Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City’s downtown soon to receive flood relief

October 9, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

The completion of a project now underway in downtown Dade City aims to address flooding problems that have plagued the area for years.

The public works project, which began in August, involves the installation of new stormwater piping. Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s public works director, is overseeing the project.

Behind Dade City’s City Hall, a portion of Pasco Avenue is being unearthed to facilitate new piping. This is one of several routes to see pipe placement that will help diminish flooding in the downtown region. (Brian Fernandes)

The work is being done to address major flooding that hinder parts of downtown, DeBono said.

“What this project does is to aid in mitigating a lot of that sheet flow, by channeling the water in new drains – curb drains, street drains – in various configurations,” the director said.

Sheet flow refers to the water that settles at ground level or higher.

DeBono added: “What we’re doing is we’re actually bringing it (water) down below grade with the stormwater collection system, to basically help cars navigate down the roadway instead of having 6 (inches) to 7 inches of water that they have to go across.”

The concrete-made pipes will be placed underground, spanning 2,400 linear feet and ranging in size.

New curb drains will relieve roadways of rain water by sending it directly into the piping system.

The construction will begin at Seventh Street’s intersections with Church Avenue, and Pasco Avenue – further north. Then it heads east on Pasco Avenue to Third Street, where it will head north up to Meridian Avenue.

The piping will head east passing U.S. 98 and the CSX railway, eventually dumping the water into Irvin Pond.

The pond will be reconfigured and widened to accommodate the additional water it will receive. A larger surface area also will grant more time for the wastewater to be treated.

Canal Street, just east of Irvin Pond, will undergo modifications as well.

Underneath the roadway, a culvert pipe is currently situated for better ease of water off the street. There are plans to expand this structure as well.

The project will benefit both shop owners and those going through downtown, DeBono said.

Signs indicate where construction is taking place. Detour routes have been established, too.

The director also mentioned the installation may impose some inconvenience, as it is being done during the day.

“We understand that there’s businesses there along most of the corridor that we’re going down, and we make a best effort for allowing patrons to actually get to their locations,” he said.

The estimated $2.3 million-project is funded by state appropriations as well as the Florida Department of Transportation and Dade City.

Construction is set for completion for some time between the middle and later part of next year, DeBono said.

Published October 09, 2019

Rattlesnake Festival offers new features, special guests

October 9, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

It’s that time of year again, when the Rattlesnake Festival offers two full days of fun at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, following a special concert by the world-famous Bellamy Brothers to kick off this year’s event.

The Bellamy Brothers will perform on the evening of Oct. 18, with separate tickets sold for that event.

The traditional festival activities will be offered on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Where else can you feel slithery snake skin but at the annual Rattlesnake Festival? This year’s event is set from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20. (Courtesy of Joe Simmons)

The event, now in its 53^rd year, will offer some new features and bring back some old favorites, too.

“We want the festival to continue to be an annual event that everyone looks forward to just like they did for more than 50 years,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, which is hosting the event.

The Bellamy Brothers’ concert at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the fairgrounds, will be their first festival appearance since 1968.

Festivities on Oct. 19 are planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , with some events occurring only on that day, including Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show and a live performance by Clerks with a Cure in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

That day’s schedule also includes the 41^st annual Rattlesnake Run, held at the San Antonio Park at 12750 Oak St., in San Antonio. This will be comprised of a pet-friendly 5-mile run starting at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.

And at 6:30 p.m., the Rattlesnake Festival After Dark concert will provide musical entertainment by the Seventeenth Street Band and River Junction Band. Admission will be $10 per person at the gate.

Activities on Oct. 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Exclusive to the day will be the Subaru Off-Road event as well as a dance and theater exhibition in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both days will feature first-time and traditional offerings.

Some new features this year include a live bear exhibit and Soccer Collies – where people and dogs interact in a soccer game.

Also new will be the Walk on Water Air Bubbles that allows patrons to roll around inside a bubble, floating on water.

Jim Mendenhall’s snake show will make a comeback, along with Tampa’s Croc Encounters crocodile and reptile show, and other wildlife exhibits.

Also returning are bounces houses, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and pony rides.

Hungry patrons can visit the food court with various options, and there will be an array of vendors selling arts and crafts.

The purchase of a $15 wristband provides unlimited access to numerous fair rides provided by Big O Amusements.

Parking is free and admission is $5 for those ages 3 and older.

Proceeds will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which helps to provide weekend meals to kids in need.

To pre-register for the run, visit www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

General admission for the Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.RattlesnakeFestival.com.

For additional information, please contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at .

Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (Bellamy Brothers Concert); Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission $5 for those ages 3 and up for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 events; General admission for Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and limited; 1-mile run is $20 for 18 and up, $15 for ages 11-17, and free for ages 10 and under; 5-mile run is $40 for 18 and up, and $25 for those under 18
Details: The festival kicks off with a live performance from the Bellamy Brothers. New and returning fun features and activities will be there on the other two days to enjoy. Vendors and a food court will be there, too.
Info: contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at . For Bellamy Brothers concert tickets, visit www.RattlesnakeFestival.com. Pre-register for the run at www.RattlesnakeRun.com.

Published October 09, 2019

Amping up entertainment in Downtown Dade City

October 9, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

It was an eventful day for Melanie Armstrong, as she stood at the site where she’ll soon be operating Savory Roots — Catering and Events.

The shop will soon be part of a coming downtown Dade City attraction that will be known as – The Block.

Located in the heart of downtown Dade City, the premise at 14313 Seventh St. is expected to become a hub for retail and social entertainment.

Business partners Melanie Armstrong, left, and Larry Guilford, don hard hats along with Ben Borregard, Bill Borregard and McKenzie Wiliamson at the groundbreaking for The Block, on Sept. 27. This new plaza is expected to become a hotspot for fun in downtown Dade City. (Brian Fernandes)

Armstrong was excited on the morning of Sept. 27, as she was joined by contractors, Dade City officials and area residents during a ground breaking celebration.

Besides being a future tenant, Armstrong helped conceptualize the project alongside realtor and investor, Larry Guilford.

“We’ve been working on this project for about a year and a half,” Guilford noted at the ceremony. “We want to create a place where people can enjoy family and friends.”

The project is a new take on two existing buildings.

The premises — which spans 21,000 square feet — has an extensive history as a car dealership, going back for decades.

After it became vacant, it became a coveted spot.

“Being in commercial real estate for many years, in the area, I’ve always loved to look at this building,” Guilford said. “I saw a lot of potential in this property.”

The First National Bank of Pasco provided a loan for the project, enabling Armstrong and Guilford to push their agenda forward.

Remodeling is expected to cost at least $700,000, he said.

Most of the construction will entail reconfiguring the interior space in both buildings.

The structure facing Seventh Street will have a section designed for retail spaces.

Another part of the building will be an open venue to accommodate events such as weddings, parties and fundraisers.

There also are potential plans for a bridal shop and a brewery, Guilford mentioned.

The second building will be turned into a CrossFit gym.

And an outdoor patio will run between the two complexes, placed with seats, tables and string lights hanging above.

While it will be inclusive to all, it also is geared toward the younger-adult demographic, Guilford said.

“You’re going to see more activity here, especially as residential growth gets closer,” he added.

With schematics drawn, Armstrong already has pinpointed where her food catering shop will be located.

Savory Roots has been operating for more than a year in downtown Dade City, but will be relocating to The Block, when it opens.

The newly modified plaza will accommodate the expanding business, Armstrong said, noting that “we’re growing a lot and we need the additional space.”

She thinks The Block will not only benefit her business, but also will be a boost for the whole town.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez agreed: “This is going to be a major game changer – for Dade City – in terms of bringing people downtown [and] experiencing all that we have to offer.”

Most demolition work will be handled by construction workers, but visitors — donning hard hats and goggles — had the chance to take a few whacks, with sledge hammers, during the groundbreaking.

Guilford thinks The Block will help create a new vibe.

“I think it kind of changes the face of event entertainment. It brings new life to this end of town. I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.

The CrossFit gym is expected to open its doors in February, followed by the retail complex in May.

Published October 09, 2019

Two families celebrate new Habitat homes

October 9, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

It’s not every day that a new homeowner moves into a new Habitat for Humanity home, and it’s even less common for two housewarmings to take place on the same day.

But that’s exactly what happened on Oct. 2, as Debra Brown turned the key to walk the hallways of her new home. Charles and Megan Free with their children, who live next door, did the same thing.

Debra Brown was all smiles as she opened the front door to her new home on Oct. 2. Recently constructed, her house was an initiative by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County, along with its community partners. (Courtesy of Richard Riley)

They were celebrating along with Habitat of Humanity of East & Central Pasco, which held a double-home dedication on Blanton Street, in Dade City.

The event attracted scores of people to share in the homeowners’ joy.

Both homes were constructed through a program supervised by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County.

Beyond celebrating the homeowners’ new dwellings, the Habitat for Humanity branch is celebrating its 25^th year of building homes in Pasco County.

“These keys represent hours and hours of sweat, hours of work, hours of dedication [and] hours of love,” said Laurel Weightman, Habitat development director. “It doesn’t just take hands, it takes community support.”

There was a separate housewarming ceremony at each of the homes, with gifts for each household.

The gift baskets were filled, item by item, as a scriptural text was read, representing each gift.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club contributed gardening supplies, a plant, books, food supplies, a first aid kit and fire extinguishers.

The club also gave back packs to each of the Free children, Keaton, Fallon and McKenna.

The East Pasco Quilters bestowed big, colorful quilts to the new residents of Blanton Street.

“We’ve had so much love and support from everybody all along the way,” Megan Free said, to the crowd assembled outside her home. “We really wouldn’t be where we are today without every one of you.”

In order to provide these homes, Habitat for Humanity relies on community partners, such as Catholic Charities, to help find the right candidates.

Habitat came across the Free family while they were being sheltered at a Catholic Charities facility.

The Free family children took an active role in cutting the traditional ribbon with gigantic scissors, before entering their new home. This was part of a double home dedication held on Oct. 2.

“Our circumstances were not the best, not making the money to survive on our own, with the always increasing living rates,” Charles Free said.

The couple had never owned their own home, and at times depended upon family support, he added.

Brown also faced hardships after moving to Dade City from West Palm Beach.

The phlebotomist, who also is a first-time homeowner, lived with her uncle for some time.

She sought out assistance from the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation (CDC) and was soon referred to its collaborative partner, Habitat for Humanity.

Jere Ferguson is the director for Volunteer and Family Services at Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County.

He helped to approve Brown and the Frees for newly constructed homes that were financially suitable for them.

“The mortgage payment is capped at 30% of their income when they apply, and that never changes for the life of their mortgage,” the director explained.

This ensures the payments are manageable, so they can have funds available for other needs as well, Ferguson said.

Habitat is always thinking about long-term prosperity and that’s why Blanton Street was a good location for the homes, Ferguson explained.

Getting homeowners integrated into a safe and friendly environment is a priority, he added.

“Now what we started to do is build houses together,” Ferguson said. “Whether it’s two or three houses together, or a community of 14, so that they have each other to support and to stand with.”

And that’s why Brown and the Free family are now next-door neighbors.

For a year, the homeowners were helping to construct their new residences along with volunteers and construction crews.

Shaunce Gwinn was one of those volunteers.

“As I was walking through, I said to myself, ‘These are actual dream homes that we’re building and we’re making people’s dreams come true,’” Gwinn said.

Seeing the smiles on the homeowners’ faces makes him smile, too, he said.

Besides working on their own homes, the neighbors helped each other.

The homes were finished and ready for entry in September – 10 months after construction began.

The two homes have a similar layout. Upon entering, wooden floors lead to the dining and living rooms, as well as the hallway. The tiled kitchen is decked with marble counters, a stove, fridge, a built-in microwave and cabinets.

The hallway leads to the laundry room already supplied with a washer and dryer, then to a single bathroom and three bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own bathroom.

Looking around her new home, Brown said, “It’s something I worked towards for a long, long time.”

“Now I know how to build a house – a little bit,” she added, laughing.

In the Free household, the kids raced from room to room.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing,” Charles Free said as he stood in one room. “Words can’t describe the feelings that I’m experiencing right now. We can’t wait to get in – just to have a place for the children to run and play.”

Published October 09, 2019

Celebrating the kumquat’s place in history

October 9, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Every year, for one day, a small, oval-shaped fruit called the kumquat takes center stage during a festival that was established by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 1998.

The annual event celebrates everything that makes the Dade City area unique.

Casper Joseph Nathe came to what is now known as St. Joseph and planted an acre of the fruit trees in 1912.

(Courtesy of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

The Nathe family used the fruit for preserves and orders started coming in. In less than 15 years, Florida Grower magazine crowned Casper Nathe “the world’s Kumquat King.”

Since the town of St. Joseph was already known as the Kumquat Capital of the World, the chamber decided that this little fruit with the funny name could be the focus of an annual Kumquat Festival.

Thousands stream to historic downtown Dade City each year to attend the festival, which is held on the last Saturday in January.

The event features local music, arts and crafts, and myriad opportunities to sample the fruit, whether it be kumquat pie, marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, or a sip of kumquat beer.

This year, besides playing its starring role at the annual festival, the tart-tasting fruit also will be the centerpiece for the annual Dade City Garden Club Christmas ornament, which honors the Kumquat Festival.

Ornaments are $22, payable by check to The Dade City Garden Club, and can be purchased at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St.

For information, call (352) 567-3769.

Published October 09, 2019

East Pasco to receive new, upgraded veterans clinic

October 2, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the midst of building a new outpatient clinic in Zephyrhills.

As a branch of Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the facility will be an upgraded replacement to the current Zephyrhills Community Based Outpatient Clinic. It will serve former members of the military.

“I’d say accessibility is probably our biggest reason for building a new clinic,” said Shayna Rodriguez, public affairs specialist at James A. Haley. “It will be easier for veterans to use, and we’ll have more capability and accessibility for them.”

This rendering offers an idea of what the appearance will be of the exterior for the new Zephyrhills VA outpatient clinic. The facility, set to open in mid-2021, will replace the existing facility and will have more rooms.
(Courtesy of Shayna Rodriguez/James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital)

Danny Burgess is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Zephyrhills native said he’s anticipating the added amenities this new facility will offer service men and women.

Burgess stated that, “The new VA clinic in Zephyrhills will be a game changer for veterans in East Pasco. The expansion will provide increased access to quality healthcare. We are so excited for this commitment to our community by USDVA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs); and FDVA (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs) looks forward to growing our strong relationship with our federal partners.”

The 14,000-square-foot facility will offer more space, housing both primary care and mental health services within the same building.

Ten rooms will be devoted to primary care, while six rooms will be used for treating mental health.

The expansion of rooms indicates the VA’s efforts to provide more access to psychiatric care, Rodriguez noted.

The clinic will be designed to accommodate the handicapped, and will offer new services such as podiatry and physical therapy.

It also will include anticoagulation pharmacy services and a lab. Telehealth – services provided remotely over the phone — also will be available.

Each patient will have an assigned “patient-aligned care team,” Rodriguez said. The team will consist of a physician, nurse, social worker and a mental health provider.

Patients will be referred to and treated at the James A. Haley hospital for surgeries and extensive therapy.

Those without their own transportation will be able to take advantage of a pick-up service to receive free rides to their doctor’s appointments.

“When we do these studies,” said Rodriguez, “we take a very close look at where is going to be most convenient for them, where the bulk of veterans live.”

Based on travel time, veterans may be eligible for reimbursement when commuting to the clinic in their own vehicle.

Veteran women’s health has been ongoing, but additional services will be provided at the new clinic – especially for those with infants.

“We’ll also be adding a lactation room because women veterans are one of our fastest-growing demographics,” Rodriguez said.

The increase in the number of veterans living in Tampa Bay has led to a need for more clinics.

The James A. Haley hospital is not exclusive to just its VA clinics in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey, but branches out cross-county.

These counties include Hillsborough, Hernando and Polk, with Citrus County expected to join the list.

In September of last year, alone, there were over 6,000 visits to the current Zephyrhills clinic, Rodriguez said.

She also noted there’s typically an increase of veterans needing services, as snowbirds flock to Florida near the end of the year.

The U.S. Congress approved more than $12 million to fund the new complex, back in April. Construction on the Eiland Boulevard facility started in June.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2020 and to open by mid-2021. Once operational, the current Zephyrhills clinic will be closed down.

Published October 2, 2019

Cannabis dispensaries coming to Dade City?

October 2, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

The Dade City Commission during a workshop session directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries within one of the city’s zoning districts.

Commissioners, at their Sept. 24 workshop, indicated that the dispensaries should be allowed in the general commercial zoning district.

That zoning district generally spans U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, but avoids much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The City of Dade City is considering an ordinance that would permit medical marijuana treatment centers in one of its business zoning districts. (File)

The amended ordinance would require any future standalone pharmacies and drug stores to locate within the general commercial district only, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that restrict dispensaries more so than traditional pharmacies.

However, existing pharmacies in other zoning districts would be grandfathered in and would be able to continue to operate as a legal non-conforming entity.

The workshop session set direction only.

Any drafted ordinance will come before the city’s planning board and have two public hearings before a formal commission vote.

The majority of commissioners concurred that limiting dispensaries and pharmacies to the general commercial district would offer convenient access for local residents facing debilitating conditions, and still preserve the historical integrity of the downtown area’s specialty shops and mom-and-pop businesses.

“The general commercial (district) seems to accomplish what we’re trying to do,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said. “We’re trying to find places within our municipality limits that we can have these (medical marijuana) facilities without adversely affecting merchants’ concerns, but also be sensitive to the needs of folks that are in need.”

Commissioner Jim Shive agreed the general commercial district “seems to have less impact to the direct downtown around the merchants,” but noted he is concerned about some existing pharmacies being deemed legal nonconforming.

“I think we all want to be very compassionate people,” he said, “but we all want to do the right thing.”

Commissioner Scott Black was the lone commissioner who favored an outright ban medical on marijuana treatment centers within the municipality.

He said dispensaries are “readily available” throughout Pasco County and have become more accessible compared to a few years ago.

The county presently has three medical cannabis dispensaries in New Port Richey and another situated near the Land O’ Lakes-Lutz county line.

“It’s much more convenient to go 20 miles now than it was before (Amendment 2) was passed when you couldn’t get it at all,” Black said.

Black also had reservations about any dispensary ordinance that could prevent a locally owned pharmacy or drugstore from opening up somewhere downtown.

Black observed: “Keep in mind, what you have is a goal for a livable, workable downtown, in terms of if you want a pharmacy downtown or don’t.”

Since 2016, the city has enacted five six-month moratoriums, or temporary ban, on the sale of medical marijuana while staff researched its potential impacts on the community.

The latest six-month moratorium expired Sept. 21. If no action is taken, dispensaries could theoretically locate in multiple zoning districts, including the historic downtown area.

It’s not the first time commissioners have sought to allow dispensaries in designated areas.

The commission earlier this year directed staffers to draft an ordinance that would have permitted dispensaries in all zoning districts where the city allows pharmacies, except in the CRA district.

However, the city’s planning board recommended denial of the drafted ordinance, primarily due to language that makes existing pharmacies and drugstores in the district legal nonconforming uses.

The planning board subsequently recommended the commission to extend the moratorium, which they did.

At the latest workshop, new Dade City Senior Planner Melanie Romagnoli pointed out the previously drafted ordinance wasn’t exactly kosher, because the CRA district isn’t truly a business zoning district. “We would have to rezone everybody in the downtown to a certain district and then ban it from that certain district to practice zoning law,” she explained.

When asked by the commission for a recommendation, Romagnoli all but endorsed allowing dispensaries within city limits in some form or another.

“Coming from a pure zoning standpoint, I don’t view medical marijuana as the recreational pot that a lot of people are concerned about,” the city planner said. “It’s heavily controlled, it’s heavily regulated, and you have to have a prescription to get, so I view that particular product as going to get your prescription antibiotics, and my personal opinion is we should not regulate what is sold inside of a pharmacy if it’s already regulated at the state and federal levels. I don’t want to deny medical access to those who may need it.”

The mayor followed that sentiment, saying dispensaries should to be examined in a “medical context” to serve local residents stricken with illnesses like cancer, glaucoma and so forth.

Said Hernandez: “My heart just can’t do anything but go, ‘Hey, wow, there’s a condition and a need that needs to be addressed that we can provide access to.’ You can argue about the location of it and all that, but still having access to it is very important.”

Published October 2, 2019

Pasco opens first incubator kitchen

October 2, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

An incubator kitchen has opened in Dade City, to promote economic development through food businesses.

The new facility is a collaborative effort between University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)-Pasco County extension, the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s SMARTstart incubator program and Pasco County.

The kitchen was officially unveiled on Sept. 23, during a ribbon cutting at the Stallings Building, in Dade City.

Mark Richardson, Ron Oakley, Michael Anderson and Mick Hughes congregate inside the new incubator kitchen at Dade City’s Stallings Building. The kitchen is expected to support education and economic development.
(Brian Fernandes)

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, told those gathered, “This kitchen is going to do great things for Pasco County. It’s going to start those businesses off, and then they’re going to create jobs.”

The incubator will be operated in a renovated kitchen, where participants will learn culinary skills and entrepreneurs will have a launchpad for new businesses.

Dr. Whitney Elmore said she had that vision in mind, when she first saw the building five years ago.

“Turning this corner out here on 14^th Street, I saw this county-owned (Stallings)building sitting unused in a community that was, frankly, in need of resource development and economic opportunity.

“I saw this building’s potential to become an educational outreach center where members of the community, and all of Pasco County, could come for educational services and furthermore, empowerment,” Elmore said.

The Stallings Building, also now known as the One Stop Shop, was established in 1991.

It had been vacant when Elmore, the director for the Pasco Extension Office, came across it.

She has helped to establish the building as a hub for educational classes and food demonstrations.

The kitchen was not in a suitable condition for showing demonstrations, Elmore said.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension, recently unveiled its new incubator kitchen at the Stallings Building in Dade City.

The renovation has been three years in the making, she added.

The $30,000-project included refurbishing the oven hood, installing a built-in grease trap and new ceiling tiles. There also is a pantry closet to store dry foods and other products.

Welbilt, a kitchen equipment company, donated a stove, oven, a three-compartment sink, stainless steel counters, an ice maker, a fridge and a freezer.

“Not only did they donate that kitchen equipment that you see in there,” the director said, “they helped us figure out what needs to go where, to optimize safety and to optimize utility of the different parts.”

And Welbilt is planning to do more, Elmore said.

Oakley said the project is a “public-private partnership, working together for the betterment of the community.”

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to tour the newly-built kitchen.

What sets the incubator kitchen apart from other commercial kitchens, said Elmore, is that it’s open to the public to stock and preserve food.

The kitchen can be a learning space and can serve as a stock room, for a culinary instructor about to teach a class.

The storage space can be used by food trucks, too.

Those using the kitchen for storage will pay a fee.

Dan Mitchell, manager of Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart incubator program, has been involved in the project, too.

SMARTstart offers memberships so people can take advantage of the kitchen.

“When we start a new entrepreneur [as] a member, we build an action plan for them,” Mitchell explained. “If they think it’s going to take them a year to launch, we meet with them once a month, we coach them, we hold them accountable and we help them get to that launch date.”

Elmore said the kitchen will help people develop skills to be culinary entrepreneurs. She also thinks it will be an incentive for migrant workers to stay within the region.

Elmore also believes the kitchen will give people healthier food options, which will lead to fewer chronic illnesses.

The kitchen could help reduce crime, too, she said.

“We know through many different models all across the nation, and all kinds of studies, that if you offer economic opportunity, job growth development [and] educational services, that you can cut down on the crime,” Elmore explained.

And with a community garden based outside the Stallings Building, the kitchen provides a convenient space for preparing one’s own produce.

Long-term plans include starting an educational program for single mothers to become businesswomen within the food industry, as well as adding new incubator kitchens throughout Pasco County.

“That’s our goal,” said Mitchell, “to knock down the barriers to entries to starting a business, and be that launching pad.”

Economic summit to focus on industrial hub

October 2, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

Local business and government leaders in Zephyrhills will join together for an event that will spotlight the city’s industrial corridor and ongoing efforts to cultivate high-wage manufacturing jobs.

The third annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit is scheduled for Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The summit primarily will focus on the city’s forthcoming industrial corridor master plan and Zephyrhills Municipal Airport runway extension, according to a press release from the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce executive director Melonie Monson is organizing the third annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit.

Other topics will broach infrastructure and the East Pasco roadway network, plus updates on various state and county intergovernmental collaboration projects in the region.

The event is presented by the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition (ZEDC) in partnership with the City of Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills chamber.

Registration is $10 and will include lunch and continental breakfast.

The summit will feature interactive discussions and presentations from the following speakers:

Billy Poe, Zephyrhills city manager Billy Poe
Dr. Randy Stovall, Zephyrhills chamber president
Todd Vande Berg, city planning director
Mohsen Mohammadi, chief operations officer for American Infrastructure Development
David Gwynn, District 7 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Randy Maggard, State Rep. District 38
Ron Oakley, chairman of the Pasco County Commission
Tom Ryan, economic development manager for Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.
Danielle Ruiz, economic development manager for Duke Energy

Zephyrhills’ proposed industrial development hub focuses on a large grouping of industrial properties and adjacent areas within the Chancey Road corridor and municipal airport.

The planning area is generally bound by Melrose Avenue to the north, the CSX Transportation railroad and U.S. 301 to the west, Pattie Road to the south, and Barry Road and the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area to the east. That encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles (6,248 acres), including 33% within Zephyrhills and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County — representing the largest aggregation of industrial lands in Pasco.

Zephyrhills chamber executive director Melonie Monson, who’s organizing the summit, underscored the need to build out the industrial corridor, to recruit employment-generating manufacturing companies and to develop a middle-class workforce in Zephyrhills.

The city is pining for a “medium-sized industrial manufacturer,” Monson said, to give local high school graduates a place to work, so they can remain in the community.

The chamber director believes that Zephyrhills could attract such a company soon. She cited the city’s recent efforts to partner with Pasco County to spend millions of dollars to extend water and sewer to the industrial site.

“It’s just ready for industry, it just is,” she said.

Monson put it this way: “We’re excited the city’s being proactive instead of reactive, so when that big person hits and says, ‘I want to come here,’ we’ll be ready for that and say, ‘Here’s your spot, this is what we have, these are the incentives, this is your workforce.’

“That’s what we’re working toward, to put all those pieces together to make sure that we get what we want here,” Monson said.

She said the industrial corridor also could pave the way for other companies in distribution, light manufacturing, aviation and so on.

“I believe it’s going to have a lot of different textures to it,” the chamber executive said.

She is encouraged by the city’s direction in recent years of attracting younger families and groups to live, work and play.

She mentioned the downtown area alone has added a brewery, a billiards hall and axe-throwing venue, and other things to do.

Zephyrhills also is in the midst of getting a state-of-the-art tennis center and thousands of new homes and apartments.

The city recently landed its first Starbucks and Wawa. A Chick-Fil-A in the works.

Other notable businesses set to come online include Aldi Supermarket, PetSmart, Marriott Fairfield Hotel and Dollar General.

“We’re getting there. In the last three or four years you’ve just seen this huge spur of development,” Monson said.

Previous Zephyrhills economic summits focused on the medical community and education. Monson said next year’s will likely be geared around workforce development.

The summits encourage stakeholders to collaborate to help move Zephyrhills forward as a viable community.

“We’re the only community in Pasco County that’s doing something like this — where we have a coalition that really focuses on pro-business, pro-education, trying to make our community stand out in the midst of all of the other communities.

“We just every year want to make sure that we let people know what we really have here and what we’re doing and why you might want to come and be a part of the Zephyrhills community,” Monson said.

For information and to register for the summit, contact Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce director Melonie Monson at (813) 782-1913 or

Published October 2, 2019

Savor a slice of ‘Old Florida’ beauty

October 2, 2019 By Christine Holtzman

Residents who live on the eastern side of Pasco County don’t have to travel far to get an idea of what “Old Florida” was like.

They can find evidence of that loveliness all around the locale’s corners and bends.

Perhaps that’s why those with deep ties to this part of the county fight so fiercely to protect their piece of paradise, and why the area attracts newcomers who want to put their stakes down to partake in the beauty, too.

With its lush landscapes, rolling hills, fertile farmland, historic places and outdoor spaces — the area offers much to enjoy and admire.