The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Bill that would revise the state’s pre-kindergarten program advances

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(The Center Square) — Florida lawmakers have advanced a bill this week that would allow young students and those who teach them the tools to be successful.

State Rep. John Snyder, R-Palm City, sponsors House Bill 1353. It would revise Florida’s laws on the state’s pre-kindergarten programs known as early learning coalitions and other specified early learning programs.

CDC/Unsplash

While introducing his bill to the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, bill sponsor Snyder said that the bill would better support children, providers and early learning coalitions.

Snyder stated that Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program instructors — who have completed a 60-hour micro literacy credential or have scored a 3 or higher on the instructional support domain of the program assessment — would be allowed to teach the summer VPK program.

The bill also prohibits students from using electronic devices in these programs as instructional tools. At the same time, parents would be required to be notified if a student is falling behind in their learning.

“[The bill] prohibits the use of one child to one device for instruction in the VPK setting, and it also requires a VPK provider to notify each parent of a VPK student if they have not met the minimum performance metrics,” Snyder said.

When the bill was originally drafted, Snyder stated that the bill had made provisions to authorize early learning coalitions to increase the administrative percentage fee that they take from the providers, an increase from 4% to 5%. However, the fiscal impact was not able to be included in this year’s fiscal budget and was amended out of the bill.

A second amendment removed another program, the VPK summer-bridge program. Snyder stated that the program was removed because it is included in HB 5001, the state’s General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024-25.

Snyder added that the bill would add tools needed to capture those students who may struggle with their early learning and pointed out that one only has to look at literacy rates to know how important this is for young students.

“The data does show that the sooner we can get the students who are having those learning gain issues, the better it is,” Snyder said. “So there’s no greater tool in my opinion, than to make sure our earliest learners are set up for success as they enter kindergarten.”

Published February 28, 2024

Pasco youth group releases human trafficking service announcements

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The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking has shared two public awareness videos, developed in partnership with Teens Battle Human Trafficking (TBHT), a local youth-led anti-trafficking group, educating teens on how to identify when they are being groomed and the importance of notifying a trusted adult, according to a news release.

The videos were released on WFTS-TV ABC Action News, WFLA-TV NewsChannel 8 and the commission’s social media platforms on Feb. 23. 

“We wanted to give examples of situations that kids might find themselves in that make them feel uncomfortable,” said Meghna Manjith, TBHT president and Wiregrass Ranch High School senior, in the release.

The videos encourage kids to Stop. Block. Talk.

“We want them to stop that interaction immediately, block that person from having further contact with them, and talk about what happened with a trusted adult,” said Manjith.

“Most youth who are trafficked are groomed and manipulated into the trafficking situation, in many instances by someone they know and trust,” said Megan Harding, Pasco County School Board chair, in the release. “It’s critical that our children recognize these grooming tactics and feel empowered to immediately put a stop to them.”

If there is an imminent threat, or a child is involved, immediately call 911.

To report human trafficking, or to seek help and resources, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

To report a tip to local law enforcement, call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

For more information and resources, and to view the public service announcements, visit MyPas.co/StopHumanTrafficking.

Published February 28, 2024

UnBinged – Newer, Better, Faster, Stronger? Reviews of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ ‘Shogun,’ and ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’

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In this week’s UnBinged, we look at a few new series with a familiar face. These are reworked and reimagined time-tested tales with established fan bases made shiny and new for the next generation. From an adaptation of a miniseries that your mother loved to a live-action version of the cartoon you adored as a kid, here are a few shows that streaming networks tried to improve for your benefit. Did it work? 

Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix)
After nailing it with the adaptation of One Piece, Netflix appears to be their apology tour for Death Note and Cowboy Bebop with Avatar: The Last Airbender, the live-action version of the much-beloved Nickelodeon series. Given the fondness for the original series, the devotion of the fanbase, and the disaster that was the previous adaptation, updating Avatar was a bit of a gamble.

For the uninitiated, Avatar: The Last Airbender is set in the Earth Kingdom, where nations are defined by the elements of fire, water, earth, and air. There are telepaths who can manipulate the elements, but only one who can manipulate all four, known as an avatar. It has been many years since one has been born, and during that absence, the Fire Nation has seized power, unaware of the existence of young airbender and avatar Aang (Gordon Cormier). After a century trapped in ice, Aang along with waterbender Katara (Kiawentiio) and her brother Sokka (Ian Ousley), must finish his training and find a way to end the Hundred Years’ War so he can bring balance to the world. 

For purists looking for a straight adaptation, there are some changes to the original story as the live action version finds its way, but key moments are still intact enough to make the fandom happy.  And clearly, Netflix did not want to disappoint. The production is filled with lovely moments thanks to stellar casting, set design, and a lively script that caters to both long-time fans and newbies with no prior knowledge of the original show. And while there are several times when the CG doesn’t quite keep up with the demands of the script, the heart of the original series is still there, along with plenty of fan service.  

Both the young and adult cast competently capture their animated counterparts and the bit players who help make up this unique world. Like the animated series, the characters are given complexity one wouldn’t usually find in fantasy fiction or a 2D world. Cormier does an admirable job creating a flesh and blood Aang, but it is Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Uncle Iroh who brings home the raw emotional moments. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender is pulling triple duty in not only providing fans with a fanciful live action version of their favorite series, but also erasing the shadow of a less than stellar film version while helping rebuild Netflix’s reputation for animation adaptations. The result is a charming version of the Nickelodeon series that should make fans smile from ear to ear.  

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Shogun (FX/Hulu)
FX/Hulu’s contemporary adaptation of James Clavell’s Shogun takes a step in the right direction with its extraordinary reworking of the story “Anjin” John Blackthorne and his time in Feudal Japan. It is a big swing for the network, as the original miniseries has long been considered landmark television, but this reimagining is not only a revelation, but a much needed rectification for a flawed story.

A war between Japan’s Council of Regents has been brewing since the death of the Shogun. Four of the regents have set their sights on Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), intimidated by his growing influence. But just as the vultures circle, English pilot Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) arrives with the goal of disrupting Portuguese-Catholic relations in Japan, only to become a pawn in the escalating conflict.

In this big, bold remake, Blackthorne is still key, but is not the central character. Instead, Toranaga, Lady Mariko  (Anna Sawai), the politicians that make up the Council of Regents and its court are very much the focus, as they should be. And while the romance between Blackthorne and Lady Mariko is still prominent, it isn’t fundamental to the narrative. Instead, Toranaga and those in his court take center stage. 

This Shogun is a rich and complex reworking of the original saga. Righting the wrongs of the original narrative by highlighting the strengths of the story and placing problematic tropes in the backseat, thus giving us an inspired remake for a new generation, and possibly the next. 

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (AMC/AMC+)
Remember when The Walking Dead audience got its first glimpse of Michonne (Danai Gurira)? She had with her two walkers as personal guard dogs to mask her scent – terrifying to behold, but missing their jaws and limbs so they were rendered pointless, with no real bite left in them. For most people, that is what has become of The Walking Dead franchise after almost 15 years. The zombie show seems horrific, but upon closer examination, the series lacks any bite. Oversaturation of the franchise has exhausted fans thanks to AMC’s nonstop rollout of zombie-related content to the point that the undead almost seems tedious.

Now they offer The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. So, this begs the question: What sets this series apart from all the others? For super fans, the answer is Rick and Michonne.  

Led by season four showrunner Scott M. Gimple and actress/producer Gurira, The Ones Who Live takes a gander at one of the few love stories from TWD that didn’t end with one or both parties eaten, bitten, or killed by some jerk who turned evil by their own hubris. When we last saw Rick (Andrew Lincoln), he appeared to sacrifice himself to take out an entire herd of walkers, but was actually whisked away via helicopter by the Civic Republic Military. And when we last saw Michonne, she left her children to go look for him.

In the first two episodes, Rick and Michonne are on their own journeys, spending years attempting to find each other, only to lose hope and limbs along the way. When reunited, the duo fight obstacles in the form of the CRM and its minions, as well as a few familiar faces from the past. The duo must also reconcile with who they had to become to survive during their years apart and rekindle the flame that brought them together. 

Oh, and occasionally fight the undead. 

Watching Lincoln and Gurira slip back into their roles is certainly a treat for long-time fans who live for such moments. They alone are the reason to watch. But there isn’t much else here to draw in a crowd. The CRM as an antagonist injects the series with almost  immediate ennui, as there is nothing as droll as facing off against a faceless agency. But the real issue is that the world has grown “walker weary.” Only Rick, Michonne, and promises of upcoming reunions are the only enticement for The Ones Who Live. And while the acting and world building is still top notch, only the devoted will follow this latest chapter, which offers little to newbies.

Published February 28, 2024

Pasco figures show reduction of traffic deaths and serious injuries

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On the one hand, there’s good news. 

Pasco County has reduced both the number and rate of deaths and serious injuries resulting from crashes on its roadways, based on a recent report delivered to the board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Travel demands in Pasco County continue to increase, but the county is making some progress in reducing both the rate and number of fatalities and serious injuries, according to a February 2024 report. The board that oversees transportation planning in the county has adopted a goal of a 10% reduction in traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. (File)

On the other hand, the county’s statistics are higher than the state averages, reported Johnny Koors, a transportation planner for the Pasco MPO.

And, despite the improvement, Pasco must do what it can to continue to make it safer to travel around the county, said  Koors, a transportation planner for the MPO.

Each statistic represents a person, he said, and when the ripple effect is considered, “we’ve got 10s of thousands of people that are affected by these crashes every year. So, we know we’ve got more work to do.”

Still, there are some bright spots. Based on the five-year period ending in 2022, the Pasco MPO is one of four MPO planning areas in the state that has seen improvements in each of the categories measured in the report.

In terms of traffic fatalities, Pasco saw a decrease of 1.3% in the number of fatalities, based on a comparison of the current and previous five-year rolling averages.

The decrease in the fatality rate, based on 100 million vehicle miles traveled, was even greater, Koors said. He explained that’s because the number of fatalities went down, while the number of vehicle miles driven went up.

So, in the comparable years, the fatality rate decreased by 3.4%.

Johnny Koors, a transportation planner for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization, said it’s important to keep working toward greater safety for drivers and pedestrians. Each statistic represents a person, and the consequences of traffic crashes are far-reaching, he said.

As far as the number of serious injuries, the county saw a decrease of about 8%, and again, because of the higher number of miles driven, the serious injury rate declined even more, reaching nearly 10%, Koors said.

While those figures are taking the county in the right direction, its results still exceed the state average.

To meet a federal requirement of setting targets, Koors said the MPO staff is recommending that Pasco submit a goal of a 10% reduction in fatalities and serious injuries, which he said is aggressive compared to some other counties.

The MPO board adopted the recommendation.

Last year, after staff gave the MPO board a presentation on the number of deaths and serious injuries related to traffic crashes, the board asked for a more detailed look at the issue.

That report was delivered by Tina Russo, an MPO staffer who spends much of her time working to improve safety.

She analyzed crash reports for 2022 and identified some of the key issues.

According to her report, the largest number of crashes in 2022 occurred at intersections. There were 4,486 wrecks at intersections resulting in 308 serious injuries and 33 deaths, according to information previously reported in The Laker/Lutz News.

Russo also noted that lane departures were another significant factor, with 3,246 crashes resulting from vehicles straying on the road. Those wrecks resulted in 236 serious injuries and 45 fatalities.

She also noted that two simple behaviors by motorists — wearing a seatbelt and wearing a helmet — would go a long way toward reducing traffic deaths.

An examination of crash reports in Pasco County in 2022 revealed that the greatest number of crashes occur at intersections.

TRAFFIC SAFETY FIGURES

NUMBER OF FATALITIES
Across Florida: 2017 to 2021: 3,306.4; 2018 to 2022: 3,387.2: Difference: 2.4%
Across Pasco: 2017 to 2021: 104.2; 2018 to 2022: 102.8; Difference: -1.3%

RATE OF FATALITIES (Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled)
Across Florida: 2017 to 2021: 1.52; 2018 to 2022: 1.54; Difference: 1.6%
Across Pasco: 2017 to 2021: 2.06; 2018 to 2022: 1.99; Difference: -3.4%

NUMBER Of SERIOUS INJURIES
Across Florida: 2017 to 2021: 18,029.8; 2018 to 2022: 17,146.2; Difference: -4.9%
Across Pasco: 2017 to 2021: 988.4; 2018 to 2022: 910.6; Difference: -7.9

RATE OF SERIOUS INJURIES (Per 100 million vehicle miles traveled)
Across Florida: 2017-2021: 8.35; 2018-2022: 7.79; Difference: -5.6%
Across Pasco: 2017-2021: 19.5; 2018 to 2022: 17.64; Difference: -9.7%

Source: Report to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization, February 2024

Published February 21, 2024

‘Nothing is off the table’ in Pasco school district budget talks

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Speakers came to the Pasco County School Board meeting on Feb. 6, urging the district to keep positions that are paid through federal funding that was provided to districts to address deficits caused by the COVID pandemic.

The speakers spoke during the board’s public comment portion of the meeting, urging the district to retain employees — especially instructional assistants —  they said are essential in the district.

Later in the meeting, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning offered this response: “I would agree with every speaker who came to the podium this morning about the impact that our IAs – our instructional assistants – have had on our students and in our classrooms, on our schools and in our district.”

Pasco County Schools is facing a tough budget year. (File)

However, the superintendent explained that the district is in the position it‘s in because the federal government created the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) to respond to impacts from the pandemic.

“That ARP ESSER money was set aside — a specific amount, a specific timeframe and a specific purpose.

“They were wanting districts across the country to use the proceeds of those dollars primarily to support academic instruction and make sure that our students did not fall too far behind. And, I think they were a little fortuitous because they knew there was going to be a significant academic impact to our students.  

“There has been, there has been — with COVID,” the superintendent said.

When the federal funding was provided, Browning said, it was done so “with the understanding those dollars were going to disappear after three years. We’re coming up on that three-year mark, I believe it’s September of this year.

“And so, as we begin the very, very, very early stages of budget preparation for the ’24-’25 year, we are planning that those COVID dollars, COVID ARP/ESSER dollars are not in play.”

Browning reminded school board members that when the federal dollars initially were provided, there was a concern that local entities receiving the funding would become dependent on them, and that they would face a “fiscal cliff” when the funds ended.

 “One of the things that we set off early to do was to avoid any fiscal cliff,” Browning said.

Positions always intended to be temporary
“There was a specific point that I made, a caveat that I made three years ago, when we started receiving these dollars … that these positions are for three years. They will not move forward, beginning the fourth year,” Browning said.

That being said, the district hired student service coordinators, discipline instructional assistants, kindergarten institutional assistants, tutors and other employees with those funds, Browning said.

In total, about 600 district positions are funded with the federal money.

“We cannot absorb almost 600 positions into the district payroll. We can’t do it,” Browning said.

“However, in the early conversations that we are beginning to have with budgets, we are going to look at not only the GR (general revenue) that we have in the district, but also how is that GR being spent?

“We have a meeting set up to look at grants — the grant dollars that we have, and are there expenditures that can be made with grant dollars that are currently being made with GR dollars.

“I will tell you, nothing is off the table.

“We will be asking our staff: Is this required, or is it just a want?

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said the school cannot absorb 600 positions that have been funded with federal COVID relief money. The district, however, plans to do what it can to help employees who may be displaced to land work in different school system roles.

“Are we required by law to do it? If we are not required by law to do it then we really need to look at the impact of what those dollars are meaning to our students,” Browning said.

Tough decisions must be made
“There are a lot of things that we do in this district that are not required by law — but we understand that they impact families and they impact kids significantly.

“So, it comes down to the proverbial age-old question of, ‘Whose ox is going to get gored?’

He added: “We really need to start at the sum zero number and then what are the things that we’re willing to sacrifice? What are the things we are willing to cut in this district, in order to afford the discipline IAs, the student services coordinators, the kindergarten IAs, the behavior IAs. You get my drift on how this process is going to go.

“I want to make it clear that before COVID, or ARP/ESSER funding, this district was funding and had funded for a number of years instructional assistants out of GR for our schools. Those are not going away.

“We plan on budgeting for those through GR dollars (for next year).

“I don’t think there’s anybody on my team that would disagree with any of the speakers this morning about the value of the instructional assistants. But I will tell you, there’s going to have to be some tough decisions that have to be made, and some prioritization about which positions we’re going to attempt to keep and those we cannot keep.

“When folks were hired for those positions under ARP/ESSER, they knew that it was going to be a three-year commitment, or they knew it was going to be a two-year commitment, if they came in Year 2; and, they knew it was going to be a one-year commitment, if they came in in Year 3.

“We are not even filling empty positions. We are not filling empty slots. Because why would I want to hire an instructional assistant now only to let them know that come July 1 or June 30, you’re not without a job,” Browning said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin said she has been a huge advocate of IAs in the past, but also understands financial restraints.

“We’re going to look at the budget. We have decisions to make,” Beaudoin said.

Beaudoin also emphasized that eliminating specific positions doesn’t correlate to eliminating people.

“We don’t know yet how many we’re going to be able to keep in the current positions, but maybe other positions,” she said.

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Shibley said, “We’ve been planning for this moment for a while. So, any positions that we are not able to move into other funding sources going into ’24-’25, HR (Human Resources) is going to be ready and willing to work with those folks throughout the spring either to find other positions of that same type, or if there are not going to be any positions of that type anymore help them to transition into other vacancies.”

He’s confident the district will be able to help employees who may be displaced.

“Our goal is to not put anyone on the street. We have jobs available,” Shibley said.

Published February 21, 2024

Pasco’s 2023 tourism numbers estimated at roughly 1.5 million visitors

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Pasco County attracted roughly 1.5 million visitors during fiscal year 2023, with a tourism impact on the local economy of more than $1 billion, according to a report prepared by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc.

In terms of direct spending, tourism generated more than $712.5 million, up 12% over fiscal year 2022.

Spending by visitors to Florida’s Sports Coast supported 12,370 local jobs, up 8% from 2022. Wages generated exceeded $332,301, up 15% from 2022.

Scalloping is a popular activity, bringing a significant number of visitors to the area during Pasco’s summer scalloping season. (File)

Typical travel parties spent $238 per day during their stay, with a total of $1,089 during the course of their visit.

For every 121 visitors, a job was created in Pasco County, according to the report.

In terms of revenues, the county received nearly $6.8 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues, up about 35% from the previous year. The increase includes the impact of a 1% increase in the tax rate, as the tourist development tax increased from 4% to 5%, in June 2022.

Pasco restaurants, gas stations, hotels, shopping and entertainment venues experience increased business from tourists visiting the area, but Pasco residents benefit, too.

The report estimates that visitors saved every household in Florida’s Sports Coast $417 in state and local taxes in fiscal year 2023.

That figure is based on how much more revenue the county would have had to generate, without the economic boost provided by tourism.

Skydive City in Zephyrhills attracts skydivers from around the world, contributing to Pasco County’s annual tourism revenues.

Most people visiting Pasco drove into the area, with the research showing that figure at a whopping 91%. Those flying in typically came through Tampa International Airport, the report says.

The report also shows that 49% of the visitors planned their trip within a month of traveling.

Forty-four percent of those visiting the area were day-trippers. Of those staying in the area, 25% stayed in a hotel or motel and 17% stayed with family or friends.

The typical visitor stayed 4.5 nights.

Of those visiting, 72% came from eight states, with 54% coming from Florida, 3% coming from each of these states, New York, Georgia, Ohio and Michigan; and, 2% coming from Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.

The typical travel party was made up of 2.6 people, and 36% traveled with at least one person under 18 in the travel group, according to the report.

Tourists said they would like to see additional dining options added in Pasco County.

The majority of those coming to Pasco reported they were visiting family or friends, with 30% falling into that category. The next largest group — 19% — were there for a sporting event. The next largest group, which made up 18%, were there for vacation.

Tourists gave the Sports Coast an 8.6 rating, with 10.0 being the highest possible score. Sixty-six percent indicated they definitely will return to the area.

The survey revealed visitors’ top activities: 71% casual dining; 56% shopping; 53% visiting family and friends; and, 53% visiting nature and parks.

It also showed that 28% of visitors said they’d like the area to have more restaurants; 23% wanted more family activities; 23% want more shopping options; and, 20% want more sporting events.

The survey results are based on 2,667 interviews completed with Pasco County visitors, online and in person at local attractions, parks, hotels and events between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.

The information in this story is based on the report contained in the Pasco County Commission’s Feb. 20 agenda materials. That meeting was scheduled to occur after The Laker/Lutz News’ publication deadline.

Pasco tourism by the numbers
These figures are from a report compiled by Downs & St. Germain Research for fiscal year 2023

Economic impacts:

  • Overall economic impact: $1.03 billion, up 12% over fiscal year 2022
  • Direct spending: $712.5 million, up 12% over fiscal year 2022
  • Visitors: 1,491,700, up 0.8% over fiscal year 2022
  • Room occupancy: 61.8%, down 9.3% from fiscal year 2022
  • Average daily rate: $126.30, up 6% from fiscal year 2022
  • Room nights: 1,471,000, down 3% from fiscal year 2022
  • Local jobs supported: 12,370, up 8% from fiscal year 2022
  • Wages and salaries: $33,301,400, up 15% from fiscal year 2022
  • Tourist Development Tax: $6,776,922, up 35% from fiscal year 2022

Visitor profile

  • Average visitor: Is 50 years old, female, with income of $81,700
  • 91% drive into the area; those who flew primarily traveled through Tampa International Airport
  • The typical stay is 4.5 nights
  • Travel parties spend $238 per day; $1,089 over course of visit

Top visitor activities

  • Casual dining: 71%
  • Shopping: 56%
  • Seeing family and friends: 53%
  • Visiting parks and nature: 53%

Top desired additional activities

  • More restaurants: 28%
  • More family friendly activities: 23%
  • More outdoor activities: 23%
  • More sporting events: 20%  

Published February 21, 2024

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