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Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Citizens Drive

Neighbors battle townhomes near Lake Thomas

February 5, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Residents living near Lake Thomas are fighting a proposed townhome project, on approximately 42 acres, on the west side of U.S. 41, about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, appeared at the Jan. 23 Pasco County Planning Commission hearing, seeking a change to the county’s land use plan to increase the potential density on the site from three dwellings per acre to six dwellings per acre.

Obtaining the land use change is just the first step in the process. A rezoning also would be required before the townhomes could be built.

Wilhite said her client is aiming for a 218-unit townhome project on the property, which represents a density of 4.8 units per acre.

She said meetings have been held with neighbors and, as a result, conditions will be included with the rezoning request to address concerns that have been raised.

Several neighbors voiced objections during the public hearing.

Shirley Schmidt, 21133 Marsh Hawk Drive, Land O’ Lakes, who lives at The Preserve at Lake Thomas, said 300 feet of her property is immediately adjacent to the subject property.

The developer has listened, but she still objects, she said.

“He’s made revisions to address many of our concerns, but there is one overwhelming objection that cannot be mitigated if this project is approved — density, and its impact on traffic.

“The Ridge Road extension project, which is going forward within a few years, will dump a huge flow of traffic onto (U.S.) 41, just north of where this project is located.

“That alone will result in an unbearable increase in the traffic volume. Now, add yet another 400 vehicles from this project, and you’ll be one step closer to total gridlock.

“The traffic light at 41 and Ehren Cutoff is dangerous already. Residents from the proposed townhouse development, who need to go north, will be turning south onto 41 and crossing three lanes of traffic in the space of approximately 200 yards, to do a U-turn. That southbound turn lane creates a blind zone for those headed north and attempting to turn into our subdivision.

“We, in The Preserve at Lake Thomas, lost a resident not less than three months ago to a horrible accident, with this exact scenario.

“Please protect the rights and safety of the existing residents with your ‘No’ vote on this project,” she urged planning commissioners.

Scott Hitt, of 21008 Little Lake Thomas Road, is concerned about impacts of intensifying development.

“You get a bunch of people piled in on top of each other and you’re going to get stuff that starts happening. Right now, we leave our doors unlocked. We have stuff all over the place. Nothing goes missing. It’s kind of a cool place. It’s a gem that’s hidden away in here.

He urged commissioners to reject the request: “It’s not a good fit.”

“We’re not against development. Development is good, just not R-6.”

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey asked: “What is good?”

“R-3 (the current land use) is good,” Hitt replied.

Joe Seidle, of 20955 Lake Thomas Road, has lived in the area since 1982.

“We’re not saying we’re anti-growth. We’re saying, ‘It’s too many units,’” Seidle said.

“I haven’t heard one compelling need to change the land use. It’s Res-3, why are we changing it?”

Kathy Eshleman, of 5419 Shell Road, turned in two petitions with signatures from 99 people who couldn’t attend, but are opposed to the request.

She voiced her opposition, and she told planning commissioners she would prefer the development of single-family homes, within the existing density.

Other speakers objected to the intensification of development and voiced concerns about the

potential impacts on traffic, drainage and the quality of Lake Thomas.

Changing Land O’ Lakes’ character?
Ed Bly, of 21117 Lake Thomas Road, asked planning commissioners to consider the precedent that change would set. “This decision will forever change all of Land O’ Lakes, not just the Little Lake Thomas community,” Bly said.

Jane Smith, of 5353 School Road, Land O’ Lakes, is worried about the impacts to the lake, as more people move into the area. “I’m concerned about the runoff, with 218 units.”

Wilhite brought a team of experts to talk about her client’s intentions for the project.

Alexis Crespo, a certified land use planner with Waldrop Engineering, said the client recognizes that a binding project plan and conditions are important, in order for his request to be successful.

Many changes have already been made to the plan, in response to concerns that have been raised, she said.

For instance, the proposed access to the site will be directly from U.S. 41.

Also, the units will be clustered internally to limit impact from the buildings on adjacent single-family residences.

The units also will be limited to four-unit townhomes, two stories in height, she said, and the project will have substantial buffering.

The conditions for the proposed rezoning also address concerns about boat access to Lake Thomas, she said.

“This will have a passive boardwalk for residents, but no motorized or non-motorized boats will be able to access the lake from this project.”

She said the proposed project is consistent with the county’s vision for infill development in areas where there are water, sewer, schools and roadways to serve it.

She also noted that townhomes represents a diversity in type of residential development, and said many beautiful master-planned communities within Pasco County regularly incorporate housing diversity within their communities.

Steve Henry, of Lincks & Associates, said the additional traffic generated from the change compared to what’s currently permitted would have a negligible effect on U.S. 41.

He also noted the developer plans to put a right-turn lane in and a right-turn out lane at the project’s driveway.

Roy Mazur, professional engineer with WRA Engineering, said the project would not be allowed to cause flooding to on-site or off-site property, or to create adverse impacts on water quality.

“Even though a lot of the site will be impervious — there will be concrete, asphalt, buildings — our discharge in the developed condition cannot exceed that the discharge of the existing condition. That’s why the (retention) ponds are there,” Mazur said.

Wilhite also noted that the installation of the boardwalk will prevent access to the lake.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein noted that Crespo had presented a site plan that had more detail than is typically included in a master unit plan development.

He asked Wilhite if the zoning request for the master plan unit development will have a detailed plan that will be adopted with the zoning.

Wilhite said her client is willing to document commitments, but hasn’t finalized the plan that will accompany the rezoning request.

“Nobody likes us to say things and then not do them. I get that. That’s not our intent,” Wilhite said.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox asked Wilhite if her client is committed to proposed conditions contained in the master plan unit development narrative, including no access onto Little Lake Thomas Road, no boat access onto Lake Thomas and buffering requirements.

Wilhite said: “That’s correct.”

“It seems to me that these conditions address a ton of the concerns of residents,” Cox said.

Wilhite also noted: “The boardwalk concept was put in place as a means of enforcing what we say, which is no motorized, or non-motorized access to Lake Thomas.”

It provides a barrier to keep boats out, she explained.

Chairman Grey said,  “We’re here really to talk about the number of units we want to allow on the site. Personally, I think maybe R-6 is a little bit too intense.”

The planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the requested land use change.

Commissioners Richard Tonello, Peter Hanzel and Chairman Grey voted no.

The issue now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which makes final land use and zoning decisions in the county.

The County Commission is scheduled to consider the request on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published February 05, 2020

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Alexis Crespo, Barbara Wilhite, Charles Grey, Citizens Drive, David Goldstein, Ed Bly, Ehren Cutoff, Jane Smith, Joe Seidle, Kathy Eshleman, Lake Thomas, Lake Thomas Road, Land O' Lakes, Lincks & Associates, Little Lake Thomas Road, Marsh Hawk Drive, Michael Cox, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Planning Commission, Peter Hanzel, Richard Tonello, Ridge Road, Roy Mazur, School Road, Scott Hitt, Shell Road, Shirley Schmidt, Steve Henry, The Preserve at Lake Thomas, U.S. 41, Waldrop Engineering, West Pasco Government Center, WRA Engineering

Central Pasco project calls for 280 Class A apartments

September 11, 2019 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a project that includes 280 apartments and 49,500 square feet of commercial, on the north side of State Road 54, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Collier Parkway.

The site, approximately 25.4 acres, is about 2 miles west of the interchange of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

The request received a recommendation for approval by county planners.

Attorney Clarke Hobby represents the A.G. Spanos Companies and the Aiken Trust.

“I’m very excited to be representing the Spanos Corporation,” Hobby told planning commissioners.

“My client tells me that they intend on building the nicest multifamily community that’s been built in Pasco County. It’s a very substantial company that’s built over 100,000 multifamily apartments. They’re all Class A around the United States for over 50 years.

“I feel it’s going to be a quality project, with quality people involved,” Hobby said.

The main access to the site would be from the intersection of State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, an existing signalized intersection.

The commercial portion of the request would be developed near the front of the property, to take advantage of the signalized intersection, Hobby said.

Hobby also noted that the applicant is seeking, In a separate action, an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, and the Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to forward that request to the state for review.

Such reviews are a standard part of the plan amendment process.

Hobby said his client wants to be a good neighbor.

“We realized there are about 10 or 12 houses that are adjacent to where the multifamily area will be back here, but we agreed to a 75-foot setback from our property boundary that effectively will create a 90- to a 100-foot setback from any home in here,” the attorney said.

“Additionally, this whole area already has mature oak trees on their side, and we’ll be planting  a large buffer on our end,” he said.

Karen Mason, who lives on Foggy Bottom Parkway told planning commissioners that she wasn’t there to speak for or against the request. However, she did note that within a 1-mile radius of the Twin Lakes community there are 1,659 apartment units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms.

“That’s within a 1-mile radius. You don’t have to travel much further to find many more. We’re not privy to the number of entitlements approved for that area,” she said. At the same time, however, Mason said she believes the Spanos Companies will build a quality project.

John Pavka, who has lived in the community for 25 years, said he lives within 400 feet of where the apartments will be built. He opposes the project.

“If you approve this and this thing goes through, my neighborhood is going to take a hit,” Pavka said.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel asked if there could be negative consequences if the apartment market becomes overbuilt, and the economy cools.

Hobby responded: “I do not believe we are overbuilt or over-planned on multifamily units, now.

“We commissioned a firm to do a market study and they showed the penetration rates, even with the ones coming online, they’re all leasing up.”

He also said his client wouldn’t invest in a project that’s in the ballpark of $60 million if there was uncertainty the market could sustain it.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox supported the request, making a motion for its approval.

“I’m a big believer of the capital markets. What’s being built is what’s being demanded.

“Recessions are normal. We go through them periodically. It’s part of the business cycle,” he said.

Cox said the project is clearly in keeping with the intent of the county’s comprehensive plan.

Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval to the Pasco County Commission, which is scheduled to consider it at a public hearing on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published September 11, 2019

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: A.G. Spanos Companies, Aiken Trust, Citizens Drive, Clarke Hobby, Collier Parkway, Foggy Bottom Parkway, John Pavka, Karen Mason, Michael Cox, Oak Grove Boulevard, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Planning Commission, Peter Hanzel, State Road 54, Twin Lakes, Wesley Chapel Boulevard, West Pasco Government Center

Changes recommended for Connerton’s master-plan development

August 28, 2019 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of changes to the Connerton Village II Master Planned Unit Development to adjust the boundaries for the regional park and elementary/middle school, and to remove the extension of the Plains Parkway north of Connerton Boulevard.

These changes are based on a land swap between Lennar Homes LLC, the Pasco County School Board and Pasco County.

The applicant also proposes to add an additional neighborhood encompassing 268 acres, adding 225 single-family units from the remaining Phase I entitlements. The changes also call for updating the Connerton Village II internal access points to reflect the pending development.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the changes, which they said are consistent with the previously approved land swap.

No one from the public spoke for or against the proposed changes, during the Planning Commission’s Aug. 22 public hearing on the request.

In backup materials provided to the planning commission, the county’s planners noted that the previously proposed extension of Pleasant Plains Parkway north of Connerton Boulevard would “bifurcate the new district park site and frustrate the basic purpose.”

Planners also noted that “the additional 225 units are being drawn from the remaining Phase 1 residential entitlements approved for the Development of Regional Impact. With the additional 225 units, the total aggregate units in Village II increases from 1,704 to 1,929.

The property is on the east and west sides of Flourish Drive, and the north and south sides of Connerton Boulevard.

The request is slated for public hearing before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 18, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., in the board’s chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published August 28, 2019

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Citizens Drive, Connerton Boulevard, Connerton Village II, Lennar Homes, New Port Richey, Pasco County Planning Commission, Pasco County School Board, Plains Parkway, Pleasant Plains Parkway, West Pasco Government Center

Review committee to talk about school impact fees

May 24, 2017 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s Development Review Committee is slated to discuss a proposal that would raise the impact fees charged to new residential development to help address the impact that new growth has on schools.

Under the proposed ordinance, the fees could be used to build new schools, acquire school sites or purchase new school buses.

Bexley Elementary School, depicted in this rendering, is set to open in the fall for the 2017-2018 school year. Rapid residential growth in Pasco County has prompted a need for new schools, and the Pasco County School Board is asking the Pasco County Commission to increase school impact fees to help pay for new growth.
(File)

Pasco County already imposes school impact fees, but the new fees would be substantially more than is currently collected.

Here are the proposed fees:

  • Single-family detached residences: $7,540, for homes 1,500 square feet or less; $9,785 for homes between 1,501 square feet and 2,499 square feet; and, $12,028 for homes of 2,500 square feet or more
  • Single-family attached: $3,633 per dwelling
  • Mobile homes: $5,544 per dwelling
  • Multifamily: $5,295 per dwelling

These are the current fees:

  • Single-family detached: $4,828 per dwelling (no distinction based on size)
  • Single-family attached: $1,740 per dwelling
  • Mobile home: $2,843 per dwelling
  • Multifamily: $1,855 per dwelling

The fees do not apply to age-restricted communities, where residents are 55 and older.

Even if the county adopts the proposed rates, school district officials estimate a $284 million shortfall in revenue needed for capital construction during the next decade.

The development review committee meeting, which is open to the public, is set for May 25 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco County Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The development review committee, under the direction of the county administrator, reviews proposed developments and policies, and makes recommendations to the Pasco County Commission. It includes representatives of several different county departments and a representative from Pasco County Schools’ staff.

The school impact fee issue boils down to rapidly increasing school enrollment outpacing the school district’s ability to build schools to house the students.

Concerned about the problem, the school district hired a consultant to do an impact fee study.

That study recommended substantially higher impact fees.

The County Commission reacted by appointing a Pasco County School Infrastructure Funding Committee, which recommended the consultant’s highest fees be adopted, but only if the school board put a referendum on the 2018 ballot seeking a sales tax increase to support school construction.

The infrastructure funding committee’s recommendation fell flat with county commissioners, who resisted the idea of requiring the referendum.

As Commission Chairman Mike Moore put it during a May 2 workshop on the issue: “I’m not very keen on the recommendation for this board to attempt to almost hijack the process, or tie the school board’s hands by forcing them to go out and raise the sales tax. That makes me uncomfortable.”

Instead, commissioners directed county staff to prepare an ordinance to increase the school impact fee, and to schedule the development review committee meeting and two public hearings.

Absent specific direction for the amount to include in the proposed ordinance, the county’s legal staff said it would use the full amount recommended by the consultant.

The proposed ordinance does not include a requirement for the school board to ask voters for a sales tax increase to support schools.

But, it notes that except for annual adjustments that may be made based on construction costs, “the school impact fee shall not be updated in a manner that would result in an increased school impact fee for (a) period of 10 years after the effective date of the 2017 school impact fee rate increase.”

In addition to the review committee’s session, the County Commission has set two public hearings on the proposed changes to the county’s school impact fees.

Considerable debate is likely.

Proponents of the higher fees are expected to contend that new growth should pay for itself, that there’s no question the schools are needed and that there are no other sources of revenue available.

Opponents, on the other hand are likely to argue that new development is being forced to shoulder too much of the cost, that the size of the fees put Pasco County in a competitive disadvantage and that the higher fees will make it essentially impossible to provide affordable housing.

The first public hearing on the the school impact fees issue is set for June 20 at 1:30 p.m., in the commission’s board room at the West Pasco Government Center. The second is set for July 11 at 1:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Historic County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published May 24, 2017

Filed Under: Education, Local News Tagged With: Citizens Drive, Dade City, Historic County Courthouse, impact fees, Meridian Avenue, Mike Moore, New Port Richey, Pasco County, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Schools, West Pasco County Government Center

There are plenty of ways to help this season

December 7, 2016 By B.C. Manion

If you would like to help someone else during the holidays, there are plenty of ways you can do that.

Here’s a look at some of the efforts underway that could use more support.

Donate a Bicycle
This effort, spearheaded by Caroline Contractors LLC, is seeking donations of money, bicycles or helmets. Those wishing to donate bicycles or helmets can drop them off at these locations:

  • Caroline Contractors LLC, 18039 U.S. 41, Suite B, Lutz, 33558
  • Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago. (File Photo)
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago.
(File Photo)

Bicycles must be dropped off by Dec. 10. If you can’t drop off your donation, Caroline Contractors will pick it up. If you don’t have time to shop, Caroline Contractors will be happy to take your cash donation and do the shopping for you. For more information, call (813) 931-4611.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax collector helps Toys for Tots
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is collecting Toys for Tots at the county’s five tax offices. The Toys for Tots program is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It seeks new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers.  Bring your donations to these locations by Dec. 22.

  • West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey, 34654
  • Gulf Harbors Office, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, 34652
  • Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41), Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • Wesley Chapel Office, 4610 Pet Lane, CIOI, Wesley Chapel, 33559
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, Dade City, 33523

Home builder helps Toys for Tots
CalAtlantic Homes is hosting “The Great Toy Drive” for the Toys for Tots program. Participants can make a donation of a new, unwrapped toy to any CalAtlantic community through Dec. 11. For locations, visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Auto repair shop helps Toys for Tots
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is trading free oil changes and tire rotations, or $20 in auto repair services, for a new unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots. To find a list of locations, visit IceColdAir.com.

Santa’s Tree
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union is partnering with local children’s charities to help make the holidays brighter for children. This year’s effort benefits the youth of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

Stop by any of the credit union’s offices in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills or Wesley Chapel to pick a gift tag from Santa’s Tree. Purchase the item listed. Return the gift tag and unwrapped gifts to the credit union by Dec. 16 before 6 p.m.

The credit union will do the wrapping and distribution, along with its partners at Thomas Promise.

Blanket Tampa Bay
New or “gently used” blankets are needed for Blanket Tampa Bay’s second annual Blanket Drive. The blankets will be passed out to Tampa’s homeless on Dec. 24 at the Trinity Café in downtown Tampa. For more information, call (813) 300-9277.

Published December 7, 2016

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: CalAtlantic Homes, Caroline Contractors, Central Pasco Government Center, Citizens Drive, Dade City, East Pasco Government Center, Hungry Harry's Family BBQ, Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes Blvd., Lutz, Mike Fasano, New Port Richey, Pet Lane, San Antonio, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, Sixth Street, The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Toys for Tots, Trinity Cafe, U.S. 19, U.S. 41, United States Marine Corps Reserve, Wesley Chapel, West Pasco Government Center, Zephyrhills

Predatory towing under fire

April 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners want to put the brakes on predatory towing of vehicles.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore brought the matter up in February after receiving complaints from residents who chose to call a taxi or a friend for a ride home after an evening of drinks and dinner.

“Someone is being responsible,” said Moore, who discussed the problem again at the April 12 Pasco County Commission meeting. “They take Uber, or they ride home with a friend. They are not putting our citizens at risk on the road.”

TitleBut, Moore said some towing companies sweep through parking lots in the wee hours of the morning, especially on weekends, and haul off any vehicles they find.

Residents wind up paying hefty sums to get their cars back, even though they did the right thing by not driving, Moore said.

On April 26 at 1:30 p.m., a public hearing will be held to consider an amendment to the county’s towing ordinance. The hearing will be in the boardroom of the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have similar ordinances, and Pinellas County is considering one, county officials said.

The amendment would ban removal of a vehicle between 9 p.m. and noon when parked at an establishment licensed to sell beer, wine and alcohol for consumption on premises. The exception would be if the property owner signs an order permitting the removal of a particular vehicle.

A towing company would be required to have such an order prior to hauling off a vehicle.

“It sounds like a reasonable solution to predatory towing,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

Published April 20, 2016

Filed Under: Top Story Tagged With: Citizens Drive, City of Tampa, Mike Moore, New Port Richey, Pasco County Commission, Ted Schrader, Uber, West Pasco Government Center

Pasco officials to discuss potential charter government

February 5, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is having a workshop to explore whether a charter form of government would be in the best interest of residents.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., on Feb. 12 at the West Pasco Government Center, in the boardroom on the first floor. The government center is at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said Pasco County commissioners should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the charter form of government when the board holds a workshop on the issue on Feb.
Pasco County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said Pasco County commissioners should be prepared to ask plenty of questions about the charter form of government when the board holds a workshop on the issue on Feb.

Switching to a charter government could lead to massive changes in Pasco County government.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, is advocating that Pasco voters be allowed the option to vote on whether the county should shift to a government governed by a charter.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano thinks shifting to a charter government would lead to higher taxes and more layers of bureaucracy.

Commissioners discussed the idea at their Jan. 13 meeting, then decided to call a workshop for a more detailed look at the issue.

Under state law, either a majority of county commissioners or a petition signed by 15 percent of the county’s registered voters can create a charter commission. In Pasco, that would require more than 46,000 signatures.

Once a panel is formed, it has 18 months to complete a charter that Pasco voters would adopt or reject.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, Pasco County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said there are 20 charter counties operating across the state’s 67 counties.

The charter dictates the shape that the government will take, he said.

At the board’s Jan. 27 meeting, Schrader reminded commissioners of the upcoming workshop and encouraged them to find out about how charter government works in other jurisdictions.

“We need to make sure we ask as many questions as possible,” Schrader said.

Commissioner Mike Moore said commissioners may benefit from talking with elected officials in jurisdictions using a charter form of government.

Schrader added: “Don’t just stop with the elected officials.”

Constituents served in those jurisdictions may offer a different perspective on the issue, Schrader said.

Schrader said it’s also a good idea to talk with the constituents in those places, to hear how charter government works from their perspective.

The commission has invited representatives from the Florida Association of Counties to provide information and answer questions at the public workshop.

Ginger Delegal, the general counsel for the association of counties, will make a presentation on the charter process. Kurt Sptizer, former executive director of the association of counties and now a private consultant, also will be on hand.

Pasco commissioners also have invited the county’s legislative delegation and the county’s constitutional officers.

Published February 4, 2015

Filed Under: Government, Local News Tagged With: Citizens Drive, Florida Association of Counties, Ginger Delegal, Jeffrey Steinsnyder, Kurt Spitzer, Land O' Lakes, Mike Fasano, Mike Moore, New Port Richey, Pasco County Commission, Richard Corcoran, Ted Schrader, West Pasco Government Center

Commissioners to decide next step on baseball park Tuesday

December 15, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Pasco County officials are set to do exactly what James Talton has wanted over the last few weeks: To terminate the agreement between the two for a massive recreational baseball complex in Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch area.

County commissioners could do just that during its regular meeting in New Port Richey on Tuesday, after Talton’s Pasco Sports LLC failed to provide necessary paperwork to show he had $3 million available to help with the design stage of the project. Talton and retired Major League Baseball player Gary Sheffield wanted to build the complex on 100 acres of land not far from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, which they said could become a significant youth sports training destination.

Yet, finding private financing for what was at one time a $70 million project has been troublesome under the current agreement with the county, Talton has said, and the project could actually move forward without the county’s involvement, or its $11 million in tourist tax dollars.

“in our minds, this is just another step in the process, and we have every intention of getting this project completed,” Talton told The Laker/Lutz News last week. “The current agreement is being terminated. I literally cannot work based on the current financing environment. We will negotiate new terms and have financing in place upon execution so we can move forward immediately.”

How that would work is unclear. The county, at least based on what county administrator Michele Baker has said, is ready to move on with someone else. In a memo to commissioners, Baker said that by canceling the agreement, it will “bring closer to this matter” and “allow the county to pursue future options for the parcel in question.”

Baker also said she will with the county attorney to review the agreement struck with Pasco Sports to see any changes that might be required for the future, and prepare a list of recommendations for commissioners to consider at its Jan. 13 meeting.

The original agreement signed a year ago called for Pasco Sports to provide the county verification of $23 million in financing necessary to design and construct the park by last summer. However, that agreement was amended in July to give Talton and Sheffield a 90-day extension.

It was during that period that Pasco Sports provided a $3 million commitment letter from Hallmark Mergers & Acquisitions LLC, along with a letter from Florida EB-5 Regional Center LLC saying it was committed to raising $20 million in funds.

County officials, however, didn’t feel that was enough to meet the terms of the agreement, and the commission then gave Talton and Sheffield until Dec. 5 to at least show they had $3 million available for the project. That deadline passed, however, with a letter from Talton proposing a new plan that would eliminate the need for the $11 million county contribution — but also remove payouts to the county after it’s built — but nothing in terms of the $3 million.

That prompted Baker to recommend the entire deal be cancelled.

Talton told members of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce last October that his project — consisting of 19 baseball fields, dormitories and other sports-related amenities — could create an estimated 8,000 jobs and a $318 million annual economic impact boost to the county.

Commissioners will have to decide what they’re going to do next at the meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Also expected to be discussed is Commissioner Mike Moore’s proposed sexual predator ordinance, which would prohibit registered sexual predators and sexual offenders from living within 2,500 feet of schools, parks, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and bus stops. Moore unveiled the plan with Pasco County sheriff Chris Nocco last week in Wesley Chapel.

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Chris Nocco, Citizens Drive, Florida EB-5 Regional Center LLC, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Gary Sheffield, Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Hallmark Mergers & Acquisitions LLC, James Talton, Major League Baseball, Michele Baker, Mike Moore, New Port Richey, Pasco County, Pasco Sports LLC, Wesley Chapel, West Pasco Government Center, Wiregrass Ranch

No second drive-thru for Suncoast Parkway McDonald’s?

December 1, 2014 By Michael Hinman

The McDonald’s fast-food restaurant chain has reinvented its drive-thru in recent years to allow two lanes for those seeking to get something to eat on the go.

However, the McDonald’s on State Road 54 near its interchange with Suncoast Parkway may not be joining the ranks of those other restaurants anytime soon.

Pasco County officials are recommending denying a request by McDonald’s Corp. to add that lane to its location at 16330 State Road 54 in Odessa. Their reason? Someone who decides to pull out of the drive-thru line without completing their order won’t have any way to do it.

Members of the Pasco County Development Review Committee are set to discuss the McDonald’s proposal during its regular meeting Dec. 4. The restaurant wants to eliminate a 10-foot bypass lane around the back of the restaurant — and ultimately its drive-thru line — because otherwise, it wouldn’t have enough room to create the double-lane drive-thru.

McDonald’s representative Stephanie Tyrrell filed documents with the county saying an existing traffic pass-through behind the restaurant used primarily for a Target department store, would provide the ability for customers to bypass the drive-thru lane, without the need of having it specifically on the restaurant’s site.

“However, McDonald’s drive-through customers are familiar with the operation of McDonald’s side-by side drive-through lanes,” Tyrrell wrote in her filings. “McDonald’s drive-through customers are aware that if other drive-through customers behind need to exit the lane, they have to remove their vehicles from the lane and provide the space necessary for those customer in need to leave. The customers that remove their vehicles can return to the drive-through lane by circulating around the building.”

Tyrrell points out a similar situation the company faced with a McDonald’s on North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa where a double-lane drive-thru was created last March, with vehicles needing to bypass using an existing pass-through lane for a neighboring retail center. Over the past six months, that drive-thru has “operated successfully,” she added, acting as a good indicator the proposed changes in Odessa would work as well.

However, county senior development review technician Dorothy Masumian tells the development review committee that it would create chaos for customers in the McDonald’s parking lot — especially during the times when someone wants to get out of the drive-thru line.

“With the proposed second drive-through lane, there will be several vehicles in the first and second drive-through lanes that will not be accessible to a bypass lane, and a few vehicles that will not be able to exit the first drive-through lane without asking the vehicles ahead in the queue to move her/his vehicle from the lane,” Masumian said. “This scenario is not in the best interest of the public’s health, safety and welfare in cases of emergencies and/or unforeseen circumstances.”

The McDonald’s is owned by Brickman Management Co. Inc. of Port Richey, which owns eight restaurants in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

McDonald’s will have a chance to plead its case in front of Pasco County administrator Michele Baker and the rest of the development review committee in a meeting set for Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m., at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Pasco County officials initially approved the plan to build the McDonald’s at Suncoast Crossing in 2006, with the restaurant opening a year later.

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brickman Management Co. Inc., Citizens Drive, Dorothy Masumian, Hillsborough County, McDonald's, McDonald's Corp., Michele Baker, New Port Richey, North Dale Mabry Highway, Odessa, Pasco County Development Review Committee, Port Richey, State Road 54, Stephanie Tyrrell, Suncoast Parkway, Tampa, Target

Strong early voter turnout so far in Pasco

October 30, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Brian Corley likes what he’s seeing for the 2014 election so far.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, more than 21 percent of registered voters in Pasco County have dropped a ballot in the voting box, and there’s still two full days of early voting left.

“We’re on pace to beat 2010, and we’re doing that with less than a 10-minute wait” at early voting locations around the county, said Corley, Pasco’s supervisor of elections. “It’s very rewarding, and shows that we are getting things done to get out the vote.”

Nearly 65,300 votes have been cast in Pasco so far, with nearly a third from early voting, and the rest from mail ballots. In a race that includes a tight battle for governor between Charlie Crist and Rick Scott, as well as a high-profile county commission race, more than 29,000 — or 45 percent — of the votes are being cast by Republicans, while more than 23,000, or 35 percent, are coming from Democrats. Another 20 percent, representing just over 13,000 voters, are coming from those with other or no party affiliations.

Republicans continue to turn out in better numbers than Democrats in the race, especially with the GOP only accounting for 38 percent of Pasco’s more than 305,000 voters. Democrats make up 33 percent of the total electorate, while everyone else is at 28 percent.

The voting precinct with the best numbers so far is First Assembly of God in Zephyrhills where 33 percent, or 850 people, have cast an early ballot so far. Political breakdowns there match pretty much the rest of the county with 40 percent Republicans, and 35 percent Democrats.

The lowest numbers so far, however, are coming from Crystal Springs Community Hall just outside of Zephyrhills, where just 86 votes — or less than 10 percent — have been cast. That precinct has nearly 900 total registered voters where Democrats just slightly outnumber Republicans.

Early voting continues through Saturday, with each location open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters also are choosing whether to support three amendments to the state constitution, ranging from land conservation to how state supreme court justices are appointed to medical marijuana.

• East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
• Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
• New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
• The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
• Hudson Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson
• New Port Richey Elections Office, 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey
• Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey
• South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Brian Corley, Charlie Crist, Citizens Drive, Collier Parkway, Crystial Springs Community Hall, Dade City, East Pasco Government Center, First Assembly of God, Holiday, Hudson, Hudson Library, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes Library, Library Road, Little Road, Mile Stretch Drive, New Port Richey, New Port Richey Elections Office, New River Branch Library, Pasco County, Regency Park Library, Rick Scott, Sixth Street, South Holiday Library, State Road 54, The Grove at Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel, Wesley Grove Boulevard, Zephyrhills

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Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.” Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email , or call 352-593-0027. … [Read More...] about ‘Aladdin jr.’

02/24/2021 – ServSafe class/exam

The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will offer a ServSafe Manager Certification Class and Exam on Feb. 24, at the One Stop Shop Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. The class begins at 8:30 a.m., with a review of material from the textbook. The exam will follow lunch. To reserve a spot and order the textbook, register at bit.ly/SafeServFeb2021. Participants should pack a lunch or plan to purchase food during the lunch break. Face masks will be required in the classroom. … [Read More...] about 02/24/2021 – ServSafe class/exam

02/26/2021 – Girls Night Out

The Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, will present a “Girls Night Out Comedy Show” on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. Performing comediennes will be Catherine Maloney, Tiffany Barbee and Angela Nacca. The show will be live-streamed through CarrollwoodCenter.org. Tickets to attend in person are $15 to $20. Online access admission is $10. There are limited seats available for in-person, to ensure social distancing. For information and tickets, visit CarrollwoodCenter.org, or call 813-922-8167. … [Read More...] about 02/26/2021 – Girls Night Out

02/26/2021 – Seafood festival

The sixth annual SunWest Crab & Shrimp Festival will take place Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at SunWest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson. There will be live bands and entertainment, a stone crab claw eating contest, chainsaw carving, crab races and more. Admission is $10, with free entry on Feb. 26. Parking is $5, which supports SunWest Park Development. For information, call 727-674-1464, or visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com. … [Read More...] about 02/26/2021 – Seafood festival

02/27/2021 – Flea market

The Wesley Chapel Antique & Collectible Flea Market will take place on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. There will be food trucks, inflatables, 100-plus vendors, and more. Admission is $5. Parking is free. … [Read More...] about 02/27/2021 – Flea market

02/27/2021 – JunkFest celebration

The Blooming House Junk Shop, 12409 Curley St., in San Antonio, will host a fifth anniversary JunkFest Celebration on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 40 vendors, food, live music, and tons of ‘junk.’ For information, call Laura Bloomer at 813-541-9234, or visit the shop on Facebook and click on the event tab. … [Read More...] about 02/27/2021 – JunkFest celebration

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