The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Breakfast with the jolly man himself

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The GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event recently took place at the Lexington Oaks Community Center. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit annually hosts this fundraising event to purchase holiday presents for community youths, and to donate funds to the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation. The foundation is named for a Wesley Chapel High student who passed away on Christmas Day 2014 from complications of Stevens Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. GFWC Juniors vice president Suzette Torres said the event raised about $600, thanks to food and coffee donations from Waffle House, Burger King, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Starbucks and Wawa. For more information on either charity, visit their Facebook pages.

Wesley Chapel infant Nikolas Scardino can’t believe his eyes as he meets Santa Claus (Paul Bartell) on Dec. 2, during GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event at Lexington Oaks Community Center. (Mike Camunas)
Six-year-olds Kiarah Edwards, left, and Aliana Hernandez, both of Wesley Chapel, play a knock down the Grinch game at the Breakfast with Santa charity event.
Wesley Chapel kiddo Joey Fonck, 5, gets ready to devour a pancake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club member Janine Marquardt serves up a plate of food during the group’s Breakfast with Santa charity event on Dec. 2.
Wesley Chapel sisters Giulietta Fantuz, 5, left, and Amielia Fantuz, 4, play a sandbag toss holiday game on Dec. 2, at the GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event.
About a hundred people turned out on Dec. 2 to get a warm meal during GFWC Pasco Juniors Woman’s Club’s Breakfast with Santa charity event, at Lexington Oaks Community Center in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco officials clear the way for a regional children’s hospital

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will allow a mixed-use development including a regional children’s hospital, a hotel, residential, commercial and office development.

County board members approved a rezoning request on 176 acres at the northeast corner of McKendree and Overpass roads to make way for the proposed projects.

Specifically, the approval allows:
• 1,275 multi-family dwellings

  • 155,000 square feet of retail
  • 150,000 square feet of office
  • 250,000 square feet of medical office
  • 365,000 square feet of hospital
  • 250 hotel rooms

Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing All Children’s Hospital, said it should be a day of celebration for Pasco County because the hospital has selected to locate in Pasco.

But not everyone is overjoyed by that fact.

Tonya Riddlesworth, who lives next door to the planned development, spoke against elements of the mixed-use project during the county board’s Nov. 14 public hearing.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will allow a mixed-use development including a regional children’s hospital, a hotel, residential, commercial and office development at the corner of McKendree and Overpass roads in Wesley Chapel. The site is in an area that’s been designated as Connected City. (Mike Camunas)

She told county commissioners that she wasn’t seeking a reduction in density, but did want the development to be staggered back away from her property to diminish its impacts on her quality of life.

She detailed a number of objections in a letter of opposition she submitted to the board.

In her letter, she wrote: “I am deeply troubled by the proposed addition of 1,275 apartment homes and a helipad in our community.”

She cited concerns about overcrowding in area schools, increased traffic congestion making the roads even more dangerous, and an incompatibility between the proposed uses and those that are already there.

“Multi-family homes are inconsistent with this rural farm area on a dirt road with chickens, cows, horses, goats, etc.,” she wrote.

Riddlesworth’s husband, Patrick Gant, also spoke out against the rezoning.

Dissatisfied by the response to their concerns, the couple hired attorney Jane Graham to represent them.

During the public hearing, Graham presented a long list of legal arguments regarding why the request should be denied, or at the very least delayed.

She claimed there are significant flaws in the traffic study for the rezoning, and the request is inconsistent with multiple sections of the county’s comprehensive plan.

Graham also suggested conditions to help mitigate the impacts and improve compatibility.

Other area residents also raised concerns about increased traffic and traffic safety, and asked for limitations on the number of users on the site’s lake.

The project site is within the Connected City Corridor, a state-initiated pilot program adopted by the Florida Legislature in 2015, which spurred a special planning area in Pasco County — bounded by State Road 52, Overpass Road, Interstate 75 and Curley Road.

The county adopted the Connected City plan in 2017 — envisioning a place that would harness the power of high technology, generate jobs, offer myriad housing choices and create special gathering spaces.

Before the board considered the proposed rezoning, it voted on another item — called a development agreement — that spells out road improvements that will be constructed by the developers before the hospital and associated projects proceed.

Hobby pointed to that agreement, in response to concerns about a lack of infrastructure to serve the project.

“The neighbors are alleging that we’re not putting the infrastructure in place to serve development in Connected City, and that is just flat-out wrong.

“The purpose of this development agreement is for us to build what is likely to be a four-lane, and transitioning to a two-lane road, in advance of development. A very extensive and expensive roadway,” Hobby said.

He also disputed testimony regarding insufficient school capacity. He said the school board does a good job of planning to address the impacts of growth.

Hobby also said the proposed development will benefit the county.

“We all know that we need hospitals — we’ve got a major growth spurt that’s ongoing in the county, and there are general hospitals that serve the general population,” Hobby said.

“But this is a regional facility that we expect may draw people from as far as 100, 150 miles away. And we’re very, very lucky, not only having it wanting to come to Pasco County, but in the exact location that we need it.

“So, in my mind, this is a day to be celebrated and the issues we’re discussing today — we’ve already put a great foot forward with our neighbors, but we’ll look back years from now and the only thing we’re going to remember is that this board voted to approve this project, the hospital and other uses that go with it. 

“And, you’ll be proud of that for the rest of your life,” Hobby said.

Starkey said she believes that property values will greatly increase for the large-lot landowners in the area.

Hobby also noted that the hospital will be converting a great number of the multifamily units listed in its original application to other hospital uses.

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes the hospital site, welcomes the project to Pasco.

“The fact that the children’s hospital is coming there is great for Pasco County and the citizens of Pasco County.

“There’s a lot of hospitals coming to this area and the benefactor of all these hospitals coming here — they’re going to be competing against each other to give the best service to our citizens, and our citizens are the benefactors of all that service they’re going to get — and better health care for everybody,” the commissioner added.

“All Children’s Hospital is a great hospital,” Oakley said.

Published November 29, 2023

Slurping up spaghetti super fast

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Over two rounds on Nov. 12, about a dozen contestants tried to wolf down as much spaghetti as they could in 3 minutes, during the first annual Spaghetti Eating Contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, 5648 Post Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, for prizes and, apparently, bragging rights. The top eater, Anthony Argentino, was awarded four tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning game and a signed Victor Hedman hockey stick.

Gregory Ruiz, of Ocala, struggles to keep down a mouthful of pasta during the First Annual Spaghetti Eating Contest. (Mike Camunas)
Wesley Chapel resident Daniel McGuirk ditched his fork and just used his hands to shove down as much pasta as he could in 3 minutes at a spaghetti-eating contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
Alfred Miralles, of Tampa, takes a quick breath before shoving more pasta into his mouth during the spaghetti-eating race.
Matthew Fuller, left, of St. Pete, and Emily Fuller, of Wesley Chapel, try to eat as much pasta as they can in 3 minutes during the contest on Nov. 12 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
Dozens of friends, family and onlookers, too, came out to the First Annual Spaghetti Eating Contest on Nov. 12 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, 5648 Post Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

Old Pasco Road widening contract approved

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a contract for the long-awaited widening of Old Pasco Road. (Mike Camunas)

The contract for a long-awaited widening of Old Pasco Road has been awarded to B.R.W. Contracting Inc., for nearly $22 million.

The Pasco County Commission deemed B.R.W. to be the lowest, responsible and responsive bidder for the project, which involves improving Old Pasco Road, north of Deedra Drive to North Overpass Road.

The contract calls for the work to be completed within 600 days, according to background materials in the county board’s Oct. 10 agenda packet.

The county received five bids, including three from Pasco County. The company receiving the contract is from Land O’ Lakes.

Funding is available in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Under terms of the agreement, B.R.W. will provide all labor, materials and equipment.

The contract spells out a timeline for the project and calls for liquidated damages for delays.

Published November 08, 2023

Traffic signal may be coming to improve conditions in Watergrass area

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Watergrass area residents have turned out to recent Pasco County Commission meetings urging that something be done to improve traffic safety near their neighborhood.

At the Pasco County Commission’s Oct. 24 meeting, Commissioner Seth Weightman added his voice to underscore the urgency of the issue.

He called attention to an intersection at Overpass Road, near the Epperson lagoon.

Overpass Road carries some restrictions as residents urge improvement of traffic safety near their neighborhood. (Mike Camunas)

“That’s a pretty large intersection there,” Weightman said. “That’s a pretty hairy crossing going east-west. There’s currently, I don’t think, a red light there. At minimum, we need to take a look at that. We get a lot of emails.”

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, responded: “There’s warrants that we need to do and different things that happen, to make sure that these are truly necessary lights. There are other options we can use to try to control the traffic.”

Weightman persisted: “The amount of golf cart traffic in the mornings, going eastbound to take kids to school — you’ve got a mix of commercial vehicles, residential traffic, parents on golf carts. It’s cringe-worthy.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted: “That’s all of the parents who have been coming here (to board meetings).”

Commissioner Ron Oakley noted: “You’ve got to remember that Watergrass was not set up to be a golf cart community, at all.”

Weightman reacted: “But they’re coming from Epperson.”

Tippin responded: “There’s a portion of Epperson, actually north of Watergrass, on that side of Curley Road, where there’s a charter school now. Some of that golf cart traffic tries to make that trip as well.

“We’re working with county engineers and several other folks to look at Watergrass, the scenario there.

“Overpass has some restrictions, as to what we can do with Overpass.

“But we’re trying to kind of look at all of that. We’re looking at the signalization of that intersection. I believe it is on the plans to be signalized, it’s just a matter of timing.”

Weightman responded: “It can’t happen soon enough.”

Tippin said he agrees,

Tippin also noted that while Watergrass was not designed for golf cart use, other communities nearby were intended for that use and it’s a good sign so many golf carts are being used in the area.

“These communities were designed to use golf carts and they’re actually panning out that way,” Tippin said.

Oakley explained that part of the problem is that the county has been delayed in extending Overpass Road over to Kossik Road and U.S. 301.

County staff is working to try to improve the situation near Watergrass, Oakley said, but he added that waiting for those solutions will require patience.

“It does take time to design and get things right.

“Good things are coming. Staff is really working hard on making that happen,” Oakley said.

Published November 01, 2023

Not too spooked for candy, costumes

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Wesley Chapel trick-or-treater Harper Webb reaches for that precious candy at the Halloween Spooktacular event hosted by Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park. The evening featured games, candy, music, arts and crafts, inflatables and entertainment, as well as a chance for those attending to show off their costumes. (Mike Camunas)

They came, all dressed up, in spooky, spirited and fun costumes.

And in the end, they were ‘goblin’ up candy all night.

Hundreds of kids, tweens, teens, families and even adults were out in force, and in costumes, at the Halloween Spooktacular, held on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department hosted the event, which was spread out on the fields next to the gymnasium. The festivities included candy, music, arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, vendors and entertainment. The DJ hosted dance parties, as well as a costume contest, with contest winners selected by votes from those in attendance.

The vendors, such as the Girl Scouts of Wesley Chapel and Delano at Cypress Creek Apartments, passed out candy to eager youngsters who were looking for sweet treats and no tricks.

Popular costumes at the event included lots of Super Mario Bros., Spider-Men and Harley Quinns, but also classics such as characters from books and movies — Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean and Pennywise (from “It”).

This was one of a few Halloween events the Parks Department hosted, including the Second Annual Jack O’ Lantern Festival, on Oct. 20 at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

Published November 01, 2023

This Wesley Chapel super family — from left: Leigh, Madison, Jeremey and Matthew Cooper — didn’t need to smash blocks or defeat Bowser to snag candy and fun at the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Wesley Chapel resident Sharon Hinds holds her grandson Kai Handy — oh wait, is that Miles Morales, aka Spider-Man? They were having fun at Wesley Chapel District Park on Oct. 21.
Angel Roman, of Wesley Chapel, plays the ring toss game at Wesley Chapel District Park’s Halloween Spooktacular as his mom, Jordan Dosal, watches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel youngster Bhrett Tarbutton and his grandma, Lee Tarbutton, are all smiles spending the evening of Oct. 21 at the Halloween Spooktacular at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Baylie Brown, of Wesley Chapel, cracks a stitched smile dressed as Sally from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’
Wesley Chapel resident Eli Follano went down the rabbit hole for some candy at the Halloween Spooktacular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riaan Shah, of Wesley Chapel, seen here as Sonic, makes a mad dash across the field at Wesley Chapel District Park, in a quest for candy.
Costumed kiddos and teens lined up around the DJ playing music for the Halloween Spooktacular costume contest.
Dustin Mills holds his daughter, Riley — a baby Wonder Woman — at the Halloween Spooktacular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yasaswini, right, and Jayanth Sripathi, left, reach out for some of the delicious candy they got during the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 21.
Wesley Chapel youngster Sanchit Sharma was as surprised as anyone else when an ‘alien’ carried and ‘abducted’ him during Halloween Spooktacular.
Costumed kiddos and teens lined up around the DJ playing music for the Halloween Spooktacular costume contest.

Acting out in the community

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There was a casting call. 

It was posted to Facebook and drew an overwhelming response.

From left, members of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group Leanne Green, Yasmine Noori, Nicki Haberland, Samantha Sacasa and Samantha Grahn run through a rehearsal of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ which the budding community theater troupe performed from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 on a ‘black box’ stage at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel. The theater group formed in 2021 when a Facebook post looking for local actors and players garnered so much attention that it warranted creating the 501(c)3 nonprofit acting group. (Mike Camunas)

The post was seeking theater enthusiasts interested in forming a community group of actors and thespians — specifically from the Wesley Chapel area, but also from  surrounding Pasco County.

And after more than 300 likes and comments, the Wesley Chapel Theater Group (WCTG) was formed, as a nonprofit 501(c)3 that was enthusiastically ready to bring the arts to the small stages — to willing audiences.

“(The post) blew up like crazy,” said Rachael Gandy-Naylor, WCTG’s artistic director. “We’ve been extremely lucky that every time we call out for auditions, we get repeats, but we get new people, too. We’re growing and we want to do bigger shows and even musicals, which always calls for a more diverse cast.

“Everyone is local,” she added. “We had a lot of people that responded, and their kids are off to school, maybe empty-nesters, looking for something to do and probably hadn’t stepped on stage in 10 to 15 years. 

“Their passion is to get back to it and those are who gravitated toward us — they are passionate about community theater and performing arts,’’ she said.

Now, more than two years later, the acting troupe has six board members and a steady group of around 20 volunteers who perform and help behind-the-scenes for shows.

Leanne Green, right, and Yasmine Noori rehearse a scene from ‘Steel Magnolias,’ before they and the rest of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group performed it three nights in a row, starting Sept. 29.

So far, all the performances have been in Wesley Chapel, at venues including Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, Side Splitters at the Grove, Avalon Park, the KRATE and The Center for the Arts Wesley Chapel.

Their biggest performances were from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, at the Center for The Arts, where they put on “Steel Magnolias” on a black box stage. The setting allowed for small, but intimate showings, which all sold out.

The group is open to anyone over 18, even if they haven’t set foot on a stage since high school/college or they’re newcomers to acting.

There is one requirement: They must be passionate about theater.

“This is absolutely for the love of the theater,” Gandy-Naylor said. “Those who have been here since Day One bring passion and knowledge from the past shows, and as much as we become a family during our shows, we’re still very inviting. We want more people to come out and be a part of this. Anyone new that comes in is automatically welcomed into that family, as we try very hard not to be cliquish.”

Rachael Gandy-Naylor, artistic director of Wesley Chapel Theater Group, goes over the script and other notes during a rehearsal of ‘Steel Magnolias’ at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

The group’s inviting attitude is as welcoming as a round of applause and very beneficial to the group.

No one is paid for their work or services. As members of a nonprofit organization, they volunteer their time, efforts and talents for the love of putting on a great show. Proceeds from shows are put right back into the group for more performances, as well as props, costumes and sets.

They also build or make their own sets, props and costumes. They use items they find in bargain bins, as well as roundup stuff members have in their homes.

“Everyone who has volunteered for our shows, you can just see the passion radiating off them,” Gandy-Naylor said. “There are a lot of late nights and lots of rehearsing, and we can be practicing and preparing until midnight, but everyone buckles up and gets through it with a smile on their faces.”

Being a part of WCTG is not about getting paid for performances. Many members see it as a craft, one to hone. It is, also, just plain fun to perform in front of family, friends and the community.

Yasmine Noori rolls her hair in curlers, to prepare for a dress rehearsal of ‘Steel Magnolias.’

“We are not getting paid or anything like that, but I take great pride in putting on a great show,” member and actor Samantha Sacasa said. “That I can perform in front of people who appreciate and love the theater, that’s what it’s all about.

“I’m a little nervous to perform in front of so many people, but also very excited to do that and be a part of this group.”

Fellow member and actor, Samantha Grahn, agrees.

Wesley Chapel Theater Group actors prepare in the dressing room backstage at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

“It’s such a rush,” Grahn said. “They say the theater bug can itch, and I was waiting for it to scratch it and this group was it. It was nostalgic, in a way, because I remember you just click with people like this, that you share the same love of the theater.

“It’s a camaraderie and a new set of friends.”

Moving forward, WCTG is looking for a permanent home for performances, either at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High or the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center at Cypress Creek High, the latter of which will host the groups Masquerade Gala as a fundraising event.

Though the group will continue to produce and perform for the community, with people from the community.

All of whom are looking for that curtain call.

“It’s all very exciting, especially when you’re into theater and you want to get back out on stage and interact,” Grahn said. “I like entertaining people, I like that it’s close to home, and it’s great to get back with people who share your passion for the arts. 

“Now, I just tell them, ‘What can I do?!’ ‘Get me involved!’ and anyone can do that with our group.”

Wesley Chapel Theater Group
Details: After a Facebook post in Summer 2021 received more than 300 likes and comments, the Wesley Chapel Theater Group (WCTG) was created, becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been performing skits, acts and plays all over Wesley Chapel, such as at Treble Makers, the KRATE at the Grove and the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel. Performers and theater enthusiasts over 18 are welcome to join, even if they haven’t set foot on a stage since high school/college or it’s their first time, looking to perform.
Upcoming shows: Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s Masquerade Gala: Annual Fundraising Benefit – Nov. 4, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel
Every Christmas Story Ever Told and then Some by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, John K. Alvarez – Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills, 38545 Fifth Ave.
Info: Visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org or the group’s Facebook page.

Published October 18, 2023

Leanne Green, left, and Yasmine Noori practice a scene from ‘Steel Magnolias,’ before they and the rest of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group performed it three consecutive nights, beginning on Sept. 29.
Wesley Chapel Theater Group player Samantha Sacasa rehearses a scene from ‘Steel Magnolias’ with fellow actor Leanne Green.
Members of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group huddle around play director Dave Sparano before a rehearsal of ‘Steel Magnolias.’

Pasco scores grant for New River debris project

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a cooperative grant agreement between the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), relating to cleaning up debris in New River, in an area of Wesley Chapel.

The agreement calls for the project cost not to exceed $1,799,712, according to materials in the county board’s Sept. 19 agenda packet.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a cooperative grant agreement between the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), relating to cleaning up debris in New River, in an area of Wesley Chapel. The agreement calls for the project cost not to exceed $1,799,712. (Mike Camunas)

The project funding is related to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which caused a significant amount of damage in the New River waterway, on Sept. 28, 2022.

Hurricane Ian littered the waterway with debris, branches and fallen trees, in an area between Betts Drive and Creek Road.

That debris impeded the river’s flow and has created potential risks to life and/or property.

The county’s public works department is undertaking a project to restore the impacted section of the New River to pre-storm conditions by removing the debris, branches and fallen trees.

The public works department applied for a grant from the NRCS to help pay for the project, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program of the federal Flood Control Act of 1950. 

The public works department received word on April 17, 2023, that its grant had been approved.

Under the grant, the NRCS will provide 75% of construction costs, which totals $1,249,800, and all technical assistance costs up to 8% of construction costs, up to $133,3120, for a total of up to $1,383,112 in federal funding.

The county is expected to provide the remaining 25% of the cost, which equals $416,600, as well as any technical assistance costs that exceed the federally funded amount.

The cooperative grant is a cost reimbursement grant.

The county will spend the budgeted funds and then request reimbursement. The county has until March 1, 2024 to complete the eligible work.

Published October 04, 2023

More actions needed for traffic safety, Watergrass residents say

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Watergrass residents are continuing to push Pasco County to make more road improvements to reduce safety concerns in their area.

Some residents appeared before the Pasco County Commission, during the public comment section of the Sept. 5 board meeting, urging the board to take action.

The Watergrass area has been dealing with increased traffic since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75.

Residents have called for road improvements to provide more options for motorists entering into their community.

Watergrass community residents in Wesley Chapel appeared before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 5 to voice their concerns about road improvements and increased traffic in their area ever since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75 earlier this year. (Mike Camunas)

One Watergrass resident, who lives on Summerglade Drive, told the county board she expects additional issues to result from the construction of a new development called Vida’s Way.

Pulte Homes has announced plans that it will be building a development on more than 332 acres of land in Wesley Chapel, which is less than five miles away from State Road 54 and State Road 56, and is close to Interstate 75.

It plans to build 700 homes in the first phase of its development, according to information previously provided to The Laker/Lutz News.

The Watergrass resident addressing the board said she’s concerned about impacts from construction trucks traveling into the area while the project is being built.

She said conditions already are hazardous.

“On a daily basis, it’s taking your life into your hands, coming out of this neighborhood,” she said.

“How do we slow down the traffic on Overpass (Road) so people start thinking about the people that live in this community?” she asked.

She added that accidents occur, as motorists try to get ahead of each other, and that fire trucks aren’t able to get through when traffic is backed up.

“There’s nowhere for people to pull off,” she said.

She said the county needs to do more to address infrastructure needs, as growth continues.

“We need to get serious at looking at all of this development.

“How can we do this so it’s thoughtful and it’s not just to generate new tax revenue from new houses being built?”

Another resident expressed similar concerns.

She predicted that thousands of construction trucks will be headed to Vida Way, as that project is being built.

“Right now, the only way in, is going down Overpass (Road) and down Watergrass Parkway,” she said.

The community is “begging and pleading” that the county fast-track projects that are already planned in the area.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes this area, asked county staff to bring back “some answers that are more concrete (regarding traffic problems in Watergrass) than have been given, so we all know how the traffic is going to flow.”

He added: “We need to do everything we can to get a resolution in there that will satisfy those citizens along that way.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the board: “We are probably looking for a developer-in-kind project going on out there. We’ll talk with the team, figure out what the challenges are and we’ll see how we tackle them.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Carballa: “Whatever relief we can get there would be fantastic.”

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco board approves $15.2 million for Wiregrass sports field project

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Construction is expected to begin on additional fields at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Camp as part of a $15.2 million project that is scheduled to be completed by fall 2024. (File)

The Pasco County Commission has approved a contract with Trias for slightly more than $15.2 million for phase two of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel.

The specific not-to-exceed amount of the contract is for $15,211,150.

The county board voted 4-0 to approve the contract.

During a previous commission meeting, the board approved pursuing a loan for $12 million to cover costs associated with the project. The loan is expected to be repaid with Tourist Development Tax revenues, since the sports complex plays a key role in the county’s tourism efforts. There is a possibility that the county will find another source of funding, but for now, the board is proceeding with the contract to allow it to proceed on a project that’s already about three years overdue, according to previous board discussions.

The planned improvements include:

  • Five multipurpose sports fields, with lighting (plus lighting at two existing fields)
  • Parking for the area
  • A concession stand with restrooms
  • Three pavilions
  • A multi-use trail
  • A parking area for the pavilions, concession stand and trail
  • A roadway loop to take teams to the multipurpose fields
  • Stormwater ponds
  • Additional landscaping

Here’s how those costs break down:

  • Exterior improvements, including fill, curbs, fencing, parking, roads: $6.6 million
  • Building (three pavilions, one multipurpose restroom/concession): $1.7 million
  • Fields (turf surface, under-draining, root zoning): $4.6 million
  • Electrical (lighting, street lighting): $1.3 million
  • Landscaping and irrigation: $450,000
  • Contingency: $250,000

Construction is expected to begin this fall with completion expected in fall 2024, according to documents in the county board’s Sept. 5 agenda packet.

Published September 13, 2023