The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

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

Nest Hockey Academy may soon be up to full speed

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It hasn’t been entirely smooth skating for Nest Hockey Academy, but the facility is moving closer to bringing its vision to fruition.

The Pasco County Planning Commission on May 4 voted unanimously to recommend approval of a request by Russ and Leanne Henderson to rezone a parcel from agricultural zoning district to a master-plan unit development (MPUD) for a hockey academy.

“What we are is a school that also teaches hockey,” Russ Henderson explained to the planning board.

Nest Hockey Academy, at 9175 McKendree Road in Wesley Chapel, was voted unanimously by the Pasco County Planning Commission on May 4 to recommend approval of a request by Russ and Leanne Henderson to rezone a parcel from agricultural zoning district to a master-plan unit development (MPUD) for a hockey academy. (Mike Camunas)

The academy’s building already exists on the site at 9175 McKendree Road, in Wesley Chapel.

It was constructed as part of the Hendersons’ previous request for a special exception to operate the school.

“Everything that you see now that is on our site was part of our submittal,” he said.

But the special exception caps the number of people that can use the facility at one time to 20 people. The building is designed to accommodate hundreds.

The MPUD is being sought to allow the academy to operate at full strength, with up to 150 students. The site also includes 58 parking spaces.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, said one of the conditions of approval requires the hockey academy to make arrangements for off-site parking, if it needs to, to accommodate parking demand.

Henderson said he believes the 58 spaces on-site will be adequate to meet the need.

“We’re a single sheet (ice rink). We can only play one game at a time. It would always only be one game at a time,” he said.

While there will be occasional events, the focus will be on academics and hockey, he said.

“We are primarily a school. We’re a school first,” Henderson said.

He said the facility is offering something that is sought after in the state. It wants to partner with the Tampa Bay Lightning to develop a girls’ hockey program.

He explained to the planning board that he originally sought the special exception because he had been told it was a faster process than pursuing an MPUD.

Planning board member Jon Moody asked why an MPUD would be necessary, at this point, rather than merely amending the special exception.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said he’d heard there may be opposition and a special exception wouldn’t get the issue before the county board.

Goldstein also noted the larger enrollment could not be met with the current state of McKendree Road. Improvement of that road is required under the proposed conditions for the MPUD.

Still, Moody insisted that the applicant had a right to pursue his request using a shorter, simpler process.

“I don’t personally find it fair to force the applicant into the MPUD process,” Moody said.

But county staffer Tippin told Moody: “I respectfully disagree with that.”

He said county staff believes the MPUD route is a better approach because the project is within the Connected City, which has a different land development code.

During the May 4 planning board meeting, no one spoke against the request.

A group of parents did turn out, in a show of support for the hockey academy.

Two parents spoke in favor of the request.

One father told the planning board: “This program is second to none. We really, really are amazed by the program there.”

A mother added: “We are beyond blessed to have this opportunity.”

She said the parents are looking forward to approval, so they can become actively involved.

“We don’t get to see their progression. We don’t get to volunteer. We don’t get to help,” she said.

Despite the current limitations, she’s impressed with what’s happening there.

“This is a great mission. The Hendersons are a terrific family.”

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning decisions.

Published May 10, 2023

Target store is coming to the Grove at Wesley Chapel

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Target is planning to open a store at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, according to a news release.

The planned 148,500-square-foot building will be built on a currently vacant 16-acre lot near some big box retailers.

(Mike Camunas)

The location is just south of Cost Plus World Market, at the southeast corner of the intersection of Oakley Boulevard and Pink Flamingo Lane.

In addition to Target, the Grove, at 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd., will become home to nearly 10,000 apartment dwellings within the next two years, says the news release from the Grove.

In addition to these new projects, the 250-acre property features numerous national tenants, including Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michaels, Old Navy, PetSmart, Planet Fitness, TJ Maxx and Ulta.

The property also boasts a container park made of shipping containers that offer different cuisines from all over the world and boutique retail shops — all run by small business owners.

“With all the families moving into Wesley Chapel, it just makes sense to bring in a Target,” Mark Gold, partner in Mishorim Gold, said in the release.

Mishorim Gold purchased the Grove for $64 million in September 2019.

Gold invested millions more into the renovation of the property. 

“Target is a household name and the perfect retail partner for our bustling community,” he added in the release.

Grove Mini Golf recently opened, and other future businesses coming include a Starbucks, Woodie’s Wash Shack and a national car rental chain.

Two housing developments also are taking shape around the property: 300 multifamily units just north of the B&B movie theater are under construction, and 418 units in a development called Grove West are under construction across Oakley Boulevard.

Published May 03, 2023

Putt-putt golf course opens at the Grove

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Though it took a little while longer than expected, the Grove at Wesley Chapel now has a new attraction to play through.

Grove Mini Golf, 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd., is the newest attraction to come to the Grove at Wesley Chapel and features a traditional, 18-hole putt-putt course with a tropical feel and is family friendly. (Mike Camunas)

Grove Mini Golf finally opened its doors on April 15, with a soft opening for the 18-hole mini golf course located near the B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel.

Opening on the heels of PopStroke — the two 18-hole putting and entertainment attraction co-owned by Tiger Woods now in Lutz — Grove Mini Golf is a family owned and family friendly amenity.

The golfing attraction’s completion was delayed by supply chain and permitting issues, among other things, according to Ryan Mortti, its owner.

However, it opened to light crowds over its first weekend and during the Chalk Art Festival and Market on April 16.

While PopStroke and Grove Mini Golf aren’t too far from each other, the courses are quite different.

Grove Mini Golf is a more traditional course, but with a tropical feel of volcanoes, lots of fountains and waterfalls, sea creature statues and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant bridges and paths. Each hole also has LED strips that light up each hole with different programming.

Grove Mini Golf also is available for parties and fundraising and corporate events, and has a small snack bar at the front desk.

Prices per golfer start at $16.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under age 10, military and seniors over age 60. There also is an unlimited play option for $24.99.

The attraction is located at 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd. 

For more information, call 813-815-7888, or visit GroveMiniGolf.com.

Published April 26, 2023

Creativity with chalk draws up temporary art

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No chalkboards were needed here.

Instead, these artists each used a parking spot — just a small strip of asphalt — to create works displaying their talents and creativity.

Venice resident ‘Scary’ Carrie Phillips works on her asphalt chalk work during the Chalk Art Festival on April 16 at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. (Mike Camunas)

At the Chalk Art Festival, on April 16 at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, a group of about 10 local and out-of-town artists got close to the ground to create art that festival-goers could check out and admire.

The free event also offered a chance to do some casual Sunday afternoon shopping, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink, and listen to live music from Phoenix 5.

“This was my first time doing chalk art,” Holiday artist Danielle Ostolaza said. “I wasn’t sure how it would come out, but I think it came out great and it ended up being a lot of fun.”

Some artists, from as far as Venice, used chalk and some washable paint to draw up some very visual artwork that even seemed like it was part of the asphalt.

Some artists shared works featuring original designs, while others created cartoon characters, such as Pokemon’s Pikachu, to entertain the children.

The Harvest Market was held at the same time, offering patrons a chance to purchase items from a variety of vendors.

Florida Penguin Productions put on the event.

For a list of its upcoming events, visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com/upcoming-events-list.

Published April 26, 2023

Danielle Ostolaza, of Holiday, uses sidewalk chalk to draw one of her four sectionals of murals during the Chalk Art Festival at the KRATE at the Grove on April 16. Ostolaza, along with a handful of other local artists, were given the chance to show off their artistic styles and creations during the festival. The Wesley Chapel shopping and entertainment district also was the venue for The Harvest Market, which featured dozens of vendors.
The Chalk Art Festival also featured a Harvest Market at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. Dozens of vendors and exhibitors were there to sell goods, wares, gifts and more.
Hilary Frambes, of Ellenton, sits on the asphalt at the KRATE at the Grove to work on her chalk art drawings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chalk Art Festival, held at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, gave about 10 artists the chance to show off their talents — and imaginations — through works of chalk art on parking spots.
Artist Hilary Frambes, of Ellenton, works diligently to share her creativity through her chalk art at the KRATE at the Grove on April 16.
Wesley Chapel artist Sienna Biagi is all smiles as she takes her time drawing her artwork on the asphalt during the Chalk Art Festival on April 16.

 

 

 

Pasco assumes operations of Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus

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The Pasco County Commission and RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC have reached a mediated settlement, which turns over the operation of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus to Pasco County, and results in over $3 million in payments to RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC.

The Pasco County Commission approved the settlement as part of its consent agenda on April 18. The consent agenda includes a number of items that are approved in a single action, unless someone pulls an item for discussion.

RADDSports had been operating the Wiregrass Sports Campus under a sports park operations and maintenance license agreement approved by the county on Aug. 15, 2017.

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, and under a settlement agreement with RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC, county staff will be assuming management of operations and marketing for the facility. (Mike Camunas)

Disputes arose between the county and RADDSports, and the county issued the Notice of Default on Nov. 4, 2022, informing RADDSports that the county planned to take over the operations.

RADDSports subsequently filed a lawsuit against the county on Nov. 18, 2022, “seeking declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and damages for the county’s alleged violations of the Florida Public Records Act and breach of the Sports Park Agreement,” according to materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

The parties met in a mediation session Nov. 28, 2022 and, while not reaching a settlement, made progress and agreed to take part in another mediation on Feb. 8, 2023. Meanwhile, the lawsuit was put on hold.

At the continued mediation session, County Administrator Mike Carballa and RADDSports reached a full settlement and entered into an agreement, subject to the county board’s approval of the settlement.

The settlement approved by the board directs the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller to issue a check to RADDSports for $1,094,000, which will be held in escrow until pre-conditions of the settlement have been met.

The clerk’s office also has been directed to issue four additional checks, in the amount of $500,000 each, with payment dates of April 18, 2024; April 18, 2025; April 18, 2026 and April 18, 2027.

Those checks will be held in escrow by the county attorney’s office and delivered to RADDSports on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the turnover — after the county attorney’s office has confirmed that RADDSports is complying with the settlement agreement, according to the agenda materials.

The county’s $3 million in payments are being made to “buy out” the remaining term of the Sports Park Agreement from RADDSports, providing the company complies with the settlement’s conditions.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, at 3021 Sports Coast Way, in Wesley Chapel, plays a significant role in Pasco County’s sports tourism efforts.

The county board and RADDSports opened the 98,000-square-foot facility in the summer of 2020 to attract tournaments and talent from around the country and the globe. The sports campus features volleyball and basketball courts, a dedicated cheer zone, outdoor fields and other amenities.

The county’s sports marketing experts and its parks and recreation managers now will oversee the facility, according to a Pasco County news release.

“The Florida’s Sports Coast team will focus on booking outside events and attracting outside visitors to our county,” according to the release.

Pasco’s sports partners will continue to enjoy events and activities, with an existing pipeline of economic impact-generating events already on the books, the release adds.

Despite the legal dispute with RADDSports, the county expressed appreciation to RADDSports.

“We thank RADDSports for helping design this amazing facility, which essentially serves as the centerpiece of Florida’s Sports Coast, and for its cooperation to allow the county to bring in-house the going forward operation of the facility,” the release says.

“Pasco County and RADDSports are working together to ensure a seamless management transition to minimize disruptions of Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus programming and events.  Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources is honoring all prior event contracts, making sure local sports enthusiasts continue to have access to our world-class facilities,” the release adds.

The county built the $29 million sports campus with tourist development tax dollars on land donated by the Porter family, which has had a hand in shaping much of the development of Wesley Chapel.

Acreage once owned by the Porters now is occupied by a multitude of developments, including The Shops at Wiregrass, Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and public schools, neighborhoods and businesses.

Published April 26, 2023

Pasco board sends Saddlebrook request to state for review

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A request to redevelop Saddlebrook Resort has cleared the first step in a lengthy county review process required before any redevelopment can occur.

The Pasco County Commission voted 4-1 to send a request by Miami-based Mast Capital to the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity and other state agencies for review. Commission Chairman Jack Mariano voted no.

The vote came after hours of discussion at the April 4 public hearing, where speakers offered testimony both for and against Mast’s proposed redevelopment of Saddlebrook.

During its prime, Saddlebrook was known internationally for excellence in its golf facilities, with its two Arnold Palmer-designed courses and for its tennis facilities and programs. But the resort, which opened in 1981, has fallen into disrepair and plans for redeveloping it have sparked debate. (File)

Saddlebrook, which opened in 1981, is situated off State Road 54, east of Interstate 75, in Wesley Chapel. It has been the training grounds of professional golf and tennis stars and was once widely known as a world-class resort.

But, by virtually all accounts, the resort has fallen into disrepair over the years and will need a significant infusion of capital to restore it to its glory days.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she’s pleased that Mast has stepped forward because other developers have looked at Saddlebrook and couldn’t get the numbers to work.

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 call for the preservation of the tennis courts and 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.

Under Mast’s plans, development along State Road 54 would include a mixture of commercial and residential uses in a walkable area featuring neighborhood parks, patio seating, a wide boulevard and other amenities, according to the proposal.

Plans also call for dual left-hand turning lanes leading out of the resort’s main entrance. Plus, an additional right-in/right-out access would serve the new development along State Road 54.

The developer also has committed to extend Vision Road H, to provide another connection into Saddlebrook.

Those speaking in favor of Mast’s request said the company’s investment is needed to save Saddlebrook, and they praised the company for seeking to make Saddlebrook a competitive resort.

They also praised Mast for agreeing to a private deed restriction that guarantees the golf course land will be protected. 

Those speaking against the plan questioned its compatibility with the existing community’s character. They raised concerns about the disruption of the quiet nature of the resort community.

They predicted that increased traffic within the community will pose hazards to people who are walking, biking or using golf carts on the area’s roads.

They also criticized Mast’s plan for lacking a specific timeline for the resort’s renovation.

Some also spoke out against Mast’s plans to replace the two 18-hole golf courses with three nine-hole courses. They said there would be too much distance between holes on the redesigned courses.

They disagreed with Mast’s assessment that a complete overhaul is needed to create a course that will attract today’s golfers.

Despite the disagreements, it appeared that Mast is making progress in building support for its plan.

More speakers stepped forward to support Mast’s plan than had done so at previous public hearings.

The transmittal of Mast’s request for state review is a preliminary step in the process.

Before Mast can proceed with the proposed redevelopment, it needs to secure approval of its requested comprehensive land use change and approval of a companion master-plan unit development (MPUD) zoning.

Each of those requests must go to a public hearing before the Pasco County Planning Commission and then come back to the county board for a final vote.

In voicing support for the transmittal at the April 4 hearing, Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman noted he would support the transmittal, but made it clear there are issues that need to be worked out.

Specifically, Weightman said he’s not “not overly enthusiastic” about the proposed multifamily units or the proposed density of Mast’s plan.

Published April 12, 2023

Road widening delay won’t stall industrial park opening

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It turns out that Old Pasco Road won’t be widened before the Rooker industrial park is allowed to open, after all.

When Pasco County approved an economic deal with Rooker Properties LLC, based in Atlanta, it included a condition that issuance of certificates of occupancy would be contingent upon a segment of Old Pasco Road being widened to four lanes.

Rooker’s property is at 7012 Old Pasco Road and 7529 Old Pasco Road, about one-third of a mile south of the intersection of Old Pasco and Overpass roads. It’s also near the new Overpass Road/Interstate 75 interchange.

The widening of Old Pasco Road, which connects State Road 54 to State Road 52, is in the county’s five-year transportation improvement plan. Improvements can’t come quickly enough for the motorists who travel the road from established neighborhoods, new subdivisions, Cypress Creek Middle School, Cypress Creek High School, the Instructional Performing Arts Center and soon, a new industrial park. (Mike Camunas)

The county’s agreement with Rooker called for the widening of Old Pasco Road, from the south entrance of the industrial park to Overpass Road, before the site could be occupied.

That requirement was lifted by the Pasco County Commission in a unanimous vote on March 21.

The board’s action supported a staff recommendation, which was based on a request from Rooker.

Pasco County’s engineering services department has reported that the Old Pasco segment widening project has been added to the county’s five-year capital improvement plan and that funding for the road widening project’s design, permitting and construction is in place.

The widening is expected to be completed around October of 2024.

Meanwhile, Rooker has informed the county that it is nearing completion of the business park’s first industrial building, of about 187,000 square feet, and it expects to need its first certificate of occupancy around April 1.

During the widening work on Old Pasco Road, a temporary access plan will be used to allow vehicles to safely enter and leave the industrial park.

While approving its staff’s recommendation, the county board supported Commissioner Seth Weightman’s request that the county provide a traffic management plan to keep motorists safe, during Old Pasco Road’s widening.

Weightman characterized the Rooker deal as a “great project for the county.”

But he said he wants to ensure the county does whatever it can do to prevent any potential accidents.

County Administrator Mike Carballa said he appreciates “Commissioner Weightman’s concerns, and the public’s concerns, over safety during construction.

“Our engineering services team does take safety seriously.

“I have spoken to the county engineer and the project engineer to ensure once we have the contractor onboard that we need to discuss safety, even if it costs a little bit more or takes a little bit more time, that we’re ensuring that the job is done safely and within best practices,” Carballa said.

Published March 29, 2023

Pasco board approves charter school foundation request

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a request to enable Innovation Preparatory Academy in Wesley Chapel to qualify the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to finance Innovation Preparatory Academy in Wesley Chapel.

The board approved the request from the Florida Charter Educational Foundation (FCEF), without discussion, as part of its consent agenda.

The consent agenda contains numerous items that are approved in a single vote, unless an item is pulled off for discussion.

In this case, the board approved a request by FCEF to borrow $20 million, with the funds being issued by the Industrial Development Authority of La Paz, Arizona, not Pasco County.

The funds are intended to finance the acquisition, development, construction, and equipping of an approximately 56,000-square-foot charter school building and ancillary facilities, according to background materials in the Pasco county board’s March 21 agenda packet.

Pasco County has no obligation with respect to the bonds, but had to approve the request in order for the charter foundation to qualify for the tax-exempt bonds.

The federal tax law allowing this type of tax-exempt financing is known as the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA).

That law requires the request to be approved by the “highest elected” board in the jurisdiction, a public hearing to gather public input and a finding that the project is in the public interest.

On another issue, the county board approved a budget change to realign $54,987.84 to pay for an irrigation project at the Wesley Chapel District Park.

The money came from savings from the district park’s gymnasium coming in under budget last year.

The money will be used to explore alternative sources of water for irrigating the soccer and baseball fields at the park. The fields are currently watered with potable or reclaimed water sources that often are expensive and not dependable.

In other action, the county board:

  • Approved the appointments of Matthew Miller and Shannon Hayley Kennedy to serve a three-year term and Maryann Bishop to serve a one-year term on the Environmental Lands Acquisition Selection Committee (ELASC). The board also approved Patty Fesmire to a one-year reappointment to the committee.

Published March 29, 2023