The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Devouring cannolis — an offer they couldn’t refuse

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Contestants were shoving in sweets at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s first Cannoli Eating Contest on Aug. 27. They were vying for prizes such as Tampa Lightning Bay and Busch Gardens tickets, and gift cards to the family-owned Italian market in Wesley Chapel, as dozens of onlookers and friends and family watched. Dan DeMarco won after eating six cannolis in his round.

Land O’ Lakes resident Trinity Boyle tries to keep down a cannoli during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27. (Mike Camunas)
Allen Sciloi, left, and Eric Shavez, both of Wesley Chapel, try to devour as many cannolis as they can at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.
Land O’ Lakes resident Christa Boyle eats a cannoli as fast as she can during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Boyle, of Land O’ Lakes, downs a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel during its inaugural cannoli eating contest on Aug. 27. Boyle would come in third and take home prizes like gift cards to the market and a spa.
Wesley Chapel resident Chris Baron scarfs down cannolis at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27.
Andrea Coleman, of Wesley Chapel, can’t figure out how to eat more cannolis during an eating contest on Aug. 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel resident Richard Colhauer attacks a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
New Tampa resident Alan Hadaway takes a big bite of a cannoli at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.
Wesley Chapel resident John Walsh tries to keep down a cannoli.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liam Tighe, of Lutz, bites into a cannoli on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s cannoli eating contest in Wesley Chapel.
Spring Hill resident Vinny Albanese, center, can’t keep in a laugh trying to eat a cannoli and neither can Daniela Matinez, of Wesley Chapel, left, during an eating contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.
Up to 25 contestants tried to outdo one another eating the most cannolis on Aug. 27 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market in Wesley Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

Pasco seeks $12 million loan for Wiregrass campus sports fields

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The Pasco County Commission voted 4-1 to seek a $12 million loan to help cover the costs for sports fields and other improvements at the Wiregrass Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco Commission Chairman Jack Mariano voted against the loan — after unsuccessfully seeking to persuade his colleagues to delay the issue while exploring other ways to repay the loan.

Under the proposal brought to the board, the loan will be repaid with Tourist Development Tax dollars.

A look from a lofty angle at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel. It plays a key role in Pasco County’s sports tourism marketing efforts. The Pasco County Commission has approved seeking a $12 million loan to add sports fields to the campus, something that’s long overdue according to the county’s contract with the Porters, who donated the land for the sports campus. (File)

Mariano advocated taking a closer look at potential sources of money to repay the loan.

“I think we can do this better. I think we have other sources. We’ve got Penny for Pasco money.

“The road infrastructure, we can look at transportation impact fees,” Mariano said.

The county might also be able to use park impact fee money, he said.

He said he didn’t think the board had the detail it needed and sought to delay the vote until more information was obtained.

His words did not sway his colleagues.

Adam Thomas, director of tourism for Florida’s Sports Coast, told the county board: “We do have a contractual obligation to the family that donated the land.”

He also noted that the sports campus, which is in Wiregrass Ranch, is the centerpiece of the county’s sports tourism efforts.

Commissioners Seth Weightman, Kathryn Starkey and Ron Oakley spoke against Mariano’s request for a delay.

“We’re, what, three years behind schedule on this,” Weightman said. “I want to become compliant in the contract.”

Starkey added: “I am in full support of this project. I think we have an obligation to finish it. It pains me that it’s such a big hit on our tourism folks, but I think we need to finish our obligation.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the county board, “Like any loan, there’s nothing that would preclude us from early payment, repayment. We need the authorization to go get the money, so we can actually start the project.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley expressed his support.

“I’m for moving forward with this project. We’ve been waiting too long, 2 ½ years past due of having these fields built. We need to go forward and make sure we do the right thing.”

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
The field house attracts a wide array of events; it also is used by area youth and adults when it’s not scheduled for tourism-related activities. Pasco County has approved a loan to help cover costs for adding multipurpose sports fields, a multi-use trail, parking, restrooms and a concession building and other improvements.

Thomas, who leads Pasco’s tourism efforts, cautioned against using funds from various sources because that could reduce the availability of the multi-purpose fields at the sports campus for tourism-related events.

Thomas also broke down the costs for the expansion, which total approximately $14.9 million and will be covered by the $12 million loan and other county funding sources, according to Carballa.

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

Published August 30, 2023

Motorists have a new way to get around in Wesley Chapel

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There’s a new way to get from State Road 56 to State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

The extension of Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard, between the two state highways, opened on Aug. 12.

The completed project is expected to improve traffic heading north and south through Wesley Chapel, and to provide an alternative to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, another route for north and south travel.

(Mike Camunas)

Prior to the extension, Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard was only partially open, ending at Chancey Road that came off Bruce. B Downs, and ended near the gated communities of Estancia and Esplanade.

Work is underway to extend Chancey Road to the east, where it ultimately will create a new intersection at Meadow Pointe Boulevard, just north of State Road 56 headed east.

The new Wiregrass Extension, heading south, eventually turns into Mansfield Boulevard at State Road 56, with Mansfield passing by the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, Wiregrass Ranch High School and Dr. John Long Middle School.

The road, heading north, ends at State Road 54, bringing drivers to the Wesley Chapel Super Walmart, as well as the several car dealerships by the nearby Saddlebrook Resort. 

The extension between State Road 56 and State Road 54, with its 45 mph speed limit, has been landscaped with greenery. It also has streetlights to enhance safety at night, sidewalks for pedestrians and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Additionally, starting Aug. 20, Mansfield Boulevard began its pavement rehabilitation project, with crews resurfacing the roadway and adding new markers from Oakwood Preserve Drive to just south of Ganga Way.

The project is expected to take a few weeks to complete, while work hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Published August 23, 2023

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel High charter approved

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The Pasco County School Board has approved a charter application for Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel High School, at 33347 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

The approval is for a five-year period, which began July 1 and runs through June 30, 2028.

The approval includes a provision that the term shall be automatically extended on a month-to-month basis until the charter has been renewed, non-renewed, or terminated by the sponsor, according to background materials in the Pasco County School Board’s July 25 agenda packet.

The school is authorized to serve students in grades nine through 12. 

The following is the student enrollment capacity by year: 

  1. Year 1 (2023-2024): Grade nine up to a maximum of 200 students 
  2. Year 2 (2024-2025): Grades nine to 10 up to a maximum of 550 students 
  3. Year 3 (2025-2026): Grades nine to 11 up to a maximum of 900 students 
  4. Year 4 (2026-2027): Grades nine to 12 up to a maximum of 1,250 students 
  5. Year 5 (2027-2028): Grades nine to 12 up to a maximum of 1,400 students

The charter approval allows the school to recruit throughout all segments of the community, using direct mailings, public advertisement, information in the local and community press, and informational meetings at various locations and in English or other languages, as appropriate.

If the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the program, class, grade level, or building, all applicants shall have an equal chance of being admitted through a random selection process. 

Students at the school also are eligible to participate in an interscholastic extracurricular activity at the public school to which the student would be otherwise assigned, the background materials say.

Published August 16, 2023

Pasco board signals approval for Seven Oaks zoning change

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The Pasco County Commission has indicated that it will approve a zoning change that will allow professional business offices on a site within the Seven Oaks community, as part of a mediated settlement agreement between Pasco County and SB Associates Limited Partnership.

The site is in the Seven Oaks community, on the north side of State Road 56, west of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

The Pasco County Commission has indicated it will OK a mediated settlement between the county and SB Associates Limited Partnership, involving a rezoning dispute. The site is expected to be used for business and professional offices. (File)

After the mediated settlement, Seven Oaks residents asked if SB Associates Limited Partnership would agree to limit the uses to those allowed in a Business Professional Office 1 (BPO 1) category, rather than the proposed BPO 2 category.

Jon Tomsu, a resident of Seven Oaks who sits on the community’s CDD board, also asked the applicant to abide by the BPO 1 lot coverage standards, which allows a maximum of 35% lot coverage.

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, told the Pasco County Commission during its July 11 public hearing on the issue that her client is willing to accept BPO 1 uses, but wants to preserve the BPO 2 lot coverage allowance of up to 50%.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, told county board members that he read the emails that came in on the issue and did not recall any raising an issue about lot coverage.

He said the emails focused on types of uses allowed.

Chelsea Waller, an attorney representing the Seven Oaks CDD, asked the county board to delay the request to give her an opportunity to confer with her clients.

But Wilhite objected to a delay and commissioners did not grant Waller’s request.

Wilhite also asked the board to close the public comment portion of the hearing and to continue the issue, so she and the county’s legal staff can amend the paperwork to bring back a request for BPO 1 uses, instead of BPO 2.

Commissioners agreed to delay the issue to allow time to change the paperwork before a final vote occurs.

Published August 02, 2023

Pasco school board approves Pepin’s charter school application

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the charter school application for Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel, to be located at the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The charter school, which will serve third- through 12th-graders, is scheduled to open in the 2024-2025 school year.

The application clearly states that the school will enroll students with learning or learning-related disabilities and a current Individual Education Plan. The school is focusing on students with learning disabilities in Wesley Chapel, St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

The application for the school was submitted by Jeffrey Skowronek on March 10, 2023. The school board approved the application at its July 18 meeting.

The campus will be on land that was acquired for the school through a partnership and memorandum of understanding between Pepin and Pasco County Schools, according to materials in the school board’s agenda packet.

The school will be opened in phases, with maximum enrollments increasing over a period of five years, as follows:

  • Year 1 (2024-2025): 85 students in grades three through six
  • Year 2 (2025-2026): 155 students in grades three through eight
  • Year 3 (2026-2027): 225 students in grades three through 10
  • Year 4 (2027-2028): 255 students in grades three through 11
  • Year 5 (2028-2029): 285 students in grades three through 12

The mission of Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel at Kirkland Ranch is to “empower students with learning disabilities to maximize their potential in a positive therapeutic educational  environment,” the board’s agenda packet said.

In Pepin’s charter application, an evaluation determined that 16 of 22 sections of the application “meet the standard,” and six of the sections “partially meet the standard.” None of the sections were rated as “did not meet the standard,” the budget materials reported.

The application review noted, in part, that Pepin “clearly explains a therapeutic model and classroom environments that cater to the specific needs of their unique student population.”

Also, the “applicant has a clear understanding of the value of making data-driven decisions when setting educational goals,” the evaluation said.

Although a contingent of Pepin representatives attended the board meeting, none of them spoke.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, remarked that the partnership is a unique arrangement among public schools in Florida.

Published July 26, 2023

Wesley Chapel’s ‘crown jewel’ to get major overhaul

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Miami-based Mast Capital, the owner of Saddlebrook Resort, has received a stamp of approval from the Pasco County Commission to pursue an ambitious redevelopment plan of the property, off State Road 54, slightly over a mile east of Interstate 75.

During its glory days, Saddlebrook — often referred to as Wesley Chapel’s crown jewel — enjoyed an international reputation for excellence, and attracted luminaries from the worlds of professional golf and tennis to compete and train there.

Mast purchased the resort from its original owner Tom Dempsey, and after months of negotiations and compromises, received permission to pursue its plans to revitalize the resort.

In broad strokes, the redevelopment plan is divided into four areas.

Area 1 and Area 2 are outside of the original gated community.

  • Area 1 includes 75,000 square feet of commercial retail/office, 465 multifamily units and 25 townhomes.
  • Area 2 includes 25,000 square feet of commercial retail/office and 120 townhomes.

 Area 3 and Area 4 are within the existing resort community.

  • Area 3 includes tennis courts, parking, the renovation of the clubhouse and resort area.
  • Area 4 calls for replacing two 18-hole Arnold Palmer courses with three nine-hole courses; and, the relocation of the driving range, which currently fronts State Road 54.

The developer also has committed to improvements aimed at handling the project’s traffic. It has agreed to build a road across a portion of its property that will link into Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard.

Saddlebrook Resort, credited with putting Wesley Chapel on the map, is gearing up for a massive makeover. (File)

It also will add turn lanes at Saddlebrook’s main entrance and make a connection to Vandine Road.

A new gated access point for Saddlebrook residents and a multi-use path to provide Saddlebrook residents access to areas beyond the community’s gate also will be added.

Mast also has signed a deed restriction that guarantees that the golf course land will never be used for commercial or residential development.

A big part of the plan involves the overhaul of the resort itself. 

Mast Capital will renovate the resort facilities, while both Mast and third-party condo hotel owners will upgrade the individual hotel rooms.

Mast will manage the hotel room renovations and third-party investors will have an opportunity to opt in. Mast and third-party investors will pay the same renovation cost per unit.

Initially, Mast’s plans faced a wall of resistance from Saddlebrook owners and residents.

But over time — after dozens of meetings — that opposition decreased.

Still, areas of disagreement did not entirely go away.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said it’s in the best interest of both Mast Capital and the owners of property within Saddlebrook Resort that the redevelopment effort is a success.

During the county board’s July 10 public hearings, Jane Graham, an attorney representing the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, cited continuing concerns about the conversion of 36 holes of golf to 27 holes.

She expressed appreciation for Mast’s decision to convert some of its planned townhomes into green space, but said concerns continue regarding the amount of pavement required for apartment parking.

Larry Barbetta, a founder of the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, called for greater sensitivity to the existing community to ensure compatibility and he again asked for a reduction, or shift, in density to help achieve that.

He also expressed appreciation for the quest to revitalize Saddlebrook.

“We’re all saddened by its current state. We all support Mast’s efforts to bring that back to what it should be. We want to help accelerate that,” Barbetta said.

Patrick Hogan, an advocate for retaining the two 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf courses, presented a plan that could keep those golf courses, while maintaining the driving range’s current location and making room for other improvements.

His idea, however, gained no traction.

Keith Swope, a resident of Saddlebrook since the 1980s, lamented the inevitable change he believes the redevelopment will bring to his daily life.

 “It is a peaceful, quiet, lifestyle,” Swope said. “It looks like that’s going to be changed. It’s not going to be for the better.”

Hope Kennedy, president and CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber, however, advocated on behalf of Mast’s redevelopment plans.

“This is the type of project that communities around this country are dying for. They would be thrilled to have this kind of investment coming into their community,” Kennedy said, noting she represented the chamber board and the business organization’s 610 members.

“Saddlebrook literally put Wesley Chapel on the national and international map, and they have been a contributing force in tourism and commerce.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said the county board has made it ‘loud and clear’ that it has high expectations of Mast Capital, the company that will be redeveloping the Saddlebrook Resort. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

“As with any asset, it must be nurtured and constantly improved upon.

“For us to continue to prosper as a region, we must evolve. We, the chamber, applaud Mast Capital for their vision to improve the crown jewel of Wesley Chapel.

“They have gone above and beyond to ensure the legacy of Saddlebrook continues. We thank them for investing in our community,” Kennedy said.

County Commissioner Ron Oakley said it’s in the best interest of both Mast and Saddlebrook property owners for the redevelopment to succeed.

“You’re going to find a very well-built Saddlebrook, that’s a modern age Saddlebrook — that’s different from the one that was in the ‘80s, and you’re going to see that thrive, in this new economy that we have now,” Oakley predicted.

He expects Mast to address traffic issues and to be expeditious in its redevelopment efforts.

“If they don’t take care of traffic and they can’t get people in and out of there, guess what, they’re not going to rent anything in there. It’s not going to happen,” he said.

Oakley added: “They can’t just lollygag around. They’ve got to go forward and get this thing done. If those units aren’t starting to be renovated in the hotel area, they’re not going to rent them because nobody is going to stay in there because they’re outdated.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she agrees with the sentiments expressed by chamber executive Kennedy. Like the chamber leader, Starkey said she appreciates Mast’s willingness to invest in Saddlebrook.

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Mast: “We’re putting our name behind you, right?”

“We all have high expectations. You’ve heard us loud and clear.

“Don’t let us down.

“Don’t let the folks that live there down,” Weightman said.

Published July 19, 2023

Saddlebrook Resort appears poised for massive makeover

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In its heyday, Saddlebrook Resort enjoyed an international reputation for excellence, and attracted luminaries from the worlds of professional golf and tennis to compete and train there.

Those glory days diminished over time, as fewer resources were invested in the property, which is located off State Road 54, east of Interstate 75.

The current owner, Miami-based Mast Capital — who purchased the resort from original owner Tom Dempsey — has proposed a redevelopment plan it says will recapture Saddlebook’s potential to be a world-class resort.

Mast’s initial plans faced a wall of resistance.

The Pasco County Commission will consider a Saddlebrook redevelopment proposal on July 11.(File)

Over time — through 30-plus private, community, public, in-person and virtual meetings — Mast has changed its plans and opposition decreased.

Efforts continue by some Saddlebrook residents and their attorney to push for additional concessions and more assurances, but the gap between the two sides is considerably smaller.

Issues involving the request were thoroughly discussed during the June 8 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission, which makes recommendations to the county board relating to land use and zoning requests.

“We’ve done a lot of work since we were here in January. We’ve had a lot of meetings over time,” Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing Mast told the planning board.

“We’ve worked very hard on a private deed restriction,” Wilhite said, noting that will ensure that golf course land would remain golf course land.

“Every home in Saddlebrook that is now on a golf course is still on a golf course and maintains their view,” said Jordan Kornberg, managing director and head of acquisitions for Mast.

The company has agreed to a binding concept plan and to phasing conditions that are intended to give Saddlebrook residents assurances that the company will be making an investment in the resort itself, not just redeveloping land along State Road 54 into a mixture of apartments, town homes, office and retail uses.

“We’ve ensured that ultimately, for development to happen, we need to make a significant commitment to the improvement of the resort to ensure that ultimately Saddlebrook will be improved and receive the investment that we all know it needs,” Kornberg said.

In broad strokes, Mast’s redevelopment plan has four parts: two areas are within Saddlebrook’s gated community and two are outside, flanking State Road 54.

Area 1 and Area 2 are outside of the gated community.

The plans for Area 1 call for 75,000 square feet of commercial retail/office, 465 multifamily units and 35 townhomes.

The plans for Area 2 call for 25,000 square feet of commercial retail/office and 120 townhomes.

Area 3 and Area 4 are within the existing resort community.

Plans for Area 3 address tennis courts, parking, the renovation of the clubhouse and resort area.

Plans for Area 4 call for the redesigned golf courses and relocation of the driving range, which currently fronts State Road 54.

The developer also has committed to improvements aimed at increasing the access points into and out of Saddlebrook, to address additional traffic the redevelopment will create.

Eran Landry, a managing director of Mast said: “Our intention is to really enhance what is out there today.

“The community has been very vocal about wanting to make sure that it feels good as you come in,” he said.

Plans call for the village center to have retail on the ground floor, with offices on the upper floors.

Planning board member Chris Poole asked Mast if some parking could be placed under apartment buildings, to reduce the amount of surface parking.

But Landry responded: “The economics doesn’t work.”

Wilhite said that Mast will commit to an enhanced landscaping plan.

Larry Barbetta, of the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, said he doesn’t want to minimize the progress that’s been made.

However, he said some gaps remain.

“Specifically, we need better commitments on the resort renovations, in terms of the scope of the renovations and the timing,” Barbetta said.

Concerns also continue over the amount and type of development that would be added and the amount of traffic it would create, he said.

Barbetta wondered if it would be possible to shift some of the proposed density to another area of the plan.

But Wilhite said “the design is village-focused. It’s the density that you need to have a village.

“If you drive around Pasco you’ll notice that we have mostly anchor-based retail, with outparcels. It’s all auto-dependent. It serves people driving by.

“When you try to create a village center, you need density.”

“You have restaurants where people want to stay and eat outside and listen to music, and you have festivals and markets. The density is very important for people to have those kinds of businesses,” she said.

Jane Graham, attorney for the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, told the planning board: “We’re getting really close, but we’re not there yet. There are continuing issues as far as the density and the compatibility of land use.”

But planning board chairman Charles Grey noted that it’s important to keep in mind that Mast’s investment is needed for the overall common good.

“From all of the reports that I’ve heard, Saddlebrook needs somebody to come in there and put some money into it.

“These people seem to be making a monumental effort in working with you,” Grey told Graham.

“If somebody is going to come and try to rescue Saddlebrook, give them something. They’ve got to have a carrot, too.

“You have to think for the greater good of everybody in there,” Grey said.

At the same time, Grey complimented both the applicants and the community for being willing to work together to iron out differences.

“You’ve come a long way. I think you’re almost there.

“I think we’ve got to do what we can to push it over the edge because if you lose out on this investor, who knows when the next one might come along, especially in this market,” Grey said.

Published June 21, 2023

Nest Hockey Academy approved for up to 150 students

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Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley wasn’t pleased with the way Nest Hockey Academy got its start in the district he oversees, but ultimately he made the motion to support the unique new school at 9175 McKendree Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Oakley complained that the initial approach used by the school to set up operations didn’t have adequate oversight by the county.

“The main issue with this project — is No. 1 — it was put in a residential area,” Oakley said.

The Pasco County Commission voted 4-0 to approve Nest Hockey Academy, at 9175 McKendree Road in Wesley Chapel, for up to 150 students. The approval came despite concerns raised by some area residents over potential impacts the hockey academy will have on their neighborhood. (FIle)

The applicants built the academy, after receiving a special exception for a school. However, the use was restricted to no more than 20 people on the site.

County planners said the applicants, Russ and Leann Henderson, were informed they would need a master-planned unit development rezoning, in order to use the site for 150 students.

The Hendersons then filed an MPUD request.

Planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of the request.

Neighbors, however, raised objections.

John Parlapiano, who lives on McKendree Road, told the county board: “I’m not against them, but I’m for my quality of life.”

He also noted that he’s a retired law enforcement officer and has concerns about the potential impacts of allowing alcohol sales at the site — which could be a possibility in the future.

County planners said the academy is an appropriate use for the site because it’s in the business core of Connected City — an area expected to attract a considerable amount of growth and a mixture of uses.

About a dozen students from the academy, dressed nicely, sat politely in the audience, while the county board deliberated the request.

During the public comment portion, one student told the board that this academy goes beyond teaching math, science, reading and social studies, and helps to shape students into good people.

The student’s mom, speaking on behalf of parents who support the request, said the Hendersons are providing a unique opportunity and she asked for the board’s support.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted that the area where the academy will operate is in the midst of massive change. 

In approving the request, the board also required the applicant to improve McKendree Road up to county standards, between the school and Tyndall Road.

The applicant also is required to provide right of way for a future vision road, known as Boyette Road.

Published June 14, 2023

Weightman Middle School gym named for revered coach

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The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, when the Pasco County School Board voted to name the gym at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (TEMS), in honor of Thomas Mine, a longtime coach at the school.

The request for the honor came from Weightman’s Principal Donna Gricoski and the Weightman school community. The school is located at 30659 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Gricoski wrote a letter to the school board and Superintendent Kurt Browning seeking the honor for Coach Mine. She read from that letter at the board’s May 16 meeting.

Thomas Mine is surrounded by supporters on May 16, the evening the Pasco County School Board voted to name the Thomas E. Weightman Middle School gymnasium in honor of the longtime coach at the school. (Courtesy of Thomas E. Weightman Middle School)

“Coach Mine has been a teacher at Thomas E. Weightman (Middle School) since its inception 33 years ago,” Gricosi said.

“Besides being a physical education teacher at our school, he has also coached various extracurricular sports, such as football, track, soccer and basketball.

“He has won the most games in the history of Thomas E. Weightman, possibly even in the history of Pasco County.

“Coach Mine has won more than 25 district championships, in various sports. Many of his former players have gone on to play high school sports and beyond.

“In addition, some of his former students have also gone on to become coaches within our district.

“Throughout his years of service, Coach Mine has also taught the adaptive physical education classes to our students with varying special needs, held the title of athletic director for many years and ran multiple summer sports camps so that many children had the opportunity to play and try different sports.

“After 38 years of service to our district, Coach Mine continues to be a great coach and mentor to our students and community.

“He continues to share his knowledge and passion for sports and fitness daily with the students.

“If asked about his years of teaching, he will probably tell you that after all of these years, he continues to love his job.

“In recognition of his dedication and commitment to the students, staff and sports programs at Thomas E. Weightman, we request that the gymnasium at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School be named after Coach Thomas Mine,” she said.

In addition to the letter of support, a large contingent of the coach’s fans turned out at the school board meeting, in a show of affection and respect for him.

Mine was obviously touched by the tribute.

“First thank you for my friends and family for attending this evening and celebrating this very special honor,” Mine said.

He thanked the administration and his colleagues for spearheading the honor, and the school board and superintendent for approving it.

“At the end of this school year, I will have completed my 45th year of teaching — 38 in Pasco County. The last 32 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle,” Mine said.

“During this time, I have witnessed the Weightman family strive for excellence, with genuine care for each student, family and staff member.

“I have worked with awesome administrators, tremendous teachers, super students and families, and a terrific P.E. team, especially Coach (Brian) Dorkowski and Coach (Claudine) Nipps, for over 20 years.

“To put it simply, Weightman is a fantastic school. To have my name associated with TEMS is an honor and privilege for which I am sincerely grateful.

“Throughout my career, I have been supported with love and encouragement by my extraordinary family, my amazing wife Anne, and children, Jonathan, Jessica, (and) Zachary.  Thank you, and I love you dearly.”

He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues at Weightman.

“I have the greatest admiration for all of you. Your dedication, commitment, professionalism and perseverance in everything you do, has inspired me to do my best each and every day.

“My years of teaching have provided me with a lifetime of friendships and happy memories that I will cherish forever.

“Thank you for this incredible honor,” Mine said.

Published May 31, 2023