The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Fourth of July weekend offers activities for all ages

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The Lutz’s Fourth of July Parade drew an enthusiastic crowd.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Engine 24 gets an escort from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s motorcycle patrol, at the beginning of the 2022 Lutz Fourth of July Parade. (Fred Bellet)

“It was wonderful, of course,” said Jennifer Rankin, parade chairwoman.

“After two years of not being there —  I’m sure we messed up somewhere. I’m sure we forgot something, somewhere — but at the end of the day, everybody had smiles on their faces and I heard wonderful reviews from people,” she said.

Emma and Evelyn Fiedler, of Land O’ Lakes, keep a sharp eye on the approaching parade as Alex Campion, 12, of Odessa captures some video from the front row at the Lutz Fourth of July Parade.

“Some people had to cancel at the last minute, due to either heat or sicknesses.

But people stayed upbeat and volunteers kept things running smoothly.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club had invaluable helpers, she said.

“There were tons of them there, making sure to direct things. If there were problems, (they were right there) getting on top of it,” she said.

Overall, she continued: “We had a great turnout.

The Lutz Chiefs Cheer team float rounds a turn on the parade route.

“People stuck around to hear the results of the parade and who won what trophies.

“People stuck around to see who won the Guv’na.

“And, people went inside and auctioned on the cake,” she said.

Five-year-old Sade Stice lets out a long yawn, while waving her flag as the parade approached up Lake Lutz Fern Road. The little girl from Lutz was with her mom, Jessica Stice and her 8-year-old brother, Reed, watching the parade. They sat at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Second Street N.W.

While Zephyrhills dealt with rain, Lutz endured heat.

“It was hot. It was very hot,” Rankin said.

She had a great time.

“I’m ready for next year, already,” Rankin said.

In Zephyrhills, the weather wasn’t exactly cooperative on July 2, during the early part of Summerfest in Zephyrhills.

Some folks didn’t let the drizzling rain — or periodic downpours — deter them from attending the free family friendly event. They came out to Zephyr Park to check out what the food trucks had to offer, to listen to music, and during the evening to watch fireworks over the lake.

While the weather put a damper on the early part of the event, when the weather cleared the crowd picked up, according to Kevin Tucker, event manager and marketing manager for Florida Penguin Productions.

By the time the fireworks went off, he estimated that about 3,000 people had turned out to watch the show.

“Our events are rain or shine. We pushed through and the community loved it,” Tucker said, via email, characterizing the festival as “a great event.”

Published July 13, 2022

The entrance to the Zephyrhills Summerfest at Zephyr Park was a puddle-jumper’s delight during the early part of the July 2 event.
Twelve-year-old Lulu Bell, a Blue Heeler Australian Cattle Dog, wore a patriotic necklace as he tries to go one way and owner Jason Aiken, of Zephyrhills, goes the other way. The patriotic pooch and owner checked out the vendors at the Zephyrhills Summerfest, on July 2, at Zephyr Park.
Customers duck under the cover of an umbrella to escape the rain. Tonya Neely, left, and daughter, Faith, purchase fare sold by Shawn Anderson, at The Wok.

One vet and a truck

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Despite losing his leg, Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani is still very active.

And he can move all kinds of furniture, too.

“I can do anything (anyone with two legs can do),” the former Navy sailor and Vietnam veteran said. “I play golf every Sunday. I putz around in my yard and I do move a lot of furniture.”

Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani goes through donated furniture at Value Store It Self Storage in Wesley Chapel with volunteer Dave Greene, as they will then take any furnishings or household items to a veteran located in the Pasco County or Tampa area. (Mike Camunas)

For the past three years, Fabiani, through Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731, has been collecting furniture and household items for veterans, who are set up with housing, however, don’t have any furnishings. Fabiani, the Veterans Committee chairperson and past exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge, then loads up furniture and other items on a truck and/or a trailer, and delivers them himself.

At first, he made a delivery maybe once a week. Now, with the help of about a dozen volunteers that are either his neighbors or other members of the Elks Lodge, Fabiani could have up to five deliveries a week.

“Honestly, (I started doing this) because I was bored,” Fabiani said. “Once I got back on my feet after the amputation (because a rod in my reconstructed leg got infected), I needed something to do.

“The need is out there, but the donations are right there with it,” he added. “I’ll get two or three calls while taking out a donation and they’re like when can you be here, and I can’t give them an answer because I’m all over the place. … (Veterans) need everything, when they get a place. It’s just four walls, a ceiling and floor.”

When Fabiani started out, he gave his name and number to Domiciliary Rehab Clinic for Veterans, which then made sure his contact info also was at Tampa Bay Crossroads, New Beginnings and Hog Bash, all of which help veterans get back on their feet and with housing. Several communities, especially those in Pasco County, know how to get ahold of Fabiani, if they’re looking to help a veteran.

“We’ve gone to Scotland Yards, Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, all over Zephyrhills and Dade City, and Pasco County and Tampa area,” he said. “The word just keeps spreading.”

Fabiani served in the Vietnam War and was in the Navy for eight years. In fact, he was on the infamous aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal, which had an unusual number of fires, including the 1967 fire in which 134 sailors died and 161 more were injured. Fabiani considers himself lucky to survive that, as well as when he left the Navy, he didn’t need quite as much help as other veterans sometimes do.

Zephyrhills veteran Ken Fabiani takes a call while going through donated furniture he has collected from all over Pasco County and the Tampa area. He then will transport to a fellow veteran that has housing, but no furnishing or household items. Fabiani started doing this charity work because ‘he was bored,’ but also to look out for his fellow veterans, some of whom have nothing once they are discharged from the VA.

Alexis Key, an Army veteran, who served four years including a tour in Afghanistan contacted Fabiani after her caseworker gave her his number and, without hassle, her housing through Tampa Crossroads was furnished.

“Sometimes, donations can be shabby,” Key added. “However, I was thoroughly surprised at the quality, but also how he didn’t flake on me. All I had to do was call him up, have a simple conversation of what I needed, and he brought it over.

“(I got) two 2 dressers, pots and pans, a nutribullet, shower curtains, household items and a really, really nice Bible. … He is such a nice man and so kind — it’s just inspiring to see him looking out for us veterans.”

One of his volunteers agrees.

“This is a great and easy way to help veterans,” his neighbor, Dave Greene, said. “So far, he hasn’t been able to keep the supply up with the demand. You often wonder where it all comes from, but then he gets like three phone calls when we’re out taking furniture to another veteran.

“The demand is there, so you kind of wish there was another Ken.”

There’s no slowing down Fabiani, certainly not if there’s a veteran looking from anything to furniture to a microwave to even toiletries. As he sorts through the items at a nearly full, but also donated 10×20 storage unit at Value Store It Self Storage in Wesley Chapel, Fabiani knows nothing will stop him from helping veterans get furniture.

“Maybe a little rain, but, no, we’ll still go out and pick up or deliver furniture. It’s Florida, it’s going to rain, but these vets need the furniture. It’s really unbelievable to really see people in need — as long as they’re veterans, we’ll gladly help them.”

Donate furniture for veterans
If you’re a veteran or know of a veteran who needs furniture, or would like to help Ken Fabiani’s cause by donating furniture, he can be reached at 813-469-8093.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills planning for, looking toward 2035

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Zephyrhills — the city and its officials — are turning to the citizens for help.

The East Pasco County city — also known as the county’s largest municipality — is spending the rest of 2022 to plan through 2035. The city will take a look at its comprehensive plan and make various updates on what it intends to do to make improvements over time.

However, a significant part of the planning effort is to bring people together from all parts of the city to talk about issues and needs that should be addressed, as well as new ways to help Zephyrhills be an even better place to live, work and play.

That’s why the city set up three “Community Conversations” aimed at collecting ideas from residents, business owners, workers, and other community stakeholders for use in creating a citywide vision for 2035.

The final “Community Conversation” will be July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum. Townsfolk are encouraged to attend not only to learn more about the city from a statistical and analytical point of view, but also to suggest ideas of what they’d like to see from Zephyrhills in the next decade-plus.

City Planning representatives will be on hand to take suggestions, but also to explain exactly what goes into a city’s comprehensive plan.

Zephyrhills also will engage its citizens through an online hub, where they can take a survey that will help answer two central questions of comprehensive planning: “What does our community’s best future look like?” and “How will we achieve that vision of the future?”

The citywide vision will be described in words and illustrations, to paint a picture of the community’s desired future. This ‘picture’ will become the foundation for setting goals and policies for the new comprehensive plan: PlanZepyrhills 2035.

Zephyrhills Community Conversation Session 3
When: July 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave.
Details: Join representatives from the City of Zephyrhills in a conversation focused on the PlanZephyrhills 2035 and to help plan for the city’s next phase.
To participate in the PlanZephyrhills 2035 Comprehensive Plan Survey, visit Plan2035.zhills.city.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills is ranked among top RV destinations

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It’s no secret that Zephyrhills has been known as a ‘Snowbird Haven’ for decades.

It’s a place where northerners routinely flock, to escape the winter chill.

Happy Days RV Park is home to several RV sites and plugs, year-round, as the resort features several amenities and is well-located in between vacation destinations, such as the Disney parks and the Gulf beaches. (Mike Camunas)

So perhaps it’s only logical it would become home to lots of RV parks. There are 19 to be exact, within the city limits.

But it appears that the city is becoming a more popular place, in general, for RV enthusiasts.

StorageCafe.com has ranked Zephyrhills as the fourth-best RV destination nation, based on the number of campsites and their amenities; the local cost of living; the proximity to other attractions, and, of course, the year-round warm weather.

City officials were happy to hear about the survey results.

“Well, while this is a bit of news to me, it is always good to rank high in great places to visit, so we’re definitely happy and excited about that,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

“Does this mean the secret is out?” Poe said, with a laugh. “We’re not marketing (Zephyrhills) as a great place to RV, but my thought is, we’re a retirement community — Snowbird Haven — and we’ve always been that.”

Certainly, Zephyrhills always has been a retirement or winter-home destination. However, now there’s a trend of younger retirees and even travelers who are purchasing RVs, and using RV resorts and parks in Zephyrhills.

Part of that stems from the city’s convenient location: It’s a quick trip to destinations such as the Disney attractions and the Gulf beaches.

“Just look at us (Zephyrhills) on a map,” Poe said. “You can be in Orlando and Disney in an hour. You can be in Downtown Tampa in an hour. Wesley Chapel is nearby, too, and then, of course, the beaches.”

Majestic Oaks RV Resort is one of Zephyrhills’ larger RV resorts within city limits, and has sites and plugs available year-round.

Plus, he said, “in Zephyrhills, it’s a smaller-paced, hometown feel, which I think many people like coming to, to stay for a while.”

According to the RV Industry Association, projected 2022 RV shipments range between 578,800 and 603,300 units — slightly more than the 600,240 vehicles shipped last year.

The numbers in 2021 were up 39% from the previous year. And, from 2001 to 2021, RV ownership increased by more than 62%.

More than 11.2 million households now own RVs, with the average age of owners being 55. However, 22% of RV owners are in the 18 to 34 age range.

“I would have to say this is certainly a welcomed surprise, even if, as a town, we’ll have to revisit it (from a marketing standpoint) and be more open to it,” City Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said. “If I had to guess (on why Zephyrhills is ranked so high), it would be the affordability of RV parks. Because I think that’s the demographic that comes into play, of what people can afford. Certainly the weather and the small town feel with close proximity to beaches and a bigger city help.”

Poe added: “And not really trying to sound selfish here, but, obviously, those RVing typically have disposable income at their fingertips, so why not come spend it in Zephyrhills?”

RVs sit parked at RV Optimum Zephyrhills, the lone RV dealer in a town that has become an increasingly popular destination for RV travel, vacationing and living.

There is definite appeal to Zephyrhills, as it is a small yet still basically rural town that offers affordable sites for RVs.

Lisa Carletti, a master-certified RV inspector who has been an avid RV enthusiast since 2016, said the primary force behind Zephyrhills’ popularity is clear.

“I would say it’s the space, said Carletti, who owns MyRVResource.com and MyRvInspection.com, both which perform independent inspections of RVs, similar to the kind done when you purchase a home.

“We live part-time in a fifth wheel (RV) in Dover and the appeal there is the same: usually more space in the parks. I can fit my RV, a large shed and three vehicles — you’re never going to find a place like that over in Tampa. All those lots are too tight.”

Carletti has inspected hundreds of RVs and been to numerous parks. She said Zephyrhills’ location will rank high on any list.

“And, of course, it’s going to be less expensive in Zephyrhills than in Tampa, Orlando or the beach areas,” she added.

So, while they may not have been deliberately trying to entice RV users, the town has much to offer.

Besides being close to numerous attractions, Zephyrhills also has nice golf courses, and nearby hiking and kayaking at the Hillsborough River.

“There are so many activities at our fingertips and then we’re not as expensive to stay as other places,” Poe said.

“I think people are really starting to see that,” he said.

Zephyrhills has 19 RV resorts or campsites within the city limits. Of those, 80% have pools and nearly all have extended stay rates that are beneficial to RV enthusiasts. Zephyrhills also has a large RV dealership, Optimum RV Zephyrhills, at 3334 Paul Buchman Highway. To inquire about an RV inspection with MyRVResource.com, email Lisa Carletti at .

Published July 06, 2022

More than $12 million in state funding coming to Zephyrhills

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The City of Zephyrhills has announced it will receive slightly more than $12 million for three local infrastructure-related projects.

The state allocations were approved as part of the 2022-2023 Florida state budget, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 2.

The City of Zephyrhills has announced it will receive slightly more than $12 million in state funding for local projects. (Mike Camunas)

The funds will be used on work at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, road projects and sewer and water main improvements.

“Receiving these appropriations helps to improve the infrastructure throughout the City of Zephyrhills in a multi-faceted approach,” Billy Poe, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills, said in a news release.

Poe also expressed his appreciation to Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, Sen. Danny Burgess, and Rep. Randy Maggard for their support of the Zephyrhills community.

Poe also thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis for “seeing the value in these infrastructural improvements in the City of Zephyrhills.”

Here are the specifics:

Municipal Airport improvements: $6.6 million
Several projects are already underway at the airport, including a runway extension that is expected to be completed soon. The additional funds will be used to design and construct a new Fixed Based Operator (FBO) Terminal Building, Taxiway F and two new box hangars. Future development of the airport and the adjacent Industrial Park is expected to attract new corporate and recreational aircraft operations, including increased jet traffic. When this happens, new jobs are expected from the increased capacity for aviation businesses, including pilot lessons, new hangar construction, mechanical businesses and corporate relocations and from maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses.

Kossik Road and Fort King Road Sewer Main/Water Main Extension: $3.5 million
This is the second part of a three-phase project to improve utility access in the north end of the city. When completed, the overall improvement will create a looped system, allowing for redundancy, as well as improving fire flow and water quality.

The sewer part of the project will allow decommissioning of up to 400 existing septic systems and prevent nearly 2000 new onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. It also will provide reclaimed water to benefit the Hillsborough River Basin minimum flow levels.

South Avenue Extension – National Guard Entrance Road: $1.94 million
This funding is intended to provide to access a new Florida National Guard facility that is planned for Zephyrhills. In 2021, a $25 million appropriation was approved to to construct a new facility in Zephyrhills. The Guard selected a location just north of Sixth Avenue and South Avenue and the airport. However, the proposed site does not have improved access from Sixth Avenue. The extension project consists of purchasing the right-of-way, a quarter-mile roadway to access the Guard site, stormwater and extension of 1,300 linear feet of water main and sewer main to service the site from the Sixth/South Avenue intersection. The industrial access road is a critical segment to access both the armory and future industrial development.

Poe said these funds couldn’t come at a better time, especially as the city has numerous projects already in the works or on the books.

“With the growth we’re experiencing (in Zephyrhills) — not just residential, but commercial and citywide,” Poe said, “that comes with improving the water and the sewers and the streets and even the airport. These are all much-needed improvements.”

Published June 22, 2022

These artists create to their own beat

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Admittedly, Jasmine Williams didn’t have a name for the painting.

A portrait of the artists and the works they created during an evening of music and art during Beats ‘N’ Brushes, an event held at the James Irvin Civic Center, during Dade City’s Juneteenth Week. (Mike Camunas)

But at the same time, she holds no illusions that she’s an artist.

“I teach dance for (Pasco County) Parks and Rec,” said Williams, who works out of the James Irvin Civic Center in Dade City. “So it doesn’t have a name — maybe ‘Paint The City.’ But really it’s all about shapes when you add the buildings. It can be New York City or downtown Tampa — even this one here has a little Taj Mahal look to it,” she said, with a laugh.

Williams was referring to paintings completed by about a dozen adults and children who came to the first Beats ‘N’ Brushes.

They gathered for an hour-and-a-half on June 15, listening to music and painting their version of a sunset scene.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” Williams said. “It’s nice to be able to do something a little different and for the community.”

The event was developed by Sandra Wright, who started The Wright Movement, which raises awareness about pancreatic cancer, and Kimberly Miller, a coordinator for parks and recreation.

Nine-year-old Olivia King, of Zephyrhills, is focused on her piece of art, during the Beat ‘N’ Brushes event.

Miller came up with the idea for the event.

Each of the women also painted a skyline.

“There are already a lot of paints with adults, so this was something that was fun that also kids could do,” Wright said. “They can stay inside from the heat, instead of (playing) something like kickball or basketball, and do something a little different — and paint like adults.

“Plus, something like this helps bring a little more awareness to taking care of your health, pancreatic cancer and also the community. … It was a great turnout, and I can’t wait until next year and see if it gets even better,” Wright added.

Beat ‘N’ Brushes was among several events scheduled in Dade City during Juneteenth Week, to commemorate the historic end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

Other events slated during the week included a Family Bowling Night, A Night To Remember Exhibit at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and a Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Civic Center on June 18.

Published June 22, 2022

Bermice Thomas, of Dade City, adds a palm tree to her painting, giving it a local feel, during Beats ‘N’ Brushes.
A closer look at one of the skylines created during the event.

Dade City encourages residents to clean up

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(metrocreative.com)

Dade City has scheduled a Community Cleanup on June 11 from 8 a.m. to noon, so residents can use the time to clean up their properties and remove unwanted debris from their yards.

The city will provide two garbage trucks and one roll-off dumpster, to use to dispose of household waste.

Acceptable materials include glass, wood (8 feet or less), fence, carpet, household trash, furniture, mattresses and plywood.

The city will not accept hazardous waste, appliances, batteries, paint and tires.

All unwanted items can be taken to one of these three locations:

  • 17th Street and Carter Avenue
  • 17th Street and Beauchamp Avenue
  • State Street and Moceri Avenue

For information, call 352-523-5050, ext. 420.

Volunteers are also needed to join the team to help pick up litter. The city will provide disposable gloves, trash bags and water.

To register to volunteer, visit DadeCityFl.com.

Published June 01, 2022

Dispatching annual Zephyrhills Police awards

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The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) held its annual awards and recognition ceremony on May 12 at the Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers. Chief of Police Derek Brewer handed out awards to spotlight the feats and accomplishments of members of the police department from 2021. Here are the recipients:

Zephyrhills Police Officer Pedro Milliano, right, is given the annual Officer of the Year Award from Police Chief Derek Brewer, left. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Officer of the Year: Officer Pedro Miliano
This award recognizes a sworn police officer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Miliano, a one-year officer, has a positive attitude that has been infectious. He also has remained committed to his daily responsibilities.

Employee of the Year: Lisa Jones
This award honors non-sworn personnel who have displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Jones, who has been with the department a year and a half, is considered a model employee because of her work ethic and her desire to constantly seek additional knowledge on how to improve at her job.

Lisa Jones is awarded the Zephyrhills Police Department Employee of the Year and is seen here, from left to right, with City Manager Billy Poe, Chief of Police Derek Brewer and Mayor Gene Whitfield.

Volunteer of the Year: Gwendolyn Beasley
This award honors a volunteer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. As a crossing guard at the busy school zone of West Zephyrhills Elementary, Beasley, or ‘Aunt Gwen,’ as she is known, helps students and pedestrians cross safely twice a day.

Life-Saving Award: Officers Steven Chimeri and Rocco DeSio
This award honors an employee or employees whose actions are directly responsible for saving or prolonging human life. On Nov. 25, Officers Chimeri and DeSio found a person discolored and with no pulse hanging over the guardrail by Zephyr Park. They performed chest compressions and helped the person resume breathing. The individual fully recovered once transported to a hospital.

Sandra Waters, center, receives the Chief’s Award from Zephyrhills Chief of Police Derek Brewer, right, and Mayor Gene Whitfield, left.

Distinguished Performance Award: Sgt. John Oleson
This award honors an employee who has performed a specific duty, action or assignment at a level that demonstrates exceptional professionalism and commitment to duty. On Aug. 25, Olsen was dispatched to the railroad tracks by Chancey Road where a suicidal subject was armed with a gun. Olsen diffused the situation and persuaded the subject to relinquish the firearm.

Chief’s Award: Stephanie NelsonThis award honors members in special recognition solely from the Chief of Police. Nelson was recognized for her extensive experience and knowledge that has been passed on as a mentor within the agency.

Chief’s “Lifetime Achievement” Award: Sandra Waters
Waters has been with Zephyrhills Police for 23 years, and is considered the ‘Google’ of the agency, given her knowledge and experience. She has worked for five police chiefs and has been a part of the evolution of the agency in her tenure.

Other Zephyrhills Police personnel were recognized, as well, with awards in Assignments, Tenure, Safe Driving, Perfect Attendance, Employee Recognition, Unit Citation SRT/CID and Communications.

Published May 25, 2022

Letter carriers food drive restocks local pantry

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This food was delivered from the Zephyrhills Post Office to Atonement Lutheran Church, in Wesley Chapel. The food was collected as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, conducted annually on the second Saturday in May. (Steve Vinik)

Steve Vinik, who often contributes photographs of wildlife to The Laker/Lutz News, turned his camera to another topic last week.

He recorded the work of volunteers at Atonement Lutheran Church, 2961 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, who sorted food that had been collected through the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 2 were stationed at the Zephyrhills Post Office, where they received, weighed and loaded the food onto trailers for delivery, to stock the Helping Hands Food Pantry at the church, according to Vinik.

At times, the pace was so brisk, it was like watching a colony of ants, hard at work. (Steve Vinik)

Fifty-four volunteers — ranging from teenagers to retirees — sorted out the 14,535 pounds of food that had been donated by people throughout the community and collected by the letter carriers on their routes.

The items have been added to the pantry’s food supply.

Carla Haberland, director of the food pantry, said, “It took an entire community to accomplish this. This will help us get through the summer. God bless you all for remembering those less fortunate.”

Throughout the year, food is sorted into family portions and distributed each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to the nearly 400 folks who are signed up for the food program, Vinik reported.

Published May 25, 2022

Zephyrhills says: ‘Goodbye, final dirt road’

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Now, it’s no longer dust in the wind.

The City of Zephyrhills and its Public Works Department have completed the work to pave the very last dirt road maintained by the city within its limits.

Jennifer Lane was a dusty road about the length of a city block located just west of Oakside Cemetery.

Residents of Jennifer Lane would often complain about how dusty it could be to travel what was the last dirt road in Zephyrhills city limits. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Public Works)

Now, it’s completely paved.

The city wrapped up the $163,000 project on May 13.

“Being the only unimproved (and dirt) road in Zephyrhills, it was a thorn in my side for a long time,” said Shane LeBlanc, the city’s public works director.

“We had a resident of Jennifer Lane always calling to tell us how dusty it was — that there was so much dust. So, this was a short project, and now that it’s done, one that is very welcome.

“There are no more dirt roads in the City of Zephyrhills, and I’m very proud of that,” LeBlanc said.

Pavement and minor renovations were recently completed on Jennifer Lane, the last dirt road maintained by the City of Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills now has more than 70 miles of paved lane roads.

There are some dirt roads remaining in Zephyrhills, but those are maintained by Pasco County, not the city of Zephyrhills.

LeBlanc says he constantly fields calls about dirt roads, but is unable to respond because those are a county issue.

“Now, when I get a call about a dirt road, I know it’s not a city issue because they are all paved,” LeBlanc said, with a laugh.

The final walkthrough inspection occurred the morning of May 13, and the project was completed well within the 120-day contract.

LeBlanc said the weather cooperated, enabling the pavement project to be done in less than 30 days.

“This was knocked out real quick, with no big disruption to the residents or the city,” the public works director said. “There was a little inconvenience, but, again, they are now overly pleased because there is no more dust!”

Published May 18, 2022