The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Steps continue toward creating regional MPO

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Efforts are continuing to determine whether the transportation planning agencies for Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties should merge, and if so, how the new regional board would work.

Although they go by different names, each county has a board that’s responsible for identifying and prioritizing transportation needs within its border.

In Pasco, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County and elected representatives of the cities of Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

The makeup of the boards varies in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but the roles are essentially the same.

The Florida Legislature has mandated a study outlining what would be the benefits and drawbacks of shifting to a single regional MPO.

The MPO merger report has been sent to Tallahassee, Tania Gorman, the new executive director for the Pasco MPO reported during that board’s Jan. 11 meeting.

A request also has been sent to David Gwynn, who is secretary for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation, for a $500,000 startup for the merger, Gorman said.

Work is underway with the merger, Gorman said, noting, “we’re moving forward, putting the building blocks together.”

At the same time, “in our unified planning work program, we are trying to get another task in there to quantify the MPO’s time working on the merger.”

At the end, it wants to be able to report how much time has been devoted to the effort, and at what cost.

Gorman also addressed the issue of the makeup of the new regional board.

“What does that look like?” she asked.

For instance, the maximum number of board members is 25 and apportionment is based on population, she said.

But a question arises regarding how the seat for Tampa International Airport and the Tampa Port Authority should be counted.

Since they are regional, some may think their seats should come from a share of each of the counties. On the other hand, based on population, Hillsborough County would have 12 seats, Pinellas would have nine and Pasco County would have four.

And, it’s not clear how a partial seat would be assigned, Gorman said.

That’s just one of the issues that would need to be worked out.

There’s also the issue of how cities will be represented on the regional board.

“How does each MPO want to approach the cities being on the board?”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who is one of five county board members sitting on the Pasco MPO board, said it’s important not to lose sight of the big picture.

“The thing to remember is, Secretary Gwynn told us, ‘The money that comes to our county, stays in our county,’” Starkey said. “City of Tampa can’t take our money.

“I wanted everyone to remember — to have that comfort,” she said.

She also noted that while 92% of Pasco’s population lives in the county’s unincorporated areas, the county will not overlook the needs of the county’s cities.

“We will find a way to make sure all of the cities have input, whether it’s sitting on the main board or in a committee of cities, or whatever,” Starkey said.

Dade City Commissioner Scott Black expressed concerns about how the regional board will address Pasco’s issues.

“We’re only going to get four votes at the table. That’s less than half of what Pinellas is getting and a third of what Hillsborough is getting,” he said.

“I need more education. We’re only going to get four votes out of 25. Tell me how this is to our benefit.”

Starkey reminded him that other counties will not be able to control how Pasco spends its funding.

But she added, the regional approach puts all three counties in a more competitive posture.

“It’s the only way we’re going to get more federal money,” Starkey said. “It’s a no-brainer for me.”

She’s also confident that the three counties will find a way to work together.

“Every one of those regions (with a regional MPO) had these same issues and they figured out a way to come together to speak together, in one voice, to go after the big money. So, we can work it out.”

Pasco Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed: “As a regional MPO, we will all benefit because we are going to be reaching out at a higher ranking in the country. We could be able to get monies that we’ve never gotten before, so that’s what you have to keep in mind.

“You have to look at the whole picture. We’re all part of the whole, so we’ll all benefit,” Oakley said.

Published January 24, 2024

Quilters stitch together projects to help others

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The Cypress Creek Quilters Guild put their collective talents together this year. Members joined forces to make a block each month, with those blocks being assembled to create more than 80 quilts that were donated to local charities.

The quilts were donated to Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center, the Redeeming Love Foster Closet and the Oasis Pregnancy Care Center. 

The local guild meets the second Monday of the month at the Jimmie B. Keel Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, and each Thursday that school is in session at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway.

The guild’s mission is to foster the art of quilting, according to Jennifer Ackart, the group’s president.

More information about the guild can be found at CypressCreekQuilters.net.

The quilters also made 391 pillowcases for Ryan’s Cases for Smiles — an organization that distributes cheerful handmade pillowcases to hospitalized children.

Published January 24, 2024

Members of the Cypress Creek Quilters Guild donated their time and talent to make 80 quilts for local charities. (Courtesy of Jennifer Ackart)
These are some of the quilts lovingly stitched together by members of the Cypress Creek Quilters Guild to benefit local charities.
These women sewed together fabric to make pillowcases to help bring smiles to the faces of hospitalized children.

Applicants needed for new veteran’s advisory board

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The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applicants for its newly created Hillsborough County Veteran’s Advisory Board.

Those interested in applying must live in Hillsborough County and must be a registered voter, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The board will advise the Hillsborough County Commission, the Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran’s Services Department, and the Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department regarding the development of additional phases of the Veterans Resource Center. It also will weigh in on issues involving the memorials and grounds of Hillsborough County Veteran’s Memorial Park, and revitalization of the museum.

The advisory board also will convene community groups that are interested in providing resources to veterans and their families, the news release says.

Plus, it will deliver an annual report to the Hillsborough County Commission detailing priorities, goals, and issues pertaining to veterans and their families.

The board will serve on an ad hoc basis until December 2027 when it will be determined if it should continue, the release adds.

Terms on the seven-member board are for two years. At least one board member will be selected from each county commission district.

Applicants should meet this criteria:

1) Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge with a minimum of six years’ service (preference given to those who have retired by years of service or medically retired from active service);

2) Provide a resume of veteran-related community service;

3) Indicate educational background and work experience that would significantly contribute to the board when serving as a member; and

4) Identify all memberships in professional organizations.

There is no compensation to serve on the board, and the board is subject to the Florida Sunshine Law.

The meeting schedule has not yet been determined.

All applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form.  

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. 

Forms are available on the county’s website at HCFLGov.net. To download a form, click on the following tabs/links: “Government,” “Boards and Committees Forms.”

Forms can be mailed to: P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601; faxed to 812-239-3916; emailed to ; or delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., second floor, in Tampa.

Applications are due by the close of business on Feb. 8. Appointments will be scheduled for a Hillsborough County Commission meeting in March or April.

Published January 24, 2024

Help conserve water – skip a week of irrigation this winter

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging residents to “skip a week” or more of irrigation this winter.

District officials note that overwatering during winter can encourage pests and disease. 

Lawns need less water during cool winter months. It’s also important to avoid overwatering to help discourage pests and disease. (File)

They also cite research by the University of Florida that indicates that grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during winter months because the weather is cooler.

Based on that research, one-half inch to three-quarters inch of water is sufficient every 10 days to 14 days, according to a news release from the Water Management District.

“In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed,” the news release says.

If you’re not sure when to water your grass, look for these signs:

Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard

Grass blades appear blue-gray

Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

The Water Management District’s request is in keeping with its efforts to conserve water use.

Its governing board in November declared a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage, which prohibits “wasteful and unnecessary” water use and limits irrigation to one day per week in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

For additional information about water conservation, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek.

Published January 24, 2024

K-8 ‘builder’s risk’ insurance approved

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the purchase of an insurance policy to cover any potential losses during the construction of a new K-8 school planned at 2272 Skybrooke Blvd., in Lutz.

The board has approved a not-to-exceed expenditure of $307,804.57 for Builder’s Risk Insurance, a type of property insurance coverage that is normally purchased by the owner of a building that’s under construction. 

The insurance is being provided by Brown & Brown, an insurance company that provides public sector insurance coverage to more than 200 Florida entities.

The policy will cover the replacement costs for the structure, as well as the materials and contents stored within the building, resulting from fire, wind damage, theft and vandalism. 

The school district secures this type of insurance on all its major capital projects.

The board approved the renewal of an umbrella Builders Risk policy with the Public Risk Insurance Agency, during its Oct. 17 meeting, but the scope of this project requires a stand-alone policy, according to the board’s Jan. 16 agenda packet.

The insurance was purchased as part of the board’s consent agenda. The consent agenda bundles several items together, which are approved without discussion in a single vote.

The policy covers a total of $57,414,697, including $50,351,121 in covered property and $7,063,576 in soft costs.

The school board approved construction of the new K-8  board during its Oct. 17 meeting, and issued a notice to proceed.

A presentation made during that meeting indicated the school is being built on a 22-acre site and will consist of a single building, with two stories and three stories.

It also will have an enclosed gymnasium, a track, a multi-purpose playfield, basketball courts and a courtyard that can be used for outdoor learning.

The school is expected to have a robust music program, as well as an arts lab and a science lab.

It is intended to relieve crowding in area schools, but also will have some spaces for magnet students.

The project is scheduled for substantial completion as of April 24, 2025, with final completion slated for June 2, 2025, according to materials contained in the board’s Oct. 17 agenda packet.

Published January 24, 2024

​Pasco board wants greater protection for the county’s trees

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a resolution declaring Jan. 19 as Arbor Day in Pasco County, and, at the same time, they called for greater efforts to protect the county’s tree canopy.

Board members praised the work of Keep Pasco Beautiful, which is collaborating with county staff, on efforts to protect Pasco trees and to encourage tree planting.

The board adopted a resolution that details the history of Arbor Day and touts the many benefits of trees.

Preserving the beauty of Pasco County’s trees comes up frequently during public discussions of potential impacts from growth. Trees play a significant role in creating Pasco’s beauty, and county board members say they want more protections for trees. (File)

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who sponsored the resolution, noted: “There was a time when we used to do more on Arbor Day.

“I don’t know about you,” she told her colleagues, “but when I drive by and I see all of those trees get knocked down, it’s very difficult.

“We understand development comes here, but my husband always says, ‘When you knock it down, you can always replace.’

“I think it’s really important for the county to be putting its tree canopy back in place,” Starkey said.

The first step is to document the existing canopy, Starkey said.

Kristen King, a planner in long-range planning, told the board she’s been working on the issue with Mike Woodard, the county’s arborist.

“We put together a group of people within the county to actually look at all of the different aspects of our different departments that are touching trees — whether it has to do with permitting, whether it’s dealing with parks, whether it’s dealing with public works,” she said.

The group also is looking into grant opportunities, she said.

“But first, we’re looking at our tree canopy, doing a tree canopy study,” she said.

That will involve doing a potential tree inventory, so the county can look at the issue from a strategic approach, determining what it has and where it needs to go, she added.

“So, we created what I call our Tree Dream Team,” King said.

The group also has partnered with Keep Pasco Beautiful, which is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization. Keep Pasco Beautiful has a staff member in Pasco.

The group also is working with Covanta Pasco, King said.

“On Arbor Day, we are doing a tree giveaway. We are having people preregister through the Keep Pasco Beautiful website (KeepPascoBeautiful.org).”

The free tees will be distributed on Jan. 19, at Aloha Veterans Park in Holiday and at the One Stop Shop in Dade City (see glance box for details).

The county board also approved spending $1,000 in county funds to match Keep Pasco Beautiful’s donation.

Like Starkey, other commissioners expressed the need to protect the county’s trees.

The setting sun over Lake Pasadena is seen from one of East Pasco’s highest elevations at 240 feet above sea level. This ‘mountain’ is part of a series of rolling hills in the area, many of which feature beautiful trees.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said he has noticed that many developers come in and immediately clear the lot they plan to develop, regardless of the lot’s size.

“I’ve asked several developers that have come before me that that buffer area of 150 feet, or 100 feet, if there’s a 50- or a 100-year-old tree, please leave those trees in that buffering area, which shouldn’t affect the rest of the property,” Oakley said.

He said he understands that some trees must be removed because of elevation issues. But he added, if at all possible, he thinks developers should leave those mature trees.

“It’s something we need to keep in our county,” Oakley said. “Those 100-year and 50-year trees are very important.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman agreed: “It pains me when you see us knock down grandpa oaks – you’re talking three to four generations before they come back.

“Oak trees are important. They make our roadways a pleasure to drive on.”

Starkey also noted that the county needs to take another look at how much it charges developers who remove trees.

Currently, they pay a certain amount per inch into a fund, Starkey said. But she noted the figure hasn’t been changed in quite some time.

“I want us to take a look at that again,” she said, noting her staff is researching how other counties handle the issue.

“I think some trees need some special consideration,” Starkey said.

“I hope we will work on protecting part of what makes this county so beautiful.

“I hope we start taking the money that’s been paid to the tree mitigation fund and just start planting some trees around the county,” she added

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he’d favor spending as much as $10,000 from the county’s tree mitigation fund to provide additional trees.

Starkey listed a host of benefits that trees offer. Those include providing needed shade, reducing energy costs and protecting the environment.

“There’s just a million reasons why we need to protect our trees,” Starkey said.

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
What: Keep Pasco Beautiful along with Covanta, Tampa Bay Water and Pasco County are giving away free trees to celebrate Arbor Day. Free trees in 1-gallon to 3-gallon pots will be given away, so they can easily be transported. An arborist will be on site to answer tree questions.
Where: Aloha Gardens Park, at 3120 Darlington Road in Holiday, and the Stallings Building, also known as the One Stop Shop, at 15029 14th St., in Dade City
When: Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You must preregister to receive a tree. Visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org for more information. 

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco County moves ahead on first portion of Orange Belt Trail

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Pasco County is negotiating an agreement to move ahead on the first portion of the Orange Belt Trail, a project that one day is expected to stretch 37 miles, from Trinity to Trilby.

The Pasco County Commission voted at its Jan. 9 meeting to delegate authority to County Administrator Mike Carballa to negotiate and execute an agreement relating to the Orange Belt Trail, from Little Road to Gunn Highway, along Trinity Boulevard, Cool Springs Parkway, Community Drive and State Road 54.

This is a piece of the original Orange Belt railway path. Pasco County is planning to construct a 37-mile trail, stretching from Trinity to Trilby, mostly following the route of the old Orange Belt Railway rail line.
The trail’s final path is expected to be decided by the Pasco County Commission in March. (File)

Carballa was authorized to finalize an agreement that doesn’t exceed the budgeted amount of $2.35 million, plus 20%, according to background materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

The action was approved as part of the board’s consent agenda, which means it was approved, without discussion by the board.

A county evaluation committee shortlisted these firms in this ranked order: Coastal Design Consultants, Inc. (Coastal) and Atkins Realis USA, Inc. (Atkins).

The agreement is for the design, permitting and post-design work on that portion of the project.

Carballa has the go-ahead to execute a contract with Coastal, but if an agreement can’t be reached, he can negotiate with the second-ranked firm.

Funding for the agreement is included in the county’s fiscal year 2024 budget, in the Penny for Pasco Transportation Fund.

If the contract price exceeds the budgeted amount, the county administrator will amend the budget accordingly and report that to the county board in a quarterly budget amendment.

Materials submitted by Coastal Design Consultants say the Orange Belt Trail “will enhance the regional trail network by interconnecting the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail.

As work continues on developing a plan for the Orange Belt Trail, desires have been expressed for amenities, such as wayfinding, trail heads including restrooms and water fountains, and paths that are away from busy roads.

First phase of trail planned near Little Road
If negotiations are successful, Coastal will handle the design, permitting and construction of the first phase of the trail from Little Road to Gunn Highway, which is approximately 4.9 miles.

The proposed width of the trail will be from 12 feet to 15 feet.

This phase proposes to utilize the existing rights of way of Trinity Boulevard, Cool Springs

Parkway, Community Drive, State Road 54 and Gunn Highway to contain the trail.

The trail design will include a variety of amenities such as wayfinding signage, benches, trash receptacles, water stations, and a trailhead facility.

The proposed trailhead facility will be located on Trinity Boulevard and is requested to contain an access drive, parking area, restroom, and connection to the existing Starkey Gap Trail.

The design of this urban trailway will require Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pedestrian crossings at all cross streets and will include two bridges.

A desire has been expressed to make a portion of the Orange Belt Trail accessible to equestrian uses.

Coastal said its approach will be to design a project that minimizes impacts to the existing improvements within the rights of way. 

While the county moves ahead on this segment, decisions remain to be made on the trail’s overall path.

Several community workshops have been held and the county’s engineering team is expected to soon present final alternatives for the board’s consideration.

Trail planners have laid out alternatives in four locations across the county:

Alternative A: From Trinity Boulevard to Old Pasco Road

Alternative B2: From Old Pasco Road to County Road 579, also known as Prospect Road

Alternative C1: From County Road 579 (Prospect Road) to Dade City

Alternative C3: From CR 579 (Prospect Road) to the Withlacoochee State Trail

The four alternatives will be broken down into nine smaller segments and will undergo additional analysis before a final vision is presented to the county board at a hearing this spring, where the public will have an opportunity to weigh in.

The proposed Orange Belt Trail will, more or less, follow the path of the old Orange Belt Railway and will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

It is expected to have recreational and economic opportunities along the way and will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail.

Residents from Dade City, Zephyrhills and Trilby turned to a community meeting to find out more about the proposed route of the Orange Belt Trail and to raise questions about how close the trail would be to existing neighborhoods. They also voiced concerns about negative impacts the trail could have on their quality of life.

The multi-use trail is expected to essentially be 12 feet to 14 feet wide, and will be paved. Portions of the trail, however, also could incorporate equestrian uses.

Public has had plenty to say
Considerable feedback already has been received at community meetings.

City of San Antonio made a formal request to the county board – seeking Alternative B1 to be dropped from consideration. Elected city leaders said that route is too close to residential neighborhoods, creating concerns about privacy, safety and noise pollution.

They also said the increased foot and bicycle traffic could disrupt the tranquility and security that residents who dwell in San Antonio enjoy. Plus, they raised issues about the potential for an increase in littering, vandalism and other undesirable activities.

San Antonio officials also complained that the needs of the community were not adequately considered.

East Pasco residents also gave trail planners an earful during a community meeting at the Dade City Garden Club. 

They raised concerns about the potential for private property being needed for the trail. They also questioned how it would be funded.

Throughout the process, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey – a staunch trails advocate – has declared that those fears are unfounded. She has repeatedly said there are no plans for the county to take property against landowners’ wishes.

Other considerations have included cultural, socioeconomic, natural and physical resources, the release says.

For more information on the Orange Belt Trail, visit OrangeBeltTrail.com

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco County continues battle against Florida’s ‘Live Local Act’

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It’s no secret that Pasco County deplores the “Live Local Act’ adopted last year by the Florida Legislature.

The Pasco County Commission so vehemently opposes it that the board has directed its legal staff to pursue a lawsuit if any applicant for a Live Local project refuses to back down.

The Live Local Act allows an applicant to convert land zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed uses into multifamily developments, provided the project serves people who meet income criteria.

The law preempts local government from blocking the developments and it provides a property tax break to the developer.

The county has led the charge in opposition to the law.

It has joined forces with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in lobbying efforts to change the law.

The Pasco county board took another step at its Jan. 9 meeting, adopting changes to its land development code that strip projects from local economic incentives if the projects seek tax exemptions allowed under Live Local.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman has been particularly outspoken on the issue.

He has said it’s a bad law that thwarts Pasco’s efforts to attract job-generating businesses to the county.

During the Jan. 9 meeting, Weightman shared this piece of news with his colleagues: “We have two existing apartments in Trinity. They’re built. These existing apartments are applying and they’ve submitted to the county to become Live Local projects.

“They’ve applied to become Live Local properties,” Weightman said. “They want a $768,000 a year tax exemption, while charging over $2,000 a month rent for a two-bedroom.

“The company is from California,” he said.

So, local businesses, landowners and taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill, Weightman said.

“The only people getting a break are these out-of-state companies. It does not benefit our residents. It’s egregious.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the county needs to stand firm on its decision to sue any company trying to invoke the Live Local Act.

“Stay the course on our lawsuit. Sue them,” Starkey said.

Ralph Lair, the county’s governmental affairs liaison, said that other cities and counties are paying attention to Pasco’s actions regarding this issue.

“Take note that cities and counties around the state are looking at what we’re doing and have reached out,” Lair said.

So far, the county has been unable to persuade state lawmakers to make all of the changes Pasco is seeking, but efforts continue, Lair said.

Published January 17, 2024

Lutz veteran hits the big 100

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During a century of living, Charles L. “Charley” Barr has created quite a collection of memorable moments.

Thirty-six family members gathered to celebrate Charles L. Barr’s 100th birthday. They came from Florida, Oregon, Missouri and Indiana. (Courtesy of Linda Cobbe)

Charley added to that list on Jan. 6, celebrating his 100th birthday at Chapman Manor in Lutz.

He was surrounded by 36 family members – including his five children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four nieces. Several spouses of his children and grandchildren were there, too, according to his daughter, Linda Cobbe, who shared details about the party and her dad’s life.

Besides family members who came from Florida, Oregon, Missouri and Indiana, many of Charley’s friends who live at Chapman Manor joined in to celebrate him hitting the big 1-0-0.

Charles ‘Charley’ L. Barr served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-24 navigator in World War II. He’s shown here during a military pinning ceremony during his early days in the service.

Charley was born on Jan. 6, 1924 in Bruceville, Indiana, to Charles H. and Alice Barr. He graduated from Bruceville High School in 1942.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, from 1943 to 1945, as a B24 navigator, stationed in England. He flew 24 bombing missions during World War II.

He received the Air Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. 

He held the rank of lieutenant colonel at the time of his discharge.

The family arranged to have WWII memorabilia on display at the party, including navigation maps from his bombing assignments, his medals, and photos.

This is the birthday cake that was served during Charles ‘Charley’ L. Barr’s 100th birthday party on Jan. 6 at Chapman Manor, an assisted living facility in Lutz.

Charley received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1947. Besides being in the marching band, he was vice president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

During college he met Helen Lenore Morris, and Charley and Helen were married in 1948.

They went on to have five children.

Charley’s work life included a stint at Studebaker from 1949 to 1952. Next, he purchased Barr’s Feed and Supply in Ossian, Indiana, which he ran from 1952 to 1958.

He was appointed clerk treasurer of Ossian in 1950 and never lost an election after that, serving in that role until 2004. He also owned an accounting business and retired from that in 1990.

Charley and Helen  – who had been Florida snowbirds – moved permanently to Venice in 2004.

Helen died in 2011, and Charley has been living at Chapman Manor since 2017.

Published January 17,

Fires planned to reduce wildlife risk

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts planned fires on about 30,000 acres each year to reduce overgrown plans and decrease the risk of wildfires. Other benefits include promoting the growth of new, diverse plans and maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat. It is planning to conduct fires in the Green Swamp from January through March. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District)

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is planning to conduct prescribed fires from January through March at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.

The preserve includes the Green Swamp East Tract in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties; the Hampton Tract in Polk County; and the Green District aims to reduce risk of wildlifes by scheduling prescribed fires in the Green Swamp Tract in Pasco County.

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along Highway 471 and Rockridge Road, between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 15,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Major benefits of prescribed fire include:

  1. Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
  2. Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  3. Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  4. Maintaining access for public recreation

The Water Management District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Published January 17, 2024