The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Showing off their cars, to help Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Skeleton mechanics work on Melinda Crosby’s 2020 California Special Mustang GT Premium. The mechanics were working their fingers to the bone for this Wild Stallions Mustang Club member. (Fred Bellet)

Some 150 custom Mustangs and other Ford models took part in the inaugural Bay Area Mustangs’ (BAM!) Mustang Madness, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, at 28739 State Road 54.

Although billed as a Mustang Madness event, all models of Ford vehicles were welcome.

Besides the car show, there was a silent auction, costume contest, cash prizes, raffles and 50/50 chances. Trophies were awarded for best dressed cars, people’s choice, sponsor’s choice, charity’s choice and participation awards, as well.

The event benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Bay Area Mustangs is a club that promotes the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the Ford Mustang in the Tampa Bay region.

The club gathers monthly on the first Thursday around 6 p.m., at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant at 25526 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 54/State Road 56.

For a complete schedule of the club’s events, visit BayAreaMustangs.com.

Published November 10, 2021

During the ladies’ Halloween costume contest, master of ceremony, Frank Morales, left, dressed as a quack doctor. He draws a response from those watching, as he kids around with Darlene Esposito, of Lutz, who said she was dressed as The Slayer.
Customized and haunted, Lou McCarty’s 2018 Mustang has all sorts of eerie decorations, as it sits on display at the Bay Area Mustangs’ Mustangs Madness event. His Mustang GT has a 5.0 engine with a 10-speed automatic and a high performance package. Tara Cunningham, of St. Petersburg, back/left, sat with her husband, Scott, obscured, and their 2007 Mustang.
Bay Area Mustangs’ Howie Taylor’s 2020 Mustang has a high-performance package in the 4-cylinder turbo engine. Taylor says it kicks out 400 hp. Although the car is orange all year-round, Taylor added the pumpkin face decals to his doors to suit the season.
Rodney Ford, of Plant City, looks in on the driver of his 2019 Mustang GT 5.0 liter engine. Ford, a member of the Wild Stallions Club, has had his car for three years. It was dressed up for the Bay Area Mustang Madness Car Show, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

Mixture of uses approved for intersections in Wesley Chapel Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a request for a mixture of uses at three intersections within the community of Wesley Chapel Lakes.

The project has been on the books for decades — and the board’s approval, during its Oct. 26 meeting, gives the developer the ability to pursue entitlements at the intersections of Meadow Pointe Boulevard and State Road 54; Meadow Pointe Boulevard and State Road 56; and Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Beardsley Drive.

The project is located south of, and adjacent to State Road 54, about 3.5 miles east of Interstate 75, and extending south to the Pasco County line.

The proposed uses will not generate more vehicle trips from the development than were previously approved and that have already been addressed through mitigation (which normally includes impact fees and/or transportation improvements), according to the agenda background materials.

Most of the residential component of the project has been developed.

The project originally was approved decades ago, as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI), which allowed an array of uses. In addition to agreeing to allow the developer to pursue entitlements, the county board also rescinded the original DRI.

The nodes had already been approved for commercial development; the change allows residential development, as well.

The property is not within the county’s current multifamily moratorium boundary.

The modification area includes about 166 acres. It calls for up to:

  • 850 single-family attached, townhome or apartment units
  • 420,000 square feet of commercial use
  • 150,000 square feet of office/light industrial
  • 700 hotel rooms

The request also seeks a variation from the county’s land development code to permit a reduction in the standard parking space size of 9-feet by 20-feet to a reduced size of 8-feet by 18-feet, with the condition that curbs and/or wheel stops will be required to prevent vehicles from overhanging required landscape buffers, or sidewalks, unless the sidewalk is 7-feet wide, to keep the sidewalk width at a minimum of 5 feet for pedestrians.

The request had received a recommendation for approval by county planners and from the Pasco County Planning Commission.

The county board approved the request as part of its consent agenda, meaning it was approved along with other items on a single vote, and there was no board discussion or public comment.

Published November 03, 2021

Grand opening festivities offered countless fun options

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Kids competed at Hula-Hooping, checked out the new gymnasium, played some outdoor hockey and had a chance to enjoy other activities, at the grand opening celebration of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road.

Seven-year-old Reagan Peal, of Land O’ Lakes, concentrates on keeping her Hula-Hoop spinning during one of many games and events at the grand opening of the new facility. She was with her 10-year-old sister, Kendal, and her mom, Samantha. (Fred Bellet)

The atmosphere was festive — from the archway of balloons that greeting those arriving at the rec center, to the free cupcakes doled out to those wanting one.

The celebration also included inflatables, games, music, ball hockey clinics and food trucks.

Children had a chance to play and adults could find out about the various programs that will be offered in the new center.

The new 17,800-square-foot gymnasium and activity rooms have been added to the 144-acre park, making it the largest indoor/outdoor county park in Pasco County.

Many classes will be offered there, including ballet and jazz, boxing, chair yoga and cheerleading, according to the district park’s Facebook page.

Youth ball hockey players honed their skills in a rink outside the new recreational center.

According to previously published reports in The Laker/Lutz News, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has long advocated for an indoor recreation center to be built at the district park.

He knows how hot it gets at the park: He coached flag football, baseball and soccer there for years, when his three children were younger.

This is a look at the exterior of the new Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center, at 7727 Boyette Road. Grand opening festivities drew hundreds. This was one of those times when the cliché, ‘and a good time was had by all’ appeared to ring true.

As designed, the center can accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball, summer day camp, toddler activities and community events.

The new facility features a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court that can be converted into two smaller courts, two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts.

There are restrooms and showers, too.

Multipurpose areas will accommodate a range of activities for groups, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

The district park already is packed with outdoor sports activities, including several athletic fields for youth and adults, a lighted soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables and grills for barbecues.

It also is home to the county’s only universal playground — designed specifically to enable all children — regardless of their physical capabilities — to be able to enjoy time at the park.

Note: Those wishing to participate in the district park’s programs must purchase a yearly membership for $10 per person, which applies to everyone over age 13. All memberships must be purchased at the district park’s front desk. Membership sales began on Oct. 4. For more information, call 813-345-3145.

Published October 06, 2021

Eight-year-old Saraya Mercado, of Wesley Chapel, takes a shot during the ball hockey clinic.
Five-year-old Eliel Leibovici munches on a cupcake at the grand opening of the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center. The child was there with mom, Cynthia Leibovici, and grandmother, Lila Manzana, both of Wesley Chapel.
An inflatable dinosaur looms in the background, as Phyllis Olsen, of Tampa uses an umbrella to shield herself from the hot morning sun. She was waiting for her granddaughter, 9-year-old Claire Olsen, who will be taking part in the youth soccer program at the park.
What’s a party without balloons? Stephanie Salimbene, of Wesley Chapel, enters under an archway of balloons in the new recreation center, pushing her 2-year-old son, Lorenzo, in the stroller and holding her 3-year-old son Andrew’s hand. Salimbene said they are frequent visitors to the park.
The writing literally was on the wall, as visitors to the new recreational facility search informational leaflets to find out about the diverse programing offered at the center.
Wideline Joseph of Zephyrhills decorates cupcakes with sprinkles. Sponsor Hope Services made it possible for cupcakes to be offered to each visitor at the new recreation center building.
University of South Florida National Champion cheerleaders Bri Wilson, left and Jason Brooks, right, of Tampa, show off their championship rings. They will be among the instructors for cheerleading classes, which begin Oct. 6.
While a little too young to join cheerleading classes, 1-year-old Jaylen Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel, will have a lot of fun watching his 9-year-old sister, Aaliyah, right take cheerleading classes at the new recreation center. Their 6-year-old brother, Justin, was checking out other classes offered, along with their mom, Brandi Jean-Francoise, of Wesley Chapel.

 

Pasco approves apartments off Wesley Chapel Boulevard

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Pasco County’s moratorium on multifamily applications continues, but the county board approved 400 new apartments off Wesley Chapel Boulevard at its Sept. 15 meeting.

The approved development is planned for 43 acres at the intersection of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Hay Road.

The request had received recommendation of approval with conditions from county planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission.

No one signed up to speak on the issue.

The request was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Mike Moore voting no.

“It’s in the (temporary) moratorium area (for new multifamily applications), but they obviously submitted before the moratorium,” Moore said.

“I will say this, you know previous to the last hearing, a number of residents, people in the community had reached out in concern. But nobody is here to speak today.

“If you don’t come and speak, it is very difficult to convince a board of five why something should be denied,” Moore said, adding that those reaching out to him should show up, sometimes, too.

On another item, the county board approved spending $70,000 to purchase 4.25 acres from J.L. Tucker Inc., to add the property to its Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program.

The Environmental Lands Acquisition Selection Committee recommended the purchase, according to the county board’s agenda backup materials.

The property is in Shady Acres along Triple J Ranch Road and is adjacent to the ELAMP-owned Martinez and DeAngelo property.

The property is not within an Ecological Corridor nor an Ecological Planning Unit, but its acquisition would extend the more than 1,700 contiguous acres of conservation land, which extends along the North Pasco to Crossbar Ecological Corridor. Acquisition of the property would also include eliminating an ingress/egress easement, thereby reducing potential future access and land use conflicts, the agenda backup says.

The county board also approved a change order with Blackwater Construction Services LLC, in connection with the Hugh Embry Branch Library renovation. The change order is for the amount of $71,358.11 for fiscal year 2021, bringing the new cumulative not-to-exceed amount to $1,575,939.

The bids for this project were received on Oct. 20, 2020, with seven months elapsing between the receipt of the bid and the award of the contract. The time delay is beyond the required 90-day hold period for prices, and during that time, there were significant increases in the prices for both labor and materials, resulting in the request for the additional funding.

“This has been considered a unique case and does not apply to any other projects being procured by the county,” the agenda backup says.

In other action, board members:

  • Heard a report on a proposal to increase mobility fees in some categories and decrease them in others. The fees are charged to help pay for impacts that growth has on roads and other aspects of the transportation network. A final adoption on the new fee schedule is set for Sept. 28.
  • Found a proposed Property Rights Element to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and authorized transmittal to state agencies for review. Adoption of the element is scheduled for Oct. 26.
  • Continued to a date uncertain a request for master-planned unit development called Dayflower, seeking 1,469 single-family, villas and townhomes on approximately 1,014 acres, north of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Lexington Oaks and west of Old Pasco Road.
  • Continued until Dec. 7 a request from Acorn LLC, for a rezoning to allow general commercial development on 9.2 acres, on the south side of State Road 54, west of the intersection of River Glen Boulevard and State Road 54.
  • Approved an increase of $515,355 for medical examiner services due to an increased number of autopsies being performed. The increase will cover the final months in this fiscal year’s budget.
  • Appointed Joseph Ward and Rocio Rosie Paulsen to the county’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee.
  • Approved an increase of $13,787.50 in a professional service agreement with Rainey Leadership Learning, to provide leadership coaching and development for the executive team in the public infrastructure branch. The additional funding brings the total not-to-exceed amount to $63,412.50.
  • Accepted a donation of hand sanitizer retailing at $34,524.62 from Joseph Di Sano. Di Sano, of Wesley Chapel, delivered 3,400 bottles of HYGN brand hand sanitizer to the administrative offices of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department in July. Each 12.6-ounce bottle retails at $9.56.

Published September 22, 2021

Diverging Diamond work resumes

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Superior Construction Company Southeast LLC began working on the completion of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) last week, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

Work activities in the first few weeks will involve cleanup, surveying, and other tasks needed to safely resume construction. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2022, according to information on the Florida Department of Transportation’s website.

Pipes await a crew on the south side right of way, along State Road 56. Construction starts up again in the creation of the diverging diamond road design. (Fred Bellet)

Activities last week were expected to include mobilization of labor, equipment and materials, erosion control, survey, jobsite cleanup of debris and office setup, according to an update provided by Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the District 7 office of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Minor pothole and erosion control repairs were completed last week by the interim maintenance contractor, the update adds, with maintenance responsibility expected to be fully transitioned to Superior by Sept. 20.

The project will reconfigure the I-75/State Road 56 interchange between County Road 54 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard, in Pasco County.

The existing diamond interchange will be modified and converted to a DDI.

The main change will be to diverge, or cross, State Road 56 traffic to the left side of the road through the interchange, and then cross vehicles back over to the right side of the road on the opposite side of the interchange.

The changes will help to alleviate traffic congestion at this interchange to reduce travel time for motorists in this rapidly growing area, according to information posted on FDOT’s website.

Crews again have begun work on the diverging diamond road design at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. Here, crews work on 1-75, under the State Road 56 overpass. Heavy equipment can be seen moving dirt.

A DDI was chosen for the I-75/State Road 56 interchange because of the proven ability of this traffic configuration to increase safety and capacity while using a large amount of the existing interchange footprint, including the existing bridge, according to FDOT.

The DDI also was chosen because of its ability to handle heavy left-turn volumes, such as the westbound to southbound movement from State Road 56 to southbound I-75.

The new interchange at State Road 56 will reduce vehicle delays by allowing traffic to enter the interstate without waiting at a left-turn signal. To do this, traffic is redirected from the right side of the bridge to the left side.

Signalized crossovers are positioned at each side of the interchange, and are designed to cross eastbound and westbound State Road 56 traffic with no turning movements at these two intersections. This design allows for more efficient signal timing, which reduces delay times, minimizes conflict points, and enables the interchange to more effectively handle higher volumes of traffic while eliminating the more serious crashes associated with a conventional interchange.

These types of interchanges operate under two-phase signal control, which reduces lost time, delays and queue lengths at traffic signals.

Safety features include lower design speeds between ramps and a reduction in the number of conflict points. The lower speeds result in less severe crashes.

The design also fosters increased safety for pedestrians and bicycles, and better sight distance at turns.

The expected benefits for the interchange are an increase in capacity and pedestrian safety while reducing vehicle delays and crashes. These benefits will be achieved by an increased number of lanes, improved pedestrian facilities, more efficient signal timings and reduced vehicle conflict points, the FDOT says.

Future project updates on the diverging diamond will be provided at FDOT’s website, at FDOTTampaBay.com/.

Carson also provided updates on other projects that were halted when DAB Constructors ceased operations.

State Road 52, Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
The surety has received bids from prospective completion contractors on Sept. 9 and is evaluating the bids.

Quail Ridge requested additional delineation at entrance; additional barrels were placed on Sept. 17.

New Beginning Family Ministry requested additional mowing at their entrance, which was performed on Sept. 16.

Work continues on necessary pothole and silt fence repairs throughout the site.

State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
The surety responded to questions from prospective bidders, posting those responses on Sept. 14. Bids are expected to be received the end of September.

The surety’s subcontractor has been mowing, performing litter control and filling potholes at side streets and driveways throughout the project.

Emerald Striping is receiving school ahead sign panels to be installed by early next week. The flashing beacons for the signs are expected to be installed within three weeks to five weeks.

Also, FDOT maintenance crews have been onsite filling in washouts behind sidewalks project-wide.

Driveways and side streets milling was scheduled to begin on Sept. 18, with paving scheduled to begin this week.

Published September 22, 2021

Honoring the 20th anniversary of a tragic day in America

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Thirty-two-year-old Tim Read, of Wesley Chapel, is flanked by his black Labrador retriever, Shadow, and his wife, Anhdu Read. The veteran served in Afghanistan twice and received two Purple Hearts after losing his leg to an improvised explosive device, while on patrol. Shadow is a retired bomb dog the Reads adopted. (Fred Bellet)

Hundreds turned out for a special event held to honor those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, leading to the deaths of 2,977 killed in the attacks, as well as the 19 hijackers.

The planes were crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center, and into the Pentagon. A fourth was headed toward Washington D.C., when passengers on the airplane overtook the hijackers, crashing the plane into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon’s 1-mile Memorial Run/Walk was held on the morning of Sept. 11, at the Tampa Premium Outlets. It was followed by a ceremony, which began at 8:46 a.m. — memorializing the time when the North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck.

Two plaques also were unveiled that day, recognizing the sacrifices of Deputy Michael Magli, of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen, of the Tampa Police Department, who both died in the line of duty. The officers were Pasco residents.

The event also included the unveiling of a new wall to remember those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

Proceeds raised by the walk/run go to support scholarships for graduates from Pasco County high-schoolers, who intend to pursue careers as first responders.

To see the video of the full ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofwesleychapel/videos/203479018382523

Published September 15, 2021

Diana Marcum, of Wesley Chapel, holds her hand over her heart, as she holds her 5-month-old dachshund, Chikuis, during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Diana was there with her husband, Reyes Marcum.
Looking over the new mural dedicated to our fallen heroes, U.S. Army Colonel Peter Quinn, left, shows it to World War II Veteran, Tom Dempsey, right. The new unveiled mural was dedicated to the memories of those who gave some and some who gave all. It’s in the food court area at Tampa Premium Outlets.
There were many somber moments during the 9/11 Memorial held at The Tampa Premium Outlets. Here, from left, are Fainery Spelman, 12-year-old Matthew Spelman, 9/11 responder Stephen Spelman (a former New York City fire department EMT) and Chris Casella (a former police officer with the Queen’s South Taskforce). Casella, a witness to the 9/11 tragedy, was emcee at a 20th anniversary remembrance event on the morning of Sept. 11, at Tampa Premium Outlets.

 

Marine Cpl. Ryan King, of Tampa, taps the bell signifying times on 9/11 when America was attacked. Chris Casella assists in the task. The bell was tapped once at various times for a moment of silence, for those who gave their lives to save others.
Some walkers and runners begin their trek outdoors, at the Tampa Premium Outlets. There were 240 registered participants.
Madison Lembo, of Land O’ Lakes, listens to Gary Bradford, of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, during remarks by dignitaries and guest speakers.
Pasco County Fire Rescue provided a 15-by-30 American flag for the event.
Looking over the new mural dedicated to our fallen heroes, U.S. Army Colonel Peter Quinn, left, shows it to World War II Veteran, Tom Dempsey, right. The new unveiled mural was dedicated to the memories of those who gave some and some who gave all. It’s in the food court area at Tampa Premium Outlets.

Request for mixed uses aims to wrap up Wesley Chapel project

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The Wesley Chapel Lakes project has been on the books for decades, but now the developer is seeking an amendment to its master planned unit development (MPUD) to pursue entitlements at three intersections within the community.

The project is located south of, and adjacent to State Road 54, about 3.5 miles east of Interstate 75, and extending south to the Pasco County line.

The developer, M/I Homes of Tampa LLC, is seeking entitlements for vacant parcels within Wesley Chapel Lakes that are consistent with market demands, according to information contained in the Pasco County Planning Commission’s Aug. 26 agenda materials.

The proposed uses will not generate more vehicle trips from the development than were previously approved and that have already been addressed through mitigation (which normally includes impact fees and/or transportation improvements), according to the agenda background materials.

Most of the residential component of the project has been developed.

Now, the applicant is seeking approval of entitlements along three nodes on Meadow Pointe Boulevard, according to Barbara Wilhite, an attorney for the applicant.

The northern node is at Meadow Pointe Boulevard and State Road 54; the central node is at Meadow Pointe Boulevard and State Road 56; and the southern node is Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Beardsley Drive.

The project originally was approved decades ago, as a Development of Regional Impact, which allowed an array of uses, Wilhite said.

Wilhite told the planning commission: “This is not the beginning of this project. This is the end of the project.”

The changes being sought will allow a mixture of uses, along with conditions, at the intersections, Wilhite said.

“It just so happens that the developer has held those properties and not developed those,” she said. “All of those nodes are approved for commercial today. What we’ve done is the ability to do residential at those nodes.”

The property is not within the current multifamily moratorium boundary.

The modification area includes about 166 acres. It calls for up to:

  • 850 single-family attached, townhome or apartment units
  • 420,000 square feet of commercial use
  • 150,000 square-feet office/light industrial
  • 700 hotel rooms

The request also seeks a variation from the county’s land development code to permit a reduction in the standard parking space size of 9-feet by 20-feet to a reduced size of 8-feet by 18-feet, with the condition that curbs and/or wheel stops will be required to prevent vehicles from overhanging required landscape buffers, or sidewalks, unless the sidewalk is 7-feet wide, to keep the sidewalk width at a minimum of 5 feet for pedestrians.

One speaker, who appeared via a virtual connection, expressed support for the additional development planned at the State Road 54 and State Road 56 intersections with Meadow Pointe Boulevard, but asked to preserve the area near the Meadow Pointe and Beardsley intersection for residential development.

Wilhite said that the Beardsley intersection currently has some commercial entitlement. But the attorney said her client will not seek to increase the commercial potential at that location.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the request, with conditions.

The Planning Commission agreed with county planners, unanimously recommending approval of the request to Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning decisions.

Published September 08, 2021

County honors Saddblebrook Eagle Scout

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From left: Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stands near Eagle Scout Martin Levins II, the scout’s father, Martin J. Levins and the scout’s mother, Janet C. Levins. The Eagle Scout earned his rank some time ago, but the family wanted to come to the board room to receive the resolution and they were delayed in doing so because of COVID-19 restrictions. Moore submitted the resolution on the scout’s behalf. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor, Pasco County)

Martin Levins II was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Aug. 10, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Levins recycled used tennis balls to provide material for low-impact tennis courts for people with disabilities, according to a resolution approved by the county board.

Through his project, more than 40,000 tennis balls were collected and sent to the recycling company called RecycleBalls.

That was enough tennis balls to provide the surface for four low-impact tennis courts, the resolution says.

The project began in July 2019, and with the help of fellow Troop members, school members, friends and family, the 169-hour project was completed in September 2019, the county document adds.

Levins began his scouting days in Natick, Massachusetts. He launched Troop 200 at Saddlebrook Preparatory School, in Wesley Chapel, when he moved there in 2017.

Over the years, he earned 39 merit badges, 13 scouting awards, and the Bronze, Gold and Silver Eagle Palms, after achieving his Eagle.

He also has camped 66 nights, logged 95 miles of hiking and provided 151 hours of service, as well as assisting with his fellow Scouts’ Eagle projects.

Levins is the son of Martin J. Levins and Janet C. Levins, and attends Saddlebrook Preparatory School.

He completed his Eagle Scout requirements in 2019, but didn’t appear before the county board until recently, because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Published August 25, 2021

Ice center names academy director

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Hockey in Florida is hotter than hot following back-to-back championships by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Glen Metropolit, former Tampa Bay Lightning player, is the new director of AdventHealth Center Ice’s Global Prospect Academy. (Fred Bellet)

Now, AdventHealth Center Ice has strengthened its connection to the Bolts, through a new hire.

Glen Metropolit, a former Tampa Bay Lightning forward, has been selected as the new director of AdventHealth Center Ice’s Global Prospects Academy.

The academy provides a tailor-made educational approach — giving students a chance to combine intensive hockey training, along with scholastic pursuits.

Gordie Zimmermann, chief executive officer for AdventHealth Center Ice, announced Metropolit’s selection during a news conference last week at the five-rink facility, off Cypress Ridge Drive at the Interstate 75 interchange, in Pasco County.

The academy is part of ice center’s mission to build a “developmental pipeline” for future hockey players – both boys and girls – who want to play on college, professional or Olympic hockey teams.

About 30 students are expected to enroll in the program, which will more than double the previous year’s enrollment of 14,  Zimmermann said.

North Tampa Christian Academy will provide the academic curriculum, with Global Prospect Academy students attending classes at North Tampa Christian, which is about three miles from the ice rink.

Gordie Zimmermann is the owner and chief executive officer of AdventHealth Center Ice, the largest ice sports training facility in the Southeast. (Fred Bellet)

A classroom dedicated to academics also is located at the ice rink.

North Tampa Christian will provide transportation between the two sites.

The program will be crafted to meet both academic requirements and hockey training schedules. Pasco-Hernando State College also will provide college course opportunities.

“It’s a highly competitive academic program,” said Stephen Herr, North Tampa Christian’s headmaster. “They are going to get a top-notch education. They are going to get academic scholarships they hope for, in addition to athletic scholarships they and their parents have dreamed of for so long.”

The program provides an opportunity previously not available to area student-athletes, Zimmermann said.

Academy hockey players run drills on the ice as AdventHealth Center Ice officials announce Glen Metropolit as the new director of the Global Prospect Academy.

“Kids were going to Michigan or Boston to play hockey. There were no programs in Florida. In the future, we’ll grow and include other sports we have here,” he said.

Figure skating could become the second ice sport for a program like the one the academy provides for youth hockey players, Zimmermann said. It also will recruit students nationally and internationally, he added.

He mentioned one family from the Czech Republic that is considering a move to Pasco so a son can enroll in the academy to play hockey. They also have a daughter who figure skates, Zimmermann said.

They are just one example of the broad-based interest in the new academy, Zimmermann said.

Brian Bradley represented the Tampa Bay Lightning organization at the news conference. The former Tampa Bay Lightning player is an inductee into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame.

Before accepting his new role, Metropolit served as assistant director and head coach for the Lightning’s U18 Elite Training Program for high school students from grades nine through 12.

The former hockey player had stints in several national and international hockey leagues, and is an inductee into the ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League) Hall of Fame.

He also is a recipient of the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, an annual award bestowed to a hockey player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Gordie Zimmermann, left, chief executive officer of AdventHealth Center Ice; Glen Metropolit, new director of Global Prospects Academy; and Stephen Herr, headmaster of North Tampa Christian Academy, chat prior to a press conference.

Metropolit describes hockey as “the ultimate sport.”

Of his new appointment, he said: “This is just another way I can give back and help hockey players reach their goals.”

Metropolit’s staff includes Stan Neckar, former National Hockey League and Tampa Bay Lightning player; Nick Lindberg, former professional hockey player; and John Drysdale, a USA level 4 certified coach, a bronze certified goalie coach, and a former youth development director.

Zimmermann noted that the interest in hockey, in general, has grown steadily over the past five years.

“We’ve probably doubled the size of youth hockey in Florida,” he said.

AdventHealth Center Ice provides considerable opportunities for those interested in developing their talents, and for spectators who enjoy watching sports.

The facility is the largest ice sports training in the Southeast, with one Olympic-sized rink, three National Hockey League style rinks, and one mini-rink.

It also boasts locker rooms, a fitness and sports recovery center, off-ice training area, full-size restaurant and bar, concession stand and pro shop.

It hosted the 2018 U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team training program, and the team went on to win Olympic gold.

Adult and youth leagues play there, and it attracts special events — which, in turn, has a positive impact on Pasco County’s economy.

Visitors to the area to attend events at the ice center often stay in area hotels and spend money at gas stations, at restaurants and at area attractions.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 18, 2021

Diverging Diamond is delayed

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Work on the diverging diamond project at State Road 56 and Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel has been halted, and the project is not expected to be completed until after the holidays.

That news was announced by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore during the Pasco County Commission’s July 6 meeting.

Moore told his colleagues that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had found the company doing the work — D.A.B. Constructors — in default.

Kris Carson, department spokeswoman for FDOT’s District 7 office, explained the series of events in an email.

This is an aerial of a diverging diamond project. Work has stopped on a diverging diamond project that is being done in Wesley Chapel, which is expected to ease traffic at State Road 56 and Interstate 75, once the work is finished. An estimated completion date on the project has not been determined. (File)

She said that in November 2020, FDOT “issued a Notice of Intent to Default (NOI) to the contractor due to concerns they were not proceeding at the pace required to meet the contractual completion date.”

In its response, D.A.B. Constructors “included a recovery schedule showing a project completion date of October 2021,” Carson wrote.

Based on that schedule, FDOT “established interim milestone dates that the contractor would need to meet in order to avoid being defaulted,” Carson’s email continues.

“One of the milestones was set for June 28, 2021, and the contractor did not meet this milestone.

“On June 25, 2021, D.A.B. notified the Department (FDOT) they were demobilizing from the project. As a result of missing the milestone, the Department (FDOT) defaulted D.A.B. on July 1, 2021,” Carson’s email says.

She also noted that “at the time of the default, D.A.B.’s schedule submitted to the Department (FDOT) showed a final completion date of Jan. 6, 2022, and the interchange would be in its final configuration in early November 2021. However, interim milestones on the projects critical path were not met to achieve that schedule. D.A.B. demobilized on June 25, 2021, which would further delay the project.”

Carson goes on to say that FDOT “will work with the surety company who is required to provide a replacement contractor to complete the project. At this time, FDOT is unsure how long it will take the surety to procure the replacement contractor but will work diligently to move the process as quickly as possible.”

During the July 6 county board meeting, Moore told his colleagues that motorists driving through the area likely would have noticed the work stoppage at that location.

“The company swore up and down they would get this done. They would meet the milestones. The timelines. They were moving along nicely, in the beginning, unfortunately, they slowed down again,” Moore said.

Despite the delay, Moore reiterated his support for the diverging diamond.

“It’s such a great project. It’s going to have huge benefits,” Moore said.

Still, the county commissioner expressed frustration.

“It’s unfortunate. It really is. Because who pays the price? It’s our citizens — that’s their taxes and they expect these projects to be done in a timely manner,” Moore said.

In her email, Carson said FDOT is “empathetic to impacts any project delays may cause to motorists, residents, and businesses and will make adjustments to traffic signals and any traffic control devices to help accommodate extra traffic volume” that’s typical during the holiday season.

She said D.A.B. is the prime contractor on two other projects in Pasco County: State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road; and State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41.

“The default does not apply to these state road projects,” Carson wrote.

Published July 14, 2021