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Boyette Road

Pasco County adding two street hockey rinks

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Pasco County and the Lightning Foundation have partnered on a project that will result in two street hockey rinks in the county, including one in Wesley Chapel.

The Pasco County Commission approved the agreement at its Jan. 7 meeting.

As part of the deal, the county will spend an estimated $240,000 to build concrete pads and associated infrastructure, which will be turned into street hockey rinks, complete with flashboards, scoreboards, scorers’ tables, and penalty boxes.

The Lightning Foundation will establish street hockey programming, including league play and tournaments. And, it will donate two complete sets of street hockey gear, including 80 sticks, two cases of balls, four goal nets, four youth sets of protective goalie gear, four adult size sets of protected goal gear and 80 reversible scrimmage vests, to be kept at the rinks.

One rink will be built at the Wesley Chapel District Park, at 7727 Boyette Road, and the other at the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, at 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd., in Holiday.

Both locations are large enough to accommodate the outdoor street hockey rinks.

Jay Feaster, vice president of Community Hockey Development, told commissioners the street hockey rinks fit into an overall “Build the Thunder” effort.

Feaster said that the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players Association and Lightning owner Jeff Vinik are involved in the program.

Over a five-year period, “we committed to donate 100,000 Lightning logo street hockey sticks and balls to children within the five contiguous county area of Amalie Arena,” Feaster said.

That commitment also included visiting 500 schools during that period and donating “500 complete sets of street hockey gear, so the schools could continue to have children playing long after we were gone.

“This is the start of that fifth year. We have thus far donated 106,000-plus Lightning logo sticks and balls to 503 schools within the five-county area.

“About three years ago, we realized that after we distributed all of those sticks and balls that we had a place that those youngsters to play,” Feaster said.

Ten outdoor street hockey rinks are planned.

“We want to proceed to actually build two of those street hockey rinks here in Pasco,” Feaster told commissioners. The rinks will be 60 feet by 120 feet, and are expected to be completed by Aug. 30.

The Lightning Foundation also will provide a public awareness campaign and promote the scheduled clinics and league play opportunities.

It also will present street hockey clinics at the rinks once per quarter using Tampa Bay Lightning alumni and street team members.

And, it will invite the rinks’ street hockey champions to participate in a Tournament of Champions sponsored by the Lightning Foundation.

The Lightning Foundation also will have the sole right to sell sponsorship rights in connection with the dashboard, scoreboard, signs, etc.

“We’re excited about it,” Feaster said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is enthusiastic, too.

“I just can’t tell you how excited our citizens are, and our kids, and I’m really looking forward to this,” Starkey said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano praised the Lightning’s community contributions.

“What you’ve done has really elevated the whole Tampa Bay region,” Mariano said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley marveled at the transformation regarding hockey in the region.

“I grew up in this area. We didn’t have hockey. That was a northern sport,” Oakley said.

Developing future hockey players requires early exposure to the game, Oakley said.

“That’s the way you get ‘em started, you’ve got to start young,” Oakley said.

Published January 22, 2020

Construction crews busy on area road projects

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Anyone who drives around Pasco County on a regular basis knows there aren’t many east-west roads that cut through the county’s vast expanse, and that it isn’t   a bit unusual to have to wait in traffic.

There are a number of projects, however, that are in the works, on the drawing board, or have been recently completed that are aimed at making life easier for Pasco motorists.

Of course, as more development arrives, more drivers use local roads — so complaints about “too much traffic” and “not enough roads” may persist, at least for the foreseeable future.

But, here is a look at some of what’s happening on the local transportation scene.

A diverging diamond interchange is under construction at the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange. The project, expected to wrap up by late 2021, aims to keep traffic flowing at the busy interchange.

Diverging Diamond Interchange
The diverging diamond interchange, currently in development, will reconfigure the current interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56 to improve traffic flow at a location that frequently is bottlenecked, especially during peak traffic periods. Work on the $33 million project began in January 2019 and is expected to be completed by late 2021. For more details, visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/262/430573-1-52-01.

Ridge Road Extension
Construction is expected to begin in January on the Ridge Road Extension, a project that Pasco County has been seeking to build for two decades. The project will create a third east-west corridor in the county, extending existing Ridge Road from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, initially, and then to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. The extension will give drivers who are heading east or west across Pasco a new option. Currently, motorists heading east and west use State Road 52 or State Road 54. It also will be another evacuation route in the event of an emergency.

However, environmentalists have expressed concern about the project. The extension will run through the Serenova Tract of Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Tim Martin, chair of the Sierra Club Florida Conservation, said this will harm the preserve’s wetlands and its animals.

Phase one of the project costs an estimated $90 million. Phase two has not been funded yet. Construction completion is scheduled for the 2025-2026 timeframe.

State Road 54 widening, Zephyrhills to Wesley Chapel
State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a divided median, between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. The 4.5-mile stretch will run east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. The $42.5-million development is expected to finish by the Summer of 2021.

Interstate 75/Overpass Road interchange
This project will create a new access point onto Interstate 75 at Overpass Road. The project includes widening Overpass Road — between Old Pasco Road and I-75 — from two lanes to four lanes. To the east, Overpass Road will be expanded to six lanes, between I-75 and Boyette Road. Off Overpass Road, Blair Drive will connect to Old Pasco Road, and Boyette Road will connect with McKendree Road. These connections with Overpass Road will create new access points between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

A new State Road 52 corridor is expected to be built, branching off from the existing one. It will be another means of heading further east in Dade City.

New State Road 52 alignment
A new alignment of State Road 52 will provide a new way to travel east through Dade City. The new stretch of road will run south of the existing State Road 52. It will begin east of the Bayou Branch Canal and continue east to the intersection of Prospect Road and Clinton Avenue. Clinton Avenue will be widened to a four-lane road leading to Fort King Road. The existing State Road 52 also will be widened to four lanes between Uradco Place and the Bayou Branch Canal. At Bayou Branch Canal, the existing corridor will branch off into the new one.

Improvements completed in 2019 include:

Widening of State Road 52, from Bellamy Brothers to Old Pasco Road
A 1.5-mile stretch of State Road 52 has been widened from Bellamy Brothers Boulevard to Old Pasco Road. The road was widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a median. There also is a multi-use path on the north end of State Road 52 and a sidewalk on the south end. Construction on the $13.4 million project started in 2016.

State Road 56 extension
A new 6-mile extension of State Road 56 has created a new east-west corridor, between Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. The extension gives motorists an alternative to State Road 54, which also links the two communities. State Road 54 also is undergoing improvements. The State Road 56 extension is a four-lane road, divided by a median. It has a multi-purpose trail, a sidewalk and bicycle lanes. Traffic lights also were incorporated at Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

The right turn and left turn lanes for eastbound traffic on State Road 54 onto U.S. 41 have been extended. The improvement aims to reduce traffic backups for motorists heading onto U.S. 41. (File)

State Road 54, turning lane improvements
The right-turn and left-turn lanes on State Road 54 have been lengthened to ease turning movements and reduce congestion. The $1.1-million project provides more room in the turning lane for motorists who are heading east on State Road 54 and intend to turn onto U.S. 41. The change reduces wait time for motorists turning north or south onto U.S. 41. Another improvement modified the median opening where State Road 54 intersects with Hunt Road. The change allows eastbound traffic on State Road 54 the option of turning onto Hunt Road or making a U-turn. It allows westbound traffic to turn off of Hunt Road, but motorists coming from that direction can no longer make U-turns.

Published January 08, 2020

Planning Commission supports requested changes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has given its stamp of approval for a number of requests that would affect property use in the central and eastern portions of Pasco County.

The Planning Commission makes the final decision on special exception requests, but its decisions can be appealed to the Pasco County Commission. The County Commission has authority over other land use and zoning matters.

At its Oct. 10 public hearing in Dade City, the planning commission:

  • Approved a special exception request by Gianna Mari Siervo Fragoso for a kennel for dog training on a 1.08-acre site on the east side of Boyette Road, about 650 feet north of Clearview Drive. The kennel, at 7242 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, will be used for dog training, boarding and breeding. Conditions limit use of the site to 30 dogs and specify that operating hours (open to the public) would be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
  • Approved a special exception request by Kelsey and Jeremy Whitmer to operate a bed and breakfast on a 10-acre site on the north side of Hanlon Terrace, about 1,100 feet west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. The site contains a two-story residence. The applicants propose to use the mother-in-law suite as their residence and to operate the bed and breakfast out of the remaining area of the existing structure. The applicants also wish to host events inside the bed and breakfast. The applicants note that the property can accommodate up to 10 guests at a time and the farmhouse provides a unique setting for nightly accommodations.
  • Recommended the County Commission approve a zoning request by Amanda M. Bray, aka Simmons, to change the zoning from a mobile home district to an agricultural residential district. The 3.78-acre property is at the southeast corner of the intersection of Hillbrook Avenue and Westbrook Street. The item now goes to the Pasco County Commission for a final vote, which is scheduled on Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

Published October 30, 2019

Planning Commission supports requested changes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has given its stamp of approval for a number of requests that would affect property use in the central and eastern portions of Pasco County.

The Planning Commission makes the final decision on special exception requests, but its decisions can be appealed to the Pasco County Commission. The County Commission has authority over other land use and zoning matters.

At its Oct. 10 public hearing in Dade City, the planning commission:

  • Approved a special exception request by Gianna Mari Siervo Fragoso for a kennel for dog training on a 1.08-acre site on the east side of Boyette Road, about 650 feet north of Clearview Drive. The kennel, at 7242 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel, will be used for dog training, boarding and breeding. Conditions limit use of the site to 30 dogs and specify that operating hours (open to the public) would be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
  • Approved a special exception request by Kelsey and Jeremy Whitmer to operate a bed and breakfast on a 10-acre site on the north side of Hanlon Terrace, about 1,100 feet west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. The site contains a two-story residence. The applicants propose to use the mother-in-law suite as their residence and to operate the bed and breakfast out of the remaining area of the existing structure. The applicants also wish to host events inside the bed and breakfast. The applicants note that the property can accommodate up to 10 guests at a time and the farmhouse provides a unique setting for nightly accommodations.
  • Recommended the County Commission approve a zoning request by Amanda M. Bray, aka Simmons, to change the zoning from a mobile home district to an agricultural residential district. The 3.78-acre property is at the southeast corner of the intersection of Hillbrook Avenue and Westbrook Street. The item now goes to the Pasco County Commission for a final vote, which is scheduled on Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

New interchange expected to ease traffic on area roads

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Plans are underway to build an interchange connecting Overpass Road to Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, and the project is expected to have a flyover ramp.

The ramp would grant access from westbound Overpass Road to southbound Interstate 75.

The Overpass Road bridge runs east-west above the interstate, which runs north-south.

Richard Moss is the director of transportation development for the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, who is overseeing the project.

Overpass Road, which runs above Interstate 75, will soon have a flyover ramp to connect the two roadways. (Brian Fernandes)

He was present at the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board meeting to explain the development before board members, on Aug. 8.

“That flyover would process a lot more traffic going southbound (on Interstate 75), so it’s a much better design,” Moss said.

This in turn, would help alleviate congestion on main corridors, such as State Road 52 to the north and State Road 54 to the south, the director added.

Construction along Overpass Road would run from its intersections with Old Pasco Road and Boyette Road – a distance of roughly 1 mile.

Overpass Road bridge will need to be remodeled to accommodate the interchange.

“There’s an existing bridge out there,” Moss said. “We’re going to demolish that and it will be a full new interchange.”

Additional lanes are being added to Overpass Road, too.

The stretch from Old Pasco Road to I-75 will be expanded to four lanes; I-75 to Boyette Road, will be six lanes.

And, Blair Drive and McKendree Road, which both run off of Overpass Road, will undergo realignments.

Blair Drive will be disconnected from Overpass Road and will extend southwest to intersect with Old Pasco Road.

McKendree Road also will disconnect from Overpass Road. It will turn eastward, running parallel to Overpass Road before moving up northward and temporarily connecting with Boyette Road.

Future plans call for Boyette Road to extend north, where it will eventually intersect at another end of McKendree Road.

Pasco County and FDOT are operating under two agreements to acquire the necessary land for the project.

Right of way is being acquired for properties on both sides of Overpass Road, west of I-75. It also is being acquired along the west side of I-75, just south of Overpass Road.

A contractor will be selected for the project by Spring 2020, at which point the state transportation department will enter into a design-build contract.

“We anticipate that, being roughly about 800 days to construct,” Moss said. “You’re looking at probably about three years out and that interchange will be open.”

He also noted that there may be a six-month to eight-month gap between hiring the contractor and beginning construction.

The project will cost approximately $70 million and is expected to be completed by 2023.

Published September 18, 2019

Region offers plenty of ‘Independence’ celebrations

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Residents within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area will have plenty of options for celebrating the nation’s independence this year.

With various Fourth of July celebrations occurring, one common event will be fireworks shows, illuminating the sky with much color. (File)

Some festivities are being held before the Fourth of July, some are scheduled on the holiday itself, and there are a couple being held at the end of the holiday weekend.

Whether you enjoy watching a parade, like to run, enjoy listening to live music or get a kick out of fireworks — you’ll be able to find a place locally, or within the region, to celebrate the way you like best.

Enjoy the festivities, and be careful out there.

Here’s a roundup of area and regional activities:

LAND O’ LAKES
Connerton’s Independence Day Party
Where: Connerton Community, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: June 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to a pre-Independence Day celebration consisting of games, live music, local crafters, food trucks, bounces houses and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 996-5800

Fourth of July Concert for a Cause Celebration
Where: Bexley by Newland Communities, 16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of a concert, food trucks, a kids’ bike parade and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 425-7555

LUTZ
Red White & Blue Sunday
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road
When: June 30 at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $7 per person; $25 per family
Details: Celebrate Independence Day early, with a Sunday service followed by a barbecue meal.
Info: call (813) 949-7727 or email .

Lutz Family Fireworks Celebration
Where: Idlewild Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.
When: June 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy an evening filled with a choir and orchestra performance, a guest speaker, topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515

Lutz Independence Day Race
Where: Lutz Train Depot in front of Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
When: July 4 at 8 a.m.; yoga stretches will proceed the race at 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Cost: Online: $25 for the 5K; $10 for the 1-mile; $27 for both 5K and 1-mile run
Same day registration: $30 for the 5K; $15 for the 1-mile; $27 for both
Details: Participants can either walk or run in the 5K run or the 1-mile sprint that follows.
Info: To register, visit  https://www.active.com/lutz-fl/running/distance-running-races/lutz-independence-day-run-2019.

July 4th Parade
Where: The parade begins at the intersection at Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane heading east to U.S. 41. (Most spectators gather along the parade route, or near the Lutz Branch Public Library)
When: July 4 at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The parade will consist of dozens of floats. There will be vendors, a cake/bake competition, snow cones and other foods. The winner of the title of the honorary Lutz Guv’na also will be announced. Trophies and prizes also will be awarded that day for runners and for winning parade entries.
Info: Call Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or email

Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Cheval Golf & Athletic Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd.
When: July 4 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Independence Day at the golf club with food, games, water slides, bounce houses, a live band and finished off with fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 949-4231

WESLEY CHAPEL
July 4th Picnic
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road
When: July 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 907-9081

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park West
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy Independence Day with a bike parade, a pie bake-off, live performances, food trucks and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515 or email

ZEPHYRHILLS
Fourth of July Celebration at Skydive City
Where: Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills
When: 8 a.m. July 6 to 9 p.m. July 7
Cost: Free
Details: The one-day event will have an open field for recreational vehicles to park. Patrons can enjoy custom-made hamburgers and adults will have special beverages reserved.
Info: Call (800) 888-5867 or visit www.SkyDiveCity.com/Event/4th-of-July-Celebration/

DADE CITY
El Cuatrofest
Where: Barrington Hill Farm, 16117 Lake Lola Road, Dade City
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Details: At this outdoor event, guests can listen to live music while enjoying watermelon-eating contests, artisan vendors, food trucks, various games and topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (727) 643-6128; for tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/el-cuatrofest-food-trucks-fireworks-fun-at-the-farm-tickets-61433026837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

REGIONAL EVENTS
American Victory’s Freedom Fest
Where: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: July 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for age 13 and up; $7 for ages 4 to 12; $10 for active military or veterans
Details: Aboard the historical World War II ship SS American Victory, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, games and view a fireworks show.
Info: Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/2KnjcYh. For further inquiries, call (813) 228-8766 or visit www.AmericanVictory.org.

Tampa Red, White and Blue Fest
Where: Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: July 4 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate America’s birthday with southern food, ice cream, a dog walk and prize giveaways.
Info: Call (813) 226-0988

Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Competition
Where: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
When: July 4 at 4 p.m.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Details: Hosted by local comedian Chuck Glass, the contest will offer both beef and vegan hot dogs to choose from. Contestants will have the chance to win a $500 gift card, a $100 gift card, a championship belt and t-shirts.
Info: Email . Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fourth-of-july-hot-dog-eating-competition-tickets-62875790181?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3nKaUVDR3g1GMkBQjmHVaLhophgDf3EJISD78VSDw97DidaaO2fyiTRAA

Published June 26, 2019

Construction crews busy on roadwork in Pasco County

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When it comes to construction activity on Pasco County roads, State Road 52 is a hotspot.

At least that was the message that David Gwynn, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven, delivered during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s breakfast meeting.

Gwynn briefed the audience on the state transportation department’s current and upcoming projects in Pasco, during the June 4 session at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Construction barrels, like these, have been a familiar sight on State Road 52, as work has been done to widen the road. (File)

“We’re trying to address some of our major issues we have in the transportation system in the region,” the transportation secretary told the crowd. “The State Road 52 Corridor is one that we’ve really put a lot of money into in the last few years, and we’re going to continue to do that in the near future.”

Among the projects, the state DOT is widening State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to the east of U.S. 41.

That stretch will be expanded to six divided lanes.

It is currently under design, with construction expected to begin later this year, Gwynn said.

Heading from east of U.S. 41 to west of County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard), State Road 52 will be expanded to four divided lanes.

State Road 52 also will be expanded to four divided lanes from County Road 581 to Old Pasco Road, with that project expected to be completed this year.

In 2020, the state DOT expects to widen U.S. 41 to a four-lane road, from just south of State Road 52 to Connerton Boulevard.

The biggest project, Gwynn said, will introduce a new State Road 52 route to U.S. 301.

That project involves widening the road to four lanes, beginning at the intersection of State Road 52 and Uradco Place, extending to the Bayou Branch Canal.

East of the canal, a brand new four-lane State Road 52 will branch off (south of existing State Road 52) and eventually will merge with Clinton Avenue.

This new alignment, expected to begin this fall, will provide an additional route from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301.

When that project is completed, the existing State Road 52 will be turned over to Pasco County to become County Road 52.

U.S. 301 is scheduled for several improvements, too.

There are plans to repave U.S. 301 from Pond Avenue to the north of Long Avenue. And, another project will widen the stretch from County Road 54 (Eiland Boulevard) to north of Kossik Road into six lanes.

David Gwynn is the secretary of District Seven for the Florida Department of Transportation. On June 4, at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel, he informed an audience about Pasco County’s new road projects. (Brian Fernandes)

Another project would expand U.S. 301 to four lanes south of State Road 56 to south of State Road 39. That two-mile project is expected to include a median, as well as a bike lane, sidewalk and a shared-use path.

Another two-fold project is under evaluation on U.S. 301, Gwynn said.

That project would expand the stretch from State Road 39 to Corey Street in Downtown Zephyrhills. Then, branching out from the Corey Street intersection would be two newly built one-way roads.

Each road would hold three lanes, run parallel to U.S. 301 and end just south of County Road 54.

Gwynn also mentioned the plans to add another entrance in Wesley Chapel from Interstate 75.

The new diamond interchange would connect Overpass Road to the interstate by way of a flyover ramp.

Overpass Road would be accommodated with two additional lanes from its intersection with Old Pasco Road to the exit ramp getting off the interstate.

From the ramp, to the intersection with Boyette Road, Overpass Road would be widened to six lanes. No start date has been determined yet, Gwynn said.

The director also revealed that Wesley Chapel is one of five areas being studied as a possible public transportation hub for traveling cross-county.

It would afford commuters traveling out of Pasco County to neighboring Hillsborough County an alternative from personal transportation.

And, Gwynn informed attendees of the new Florida legislation to build three multi-use corridors, adding new toll roads as well.

“The main purpose of them is to revitalize some of the rural communities that may have been left behind as Florida has prospered – to encourage job creation in these areas,” the director said.

One local corridor will be the Northern Turnpike Connector, which will bridge the Florida Turnpike northwest to the Suncoast Parkway.

Construction on the corridors is set for late 2022.

Gwynn also mentioned that the construction of the long-awaited diverging diamond in Wesley Chapel is still progressing.

The project, which is reconfiguring the State Road 56 bridge overpassing Interstate 75, will crisscross eastbound and westbound lanes upon reaching the bridge.

Four through lanes and two left-turn lanes will make up the westbound road on the south end of the bridge, to better accommodate heavier traffic flow. The eastbound road will hold only three lanes on the north end.

The project is still set to be completed in late 2021, Gwynn said.

Published June 12, 2019

Passover begins April 19

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The Jewish holiday of Pesach, or Passover, is an eight-day festival celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.

This year, it runs from April 19 to April 27

Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Following its rituals allows the Jewish community to relive and experience the freedom of their ancestors.

Observances: Passover is divided into two parts. The first two days, April 19 and April 20, and the last two days, April 26 and April 27, are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit at night, and holiday meals (Seders) are usually enjoyed for one or two days. The middle four days are referred to as Chol Hamoed, or semi-festive “intermediate days.” To commemorate the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate when they left Egypt, Jews don’t eat chametz, or leavened grain, from midday of the day before Passover until the conclusion of the holiday.

Seders: The highlight of Passover is the Seder, typically observed on each of the first two nights of the Passover holiday. The Seder is a 15-step, family-oriented tradition and ritual-packed feast.

Focal points of the Seder include:

  • Eating matzah, which is unleavened bread
  • Eating bitter herbs to commemorate the bitter slavery endured by the Israelites
  • Drinking four cups of wine or grape juice to celebrate the newfound freedom
  • The recitation of the Haggadah, a liturgy that describes the story of the Exodus from Egypt. It begins with a child asking the traditional “Four Questions.”

Symbolic Seder foods:

  • Maror—bitter herbs, usually horseradish, to serve as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery
  • Saltwater—symbolizing the tears of the slaves
  • Charoset—sweet paste made of fruit and nuts, symbolizing the mortar the slaves used to build the Egyptian pyramids
  • Zeroah—shank bone, representing the Passover sacrifice
  • Beitzah—hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life and birth associated with the spring season
  • Karpas—a leafy green vegetable, usually a piece of lettuce, symbolizing hope and redemption
  • Some traditional Ashkenazi Passover dishes include gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, brisket, tzimmis (sweet carrot and fruit dish), and macaroons and sponge cake (made from matzah meal) for dessert.

Passover events

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle, Wesley Chapel
What: Community Seder, featuring gourmet cuisine, wine and handmade Shemurah Matzo, while reliving the exodus and discovering the eternal message of Pesach in a fun and interactive format
When: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $30 per person, $100 per family, or $250 per sponsor
Info: Call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Taanit Bechorim “First Born Siyyum” and breakfast; Erev Pesah I Services/Shabbat Service
When: Friday, April 19 at 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 962 6338,  or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
What: A Minha Minyan before Pesah
When: Friday, April 19 at 5 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa
What: Second Night Passover Seder
When: Saturday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Call (813) 968-8511, or visit BethAmTampa.org.

Where: Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue, 7107 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
What: Passover Seder
When: Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $20 per adult, $10 for children ages 4 to 10
Info: Call (813) 760-3269, or visit ShoreshDavid.org.

Where: Chabad Jewish Center, 10733 Maple Creek Drive, Trinity
What: First Seder, featuring family seating, handmade Matzah and full dinner with all the trimmings
When: Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $36 for adults, $18 for children
Info: Call (727) 376-3366, or visit ChabadWP.com.

Published April 17, 2019

District park to get recreational center

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Back when plans were originally developed for the Wesley Chapel District Park, the intention was to build an indoor recreation center as part of the complex, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“Over time, with the downturn and people were saving money — cutting budget, it never happened,” Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is pleased that the county is pursuing plans to build an indoor recreation center at the county’s Wesley Chapel District Park. He’s excited about the new opportunities it will create for area residents. (B.C. Manion)

Now, plans for the indoor center are again proceeding for the district park at 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel.

“I asked it to be put in last year’s budget,” Moore said, noting he expects the county to soon select a design firm to design the building.

A county staff committee reviews the qualifications of those seeking to do the design work, Moore said.

“Once they choose the firm that meets the qualifications, they bring their choice to us,” Moore said. Generally, that’s approved by the board without debate, he said.

He expects the indoor recreation center to be similar to the building at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, and the budget for the project is approximately $3 million, Moore said.

He knows the indoor center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I’ve been very involved at Wesley Chapel District Park for a number of years,” he said, noting he’s coached baseball, soccer and flag football.

“There’s a lot of people out there on a daily basis,” Moore said.

“Right now, they’re playing basketball outside. The leagues are playing outside, plus, just the general public is playing outside.

“Well, the downfall, it’s hot in the summer — and then, rain,” Moore said. “You figure if it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s 120 (degrees) on that court.”

An indoor facility can be used year-round, he noted. And, “it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside. It doesn’t matter how hot it is.”

Plus, he said, “it’s just a safer environment for the kids.”

The new center also will give the community a chance to offer volleyball leagues, Moore said.

“I know for a fact, a lot of the girls and guys who are playing in volleyball are going to other places, whether it be Collier Parkway or New Tampa,” Moore said.

But, sports-minded people aren’t the only ones who will benefit, he said.

It also will create a new gathering space for the community.

He envisions a wide range of people using the center, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, aerobics classes, yoga classes, and various other classes and organizations.

“Think about those things they’re doing at Collier (Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), we could do them here,” Moore said. “I think about some of our retirees, our seniors, during the day — people could have Bridge Club or knitting.”

Right now, there are about 500 boys and girls in the basketball league each year, ranging from age 7 to 17, and there are no volleyball leagues at the park.

“My assumption is that you would see the leagues increase.

“I think it’s a deterrent for people to join when you play outdoors, because of the heat and everything,” he said.

There will be more parking, too.

“When you expand capacity, obviously you need additional parking,” Moore said.

He hopes the center is completed in time to open in early 2020.

Published November 21, 2018

Wesley Chapel church aims to extend God’s grace to others

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If there’s one thing that Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community Church, knows for certain it’s this — the church that he leads is physical proof that God is “able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all that we ask or imagine.”

Indeed, that’s part of a Bible verse that Olsen said summarizes the church’s entire quest to build a permanent home at 7107 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community Church, said the building project has been blessed abundantly. He estimates that volunteers completed 50 percent of the labor, saving the church between $500,000 and $600,000. (B.C. Manion)

“This project was beyond us. It took more resources, more help, more finances than we could do on our own. But, we’re doing it because we want to reach beyond ourself to others — a church that’s for others,” Olsen said.

The church moved into its new home in July, but is hosting its grand opening celebration on Sept. 9, with services planned at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., a free barbecue lunch at noon and a pizza night for its teen ministry starting at 6 p.m.

Olsen describes the church as a contemporary church, with some traditional elements.

“We’re a Good News church, not just good advice. The good news is that God loves you,” Olsen said, and that’s the central message of its ministry.

Building the 7,760-square-foot church required an army of volunteers, and, Olsen said, adding that by God’s grace, they showed up.

The property was acquired in 2014, the plans were done in 2015, the site preparations were completed in 2016. The ground-breaking service was on July 1, 2017.

“In most churches, a traditional groundbreaking is some gold shovels, a couple of pictures and everyone walks away. That was not this project,” Olsen said.

Volunteers from Carpenters for Christ help to build Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Grace Community Church)

“We dug all of the footers on groundbreaking day. We had dozens of volunteers over the Fourth of July weekend. One of the church members had an excavator. Others brought shovels,” he said.

It took about 50 volunteers about six weeks to complete the footers, rebar and concrete forms, the pastor said.

Over the course of the entire project, about 250 volunteers pitched in, doing everything they were allowed and able to do, the pastor said.

He estimated that the volunteers completed about 50 percent of the labor on the project, saving the church between $500,000 and $600,000.

“We didn’t do mechanical, electrical, plumbing or even erection of the steel structure,” Olsen said.

Besides a core group of church volunteers, other helpers came from far and wide.

Crews from Carpenters for Christ, based in Auburn, Alabama, showed up twice to help.

Other groups of volunteers came from Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

A group of pastors helped. Boy Scout Troop 177 helped. And, a volunteer crew chief came down from Connecticut to provide guidance to volunteers from early January through late March, Olsen said.

“So many people did so much,” Olsen said.

Robert Whorley used an excavator to help dig footers.

“Just when we’d done all we thought we were able to do, somebody else would come, (and) somebody else was able to come – until it was finished.

“It was exciting. It was tiring. It was wonderful to see that God could do something beyond what we asked or imagined. What a joy to be part of something like that,” Olsen said.

The church building features a foyer that can be used for small gatherings, a sanctuary that can accommodate 200, a preschool classroom, the pastor’s office and other rooms.

Olsen’s wife, Heather, oversees the preschool that began operations in August.

“When I think of Grace Community, I think of a community of people who come from diverse backgrounds, but are committed to building a better community by God’s grace.

“We are not here trying to convince anybody that our church is more amazing than anybody else’s in town,” Olsen said.

“We’ve seen an amazing God do something amazing things, and we believe he can do that in their lives.

“There’s a tendency, right now in churches, on sermons that are success-based and that are good advice.

“We are a Good News church. We declare the historical Christian faith, God’s love. The gospel is central. Grace is what we are about.

“You can come here weary or broken and find help or find hope, find people who care,” Olsen said.

As the church moves forward, it intends to look for ways to extend God’s grace to others, through a variety of programs at the church and through outreach ministries.

And, while the church celebrates its grand opening, it also has plenty of space to accommodate future growth.

When that might happen isn’t yet clear, Olsen said.

That’s a matter of “God’s timing,” the pastor said.

Grace Community Church grand opening
When: Sept. 9, with services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., followed by a free barbecue lunch at noon. The Walk Student Ministries, for teenagers, will kick off its fall season with a pizza party from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 7107 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Info: Visit ExploreGrace.com, or call (813) 994-9363.

Published September 5, 2018