The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Amici Pizza plans stand-alone location

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Owners of Amici Pizza & Deli are planning to build a new stand-alone restaurant, with additional retail space, on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The new restaurant is a short distance from the existing Amici restaurant in Grand Oaks Square, at Wesley Chapel and Pet Lane.

Andrea and Josephine Mannino, are heading toward a construction start of Amici Plaza in spring with an opening likely by the end of 2016.

Pasco County records show a conceptual plan with about 3,000 square feet for the restaurant, and about 1,800 square feet for retail.

“We’d like to have our own building and a bigger kitchen,” said Andrea Mannino.

No decisions have been made on the additional retail space, he said.

The site is located at the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, which is also known as County Road 54.

Pasco County is moving forward with acquisition of right-of-way along County Road 54 to prepare for the expansion of the two-lane road into a four-lane road at the junction of State Road 56 and State Road 54 to Progress Parkway.

The road design also would allow for future expansion to six lanes.

County records show that construction on the $46 million project would begin in fall 2018 and would be completed in fall 2019.

To accommodate the placement of the restaurant and plaza, the Manninos’ requested the county reduce by 9 feet the amount of land acquired for the road project, and also requested a reduction in building setbacks.

The county’s Development Review Committee has recommended approval to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final say. Commissioners are scheduled to consider the request on Feb. 9.

At the same meeting, commissioners also will consider the restaurant’s request for a beer and wine license.

Construction of Amici Plaza will adopt “low impact development principles,” said Stuart Artman, director of engineering projects for Moody Engineering, Inc.

Instead of an open-air storm water pond, the site would have an underground storage vault to capture and disperse rainwater. That can decrease potential flooding problems, and provides more area for amenities such as a sidewalk around the restaurant that is separate from the public sidewalk built along the roadway.

The site also places parking spaces to the side and rear of the restaurant, another “smart growth” trend in development.

“It makes for a more compact and walkable site, which the county is encouraging,” said Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein.

Published February 3, 2016 

 

Hillsborough libraries seeking public input

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The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative wants to hear the thoughts of area residents to help it develop its five-year plan.

The cooperative has scheduled a series of evening open houses at nine regional libraries, where residents can voice their thoughts about improving the library system, as well as changes or additions they would like to see over the next few years.

The next two open houses will be at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library on Feb. 2 and the New Tampa Regional Library on Feb. 16. All open houses take place on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative had an open house session at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library on Jan. 19. Approximately 45 residents attended to provide feedback on the county’s library system. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Library)
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative had an open house session at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library on Jan. 19. Approximately 45 residents attended to provide feedback on the county’s library system.
(Courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Library)

“The way our open house works is that for each of our five major service programs of the library, there’s a station where we’re collecting input and interacting with folks to get some feedback specifically about how we’re doing stuff, and what they want,” said Andrew Breidenbaugh, director of library services for the Hillsborough County Public Library system. It’s a little too early to know what the overall picture is going to be, but the kind of things we’re trying to get information about is the things that are changing about libraries.”

Accessing more books and items in digital format appears to be one of the main changes in the habits of local library users, which includes 53 percent of all Hillsborough County residents.

From October of 2014 to October 2015, library visits decreased 11 percent, and the circulation of physical items decreased by 9 percent.

Conversely, the circulation of virtual items (e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, streaming music/movies and full-text downloads) increased by 22 percent for the 20th largest library system in the country.

“Libraries have been going through rapid change,” Breidenbaugh said. “We are looking at those types of things to make sure the direction we’re going is what meets our customers’ needs.

“Our customers in Hillsborough County have been strong adopters of the digital format. This year, we circulated over 1 million e-books for the first time ever. So, there are some trends we’re looking at.”

In addition to possibly expanding the library system’s digital collection and other technologies, Breidenbaugh is also looking into how the library system can make a more meaningful impact in community building.

“We’re looking at how we support entrepreneurs and startup businesses,” the library director said. “We’re also looking at how we support new Americans, and how we support school-age children — people who are advancing from one level to the next.

“I would love to do a promotion of reading as an activity. We’ve been focused on our technology side for the last few years, and we’ll continue to do that, but one of the things the library offers…is literacy, and the access to information and reading.”

On the whole, the strategic plan will be a “very customer-driven process,” so the county’s library system can best serve its users for the future.

“There’s lots of ideas of things I’d like to do, but we really do need to filter that by what our customers want, because we know that no matter what we put in place, we’re going to be most successful, if we’re doing what really matters to the residents,” Breidenbaugh added.

In addition to the open houses, the library cooperative will begin offering surveys for library users in the spring. Then in the summer, the cooperative plans to create focus groups for specific segments of the library user population — teenagers, seniors, Spanish speakers, and teachers — to ensure the library is meeting their needs.

Once all the data is compiled from the open houses, surveys and focus groups, the cooperative will team up with the Hillsborough County Public Library Board to craft its five-year plan, which they hope to have in place by October, which is the beginning of fiscal year 2017.

Hillsborough County Library Cooperative
What: Open houses at regional public libraries to seek input from residents
Where: Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library and New Tampa Regional Library
When: Tuesday, Feb. 2 (Jimmie B. Keel) and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (New Tampa) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit hcplc.org.

Published January 27, 2016

Band has big dreams and bold ambitions

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They haven’t had many big gigs yet, but the band that calls itself Beyond Chaotic hopes that will change soon.

In fact, the six-member band is planning to travel to Orlando next month to audition for “America’s Got Talent.”

Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Alex Karafilis plays violin during a rehearsal of Beyond Chaotic. She hopes the group will tour and do a record deal some day.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Band members say they know it’s a big stage, and they admit they’re a bit nervous, but they want to go for it.

After all, they’re trying to build their fan base.

That sounds like a lot of the acts that appear on the popular television program.

But, Beyond Chaotic is not exactly a typical band.

It’s a rock group, and its six members are all age 12 or younger.

The members are Max Karafilis and his sister, Alex; Colin Mendoza and his sister, Kayla; Devon Bilek and Dominic Fusco.

They live in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Two are homeschooled, two go to Seven Oaks Elementary, one attends Lutz Preparatory School, and the other attends John Long Middle School.

All of them love music, and they’re willing to work hard to improve their musical chops.

Max is the band’s lead singer. Alex plays violin and keyboard, and sings, mostly backup, too. Devon is the bass player. Dominic plays leader guitar. Colin is the drummer, and Kayla is on keyboard.

Five of the band members met during the Bigel Music Rock Band Camp last summer.

They’ve all been playing instruments longer, and they practice together two to three times a week — in addition to their private lessons.

Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.
Dominic Fusco plays lead guitar, in the foreground, while Kayla Mendoza plays keyboard in the background. Fusco said he enjoys performing in front of crowds, once he gets past the stage fright.

Like many bands, they’ve already had one player drop out. She had a conflict with church and Sunday school.

Colin’s sister stepped up to fill the gap, because the 8-year-old has been playing keyboard since she was around 4.

So far, their biggest crowd was during shows they played at The Shops at Wiregrass during the holidays.

They played three sets, of 40 minutes each, to hundreds of people, according to Cindy Karafilis, Max and Alex’s mom.

They have a play list of roughly 20 songs, ranging from “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy to “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragon to “Seven Nation Army” by White Stripes.

They’re also beginning to write their own music.

Being in a band has its demands and its rewards, they said.

“It’s hard, but it’s fun,” said Alex, who handles the vocals.

Twelve-year-old Devon put it like this: “It makes me feel accomplished that I can play music really well, when I hear the crowd getting excited when we’re playing.”

They may be young, but they have big dreams.

Alex wants to go on tour and wouldn’t mind getting a record deal.

Devon wants to build the band’s fan base.

Max wants to play a bigger venue, so more people can see them and spread the word about the band.

They have some gigs lined up.

Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.
Max Karafilis is the lead singer in a rock band called Beyond Chaotic. The kids are all 12 or younger, but they have bold ambitions and big dreams.

They’re on the schedule for Feb. 5 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, they’ll do a few numbers at the Valentine’s Dance at Seven Oaks Elementary School, and they’re scheduled to play April 16 at Journey for a Cure 5k at Al Lopez Park to benefit St. Joseph’s Children Hospital.

They’re also open to playing for private parties, Cindy Karafilis said.

But, they’re so new to the game that they haven’t quite figured out what to charge when they do get a paying gig, she said.

Regardless of the venue, the kids seem to love it.

“It’s hard work, of course. It’s really fun,” Colin said. “I think it’s pretty exciting.”

Dominic agreed: “It’s really fun to perform. Once you get over that little hump of being afraid to go onstage, it’s a blast.”

Some day, fame may come. But, for now, they’re just working hard — and turning up the volume.

Published January 27, 2016

Local students vie for $10,000 video prize

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The fifth-grade media club at Veterans Elementary School is vying for the $10,000 grand prize in the annual Trees Rock video contest sponsored by Scotties Tissues.

The club’s video has been deemed a top 10 finalist in a national competition.

The contest calls for videos that explain the importance of trees. The $10,000 prize is intended for use in a sustainable project, such as tree plantings, outdoor classrooms, greenhouses, gardens and so on.

Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf. (Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School)
Gadiel Ramirez records the sportscast featuring Jack Carbone as Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent as Alyssa Leaf.
(Photos courtesy of Veterans Elementary School)

Students led by club co-advisers Susan Forgas and Mario Pineo worked on the video for weeks.

The students came up with the ideas for the segments, wrote the scripts, created costumes, filmed the segments and edited the three-minute video.

The video is based on the concept of someone flipping through the channels at night, landing on commercials or previews of shows.

“The kids kind of brought their own ideas,” Pineo said. “They sort of had an audition. Then we brainstormed how we would put those together and which ones we would include, and which ones made sense,” he said.

One segment is a portion of a mock sportscast hosted by Jack Carbone, playing the role of Jack Woodchuck, and Alyssa Bollent, playing the role of Alyssa Leaf.

Carbone also wrote the script for the segment, and Gadiel Ramirez shot the video.

Bollent also wrote the script for “Jennie the Genie,” with assistance from Caitlan Jamison and Julia Rosenberg.

Caitlan Jamison plays the role of Jennie the Genie, and Siena Bracciale plays the role of Sarah, in a segment called “Jennie the Genie.”
Caitlan Jamison plays the role of Jennie the Genie, and Siena Bracciale plays the role of Sarah, in a segment called “Jennie the Genie.”

Jamison played the role of Jennie, Siena Bracciale played Sarah, and Yasmin Fajardo worked the camera.

Isaac Machado played the role of Slash and also wrote the script for “Slash vs Arbor Girl.” Rosenberg played Arbor Girl, Joie Goletz was Woodchuck, and Ava Shortt shot the segment.

Alyssa Forgas, who is Susan Forgas’ niece, handled the camera for the “All Spice” advertisement, which also featured Ella Jennette and Lauren Rossman as rock stars and Lauren Carulli as a makeup artist. Carulli and Jennette co-wrote the ad.

Griffin Roberts played the role of Daniel Wood in one segment. He also created a Twitter page @VoteVes, to help attract votes for the video.

Isaac Machado plays Slash, a villain in a segment called “Slash vs. Arbor Girl.”
Isaac Machado plays Slash, a villain in a segment called “Slash vs. Arbor Girl.”

Throughout the process, students handled a variety of chores, shooting video, editing, writing scripts and coming up with costumes.

If the school wins, the students want to spend the money on the butterfly garden, an edible garden and a sensory garden, featuring plants that have scents.

This isn’t the first time Veterans Elementary has had success with the contest.

In 2013, Ryan and Rachel Mish, a brother-and-sister team from the school, placed in the top four.

During the next phase of the contest, which runs through Feb. 7, the public will have a chance to view the videos and vote to determine who wins the grand prize.

To view and vote for Veterans Elementary School’s video, go to ScottiesTreesRock.com.

Published January 20, 2016

 

New 4-lane to connect communities

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Pasco County is set to receive a nearly $23 million state loan after state and local officials stitched together a deal for a four-lane extension of State Road 56 from Wiregrass Ranch to Zephyrhills.

The project previously had been intended to build two lanes from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Converting it to a four-lane project will boost the estimated $35 million price tag to about $65 million, including the loan plus interest.

‘We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits. This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.’ — Richard Gehring, Pasco strategic policy administrator.
‘We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits. This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.’ — Richard Gehring, Pasco strategic policy administrator.

Loan proceeds from the State Infrastructure Bank could be available as soon as April. Construction is expected to start by fall of this year. Completion is expected in 2019, and repayments of the loan would start shortly thereafter.

The project is expected to improve access to Interstate 75 and southeast Pasco, and spur new development in and around Zephyrhills, and its airport. Residents and officials in Zephyrhills have long lobbied for four lanes, arguing that a two-lane road was a major roadblock to redevelopment.

“It’s a major, major public/private partnership,” said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills’ city manager. “It will be an economic boost for the area.”

Pasco County commissioners, on Jan. 12, approved a series of agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation, four developer/landowners, the Cone & Graham construction company and the city of Zephyrhills.

The agreements detail a repayment schedule that allows the county to collect funds from developers and landowners along the corridor through mobility surcharge fees, or special assessments if needed.

“We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits,” said Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator. “This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.”

Prior to the commissioners’ meeting in Dade City, negotiations had hit a few snags, largely around how to structure the loan’s repayment and who would be liable for cost overruns.

State transportation officials agreed to extend the department’s contract with Cone & Graham, the contractor hired for the initial two lanes. The contractor would cover cost overruns but, in the event of a default, the county and developers would be liable.

Most of the road construction runs through Two Rivers Ranch, and its developers will pay almost $15 million in mobility surcharge fees. River Landing and Wyndfields will yield fees of about $6.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

Developers of a fourth community – Wesley Chapel Lakes – had an existing agreement in place, not taking into account additional construction, and will contribute about $2.7 million.

The county would pay most of a potential shortfall of about $1.5 million, with Zephyrhills contributing about $150,000 of that total.

In addition, plans to build a district park in Wesley Chapel Lakes will be abandoned. Because of wetlands, the site was too small, said David Goldstein, Pasco County’s chief assistant county attorney.

Instead, the developer of River Landing will provide parkland co-located with River Landing High School.

“This is going to be a win-win for the school district and the road project,” Goldstein said.

Published January 20, 2016

Benefit aims to help college-bound homeless

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Paul Gigante is hoping for a gigantic 50th birthday bash, but the party won’t be merely to celebrate him turning a half-century – it also will benefit homeless high school graduates who are college-bound.

Gigante, who earns his living through his school photography business, said he became aware of the plight of homeless students through his wife’s involvement in Wharton High School’s Parent Teacher Association.

“Our kids are in college now. But, it was brought to my attention a few years ago that there were over 14 homeless high schoolers at Wharton High School,” he said. “It has bothered me for the past number of years.”

Over time, he learned more about the problem, and he decided he would use his 50th birthday party to try to do something to help.

“In Pasco alone, there are 78 homeless high school seniors,” he said.

Paul Gigante poses near the sign for his school photography business, based in Wesley Chapel. He is planning to turn his 50th birthday party into a benefit to help college-bound, homeless students. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Paul Gigante poses near the sign for his school photography business, based in Wesley Chapel. He is planning to turn his 50th birthday party into a benefit to help college-bound, homeless students.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“There are so many levels of homelessness. They could be kicked out of their house. A parent or two parents could be in jail. They could have been abandoned by their parents,” he said.

“There are so many scenarios. They’re living in a car. Or, they’re bouncing from apartment to apartment, staying on friends’ couches. There’s many, many scenarios.

“I don’t need to know all of the scenarios. I just want to know what it is that I can do to help them,” Gigante said.

To make that happen, he enlisted the help of his staff and his friends to organize a fun way to raise money.

The benefit will be on Jan. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road in Tampa.

“My goal is $50,000 for my 50th birthday,” Gigante said.

“I’ve assembled three bands, four DJs — and I’m a DJ myself. So, at the end of the entire event, I’m going to be DJ’ing,” he said.

He’s hoping for a big turnout.

“We have a lineup that’s really fun. It’s going to be nonstop entertainment.

“I start off with the USF “Hot” Band. They’re going to have about 30 members there,” he said, noting the band has waived its appearance fee.

Gigante also has the Butch Ryan Band, which is made up of a bunch of band directors from Wharton; they’re going to do classic rock.

“We’re going to have about 20 baskets, everything from pampered chef theme to sports themed to wine theme to IPA beer. There’s going to be a whole bunch of different things,” he said.

Instead of holding a silent auction, he’ll be selling tickets for drawings to see who wins the baskets.

“I’ve invited all of the krewes (of Gasparilla) because I’m part of the krewe life,” he said.

He also has talked to the principals at the 35 to 40 schools where he shoots school photographs, encouraging them to spread the word.

After the party, Gigante plans to accompany a social worker to meet with homeless students who are college-bound to find out how he can help them.

“I could buy shoes. I could buy computers. I could give them out to everyone. But, what if they don’t need that? What if they need rent for 2 ½ months? What if they need food? What if they need clothes? What if they need a laptop? What if they need books?”

He wants to address specific needs.

“I want to make sure that from when they graduate until they start college, they don’t fall off the boat,” Gigante said.

He’s not sure how many students he’ll be able to help, or how much he’ll be able to provide.

He’s going to start with the schools served by his photography business.

In Pasco, those are Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Mitchell, Anclote and River Ridge high schools. In Hillsborough, they are Wharton, Jesuit and Steinbrenner high schools.

“This is a one-time deal for me,” said Gigante, who lives in Hunter’s Green.

“It’d be great, if everyone, when they turned 50, would decide to do something like this,” Gigante said.

Homeless benefit
What: Paul Gigante’s 50th birthday bash, including DJs, bands, raffles and 50/50.
Why: To benefit college-bound homeless graduates from Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Where: Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road in Tampa.
When: Jan. 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How much: Cover charge is a suggested $10 donation, plus a birthday card for Paul Gigante.
For information, contact Paul Gigante at (813) 340-4080.

Published January 13, 2016

Wesley Chapel Boulevard workshop set

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New growth in and around the intersections of State Road 56, County Road 54 and Interstate 75 is generating traffic jams.

The developments just keep coming.

Tampa Premium Outlets opened in October.

Culver’s and Cheddar’s Casual Café – are under construction.

Motorists round a curve leading from two lanes of County Road 54 into a more expansive four-lane divided roadway, with turn lanes, at the intersection with State Road 56. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Motorists round a curve leading from two lanes of County Road 54 into a more expansive four-lane divided roadway, with turn lanes, at the intersection with State Road 56.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Site plans are filed, or on the way, for additional retail, hotels and offices as part of Cypress Creek Town Center.

Florida Hospital Center Ice — a sports complex featuring ice rinks and other sports courts – also is under construction.

One proposed traffic fix calls for widening County Road 54, which is also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard, from north of State Road 56 to north of Magnolia Boulevard.

A public workshop will be held on Jan. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to discuss the estimated $53 million project and to gather public input on the road’s design.

The workshop will be held at Veterans Elementary School, 26940 Progress Parkway in Wesley Chapel.

People can view maps of the project, as well as ask questions of Pasco County officials and consultants from Kisinger Campo & Associates.

Representatives of the Florida Department of Transportation also are invited.

“It is a very big priority,” said Deborah Bolduc, the county’s program administrator for engineering services.

An initial study completed in 2003 recommended widening the two-lane road to match the now widened portion of the county road on its approach to the intersection with State Road 56.

Florida Hospital Center Ice, a new hockey and sports complex, has begun construction east of Interstate 75 and north of State Road 56. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Florida Hospital Center Ice, a new hockey and sports complex, has begun construction east of Interstate 75 and north of State Road 56.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

But, for motorists who turn off State Road 56 on to County Road 54, it’s only a short jaunt just beyond Old Cypress Creek Road before the four-lane, divided highway suddenly narrows to two lanes.

In the past decade more homes and businesses have been added to the area. Area residents often confront long waits along the road’s two-lane stretch waiting to navigate into the flow of traffic.

County officials decided to give the public a new look at the project and another opportunity to offer their thoughts.

“There could be some tweaks made based as a result of comments,” Bolduc said.

The widening project will be presented to the Pasco County Commission in spring. If approved, funds are budgeted for the next two years for design and right of way purchases.

Construction currently is scheduled for 2022, though Bolduc said that date could be pushed forward depending on availability of funding.

Published January 13, 2016 

Seeking state road money

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State lawmakers are seeking $8 million in state funds to push along a project, known as the diverging diamond interchange, to fix the daily traffic jams at Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

The trouble spot already is among Pasco County’s 2015 priorities for highway projects. The list is for a five-year plan that is updated annually and also includes the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 4, and other projects along State Road 52 and U.S. 301.

But, with some state money in hand, a project start date for I-75 and State Road 56 might come sooner rather than later. Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation anticipates funding in 2017 for study and design of the interchange.

Traffic stacks up daily, at morning and evening rush hours, as motorists navigate Interstate 75 and State Road 56. (File Photo)
Traffic stacks up daily, at morning and evening rush hours, as motorists navigate Interstate 75 and State Road 56.
(File Photo)

“I think there is reason to hope,” said State Sen. Richard Corcoran. The Land O’ Lakes lawmaker is the designated Speaker of the House when the 2016 legislature convenes Jan. 12.

Sarasota is the first city in Florida to build a diverging diamond interchange. The $74.5 million interchange at I-75 and University Parkway will be operational in 2017.

Another similar project is possible on Interstate 95 in Jacksonville.

In the diverging diamond interchange, multiple lanes of traffic from opposite directions crisscross from one side of the roadway to the other and then switch back, guided by road signs, marked lanes and traffic signals.

It might sound counter-intuitive, but in practice is easy to follow, eases traffic congestion, prevents wrong-way entry onto ramps and reduces crashes, according to engineering experts.

This type of interchange also allows for pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes.

The expectation is that no additional right of way will be needed at I-75 and State Road 56, which will aid in costs and construction schedules.

Corcoran is meeting with representatives of the state department of transportation to discuss the matter. Federal funds also will be needed.

State Rep. Danny Burgess shares Corcoran’s optimism for the project. A funding request for $8 million has been filed, he said.

“We’re actively working hard to alleviate the current problem,” Burgess said.

Corcoran is familiar with the long lines that form during peak rush hours, because he drives that route almost daily.

The area surrounding the interchange is exploding with new growth, with more and more vehicles passing through I-75 and State Road 56.

Tampa Premium Outlets opened in October. Permits, site plans and wish lists for more commercial and residential growth in the area are multiplying, including the Cypress Creek Town Center. When that is finished, development will span both sides of State Road 56.

“It (the interchange) needs fixing very fast,” Corcoran said. “To the extent that we can play by the same rules as everyone else, it’s certainly going to be a top priority.”

That means making a convincing case that the project is worthy, Corcoran said.

Other states embraced the diverging diamond long before Florida.

Missouri was the first in 2009, and kept on building them, again and again. At nine, the state is home to the most diverging diamonds in the country, according to a list compiled by the Official Website of the DDI.

Utah is close behind, with eight, and North Carolina has seven.

As of Dec. 1, the website documented 64 diverging diamonds in operation around the country.

For information on Sarasota’s diverging diamond interchange, visit SWFLroads.com/i75/university. A YouTube video showing how the concept works also is available online.

Published January 6, 2016

Aspiring artists benefit from arts fest

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The 11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest will feature 125 fine artists and craftsmen in a two-day event aimed at raising money to support arts education in Pasco County.

“Our fine artists — they’re growing,” said Pam Marron, co-director of the arts festival. “We’ve got a good blend coming in from all over the United States.

BK Lyons, who created this piece of chalk art, will be one of the chalk artists featured at the 11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest later this month (Photos courtresy of Suncoast Arts Fest)
BK Lyons, who created this piece of chalk art, will be one of the chalk artists featured at the 11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest later this month
(Photos courtresy of Suncoast Arts Fest)

Besides being a place to enjoy or purchase art, the event also offers a wide array of live entertainment and opportunities to be creative, too, Marron said.

“The entertainment — in addition to having professionals there —we also have youth entertainment from the region,” Marron said.

There will be chalk artists at the festival, there’s an art maker space, where arts and technology meet, and, on Jan. 17 there also will be glass etching, Marron said.

“We’ve got the emerging artists area, where the high school art students are able to display their artwork, and that artwork is juried and a prize given for that, as well,” she said.

There is also a kids’ art garden, designed to appeal to younger artists, she said.

Proceeds from the festival benefit “Arts for Education” grants, which go to supplement arts education programs in public, private and charter schools in Pasco County.

Over the past decade, the Suncoast Arts Fest has fulfilled more than 85 mini-grants to teachers to impact the education of more than 15,000 students.

During last year’s event, The Shops at Wiregrass drew a record crowd of more than 100,000 people, according to the festival’s website.

Jasleen Rehsi was a first place winner at the 10th annual Suncoast Arts Festival last year. This year’s festival will feature 125 fine artists and craftsmen.
Jasleen Rehsi was a first place winner at the 10th annual Suncoast Arts Festival last year. This year’s festival will feature 125 fine artists and craftsmen.

The patrons come from all over, but primarily from the Tampa Bay region, Marron said.

The mall is an excellent venue, Marron said.

In addition to the mall’s convenient layout, there are restaurants, restrooms and parking to accommodate both the artists participating in the show, and the patrons attending it, she said.

The Shops at Wiregrass also collaborates with festival organizers to help promote the event, she said. “They’re a good management company.”

Festival organizers are increasing their promotional efforts, too, Marron said.

“We’ve expanded on our social networking and really tried to ramp up why we do the event, which brings in the students and their families to support the event as well,” Marron said.

11th annual Suncoast Arts Fest
What: Juried show features 125 fine artists and craftsmen and their works. The event also includes live entertainment, chalk artists, interactive activities and glass etching.
When: Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan.17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive (off State Road 56, east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard).
How much: Parking and admission are free.
For more information, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.

Published January 6, 2016

Loan for State Road 56 no sure thing

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A state loan to build two additional lanes of an extended State Road 56 is in jeopardy, as state and county officials haggle over details of how to repay the estimated $22 million construction costs.

The road project currently calls for a two-lane extension of State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

A state loan would allow a four-lane road to be built — which is what residents and city officials in Zephyrhills have sought for years.

Pasco County commissioners will review eight agenda items on Jan. 12 related to the loan application that was made in May to the State Infrastructure Bank. They are facing a deadline on that date to complete an agreement acceptable to the county, the Florida Department of Transportation, area developers, and Cone & Graham, which is contracted to build the first two lanes of the project.

Everything could fall in to place by then, or not.

“Unfortunately, the ball’s in DOT’s corner. They set the deadline,” said Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein. “The deal is going to fall apart, or they are going to have to give us a new deadline.”

Most of the issues with developers and the road contractor are resolved, but state department of transportation requirements on the loan’s repayment are a major sticking point.

Goldstein said the state initially anticipated the county receiving a loan through tax-exempt bonds. But, that places restrictions on how the loan can be repaid, and likely means the county couldn’t pass the burden to private developers through county-collected mobility surcharge fees.

The city of Zephyrhills also agreed to pay up to 10 percent of annual loan repayments, if the county had to dip into its coffers for expenses.

The county had turned to the state bank as a last resort to fund two more lanes on State Road 56.

Unless the state transportation department can shift the county’s request into a loan pool for non-tax exempt bonds, the agreements with developers can’t work, Goldstein said.

The county also has a second concern about potential liability for cost overruns.

Cone & Graham representatives agreed to absorb expenses, if there are cost overruns with building the additional lanes. But, Goldstein said the state transportation department has a caveat. The agency won’t extend that protection in the event the company is fired, and a new contractor hired.

That would leave the county on the hook for unexpected payments.

“We’re hoping FDOT can resolve these two issues, so we can move forward,” Goldstein said.

The idea for the state loan arose after a February town hall meeting in Zephyrhills, where residents and city officials lobbied the department and state lawmakers for help. Many view a four-lane State Road 56 as an economic driver for more commercial and retail development.

Among the largest land tracts along the route is the Two Rivers Ranch, with about 3,500 acres. About half of the 6.7-mile extension would cut through the ranch. Thousands of new homes, shops and industries are anticipated there and within other new developments still on the drawing board including Wyndfields.

One development – Wesley Chapel Lakes in the Meadow Pointe subdivision – is under construction. Based on a prior agreement, the county has received between $300,000 and $400,000 in payments, but might not be able to recoup additional funds, despite the increased costs of road construction.

Published January 6, 2016