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Elevated toll road is gone, so now what?

July 31, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Many residents and business owners were more than ecstatic when a private company decided to pull its proposal to build an elevated toll road along the State Road 54/56 corridor off the table. But the same future transportation concerns that spurred talk of such a project in the first place are still plaguing Pasco County, and four people vying for a single spot on the county commission have their own ideas on how to fix it.

Ken Littlefield, Mike Moore, Erika Remsberg and Bob Robertson — all looking to replace Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission — got together for the first time Wednesday night at Keystone Church in Land O’ Lakes for a political candidate forum hosted by the Central Pasco and Trinity-Odessa chambers of commerce.

None of the three Republicans and one Democrat wanted the elevated toll road, but all agreed something needs to be done.

“There is some relief on the way,” said Moore, a Wesley Chapel businessman who actually lives in the State Road 56 corridor. “We need to be more thoughtful in our process going forward, and we need to look at our transportation engineers and get their suggestions. Then we need to go back to the people real quick and ask what their opinions are.”

The county and state already are trying to address the issue with the widening of State Road 54 between Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and the Suncoast Parkway, Moore said, as well as continued plans to expand Ridge Road. But future growth is going to require a lot of thought, and a lot of listening to the experts who know how to plan for growth.

That could mean listening to the suggestion of mass transit, something Remsberg — the lone Democrat in the race — champions.

“Certainly widening roads is an important thing to do,” she said. “We need to put in more overpasses, but I am not a fan of managed (toll) lanes. I support an increase in public transportation, because we cannot penalize (residents by charging them tolls) and then expect them to find their own options.”

Environmental concerns have held up the Ridge Road extension, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proceeding cautiously on the project. Littlefield, a former state legislator, said the Corps is moving too slow, and is simply impeding progress on addressing the county’s much-needed transportation improvements.

“If we expand the Tamiami Trail and an Alligator Alley across the Everglades, and the water quality there has only improved since then, then we can build the Ridge Road extension,” Littlefield said. “The widening of the (State Road) 52 corridor also has a lot of potential. That’s another option we have before we start managing lanes and charging tolls from building elevated highways.”

But the elevated toll road is not as dead as most people think, Zephyrhills financial analyst Robertson said. The private idea might have been shunned, but an elevated toll road remains on the county’s long-range transportation plan.

“We need to continue to stay diligent as it relates to that,” Roberston said. “That is something we need to be focused on, that kind of long-term vision and planning, rather than giving out building permits first and then trying to figure out where we’re going to put all the cars.”

For more on the candidate forum, check out the Aug. 6 print edition of The Laker/Lutz News.

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07/04/2022 – 4th of July celebration

Avalon Park’s 4th of July Celebration will take place on July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in Wesley Chapel. There will be a patriotic bake-off, a bike parade, bounce houses, food trucks, community performances, vendors, and fireworks at 9 p.m. Visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515 for more information. … [Read More...] about 07/04/2022 – 4th of July celebration

07/04/2022 – Cake Contest

Entries for the Lutz 4th of July Cake Contest can be dropped off at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave., N.W., between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on July 3; or between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., on July 4. Cakes must be no larger than 9 inches by 13 inches. Cakes or pies that require refrigeration will not be accepted. Categories include: Adult Best Decorated; Adult Best Tasting; Youth Best Decorated (ages 11 to 18); Youth Best Decorated (10 and younger); Youth Best Tasting (11 to 18); Most Patriotic (all ages); Guv’na Favorite; Cupcakes Best Decorated; Best Pie (all ages); and Youth Best Tasting (10 and younger). All entries will be auctioned off after the parade. For information, email . … [Read More...] about 07/04/2022 – Cake Contest

07/04/2022 – Starkey Market’s Fourth

Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in New Port Richey, will host a 4th of July evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., for the whole family. The event will include food, fireworks and music. Bring your own chairs and blankets. No outside food, beverages or coolers will be allowed. The cost is from $10 to $25. Children ages 6 and younger are free. Limited tickets are available. Visit tinyurl.com/bdh9vjs7. … [Read More...] about 07/04/2022 – Starkey Market’s Fourth

07/04/2022 – Tax collector closure

The five Pasco County Tax Collector’s Offices will be closed on July 4, in honor of Independence Day. Offices will reopen on July 5 at 8:30 a.m., for normal business. … [Read More...] about 07/04/2022 – Tax collector closure

07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, in partnership with Pasco County Animal Services, will host a “Tale for Tail Reading Session” on July 5 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for ages 5 and older. Participants can bring their own book or borrow one from the library to practice their reading skills with an adoptable furry friend. Registration and liability waiver are required. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

Weekly Cribbage Club meetings are every Wednesday at 6 p.m., at the Wilderness Lake clubhouse, 21326 Wilderness Lake Blvd. in Land O' Lakes. The club is currently playing informally, but is looking to join the ACC cribbage organization. For more information/questions call 732-322-7103, or email . … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

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LCOAL UPDATE: Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new interim administrator, effective July 30. He has been selected to replace Dan Biles as the county’s new administrator, when Biles’ contract lapses on Oct. 1. Full story: https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/06/103096/

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We continue to celebrate MOSI’s 60th Anniversary through our Social Media Contest. In July, we are asking our friends to submit a funny Science meme or photo. Submissions accepted July 1- July 31. Winning submission gets one free MOSI Pioneer Membership. https://conta.cc/39JPT09

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30 Jun

#HurricaneSeason 2022 TIP: High winds can whip up with or without warning - having the same effect as a strong thunderstorm or tornado. Older homes can be more at risk. To minimize damage, keep up with home repairs. More info http://MyPasco.net #PascoCounty #PascoPrepares

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