The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

School board seeks higher impact fees

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Pasco County School Board members are asking the Pasco County Commission to significantly boost school impact fees charged against new residential construction.

The board voted on Dec. 20 to seek impact fees of $9,174 for single-family detached residences; $3,693 for single-family attached residences; $5,382 for multi-family dwellings; and $5,634 for mobile homes.

New home construction in the Wiregrass Ranch area, and in other communities, is causing enrollments to rise in area schools.
(File Photos)

That compares to the current rates of $4,876.28 for single-family detached; $1,757.40 for single-family attached; $1,873.55 for multifamily; and, $2,871.43 for mobile homes.

In Pasco County, a school impact fee is assessed on the builder for the construction of every new home with the exception of 55 and older communities.

The theory behind impact fees is that new growth should pay for itself, instead of increasing the burden on existing residents.

Pasco County’s school impact fees have not increased since 2005, but continued residential growth in the county is generating increased student enrollment. The county initially adopted impact fees in 2001.

The new rates being proposed now are based on an impact fee study commissioned by the school board. The analysis was conducted by Tischler Bise, a consulting firm based in Bethesda, Maryland.

“We have a new impact fee study that is recommending that we impose a larger fee on housing construction in Pasco County,” Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent said, during the board’s Dec. 20 meeting.

“We’re in a county that’s in a very high-growth trend,” Gadd said.

“As you well know, from Wesley Chapel to Trinity and up (U.S.) Highway 41, the building industry in Pasco County is exploding,” he added.

Carson Bise, president of the Tischler Bise, who addressed the board also had held an impact fee workshop with board members before the evening meeting.

Wiregrass Elementary School opened in August to help relieve crowding in nearby schools. Pasco County Schools can’t build schools fast enough to accommodate the district’s increasing enrollment.

At the evening session, Bise said, “We’ve made some, what we think are rather conservative projections of students over the next five- to 10 years, based on the most recent building permit trend.

“However, I would argue that that building permit trend is likely to increase in the future.

“Just with this conservative growth estimate, we estimate over 5,200 new students over the next five years and almost 10,500 students over the next 10 years,” he said.

“To give you a better flavor, the average annual increase of students over the last four years has been about 1,400, and this year’s increase in new students was over 1,800.

“We expect this growth trend to continue.

“The district’s response to this growth, in addition to the two new schools that you have opening next year, which is Cypress Creek (Middle/High) and Bexley (Elementary), the district also has plans to open four additional schools over the next 10 years, which would add approximately 6,500 student seats.

“The cost of those schools is estimated at $196 million. So, it’s clear that substantial revenue is needed to fund the growth-related capacity,” Bise said.

The district doesn’t have enough money to pay for anticipated growth, the consultant added.

Increased revenues from impact fees could be used to build new schools, add capacity to existing schools, purchase buses, furniture and fixtures.

The school board cannot increase the fees because that authority rests with the Pasco County Commission, Bise said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said the commission has not yet received a formal request to increase school impact fees from the school board.

He said he is willing to look at the issue and wants to form a committee.

Moore said he thinks the impact fee committee should be appointed by both the commission and the school board, and should have representatives from the housing industry, as well as parents.

He would like that committee to come up with a recommendation.

Moore also wants commissioners to have the opportunity to ask questions of the consultant who recommended the proposed increases.

The commission chairman also wants to find out more about the history of school impact fees in Pasco, as well as what the other sources of school funding are and how they are used.

He thinks that the issue is important enough that commissioners should consider having a workshop on the topic, to ensure they have enough time for questions and discussion.

Published January 4, 2017

Pasco wants more state funding

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Pasco County commissioners have approved a list of local priorities for the 2017 legislative session, seeking to add state funds to the county’s coffers.

Commissioners want more state money for road construction, storm water improvements, efforts to fight blight and help the homeless population, and other projects.

The list of county priorities is expected to be presented to the local legislative delegation before the next session begins on March 7.

Members of the public also will have a chance to let the delegation know their priorities at a delegation meeting on Jan. 18 at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

Members of Pasco County’s legislative delegation are Rep. Richard Corcoran, who will serve as speaker of the house; Rep. Amber Mariano; Rep. Danny Burgess; Sen. Wilton Simpson; Sen. Jack Latvala; and, Sen. Tom Lee.

The local delegation meeting is held each year before the Florida Legislature convenes. Committee meetings in advance of the 2017 session began in early December.

About 100 people attended last year’s delegation meeting, with individuals and organizations pitching for projects or legislative bills.

The Pasco County Commission’s priority list includes:

  • $15 million in state money for the Interstate 75 at Overpass Road/New Interstate Interchange
  • $1 million for a “navigation center” for the homeless population, with a focus on shelter, jobs and education
  • $2.5 million for stormwater mitigation through culvert repairs
  • $5 million revolving loan for the Pasco Prosperity Program to help small business owners in blighted areas along corridors such as U.S. 19, U.S. 41 and U.S. 301.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the prosperity program can help business owners spruce up their properties with upgraded signage, landscaping or “whatever it takes.”

Owners sometimes don’t have the funds to make improvements to their businesses, Starkey said. “I’m trying to give the small business owner a leg up. I see this as a key. I hope we can get this done,” she said.
Requests that make it into the state’s budget will be scrutinized by Gov. Rick Scott, who can use his line item veto to slash specific projects.

Last year, Scott cut about $256 million in local requests statewide from a budget of about $82 billion. Pasco had winners and losers.

Among the winners was the STEM aeronautics academy at Sunlake High School and other locations, with $750,000 in state funds; and, the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, with $450,000. The county also got $400,000 for a storm water project.

But, Scott also eliminated an $11 million request for a proposed performing arts center at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Those who lobby on behalf of Pasco budget requests are likely to face challenges.

Estimates for the next state budget show a potential shortfall of about $3 billion.

“It’s going to be tough this year,” predicted Ralph Lair, the county’s governmental affairs officer.

What: Legislative delegation meeting, open to the public
When: Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Signup: If you want to speak at the meeting, complete an e-form by following the link – http://bit.ly/2gVEmxW. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 16.

Revised Jan. 4, 2017

Piano enthusiast opens Lutz store

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Michael Pratt never owned a piano as an adolescent.

He now owns a shop full of them.

Last month, the 45-year-old Pratt opened Picarzo Pianos, 23916 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Michael Pratt opened Picarzo Pianos in December. Located off of State Road 54, the Lutz shop offers upright and grand pianos made by both Hailun and Steinway.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

As one of the few piano dealers in the Tampa area, the small, boutique shop specializes in Steinway and Hailun grand and upright pianos.

The store also offers restored, early 20th century pianos, with relics built as far back as 1904.

For the Land O’ Lakes resident, the new store is a labor of love — and a dream come true.

As a young boy growing up in New York, Pratt had a curiosity about the acoustic, stringed musical instrument. Though his family never owned a piano, he always made an effort to bang on some of the 88 keys whenever he visited friends’ houses.

“I didn’t really know much about what a piano was,” Pratt said. “I would just hit the key…and I would just hear that sound in the air, and it’s like: ‘What a unique noise.’”

He added: “I was just in love with playing it, creating music, creating something — a sound from nothing.”

As he grew older, his fascination didn’t waver.

Upon graduating from New York City’s Columbia University, Pratt owned a synthesizer and a digital piano. He eventually worked his way up to an upright piano, and then a 7-foot Kawai grand.

He moved to Tampa in 2003.

That’s when Pratt began collecting used Steinway pianos.

He would have the instruments refurbished, and sell to customers nationwide through eBay.

Meanwhile, he searched far and wide for “unloved” pianos to fix up.

The hobby, Pratt said, proved “very rewarding.”

“I love helping people,” Pratt said. “I help one family get rid of an instrument that they had no use for, and I help get it to another family who loved it and wanted to start the joy of music.”

Over the course of a decade, his side business outgrew his house.

Michael Pratt also sells restored and refurbished pianos from the 20th century.

Pianos could be found in just about every part in the downstairs of Pratt’s home. To his wife’s chagrin, Pratt placed them in the living room, the dining room and even in the garage.

“When I put another upright in the family room — next to the TV — that’s when my wife was like, ‘What are you doing?’”

That’s when the idea for opening a local piano store was born.

“My wife was going to throw me out,” he said, jokingly.

Pratt initially figured he would just use the Lutz storefront to stock his excess pianos, alongside 14 new Hailun models.

He has plans of grandeur in mind, however.

The storeowner dreams the showroom will become a hangout amongst other piano lovers in the neighborhood.

“I want the piano players in this area to have a resource,” he said. “We can congregate, we can talk; they can play some amazing pianos, and we can just have an amazing time.”

He continued: “At some point, I’d like to have concerts here — try and get 50 people sitting down and listening to a top quality piano player.”

Pratt, too, hopes the store will serve as a springboard for reviving youth music education. In fact, he’s already designated three back rooms for piano lessons.

“The idea is to offer a place for local piano teachers to one day teach local students,” he said. “I believe that kids in the neighborhood should learn music; I think it’s been dying out.”

He added: “Music is…just an important part of life, and to see classical music and stuff fading — I just want to bring it back somehow.”

Despite a hectic schedule that includes a full-time career in the health care industry, Pratt still makes an effort to play the keys everyday.

Though, he admits he’s “not very good.”

“I play just for the enjoyment,” Pratt said. “In fact, I think my 8-year-old has surpassed me; I hear him playing Christmas songs, and I feel like, ‘Oh, my goodness, he’s better than I am.’”

Pratt’s preferred music of choice — anything classical.

He noted he has a particular appreciation for compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.

“That’s music,” he said. “You hear it, and it just sounds interesting; more so than the current popular music that’s out there that’s three chords — that’s got its place, too.”

Yet, Pratt’s also a fan of more contemporary 20th century composers, like Michael Feinstein, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hammerstein.

“I fell in love with that kind of music,” he said.

To Pratt, all acoustic pianos are “living instruments.”

Two identical models, for example, can have a “completely different tone and pitch,” Pratt said.

It’s another reason he remains enamored by them.

“It has its own character; every one has a unique personality,” he said. “They’re just gorgeous instruments.”

Picarzo Pianos is open for daily appointments between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular store hours are Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit Picarzo.com, or call (813) 586-3320.

Published January 4, 2017

State college clears the air – of smoke

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The campuses of Pasco-Hernando State College will become smoke-free and tobacco-free zones effective Aug. 14, 2017.

The college’s District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 15 to expand an existing policy that prohibits smoking in college buildings and “workplace” areas, but allows smoking in designated areas.

That means smoking and other forms of tobacco will be banned entirely on the college’s campuses, said Courtney Boettcher, assistant director of marketing and communications at PHSC.

The no-smoking, no-tobacco rule will apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, E-cigarettes and any vaporizing devices, such as hookah pipes. Snuff and chewing tobacco also will be prohibited. The rule applies to students, faculty, visitors, vendors and others who come on campus.

Trustees approved the campus-wide ban “to promote the health and wellness of its students and employees, as well as a safe, comfortable environment for all who work, study, conduct business, or visit the college,” according to college documents.

The coverage area includes all properties leased and owned by the college. The college’s fleet of vehicles also will be smoke-free and tobacco-free, whether on or off campus.

The ban goes along with a national trend among colleges and universities to create smoke-free and tobacco-free campuses.

Hillsborough Community College also has such a policy, and the University of South Florida adopted a no smoking policy in January 2016.

In 2011, there were more than 580 smoke-free colleges and universities in the nation, according to the Association for Nonsmokers Rights.

As of October 2016, the nonprofit reported more than 1,700 schools with smoking and tobacco bans.

About 1,400 of that total includes schools that also ban tobacco use of any kind, and more than 1,200 that ban E-cigarettes.

Officials at PHSC will help ease people into the new policy.

During the transition, an ad hoc committee of students, faculty, staff and administrators will help spread the word on the tougher policy.

Free smoking cessation programs also will be available before and after the transition for students, faculty, staff members and other employees.

Published January 4, 2017

Residents pitch in to get rid of hazardous waste

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Pasco County residents unloaded an impressive 27 tons of hazardous waste during the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative, according to a news release from Pasco County.

County employees counted more than 570 cars and trucks as residents delivered hazardous waste for disposal during the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County)

It was the most successful mobile hazardous waste collection event Charles Ryburn can recall in his six years as the county’s environmental manager.

The chemical collection total nearly doubled from 2015, reported Ryburn in a written statement.

“Waste reduction, pollution prevention and removing chemicals from the solid waste stream are critical, and Pasco County residents are helping make that happen,” Ryburn said.

Residents dropped off more than 13,000 pounds of latex paint for the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative for 2016.

Nearly 570 cars and trucks pulled into the parking lot of the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey on Dec. 3 to drop off hazardous waste.

The following is a list of items disposed:

  • 13,266 pounds of latex paint
  • 8,211 pounds of household chemicals
  • 115 lead acid batteries
  • 450 pounds of household batteries
  • 33 propane tanks
  • 275 gallons of used oil, antifreeze and gasoline
  • 250 mercury-containing lamps
  • 23,667 pounds of electronics recycling

Pasco County staff manages and operates two hazardous household waste centers for the safe handling, processing, and proper disposal of all wastes.

Hazardous waste brought to the centers by county residents are either recycled or sent out to a permitted hazardous waste management facility for treatment.

For more information, call (813) 929-2755, ext. 6896, or visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published January 4, 2017

 

2016 marked by rapid growth, touching moments

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The national election captured headlines and attention, but 2016 was an eventful year in many other ways, as well, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The big story is the region’s growth.

Eighty-eight-year-old Angel Torres, center, a veteran from Puerto Rico and a resident of the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, is being positioned to have his photograph taken by Mark Fosket, of Valrico, during the ‘Honor Flight’ ceremony at the nursing home. Gabrielle Perrella, a volunteer from Baltimore, Maryland, who is dressed in a uniform costume, posed with each veteran for their portrait.
(File Photos)

New houses are popping up all over the place, with developments such as Long Lake Ranch, Estancia at Wiregrass Ranch, Connerton, Bexley and Asturia, just some of the residential communities beckoning to buyers.

Pasco County is on the move in many other ways, too.

A futuristic, technology-based network of communities across 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County is in its planning stages.

Raymond James Financial has closed on a deal to buy 65 acres across from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, with the financial services giant expected to have hundreds of workers in Pasco County at some point.

Florida Hospital Center Ice — a new 150,000-square-foot hockey arena and sports complex — is nearly set to open, and that is expected to be a big draw for both tournaments and tourists.

And then, there’s the commercial development that continues to transform the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, especially near the Interstate75/State Road 56 interchange.

Just in that vicinity alone, there’s Tampa Premium Outlets, Longhorn Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A and Culver’s.

A 186,000-square-foot Costco Wholesale is expected to open in February, with an estimated 200 employees.

A historic photo of a baptism of members of the First Baptist Church of Lutz.

Just across the road, on the north side of State Road 56, Cypress Creek Town Center — another shopping development — is being built.

There are also plans for a new cinema, grocery store, apartments, shops and restaurants next to The Shops at Wiregrass, off State Road 56.

Of course, all of this growth is compounding traffic problems on area roads — and numerous projects are underway or are expected to begin work in coming years.

Improvements are expected to begin near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange. Wesley Chapel Boulevard is slated to be widened. An extension of State Road 56 is planned between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, and discussion continues about the best solution for reducing congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

Growth is putting the squeeze on schools, too.

Pasco County Schools can’t keep pace with growing enrollments.

The district opened Wiregrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel, in August, to reduce crowding at area schools.

In the coming school year, it plans to open Bexley Elementary and Cypress Creek Middle/High.

Bexley is being built in a new subdivision off State Road 54. Cypress Creek Middle/High is going up on Old Pasco Road.

School board members gave preliminary approval for boundaries for Bexley and Cypress Creek at a contentious public hearing on Dec. 20. A final vote is expected on Jan. 17.

But, school board members and Superintendent Kurt Browning said the new schools fall far short of addressing district needs. They want the Pasco County Commission to require new residential construction to pay higher impact fees to support school construction.

Paramedic John Ward helps Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles that lit up her 103rd birthday cake at a party at Heritage Park in Dade City.

While growth and its ripple effects clearly dominated the news, there were plenty of other notable moments within the region during 2016.

For instance, there were heroics in everyday life.

On June 3, a fire claimed the life of a tiny black Chihuahua named Peanut, but not until after the dog’s persistent barking saved the life of three generations of a Lutz family.

Later that same week, quick actions by a student at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel averted potential tragedy at the international boarding school for aspiring golf and tennis players.

A student smelled smoke, investigated, pulled the alarm and help to ensure that all 28 students and two adults got out of the dorm safely.

It took 55 firefighters more than 1 ½ hours to put out the blaze.

This past year also was one of milestones and celebrations.

The First Baptist Church in Lutz celebrated its 75th anniversary, The San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival turned a half-century, Cox Elementary School turned 90 and the Town of St. Leo marked its 125th anniversary.

On a more personal note, Sister Helen Lange, of Dade City, received a surprise cake to mark her 103rd year on Sept. 28 in Dade City, and Nellie and Gain Hughs Bailey Sr., of Lutz, celebrated 70 years of married life on March 31.

There were inspiring moments, too.

Hundreds of people turned out for the “Honor Flight” celebration on Aug. 20, at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Home in Land O’ Lakes. The event provided a virtual tour of the nation’s war monuments because these veterans are unable to make the trip to Washington D.C.

The stands were also filled at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High School, in North Tampa, to attend the June 15 vigil to honor Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, one of 49 people killed during a mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

There was the inspiring message, too, from Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who spoke at two days of gatherings at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Ilibagiza’s family, friends and other members of her tribe were brutally murdered in Rwanda, but through her faith, she was able to forgive the killers.

Forgiveness, the genocide survivor said, brings freedom.

Published December 28, 2016

Local senior wins app contest

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Nikhil Dutt has big aspirations.

He wants to become “the next Steve Jobs.”

And, like the co-founder of Apple Inc., he has a craving for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nikhil Dutt, a Land O’ Lakes High senior, developed a desktop app, ‘Student Toolbox,’ to help students organize their classwork. It was selected as the winner of 2016 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 12th Congressional District. 
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

So, it may not be surprising that the 17-year-old Land O’ Lakes high school senior developed his own desktop computer application, as a side interest.

It’s called ‘Student Toolbox,’ and it aims to simplify the lives of students.

Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for students to organize their schoolwork.

Built through a Microsoft Access coding program, ‘Student Toolbox’ helps students organize tasks, with tools such as reminders for when an assignment is due; an address book that helps students connect with teachers and their peers; and, the ability to map out their classrooms by uploading maps of the school.

The toolbox also features a “Media” button to upload podcasts, assignments and lectures from classes or other online resources.

“It’s something that I felt is useful, so I wanted to apply it to other people,” Dutt said.

It was enough to catch the attention of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, who recently announced Dutt as the winner of 2016 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.

“I am very impressed with Nikhil’s app, and can envision ‘Student Toolbox’ being used by high school students across the country,” Bilirakis said, in a statement. “Coding and app development are important skills for the 21st century, and it is great to see these skills being embraced right here in Pasco County.”

The Congressional App Challenge drew more than 2, 150 student competitors across the nation. Winners were selected from 123 congressional districts.

The contest aims to encourage students to design their own original smartphone or desktop apps, promoting computer science and STEM education in schools.

App submissions were judged by a panel made up of teachers, and various tech professionals and entrepreneurs.

‘Student Toolbox’ is essentially a one-stop shop for students to organize their schoolwork. Built through a Microsoft Access coding program, the app helps students organize tasks, with tools such as reminders for assignment due dates; connect with teachers and peers through an address book; and, map out their classrooms by uploading maps of the school.

Criteria included quality of the idea (including creativity and originality); implementation of the idea (including user experience and design); and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.

When Dutt first heard about the challenge, he figured he’d give it a shot.

He noted the contest was “the best way for me to express my admiration” of entrepreneurship.

To brush up on application coding, Dutt turned to instructional videos on YouTube.

“It’s amazing the amount of free resources you can get online,” he said.

Dutt’s creation took about a year to complete.

“Every weekend, I would work on it for a few hours, here and there,” he said. “The idea started developing in my head and then, over time, I turned it into a product.”

Dutt acknowledged the app is still undergoing beginning testing stages. However, he hopes schools can someday use it, once updates and revisions are made.

In the meantime, Dutt is already brainstorming other app developments, including a medical-based program to assist surgeons.

That app, in theory, would allow for surgeons “to draw out a picture” of procedures, instead of having nurses write them down.

His parents, who are both medical doctors, influenced that idea. His father is an ophthalmologist and his mother is a radiation oncologist.

Dutt — like many other students in the school’s rigorous International Baccalaureate program— serves in several school organizations.

He is the president of the school’s American Red Cross Club; he’s also a member of the Model UN Club and the Future Business Leaders of America.

“I have a lot of different passions,” the high school senior said.

Over the long term, Dutt envisions owning his own company, and helping others globally through computer science and technology.

While he one day hopes to make the same kind of impact as the former Apple CEO did, Dutt knows those aspirations are a long way off.

“It’s a bit of a stretch,” the aspiring entrepreneur said.

Published December 28, 2016

Overpass Road/I-75 interchange under review

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About 100 residents had the chance to see the design for a proposal to widen and extend Overpass Road at a public hearing on Dec. 15, but the project is years away from construction.

The project, estimated at $220 million, calls for widening and extending Overpass Road, aligning it with Fairview Heights and Kossik roads, and building a new Interstate 75 interchange.

The nearly 9-mile project is driven by a rapidly changing landscape that developers are tapping into for homes, employment centers and shops.

The proposed plan was outlined at the public hearing at the First Congregation Church of Zephyrhills.

In addition to a new I-75 interchange, the road would be widened to four lanes, or six lanes in some sections, from Old Pasco Road to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. Construction on the interchange – the only partially funded phase of the project – is scheduled in 2020.

Pasco County has about $32 million budgeted for the estimated $64 million interchange. Additional state funds will be sought in 2017.

Pasco, with the Florida Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, is completing a study of the project before committing to its construction.

A no-build alternative also is an option.

A decision is anticipated by spring 2017.

At the hearing, residents could view maps and ask questions. They also viewed a video explaining the project.

During a public comment period, one property owner raised concern about access to property abutting I-75. Others opted instead for written comments, which were accepted by the state department of transportation through Dec. 27.

Many people at the meeting had questions about construction, increasing traffic and future plans to buy right-of-way.

Lorri and David Blommel, who live off Kossik Road, had mixed views of the project.

Lori Blommel had some questions: “How are we going to get out of our little place across four lanes of highway? How’s that going to work?”

But, an improved roadway, with an Overpass extension, also would provide a quicker, more direct route to Wesley Chapel.

David Blommel said a 30-minute trip could be shortened to 10 minutes.

The entire length of roadway is quickly transforming. Vacant land is becoming home to new subdivisions to join existing ones, such as the Villages at Pasadena Hills.

Metro Development Group recently broke ground on a 7-acre manmade Crystal Lagoon on Epperson Ranch at Overpass and Curley roads. The master-planned community will add thousands of homes, as well as employment opportunities to the area as part of the state-approved Connected City corridor.

The state’s 10-year pilot program focuses on about 7,800 acres to encourage development of new neighborhoods and stimulate job growth with cutting edge technology. Total build out is about 50 years into the future.

Currently, Overpass is an east-west road that runs from Old Pasco Road to just less than a mile east of Boyette Road. The road falls between State Road 52 and County Road 54. It crosses I-75, but it isn’t connected to the interstate.

The project would widen Overpass from two lanes to four lanes, from Old Pasco to I-75. A diverging diamond interchange would be built with a connection to Overpass.

In addition, Blair Drive, which currently links to Overpass near I-75, would be closed. A new, two-lane paved road would be built with a connection to Old Pasco.

When the Overpass extension is complete, the road would intersect with Handcart Road. From there, the road name changes to Fairview Heights Road and later becomes Kossik Road. The project ends where Kossik intersects with U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Plans, long range, are to widen Overpass Road from I-75 to Boyette Road to six lanes, plus two auxiliary lanes. From Boyette Road to U.S. 301, the road also would widen to six lanes.

The project dates to 2003 and the Overpass Road Route Study. Since then, the plan has taken shape from additional studies and public workshops.

Published December 28, 2016

School boundaries gain preliminary approval

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The Pasco County School Board has given preliminary approval to new school boundaries for the 2017-2018 school year.

The board’s action came after a contentious public hearing on the proposed boundaries for Cypress Creek Middle/High School, set to open in fall 2017.

The proposed boundaries for Bexley Elementary, being built off State Road 54, on the other hand, drew no public opposition.

Bexley is intended to reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools. The proposed boundaries also provide additional students for Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Kurt Browning

Cypress Creek Middle/High School will open initially for students in sixth through 11th grades, and will add a senior class during its second year of operations.

Its proposed boundaries will affect Rushe, John Long and Weightman middle schools, and for Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Despite considerable opposition, school board members supported Superintendent Kurt Browning’s recommended option for the Cypress Creek Middle/High boundaries.

Some speakers criticized Browning and questioned his motives for disregarding the boundary committee’s recommended option and substituting his own recommendation.

Others, however, applauded Browning, saying his option makes the most sense.

In a letter to parents, Browning said his recommended option would result in the least disruption and avoid the possibility of Seven Oaks being rezoned twice in as few as four years.

School board member Steve Luikart did not support any of the proposed boundaries.

Instead, Luikart said if students need to be rezoned, it should only be at the end of elementary school or middle school.

Rezoning them at any other time is disruptive, Luikart said.

School Board Chairman Allen Altman said after reading scores of emails, he came to the conclusion that even people living in the same community can’t agree on the best solution.

In the end, board members have to do their own due diligence, Altman said.

Colleen Beaudoin, who joined the board this year, was taking part in her first rezoning process. She said she found it heartbreaking to see neighborhoods pitted against each other.

Board members Cynthia Armstrong and Alison Crumbley said they understand that parents don’t want their children rezoned, and they emphasized they don’t take the issue lightly.

While some people were thrilled by the board’s vote to back Browning’s recommendation, others were clearly dejected.

The board is slated to take final action on school boundaries for 2017-2018 at its Jan. 17 meeting.

For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/planning/rezoning/.

Published December 28, 2016

Inspiring hope through origami cranes

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Tina So and Mia Thielbar were pre-International Baccalaureate freshman at Land O’ Lakes High School when they began a project they call “Cranes for Cancer.”

Now, more than three years later, they are seniors — and they are still involved with the project to handcraft paper origami cranes for people afflicted with cancer.

The goal is to instill hope, and the idea was spawned in August 2013.

Mia Thielbar, left, and Tina So handcraft origami paper cranes for cancer patients. The initiative, which began in 2013, seeks to inspire hope for those battling cancer.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

At the time, Marilyn Ling, a reading teacher at the high school, was battling ovarian cancer. As a show of empathy, So and Thielbar together assembled 1,000 paper cranes after their Inquiry Skills teacher, Angelle Damalos, relayed the gesture’s significance in class one day.

In Japanese culture, cranes are a traditional sign of long life and good fortune. Other cultures, meanwhile, fold 1,000 paper stars to make a wish.

The ambitious crane project took four months to complete.

They first used post-it notes, then progressed to traditional origami paper.

Cranes were also sculpted in an assortment of colors — pink, gold and blue.

“We had one that would flap,” So said, “and, we had one that just looks prettier because it has a stomach to it.”

It required some trial and error.

“At first, it took us a while,” So said. “Initially, we were not very good at it.”

Eventually, they improved.

“We worked consistently,” Thielbar said. “We did it everyday; whenever there was free time in class, we’d work on it.”

The pair never actually met Ling.

“(Ling) was sick, and she didn’t want us to see her in her condition,” So said.

Damalos, instead, presented the 1,000 cranes to her that December.

Ling passed away in April 2014.

The students, however, have continued their efforts.

They’ve since volunteered at Shriner’s Hospital in Tampa, where they distributed over 500 cranes to children surgical patients.

In multiple hospital visits, So and Thielbar taught patients the origami art form, and assisted them with crane decorations.

“It’s sort of a distraction for them,” Thielbar said, “so that they’re not as worried to…see the doctor.”

The pair, too, sold cranes at various Relay for Life events, helping to raise money for cancer-afflicted patients.

“We always have wanted to share cranes with people,” Thielbar said. “We make them whenever we can.”

The cranes, they believe, help cancer sufferers hold onto their faith during personal struggles.

“Positivity can change everything,” So said. “Even if it can’t cure you, it can prolong your life; you can enjoy that prolonged time.

“Without hope, it’s a losing battle.”

The philanthropic journey has been fulfilling — for both.

“I really enjoy reaching out to people like that,” So said, “and it has inspired me to be a better person, like evaluate my actions and values. Overall, it just really makes me feel really good to help people.”

“We just want to serve as more of an inspiration to our peers — to be more kind toward other people,” said Thielbar, “and respectful of the things they might be going through.”

In other words, expressing sympathy.

“That’s one of the values that I feel is being lost in our culture,” Thielbar said.

“A lot of people are losing empathy and compassion, and generosity towards other people.”

Besides “Cranes for Cancer,” the duo has other grandiose plans on the horizon.

“We still want to continue the efforts of helping people,” Thielbar said, “but, we want to make a bigger impact. We’re still working on what would that impact be — how to affect more people.”

That may include additional fundraising efforts for cancer patients.

“I feel like that would make a bigger impact financially for a lot of people, because I know that’s a big struggle,” said Thielbar.

“But, we also want to be like an inspiration to other people.”

They’ve already inspired Jeff Morgenstein, an assistant principal.

“Seeing Mia and Tina use their creativity and compassion in order to improve the lives of others is greatly in tune with our (school) mission statement,” Morgenstein said, via email.

He continued: “To say that I’m proud of them is an understatement. It is through these meaningful actions here in the community that they are truly changing the world.”

Beyond high school, Thielbar plans to study educational administration at the University of South Florida, and aspires to become a school principal, someday.

So is considering the University of Florida, where she would like to study psychology.

Published December 28, 2016