The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

New projects proposed for Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of rezoning and land use changes proposed for potential projects in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

The planning board’s action was part of its consent agenda, meaning there was no board discussion and no public comment. Items on this agenda are approved in a single motion, unless someone on the board or at the meeting asked for an item to have a presentation.

On Jan. 18, the planning board recommended approval of:

  • A request by Tibbetts Land at Gowers Corner to change a currently zoned master-planned unit development (MPUD) to an MPUD to allow for 300,000 square feet of retail and office, and up to 400 multifamily apartments on approximately 49 acres at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 52 and U.S. 41. The applicant has agreed to dedicate 10 units for affordable housing.
  • A request by EFH Holdings LLC/Elite Pavers to change zoning from agricultural and general commercial to general commercial, on the west side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, approximately 1,500 feet north of Gator Lane on approximately 3.8 acres. The site consists of Elite Pavers of Tampa Bay. The applicant proposes to develop the property in conformance with general commercial uses, and the applicant has agreed to a deed restriction to limit the uses to commercial uses.
  • A request by The Corwyn at Wesley Hills MPUD to rezone agricultural land to an MPUD zoning district to allow a maximum of 350 multifamily units, 7,500 square feet of office and 7,500 square feet of commercial on approximately 24.4 acres. The project is located north of State Road 54 and west of Eiland Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel. The rezoning is a companion of a comprehensive plan amendment request to change the future land use designation on the property from six residential units per acre to MPUD.

Published February 14, 2024

Disney Springs: It is much more than just shopping and dining

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Disney Springs is a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca in the shadows of Walt Disney World’s theme parks.

But it is not just that.

For a great view of Lake Buena Vista, hop on the Aerophile balloon ride. It gives passengers a vantage point from an elevation of 400 feet. (Karen Haymon Long)

It’s a melting pot of, not just America, but of the world.

Stroll along the wide boulevards of the outdoor-indoor complex and you’ll hear Spanish and French, Chinese and Portuguese, and accents from all over the United States.

You can read the complex’s website in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, too.

Visitors come from everywhere.

You’ll see little girls in shiny princess dresses, boys wearing Pluto ears, and adults in T-shirts and sweatshirts from Key West to Alaska.

Restaurants at Disney Springs span the globe, too.

Gideon’s Bakehouse, which specializes in gourmet cookies, is a very popular place at Disney Springs. A line of about 200 people were patiently waiting to get in, on a recent Saturday.

An Asian restaurant serves dim sum and egg rolls, while a Mexican one offers carne asada. A large Brazilian restaurant serves skewered meat, while a French bakery specializes in fancy cakes, and an Italian trattoria in paninis and handmade pastas.

The Polite Pig offers Southern barbecue pork and chicken, The House of Blues combines beer, blues and BBQ.

The 69 restaurants and cafes in the complex sell pizza, fried chicken, churros, poutine, burgers, donuts and everything else imaginable. 

By far, the most popular eatery when we were there was Gideon’s Bakehouse. At least 200 people stood patiently in line to wait for one person to come out so one more could go in. 

The place specializes in small-batch “from scratch” cookies, weighing what they claim are almost a half- pound. The cost is $6 to $6.50 per cookie.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ears are in plentiful supply at the many candy shops in Disney Springs. These treats are chocolate-covered apples.

Most people probably flock to Disney Springs for the food, or to the movies at a dine-in AMC theater, or to see a spectacular show at Cirque du Soleil, which has its own soaring building there.

But it’s just as much fun to watch the people enjoying themselves in a pleasant environment.

On a recent Saturday, thousands of people of all ages mingled together along the boulevards, in the restaurants and shops. Despite the numbers, it all seemed very orderly. Very civil.

It was crowded, yes, but the crowds flowed, escalators took throngs to and from giant parking lots that are color-coded so visitors could remember where they parked.

Children will likely get a big kick when they see this dragon jutting out of a lagoon that meanders through Disney Springs.

“No one organizes better than Disney,” one man said, watching the processions. “That’s Disney’s specialty.”

The area Disney Springs now covers along Lake Buena Vista has evolved over the years. It started out as an area of nightlife, with bars and restaurants attracting mostly adults.

Then it expanded to a place for families, too, with the movie theater, restaurants, boat rides and even a giant record store. The record store is gone now, but the area has Splitsville Luxury Lanes for upscale bowling, a giant balloon ride and little colorful vintage sports cars that float along the lake.

A newer area has been added over the years to include all sorts of stores. Coach, Columbia Sportswear, Under Armour, Lacoste, The Lego Store, Star Wars Trading Post, Anthropologie, Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade New York, and even a Ron Jon Surf Shop are among the 97 places to shop.

For kids, there’s a giant Disney store, candy and ice cream shops, an M&M store, a soccer store, a Super Hero Headquarters and the Dino-Store at T-Rex, featuring a 15-foot T-Rex and discovery zones for dino enthusiasts. 

Vintage sports cars can drive on land and float on water at Disney Springs. They offer 20-minute guided tours of Lake Buena Vista.

One shop sells chocolate-covered apples sporting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse ears.

Many buildings are Mediterranean, with red tiled roofs. One along the lake looks like a rustic boathouse on a working wharf. Old-fashioned street lamps light up at night. Musicians entertain on a stage looking out over the lake. 

The boulevards get more crowded as the day progresses, as babies nap in strollers and tired shoppers rest on park benches. 

On the day we visited, bubbles mysteriously started floating over kids in Mickey Mouse ears, around teens snapping selfies and adults clutching shopping bags. Bubbles breezed across shop windows, spun overhead. 

No one seemed to know where they were coming from, but everyone watched as they sailed lazily toward the sky. They made me think of a sign I had seen that day in a shop window: Be as happy everywhere else as you were here today.

Where: Disney Springs, 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
When: Hours vary, but most days are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Info: DisneySprings.com offers an interactive map, visitor and parking information and entertainment details.

Published February 14, 2024

Protect yourself from online rental scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has issued some pointers to help people avoid rental scams.

(Stock photo)

Here are some precautions to take to help keep yourself safe:

Meet with the property owner or property manager in person before disclosing any financial information.

Use reputable sites to locate properties.

Research online listings and real estate company reviews.

Be cautious regarding properties that have multiple listings

Do not complete real estate transactions without seeing the property.

Do not pay for rental properties using mobile payment apps, gift cards or virtual currency.

Published February 14, 2024

Pasco County fires warning shots in battle over ‘Live Local’ exemptions

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Pasco County’s legal team has sent letters to representatives of two apartment developments that the county intends to sue them, if the apartment complexes seek to invoke tax exemptions authorized through the state’s Live Local Act.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, sent letters dated Feb. 7 to representatives of Passco Cypress Creek DST and to Trinity Odessa Apartments LLC.

In the letter, Goldstein advises the representatives that the county is aware that each entity has filed an application with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for a certification notice, which is a preliminary step in applying for a property tax exemption under the Live Local Act.

Goldstein also tells the representatives that Pasco County views the Live Local Act as being unconstitutional. He warns the apartment representatives that if they seek to invoke the exemption permitted under Live Local, the county will take them to court.

Goldstein’s letter contends the Live Local Act is unconstitutional because it grants a tax exemption to entities “that are not charitable organizations” and “that are not engaging in any act of charity.”

The county also argues that the Live Local Act “effectively authorizes the expenditure of public ad valorem revenues for a private purpose.”

Plus, the letter argues the exemption “unconstitutionally impairs Pasco County’s contractual obligations to repay its general obligation bonds.”

In addition to the constitutional issues, the letter points out that the exemption will jeopardize the county’s ability to provide essential public services.

Each letter essentially says the same thing, but in the case of Passco Cypress Creek, it notes that the rent of $2,047.50 for a two-bedroom apartment is not affordable for a sheriff’s deputy, firefighter or school teacher. 

Goldstein makes the same argument relating to Trinity Odessa Apartments LLC, but in that instance, the attorney says the rent for a two-bedroom apartment of $2,025 is not affordable for a sheriff’s deputy, firefighter or school teacher.

In each letter, Goldstein advises the representatives that the Pasco County Commission has authorized its legal team “to file a declaratory judgment against any entity seeking to invoke the Live Local Property Tax Exemption.”

In each letter, Goldstein adds: “To avoid the time and expense of litigating the Live Local Property Tax Exemption with Pasco County, and to avoid the negative impact on essential public services, we strongly urge you to withdraw (or not file) an application for the Live Local Property Tax Exemption.”

Goldstein also attached a complaint for declaratory judgment and supplemental injunctive relief to each letter.

He told the representatives that if they pursue tax exemption, the county will immediately file the attached documents for legal action.

Goldstein’s letters are just the latest effort in the county’s battle to fight potential impacts from the Live Local Act.

Elected leaders have been ringing alarm bells about the potentially dire consequences the tax exemptions could have on county revenues.

The Live Local Act, adopted by the Legislature last year, aims to increase workforce housing across the state by allowing the conversion of land zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed uses into multifamily developments — provided the project serves people who meet income criteria.

The law also preempts local government from blocking the developments and it allows a tax exemption for newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated developments that meet criteria for setting aside units for households earning 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

The law’s intent was to make housing affordable to enable workers to live and work in the same community.

In Pasco’s case, 120% AMI means apartment developments charging market rate, or above market rate, could qualify for the exemption, elected leaders have said, during previous discussions of the issue.

They also have argued that the law undermines the county’s persistent attempts to bring more jobs to a county that has long played a bedroom community role for nearby jobs-rich counties.

Seven out of 10 members of Pasco’s workforce commute elsewhere for their jobs.

The Pasco County Commission has been focused on efforts to bring jobs closer to home for its residents through its policy decisions that protect industrial and commercial lands from being converted to residential uses.

Based on a calculation for the two apartment complexes that have applied to convert to Live Local, the county would lose about $38 million in lost tax revenues, Goldstein reported at a recent county board meeting. Plus, the attorney said, that could just be the tip of the iceberg, if other apartment complexes seek the exemption.

Other taxing bodies, such as the school board, would also feel the impacts.

The issue came up at the Pasco County School Board’s Feb. 6 meeting, when board member Alison Crumbley briefed her colleagues on the issue.

She likened the potential negative financial impacts to a “tsunami.”

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for school support services, said the school district is pursuing possible changes to lessen potential effects on district revenues.

Published February 14, 2024

Clothing swap aims to help those less fortunate

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The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club will host a free clothing swap on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in the front activity room.

(Courtesy of GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club)

The event began in 2018 and has become a standing activity in the community.

The swap gives individuals an opportunity to go through their closets and purge items that are still in great shape, but no longer wanted. Participants bring their clothes to the event and can look through the donations brought in by others to take something ‘new to you’ home. No money is exchanged.

Clothes and shoes of all shapes and sizes can be donated. Used socks and underwear will not be accepted.

All items left behind will be distributed to local charities such as Sunrise of Pasco, the Cinderella Project, local homeless support charities, and Title 1 schools.

Most needed items are formal wear for high school proms, winter wear of all sizes, and throw blankets.

In 2023, the Pasco Juniors hosted three swaps and collected more than 2,000 pieces of clothing, as well as shoes and other household items.

For information, visit Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors.

Published February 14, 2024

Crowd gathers to learn more about ‘fighting fire with fire’

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Stephen Raymond with Hillsborough County’s Conservation & Environmental Lands Management explains the advantages of prescribed fires, at the county’s Prescribed Fire Fest on Jan. 27 at Lake Conservation Park. Hundreds turned out for the event. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The idea of using strategically set fires to protect property and people from wildfires is nothing new.

The land management technique has been used for centuries, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Hillsborough’s Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CLEM) Department held a prescribed fire event on Jan. 27 at Lake Conservation Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. It gave those gathered a chance to learn about the science of these fires, which are deliberately set and controlled.

A prescribed fire clears out competing vegetation, cycling nutrients into the soil, stimulating growth and seed production of fire-dependent plants, according to the county’s news release. It also provides food for wildlife, the release says.

“One of the greatest benefits of prescribed fire is that it reduces ‘fuels’ such as underbrush, branches, pine needles, leaves and dead plant debris that build up on the forest floor over time. Reducing fuels every few years helps reduce the intensity, heat, and destructive force of a wildfire if one occurs,” the release adds.

The special event also included activities for families. One of the most popular activities gave children a chance to try on kid-sized firefighting gear.

Published February 14, 2024

Dustin Sims with Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management demonstrates how a prescribed fire is set.
Ferns and underbrush begin to burn during a prescribed fire demonstration on Jan. 27. Such fires are set deliberately to help clear areas of flammable material, thereby reducing the risk of wildfires. Prescribed fires also can improve habitat for animals.

Coffee with a Cop offers forum for residents to discuss concerns

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Cindy McCary, a resident of Wesley Chapel, recently organized a “Coffee with a Cop” session to discuss community public safety concerns.

The primary motivation was to seek answers about issues involving traffic enforcement in Wesley Chapel, according to an email McCary sent to The Laker/Lutz News.

Residents share concerns with local law enforcement officers during a recent ‘Coffee with a Cop’ in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Cindy McCary)

Her email includes a synopsis of what happened at the meeting.

Three representatives from the Pasco Sheriff Office’s community engagement department attended the meeting.

They shared information about what their department does and said they would be glad to attend informal meetings on a recurring basis.

They also talked about the Pasco Sheriff’s Office resources relating to Wesley Chapel, which is located in District 2. There are substations at The Grove and at Tampa Premium Outlets.

Those attending the meeting learned that the best place to take their questions depends on the issue. For instance, there are various county departments that deal with specific issues, while elected county board members address a broad range of issues.

The best number to call for an emergency is 911.

The speakers also told the audience that they should make their reports directly to the Sheriff’s Office, rather than on social media posts. The office needs the direct reports in order to include it in their data, which provides a better idea of the community’s need for services.

Those not wanting to make a direct report can use the tip option on the Sheriff’s website, at PascoSheriff.com.

Residents at the meeting expressed a number of concerns in their community, which include speeding, parking, safety, signage and needs for more patrols.

Published February 14, 2024

Pasco names planning and economic growth director

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David Engel is Pasco County’s new planning and economic growth director. The position is a result of a county reorganization, combining economic and planning issues into one department. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Pasco County has done some reorganization — resulting in the confirmation of David Engel as the county’s planning and economic growth director.

Engel previously was the county’s economic growth director. With his new role he will oversee zoning, the county’s new planning services team and economic growth.

Engel was recommended for the role by Roy Mazur, assistant county administrator.

“I feel great about entrusting the direction of this new group to Mr. David Engel,” Mazur said, in comments to the Pasco County Commission at its Feb. 6 meeting.

The board voted 5-0 to confirm Engel to the post, which has an annual salary of $161,000.

Engel thanked the board for considering his confirmation.

“We’re at a crossroads. I know that everybody has expectations — leadership, executive team, the team that I work with on a daily basis,” he said.

“My mission is to reach those expectations and make the county a better place to live for tomorrow,” he said.

In making the recommendation, Mazur noted Engel’s extensive planning and economic growth expertise.

According to background materials in the agenda packet, Engel has more than 20 years of experience in city and county government, specializing in urban and transportation planning, affordable housing, and economic development and redevelopment.

The background materials also say that Engel holds a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) degree from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Sciences from George Washington University.

Additionally, Engel has been affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1980.

Published February 14, 2024

Community Challenge grant program open

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AARP Florida invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, which funds quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more, according to the AARP website. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

The Community Challenge accepts applications across these three different grant opportunities:

Capacity-building microgrants: Pair with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and efforts for improving pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and for implementing safe, accessible home modifications.

Demonstration grants: Focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and housing choice design competitions.

Flagship grants: Support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity; equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year, community resilience; and digital connections.

Grants range from several hundred dollars for small short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects.

All projects must be consistent with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people age 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. The application deadline is at 5 p.m., on March 6.

All projects must be completed by Dec. 15.

To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Published February 14, 2024

Staying safe on the Internet

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PSO) recently shared some tips to help people stay safe while using the Internet.

(Stock photo)

Like protecting a home, digital security is essential to prevent online hacks and attacks, according to the PSO’s posting.

Here are the PSO’s suggestions:

Ensure firewalls are always turned on for computers.

Install antivirus software to prevent malicious software from attacking and embedding.

Install available updates and anti-spyware technology to ensure private information stays safe.

Be mindful of downloads and links.

Turn off computers when not in use.

Published February 14, 2024