The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

Steps being taken to improve traffic safety on U.S. 301

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Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley informed his colleagues during a recent board meeting that the county and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are responding to a traffic situation on U.S. 301 that has become dangerous.

During the county board’s Feb. 6 meeting, Oakley said he met with residents at Tropical Acres Estates, which is off U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills.

“There was a full room,” Oakley said. “They were very concerned about their exit and entrance onto (U.S.) 301, between (State Road) 39 and (State Road) 56.”

There has been a traffic fatality and have been other accidents, too, the county board chairman said.

“I originally thought that we had already started the construction of a four-lane, from (State Road) 39, back down to (State Road) 56, only to find out that hasn’t even started and all of these issues are created right here at this entrance to Tropical Acres Estates,” he said.

He reached out to FDOT officials to see if there might be a traffic light installed.

“I got information that it could be up to a year before a light comes, and it’s going to be right at their entrance. But in the meantime, they’ve got this issue going on. And, I’m sure the people across the way probably have a similar issue,” Oakley said.

But the issue is different across the way because people leaving there are turning right to head to Zephyrhills, he said.

So, until a more permanent solution is available, Oakley recommended a temporary fix.

“I suggested that possibly we can make a right-turn only out of Tropical Acres Estates and put some flashing (warning) lights up, first,” Oakley said.

The county board chairman expected those actions to be taken quickly.

“It’s all based on safety,” Oakley said.

Published February 14, 2024

LEO at Cypress Creek planned for San Antonio

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Miami-based developer Advenir Capital LLC has begun work on a new community that will be built on 40 acres, off State Road 52, just north of the Publix at Mirada.

The development, known as LEO at Cypress Creek, was designed by Nequette Architecture & Design of Birmingham, according to a news release. General contractor BBL Building Co., based in Dallas, will begin construction in June on the $93.5 million development.

This rendering depicts the future community of LEO at Cypress Creek. Site preparations have begun on the built-to-rent development that will feature 315 residences, with housing types including a mixture of standalone cottages, duplexes and townhomes. The first units are expected to be delivered by June 2025, with project completion expected in 2026. (Courtesy Advenir Capital)

LEO at Cypress Creek features 315 built-to-rent units, a clubhouse and a pool on 36 acres. The project also has 4 acres designated for commercial use.

The housing types are a mixture of traditional standalone cottages, duplexes and townhomes. They range in size from one-bedroom with 728 square feet to the three-bedrooms with 1,510 square feet, the release says.

Amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, a clubhouse with 24-hour fitness center, an E-lounge, free Wi-Fi throughout the community, pocket parks and a pet washing station, according to the release.

The first units at LEO at Cypress Creek are expected to be delivered by June 2025, according to Matt Vecchitto, principal of Advenir Capital LLC d/b/a LEO@Cypress Creek LLC. The community is expected to be completed by the spring of 2026.

The new San Antonio development is less than 2 miles east of Interstate 75.

Advenir selected the location for its proximity to the 965-acre Double Branch master-planned development, which broke ground in 2023, the release says. That project has been approved for 400,000 square feet of retail, 725,000 square feet of office and 4 million square feet of industrial. It is expected to employ 6,000 people.

LEO at Cypress Creek also will benefit from its proximity to the 1.4 million-square-foot Target fulfillment center that is expected to be completed in 2024 and is expected to employ 2,400. The development also is close to the recently announced 365,000-square-foot Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, the release notes.

For more information about LEO Cypress Creek, visit LeoLiving.com.

Published February 14, 2024

Ag shows, entertainment, fried foods and fun

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Even before the 77th annual Pasco County Fair gets rolling — there’s a championship rodeo at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17.

The first day of the fair kicks off with the fair parade — with the theme “Buckets of Fun for Everyone.”

Fair-goers looking to grab a bite at the 2024 Pasco County Fair will have ample choices, including corn dogs, pizza, grilled cheese, Italian sausage sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob, turkey legs, hamburgers, cotton candy, funnel cakes and more. This is a look at food offerings during a previous fair. (File)

That’s set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 19, in downtown Dade City.

The fair, held at the fairgrounds, at 36722 County Road 52, will run Feb. 19 through Feb. 25.

There are so many choices at the fair, it’s a good idea to check out its website ahead of time, to give yourself the best chance to take advantage of what it has to offer.

Of course, there are the typical agricultural shows and competitions including beef, dairy, poultry, rabbit and swine.

There’s a plant contest, too, and competitions involving the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H.

Other competitions include home arts, community exhibits, the Pasco Showcase of Talent and the karaoke contest.

Take a ride on a Ferris wheel to get an excellent vantage point of what’s happening on the ground at the Pasco County Fair.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, the fair will have plenty of options, including corn dogs, pizza, grilled cheese, turkey legs and Italian sausage sandwiches. There’s a wide range of sweets, too, including fried Oreos, cotton candy and funnel cakes, to name a few.

The fair also features dozens of rides, some with names like The Hurricane, The Beast and Cliff Hanger, which sound perfect for thrill seekers; and others, which are milder, and are geared toward tiny tots.

There’s a long list of entertainment options, including a Legends in Revue Night, on Feb. 20; a Bluegrass Night on Feb. 21; and a Gospel Night, on Feb. 22 — with performances beginning each evening at 6 p.m.

Plus, there are all sorts of other acts, including Mad Chad, the chainsaw juggler; the Strong & Amazing Ariel Stunt Show featuring Laura J.; magician and illusionist Jay Mattioli; Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, Robinson’s Racing Pigs; Hot Glass, a glass-blowing demonstration; Doc Magic Balloons; and Crazy Boy Coy, a comedic fire eater.

The Pasco County Fair got its start in 1947 when a group of businessmen decided to start a fair to showcase the county’s resources. San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nickolas, Bob Williams and Joe Collure worked together on the project, according to the fair website.

The men found a 40-acre site off County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52),  and raised $3,500 to purchase it.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 through Feb. 25
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for those age 5 and under (Feb. 20 is carload night. The charge is $70 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a carload of up to six belted passengers, which includes admission and a ride wristband.)
Details: The fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and all sorts of competitions.  Info: PascoCountyFair.com

Published February 14, 2024

Two Rivers emerging on Pasco and Hillsborough borders

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Two Rivers — a massive new development flanking the borders of Pasco and Hillsborough counties — will be breaking ground on a new health, wellness and dining club for its residents.

Two Rivers is a massive master-planned community that will feature housing ranging from the low $300,000s to $5 million, and is being built on land flanking the borders of Pasco and Hillsborough counties. (Courtesy of Eisenhower Property Group)

The new facility will feature tennis, pickleball, pools, playgrounds, gathering spaces, a bar and a restaurant, according to information provided to The Laker/Lutz News.

Two Rivers is a master-planned community situated on both sides of the county line, off State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

A regional district park is planned in the community, as well as shopping, dining and office spaces, according to a news release.

A luxury community known as Flatwoods is located on the Hillsborough County side of the development. It will be home to Flatwoods Golf and Country Club, which will feature a private country club with a spa, an 18-hole golf course and other recreational amenities.

This map depicts a portion of a new master-planned community that will include a regional district park, shopping, dining, office spaces and an array of amenities.

The golf course, designed by David McLay Kidd at DMK Golf Design, has an estimated completion date of 2025.

Home options in Two Rivers will range from the low $300,000s to more than $5 million.

Newly announced builders in Two Rivers include Casa Fresca, Homes by WestBay, MI Homes, Meritage Homes, Park Square Homes, Pulte Homes, William Ryan Homes, and Taylor Morrison.

The first villages, Northwater with homes by D.R. Horton and Childers with homes by Lennar, have sold hundreds of homes and already have residents enjoying their new lives at Two Rivers, the news release says.

The first two amenity centers in Northwater and Childers are underway, featuring two clubhouses with pools, playgrounds and gathering spaces and are expected to be open this summer.

At completion, Two Rivers will include more than 7,500 homes, townhomes, apartments and villas featuring a variety of builders and commercial partners.

Models in the first phase already are open, with the next phase of models slated for late summer 2024. To learn more about the community, sign up for updates and view the latest new home details, visit TwoRiversFL.com.

Published February 14, 2024