Top Story

Sprung up from the railroads

April 4, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Escape. Engage. Explore.

That’s what is expected from visitors — who eventually end up doing just that — at Bonnet Springs Park, located in the heart of Lakeland.

The state-of-the-art, open-air, world-class park opened in October 2022 and has become a hot new destination not only in Polk County, but in Central Florida, too.

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, was an abandoned rail yard before it was transformed into 168 acres of free public park. It features several amenities, including a Welcome Center, a cafe, coffee and gift shops, event venues, playground, nature centers, a children’s museum, a tree house, boardwalks, botanical and butterfly gardens, and more. (Mike Camunas)

And rightly so.

Bonnet Springs Park is massive, with amenities on top of amenities. It’s a perfect place for family outings, but also for a picnic date. It’s also an excellent choice for an afternoon stroll with your dog, or more adventurous outings.

The expansive property, with its exceptional options, is just outside downtown Lakeland. It was a long time in the making, but the public park is now open daily — and word has spread about its terrific offerings.

It definitely is worth the trip.

Explore the past
It was abandoned in the early 1980s.

It was an extensive rail yard, even claimed to be all but forgotten by resident Lakelanders. Until a group of community investors and developers stepped in to bring new life to the historic site.

Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland features a 200-year-old grandfather oak tree that partially shades the Crenshaw Canopy Walk. The boardwalk, which is 1,500 feet long and 24 feet high, winds through the 168-acre park, which previously was an abandoned rail yard.

Local developer David Bunch, retired Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tinsley, and Carol and Barney Barnett worked together to create the now exciting Bonnet Springs Park. They purchased the rail yard and the more than a dozen adjoining properties and began the master plan and design for the park in 2016.

The site is situated between West Memorial and George Jenkins boulevards.

Remediation work began on the site in April 2019, unearthing the ecological impacts of the railroad’s steam and coal era’s transition to diesel locomotives.

The park embraces its railroad history.

Trains run next to the park, with their blaring whistles, while several park amenities feature railroad themes. There’s a playground — shaped like a train — near the Hollis Family Welcome Center. There also are displays within the center offering details about the site’s railyard days.

A popular spot at the park is Florida’s Children’s Museum. The 47,800-square-foot facility offers indoor and outdoor opportunities for science, discovery and play.

It has two floors of galleries with interactive experiences.

Bonnet Springs Park also features extreme height changes and undulations throughout. It has a slide to go down a hill and a playground that has loads of climbing obstacles and small streams, where visitors can splash around.

The Crenshaw Canopy Walk is one of the many amenities at Bonnet Springs park in Lakeland and it is roughly 1,500 feet long and 24 feet high, at its tallest point. It provides a bird’s-eye view of the park, as well as circling a 200-year-old grandfather oak tree.

Engage in the view(s)
One of the main attractions at Bonnet Springs Park is the Crenshaw Canopy Walk.

At roughly 1,500 feet long and 24 feet high at its tallest point, it’s perfect for a bird’s-eye view of the park and is partially shaded by the 200-year-old grandfather oak tree in the park.

The canopy walk is just a small stroll from the Kiwanis Kid’s Treehouse, which is a fun hangout to explore, as well as a place to host events, such as birthday parties.

Both these attractions are also near the Ann and Ward Edwards Boathouse, which sits on the Blanton Family Lagoon, a 6.5-acre lagoon.

The 2,600-square-foot boathouse provides a place to rent paddleboats or grab a quick snack. Around the lagoon, there are more boardwalks that give visitors nature views.

Other amenities include the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center, the Depot Café, a greenhouse and a butterfly house. The event center features a ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests and features a ballroom, terrace, and an outdoor kitchen, overlooking the botanical gardens.

With its careful planning, its expansive offerings, its everyday features and its special events — Bonnet Springs Park, in Lakeland, is a gem.

It truly is a place with something for everyone.

Bonnet Springs Park
Where: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
When: Open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk.
Coffee Shop in the Welcome Center: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Depot Cafe: Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rooftop Garden Bar: Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A once-abandoned rail yard, from the 1980s, was idle until a group of community investors and developers came together to bring new life to the historic site. The park, which opened in October 2022, represents a collaboration of local developer David Bunch, retired Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tinsley, and Carol and Barney Barnett. The redeveloped site is a 168-acres park just outside of downtown Lakeland, between West Memorial Boulevard and George Jenkins Boulevard on the east side of Lake Bonnet.
It features several amenities including a Welcome Center, a cafe, coffee and gift shops, event venues, play areas, nature centers, a children’s museum, a treehouse, boardwalks, botanical and butterfly gardens, and more. The park is dog-friendly.
Info: Visit BonnetSpringsPark.com.

Published April 05, 2023

The Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Rooftop Bar is near the Children’s Museum, inside Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.

Mable the Mosaic Owl is a playground and workout station within Bonnet Springs Park, in Lakeland.

Nestled between large trees with a view of the Blanton Family Lagoon, the Kiwanis Kid’s Treehouse offers a place to visit for adventurous fun, or a venue for birthday parties and other events.

The Ann and Ward Edwards Boathouse, inside Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, sits on the Blanton Family Lagoon. The 6.5-acre lagoon showcases the flora and fauna of Bonnet Springs Park. The 2,600-square-foot boathouse provides a place to rent paddleboats or to grab a quick snack.

A small playground, with spongy ground, honors the rail yard history of the 168-acre Bonnet Springs Park, in Lakeland. The playground is near the welcome center.

Teahouse Path leads to this pavilion, which is inspired by Japanese architecture.

You can find out the park’s history and information about the 168-acre park’s features at the Bonnet Spring Hollis Family Welcome Center.

The Crenshaw Canopy Walk provides a shaded stroll through Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, while the trees also provide ample spaces to relax in hammocks.

Bonnet Springs Park also features nature boardwalks through low-lying marsh.

Painting with a little bit of paws

March 28, 2023 By Mike Camunas

It’s hard to paint with cuteness running around.

Luna Ortiz, of New Tampa, tightly grips a cute puppy while trying to decorate a dog bowl, at the first Painting with Puppies adoption event at B Creative Painting Studio at The Grove at Wesley Chapel on March 23. The Mercy Full Project, a nonprofit dog rescue out of Tampa, brought puppies to run around while participants painted dog bowls and strongly considered taking one of these puppies home. (Mike Camunas)

But that’s what people tried to do at B Creative Painting Studio at the Grove at Wesley Chapel on March 23, when they came to paint dog bowls, but were easily distracted by the throng of cute puppies running around and playing at their ankles during Painting with Puppies.

The Mercy Full Project, a nonprofit dog rescue out of Tampa, brought puppies to run around while participants painted dog bowls and strongly considered taking one of these puppies home. It was the first time the studio hosted the cuteness-overload event, and it doesn’t sound like it will be the last.

“I mean, they are so cute,” B Creative owner Bernadette Blauvelt said. “Of course we want to do it again — how could you not want to take them all home with you?

“We might need to adopt one for a studio dog!”

The Mercy Full Project was founded in October 2019 as a nonprofit that takes in helpless animals from all different situations, such dogs facing euthanasia at shelters, behavioral cases that need longer and special training sessions, owner surrenders, emergency cases of injured or abused animals, and strays from all over the state.

“We get a lot of people from Pasco (County) and this area about adoption,” Mercy Full Project Founder Heydi Acuña said. “We come out to the KRATE (at the Grove) a lot and work with Pasco Animal Services a lot, too. It’s all to help the animals.”

Mercy Full Project always has animals to adopt, both young and old, and is always looking for volunteer help.

To learn more about the Mercy Full Project or inquire about adoption or volunteering, visit MercyFullProjects.org.

Published March 29, 2023

A rescue puppy stands over his brothers to absolute cuteness during Painting with Puppies, a dog adoption awareness event at B Creative Painting Studio at The Grove At Wesley Chapel.

Tampa resident Nery Leon finishes up her designs and paint work on a bowl for her dog, Max, at Creative Painting Studio at The Grove At Wesley Chapel.

From left: Beth Alfonso, Jen Jones and Bernadette Blauvelt hold puppies they might just not let go of, during Painting with Puppies on March 23.

A rescue puppy lovingly enjoys the attention from Wesley Chapel residents Brandy Poblete-Scaglione, left, and Jen Poblete-Scaglione at B Creative Painting Studio at The Grove At Wesley Chapel, during Painting with Puppies.

Stella Cirillo, of Wesley Chapel, just won’t let go of a cute puppy from the Mercy Full Project, a nonprofit dog rescue out of Tampa, at B Creative Painting Studio at The Grove At Wesley Chapel, during Painting with Puppies.

A couple of older rescue pups pose for pictures during Painting with Puppies at B Creative Painting Studio at The Grove At Wesley Chapel.

Construction crews busy at work on local and regional roads

March 21, 2023 By B.C. Manion

No regional transportation solution is in sight for Tampa Bay, but construction crews are busy on projects aimed at increasing roadway capacity and improving traffic flow.

David Gwynn, secretary for District Seven of the Florida Department of Transportation, shared highlights of work that’s been recently completed, is underway or is planned for the future — during a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon, in Land O’ Lakes.

David Gwynn, secretary for District Seven of the Florida Department of Transportation, briefed a luncheon gathering of the North Tampa Bay Chamber on numerous local and regional road projects. (B.C. Manion)

“Central Florida and the Tampa region seem to be the fastest-growing in the state right now,” Gwynn said.

Within FDOT’s District Seven, Pasco County is growing at a faster clip than Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus and Hernando counties, Gwynn said.

District Seven and Pasco County have collaborated on a number of projects in recent years and because of those partnerships, several projects have been completed, or are underway, Gwynn said.

A number of additional improvements also are planned for the area, Gwynn said.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

Completed projects

This aerial view shows an improvement aimed at easing congestion at the State Road 56/Interstate 75 interchange. (Courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven)

The Diverging Diamond interchange, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75
This project creates a new way for motorists to enter and exit I-75 and to make their way across State Road 56, which is a primary artery providing access to shopping malls, restaurants, businesses, residences and schools.

Gwynn told the luncheon crowd: “I sweated this out for a long time, when the contractor defaulted. I was like, ‘How are we going to get this thing built?’

“I know it was painful for people out there, and the businesses,” he said.

But he added: “It appears that it is working well. I think it moves a lot of traffic.

Overpass Road interchange at I-75
“One thing unique about this project is that it was paid for by Pasco County,” Gwynn said, while FDOT completed the engineering and provided oversight for the construction.

“It was a great partnership on that project,” Gwynn said.

Pasco County and FDOT collaborated on a project to build a new I-75 interchange at Overpass Road. Pasco paid for the project and FDOT provided the engineering and oversight of the construction. (Courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven)

Projects in progress

Realignment of State Road 52, from Uradco Place to U.S. 301
The first two lanes (one heading in each direction) recently opened and work continues on the other two lanes. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The old alignment took motorists along a meandering path past San Antonio, through St. Leo and through Dade City. The new alignment offers a more direct route.

With the opening of the new alignment, the former State Road 52 has been renamed County Road 52.

State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
“That project was another one where the contractor defaulted. It took us a little longer to get a replacement contractor on that one. That should be completed later this year,” Gwynn said.

Planned improvements

U.S. 41 and State Road 54
This major intersection has been congested for years, as motorists head north and south through Land O’ Lakes on U.S. 41, and east and west through the community, on State Road 54.

Currently, FDOT is looking at building a bridge over the intersection to reduce congestion.

“We’re not sure if it is (State Road) 54 over (U.S.) 41 or (U.S.) 41 over (State Road) 54. That still has to be determined,” Gwynn said. “What that will do is really increase the capacity of that intersection.”

No funding has been earmarked for the project yet, but once a decision is made on the final plan, the district will be trying to move that project forward, Gwynn said.

State Road 56 southbound exit to I-75/I-275
As it stands now, motorists heading south from State Road 56 have to weave across lanes of traffic, if they want to head south on I-75. The improvement will make it easier for motorists to head either toward I-275 or toward I-75.

That project is currently in design, with construction expected in a few years.

“If we can advance it, we will. I think that will help improve the traffic flow and crash history in that area,” Gwynn said.

State Road 52, from U.S. 41 to Bellamy Brothers Boulevard
Funding has been secured, Gwynn said.

“We’re designing it and buying the right of way and then we’ll start construction on that in a few years.”

Traffic signal at Lake Patience Road and U.S. 41
That project is expected to be constructed this summer.

Bruce B. Downs Boulevard improvements
Another local project involves improvements to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard that include the installation of a new traffic signal at Eagleston Boulevard, as well as median and turn lane improvements. The completion date on that work was estimated for Spring 2023.

Plans also call for resurfacing Bruce B. Downs to south of Eagleston Boulevard, expected to occur around 2026.

Regional outlook
The district secretary also shared some big-picture plans to improve transportation in the region. Those projects that are planned or underway include a new bridge for the Howard Frankland Bridge; rebuilding the Westshore interchange; and, increasing the capacity and accessibility at the I-275 and I-4 interchange.

Published March 22, 2023

Winter never seems to come to King’s Landing

March 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

At King’s Landing, there are two ways to paddle.

And no, this is not located in Westeros, nor has very little relation to the (spoiler alert) fictional city that was destroyed in the last season of HBO’s megahit, “Game of Thrones.”

It is, however, one of the most popular paddle launch spots in Central Florida, and it allows adventurers, day-trippers, tourists and even weekend warriors to take two very distinctly different trips — while allowing for hours and hours of water exploration.

King’s Landing — in Apopka, not Westeros — is located on Rock Springs Run, which is part of the Wekiva River. It offers miles of exploration of lush Florida tropical hammocks and wildlife, plus paddling upstream to Emerald Cut, known for its clear water and jungle-like surroundings. (Mike Camunas)

So load up your dragon — er, paddleboard or kayak, and get ready to set sail on one of the most beautiful destinations in Florida that’s free of any Lannisters and Targaryens, as well as the Iron Throne. It’s definitely worth the trip.

You know nothing
Most likely, one has heard a lot of talk or hype about King’s Landing. Especially if you’re an avid paddler. It truly is high on the list of places to launch and visit and explore.

In fact, King’s Landing is just the launch area, which offers an easily accessible dock, self-guided tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided tours, too.

There is a small shop with some snacks and drinks, plus souvenirs or necessities, but bringing a lunch is recommended. Also, pets and tubes are not allowed.

However, once out on the water, King’s Landing allows access to Rock Springs Run, which is part of the Wekiva River — and its crystal clear, 72-degree, gorgeous freshwater, with 26,000 gallons pumped out of the ground every minute.

After a short paddle to Rock Springs Run, paddlers can take one of the two trips.

On the Rock Springs Run part of the Wekiva River in Apopka, paddleboarding is a prominent activity year-round, allowing visitors and tourists to explore the miles of crystal clear water, lush vegetation and Florida wildlife.

They can go left, which will take them 8 ½ miles on a self-guided day adventure, exploring the scenic turns and lush Florida tropical hammocks and wildlife. A shuttle will bring them back to King’s Landing.

Or they can turn right, which is going upstream, but well worth the effort because it takes you through the Emerald Cut on Rock Springs Run.

Blue meets bluer with this water, and it’s about 45 minutes upstream until a bridge barrier at nearby Kelly Park stops you.

After that, and enjoying the hangout area at the Emerald Cut, all one has to do is sit back and take the 30-minute natural lazy river all the way back to King’s Landing.

The things you’ll do for love
Rock Springs Run, with its Emerald Cut, is an incredible, but also incredibly popular destination because of its beauty, serenity and, of course, its location in regards to Orlando (less than 30 minutes) and the Disney World area (less than an hour).

So expect tourists, even in large groups. Which is not a knock on King’s Landing. Nor the tranquility and exceptional time one will have on the water.

King’s Landing has a small tortoise habitat for visitors to see before or after paddling on Rock Springs Run and the Emerald Cut.

It’s just a fair warning, as they’re open daily, even during the rainy season that sees the river rise quite high. And over time, some of the hurricanes that have hit Florida have made certain parts of the river inaccessible, especially on the 8-mile run downstream.

That, however, has helped to protect some wildlife, especially the fish.

As Littlefinger said on Game of Thrones, “Chaos isn’t a pit — it’s a ladder,” and the chaos of water levels and some weather destruction has only helped King’s Landing, Rock Springs Run and Emerald Cut climb that ladder.

Play this game and win
All television show references aside, King’s Landing is a must-see, and launch destination for any and all avid paddleboarders and kayakers.

It is on par with several other freshwater, spring-fed destinations, such as Weeki Wachee State Park, Three Sisters Springs, Seven Sisters Springs, Ginnie Springs and more.

However, King’s Landing has something that those don’t — more seclusion and less property intrusion, meaning through all those miles of serene paddling, lazy river floating and quiet isolation, there won’t be any structures or backyards and motor boats to ruin it.

It truly is a pristine destination, as if built for kings — and queens.

King’s Landing
Where: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Details: Considered one of the top paddling destinations in Florida, King’s Landing, located on Rock Springs Run, is part of the Wekiva River. It offers activities including self-guided rentals, adventure tours and nightly escapes. Paddleboarding and kayaking are common on the water, camping at the Eagle Boy Scout Camp and Wekiva State Park are options, too.
Info: Visit KingsLandingFl.com.

Published March 15, 2023

King’s Landing offers camping at the Eagle Boy Scout Retreat Campground, which is just steps away from Rock Springs Run and the launch site.

Kelly Park is just south of King’s Landing and also is situated on Rock Springs Run. It offers swimming, trails, paddling and a launch site.

King’s Landing in Apopka provides a docking area for those who bring their own paddleboards or kayaks, but also offers guided tours and rentals.

Working in tandem for 40 years

March 7, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Bill Morissey is the mayor of Skydive City.

He doesn’t wear a sash to that effect, but it’s evident when the longtime, now retired, skydiving instructor walks the grounds at the adventure-seeking staple in East Pasco.

Even with an 82 Airborne hat pulled down low, and large Aviator sunglasses covering his face and distracting from his large, gray handlebar mustache — everyone at Skydive City recognizes this 84-year-old Zephyrhills man.

Zephyrhills resident Bill Morissey isn’t just a fixture at the world-famous Skydive City — he’s a legend in the world of skydiving. He helped to develop tandem skydiving, a technique that allows an experienced skydiver to jump out of a plane, strapped to an inexperienced diver throughout the jump. Now, tandem skydiving, the standard for the recreational skydiving experience for novices, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. (Mike Camunas)

They stop what they’re doing — packing shoots or watching jumpers land — to greet a living legend.

Humbly, Morissey shakes their hands, or high fives them before a quick chat.

“Not a lot of people can say they’ve jumped with a legend,” said Chelsea Hylton, of Tampa, whom Morissey has taken a shine to. “And, when he does talk to me, it’s not even about jumps — it’s about what’s going on in my life. That means a lot that someone like him takes the time to ask.”

“I mean, I’ve known Bill since I was 6 years old,” said Cam King, manager of Skydive City. “To me, he’s just Bill, but, yeah, he’s a legend and he’s walking around here in Zephyrhills. It’s hard to put into words what he did for the sport.”

That’s because Morissey is one of the “fathers” of tandem skydiving.

An idea from the sky
It was 1975 and Morissey was talking to his friends, Gloria and Pete Chace.

They were recounting how they tried a tandem jump — a skydive from 15,000 feet out of a Cessna 206, with the two strapped together.

Bill Morissey, 84, stands in the landing field at Skydive City in Zephyrhills, watching as divers come in from a jump. Morissey, a resident of Zephyrhills, helped develop the tandem skydiving technique in 1983. He’s a retired longtime tandem instructor, but he still makes jumps and has tallied more than 7,300 jumps so far. (Mike Camunas)

Gloria wanted to jump, but had no experience. Pete didn’t have much more experience, but agreed to it by sharing the harness and Jerry-rigged a chest strap extender by cutting out a seatbelt from the plane.

It wasn’t the most pleasant of jumps, but the couple survived.

Gloria told Morissey all about it.

“I got so excited about (a two-person parachute apparatus) and I wanted to tell someone about it,” Morissey said. “Luckily, I knew Ted Strong.”

Strong was a parachute manufacturer and owner of Strong Parachutes Inc., based out of Orlando.

It would be seven years before the two friends would get together, after Morissey’s marriage ended in New York, in the early ’80s.

The two friends met at Chi-Chi’s Restaurant in Orlando, with Strong sketching an idea of the two-harness tandem system on the back of a placemat. The idea was to have an experienced instructor attached to a student jumper.

“He said, ‘As long as we have an instructor with a student in the harness, we’ll never lose another jumper,’” Morissey recalled. “And then he gave me a big hug because he was so excited.”

Strong, who Morissey called “a real genius” when it came to building rigs, put together the new harness.

Bill Morissey, left, and Ted Strong, right, gear up and strap together in one of the early tests of tandem skydiving in 1983. (Courtesy of Jen Sharp)

On Jan. 15, 1983 in Eustis, Florida, Strong completed a tandem skydive with Ricky Meadows, who helped sew together the parachute.

In October 1983, Strong took Morissey out on a couple jumps in his tandem rig, which was a work in progress. Strong then hired Morissey to be the first-ever tandem instructor and examiner — just after two tandem jumps.

“I really had to figure this (new system) out — on how we were going to do it,” Morissey said. “Because it was not as smooth (a jump) then as it is now, for pretty obvious reasons.”

Coming in drogues
Morissey learned the hard way that the tandem system still needed perfecting.

In November 1983, while at the Turkey Meet at Skydive City, in front of hundreds of other skydivers, Morissey made his third tandem jump, this time with Anibel Dowd, a licensed jumper

However, in the early days of the tandem rig, parachute openings were extremely hard due to the extra weight of the jumpers and faster freefall speeds. On this jump, Morissey and Dowd saw significant damage to the parachute, with all but two of the lines to the canopy breaking and attachment rings stretched into an oval shape.

Morissey had to pull the ripcord to the reserve chute.

“I’m not a religious person, even though I was raised Catholic, but here we are and the parachute exploded. So, I looked up to God and said, ‘If you get me out of this one, I promise to be a good boy,” he said.

Bill Morissey coming in from a jump at Skydive City in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Jen Sharp)

A higher power must have been listening, because the reserve opened and both jumpers, while injured, still walked away from the hard landing.

“After that, Ted started putting drogues on the tandem rigs,” Morissey said.

A drogue parachute is designed to deploy from a fast-moving object, similar to what is seen to slow down large planes. Adding this to the tandem system proved to be another one of Strong’s genius moves.

In late 1984, after test after test now employing the drogue, Morissey did a test tandem jump with Jon Stark, another experienced jumper, who is now the director of aviation maintenance at Skydive City.

Jumping from 14,000 feet, Morissey and Stark had a freefall that felt as natural as it would be for a single jumper.

“We were blowing parachutes up and hurting people and it really wasn’t pleasant,” Stark said: “It was exciting, trying new things, but we didn’t know what was going to hurt us or kill us. It was all experimental at that time, but the drogue experiment proved to be the right one.”

Bill Morissey, center in black cap, stands with Skydive City crew and jumpers on Jan. 15, when the center celebrated the 40th anniversary of the tandem skydiving technique. (Courtesy of Brina Berge)

Jumping around the world
After other modifications, such as moving the handles for better access to the instructors, tandem skydiving was invented and, by 1986, it was gaining popularity.

Morissey became the go-to instructor for tandem. He traveled the world demonstrating and teaching it. He even became the person who decided that for someone to become a tandem instructor, it would require a 10-jump certification though the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA), the governing body that issues skydiving licenses.

“We would have discussions about how we should teach (tandem), and I’m not saying we just made it up as we went along, but thought that was a good number (of jumps) and that’s what USPA approved,” Morissey said.

Tandem skydiving would be a game changer in the industry. It would bring in hundreds of thousands of people to the sport, allowing an adventure seeker to jump from 13,500 feet, just like the many of the annual visitors at Skydive City.

Morissey would be one of the foremost tandem instructors until he retired from Strong Enterprises Tandem Jumping in 2000. During that time, he taught more than 650 tandem instructors and 113 tandem examiners, and made more than 3,300 tandem jumps.

Zephyrhills resident and retired tandem jump instructor Bill Morissey looks over a jump pack that is designed for a tandem jump, allowing for two jumpers to be strapped to each other for the entire descent. Morissey helped develop the technique 40 years ago. (Mike Camunas)

“Ted Strong deserves every bit of the credit,” Morissey said humbly. “But, yeah, I guess we did (change skydiving) to, a little bit, of what it is today and what you see here (at Skydive City). Certainly, when we started doing it back (in 1983), we weren’t thinking about how it would.”

Legend of the freefall
Tragically, Strong died in a skydiving accident in 2011.

When Morissey recalls his longtime, dearest friend, tears well up in his eyes behind those Aviator sunglasses.

“He was a beautiful, wonderful man,” Morissey says in a low, mournful voice.

However, nothing — not his friend’s death, retirement or age — has stopped Morissey from jumping out of planes.

With more than 7,300 jumps under his chute, Morissey jumped at Skydive City about a month ago and doesn’t plan to stop ever since getting hooked on it as an Army paratrooper in 1959.

Morissey, or D-516 — which is a skydiver’s license level and call number — estimates he still does nearly 100 jumps a year.

So, the 2016 International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame inductee will continue to be mayor of Skydive City, for as long as he can pack his own chute and get on a plane to take him thousands of feet above Zephyrhills.

“I can remember my first jump like it was yesterday,” Morissey said. “I still get a thrill out of (skydiving). A jump last week or last month is still as exciting as it was in 1959 or in 1983. I know that’s never going to go away.”

Published March 08, 2023

Pulling on heartstrings for Ukulele’s

February 28, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Ukulele Brand’s is known for being a lively place.

The Land O’ Lakes waterside dining staple that sits on East Lake Ellis has always been known for its live music, hearty food, drinks and late-night crowds. The restaurant, also known for its hometown feel, has been serving patrons for 25 years.

But it’s never been known for a drive-thru.

Ukulele Brand’s, the waterside dining and live music bar that has been serving Land O’ Lakes residents for 25 years, suffered damage to its kitchen when an SUV and food truck plowed into the restaurant’s exterior wall on Jan. 25, damaging the kitchen. The local staple plans to reopen in the coming weeks, but its 40-plus employees have not been working or receiving income because of the temporary closure. Local businesses and the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes stepped up to organize a ‘support-the-staff fundraiser.’ Food and drink were donated for staff and volunteers to serve to patrons in the parking lot. More than $20,000 was raised and given to the employees. (Mike Camunas)

Perhaps that’s why its regulars were so shocked to see an SUV and food truck plow through its exterior wall on Jan. 25, creating a large hole and damaging the kitchen. The destruction forced the restaurant, at 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to temporarily shut down.

Luckily, no one — diners and employees — were seriously injured.

“How no one died — I don’t know. No clue,” said Jennifer Fischer, Ukulele’s manager.

Even now, more than a month later, she’s flabbergasted by the sequence of events.

“Our dishwasher flew 10 to 15 feet into my kitchen area, where there were staff members — it was horrible. When I watched the video, my heart was in my throat, and I don’t know how it wasn’t worse.”

When the accident occurred, around 8 p.m., the restaurant was filled with patrons in the dining room and staff working in the kitchen.

The crash forced the restaurant to close down, while repairs are made. It also temporarily put the restaurant’s 42 employees out of work.

Hundreds of locals and Land O’ Lakes residents arrived at one of their favorite restaurants to support employees who were temporarily out of work because of a crash that damaged the kitchen at Ukulele Brand’s, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

They weren’t let go, but many have been unable to find temporary work. They couldn’t quit because that would deny them from receiving unemployment.

But the community has stepped up.

Supporters, including the Rotary of Land O’ Lakes; Lucas, Macyszyn, & Dyer Injury Lawyers; and other local businesses, organized a ‘support-the-staff’ fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting them, to help ease their financial strain.

The fundraiser was held Feb. 18, in the Ukulele parking lot, with staff serving food and drinks that had been donated. They also held drawings and took donations.

The event raised more than $20,000.

“It’s amazing that (the locals and regulars) are looking out for us, that Ukulele means something to them,” said MacKenzie Dadroga, a bartender and server with the restaurant since 2015. “We’re still here and people are still supporting us, because it’s not about the place — it’s about the people. They care about us.”

Suzanne Beauchaine, who handles marketing for Lucas, Macyszyn, & Dyer Injury Lawyers and is involved with the Rotary Club, said holding the event was a no-brainer.

She said donations poured in, even from people who didn’t attend the event.

As of Feb. 18, a GoFundMe had raised more than $1,000, and Florida Penguin Productions, which was holding the annual Pasco County Blues Festival down the road the same day, came by and donated $500, Beauchaine said.

Ukulele Brand’s cook Ron Weiss and bartender Lauren Wilson serve food to generous patrons and regulars during a fundraiser to help employees who were out of work, while restaurant repairs were made.

“This place is Land O’ Lakes,” Beauchaine said. “It’s a part of this community, has been for 25 years, and the love and support for it really shows by the turnout.”

“It’s been amazing,” Fischer added. “I wasn’t expecting this kind of response so early, but that it turned out to be so busy, it’s amazing — this community is amazing.

“And I’ve heard quite a bit that (locals) are missing us!”

The restaurant’s local support was evident, as hundreds attended the fundraiser, with some hanging out all day to enjoy the food, drink and music.

Some even had trouble finding a place to park.

“We were worried (when the accident happened) because our friends work here, like Lauren (Wilson), who is a bartender here,” Land O’ Lakes resident Patty Kremzer said. “Once we heard about the event, we were like, yeah, we’re going (laughs). We moved here six years ago, and Ukulele Brand’s was the first place we went to eat. We were starving, so we came on our first night. As soon as the moving truck pulled away, we were headed here.”

Her husband, Marco Kremser added: “We were shocked (by the accident). We’ve been coming here a very long time because we love the local feel to it. But these (employees), they depend on this place being busy, but they can’t get another job and they’re not really fired — it’s the least we could do.”

Fischer estimates that reopening will be within the next four weeks.

“Trust me,” she added, “we’re as anxious as everyone else to be back open.”

Ukulele Brand’s
Where: 4805 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Details: The popular waterside restaurant has been temporarily closed since Jan. 25, after an SUV plowed through an exterior wall and into the kitchen. It plans to reopen in coming weeks, so check its social media channels and website for updates. Meanwhile, if you’d like to help, a GoFundMe has been established to raise money for the employees awaiting the reopening.
To donate to the cause, visit tinyurl.com/yvy24p4x.
For updates on the reopening, visit Facebook.com/UkuleleBrands.com or UkuleleBrands.com.

Published March 01, 2023

New putt-putt pops up in Pasco County

February 21, 2023 By Mike Camunas

PopStroke is ready to set a new course — with its state-of-the-art putt-putt experience.

PopStroke Tampa opened its doors to the public on Feb. 17, offering two 18-hole putting courses that feature synthetic grass, bunkers, rolling hills and undulated greens designed to challenge golfers of all ages.

PopStroke Tampa is a new 36-hole, state-of-the-art, putt-putt experience with its courses designed by Tiger Woods. The new golfing venue, at 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, opened on Feb. 17. It features an outdoor dining area with a full menu and craft beer, wine and signature cocktails. It also has an ice cream parlor, outdoor game area and a playground. (Mike Camunas)

PopStroke’s two courses — Tiger Black and Tiger Red — were designed by TGR Design, a golf course design company owned by golf legend Tiger Woods.

“It’s been a long journey to getting here in Pasco County,” PopStroke founder and co-owner Greg Bartoli said. “We first discovered this site (near the intersection of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard) about three years ago, and we have been welcomed with open arms from the Pasco community.

“I spend a lot of time in Tampa, as my kids play youth sports here all the time,” he added. “So, I know the facilities and communities here are second to none, and that’s what put this place on the market for a PopStroke.”

Bartoli and others broke ground Feb. 2, 2022, and it took about a year for Stevens Construction to build the 10,000-square-foot building, which includes an open-air restaurant with multiple open decks and covered dining areas and bars. The venue also includes a covered playground, a beer garden, and lobby with retail space.

PopStroke founder and co-owner Greg Bartoli speaks to those in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 16.

“We’re really glad to see PopStroke invest in Pasco County and Florida Sports Coast,” said Adam Thomas, the county’s director of tourism. “We’re excited of what’s to come because of PopStroke, as it just adds to what makes us a destination.

“This venue is going to serve not only those visiting Pasco and the Tampa area, but the residents, as well,” Thomas said.

PopStroke Tampa is the company’s fifth location in Florida, with others in Sarasota and Orlando. TGR Design provides options for different skill levels and its designs are unique to each PopStroke location.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman sends a putt down the ‘fairway’ of a hole at PopStroke. Commission Chairman Jack Mariano and former Commissioner Mike Moore watch Weightman’s shot, as the trio become some of the first golfers to try out the new putt-putt venue in Lutz.

However, Bartoli created PopStroke because “golf can be a very intimidating sport, but PopStroke is about breaking down those barriers and allowing people to enjoy the game without some of the stuffy traditions (of a high-end golf course).”

Bartoli wants this entertainment venue to be “equally enjoyed by a 3-year-old all the way up to a 90-year-old.”

“At the end of the day,” Bartoli added, “PopStroke is really about bringing friends and family together, whether you enjoy golf or like golf or not.

“Playing at PopStroke is not a 4½-hour, expensive experience — it is meant for everyone.”

PopStroke Tampa
This technology-infused entertainment venue features Tiger Woods’ TGR Design team’s one-of-a-kind golf experience with two 18-hole putting courses. Besides golfing, there’s an outdoor dining area with a full menu and craft beer, wine and signature cocktails; an ice cream parlor; an outdoor game area and a playground.
Where: 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (in an area often considered to be Wesley Chapel)
When: Open Sundays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; open Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to midnight.
Info: Visit PopStroke.com.

Other putt-putt options:

Plantation Palms Golf Club
18 holes of lighted mini-golf and a lively Irish pub.
Where: 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Adults $10; Children 12 and under $7
Info: PlantationPalms.net/driving-range

7th Street Mini Golf and Parlour
A family friendly, 18-hole, black-lit, indoor mini golf course featuring card and board games, light snacks and drinks.
Where: 13841 Seventh St., Dade City
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10.95 for adults, children under 13 are $6.95
Info: 7thStreetMiniGolf.com

Grove Mini Golf
18 holes with a tropical theme coming soon to The Grove at Wesley Chapel., 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Info: GroveMiniGolf.com

Published February 22, 2023

Born to be ramblin’ vans

February 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Home is where the van is.

That’s what it means to live the vanlife — or disconnect (mostly) from the grid and hit the open road — traveling all over the country and living within the tight quarters of a van.

It’s not an entirely new concept, however, it’s one that is becoming increasingly popular.

Kristine Vaccaro chills in her van during the inaugural Florida Vanlife Gathering from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6, at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. Vaccaro, and hundreds of others who live the vanlife, gathered for three days of ‘peace, love and vans’ as part of the largest vanlife gathering on the East Coast. Vaccaro, an Air Force veteran from California, lives out of her van. It’s charmingly named ‘Duck Star’ due to her love of Star Wars and the decor in the van. She travels the country looking for places to explore and stay living the vanlife. (Mike Camunas)

So popular, in fact, that hundreds were attracted to the inaugural Florida Vanlife Gathering at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6.

The event gave vanlifers a place to hang and those curious about the lifestyle a chance to see it up close.

“We wanted a way to celebrate the nomadic and adventurous lifestyle (of vanlife) and also welcome the central Florida community who are van curious,” said Josh Theberge, the event organizer who also is co-owner of Vanlife Outfitters, a Sarasota-based, online store dedicated to vanlife that was the title sponsor. “Everyone has been very appreciative of the event, as we wanted this to be an educational event for people, too.

“We didn’t just want to have an event where people are trying to sell stuff.”

More than 300 vans arrived at the park, carrying more than 500 vanlifers. On top of that, others came with day passes to see the vans and take advantage of workshops on topics related to vanlife.

Vendors were on hand, as well. There were demonstrations to show off new designs or products, and there were “Talking Tree” sessions focusing on specific topics of vanlife. Small crowds would listen to those talks at the park’s large tree that dates back to the Civil War era.

Living the vanlife means basically getting off the grid and outfitting a van with a kitchen, bedroom and even a bathroom.

“They’re curious people,” said Scott Watson, a popular vanlifer who has a YouTube channel featuring his three-years-and-counting journey around the country in his Winnebago Travato 59GL.

“It’s a very curious lifestyle where you can go anywhere, park anywhere, maybe hook up anywhere, and just see and wander — that’s what a vanlifer does: wanders, looking for the beauty out there on the road,” Watson said.

When adopting the vanlife, a van — or school bus, or even an old ambulance —is converted to become a traveling home.

A vehicle that’s been decked out with all the bells and whistles, but for many vanlifers, this is a DIY project. They customize their van to their liking by installing a bed, a bathroom, a fridge, a kitchen and entertainment center — with their own personal flair.

Hundreds of those living the vanlife gathered at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City to attend the inaugural Florida Vanlife Gathering from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6.

“It’s not for everyone, for sure, but for those who can do minimalism, this is for you. I mean, everything I own is in my van,” Watson said.

“There’s not actually a blueprint when it comes to vanlife.”

In an even more minimal approach, some vanlifers will routinely go boondocking, or camping completely off the grid without hookup amenities of water and electricity.

“The third van that I am almost done building is the Boondocker 3.0, and I can live out of it without hookups for about a week at a time,” Theberge said.

The gathering had rows and rows of vans and other larger vehicles, all of varying designs. Theberge and his partner, Zach Daudert, held a Best in Show contest and judged which van was the best DIY model. Categories that were considered were overall quality, style/aesthetic, use of space/layout, uniqueness/creativity, and the systems from power to cooling to plumbing.

Joe Scelfo, of Destin, shows off his do-it-yourself tricked-out van to Josh Theberge, organizer of the inaugural Florida Vanlife Gathering, during the judging of Best in Show DIY Van. During the event at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City, hundreds of vanlife people showed up to hang out and show off their vans, which, in essence, are either their homes or mobile camping units. Theberge is the owner of Vanlife Outfitters, a Sarasota-based company that sponsored the event and provides people with the tools and trade to build a DIY vanlife vehicle.

The rest of the time, vanlifers from all over the country just hung out around their or fellow participant vans, enjoying the nomadic, campy lifestyle.

“It’s all about what you can fit in about 19 feet of space, but this is a great event,” Orlando resident Ray Woo said. “It’s the first I’ve ever been to, and hopefully it can keep growing — not that there aren’t a lot of people here for the first one — and they’ll continue with the event so we can come out every year now.”

Theberge said vanlife is becoming more prominent on the East Coast, despite the lifestyle having a very distinct West Coast feel. That’s evident in the theme of the gathering, which paid homage to the 1960s and ’70s by including a lot of nods to the Grateful Dead.

“Oh, we’re big time Deadheads,” Theberge said with a laugh.

But this is why they gathered the vanlife here in Florida.

“This is us putting our flag in the ground and saying, come enjoy a weekend in Florida in February with (people) like you (vanlifers),” Theberge said. “And we’re looking forward to having it even bigger and better next year.

“And the vanlife is a true lifestyle change. It’s a lot of freedom and it’s about being out there and living life — and vanlife is a beautiful lifestyle.”

Vanlife Outfitters
Details: An online store that provides all the equipment, training, tips and more to DIY a recreational van.
Info: VanlifeOutfitters.com
To see Scott Watson’s VanLife YouTube, Go Small, Live Large, visit YouTube.com/@gosmall.livelarge.

Published February 15, 2023

Peggy Johnson, of Wisconsin, hangs out in front of her van with her dog, Buster, on Feb. 5 at the Florida Vanlife Gathering at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. The event attracted hundreds of vanlife people, and those curious about that life.

Mario Simachi, of Ocala, left, and Brian Swatts, of Bradenton, discuss the ins and outs of vanlife, and also about how Swatts continues to work on converting an old school bus into a recreational vehicle.

Vanlife doesn’t just mean to convert a van into living quarters. It also can mean converting an old school bus, or ambulance.

Celebrating a half-century of caring

February 7, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Even though he’s a well-spoken politician, Wilton Simpson was at a loss for words.

“It was very … surprising,” the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture said. “This is all so … humbling.”

From left: Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, CARES CEO Jemith Rosa, Pasco County Commissioner Gary Bradford, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles and Dade City Commissioner Ann Cosentino take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center in Dade City. The new 6,000-square-foot senior center will replace the current senior center on Fourth Street, on land donated by Simpson. (Mike Camunas)

The Trilby resident, and former state senator, was in awe that the new CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services) senior center coming to Dade City in 2024 will be named in his honor.

It made sense to name it the CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center, since he can be credited with making it happen.

“I had to name it after him,” said Jemith Rosa, CEO of CARES. “It wouldn’t have happened without Mr. Simpson.”

About two years ago, when Simpson was still Senate president for the Florida Legislation, Rosa initially came to him looking for state funding for a new senior center. She was asking for $1.5 million to help build the $2 million, 6,000-square-foot facility, which will provide a one-stop senior facility with an adult day care facility for 60, multi-purpose, senior enrichment and recreation areas and administrative offices.

However, Rosa needed more and never expected Simpson to provide it.

“Well,” Simpson recalled, “Jemith visited me and said they wanted to build a new facility, and I’m familiar with the current one as I’ve lived here all my life. She said now she needed land, too.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson addresses the small crowd that gathered on Jan. 31 to see the groundbreaking of the CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center, which will be on 1.7 acres of land Simpson donated.

“And I was like, ‘Well, I’ve got some land right across the road from your building.’”

“It never dawned on me that this property was his, even though he has a lot of land in Dade City,” Rosa added. “I had about three minutes with him and asked him for the $1.5 million to build the facility. He said, ‘Jemith, I owe the land right behind (the CARES) building (on Fifth Street) – do you want it?’

“And we shook hands — done deal. Fastest deal I have ever made in my life.”

Fast forward about two years and Simpson, Rosa, city and county officials, and CARES board members all ceremoniously broke ground for the new facility on Fourth Street on Jan. 30.

The nonprofit organization has helped older adults stay at home, independent, connected and informed through health, social and support services for the past 50 years.

Ryman Construction will start work soon, with Rosa hoping for a grand opening of the new facility by late January 2024.

CARES CEO Jemith Rosa says that the CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center in Dade City wouldn’t have happened without the namesake, Simpson, who not only donated the land where the 6,000-square-foot facility will be built, but also helped to secure $1.5 million in state funding for the project.

“Everyone and every city needs a Wilton Simpson,” Dade City Mayor James Shive said. “Just what he has done for this town and area is truly incredible. He definitely deserves his name on this facility.”

The new facility will double the capacity of seniors in adult day care, from 30 to 60, while CARES will sell off the old building on Fifth Street.

Simpson said the upgrades and additional space that are provided by the new facilities are needed.

“You need this type of facility to make your community complete,” he said. “Especially in Dade City, to handle the volume of seniors. A lot of times these things don’t happen until after the growth happens, when it’s well beyond the need of what the community is projecting.

“We’re very fortunate to get a little ahead of the curve, and this facility is really going to change the quality of life for many families and seniors,” Simpson added.

The CARES Crescent Center, 13906 Fifth St., will be replaced with a new, 6,000-square-foot facility that will have twice as much room for the adult day care program.

“The stars just aligned, and we were able to get it done for this community.”

CARES Wilton Simpson Senior Center
Where: On Fourth Street in Dade City, behind the CARES Crescent Center, which is on Fifth Street.
Details: A 6,000-square-foot center will be built on a 1.7-acre site donated by Wilton Simpson, who is now the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. The facility will provide a one-stop senior facility with an adult day care facility for 60, multi-purpose, senior enrichment and recreation areas and administrative offices.
CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services) has been providing services since 1973 to help older adults stay at home, independent, connected and informed through health, social and support services. For more information, visit CARESfl.org.
To receive state-based CARES in-home care services, seniors or caregivers must first apply through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas at AgingCareFL.org.

Published February 08, 2023

Networking with nature

January 31, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department is looking for the missing links.

Throughout the county, there are numerous trails in many parks, reserves and even natural areas, all which provide some connectivity, but there are gaps.

A detailed map shows the existing Greenway, Trails & Blueways Network in Pasco County. (Courtesy of Tammy Odierna)

The plan is to holistically study and understand the current and future opportunities for recreation such as walking, biking, hiking or paddling.

Although in its early stages, the Greenways, Trails, and Blueways Master Plan will cover all that, in the hopes to develop a county-wide network system of connected, recreational pathways that link parks and natural areas with neighborhoods, schools, shopping and more.

The plan builds on previous efforts to identify opportunities where the system can be expanded, or improved, as well as how to work within the public and private sectors to do so.

Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City features 406 acres of forested park with a river, trails, fishing, wildlife and an observation tower. It will be included in the Pasco County Greenways, Trails and Blueways Master Plan, which is a county-wide network that link parks and natural areas with neighborhoods, schools, shopping and other locations. (Mike Camunas)

“This is the first step of many,” said Tammy Odierna, program manager for park planning and development. “We’re connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, stores to the trails, which there isn’t that much connection right now. It’s important because the county is blowing up with development, and we want to make sure we give citizens access to everything the county has to offer.”

“There are a lot of missing links in recreational trails, cause in the past we focused more on commuting,” added Chieh Yang, a parks planner. “They were overlooked, so we’re hoping with this plan, it’s an opportunity to identify those links and see what people want for those recreational trails.”

That is why the parks department is first turning to the public, looking to get feedback from county residents about how they’ll use the network, as well as what they would like to see in the future of recreational trails.

This isn’t just pathways, both paved and unpaved. The plan also includes blueways, or bodies of water — rivers and creeks, etc. — that are meant for non-motorized vessels and usually include an access point.

The Serenova Tract in Land O’ Lakes has approximately 21 miles of multi-use trails and various lakes and waterways that allow fishing. (Mike Camunas)

“Really, this is a long time coming and it’s needed with all the growth in this county,” Odierna said. “The county is looking to have a better integrated system of greenways, trails and blueways, and the idea is to get public input so we can put together an idea of what we want to see and what the public wants to see happen.

“After the master plan is finalized, we’ll work off that and see what’s feasible, and look at what’s priority and what the citizens think is important.”

The Pasco County Commission approved a task order on July 12 to develop the master plan. This effort is driven by requirements in the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, including those set by Objective REC 1.6, Policy REC 1.6.7, and Policy REC 1.6.8. The recreational network effort also complements the Active Transportation Plan effort.

Cypress Creek Preserve, which has approximately 5 miles of paved multi-use trails available from Pump Station Road and 11 miles of unpaved multi-use trails in Land O’ Lakes, is part of Pasco County’s Greenways, Trails and Blueways Network. (Mike Camunas)

Those bylaws state the Parks Department will work with the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the master plan citizen’s committee to form the map, as well as implementing a “wayfinding” signage program for regional and district parks and recreation facilities throughout the county as new parks and trails are developed.

Odierna said in the early 2000s, an advisory committee for trails was put together, but never carried through with a whole master plan. Then, with the growth explosion in the county in the past 20 years, any existing plan would need updates.

“We have a lot of really awesome trails and this will allow us to add even more awesome trails,” she said.

Conner Preserve in Land O’ Lakes features approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails, as well as grass and swamp lands, and a 25-acre site open for use by members of the Bay City Flyers Model Airplane Club. (Mike Camunas)

The master plan in no way affects the county’s plan to link Trinity to Trilby: the Orange Belt Trail. The county is still developing that as a separate project that will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City, and will provide both recreational and economic opportunities along the way.

That trail is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, but will, eventually, have connections to the current and other future trails that are or will be included in the master plan.

For now, the Parks Department is still receiving feedback through an online survey and public workshops, with another planned for late April. The hope is to get a master plan draft done by early summer.

As for the feedback already received?

“More shading, more benches, more parks connecting to trails,” Yang said. “Like on the Suncoast Trail, there are a lot of spots that could use more shading, and this will give us a chance to address more access points on the blueways.”

Yang added: “People want to be able to walk and bike to a nearby trail, so they don’t have to drive or walk a street without sidewalks.

“This is a great opportunity to see the kind of potential Pasco County can have when it comes to trails.”

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department held a public workshop at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center for locals to learn more about the Greenways, Trails and Blueways Master Plan. The department welcomed feedback and encouraged people to complete an online survey. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County Greenways, Trails and Blueways Master Plan
The Pasco County Commission approved a task order on July 12 to develop a Greenways, Trails and Blueways Master Plan, which is a county-wide system of connected, recreational greenways, trails and blueways that link parks and natural areas with neighborhoods, schools, shopping and other locations. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department also is working with county residents to get feedback on how they’ll use the network, as well as what they would like to see in the future.

To complete the 10-minute survey before Feb. 17, visit SurveyMonkey.com/r/PASCOGTB.

What are Greenways, Trails and Blueways?
Greenway: Any linear facility (paved or unpaved) intended to provide a range of recreational opportunities (active and passive) including, but not limited to walking, running or jogging, biking, hiking, paddling or equestrian uses

Blueway: Any designated route (marked or unmarked) intended for use by non-motorized vessels propelled by paddles and often include an access point

Multi-use trail: Any wide, paved or natural-surface trail, located in its own exclusive right of way separate from a roadway, intended for shared use of people walking, bike riding or other related activities

Single-use trail: Any paved or natural-surface trail, located in its own exclusive right of way separate from a roadway, intended for a single primary use, such as hiking, off-road biking, equestrian and so on

Shared-use path: Any wide, paved surface, located directly along a roadway, intended for the shared use of people walking and riding bikes or related devices.

Published February 01, 2023