The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Planning for regional transportation board continues to take shape

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Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) — which oversees transportation planning for the county — is continuing to weigh in on the development of a regional transportation board for Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

The Pasco MPO is a nine-member board, consisting of the five-member Pasco County Commission and one elected official each from the cities of Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been a staunch advocate for regional transportation planning. She said it’s imperative to address the pressing needs for better ways to get around. (File)

Under a proposed regional MPO, the elected board for Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties could range from five to 25 members — that membership would be divvied up based on population.

Pasco’s MPO voted during its Feb. 8 meeting to recommend a preference for the regional board to be made up of nine to 15 members, or as a second choice, for the board to have 17 to 25 members.

They rejected the idea of the board being made up of five to seven members, saying that size would be too small.

On another issue, the Pasco MPO said they think that representatives from the Tampa Aviation Authority and the Tampa Port Authority should be counted as part of Hillsborough’s membership on the regional board.

Pasco MPO board members Jack Mariano and Kathryn Starkey said Pasco’s population limits its membership to 19% of the new board, so they don’t want Pasco to have any additional reductions.

The composition of the new regional board and all of the other details remain to be worked out, but the recent Pasco discussion is necessary to continue the planning efforts, said Tania Gorman, executive director of the Pasco MPO.

Starkey, a staunch advocate for a regional approach to transportation planning, said Pasco and Pinellas counties already work well together and that Hillsborough appears to be warming toward combining forces with the other counties.

Future discussions will focus on other issues, such as how to involve the municipalities in transportation planning and decisions.

One possibility would be to have rotating board membership. Another would be to have weighted seats. Subcommittees to the main board and non-voting membership are other options.

“We want to be sure that all our cities have a voice,” Starkey said.

Gorman said there are various ways to ensure representation.

“Don’t be dismayed by us being smaller,” she said, referring to Pasco’s relative size to Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

David Gwynn, secretary for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation, previously has said that creating a regional transportation planning board would put the region in a stronger posture when competing for federal funds.

It is expected to take a couple of years more to iron out all of the details.

Starkey is enthused about the prospects.

“I’m encouraged — big money coming our way,” she told her Pasco MPO colleagues.

Additional discussion was expected at a Feb. 16 meeting of the TMA, which is a subcommittee of the Sun Coast Transportation Alliance. Its membership is made up of local representatives of the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Forward Pinellas, which is the lead planning organization for transportation and land use in Pinellas County.

That meeting occurred after The Laker/Lutz News’ deadline, which was completed early last week because of the President’s Day holiday.

Published February 21, 2024

New Everwell at Bexley offers new option in Land O’ Lakes

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The Spectrum Companies has begun pre-leasing its first multifamily development in Florida, with a 3,500-unit development known as Everwell at Bexley, according to a news release.

Everwell at Bexley is a new multifamily development that is part of the award-winning Bexley master-planned community off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes. It offers an array of amenities, a variety of floor plans, easy access to Tampa International Airport and is close to a significant amount of new development in Pasco County. (Courtesy of The Spectrum Companies)

Everwell at Bexley is close to State Road 54 and within easy access to Tampa International Airport. It is part of the award-winning Bexley master-planned community, the release notes.

“We are excited to introduce Everwell at Bexley, which represents a fusion of luxury, outdoor-focused lifestyle and community,” Craig Miller, senior managing director with The Spectrum Companies, said in the release.

Everwell at Bexley will offer floor plans ranging from one-bedroom apartments to townhomes with attached two-car garages.

Standard features include soft-close Shaker-style cabinets, expansive kitchen islands with quartz countertops, frameless glass walk-in showers, and screened patios or balconies. Design options include wraparound porches, built-in desks, unit entry drop zones, private garages and on-site storage options.

“Painstaking attention to detail and intentional sitewide community activation adds up to a remarkable living experience,” said Lane Stewart, director of development, who recently opened a Tampa office for Spectrum. 

To learn more about the development, visit EverwellBexley.com.

Published February 21, 2024

Pasco advances plan for land conservation

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The Pasco County Commission has approved transmitting a proposed land use change for state review to allow the designation of 318 acres in Central Pasco for conservation use.

The property is north of State Road 52, between the Suncoast Parkway and U.S. 41.

It previously was designated for residential and agricultural uses.

The county board approved the transmittal as part of its consent agenda, during the Feb. 6 meeting.

The consent agenda includes a batch of items that are approved in a single motion, unless a commissioner or member of the public requests the item be pulled for discussion.

This property was purchased by the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP), according to background materials in the board’s agenda packet.

The intent of the land use amendment is to meet the terms of a Florida Communities Trust grant, which will help the county leverage its ELAMP funding.

The grant requires that the long-range plan and the zoning for the site be a category that is dedicated to open space, conservation, or outdoor recreation uses, as appropriate.

The subject property is partially within both the Anclote/Cotee watershed Ecological Planning Unit (EPU) and the Starkey to Crossbar ecological corridor. There are approximately 50 acres of wetlands on the subject property, with the majority being Category 1 wetlands. This property also is adjacent to other acquired ELAMP properties and will result in over 1,800 acres of contiguous conservation land, according to the agenda materials.

Published February 21, 2024

Residents offered opportunity to do some spring cleaning

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A free community cleanup is scheduled for Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The cleanup is being hosted by the City of Zephyrhills and Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), according to a news release.

The city is encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to declutter and enhance the community’s overall appearance.

Crews and dumpsters from the city’s Public Works Department will be on-site, adjacent to the park’s tennis courts, to assist with the disposal of appliances, electronics, furniture, mixed debris, tires and other items.

Participants should keep the following in mind:

  • This is a mobile drop-off-only event; alley sweeps and pickups will not be a part of this initiative.
  • To ensure the safety of all participants and the environment, hazardous materials and chemicals will not be accepted.
  • Proof of City of Zephyrhills residency will be required to participate.

For additional information, contact the City’s Public Works Department at 813-780-0022.

Published February 21, 2024

Pasco tax collector announces new mobile unit

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A Pasco Tax Collector Mobile Unit is now available to remotely process identification card and driver license services for Florida residents who live in a Pasco County nursing home or assisted living facility, according to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

Those who are unable to travel to any of the five tax collector offices can now schedule a visit to their facility/home to have the relevant document renewed, Fasano said, in a news release.

“This is a service we envisioned for quite a long time,” the tax collector said. “We understand that there are many of our customers who are unable to travel but still need a valid license or ID card. With this new service, we come to the customers, not the other way around. We can offer same-day service in most cases, with the renewed document being delivered to the customer in their place of residence.”

Renewing a license or identification card should be simple, especially for those with transportation or health issues, the release says.

For more information or to schedule a visit, or if you are a facility administrator who would like to schedule multiple renewals, contact Vicki Stroup at 813-929-2731 or

Published February 21, 2024

Three-way stop coming to Blanton Road, in East Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a task order with HNTB Corporation involving the installation of a three-way stop at Blanton Road and Lake Iola Road.

The board approved the task order for $187,317.79 during its Feb. 6 meeting.

The task order covers the design and post design services relating to the three-way stop project.

The Blanton Road and Lake Iola Road intersection currently experiences high crash rates. To enhance safety, the intersection will be realigned, and a three-way stop sign traffic control will be implemented.

The design work covered by the task order will be completed within 270 calendar days.

The projected cost for the improvement is slightly more than $3 million, with a portion of that amount planned in fiscal year 2024 and the remainder in fiscal year 2025, according to background materials in the county board’s Feb. 6 agenda packet.

Published February 21, 2024

Take steps to conserve energy, reduce utility bills

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(Stock photo)

While customers can’t control the rates that utilities charge, they can take steps to conserve their use of energy, thereby reducing their costs.

Here are some suggestions from Duke Energy that can help you to conserve energy:

  • When heating or cooling your house, remember the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bills.
  • Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes your system work harder, which consumes more energy and increases costs.
  • Have your system checked regularly by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to maintain efficiency and peak performance.
  • Leave your drapes or blinds open on sunny winter days, to allow the sun to help warm your home; close them on hot days and at night, to help insulate your home.
  • Check your windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulking, sealing and weatherstripping can save between 10% and 20% in heating costs.
  • Replace standard light bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are more efficient than regular light bulbs and provide the same amount of light. Replacing just six regular light bulbs with LEDs can save up to $480 over the life of the bulbs.
  • Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room; operate them in a counterclockwise direction during hotter weather. Most fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the motor. Turn off fans when you are not in the room.
  • Manage your water heating. Set the water heater at 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.

Published February 21, 2024

Pasco proceeds in extending Ridge Road to U.S. 41

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a bid to Cone & Graham for work to extend Ridge Road from Sunlake Boulevard to U.S. 41.

This phase of the project has been in the county’s plan for years.

The contract, with a not-to-exceed amount of $85 million, includes a new four-lane road, with a 24-inch water main and a 20-inch reclaimed water main.

In approving the contract during its Feb. 6 meeting, the county board also authorized County Administrator Mike Carballa to execute any amendments or related documents associated with the design-build contract.

Bids for the work were opened on Dec. 19. Two responsive bids were received, including one from a vendor in Pasco County, according to materials in the county board’s Feb. 6 agenda packet.

But because state funding is being used to partially fund the project, no local preference was applied in awarding the bid.

The two responses received were from Cone & Graham and Ajax/Leware Joint Venture II. Cone & Graham received the highest scores from an evaluation committee.

Besides the four-lane divided roadway, the project includes a 5-foot sidewalk, a 12-foot multi-use pathway, and 5-foot bike lanes; a new bridge over the CSX railway; and the water and reclaimed water lines.

The estimated cost for the roadway components is $61 million and the estimated cost for the other components is $24 million.

Completion of at least two lanes of the project is required by the end of December 2025, under an economic incentives agreement previously signed by the county.

Published February 21, 2024

Online safety tips, for people of all ages

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office recently posted some online safety tips that are aimed at parents and guardians to help keep their children safe online. The law enforcement agency also prepared some pointers to help adults stay safe when they’re meeting others online.

Here’s a recap of some pointers for parents and guardians who want to keep their children safe online:

  • Monitor who your children are talking to online and be aware of what apps they’re using.
  • Consider downloading some of the same apps, so you’ll understand the features and how the app works.
  • Consider using parental controls, if they’re available.
  • Advise your children not to communicate with people online that they haven’t met.

Also, talk to your children about being careful regarding who they trust, especially online because it’s easy for predators to lie online. Open communication with your children provides them with information that they can use to help keep themselves safe.

(Stock photo)

The PSO also has some advice for adults who may be hoping to connect with other adults online.

The law enforcement agency offers a friendly reminder that what may begin as a simple romance in a chat room, or through direct messages or email, quickly can evolve into a romance scam.

Online dating provides an ideal environment for criminals to remain anonymous while targeting vulnerable individuals looking for companionship.

There are some red flags. For instance, scammers will ask victims to help pay for something by sending money, gift cards, a money order or a wire.

Here are some precautions to help keep yourself safe:

  • Be cautious when communicating online.
  • Don’t send payments to anyone you don’t personally know.
  • Never share personal or financial information.
  • Protect your location; turn off geolocation settings.
  • Never upload inappropriate content of yourself or someone else.
  • Report inappropriate posts online activity directly to social platforms.
  • If you’re a victim of a scam, report it to local law enforcement immediately.

Published February 21, 2024

Be proactive to protect yourself from possible hurricane threats

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(File)

Perhaps no one knows better than Floridians how unpredictable the path of hurricanes can be.

First, it looks like there’s going to be a direct hit and then the hurricane veers off — catching another community off-guard causing devastating impacts from high winds and storm surge.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests a number of actions  residents can take well before a hurricane threatens, to help keep themselves and their property safe:

  • Elevate or flood-proof heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and/or mechanical units, ductwork, electrical systems and other utilities. 
  • Install hurricane shutters to protect windows and glass doors.
  • Reinforce garage and double-entry doors to prevent failure under wind pressure.
  • Check with the local floodplain manager to see if your home needs to be elevated, and if so, by how much.
  • Install flood vents in foundation walls, garages and other enclosed areas.
  • Use flood-resistant materials in areas of your home below the Base Flood Elevation( BFE). For example, replace carpeting with tiles or use flood-resistant insulation and gypsum wallboard (Sheetrock).
  • Anchor any fuel tanks to the floor. Make sure the vents and fill line openings are above the BFE. (This may require approval from your fuel provider.) Fuel tanks can tip over or float, releasing fuels in liquid or gas form creating a fire or explosion hazard.
  • Install a backflow valve on your sewer system to prevent sewage backup in your home. 
  • Add a waterproof veneer to exterior walls to prevent damage from shallow flooding. Seal your basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
  • Prune oversized trees and shrubs.
  • Keep drains and gutters clear of debris.

Published February 21, 2024