The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

New traffic signals aim to improve safety

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A new traffic signal has been installed and is now operating at Eiland Boulevard and Handcart Road, and another traffic signal installation is underway at Eiland Boulevard and Geiger Road.

A ribbon cutting for the traffic signal at Eiland and Handcart is scheduled for Aug. 23 at 9 a.m.

The installation of that light was completed in time for the 7 a.m. start of the school year on Aug. 13.

“It’s been a very dangerous intersection,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

A new signal is expected to be operating at Eiland and Geiger by late November.

The traffic volume along Eiland Boulevard has been increasing as the county experiences more development, Oakley said.

The Eiland and Handcart intersection is among three that Oakley said were priorities.

In addition to the Eiland traffic signals, a third one is planned at Chancey Road and Coats Road. That signal will be operating in late October.

And, along with the traffic signal, Eiland and Handcart had other improvements, including guardrails and road resurfacing.

Pasco County completed a 30-day traffic operations study at the intersection to collect traffic data.

The analysis showed that the traffic signal was warranted “based on Handcart (Road) southbound approach volumes and the amount of left turn vehicles turning east onto Eiland Boulevard.”

The study also found that two crashes occurred from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. The crashes “may have been prevented with the installation of a traffic signal,” the study found.

From Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2014, the study also documented two angle crashes that occurred at the intersection.

However, the number of crashes alone didn’t indicate a “historic trend,” or meet national standards of five or more angle crashes that could be prevented by installing a traffic signal.

The Pasco County Commission approved the design plans for the project in 2016. Construction began in March 2018.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 22, 2018

Local entrepreneur creates healthy desserts

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After tiring of drinking the same old protein shakes, James Doyle decided to brainstorm some new ideas.

He figured there was a way to turn his protein powder into a dessert.

So, the 29-year-old Wesley Chapel man began experimenting.

Inspired by how Jell-O works, Doyle developed FREEZINda, a liquid and dry mix product that transforms any whey protein powder into an ice cream-like, frozen dessert.

Wesley Chapel resident James Doyle is the creator of FREEZINda, which turns whey protein powder into an ice cream-like, frozen dessert. (Courtesy of James Doyle)

Throughout a lengthy trial period, Doyle estimates he tested more than 100 different ingredients and about 3,000 pounds of frozen dessert in his kitchen.

Doyle’s friends and family members — even his dog, Buddy — taste-tested recipes.

As he toyed with countless combinations early on, his taste-testers were brutally honest.

“I had my dad try one of the formulas, and he straight up told me, ‘It tastes horrible,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, man! It (froze) right, it had the right qualities, it looked good,’ and then we tasted it and it was like, ‘No!’”

He said it took approximately 19 months “to get the formula down.”

Eventually he found what he considers the ideal combination of mixing agents that bind together to form a texture that mirrors a sweet icy, syrupy sorbet; with ingredients like vegetable glycerin, erythritol (sugar alcohol), guar gum and xanthan gum, and just a gram of sugar per serving.

FREEZINda officially launched last November and is now offered in 21 stores across the United States. It is non-genetically modified, low sugar, fat free, lactose free, gluten free, low glycemic (low net carbs) and vegetarian friendly.

Preparation is easy. Mix any whey protein powder with a cup of water or milk — like a protein shake — then add the FREEZINda liquid and dry mix, and place in the freezer overnight.

Doyle’s favorite concoction? Mixing in just about any type of chocolate mint whey protein powder, specifically the flavor made by Adaptogen Science.

To further customize the high protein ice cream dessert replacement, Doyle recommends adding nuts, fruit, sprinkles and so on.

Doyle noted: “It definitely does satisfy your sweet tooth and your cravings that you would get, so once you eat it, then you’re like, ‘OK, I’m good.’”

And, there’s no question he’s a fan of his own product.

For about eighth months straight, Doyle said he ate about 2 pounds of FREEZINda each day.

“I still eat it,” he said, “but not 2 pounds a day.”

Computer specialist turned entrepreneur
Doyle was born in New York but went to high school in Leesburg, right outside The Villages.

He later settled in Wesley Chapel with his older sister, to attend and graduate from the University of South Florida.

After college, Doyle worked as an IT specialist locally.

He was forced to quit his career as lingering vision issues prevented him from staring at a computer monitor all day long.  “It was pretty tough,” Doyle said, of having to give up IT work.

FREEZINda contains mixing agents that bind to form a texture that mirrors a sweet icy, syrupy sorbet. It includes such ingredients as vegetable glycerin, erythritol (sugar alcohol), guar gum and xanthan gum, and just a gram of sugar per serving.
To prepare, mix any whey protein powder with a cup or water or milk — like a protein shake — then add the FREEZINda liquid and dry mix, and place in the freezer overnight.

Not sure where to turn next, the concept for FREEZINda suddenly popped in his head while he basked in the sauna at the New Tampa LA Fitness one spring day in 2016.

“It’s kind of weird how, like, when doors close, another one opens,” he said.

Once he had the idea, the next step was to figure out how to get it to market.

Doyle leaned on a minor degree in entrepreneurship, as well as advice from several family members who own businesses to help FREEZINda off the ground.

“I kind of figured out my way from there,” he said.

As a sole entrepreneur, Doyle works from his Wesley Chapel home office, where he can facilitate supply chain duties between a commercial kitchen in Oldsmar, and a co-packer and fulfillment center in Texas.

He’s had to learn how to navigate other aspects, including patents and trademarks, and ensuring the product is compliant with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

He’s also had to figure out innovative ways to market his product and generate more sales.

“There’s quite a bit to owning your own business,” said Doyle, who works six days a week. “There’s so many different areas, from fulfillment to marketing. There’s so many different areas, it’s unreal.”

FREEZINda is offered in retail nutrition and mom-and-pop stores as far away as Texas and California. It is also sold in Florida.

Locally, it can be found at Total Nutrition USF, 2720 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

It’s also available on Amazon and several other nutrition-focused websites.

Next month, Doyle plans to introduce new packaging and a new FREEZINda formula that’s sugar-free, and substitutes sea salt for baking powder.

He’s searching for a food broker, too, to help promote FREEZINda to additional chain wholesalers, retail stores and independent wholesalers.

“I’m hoping to pick up more traction, with better retail boxes and a little more enhanced formula,” he said.

He also dreams of appearing on the hit Emmy Award winning reality show “Shark Tank.”

He applied in January and made it through a couple rounds of casting interviews before talks dried up.

While Doyle  aims to be successful in business, he also wants to help people to become healthier.

For more information, visit Freezinda.com.

Published August 22, 2018

Voters head out to polls in Florida’s primary election

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Voters will be heading to the polls on Aug. 28 in Florida’s primary election.

Statewide, voters will decide who will represent the Democrats and who will represent the Republicans in a number of seats, including the race for governor.

On the local front, voters will cast their ballots for districts one, three and five of the Pasco County School Board.

The winner of those school board races could be decided, if a candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote. Otherwise, the winner will be selected in the Nov. 6 general election.

Voters also will be choosing judges and selecting candidates in a number of primary races.

Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is not anticipating a heavy turnout.

“Generally, with elections, the best indicator is history, so when we’re talking about previous times, the most recent thing to go back to would be the last midterm, which would be in 2014.

“It pains me to report that the turnout was less than 15 percent.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll do better, we, as the electorate, but only time will tell,” Corley said.

“Midterm primaries are generally lackluster turnout,” he added.

There has been a slight spike in registration, but only about 5 percent, he said.

Corley also noted that “there has been a lot of anecdotal evidence of a youth voter surge, between 18 and 29 year olds,” but he said, he has not been seeing it.

“Compared to the same time in 2014, it’s about on par. That really, really surprised me,” Corley said.

Pasco County has slightly less than 347,000 voters, making it 12th largest in Florida. Of those, there are 134,824 registered Republicans, 108,520 registered Democrats, 100,637 registered as No Party and 2,791 registered as Minor Party.

Corley said there has been substantial interest in election security.

“If someone would have told me prior to the 2016 election, we would spend pretty much every waking moment since that November election focusing on, intensely, becoming hyper-vigilant on all things security — both physical and cyber — I would have said, ‘No, you’re crazy.’ But, here we are.”

Recently, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election, made national headlines by saying that Russia had penetrated Florida’s election systems.

Corley said it is difficult to respond to Nelson’s statement.

“It’s really, really challenging because I’m not sure exactly what Senator Nelson is alluding to. I know the Department of Homeland Security has sort of publicly refuted his comments. Of course, far be it for me to correct a senator on the intelligence committee. I just know of no information.”

Corley went on to say: “We have worked extensively with our state and federal partners. We’re talking about the FBI, even the National Guard, but particularly the Department of Homeland Security.”

He also noted that in 2017, the elections were declared critical infrastructure.

“We now have a seat at the table right next to nuclear power plants, for example, because how much more critical can you be than the underpinnings of our democracy?” Corley said.

The Department of Homeland Security has offered a myriad of services for advice, counsel and assistance.

“I can’t tell you, for obvious security reasons, and so that’s the balance, trying to reassure voters that we’re doing everything that we can to fortify the elections and letting them know there’s always a Plan B.

“For security reasons, I can’t tell my wife. I can’t tell my dog. I can’t tell anybody” he said.

Corley also noted that Pasco has added three new early voting locations.

“Early voting clearly has become very, very popular,” he said.

“We added Alice Hall. We added the Florida Hospital Ice Center complex. We jokingly say we literally and figuratively have the coolest early voting site. We added the Odessa Community Center,” he said.

Vote by mail is popular, too.

“We have record numbers of Vote by Mail. We’re almost at 70,000 vote by mail ballots that went out.

“There are literally, tens of thousands of ballots, sitting on coffee tables or on kitchen tables. All they have to do is fill out a few ovals and shoot it back to us, and it could change any race,” he said.

“What’s the old adage? ‘We get the government that we deserve,’” Corley said.

“Everyone remembers the infamous 2000 election. Everyone remembers, it came down to Florida,” he said. With 6 million votes cast, Bush had a lead over Gore of 537 votes.

Corley said what many people don’t realize is one fact that he “almost couldn’t make up.”

The number of Pasco voters skipping the presidential race that year was ‘1776,’” Corley said, adding “#Irony.”

Ride to the polls for free
Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) is offering free bus rides to the polls on Aug. 28, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This service is being provided to Pasco residents through a partnership between PCPT and Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley. Just present your valid Voter Information Card.

Published August 22, 2018

Bexley seeks permit for on-site borrow pit

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Bexley by Newland Communities won approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission to operate a borrow pit at the master-planned community, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

Approval also is required from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, also known as Swiftmud, and the matter also needs approval from the Pasco County Commission.

If approved, the conditional use permit from Pasco would allow up to 1 million cubic yards of sand and dirt to be excavated and hauled away over four years.

The borrow pit would be reclaimed afterward.

This rendering shows the master-planned community of Bexley by Newland Communities, at State Road 54, east of Suncoast Parkway. (File)

The infill dirt is for internal uses at Bexley. However, some portion of the dirt would cross over Tower Road, a road used by the public.

The borrow pit site is south of Tower Road, west of Sunlake Boulevard, and about half-mile east of Ballantrae Boulevard.

“The fill dirt is being removed and will be used for development of the office portion of the project,” said attorney Andrea Zelman.

Though some trucks will cross over Tower Road, all of the dirt will be used as part of the Bexley development, Zelman said.

The borrow pit’s operating hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will not operate on Sundays or holidays.

Once work begins, signs will be posted to alert motorists of trucks accessing Tower Road.

Bexley is a master-planned community with about 1,700 acres located on the north side of State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway, and on north and south sides of Tower Road.

The community is approved for up to 1,200 single family residences and 520 multifamily dwellings, as well as about 94,500 square feet of commercial and retail, and about 563,000 square feet of offices.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 22, 2018

Food trucks get the go-ahead

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Pasco County is close to rolling out the welcome mat to food trucks as a dining option.

The Pasco County Planning Commission approved a proposed food truck ordinance at its Aug. 9 meeting in Dade City.

Next, the Pasco County Commission will consider the ordinance, which establishes regulations on food trucks, as well as “veggie vans.”

Members of the county’s Food Policy Advisory Council helped craft the proposed ordinance. The advisory council also helped create the county’s first ordinance on community gardens.

Food trucks currently operate under regulations for special events, such as the Kumquat Festival in Dade City.

The Pasco County Fairgrounds is exempt from the ordinance because there already is a food venue agreement in place for that site.

If the ordinance is approved, no permits or registration would be required.

The ordinance aims to encourage more food truck events, including food truck rallies.

Other state agencies, including the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, already regulate food truck operations for health and safety.

“Qualifying mobile food operations will be those having obtained all required permits and licenses from the State of Florida,” according to the county’s ordinance.

The county would, however, impose special regulations to operate a permanent food truck “court.”

Those venues typically have multiple food truck selections in one location, and provide amenities, such as restrooms, seating, trash cans and play areas.

Football tailgaters don’t need to fret that the barbecue ribs, chicken, hot dogs and burgers served up from the back of their trucks will be governed by the new ordinance.

“It doesn’t regulate folks doing private tailgating,” said Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator. “This is for public consumption (of food) being sold to the public.”

The history of food trucks dates back centuries to when street vendors sold their wares from pushcarts. Charles Goodnight gets credit for the first chuck wagon that trailed along with cowboys during cattle drives in the West in the mid-1800s.

The more recent food truck fad started several years ago, and has become a permanent feature of the food industry.

Operating hours for food trucks generally would be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, a location abutting residential would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Food trucks would not be able to park overnight. If they operate from one location more than 90 days, the county would consider the operation permanent. Other regulations would then apply.

The ordinance also allows county departments, such as parks and recreation, to reach individual agreements for temporary food truck operations on county-owned property. A reservation fee, to be determined by each department, may be required.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 22, 2018

‘Clear the Shelters’ makes both pets and people happy

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Mark Martin, of Zephyrhills, left, and his wife, Amber, pose for a picture with the dog that they adopted during the Clear the Shelters event on Aug. 18 at Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes. Amber said she knew ‘Charlie,’ a Jack Russell mix, was the one for them because he was very timid, and he appeared to need extra patience and love to trust people again, which they are happy to provide. (Christine Holtzman)

Pet lovers had a chance to add a new member to their family without paying adoption fees during a “Clear the Shelters’ event at Pasco County Animal Services, at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’Lakes.

The animal shelter, along with the nonprofit group Friends of Animal Services Inc., hosted the event as part of the national pet adoption drive.

The drive, launched four years ago, is spearheaded by the television media company NBC Universal, and sponsored by Cat’s Pride and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Shelters across the country taking part in the event either reduced or waived pet adoption fees.

Pasco County dispatch operator K.c. Pearson, of Port Richey, cuddles the kitten that she will soon officially adopt during the Clear the Shelters event. Pearson plans to name the kitten Psi. She already has a cat named ‘Zeta’ that she previously adopted from the shelter.

The Pasco shelter waived the adoption fee for the dozens of available cats and dogs, and required only the purchase of appropriate licensing for a new pet.

Normally, adoption fees are $70 to $85 for dogs and $40 to $50 for cats, which includes spay/neutering, vaccinations, microchip, heartworm testing for dogs, and FIV and feline leukemia for cats.

Rachel Stever, the education and outreach coordinator for the shelter, said this was the second year the shelter participated, and she expected about 300 people to attend.

Hanging out in the Feline Showroom, 12-year-old Mikaylah Chimara, of Zephyrhills, left, holds a kitten named ‘Flash.’ Her 8-year-old sister, Bella, center, holds ‘Shy,’ and her 10-year-old sister, Alicia, cuddles with ‘Rocket.’ Their mother Nicole, who brought the girls to the event as a surprise, said that they would be taking ‘Flash’ home.

People began lining up two hours before the doors opened and, by the time it did, a crowd of about 100 had gathered, Stever said.

During the first two hours of the event, 16 adoptions had occurred and 11 were pending, she added.

Pasco County Animal Services became a “Save 90” shelter in 2012, meaning that its goal is to save 90 percent of the animals that are brought to the facility.

In addition to getting adoption fees waived, those attending the event could pick up swag bags provided by Pet Supplies Plus, complete with pet food samples, treats and coupons, and a spin the wheel game for a chance to win a prize.

Friends of Animal Services, the nonprofit support group of Pasco County Animal Services, was there, too, showing off its memorial tree. Those making a $100 donation receive an engraved leaf on the memorial tree. All donations support the shelter.

By Christine Holtzman

Published August 22, 2018

Bilirakis focuses on veterans at chamber stop

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th Congressional District, emphasized efforts he’s making on behalf of veterans during a recent appearance at a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The congressman indicated “a top priority” is fighting to improve and expand veterans’ health care benefits and offerings.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis

“The veterans are a big deal for me,” said Bilirakis, the featured guest speaker at the chamber’s August luncheon at Fox Hollow Golf Club, in Trinity.

Bilirakis, who serves as vice chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, outlined several pieces of legislation that would provide veterans “the health care they deserve.”

One such bill that he’s introduced — Protection for Veterans Burn Pit Exposure Act of 2018 (HR 6582) — would allow veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan to immediately access the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) medical care and disability benefits by providing a presumption of service connection.

Bilirakis cited a correlation between burn pit exposure causing cancer, and other lung and respiratory problems.

The VA currently does not recognize toxic burn pit exposure as a contributing factor to the development of such illnesses.

He compared the burn pit issue to veterans who had been exposed to Agent Orange in earlier wars and died while the VA took decades to study its effects.

“A lot of heroes are coming home and they’re sick — some have passed away,” Bilirakis said. “I don’t want to see another Agent Orange issue.”

Ensuring veterans’ access to dental care is another undertaking, the congressman said.

Last year, Bilirakis introduced the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act, to require the VA to put in place a four-year pilot program providing dental care for veterans.

Current law places limitations on the availability of dental care for veterans through the VA. Access to VA dental care is primarily restricted to patients with a 100 percent disability rating, former prisoners of war, and a few special exceptions.

“Right now, it’s extremely limited,” Bilirakis said of veterans’ access to dental care, noting such preventive health care could result in lower overall health care costs for the VA.

“We want to make sure every veteran, ultimately, has an opportunity to get dental care,” he said.

“First of all, we’ve got to take care of our veterans. Secondly, we’re going to save money on the backend — if we take care of our veterans,” Bilirakis said.

Since 2015, he has partnered with the West Pasco Dental Association and Pasco-Hernando State College to highlight the need for VA dental care, and to provide free treatment for local veterans at the Stars, Stripes and Smiles event.

Bilirakis also mentioned the need for wholesale improvements to the VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life.

Said Bilirakis: “It takes what, six months to train a soldier, and then, they get a week in the TAP program? That’s not enough to get them back into society, find them jobs and treat any issues they may have.”

Remedying some of those problems within TAP are already in progress.

Last month the House passed the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act (HR 5649), which would provide grants to organizations that deliver veteran job readiness services, such as resume building and interview training, while connecting veterans with businesses in their community.

Bilirakis also touched on some of his other legislative priorities — mental health, the opioid crisis and improving care for people with congenital heart disease. He also stressed the importance of increased bipartisanship “for the good of the country.”

Bilirakis receives award
During the luncheon, Bilirakis also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award, which he received in recognition of his support of pro-growth policies in the first session of the 115th Congress.

The annual award was given to 249 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 48 members of the U.S. Senate.

During the first session of the 115th Congress, the Chamber scored members on seven Senate votes, including those on tax reform legislation and the confirmation of Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch; and 14 House votes, including votes on tax reform legislation, access to Medicare, and lawsuit abuse. Various votes in support of small businesses were scored, too.

Members who supported the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of those votes qualify to receive the award; Bilirakis had a 93 percent voting record.

“I guess I earned it,” Bilirakis said of the award.  “I’m a pro-business guy, I’m a small business guy, and, I know that these tax breaks are going to really do a lot,” he said.

“We want you to grow, we want you to innovate, and hire more employees at a higher rate. Things are going good right now, and we have to keep it going,” Bilirakis said.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Published August 15, 2018

Woodland Elementary School gets new look

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Students and staff arriving this week at Woodland Elementary School for a new academic year found a campus that has undergone a substantial renovation.

The $12 million project included $9 million in construction costs and $3 million for other expenses, including furniture, architectural fees, materials testing, telecommunications, district staff and other costs, according to Mike Gude, director of construction services and code compliance for Pasco County Schools.

An exterior view of a new building at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The renovation of the school at 38203 Henry Drive included the addition of more than 100 paved parking spaces, a new and expanded administration suite, 12 additional classrooms, a new art room, two new music rooms, an expanded student drop-off loop for parents, and a renovated kitchen and cafeteria, with a multipurpose room and stage, according to a school district news release.

Woodland Principal Shauntte Butcher recently gave a look at the upgraded facility to school district officials, including School Board member Allan Altman and schools Superintendent Kurt Browning. That tour was recorded on a video that’s available on YouTube.

During that video, Altman recalled visiting Woodland in 2007 to meet with the former principal Kim Poe, who showed him the school’s need for renovations.

Funding for the improvements came through the passage of the Penny for Pasco, which voters extended in 2012.

Cafeteria workers have a renovated kitchen at Woodland Elementary School.

“Today is just so exciting,” Altman said on the video, referring to the project’s completion.

He noted he was pleased “to see a beautiful school that’s going to serve the students and the families of the Zephyrhills area for years and years to come.”

As Butcher made her way around campus, she said the new cafeteria can serve twice as many students at once, allowing the school to trim down time needed to serve lunch each day.

The old cafeteria is now four classrooms, and the old kitchen is now a lab for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Other improvements include new furniture for the school’s existing classrooms, media center and teacher workroom, Butcher said.

Restrooms were updated, too.

When the school was built in 1976, it was designed for 652 students. As enrollment grew, more and more portable classrooms were moved onto campus to accommodate students.

The school’s new capacity is 900.

Published August 15, 2018

Political Agenda 08/15/2018

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Pasco elections supervisor addresses election security
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley issued this statement on Aug. 9, regarding election security in Pasco County.

“As an election administrator in the nation’s largest battleground state, my fellow SOE’s and I are highly cognizant of the ongoing and evolving threats to elections security,” Corley said, in the statement published on the Supervisor of Elections’ website.

“Supervisors of Elections throughout Florida have been working extensively for some time with our state and Federal partners, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has been invaluable in assisting myself and my team in preparing for and ensuring response to a myriad of threats.

“Pasco County has modeled our approach and focus on Prevention, Mitigation and Response to both physical and cyber threats. Currently, there is no indication that Pasco County systems have been penetrated. If the voter registration system becomes unavailable on Election Day, all polling locations are issued a paper backup precinct register. If a voter’s eligibility cannot be determined at the polls, provisional ballots are available to ensure that every voter can cast a ballot on Election Day.

“We will continue to be hyper vigilant to these real and emerging threats. Please know that we are ready to respond.”

The Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections also released a statement, which can be viewed from the homepage of PascoVotes.com.

Republican Club of Central Pasco
The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Aug. 27. Rep. Amber Mariano will be the guest speaker. She will discuss legislative issues and her re-election bid for State House Rep. District 36. The meeting is open to the public, and the club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. A social begins at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Endorsements
Dr. Linda Jack, candidate for State House District 36, has received the endorsement of Ruth’s List Florida, according to Jack’s campaign.

Published August 15, 2018

Storeright Self Storage to open in Lutz

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Construction workers are clearing land and building mini-warehouses for a new Storeright Self Storage facility in Lutz.

The project, at Crystal Grove Boulevard and U.S. 41, comes nearly 18 years after the Hillsborough County Commission approved a plan to allow about 75,000 square feet of offices, restaurants, drugstores and child care centers. Big box retail was banned.

However, in October 2017, county commissioners agreed that a second option for self-storage also would be allowed.

Representatives for Storeright proposed a project of up to 92,000 square feet of mini-warehouses, with space also available for boat and RV storage.

In June, county commissioners approved a request for a minor modification to the site plan that permits a septic tank system on the site.

Storeright representatives weren’t available for comment.

According to the company website, the family owned company, based in Lakeland, was founded in 2010, and has 14 self-storage locations in Florida.

Storeright’s facilities have both non-climate controlled and climate-controlled storage options, and many accommodate boat, automobile and RV storage.

The approximately 14-acre site is across from Walgreen’s drugstore on U.S. 41, and opposite the McDonald’s restaurant, off Crystal Grove Boulevard. The CSX rail line runs past the property, along the state highway.

The Florida Department of Transportation owns a small parcel, with a fenced-off retention pond, adjacent to the self-storage site.

According to county records from land use hearings, the site proved difficult to market due to nearly 5 acres of wetlands.

Hillsborough County records show Storeright Lutz XV LLC purchased the property in April for $725,000.

At a 2017 public hearing before a Hillsborough County land use hearing officer, four area residents objected to the project.

According to county records, they expressed concerns about drainage, traffic and decreased property values.

The hearing officer recommended approval of the project, with conditions.

Published August 15, 2018