The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

Duke Energy Foundation offers helping hand

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Duke Energy awarded monetary donations to food banks and organizations, to help keep families fed and healthy, especially during the holiday season.

Duke Energy has awarded $425,000 to more than a dozen Florida organizations that provide food assistance and other community resources to help seniors and families throughout the state. The funding, provided by the Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Florida, helped wrap up the holiday giving campaigns of numerous organizations, with many including matching donations by private donors, according to a news release.

“Every bit of support to local and statewide food banks and community resources is helpful any time of year but particularly during the holiday season,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, in the release.

“We are proud to support these incredible organizations and the great work they do throughout the year to keep Floridians and their families fed, healthy and secure,” said Seixas.

This year’s holiday donations are in addition to $100,000 donated previously to Feeding Florida, a statewide organization dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious meals through its network of food banks.

The funding also allowed the Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) to distribute free holiday gift cards for seniors.

Some of the organizations that received funding include:

  • Feeding Florida
  • Florida Council on Aging, to be distributed through Seniors First, Orange County; Neighborly Care Network, Pinellas County; Council on Aging of Volusia County; NU-HOPE Elder Care Services; CARES, Pasco County; Citrus County Support Services; and Marion Senior Services.
  • 211 Tampa Bay Cares
  • St. Pete Free Clinic
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
  • Hope Partnership in Central Florida
  • Community Food Bank in Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties
  • Heartland Food Bank, Highlands County
  • Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida

To learn more about assistance programs, visit Duke-Energy.com/HereToHelp.

Published January 17, 2024

Help keep beads out of the bay, and protect the ecosystem

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The Florida Aquarium is encouraging the community to join its crew in helping to keep beads out of the bay during Gasparilla festivities.

(Courtesy of The Florida Aquarium)

Revelers are asked to drop off beads collected during the celebrations at the aquarium for recycling. Supporters of this Bead-Free Bay initiative will receive 50% off one adult general admission ticket for every 5-gallon bucket of recycled beads delivered to the aquarium, according to a news release.

The promotion is available Jan. 20 through Feb. 11.

As part of The City of Tampa’s Bead-Free Bay initiative, the effort aims to help protect the  marine ecosystem. Gasparilla beads are not only harmful to wildlife, throwing beads into the Bay also is illegal according to Florida Statute 403.413, the release says.

All beads collected will be donated to the MacDonald Training Center, a nonprofit organization that helps adults with disabilities prepare for the workforce through vocational training, employment pathways, residential supports and life-enrichment opportunities. Workers will sanitize and repackage the beads for reuse at future events.

Following this year’s Gasparilla activities, divers from The Florida Aquarium and other organizations will participate in a bead cleanup. Hundreds of pounds of beads and debris are removed from local waters each year, the release says.

To learn more about Bead-Free Bay, visit FlAquarium.org/upcoming-events/gasparilla-bead-recycling/.

Published January 17, 2024

Samaritan Corporation seeks to enrich youths’ lives

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Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc., (501c3), seeks “to foster social service initiatives that connect with the community, celebrate its cultural diversity, promote education, uphold spiritual values, and cultivate an authentic and enriching quality of life for all residents,” according to the Rev. Clyde E. Carter, who is the CEO of the program.

Carter recently reached out via email to The Laker/Lutz News to share information about opportunities offered through the organization’s three programs.

It has a “Blue Diamond Drumline,” which focuses on percussion, the rhythmic pulse of any band. It provides comprehensive training in the 26 rudiments of percussion and the art of reading music. The Drumline has begun instructional classes at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel, with musicians ages 7 to 12.

The corporation also operates the Samaritan Corporation Learning Center, which offers after-school tutoring for elementary, middle and high school students. 

The center uses a combination of traditional teaching methods and computer-based learning labs to pursue effective learning for all. It offers one-on-one tutoring tailored to address specific needs.

It measures success by the students’ ability to complete classroom assignments and homework with 80% scoring accuracy. Our goal is to help each student achieve academic proficiency and build confidence in their abilities.

The Samaritan Golf Academy was designed to give young golfers a different outlook on sports. The program will open in March. Its mission is to “foster hidden talents, embrace social and cultural diversity, and instill spiritual values in every aspiring golfer.”

Samaritan will be hosting a registration for drumline, for kids ages 6 to 17, on Jan. 16, Jan. 17, Jan. 18, Jan. 23, Jan. 24 and Jan. 25 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel. The program is year-round.

For more information about the Dade City-based organization, visit SamaritanCorp.org.

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco EDC announces promotions of key executives

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The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has announced internal promotions to fill two key positions, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Mike Bishop, previously director of stakeholder engagement, is now the economic development organization’s senior vice president.

Mike Bishop has been promoted to senior vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. Previously, he was director of stakeholder engagement. He also founded Big Storm Brewing, a company that expanded to 50 employees and won accolades for its quality. He joined Pasco EDC after selling the brewery. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Tom Ryan, previously director of business development, is now the vice president of business.

Bishop graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance, in 2006. He began his career as a financial advisor and then made a career shift, founding Big Storm Brewing in 2012, which was the first craft brewery in Pasco County.

Big Storm expanded its operations and garnered accolades, including being named the Best Beer in Florida in 2016, according to Pasco EDC news release, announcing his promotion. It also grew to 50 employees.

After selling his business, Bishop joined the Pasco EDC’s staff as director of stakeholder engagement.

In his new role, he will cultivate an internal culture of innovation, ensuring each team member is aligned, equipped, and continuously developed in keeping with the organization’s vision and objectives.

Bishop is highly engaged in the community, serving on the boards of the Pasco County Tourism Development Council, the Pasco Education Foundation and the United Way of Pasco. He also is a graduate of the Leadership Pasco Class of 2017 and the Pasco County Citizens Academy, and is a member of the Rotary Club of New Port Richey.

Tom Ryan has been elevated by the Pasco Economic Development Council to the position of senior vice president. He has had a hand in helping the economic development organization land a number of large businesses for Pasco County.

He lives in Land O’ Lakes with his wife, Erin, and three children — Angelo, Eric and Alessandra.
Ryan has had a hand in many of the big deals that have come Pasco County’s way.

He has more than 12 years of experience in economic development. His background in commercial real estate for 16 years provides him with invaluable tools to offer company executives, site consultants, real estate developers, and brokers when evaluating site specific needs of major companies considering upgrading and expanding their facilities.

His primary responsibilities include coordinating and implementing economic development strategies, confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and qualifying projects for incentive programs designed to recruit new and expanding companies.

In 2021, Ryan achieved his goal of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council and was honored to be named one of ConsultantConnect’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

He has been involved in helping the county attract major projects, including: 

Bauducco: This 403,000-square-foot bakery and distribution facility will create 600 new full-time jobs. It also represents $233 million in capital investment in building and machinery.

Gary Plastic Packaging Corp.: This 260,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is creating 555 new, full-time jobs resulting. It represents $66 million in capital investment in new building and machinery.

Santander Consumer, USA: This project will generate 875 new, full-time jobs and represents $22 million in capital investment. The project converted an 115,425-square-foot Target store into a professional office facility.

TouchPoint Medical, Inc.: This company located its 125,000-square-foot global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pasco. The project resulted in the creation of 228 new executive, management, engineering and production jobs, and $23 million in capital investment for the building and machinery.

Mettler Toledo: This 250,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility is producing 493 new, high-wage manufacturing and office support jobs, and generating $35 million in capital investment for the building and machinery.

TRU Simulation+Training: This 29,000-square-foot facility and simulator expansion is resulting in 212 new high-wage jobs and a capital investment of $40.8 million.

Ryan achieved his goal in 2021 of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council and was honored to be named one of ConsultantConnect’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

Ryan lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife of 27 years, Caitlin, and has two adult sons. He is a graduate of The University of Dayton.

Published January 17, 2024