The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Road extension expected to spur economic growth

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Construction on the State Road 56 extension began in February and is expected to wrap up in late 2019.

When finished, the new four-lane segment will provide a 6-mile link between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.

The extension will be from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

A silt fence is installed as construction gets underway on a section of the new State Road 56 extension. The project will be completed in late 2019. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The road project also will add a 10-foot wide multi-use trail on the south side of State Road 56, a five-foot sidewalk on the north side, and seven-foot bicycle lanes going in each direction.

Traffic signals will be installed at Morris Bridge Road, at the new intersection with State Road 56, and at U.S. 301 where it connects with the new extension.

Major benefits are anticipated for traffic relief and economic development.

“Obviously, this will help relieve the traffic for people back and forth from Zephyrhills to Wesley Chapel, and vice versa,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

But, the east-west connection also should remove some traffic from State Road 54, which is clogged with traffic backups daily, he said.

The project has other impacts, too, Moore said, “It will be a huge economic boon to the area. The opportunities will open for more jobs.”

State Rep. Danny Burgess, a former mayor of Zephyrhills, agreed.

“This means everything,” he said.  “It helps in the revitalization of the area. That’s why, when I got to Tallahassee, I fought so hard for four lanes.”

Initial plans were to build a two-lane extension, with the possibility of adding another two lanes in future.

One beneficiary of the road extension will be the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, which is undergoing significant upgrades. Approximately 440 acres next to the airport is being prepared for future marketing as site-ready for development.

A site evaluation and marketing study completed by Duke Energy in 2015 identified the location, which has a CXS rail line spur, as a prime site for aerospace manufacturing, light industrial and assembly companies, and the plastics industry.

Moore said the State Road 56 project will give the site direct links to Interstate 75 and Interstate 275, and make the site attractive to developers and businesses nationwide.

Florida Department of Transportation officials estimate the project’s cost at about $58 million. Another $8 million in interest is expected.

More than half the funding is from the state transportation department.

The county received nearly $23 million in a 30-year, low-interest loan from the State Infrastructure Bank. The bank provides loans and other assistance to public or private entities for projects that qualify for aid under federal and state law.

Developers for four residential projects along the route agreed to a repayment schedule through county-collected mobility surcharge fees.

As a backup, revenues from gasoline taxes and special assessments might be applied.

The city of Zephyrhills agreed to pay up to 10 percent of annual loan payments – about $1.3 million – to cover any costs not paid by developers.

State transportation officials suggested the state bank loan after residents lobbied during a town hall meeting to scrap the two-lane extension in favor of building four lanes.

Published November 29, 2017

Residents help identify flood risk areas in Pasco

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District is updating computer-model maps that identify flood prone areas within Pasco County.

Residents at several community meetings have provided public input to the process by sharing first-hand where flooding happens, and also where it doesn’t.

This chart explains how the watershed management program works. (Kathy Steele)

On Nov. 16, residents within the Duck Lake watershed got their turn to study existing maps and meet with representatives of the water management agency, known as Swiftmud.

About 1,500 letters were mailed to area residents in unincorporated areas of Pasco, in and around Dade City and San Antonio. About 100 people attended the event at Pasco County High School, off State Road 52 in Dade City.

“We’re trying to gather as much data as we can to know we’re getting good results,” said Scott Letasi, engineering and watershed management manager for Swiftmud. “This is the last opportunity for the public to give us any additional feedback on how well we did in coming up with flood elevations.”

Residents came in to study the maps, pinpointing their homes as either inside or outside areas prone to flooding. Some brought photographs of flooding in their neighborhoods; others talked about their experiences with heavy rainfalls or hurricanes. And, some wanted to know how new development projects might increase flood risks.

Local governments will be able to use the finalized maps to aid in land use and zoning decisions. The information also aids in making development decisions in areas in and around floodplains and wetlands. And, the exercise identifies areas where stormwater projects are needed.

Residents living within the Duck Lake watershed came to an open house to help identify flood prone areas in Pasco County. The information aids the Southwest Florida Water Management District in updating computer-generated maps.

Residents can use the data and maps to decide on land purchases.

Leslie Rookey did that when she bought nearly 20 years ago. She settled on a house on Howard Avenue, outside Dade City, that hadn’t seen flooding in decades.

It’s been high and dry since, though waters did wash over Howard during Hurricane Irma.

Rookey keeps up with the data, and recalled maps she saw 10 years ago. Her house remains outside the flood plain.

“It’s moved ever so slightly,” she said. “But, the (map boundaries) are not off from what we saw 10 years ago.”

That was good news to Swiftmud representatives who hoped residents could validate the computer-generated maps.

Based on new data gathered from residents at the series of open houses, the flood plain boundaries could be adjusted. In some cases, Swiftmud will do further field investigations based on residents’ reports, and photographs.

Once public comments are reviewed, maps will be finalized and presented to the water district’s governing board for approval.

The information isn’t currently being incorporated into the Federal Emergency Management Agency Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps. That could happen, however, at a later date.

Published November 22, 2017

The Samaritan Project appoints new leadership

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Roxanne Geisenheimer is the new executive director of The Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills, according to a news release from the nonprofit organization.

The Samaritan Project is a one-stop program that helps people in Zephyrhills who need help with rent, housing, food and utility bills. Local business owners and the Zephyrhills-Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association started the project in 2008.

Roxanne Geisenheimer
(Courtesy of The Samaritan Project)

Geisenheimer was already working with The Samaritan Project on special events, including the recent Harvest Festival. She also is organizing the 12th annual Golf Scramble, and the Christmas Cards on Fifth. The latter is an annual project done in partnership with Goin’ Postal and Skywatch Signs.

“I believe The Samaritan Project does great work in our community, but there is always room for it to grow and expand in scope of how many people we can help,” said Nick Deford, in a written statement. He is a Samaritan board member, and had been acting executive director until Geisenheimer’s appointment.

“As long as there are people dealing with homelessness and issues that lead to it, we have more work to do,” he said. “It is time for The Samaritan Project to grow, and I believe Roxxy is the person to lead us through that growth.”

Zephyrhills is Geisenheimer’s hometown.

She attended Colorado Mountain College, where she majored in English and humanitarian courses, such as ethics and psychology. She returned to Zephyrhills in 2008, and operated a design and technology business.

Geisenheimer has been active with Main Street Zephyrhills and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, where she is the marketing and operations coordinator.

“Her education and experience will be a tremendous asset to the program,” said Carol Greene, also in a written statement. She is service coordinator for The Samaritan Project.

Geisenheimer said she is honored to serve the community in this new capacity.

“The Samaritan Project holds a critical role in helping our neighbors in need,” she said. “I am excited to see how we can grow together.”

Published November 15, 2017

Zephyrhills considers some fee increases

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The City of Zephyrhills is updating its comprehensive list of fee schedules — and many come tagged with price increases.

The proposed fee resolutions and amendments incorporate public record requests, venue rental policies, cemetery lots, and site plan reviews, among others.

The fees were discussed during an hour-long city council workshop meeting on Oct.  23.

Rental charges for Alice Hall will remain at $40 per hour, but minimum hourly requirements have been added, under Resolution No. 739-17. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Perhaps the largest proposed change is to the city’s site plan review fees for new business development projects, such as restaurants, retailers and so on.

Under Resolution No. 741-17, the Site Plan Review Fee will double to $1,000, up from $500 per 1,000 gross square feet.

Todd Vande Berg, the city’s planning director, said the fees haven’t been adjusted in several years and would still be in line with surrounding communities, such as Port Richey, New Port Richey and Plant City.

He also noted the proposed fees are still considerably less than the $5,000 charged by the county for similar projects.

City Manager Steve Spina added site plans reviews and development projects require the services and resources of nearly a dozen city staffers from multiple departments.

“It’s a lot of staff time to review and coordinate all the different aspects that go into these kinds of reviews,” Spina said during the workshop.

“In the long run, you have to justify your costs. I think this helps us do that. It helps us get reimbursed when we hire consultants to do things, and it helps with some of the staff time that goes into it—and it’s a lot of time for them,” he said.

Rental policies for both the Alice Hall Community Center and the Airport Venue were also presented at the workshop.

The charge for renting out Alice Hall will remain at $40 per hour, but minimum hourly requirements have been added, under Resolution No. 739-17.

A rental minimum of two hours will be required from Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., while a minimum of four hours will be required for rentals Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the city plans to establish rental prices for its community airport venue, which is home to the annual Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues Fest.

Since its launch in January, Spina said the city has struggled to determine rate charges for event hosts.

The 14-acre community venue site, at 5040 Airport Road, includes a 20-by-40 stage and 50 vendor spaces equipped with water and electricity, along with additional space for freestanding vendors, business expos and children’s activities.

The venue is situated north of the Zephyrhills’ City Yard, stretching to Airport Road and backing up the southern boundary of the Lincoln Heights subdivision.

Rates will be based on a sliding scale, dependent on attendee figures and if alcohol is served, per Resolution No. 745-17.

For example, renting the venue for less than 500 people could cost between $300 and $360. An event with more than 10,000 attendees, such as Pigz in Z’ Hills, could cost somewhere between $2,600 and $3,100.

Those figures also incorporate cleanup, city personnel and employee labor. There’s an additional surcharge for booths and trailers.

Spina said the finalized fees first have to be “cleaned up” and will be presented to the council at a later date.

Besides venues, shade hangar rentals at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport will increase to $125 per month, up from $95. All other prices at the airport will remain the same, per Resolution No. 743-17.

Those aren’t the only price changes coming to the city.

Cemetery and cremation lots at the city’s Oakside Cemetery are increasing for residents and non-residents, the first price change since 2005.

Cemetery lots for residents and city employees will be $800, up from $750, while cremation lots will be $350, up from $300, under Resolution No. 740-17.

Cemetery lots for non-residents jumps to $1,200, up from $810, while cremation lots will be $525, up from $350.

Spina defended the price increase for nonresidents during the workshop, noting many people will “shop” cemeteries from across the region, which may eventually lead to lot availability issues for the city in several years from now.

“We have a lot of people coming from St. Petersburg or elsewhere to use the cemetery because it’s less expensive. It could be a space issue down the road,” he said.

A fee policy for public records requests also was introduced.

Requests estimated to require more than an hour of a city employee’s time; a minimum deposit of $25 will be required. Additional charges will be added to cover the cost of posting and packaging.

Spina noted the city has received an influx of requests daily and weekly, often related to council actions, police incident reports, and personnel records.

“People have a right to the public record, so you have to try to determine to balance those customer needs,” he said.

Other workshop items, including transportation impact fees and fire user fees, were tabled for a later date.

The basic fee schedule, per Resolution No. 738-17, includes the following figures:

Copies

Single-sided copies, up to 8 ½” x 14” – $0.15

Double-sided copies, up to 8 ½” x 14” – $0. 20

Ledger size, 11” x 17” – $0.20

Certified copy of a public record – $1

DVD/CD of electronic or audio public records – $5

DVD/CD imaged documents (building plans and permits) – $5

Duplicate videotape – $1

Plans/Maps

8 ½” x 11” — $2

11” x 13” — $2

18” x 24” — $5

22” x 34” — $5

24” x 26” — $5

34” x 44” — $10

36” x 48” — $10

Published November 8, 2017

This event wants to attract Bugs

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If you’ve ever wanted to see a lot of bugs in one place — VW Bugs, that is — the Florida Bug Jam is the place to do it.

This year’s 29th annual Florida Bug Jam is set for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

Vendors of new parts, swap items and food are encouraged to set up on the evening of Nov. 10 or early Nov. 11.

VW enthusiasts will find plenty of reasons to smile at the 29th annual Florida Bug Jam, set for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. There are new parts, swap items, food, live entertainment and other activities to give those attending plenty of choices. (File)

Spectators will be admitted on both Nov. 11 and Nov. 12, according to event organizers.

Show Cars are encouraged to pre-park on Saturday.

Parking on Saturday offers the best chance to get a desired spot for those wishing to park with their club, or friends, or to show off their VW to the Saturday spectators.

The car show and judging is on Nov. 12.

On Nov. 11, activities and events will be occurring throughout the day.

The Poker Run will kick off the weekend with a scenic route through the back roads and rolling hills of Pasco County, including stops at some local hot spots along the way.

Cash prizes will be award for best and worst hands.

The Poker Run will leave the fairgrounds between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and will return by 2 p.m.

The traditional “VW Parade” is set for Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., with an escort into historic downtown Dade City where the VW Cruise-In Party is scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Highlights for the party will include live music and craft beers.

Another event, called Bugs on the Track, is set for Nov. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It involves a dune style, off-road course, incorporating obstacles and rhythm sections. It is suited for drivers of any skill level.

Throughout the day on Nov. 11, there will be live music and entertainment on the main stage.

If you enjoy performing before a crowd, you can take advantage of an open mic, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured bands will be hitting the stage at 4 p.m.

Food vendors and Big Storm Brewery will be at the event all weekend.

Another new element of this year’s event will be the Southeastern Baywindow Rally, slated for Nov. 11.

The main day for the Southeast’s largest VW Car Show and Swap Meet is on Nov. 12, when the VWs will be judged. There will be scores of vendors, live entertainment and various activities.

29th annual Florida Bug Jam
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Nov. 12, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 per day or $15 both days; children 10 and under are free with a can of food to benefit a food bank; parking is $5
Details: Scores of VW Bugs, live entertainment, new parts, swap items, food and activities.
Info: Visit FloridaBugJam.com,  or call (352) 588-4697.

Published November 8, 2017

Seeking to improve Zephyrhills’ code enforcement

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The city of Zephyrhills is taking a hard look at its code enforcement policies — in an effort to maintain property values and make the community more desirable.

According to City Manager Steve Spina, that starts with taking “a holistic view” on the issue.

“When people come to visit, they need to drive through town and see a vibrant commercial business community, a vibrant downtown,” Spina said. “People are going to move a business here and look at the schools, the recreation and the quality of life issues — and if they’re driving from the airport to somewhere else, and it’s not a pretty picture, they don’t stay.”

This image, shown during an Oct. 23 council meeting, provides an example of some of the compliance issues on code enforcement. The city of Zephyrhills is analyzing ways to beef up its code enforcement efforts, in hopes of maintaining property values and making the community a more desirable place to live. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhllls)

During a regular Oct. 23 meeting, the city manager and building inspector Bill Burgess delved into the city’s code enforcement efforts — outlining progress and limitations, along with various initiatives and solutions.

Alan Knight, council president, several weeks ago requested an update on citywide code enforcement issues, citing growing concerns about blighted structures and dilapidated communities.

Attacking the problem head-on is a continuous battle, city officials say.

“A lot of times, code enforcement is two steps forward, three steps back,” Spina said.

“Over the last five to six years, there’s been action, but sometimes it’s just hard to keep up with the level of problems that we face,” Spina said.

Burgess concurred: “We have seen a turn a little in the wrong direction, and it’s a little harder to stay ahead of it than it was in the past.”

City staffers this year have made more than 900 code-related contacts, completing 35 mowing and abatements, which has led to issuing $2,400 in citations and $750 litigation. There’s also been one demolition and two neighborhood cleanups.

From 2011 to 2016, Zephyrhills had 36 demolitions and collected $85,000 in mowing fees and abatements, and liens and administrative costs. Additionally, city staff made more than 7,200 contacts with residents and business owners related to code enforcement issues.

That includes Funk Street, formerly a notorious “drug haven,” south of town. In a span of two years, the city removed 34 trailers and cleaned the site up entirely.

But, addressing similar run-down parts of the city has proven to be a challenging and time-consuming task.

The issues, city leaders say, continually are tied to changes in demographics, drug infestation, cheap housing conditions and mental health issues, among others.

Lack of adequate funding and resources is another issue.

Zephyrhills building inspector Bill Burgess updated council members on the city’s code enforcement efforts. He indicated issues have become more widespread over the past year or so, due to several different factors. (Kevin Weiss)

The city’s Building Department has six employees. It had five in 1991.

The code enforcement division has one full-time and one part-time employee, each able to make five contacts to 10 contacts per day.

Local and federal funds for demolitions of blighted structures also have recently dried up.

“We’re back on our dime,” Burgess said.

Meanwhile, legal procedures in repairing blighted structures often delays code enforcement efforts.

“It can be a lengthy process, just to get one house or one property done,” Spina said.

“When you do make contact, it’s not just simply you go up and knock on a door. Sometimes you have to go back, write letters, do research. It’s time-consuming,” Burgess added.

“It seems easy…but, if they don’t (respond) or if they’re not accepting of that, then we have to go through that whole process, where there’s a lot of time involved,” he said.

Spina noted the city continuously deals with repeat violators, some of whom have been to court or have been jailed before.

“We’re dealing with the same people, over and over. We’ve had people that we’ve put in jail and they’re back out, and there’s no resolution to the problem,” Spina said.

The city also has some absentee landlords and revolving tenants, plus cheap rental rates throughout the city, that contribute to the problem, Spina said.

The city is ranked fourth nationally in affordable housing.

“That’s a good thing for different communities, depending on economic and social conditions, and job opportunities, but it also can be a negative,” Spina said.

In light of ongoing struggles, Spina outlined several initiatives to try to solve code enforcement issues “from a number of different ways.”

Some of the ideas he presented, include:

  • Planning for CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding to help with neighborhood blight
  • Toughening up city ordinances, to include citing rental owners, as well as tenants, for code violations
  • Consulting with other communities, such as New Port Richey, on their code enforcement plans
  • Utilizing Zephyrhills Police reserve officers, once the reserve program is re-established, to assist with related code enforcement matters
  • Developing an in-house demolition program
  • Continuing with neighborhood cleanups to assist in removing household trash, debris, appliances, tires and so on
  • Adding staff to the code enforcement division

The formation of an interdepartmental intelligence committee, coordinated by the Zephyrhills Police Department is one step that’s already been taken.

The task force — involving police, utility workers, public works employees, Planning Department, Community Redevelopment Agency — places more people on the streets to look for issues, and watch for abnormal behavior and suspicious activities.

Spina noted it’s already netted several arrests since the summer.

“We see how it’s working. It’s a key element of what we’re doing, and it shows the need also for interdepartmental cooperation and how well people work together,” he said.

The city’s lien forgiveness program and neighborhood cleanups also have netted encouraging results, Spina said.

More staffing for the code enforcement division, however, garnered the most attention—and support—from the council.

“Personnel is the key to this,” Mayor Gene Whitfield said.

Council president Alan Knight also suggested taking “a serious look” at staffing, considering the city’s impending growth — like the development of 1,500 new homes.

“I think our code enforcement people are doing a real good job. It’s just a massive job,” Knight said.

Councilman Lance Smith, meanwhile, suggested a “more aggressive” comprehensive plan on code enforcement.

The plan, he said, would specifically identify programs, staffing needs and technological opportunities, to be implemented sometime next year.

“We need to look at it really seriously,” Smith said. “I’d say right now maybe we’re treading water, but if we’re not going to do more, then we’re going to be underwater.”

Published November 1, 2017

Woodland Elementary gets $12 million makeover

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The signs of construction are everywhere at Woodland Elementary School, at 38203 Henry Drive in Zephyrhills.

The beeping sounds of equipment backing up fill the air, as crews from Wharton-Smith Inc. Construction Group move about, working on a new building that’s going up on campus.

Andrew Simpson is the project coordinator for Pasco County Schools, overseeing the $12 million makeover project at Woodland Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

The 25,274-square-foot building includes eight classrooms, a music room, an art room, a stage, a cafeteria and a kitchen, said Andrew Simpson, project coordinator for Pasco County Schools.

Architectural plans by Furr & Wegman indicate a cafeteria designed for about 376, which will be used for school lunches, and will have a stage for school performances.

The $12 million project also includes remodeling work.

The old cafeteria and kitchen will be converted into four new classrooms and a science, technology, engineering and mathematics lab, Simpson said.

“It already has the plumbing. It already has the drains. It already has the electrical capacity,” he added, during a recent walk-through at the construction site.

Beyond the new building, other differences that parents, students and staff may immediately notice are the new entrance that the school will have when it opens for the fall 2018-19 school year, as well as new signs, a longer car rider loop and a larger administrative suite.

Restrooms are being updated, too.

Work on the new building will be completed by July, Simpson said.

The remodeling work will be done before classes begin in the fall of 2018, he added.

A worker digs in a hole behind the new classroom building being added at Woodland Elementary School.

A quick look around the current campus reveals scores of portable classrooms — a sure sign that Woodland’s enrollment exceeds its capacity.

Built in 1976, the school was designed for 652 students. Its enrollment now stands at around 950 students, but it has exceeded 1,000 in recent years.

“This school is severely over capacity,” Simpson said. “That was a lot of the reason that the school board decided that we needed to try to add capacity.”

With the additions, the school’s new permanent capacity will be 900 students.

The new building will add 176 student stations and the renovation will yield 72 more, according to Furr & Wegman’s plans.

The project also calls for enlarging the administrative area, while shrinking the space devoted to the school’s media center.

With the advent of digital technology that can be used in classrooms, the media center is not being used the same way it used to be, Simpson said. So, a portion of the media center will be converted into space for the new administration suite.

Work has been proceeding well, without any major surprises, Simpson said.

Hurricane Irma slowed down the project, but that time has been made up, he added.

“The labor is our biggest challenge. There’s so much going on,” he said, noting a billion-dollar renovation project at Tampa International Airport “is eating up labor.”

Published November 1, 2017

Zephyrhills council approves fire assessment fee study

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The City of Zephyrhills may be adding fee assessments, as a reliable measure to boost the city’s general fund and support operations.

The city council unanimously approved a study analyzing the impact of a fire assessment fee, during a regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 23.

City Manager Steve Spina said a fire assessment fee — placed on individual property owner parcels throughout the city —would generate $1 million to $2 million annually toward the operation of the fire department.

It could also, at some point, result in a reduction of the city’s millage rate, he said.

“It’d be very similar to the Municipal Servicing Tax Unit that the county does,” Spina said.

The assessment study, performed by Stance Consulting, will provide the city with a detailed model for the development of a 10-year financial plan.

The cost for the development of the fire assessment study is $33,384. Implementation assistance ($8,500) and outside legal sub-consultant fees ($6,330) bring the cost of the program to about $48,000.

Spina acknowledged the program is “pricey,” but noted it could also be utilized if the city wanted to assess a stormwater fee in the future.

Last month, the city passed a Resolution of Intent informing residents and the Pasco County Property Appraiser and Pasco County Tax Collector offices that fee assessments are being considered.

In other action, the city council approved a three-year agreement with current City Attorney Matthew E. Maggard.

The term, which runs through Oct. 21, 2020, will pay Maggard $135 per hour for the first year and $150 per hour for the final two years. The contract also requires the city to pay a minimum fee of $700 per month as a retainer.

Attorney services were rendered at $125 per hour all of last year.

Maggard has served as the city’s attorney since last August, when he took over for Joseph A. Poblick, who stepped down to serve on the Pasco County Court.

Maggard also is an attorney with the law firm of Hersch & Maggard P.A., in Dade City and Zephyrhills.

He said the service fee for the first year of the contract is fair, noting “there are still some things in government work that I’m still learning to navigate, that will take a little extra time.”

“I think I’ll be a little more qualified and a little more experienced after one more year,” Maggard said.

The city manager, meanwhile, spoke positively of Maggard’s services to Zephyrhills over the past year.

“I’ve found him to be very informed, probably the most professional and agreeable city attorney to work with. He works with all the staff. He’s easy to get a hold of,” Spina explained.

Council members expressed similar feelings regarding Maggard and his expertise.

“He’s done a very professional job ,” councilman Charles Proctor said. “Anytime I’ve ever had any questions, if he didn’t answer the phone, he promptly called me back with an answer. I believe we’ve got a good guy here.”

“I could tell right from the (job) interview that I was going to like him,” councilman Ken Compton said. “He’s been nothing but professional, on the spot, very easy to get along with, and very accurate and very assertive and proactive with what he’s done.”

Council vice president Lance Smith added he’s glad the city has hired a local attorney “who provides a professional service to the city.

“Hopefully we can stick with him for quite a while. Hopefully he doesn’t get tired of us,” Smith said.

Published November 1, 2017

New Zephyrhills police chief has a familiar face

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Derek Brewer’s official promotion to Zephyrhills Police Chief was just weeks ago — yet he’s no stranger to the uniform, or to the community he’s tasked to serve.

The 45-year-old Brewer was appointed the city’s permanent, full-time police chief on Sept. 25. He was sworn-in two weeks later, on Oct. 9.

Brewer, however, already had months of familiarity with the position.

He served as interim chief since June, filling in the post formerly held by Police Chief David Shears, who retired after 25 years with the agency.

Derek Brewer was sworn in as Zephyrhills Police Chief on Oct. 9. He replaces David Shears, who had been chief since 2008. (File)

Brewer is a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department, who gradually worked up the ranks from patrol officer, to field training officer and lieutenant, to captain.

The test-run as chief proved valuable for Brewer.

“I think it definitely helped,” Brewer said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “I got a chance to see things there from a little different perspective, but at the same time, I’m very familiar with the agency, and the city and the community. My role may have changed a little bit, but everything was still very familiar.”

Brewer was born in Massachusetts and raised in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

After high school, he moved to Florida, searching for a better job market while escaping from blistering cold northern winters.

After a decade of “working odd jobs” in the Sunshine State, the then 29-year-old Brewer opted to become a law enforcement officer, at the encouragement of others.

After police academy training, he joined the Zephyrhills Police Department in 2002.

Being a police chief was not in his original plans.

“It’s not something I ever truly imagined I would be in, but being here for the agency I started with, there’s just an extreme amount of pride,” Brewer said.

He is the 10th police chief in Zephyrhills history.

Within the role, he’s responsible for 32 officers (33 when fully staffed) and an annual budget that exceeds $4 million.

He said the biggest adjustment so far has been overseeing additional personnel — from the entire police force, to its civilian employees in administration.

It means managing “a lot of different personalities” and handling “a lot of different problems.”

Brewer added: “Even though I had some experience in the administrative side when I was a lieutenant, it’s different when you have all of them together working at the same time.”

Challenges aside, Brewer still follows advice often bestowed upon him by Shears.

And, there has been plenty of that, through the years.

When Brewer was a patrolman, Shears was his sergeant. When he was a sergeant, Shears was his captain. And, when Brewer became a lieutenant and captain, Shears, of course, was his chief.

“I really did have an opportunity to learn a lot from him, particularly in police work,” Brewer said. “But, the one thing he always said that really always stuck with me was: ‘You do the right thing, and no matter how hard it is, you’ll always be OK.’ I still follow that today, and I truly do believe that.”

Since joining the department, Brewer earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, attended the senior leadership-training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and also attended the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He graduated this July from the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University, and is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this December.

In the meantime, Brewer has received numerous honors during his extensive law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

Besides regular police duties, Brewer has been a member of several committees and organizations that include the Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

His appointment to chief was recommended to the Zephyrhills City Council by city manager Steve Spina, who was part of a six-person interview committee.

Of the six applicants interviewed for police chief, Spina told the council Brewer was “without a doubt” the top candidate.

The council later approved Brewer’s hiring in a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Ken Burgess dissenting.

At the Sept. 25 meeting, numerous speakers offered support for Brewer’s appointment, including police officers and members of the community.

They praised his leadership and management style, his work ethic, his compassion and humility, and his ability to handle high-risk situations, such as Hurricane Irma.

One of those speakers was Amy Chappell, vice president and residential loan officer at CenterState Bank.

She characterized Brewer this way: “You have an individual that cares, and that’s something you won’t find really on the resume.”

Published October 25, 2017

Tennis center secures management

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Plans to serve up more tennis opportunities for Zephryhills residents — while also creating a regional asset — have moved yet another step forward.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Oct. 9 unanimously approved a 20-year contract with Tennis P.R.O. Florida, LLC, to operate and mange the proposed Zephyrhills Tennis Center.

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, shown here. Collard was the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006. He most recently served as the tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania. (Kevin Weiss)

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, who was the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006.

Most recently, he was tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Under the agreement, Tennis P.R.O. will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the facility, which will include providing lessons and running concessions. The firm also will handle memberships and fundraising.

Moreover, Collard’s company will pay $300,000 upfront for capital improvements to the facility — covered court, hitting walls, indoor and outdoor playground and so on.

The agreement also calls for the proposed facility to be open at least 80 hours per week, as weather permits.

“I’m very excited about starting as soon as possible,” Collard told council members.

“I’m already working on the marketing, trying to find out what can we do to make it a big success. We want the community to be involved. We’re also going to have a foundation, where we’re going to try to do a lot of outreach programs,” he said.

Council members unanimously agreed in May to enter negotiations with Tennis P.R.O. LLC, to operate and manage the proposed tennis facility. The firm was selected over Management Partners and Net Results.

The planned $2.19 million complex will include eight clay and two hard surface courts, two sheltered courts, two mini-courts and several pickleball courts, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

It also will feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second floor, if added, will include an observation deck overlooking the courts with concessions and a lounge for players.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), two sheltered courts, two mini-courts and several pickleball courts, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.
The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a community room, and two office spaces. The project could break ground as soon as March.
(File)

The complex will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

Officials say the project could break ground as soon as March, with construction estimated at 12 to 16 months.

Once complete, it will be renamed Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team. Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

City Manager Steve Spina said the city will receive no revenues in the first three years of the complex opening, to help Tennis P.R.O. recoup its upfront costs. For the remainder of the agreement, however, the firm will pay rent to the city based on a percentage of its profits.

Spina said the public-private partnership resembles the one Zephyrhills has with the East Pasco Family YMCA, in which the city owns the building property, but outsources programming and facility management.

Meanwhile, recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments will be used to finance most of the facility’s construction costs, city officials say. The city also is looking into additional funding from USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

Memberships, or hourly court rental fees, will be required to access the tennis facility, though Zephyrhills residents will see a price break compared to non-residents.

And, while those figures haven’t yet been configured, they are expected to mirror other clay-court tennis centers in nearby communities.

The eight-court Cindy Hummel Tennis Center, in Auburndale, has yearly memberships ranging from $75 to $171, for unlimited court access. Elsewhere, the 10-court Plant City Tennis Center offers individual annual passes for $350, and family annual passes for $700. Hourly court fees range from $1 to $7 at both facilities.

“If you go to Plant City, if you go Auburndale, if you go to Tampa — to have clay courts you have to have fees,” Spina said.

Aside from serving east Pasco residents, officials believe the new tennis complex could become a draw for college and USTA-sanctioned events.

“We think this is more than a local tennis club; we think it will be a regional asset,” Spina told the council.

“This is a feather in our cap,” said Alan Knight, council president.

“I’m excited about it,” said Lance Smith, council vice president. “I think it’s going to bring some people in here, and we don’t really have any idea how big this is going to be. …I think it’s going to be a great success. I’m looking forward to seeing it come along.”

Published Oct. 18, 2017