Local News

Pasco officials push for trail loop

September 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

A decision is months away.

But much is at stake for whichever county secures the favor of the Florida Department of Transportation in choosing a 20-mile route for the Coast to Coast (C2C) Connector Trail.

State highway officials anticipate completing a feasibility study in June 2016 on a northern route through Hernando and Sumter County or a southern route through Pasco and Sumter County.

Dade City resident and professional cyclist Josh Thornton spoke in support of a Pasco recreational trail, and a proposal to build a loop from two separate trails. (Photos courtesy of Richard Riley) — Dade City resident and professional cyclist Josh Thornton spoke in support of a Pasco recreational trail, and a proposal to build a loop from two separate trails.
(Photos courtesy of Richard Riley)

Sumter County is the only sure winner in the construction of a major segment of the planned 275-mile trail that will link the state’s east and west coasts.

Florida DOT representatives from District 5 presented a slide show on the study and the routes during a Sept. 10 board member of the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization.

About 35 people attended the meeting including area residents, elected officials and FDOT representatives from District 7 and District 5.

For Pasco MPO members, it was a chance to make the case for the southern route, but also to push for construction of a loop that would be created by building both routes.

Except as a future project, however, FDOT officials didn’t encourage hope for the loop.

“That can be a suggestion. It’s something you need to work on with Sumter County and what their visions are on the Coast to Coast Connector (Trail),” said Lee Royal, government liaison for FDOT in District 7. “That would be a decision through the planning process.”

Pasco MPO Chairman Lance Smith said a loop is the type of trail ride that bicyclists enjoy, and this one would provide a round trip of nearly 45 miles. “You look for a loop more than an up and back (ride),” said Smith, who also serves on Zephyrhills City Council.

The northern route begins in Hernando, then heads southeast through Sumter, linking the cities of Center Hill and Webster before connecting with the Withlacoochee State Trail.

The southern route jogs through northeast Pasco, parallels State Road 50, and moves into the Withlacoochee Forest on its way to trails end in eastern Sumter.

John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, speaks in support of a recreational trail through Pasco County as others line up behind him at the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board meeting.

“That’s a real life line for us to have the southern route,” said Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez. She serves on the Pasco MPO.

Dade City and northeast Pasco are draws for hundreds of bicyclists who come weekly to enjoy the challenges of the area’s rolling hills.

“Our area is a mecca for cyclists,” said Josh Thornton. He is a former professional cyclist who lives in Dade City. “This is a big thing to have cyclists come to the area and support local businesses.”

He supports the southern route but he added, “It’s a great idea to have a loop.”

Pasco officials anticipate the construction of several trails that will link Pasco and Pinellas County, and eventually hook up with Suncoast Trail and Hernando. Work is underway on U.S. 301 on a multi-use trail that in future will link with the Hardy Trail, in Dade City.

The trail system and the bicycling community are part of Dade City’s identity, Hernandez said.

“We’re really working very, very hard to connect what we have here,” she said.

But the town of Webster is just as convinced that the trail can be its economic lifeline. Mayor Kelly Williams attended the meeting to make her city’s case.

She secured a grant for Webster to pay for an analysis of the economic impact of the trail on Webster’s local economy.

Portions of the analysis included studies of trails built in other areas, including Winter Garden in Orange County. The Orange County Trail study relied on data provided by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

The report noted that the southern route would produce nearly 33,000 annual user trips compared to nearly 29,000 on the northern route. However, more economic opportunities would be available, and more money generated along the northern route, according to the study.

The analysis focused on a 75-mile radius of Webster, which the study found would be a significant destination point for people following the Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway.

Local trail users on the southern route would spend about $9 per person while northern route users would spend more than $13. Annual spending on both routes would exceed $300,000 but the northern route would come out ahead by about $80,000, the study found.

The spending opportunities included restaurants, food and beverages, rental fees, guide maps/books and lodging.

Webster would see between $393,000 and nearly $500,000 pumped into the local economy, according to the study.

“It would be an unbelievable economic boon to Webster, having the trail go through there,” said Williams. “I will continue to fight for my city as I know you will for yours.”

One Webster resident, Thomas Parsons, told Pasco MPO members he doesn’t support either route. The best option, he said, would be for the trail to follow State Road 50 where the state already has rights of way.

The northern route crosses his driveway, Parsons said. And though he is not a hunter, Parsons said, people who use dogs to aid their hunting worry about lack of access to their hunting areas. “I think this is another attack on their rights,” he said.

Several Pasco MPO members took FDOT to task for what they saw as a snub to Pasco in the kick-off meeting for the feasibility study. About 120 people attended the meeting near Webster but MPO members said prior notification was insufficient.

Not surprisingly, most who attended were from Sumter and they favored the northern route, said Pasco County Chairman Ted Schrader.

In addition, members were upset that FDOT had no plans to schedule upcoming meetings in Pasco.

Royal said as many as 8,500 mailings were sent to people within 300 feet of the proposed corridors. Local governments also were notified, she said.

But Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells said he only recalls receiving an update after the meeting.

Two additional workshops will be scheduled in 2016. By the end of the meeting, FDOT officials agreed to hold one workshop in Pasco.

Published September 16, 2015

Hockey complex to open in spring

September 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

An anticipated opening for the Florida Hospital Center Ice complex will be delayed until spring 2016, largely due to a slower than expected wait on permitting.

Gordie Zimmermann, a partner in Z Mitch, said he expects construction to resume in the next weeks, with a scheduled completion in the first quarter of 2016.

“We’re in good shape,” Zimmermann said.

Initially, the opening for the sports complex, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., had been announced for the fall, potentially at the same time as the Tampa Premium Outlets. The outlet mall will open on Oct. 29.

Construction of the Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex is slated to start again soon after a delay in obtaining permits. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice) — Construction of the Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex is slated to start again soon after a delay in obtaining permits.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)

Both facilities are off State Road 56 at the Interstate 75 interchange.

A groundbreaking for the sports complex took place in March. The pre-construction work including underground utilities has been completed. But, the site has been inactive for several months.

The rainy season caused some delay, but Zimmermann said much of the slow down was due to mechanical and structural challenges from the refrigeration system for the ice rinks and the air conditioning.

“All that had to be organized properly so it fits,” he said. “It’s complicated.”

Florida Hospital, which purchased naming rights for the complex, is partnering with Z Mitch on the project. The facility’s name – Florida Hospital Center Ice – was announced in May.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will offer sports performance and injury prevention programs, along with orthopedic and outpatient rehabilitation services.

There will be four full-size ice rinks, and a mini-rink for ice hockey and figure skating. But the facility will be multipurpose for basketball and other sports, including soccer and lacrosse. Curling also is an anticipated sport.

A sports-themed family-style restaurant will be opened. Non-sports activities, such as dog shows and graduation ceremonies, are likely as well.

The sports complex is expected to be a venue that will host regional and even international youth hockey leagues, and global hockey tournaments.

Zimmermann said a hockey day at the site might be held by the end of the year. And, he said figure skating registration could take place in February.

Along with the permitting, Zimmermann said, “We’re moving ahead in proper sequence.”
Published September 16, 2015

She was a master at making connections

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Cindy Freeman worked in a job that required excellent networking skills.

Fortunately for her and the people she met, she had them.

The 57-year-old woman, from Land O’ Lakes, succumbed to her battle with esophageal cancer on Aug. 29. Her funeral services were on Sept. 2, at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes.

Freeman worked as the membership coordinator for The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce, helping new members become familiar with the community and helping established members make new connections.

She sincerely cared about helping others succeed, friends of Freeman said, during recent interviews.

So, when the 57-year-old woman from Land O’ Lakes became ill, her absence from Wesley Chapel functions was noticeable, said Ghada Jadallah, the chef for Dash of Salt ‘n Pepper, a catering business with a coffee shop at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Jadallah described Freeman as “the kindest person” who would “do anything to help you.”

“She helped me in every possible way somebody could help me,” Jadallah said, noting Freeman often helped Jadallah make connections with people who needed catering services.

Freeman’s help made a difference, Jadallah added.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this woman is such a beautiful creature.’ She really cared. That’s why I loved her so much,” Jadallah added.

When Jadallah learned that Freeman was ill, she wanted to deliver meals to her. But, she found out that Freeman couldn’t eat.

Freeman’s death was a tremendous loss for Hope Allen, the chamber’s executive director.

“Her heart was good — she was an amazing asset to our organization,” Allen said.

“Every member, every day. That was our slogan,” Allen said. “Some days it was just one member, but she went above and beyond to help anyone she could.”

“She was so giving. So giving of her time. Of anything, she was just giving,” Allen said.

“It was a big loss for a lot of people. She definitely was well thought of, and loved.”

Valerie Rudmin, owner of Everlasting Beauty, met Freeman through the chamber.

“She was so caring and so nice to everybody. She made everybody feel at home, when you met her,” Rudmin said.

“She was always there for the ribbon cuts. She was a real genuine person. She wasn’t a phony. Everybody just adored this woman.

“She really felt like it was her job to connect people together and to introduce people,” said Rudmin, who is an ambassador for the chamber.

Freeman’s death was a jolt, she said.

“This is just totally shocking. I can’t believe she’s actually gone,” Rudmin said.

While Freeman was struggling with cancer, a GoFundMe account was set up to help with expenses.

Now, her friends are stepping forward to help cover funeral costs and other expenses.

Jadallah, who provided the food after Freeman’s funeral, said there was talk before Freeman died to host a fundraiser to benefit her and her family.

She hopes that still will happen.

“I hope all of Wesley Chapel comes together and does something (to help),” Jadallah said.

Freeman is survived by her husband, Kenneth Freeman; her son, Aaron Freijomel; her daughter, Morgan Beeler; her brothers, Nelo Jr. and Tony; her sisters, Gale and Kim; and, a grandchild, Brady.

Those wishing to help can do so at Cindy Freeman’s GoFundMe account, at GoFundMe.com/b7z26v5c.
Or, they can drop off donations at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd.

Published September 9, 2015

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North expands heart care services

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When heart attacks happen, minutes matter.

And now, residents of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and other nearby communities, including Keystone, Odessa, Northdale, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, have a new option for treatment of a STEMI — which stands for ST elevated myocardial infarction.

That condition is one of the most deadly types of heart attacks and, as of Aug. 25, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North can treat patients suffering from a STEMI.

A STEMI occurs when there is prolonged blockage of blood supply to the heart. The optimal treatment method is PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) to open the artery within 90 minutes of first receiving care by emergency medical personnel.

When someone arrives at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with a STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction), this team of specialists springs into action to provide treatment. (Courtesy of St. Joseph's Hospital-North) — When someone arrives at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North with a STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction), this team of specialists springs into action to provide treatment.
(Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Since time translates into muscle loss, patients suffering a STEMI are taken to the closest hospital that can treat patients suffering from this type of heart attack, said Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

In the past, patients who brought themselves to St. Joseph’s North had to be taken by helicopter to St. Joseph’s main campus in Tampa for the treatment, Myers said.

Ambulance drivers who responded to emergencies would bypass St. Joseph’s North to take patients to the closest facility licensed to treat STEMI patients, Myers added.

Now, St. Joseph’s North has a team on hand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to treat these patients.

Adding the service is a true milestone in the hospital’s five-year history, Myers said.

Treating STEMI patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North means faster care for patients in a situation where minutes matter, Myers said.

“When you have a STEMI, that lack of blood flow to the heart causes muscle loss,” Myers said. “Time is heart muscle. So, getting to the closest facility, and getting that intervention as quick as possible, saves heart muscle.”

Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, said adding a service to treat STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction) is a milestone in the hospital’s five-year history. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Kathy Myers, director of operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, said adding a service to treat STEMI (ST elevated myocardial infarction) is a milestone in the hospital’s five-year history.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The St. Joseph’s Hospital-North STEMI team has been specially trained. There are 11 team members in the Cath lab and numerous other departments that interact with them.

All team members who work in the Cath lab need at least 500 hours of experience in a facility that does open-heart surgery, and many received training at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, she said.

Another advantage of adding the service is that patients will be able to stay in their community hospital, rather than being transferred or taken elsewhere, Myers said.

Nationally, about 250,000 Americans suffer a STEMI each year, according to the American Heart Association.

On average, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North estimates it will treat about two STEMI cases a week as the program ramps up.

The hospital has analyzed the area’s health trends, Myers said.

It is seeing more women with cardiac problems.

“Women present with different symptoms. They sometimes don’t have that crushing pain in their chest. They have back pain. They have shoulder pain. Different kinds of symptoms,” said.

It is also seeing younger people with cardiac issues.

“We have a lot of 40-, 50-year-olds who are in very stressful jobs. And, people are getting younger that are coming in with cardiac history,” she said.

Contributing factors can include people’s diet and other medical conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, she said.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is one of six BayCare facilities that can treat STEMI patients.

Heart attack warning signs in men:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Heart attack warning signs in women:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Source: The American Heart Association

Published September 9, 2015

Riding high, with ribbons to show for it

September 9, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Reagan and Pearl have been good friends for a couple of years now.

They spend a few afternoons each week together, and they see each other on weekends, too.

Sometimes they go on trips — to North Carolina and Georgia.

Last month they went to the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

And they came home with some ribbons.

Back home in Lutz, Reagan, right, and Pearl show off their qualifying and fourth-place ribbons at Avalon Stables. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — Back home in Lutz, Reagan, right, and Pearl show off their qualifying and fourth-place ribbons at Avalon Stables.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Reagan is Reagan Moore, a fourth-grader who lives in Lutz. She’s an A-Circuit equestrian competitor in her spare time.

Pearl is La Perla Merchant, Reagan’s 14-year-old American Saddlebred. Pearl lives at Avalon Stables in Lutz.

Reagan and Pearl went to Kentucky to compete at the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair.

They brought home a fourth-place finish in Saddle Seat Equitation in the eight-and-under group.

In that kind of competition, the rider is judged more than the horse — but Reagan is quick to credit her partner for their success.

“She’s a good listener, so she’s pretty easy,” Reagan said of Pearl.

Pearl might be an easy partner, but saddle seat equitation itself is quite difficult. With a couple of reins in each hand, riders are judged by how they guide their horse, and the form and poise they use during the evaluation.

And they’re not out there alone. A group of riders perform at once (a total of 10 in Reagan’s group), all attempting to maneuver into the best position in front of the judges, while also trying to relegate the competition into a lesser spot for viewing. Riders must defend their position and maintain a prominent place for evaluation, but also must stay focused on maintaining control of their horse while showing proper form.

Reagan Moore went to Kentucky to compete at the World's Championship Horse Show, along with her partner, her American Saddlebred, Pearl. (Courtesy of Doug Shiflet Photography) — Reagan Moore went to Kentucky to compete at the World’s Championship Horse Show, along with her partner, her American Saddlebred, Pearl.
(Courtesy of Doug Shiflet Photography)

“It’s just all about your legs, hands and how you sit,” Reagan said. Even the position of their chin makes a difference.

That type of form means a lot of practice, and Reagan and Pearl spend hours each week improving.

When they’re not working on their form, Reagan likes to come by and talk to Pearl and brush her hair, and spend time with her “barn friends” at Avalon.

“It’s just amazing out here. It’s so fun,” she said.

While it might be fun at the stables, performing in front of several thousand people in a different state can be a daunting task, especially to a child.

Pam Roush, owner of Avalon Stables, was there to cheer three of her students at the event, and was proud of how Reagan handled herself.

“This particular little athlete is so poised and so confident with her horse,” she said. “She has no fear, and no thoughts that are negative.”

Reagan has been with Avalon for several years. She started riding when she was 3.

And, Roush has enjoyed seeing her grow into such a competitive athlete even at her young age.

Roush wasn’t the only one rooting for Reagan at the event. Her parents, Allison and Kris, went to Kentucky, as did her grandmother. Her brother, Dylan, stayed home for the beginning of the school year, but was rooting for her at home.

Even though he didn’t grow up around horses, Kris Moore is impressed with his daughter’s success. Seeing her perform at such a large event in front of thousands of people was a special moment.

“It was breathtaking. It’s hard to explain. Just to see her out there and doing it, it was just amazing,” he said.

Getting to that point hasn’t been easy. Between Reagan’s riding and Dylan’s travel baseball, there’s a lot of scheduling and coordinating that keeps the Moore’s calendar full. But it’s worth it, Kris said, because the children are doing something they love and are focused on positive activities.

The trip to Kentucky was a big positive for Reagan and her family. In addition to competing, she had time to see a few sights. She visited a park dedicated to the American Saddlebred, as well as Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.

Of course, bringing home a ribbon for fourth place was pretty nice, too.

“It was such a great feeling,” Reagan said. “I’m just so proud of (Pearl). It’s just so cool.”

And for Roush, who has seen Reagan grow into a top competitor, watching her longtime student succeed was a great experience, too.

“That’s the ultimate feeling that you can have as an instructor. It’s the reason why we do it,” she said.

Published September 9, 2015

Mall leader enjoys building relationships

September 9, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Relationships are what Stacey Nance cares about the most.

It explains why she grew up and then settled on a career in her native Indiana.

And it is also why, after nearly two decades with Simon Property Group, she is taking the next big step in her life and her career.

Nance took the reins as general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets in May.

Stacey Nance is the general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets. The regional mall, off State Road 54 near the Interstate 75 interchange, is scheduled to open on Oct. 29. (Fred Bellet/Photo) — Stacey Nance is the general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets. The regional mall, off State Road 54 near the Interstate 75 interchange, is scheduled to open on Oct. 29.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

The regional outlet mall is the first major retail development in Pasco County since The Shops at Wiregrass opened in October 2008.

For Nance, the job opportunity is her first move away from Indiana, and her first time to take the lead in opening a Simon mall.

She graduated from Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana.

For 18 years, Nance has carved out a fast-paced career in marketing and later in mall management with Simon Property Group, again in Muncie.

She stayed in Muncie, despite working for a company that is the largest mall owner in the nation and also owns real estate properties all over the world.

“For the longest time I didn’t want to leave, because I wanted to raise my son in one community and in one school (district),” Nance said.

But, with her son’s graduation from college, the time felt right for a change. So, Nance jumped at the challenge to be in charge at Tampa Premium Outlets.

She knew after one quick visit that she wanted to set down roots in a new community.

“From the moment I was in the Wesley Chapel area, it made me feel so welcome,” Nance said. “My personality is that I love to form relationships and partnerships. That’s exactly what I want to continue here.”

The 441,000-square-foot outlet mall is set to open the weekend of Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

The “Key West” style outlet center will feature 110 shops with widely known brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Saks Off Fifth, Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Vera Bradley.

The mall is in the spotlight as a driver of the local economy, a job generator and a regional draw for shopaholics.

Since arriving in May, Nance has put together a management team and immersed herself in the daily details and long-range planning for opening the mall.

Now, with the mall’s opening less than two months away, the anticipation is growing.

“We can’t imagine the amount of pride we’re going to have cutting the ribbon (for the mall),” Nance said.

At a recent job fair, Nance and her team oversaw logistics for an event that attracted more than 3,000 applicants in the hunt for more than 800 jobs the mall offers.

It was the first time Nance had the chance for face-to-face meetings with some of the mall’s tenants.

That personal connection was right up her alley.

“It gives them the opportunity to meet with me and start direct relationships,” she said. “I’m very much a people person.”

At Ball State, Nance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and management, with a specialization in sales and promotion. Her first job was as marketing director for a financial institution.

But, she said, “I needed additional challenges and professional growth.”

She started with Simon Property Group as marketing director at Muncie Mall. She worked there for nine years and then shifted into mall management. She was put in charge of overall operations at Muncie Mall, Muncie Plaza and Northwood Plaza in Indiana.

Management is her niche now.

“It’s so diverse,” Nance said. “I’ll work with a team, but on any given day I’ll do marketing, public relations or community relations.”

In the past, she has been part of a team that has pitched in to pull off opening day at a mall. This is her first time being in charge.

“When somebody really thinks about that, from below ground to the top of the roof, is our responsibility,” she said. “It’s an entire team that can pull off the opening of the entire center.”

The goal is to create a mall that feels as if it’s a gathering place.

“We want them (people) to come, and meet friends and family, just congregate,” Nance said. “Have a nice day out, and hang out in the mall.”

As she settles into her job, Nance also is planting roots in her new Florida community.

She recently closed on a new house, and expects to stay here for a long time.

“Now, this is my home,” she said. “I’m not a mover.”

Published September 9, 2015

Pasco sees big jump in single-family home sales

September 9, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The housing market in Tampa Bay is hot, hot, hot — and Pasco County is helping to turn up the heat.

In July, there were 963 closed sales of single-family homes in Pasco County, a whopping 38.4 percent increase over July 2014.

The median price of those homes was $157,000, up 4.8 percent over last year, according to the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS Inc. (GTAR).

The association is the largest professional Tampa Bay-based group of licensed real estate brokers and sales associates. The monthly housing report compiles data from the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.

Even as Pasco’s housing prices climb, single-family homes in the county remain something of a bargain compared to the region as a whole, and to pricier counties to the south, including Hillsborough County.

The Tampa Bay region had more than 4,500 closed sales of single-family homes in July 2015, up 30 percent over July 2014. The median price of a single-family home was $176,000, up 4.7 percent over last year.

In Hillsborough, the median price of single-family homes increased more than 10 percent to $205,000 in July 2015, up from $186,000 in July 2014, the housing report showed.

During the past months, the trend has been toward a resurgent seller’s market with houses selling at or near asking prices.

Tampa Bay buyers, on average, matched or bettered the seller’s price more than 94 percent of the time, an increase of more than 1 percent over July 2014. In Pasco, that happened about 93 percent of the time, a 2 percent increase over July 2014.

With sales on a fast pace, month-to-month inventory is decreasing.

“It is certainly a seller’s market,” said Thomas O’ Bryant Jr., chief executive officer of GTAR. “When we get to 5.8 months of inventory, it’s kind of the tipping point.”

As of July, in the four-county Tampa Bay region, there was a 3.8 months supply of houses. That’s down more than 21 percent from July 2014. In Pasco, the supply was 3.9 months, down nearly 29 percent from July 2014.

With demand up and inventory down, O’ Bryant said, “It drives up median sales prices.”

Houses also are being sold more quickly in every price range.

The median days on the market for single-family homes less than $50,000 was 36 days, a 50 percent decrease from July 2014. Houses in the $250,000 to under $300,000 range hung around the longest at 54 median days, a 20 percent decrease since last year.

The largest increases in closed sales was seen in the pricier homes with a 300 percent jump in the sales of single-family homes ranging from $600,000 to just under $1 million.

Closed sales of homes selling from between $300,000 to just under $400,000 went up by nearly 83 percent from July 2014 to July 2015.

Closed sales of single-family homes of less than $50,000 dropped nearly 1 percent. That was the only category experiencing a decline in closed sales.

Published September 9, 2015

Charter school on Sunlake scrapped

September 9, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When a proposed charter school at the southwest corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Sunlake Boulevard was announced, opponents rallied against the proposal.

They said the proposed school was too big for the location.

They predicted it would ruin the quiet enjoyment of their residential properties.

They complained about the traffic the school would generate and the ensuing hazards, and they also objected to the noise and fumes the school would bring.

Potential flooding was another big issue.

Joe and Pat Serio, would-be next-door neighbors to a proposed charter school in Lutz, are delighted that plans for building the school have been dropped. (File Photo) — Joe and Pat Serio, would-be next-door neighbors to a proposed charter school in Lutz, are delighted that plans for building the school have been dropped.
(File Photo)

But county planners gave the proposal a recommendation for approval, provided the school complied with a lengthy list of conditions.

A county hearing officer agreed with county staff and gave the project his stamp of approval.

Opponents felt dejected.

But now, the charter school plans at that location are being scrapped.

The applicant for the special use permit was Charter Schools Inc., of Boca Raton, and the school operator would have been Charter Schools Association of Coral Gables.

The school would have been for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and would have been built in two phases.

But, those plans have been dropped.

It turns out that the applicants decided to drop the plan for a number of reasons, including the fact that it costs too much to meet the requirements, their representative, Michael Horner, said in a letter to the Lutz Citizens Coalition.

The coalition joined area residents to fight the proposed school.

The coalition doesn’t oppose schools — but it objects to attempts to squeeze schools onto sites that are two small, or that would pose traffic hazards or other concerns, said Mike White, who is the founder and president of the citizens’ group.

White learned that the school would be scrapped through Horner’s letter.

White shared Horner’s letter in an email to coalition members and other interested parties.

In part, Horner wrote: “Mike (White), I was informed by a county staff member this morning that there are still discussions and meetings ongoing regarding this prior approved charter school and I thought I should respond.

“Our clients have decided to drop this charter school for a number of reasons, not the least of which is land cost and significant costs for the required roadway improvements which were extremely high.

“This parcel will now most likely be pursued for residential use and the current owners are exploring those opportunities given the unreasonable low-density classification on site compared to surrounding parcels.

“While a charter school may be pursued in this general area on another parcel, it will not be on this corner.”

In passing along Horner’s letter, White also noted, “I think I would call this a victory for the Sunlake community.”

White believes the work the community did to push for conditions to address the school’s impacts resulted in the applicants pulling out.

“We knew that it was going to be very costly,” White said.

Pat Serio and her husband, Joe, who live next to the proposed school site, agreed with that assessment.

They are grateful to the people who collected petitions, attended public meetings and voiced their concerns about the project.

“We’re ecstatic,” Joe Serio said.

“Needless to say, we’re very pleased that it’s not happening,” Pat Serio added.

“There are a lot of other things that would be more suitable (on that property),” she said.

Published September 9, 2015

Pasco bans cannabis growth and sale

September 9, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco Commission has placed a one-year moratorium on the production and distribution of cannabis.

The plant is the basis for “Charlotte’s web,” a low-strain of medical marijuana.

In a roll-call vote, commissioners approved the ban unanimously, without discussion.

The Florida Legislature approved the non-euphoric form of medical marijuana in 2014, but the state has yet to get the program operating.

Within the next three months, the Florida Health Department anticipates awarding five permits to businesses that will grow and distribute medical marijuana.

Several municipalities throughout the state have adopted moratoriums of varying lengths, similar to the one adopted by Pasco County commissioners.

During public comment, Chase Daniels, representing Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, told commissioners that the sheriff supports the moratorium.

The ordinance in part states that growing and dispensing medical marijuana “represents new land uses not previously studied in drafting the county’s current regulations.”

By the end of September, Pasco planning officials will ask commissioners to prioritize a list of zoning issues that need to be addressed, including those related to cannabis.

According to the ordinance, commissioners could consider prohibiting production and distribution of cannabis, or enacting additional standards to regulate cultivating and dispensing cannabis.

During public comment, Palm Harbor resident John Chase cited several recent studies looking at the effects of legalizing medical marijuana, including ones from the Tulane School of Public Health, Lancet Psychiatry, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“They all say there is nothing to fear from medical marijuana,” Chase said.

The studies’ findings, he said, found no increase in violent crime or property crime, and no increase in marijuana use by adolescents.

“Marijuana dispensary, I know that’s a loaded word,” Chase said. “I also know our decisions are made better when based on evidence, not based on opinion or belief.”

Medical marijuana is a matter that could reappear as a referendum on the 2016 ballot.

United for Care, a group backed by attorney John Morgan, announced on Sept. 1 that Supervisors of Elections had validated 74,000 signatures on its petition. That means the next step is a review by the Florida Supreme Court.

The constitutional amendment’s language is similar to one in 2014 that received more than 57 percent of the vote, but fell short of the 60 percent needed to change the state’s constitution.

Supporters still must provide more than 609,000 additional, validated signatures to get medical marijuana back on the ballot.

Published September 9, 2015

Pasco wants a say in path of recreational trail

September 9, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The Florida Department of Transportation is studying the proposed path for the South Sumter Connector Trail, a segment needed to close a gap in the planned 275-mile Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Connector Trail.

Two routes are being considered for the connector, but just one passes through Pasco County. Most of both possible routes is in Sumter County, but the stakes are high for communities in Pasco, Sumter and Hernando counties that envision opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic development.

The completed trail will pass through nine counties and link nearly 20 trails across the state from Pinellas County to Brevard County.

The issue is slated for discussion on Sept. 10, at the 10 a.m. meeting of the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s monthly board meeting. The session will be at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The agenda will focus on gathering public input for a southern route that begins along abandoned rail beds in northeast Pasco, parallels State Road 50, and crosses through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It ends in eastern Sumter.

“The trail is going to be marketed internationally to a very active group of travelers,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“I think it’s going to be a really good tourism draw for our county,” added Starkey, who also serves on the MPO board.

At one time, the expectation was for the trail route to come through Pasco, but since then, a second northern option was added, Starkey said.

The proposed northern route begins in western Hernando County, and then moves southeast to Sumter along former railroad right-of-way. It would link the towns of Webster and Center Hill, and connect with the Withlacoochee State Trail.

At the Sept. 2 meeting of the MPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee, James Edwards, transportation manager for the Pasco MPO, said, “Let’s move to the next stage. How do we have an impact on the decision?”

The state roads department has no announced public meetings in Pasco on the trail routes and study.

The kick-off meeting for the 18-month feasibility study was on May 7 in the town of Webster. The study is slated to conclude in June 2016.

According to FDOT records of the meeting, nearly 125 people attended, but fewer than 3 percent were from Pasco.

While there was support for the route into Pasco, FDOT records show some hunters objected to the southern route, which they said would disrupt or halt hunting season in the area.

“This (Sept. 10 MPO meeting) is effectively going to wind up being our public meeting,” Edwards said. “The study is still ongoing. Information is coming forward on both these alignments.”

Starkey has sent a letter in support of Pasco’s selection, and has spoken with FDOT officials.

If the route through Pasco isn’t selected, the commissioner said she would continue to pursue completion of a trail that would go through Dade City.

The northeastern area of the county, which is noted for its hilly landscapes, is a popular bicycle destination for many bicycle clubs, said Allen Howell, a bicycle and pedestrian planner with the MPO.

“Pasco County and its citizens are making a big effort to become the bicycle capital of the state,” Starkey said. “It’s important for economic prosperity.”

Published September 9, 2015