, recognized artists,” Willis said.

On the day of the sale, the art is arranged out on Plant Hall’s veranda.

This cut glass bowl is among the thousands of items being sold at Chiselers Market.

“It’s a beautiful morning thing to do — to go out and buy art,” Willis said.

If you’re shopping for office supplies, Christmas décor or a dog bed — they’ll be at this year’s sale. There are lamps, sofas, chairs, planters and all sorts of other stuff, too.

The laces and linens are exquisite, Willis said. “Some of these laces have been passed down in families for generations.”

There’s a silver service section, too.

“It’s one of our highlights. When they light it up, it just sparkles,” Willis said. The gleam comes from the volunteers’ all-day silver polishing parties.

“That’s where I learned to really polish silver,” said Esther Hammer, this year’s president of The Chiselers.

Elena Cifuentes works painstakingly to repair this Hummel figurine.

Hammer has handled various chores through the years. Being president, she said, is easy because so many members step forward to help.

“I don’t really have to do anything because these people volunteer to do it, and they do such a great job,” Hammer said.

Moira Burke, who was at the warehouse sorting books said she enjoys having a hand in the preservation of Plant Hall — a building she considers to be an architectural gem.

Terri Naylor, who helps research and price collectibles, said being involved in Chiselers is right up her alley because she’s interested in art, architecture, history and preservation.

On market day, besides the sale items, there will be food trucks, Port-o-Potties, and a ‘Will Call’ area for shoppers who have found so many good deals that they need a temporary holding place while they go and shop for more.

They’ll have plenty of choices, Willis said.

“We take over the whole bottom floor (of Plant Hall). We fill it up.

“Outside, we have books, furniture, plants and art,” she said.

The bargain area is especially popular, Hammer said.

Plant Hall, on the University of Tampa campus, was originally the Tampa Bay Hotel. Built by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant, it was an opulent hotel with European furnishings, which drew wealthy and famous guests to Tampa.

Items are priced to sell quickly and market regulars know the drill.

“This is where people stampede,” Hammer said. “When the doors open at 9, you can hear the thunder of the feet, going down to the bargain section.”

Willis noted: “They get excited, and we get excited.”

The volunteer group is grateful for the generous donations it receives.

“We couldn’t do this without the community,” Willis said.

The market’s success also relies on a good turnout for the sale, Hammer said.

“We have so much to sell, we need people (to come to the market).”

Beyond helping to preserve a Tampa icon for future generations, Hammer derives great satisfaction from being involved with the Chiselers.

“I just love this, this whole operation, this whole organization,” Hammer said.

“The mission is the first thing that got me in here, and then working with the ladies is what kept me,” she said.

56th annual Chiselers Market
Where: Plant Hall at the University of Tampa, 401 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: March 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; parking nearby
Details: Bargain-hunters can finds loads of good deals at this sale, which features plants, jewelry, kitchenware, books, art, electrical items, tools, china, crystal, silver, collectibles, lamps, lace, linens, furniture and other items.
Info: TheChiselersInc.com

The Chiselers
A group of friends with a strong interest in the preservation of the former Tampa Bay Hotel (now Plant Hall at the University of Tampa) met to chisel old mortar from important tiles salvaged from the original fireplaces in the hotel.

As a result, the “Chiselers” organization was founded with a mission to preserve and restore the former hotel, now a National Historic Landmark.

The Chiselers formed in 1959, and the group is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Since its founding, the organization has:

  • Raised $8.3 million for the restoration of Plant Hall
  • Supported the University of Tampa with an endowed scholarship that provides financial assistance each year to a deserving student
  • Contributes about 15,000 volunteer hours each year
  • Co-founded the Tampa Bay Hotel Advisory Council in 1996, charged with approving a master plan for restoration of the building and assuring that all work is done in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.

For more information about the Chiselers, visit TheChiselersInc.com.

The Chiselers Inc.’s officers:
Esther Hammer, president
Karen Dalton, first vice president
Barbara Pennington, second vice president
Teri Willis, third vice president
Kathy Beeson, fourth vice president
Jane Hernandez, treasurer
Debbie Giglio, assistant treasurer
Dolly Fox, recording secretary
Barbara Stubbs, corresponding secretary
Audrie Ranon, parliamentarian

Published March 13, 2019

Pasco readies for big building program

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Voter approval of four general obligation bond issues in November has set the stage for a major building program in Pasco County.

The bond revenues will go to expand the Pasco County Detention Center; to update and expand fire rescue facilities; to upgrade libraries; and, to spruce up and improve park and recreational facilities.

Pasco County staff members briefed commissioners on the timing for various projects that will be done, and commissioners offered some suggestions during the meeting.

This is Pasco Fire Rescue Station No. 23, at 21300 State Road 54 in Lutz. The county is planning to add several new fire rescue stations, using revenues from general obligation bonds approved by voters in November. (Christine Holtzman)

In a typical year, the county is involved in about $21 million in projects, according to Andrew Baxter, the county’s facilities management director. The workload over the next few years will average about $45.5 million, he said.

The biggest single project, under the approved general obligation bonds, involves the expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

That bond issue is for $128 million, and it will be used to pay for a 1,000-bed addition and an upgrade to all of the jail’s central services, including medical, intake, the kitchen and support services.

The design is expected to be done during fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The construction will begin in 2021, with completion in fiscal year 2023.

As the county gets ready for that project, Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested county staff visit Charlotte County to see how they’ve handled medical services at the jail.

“They may have a better way, and a better result at the end. The successes that they say they’re having is probably worthy for us taking a look at.” Mariano said.

Commissioner Mike Wells also said the services that are provided need to address mental illness and addition.

“If we can help these folks, it’s not a revolving door,” Wells said. “ The numbers should go down.”

The county also will be making significant improvements regarding its fire and rescue services.

Projects in the Central Pasco and East Pasco areas will be:

  • Adding Station 42, at Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52. The $6.1 million project involves the construction of a new one-story, four-bay station. Construction is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2021.
  • Replacing Station 22, in Land O’ Lakes. The $6.9 million project calls for replacing the existing one-story, four-bay station near the detention center in Land O’ Lakes. Construction is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2022.
  • Adding Station 44, at State Road 54 and Meadow Pointe Boulevard. The $6.5 million project calls for a new one-story, four-bay station. It is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2023.
  • Adding Station 45, in Bexley, a subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. This $7.3 million project calls for a new one-story, four-bay station. It is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2023.
  • Adding a Rescue Training Center in Land O’ Lakes. This $5.8 million project is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2023.

The county received $20.2 million in bond funding for parks and recreation projects.

Projects in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area include:

  • San Antonio Maintenance Building, $100,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2020
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, pool pump room, $10,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2021
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, replace air conditioning, $53,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2020
  • Heritage Community Center, roof, $45,320, to be completed in fiscal year 2020.

Across the county, there are some fairly pricey concession stand building projects, which drew the attention of Commissioner Mike Moore.

He urged county staff to see if there are ways to trim those costs.

“Any savings allows you to do more. Maybe you need another concession at another park,” Moore said.

Wells also suggested looking at the possibility of using the same design firm for projects, to potentially lower costs.

“I’m just trying to save everybody time and money,” Wells said.

Libraries will be modernized, using revenues from general obligation bonds. Planned projects in East and Central Pasco are:

  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel: Nearly $2 million in improvements. The project is in the design phase and is expected to be completed in 2020.
  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City: Nearly $1.8 million in improvements are planned. Completion is expected in 2021.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes: Approximately $1.7 million in improvements are planned. The county is working with Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley to be sure there is no conflict with election needs, said County Administrator Dan Biles. This project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Biles said the plan is to close the libraries during the renovation, with outreach efforts to serve patrons.

“If we close the libraries, we can give the contractor the entire footprint, so construction can be faster and less expensively than if we try to phase it through those facilities. It gets us in, gets the construction done and out of there.”

The county is anticipating the bonds to be issued in April.

“In order to accomplish these projects, we’re probably going to need some surge staffing, just to manage these projects, and ensure the quality we expect is achieved,” Baxter said. “We’re basically doubling our workload for the next few years.”

Additional discussion is expected at a later board meeting over those staffing needs and how to pay for them.

Published March 13, 2019

School board eyes 104-acre site near Connected City

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the acquisition of a 104-acre site near the Connected City area of Wesley Chapel.

The school district anticipates there will a need for future schools as more residents move into Connected City, which includes Epperson Ranch and other future developments.

Pasco County Schools is proceeding with steps to purchase a 104-acre site at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads. The school district said that more schools will be needed in the area, as more residents move into the Connected City, which is just across the street. (Christine Holtzman)

The site is at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads, directly across the street from future phases of Epperson Ranch and just south of the future Mirada development.

The board’s unanimous vote allows district staff to proceed with the necessary steps to acquire the property from the owners of Kirkland Ranch.

This acreage would potentially house a future high school and/or future kindergarten through eighth grade school, according to a school board document prepared by Chris Williams, director of planning services for the school district.

The owners have agreed to sell the property to the school district for $20,000 per acre, with the full sales price expected to be slightly more than $2 million.

The purchase is contingent on the completion of two independent appraisals, due diligence and some additional conditions.

Part of the agreement includes that the entire campus to be constructed at the site shall be named the Kirkland Ranch Campus, subject to applicable school board policy.

The campus may include one or more of the following types of schools: elementary, middle, high, vocational training or magnet.

The agreement also stipulates that once the campus is named, the name cannot be changed for a minimum of 50 years subsequent to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or completion.

The proposed sale is also subject to other requirements, which include allowing the seller to use the land for livestock grazing purposes at no rental until such time the school district commences construction of the campus.

The school district also agrees to build a barbed wire fence to separate the property from the seller’s remaining land to the south.

Published March 13, 2019