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Eagleston Boulevard

Divided county board approves apartment request

April 13, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission voted 3-2 to approve a request for a conditional use to allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick supported the request; commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano opposed it.

That vote followed an initial motion for denial by Moore, seconded by Mariano. But that motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with Starkey, Oakley and Fitzpatrick voting no.

Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation is listed as the applicant, but the hospital chain intends to sell the 16.24-acre site to an apartment developer.

The land currently is zoned for commercial uses.

County regulations allow multifamily development, as a conditional use, in a commercial zoning district — but the county board must approve the conditional use permit.

Pete Pensa, a professional planner from AVID Group representing the applicant, described the proposed development during previous public hearings on the request.

The property is located at 5101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., about one-fourth mile south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The new development will feature three four-story buildings, active and passive recreation areas, preservation of open space, and a connection to an existing multi-use trail on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Pensa said.

Planned amenities include walking trails around a pond, a park, a dog park, picnic areas, a clubhouse and a pool.

The site is south of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which is under construction and expected to open in 2023. The hospital is expected to have over 220 jobs.

County planners and the Pasco County Commission both recommended approval of the conditional use request.

But Moore pushed for denial, during the April 7 public hearing and during a previous public hearing that had been continued.

Moore frequently has criticized what he perceives as an oversaturation of apartment development in District 2, which he represents.

He also has called attention to substantial numbers of residents in Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes — who are opposed to the ever-increasing amount of multifamily development in the area.

Moore has repeatedly implored his colleagues to deny applications that would add to that inventory — citing concerns about potential for long-term negative consequences.

If too much of this type of development is allowed, he said, there’s a prospect of older apartment developments to fall into disrepair and become a community liability — as renters are attracted to newer developments.

He said that has happened in the Brandon area of Hillsborough County, and in the Westshore area of Tampa.

Moore also argues the county should avoid rezoning land now zoned for job-generating uses, such as commercial or industrial properties.

Mariano agrees with that position. The county should retain land designated for uses that create jobs, he said.

But, Starkey said she wants to see evidence that the area is oversaturated with apartments.

County planners are expected to collect data to determine if that’s the case during a proposed 180-day moratorium.

The county board has directed its staff to prepare materials to enact that temporary moratorium, and is expected to vote on the measure on May 4.

If approved, the moratorium would be retroactive to April 1 and would apply to an area roughly defined as between State Road 52, on the north end; U.S. 41, on the west; State Road 54, on the south and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on the east, with the boundary zig-zagging between District 1, represented by Oakley and District 2, represented by Moore.

The data collection is expected to include the amount of current multifamily development and the extent of multifamily entitlements.

The Pasco County Planning Commission, which has recommended approval of the temporary moratorium, also has called for the collection of vacancy rates, which they said is relevant on this issue.

Published April 14, 2021

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, AVID Group, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Christina Fitzpatrick, Eagleston Boulevard, Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey, Mike Moore, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Planning Commission, Pete Pensa, Ron Oakley, State Road 52, State Road 54, U.S. 41, Wesley Chapel Boulevard

Pasco commissioners clash on apartment request

January 19, 2021 By B.C. Manion

A divided Pasco County Commission has continued a request for a conditional use that would allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation submitted the request, but the hospital chain intends to sell the 16.24-acre site to an apartment developer.

The land currently is zoned for commercial uses.

Development of apartments is allowed in the commercial zoning district, but the applicant first must secure a conditional use permit from the county.

Debate on the request at the county board’s Jan. 12 meeting revealed that commissioners are not on the same page, when it comes to this request.

In a departure from routine, the hearing also included a fairly detailed refresher from Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, relating to the board’s directive on  future apartment development along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.

That directive does not apply to the property in question.

Still, Pittos went over many of the statistics relating to apartments that were included in the board’s workshop on apartments in February 2020.

The proposed apartment development would be built next the BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which is expected to open in early 2023.

The new multifamily development features three four-story buildings, with a total of 248 units, according to Pete Pensa, a professional planner from AVID Group, representing the applicant. The site plan calls for active and passive recreation areas, the preservation of a significant amount of open space, and a connection to an existing multi-use trail on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Pensa also noted that the current zoning would allow uses that would generate more traffic than the requested zoning would create.

Representatives from the future BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and Blue Heron Senior Living, neighbors to the proposed apartment complex, both submitted letters of support for the project.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the apartment developer, noted that the proposed use meets the criteria in the comprehensive plan and land development code.

She also cited a recommendation of approval for the request from the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano, however, opposed the request.

Moore made a motion for denial, citing sections of the county’s land development code and land use plan that relate to economic development.

“The proposed conditional for multifamily will consume land and transportation capacity that the county must ensure is available for employment-generating land uses,” Moore said.

Mariano supported Moore’s motion.

The proposed development would be located directly on an arterial roadway, Mariano said, “with the connection that we have right there, it screams for something commercial — a job generator.”

Moore and Mariano weren’t the only ones opposed to the proposed apartments.

Seven emails in opposition were read into the record, and 17 other emails in opposition were received and filed.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, however, said the site seems suitable for apartments.

Starkey said the site is close to two transportation corridors and it also is within walking distance to nearby jobs.

While Moore has repeatedly complained that the area is oversaturated with apartments, Starkey disagreed with Moore’s position.

“I’m not sure this area is overbuilt for this price point. I think most of the housing around here is actually very expensive,” Starkey said.

Oakley said an apartment development on the site makes sense.

“I think the project fits,” Oakley said. “I don’t think the traffic would be a problem. I don’t think there’s going to be any issues with the schools. And, I think it fits in the neighborhood where it’s located. It’s a good project, as far as I’m concerned.”

Initially, when commissioners voted on Moore’s motion for denial, there was 2-2 split, with Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick not voting.

She asked for greater clarification, and after receiving it, voted against Moore’s motion.

She said she agrees with the project because it will be next to the hospital, and within walking distance.

Next, Mariano moved for a 60-day continuance, which Moore seconded.

Fitzpatrick supported the continuance to give her time to thoroughly study the issue.

That motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

After the vote, Oakley said, “I feel like I’ve been in a workshop I shouldn’t have been in.”

Published January 20, 2021

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, Barbara Wilhite, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Blue Heron Senior Living, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Christina Fitzpatrick, Eagleston Boulevard, Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey, Mike Moore, Nectarios Pittos, Pasco County Commission, Pete Pensa, Ron Oakley, State Road 54, State Road 56

Apartments proposed on Bruce B. Downs, at Eagleston

December 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow an apartment development on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

The request, submitted by Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, would allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the 16.24-acre site. Adventist intends to sell the land to enable the development.

The Pasco County Commission is scheduled to hear the request on Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m., in the board’s chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Pete Pensa, director of planning for AVID Group of Tampa, outlined details of the request for planning commissioners.

The property is located at 5101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., which is about one-fourth mile south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Pensa said. It has direct frontage on Bruce B. Downs and Eagleston boulevards.

There’s a mixture of development in the area, including retail, medical office uses, car dealerships and an assisted living facility, Pensa said.

It’s south of BayCare’s planned hospital, which recently was announced, Pensa said.

Baycare hospital officials recently had a ceremonial groundbreaking for the facility, which is under construction.

Other nearby uses include fast-food and sit-down restaurants, and a bank, Pensa added.

“To the south of us are townhomes and single-family subdivisions,” he said, adding, “there is no existing multifamily within this mixed-use quadrant.”

He also mentioned that multifamily is an appropriate transitional use between commercial to the north and single-family residential to the south.

The site has been zoned for commercial use since 1984, but there hasn’t been a market for that use, Pensa said. “They’ve not been able to find a buyer and developer.”

“There are a variety of commercial uses in the area that support the project, both from  opportunities for shopping and eating, as well as working, including the BayCare facility,” he said.

The hospital is expected to have 275 jobs, and the nearby assisted living facility.

Plans call for preserving a significant portion of the apartment project property, Pensa added.

Amenities will include walking trails around a pond, a park, a dog park, picnic areas, a clubhouse and a pool.

Pensa also noted that there would be fewer trips generated by this development than from a commercial use. And, he said there is water, sewer and reclaimed water available to service the site.

He submitted two letters of support for the project.

However, there were objections.

Todd Yontec emailed his objections, noting that he’s a longtime resident of the Seven Oaks community and objects to adding apartments in an area that already has plenty of residential development.

“This would truly be poor planning by the commission, if it keeps adding apartment complexes without encouraging the building of the infrastructure to support the increasing population density in this area,” Yontec wrote.

“The only deviation from this original plan that I would support would be to return the parcel to wetlands, or create a park,” he added.

Planning commissioner Roberto Saez, who lives in Seven Oaks, also objected to the request.

He said the area is oversaturated with apartment complexes.

“I go to Publix. Every time, it’s getting busier,” he said, making it harder to find parking.

“As an owner, I believe it is increasing the value of my property. As a user, it can be a real nightmare. I don’t see any type of expansion of Bruce B. Downs. I don’t see any plan to cover the schools,” Saez said.

“I have a hard time with the project, to be honest with you,” the planning commissioner added.

Saez said he’s also concerned about overloading Seven Oaks Elementary School.

Chris Williams, who represents Pasco County Schools on the planning board, said the proposed development would generate 30 elementary school students.

Saez voiced skepticism about that projection.

But, Williams said the biggest impact on schools comes from single-family developments.

As the school district’s director of planning, Williams is in charge of the planning done to address future school needs.

He said he has no concerns about the impact on schools from the proposed development.

“We don’t object to this particular development,” Williams said.

Revised on Jan. 3, 2021

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, AVID Group of Tampa, BayCare, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Chris Williams, Eagleston Boulevard, Pasco County Commission, Pasco County Planning Commission, Pasco County Schools, Pete Pensa, Publix, Roberto Saez, Seven Oaks, Seven Oaks Elementary School, Todd Yontec, Wesley Chapel Boulevard

Political Agenda 01/29/2020

January 29, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Corley issues warning
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has issued a warning that The Voter Participation Center (VPC) again has launched a voter registration mail campaign targeting Pasco County voters, according to a news release from Corley’s office.

The mail campaign contains “inaccurate information that is often alarming and confusing,” the release says.

Previously, these mailings “have been sent to family members who are deceased, their pets and underage children, and adult children who no longer reside or never resided in the household or the state of Florida,” the release adds.

“The mailings that reach eligible voters often arouse suspicion because they are already registered and feel that their registration has somehow been compromised,” the release continues.

Corley also noted that “VPC has also begun text messaging voters in advance of the mailing using an outdated list of phone numbers. We have already received reports that the messages are addressed to people who no longer have the phone number.”

The supervisor of elections also observed: “Our experience has been that VPC tactics further erode voter confidence at a time when the security of our elections is in the forefront. Please know that these organizations are in no way affiliated with my office.”

Pasco voters can register online at https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index. They also can update their status there, too.

They can check their voter registration status online at https://registration.elections.myflorida.com/CheckVoterStatus
For additional information or assistance, call (800) 851-8754.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd, Wesley Chapel, on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The meeting features speakers, networking, coffee and dessert. New members and guests are welcome. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo (813) 360-9813.

More candidates vying for Pasco County offices
Alison Crumbley has pre-filed in the race of Pasco County School Board, District 4. The school board is a nonpartisan race. No one has filed so far to challenge the incumbent.

Mike Fasano has pre-filed for the office of tax collector. So far, the Republican incumbent does not face any challengers.

 

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Alison Crumbley, Brian Corley, Eagleston Boulevard, Mike Fasano, Pasco County School Board, Peter Cracchiolo, Supervisor of Elections, The Voter Participation Center, Wesley Chapel Republican Club, Wesley Chapel Toyota

Political Agenda 12/11/2019

December 11, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Candidates are making plans known
A number of local candidates have filed paperwork to make it known they plan to seek office.

Here is an early look at candidates and the offices they’re seeking listed on the Pasco County Supervision of Elections website.

• Property appraiser
Gary Joiner, Republican (Active Pre-filed)
Mike Wells, Republican (Active Pre-filed)

• Superintendent of Schools
Kurt S. Browning, Republican (Active Pre-filed)
David P. Laroche, Republican (Active Pre-filed)
Cynthia Thompson, Republican (Active Pre-filed)

• Supervisor of Elections
Brian E. Corley (Active Pre-filed)

• Pasco County Commission, District 1
Ronald E. Oakley, Republican (Active, Pre-filed)

• Pasco County Commission, District 3
Samantha A. Lindsey, No Party Affiliation (Active Pre-filed)
Kathryn Starkey, Republican (Active Pre-filed)

• Pasco County Commission, District 5
Brandi Geoit, Democrat (Active Pre-filed)
Jack Mariano, Republican (Active Pre-filed)

• Pasco County School Board
Colleen Beaudoin, No Party Affiliation (Active Pre-filed)

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on Dec. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker for this meeting will be Dr. William Urban, author of “Trojan Horses of Islamic Supremacy.”

The meeting includes networking, coffee and dessert. New members and guests are welcome.

For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813.

Published December 11, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Brandi Geoit, Brian Corley, Colleen Beaudoin, Cynthia Thompson, David Laroche, Eagleston Boulevard, Gary Joiner, Jack Mariano, Kathryn Starkey, Kurt Browning, Mike Wells, Ronald Oakley, Samantha Lindsey, Wesley Chapel Republican Club, Wesley Chapel Toyota

Measure intended to improve flow on Bruce B. Downs

December 11, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Pasco County is making improvements on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, at the intersection of State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, to enhance traffic flow and safety.

The county is extending the length of the farthest left-hand turning lane, to accommodate more cars waiting to turn west onto State Road 54.

Bruce B. Downs Boulevard’s farthest left-turn lane turning west onto State Road 54, will be extended to accommodate more vehicles. Two other median modifications also are being made nearby. (Brian Fernandes)

The county also will be adding a traffic signal at Eagleston and Bruce B. Downs boulevards. Currently, there is just a median there. There will be a left-turn lane at the intersection to enable cars heading south on Bruce B. Downs to make a U-turn to head north.

The $500,000 project is a means of preventing motorists from crossing six lanes of traffic to get from one commercial plaza on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to another commercial plaza on the east side of the road.

“The project was initiated after a safety study was performed recommending the closure of the first median opening south of SR 54/CR 54,” said David Botello, of the Florida Department of Transportation.

Motorists leaving the plaza at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard’s west side, now must cross six lanes in order to get into the Publix plaza, on the east side. By closing the median, this traffic would be redirected to the new signal at Eagleston, or onto State Road 54, in order to get to the Publix center.

The Florida Department of Transportation is taking on the project and would close off this median.

Push-button pedestrian signal detectors, countdown pedestrian signal heads, curb ramps and marked crosswalks would be installed at the intersection.

The project is currently in the design phase and construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2021.

Published December 11, 2019

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, David Botello, Eagleston Boulevard, Florida Department of Transportation, Publix, State Road 54

Political season is beginning to heat up

November 6, 2019 By B.C. Manion

It’s not 2020 yet, but the political season is underway, and candidates are beginning to make their intentions known.

This Political Agenda column is The Laker/Lutz News’ way to keep our readers informed of candidates who have filed, political party meetings, political forums and endorsements.

This column also includes information that’s pertinent for upcoming elections, such as deadlines for registering, new polling places, meet the candidate nights, political town halls and other relevant news.

It does not promote political fundraisers.

The column runs periodically, based on the volume of submissions, but it generally runs about twice a month.

Those wishing to submit items for possible publication should send the information at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The Laker/Lutz News publishes on Wednesdays.

Send your items to .

Here is your first helping of Political Agenda

Club meetings

  • The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida-Pasco Chapter will meet Nov. 13, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m., for networking. The guest speaker is Brandi Geoit, candidate for Pasco County Commission, District 5. She will talk about her environmental issues vision relating to Pasco County. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Lee Ogden at (813) 778-3097.
  • The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m., at Toyota of Wesley Chapel, 5300 Eagleston Blvd. The guest speaker will be Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore. Admission free; all are welcome. Coffee and homemade desserts will be served. For information, call Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813.
  • The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet Nov. 18, at The Tavern at the Southport Springs Country Club, 3509 Southport Springs Parkway in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Christine Bright on the topic of the National Popular Vote. Dining service begins at 5 p.m. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (813) 383-8315.
  • The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Nov. 20, at Meadow Pointe 1 CDD, Building A, at 28245 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. The presentation will be given by Marilyn Holleran, who will discuss what the climate crisis means and how it can be solved. For more information, email .
  • Libertad-Club Republicano de Pasco County meets on the third Monday of the month, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. social hour, with complimentary coffee and pastries. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. All are welcome. The group meets at Havana Dreamers Café, 3104 Town Ave., Suite 107, in Trinity. For more information, call (727) 807-7990.

Published November 06, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Brandi Beoit, Central Pasco Democratic Club, Christine Bright, County Line Road, Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida Pasco Chapter, Eagleston Boulevard, East Pasco Democratic Club, Havana Dreamers Cafe, Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Land O' Lakes Heritage Park, Libertad-Club Republicano de Pasco County, Marilyn Holleran, Meadow Pointe I, Mike Moore, Pasco County Commission, Southport Springs Country Club, Southport Springs Parkway, The Tavern, Town Avenue, Toyota of Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Wesley Chapel Republican Club, Zephyrhills

Under Construction 09/04/2019

September 4, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

A new Hampton Inn & Suites will soon be open to guests visiting Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites currently is constructing a new hotel in Odessa. Located at 11780 State Road 54, the resort will hold 99 rooms on four floors. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a breakfast bar. Construction for the 59,352-square-foot structure began November of last year. It is expected to open in October.

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel will have a new senior care home with the Blue Heron Health & Rehabilitation Community. This four-story facility will offer skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care services.

Blue Heron Health & Rehabilitation Community
The opening of a new senior care home is approaching in the Wesley Chapel region. The Blue Heron Health & Rehabilitation Community will be located at 5885 Eagleston Blvd., off of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The four-story building will accommodate residents with skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care. It will also have a downstairs dining room, therapy and game rooms, as well as a salon. Construction for the project began in June and is expected to be completed by late 2020.

 

 

 

Construction is underway for the Kiddie Academy at Wiregrass Ranch. The Wesley Chapel school will accommodate infants to children 12 years of age.

Kiddie Academy at Wiregrass Ranch
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care will be opening a new branch in Wesley Chapel. Kiddie Academy at Wiregrass Ranch will be located at 2900 Hueland Pond Blvd., and will serve infants up to children age 12. At approximately 10,000 square feet, the school will have a kitchen, teacher’s lounge and offices, in addition to multiple classrooms. It also will have a playground. The facility is scheduled to open for the 2020-2021 school year.

 

 

 

Moffitt outpatient center at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
Construction has begun on a new outpatient clinic by Moffitt Cancer Center in partnership with AdventHealth. The 98,000-square-foot medical office will be on the campus of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel hospital. The three-story building will include 20 exam rooms, and will provide medical and radiation oncology services. The facility also will accommodate patients who are in post-treatment for cancer and in remission. The outpatient center is expected to open the fall of 2020.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Published September 04, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Blue Heron Health & Rehabilitation Community, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Eagleston Boulevard, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hueland Pond Boulevard, Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, Moffitt Cancer Center, Odessa, State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch

REDESIGNED 2019 TOYOTA RAV4 SEATS FIVE IN COMFORT

December 19, 2018 By Nitish S. Rele

Since it debuted in 1996, the RAV4 has stood the test of time delivering a civilized and enjoyable ride. Of course, never to rest on its laurels, Toyota has totally overhauled its best-selling vehicle in the United States for 2019.

Under the hood of the compact SUV resides a 2.5-liter inline-4-cylinder engine that doles out an adequate 203 horsepower. That 6-speed auto gear box, a mainstay for all these years? It is history and now replaced by an 8-speed for even, seamless shifts and substantial fuel savings.

The independent MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension does a particularly good job of soaking bumps and potholes with skill and sure-footedness in this front-wheel or all-wheel-drive ride.

Also, the good ole column-mounted steering is now a thing of the past and has been swapped with a rack-mounted system. This makes it almost effortless to steer the vehicle at higher speeds or pull confidently into a spot in the parking lot at your grocery store. In short, you get a firm on-center feel.

Though no speed demon by any means, brakes are potent, fade-resistant and have a strong, assuring pedal touch. Want to save on gas? Well, switch on to eco from normal mode. And, look for a RAV4 hybrid (219 hp) in March, we are told.

Sporting a rakish, brawnier stance with a low roofline, the bold fascia shows off multi-LED headlights with chrome bezels and LED daytime running lights. Essentially, wheelbase sees an uptick translating into more head, leg and shoulder room.

It’s not just top-notch, but also a well thought-out and elegant cabin with fine materials and craftsmanship. Take for example the touches of brushed metallic silver finish as you slide behind the three-spoke leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel.

And, there is ample space for the tots, as well as sufficient freedom for the 6-footers, too. Fold the 60/40-split second row seat down and you get substantial cargo space. The six-way adjustable driver and four-way front passenger seats are comfortable and supportive.

We counted eight total cup/bottle holders, open bin atop the glove box, a sizeable center console, and more for storage. It is optional, but if you like airiness in a ride, go for the panoramic sunroof, a first for the RAV4.

 Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag and driver knee airbag are standard along with side-impact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, and rearview camera. Also included at no cost is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

 If you need to seat five in comfort in a roomy and safe vehicle, equipped with a responsive power train, the RAV4 should be at the top of your list. Offered in LE, Adventure (this one’s for all you off-roaders who truly like to go places!), XLE, XLE Premium and Limited trims, the hot-seller is priced just right.

Besides, the superb ride comes with Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and durability.

RAV4 (XLE PREMIUM)

Tires: P225/65R17
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 180.9 inches
Height: 67 inches
Width: 73 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
City: 26 mpg
Highway: 30 mpg
Weight: 3,380 pounds
Base price: $29,500
Web site: WesleyChapelToyota.com

Test drive the RAV4 and all other Toyota models at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 973-8888.

Published December 19, 2018

Filed Under: Auto Section Tagged With: Eagleston Boulevard, RAV4, Toyota, Wesley Chapel Toyota, Williams Automotive Group

REVAMPED 2019 LEXUS ES350 IS A NEAR PICTURE-PERFECT RIDE!

December 12, 2018 By Nitish S. Rele

Launched 30 years ago, the Lexus ES350 has been the standard bearer for midsize luxury sedans. Delivering an entertaining and energetic ride since its launch, Lexus has once again totally overhauled the front-wheel-drive car for 2019. The seventh-gen ES is longer (2.6 inches), wider (1.8 inches), and lower (0.2 inches) from its predecessor. And, Lexus has added the more lively F Sport trim to the ES badge for the first time. The ES300h hybrid is available, too, with an all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 215 horsepower and boasting fuel economy figures of 44 city, 45 highway and 44 combined.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the ES350 blasts off 302 horsepower (up by 34 hp for 2019) @ 6600 rpm and 267 pounds-feet (up 19) of torque @ 4700 rpm. Out goes the six-speed auto gear box to be replaced by a more capable, smoother and fuel-efficient eight-speed. Suspension handled via independent front MacPherson strut-type and rear trailing-arm multilink does a worthy job of soaking up potholes and other road bumps. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is an improved power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. And, 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 6.6 seconds instead of the former 7.1 seconds, which is fittingly quick for a 3,649-pound vehicle.

Ensconced on a unitized steel body is the signature spindle grille with a centered Lexus insignia, flanked by slim L-shaped LED projector-beam headlights and daytime running lights. A low, sleek roofline leads to wraparound LED tail lamps. Project chief designer Yasuo Kajino says the car has a “provocative elegance … The ES has always been an elegant luxury ride. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.” And that certainly shows in its graceful stance. The cabin is typical Lexus with welcoming wood and piano black trim and leather as occupants are pampered in spacious seats. The rounded large tachometer housing a digital speedometer and multi-information display is easy to read. Passenger and trunk volume is commendable at 99.9 and 16.7 cubic feet space respectively. Other standard amenities include dual auto a/c, power moon roof and 14.6-inch, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column with paddle shifters, keyless entry/engine start, 10-way power front seats, 8-inch touch screen, analog clock, three USB ports, 10-speaker Pioneer audio system with a CD player and satellite radio, and rain-sensing wipers.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control system, front/rear crumple zones, smart stop technology, three-point safety belts for all, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. Also, the Lexus Safety Sense + 2.0 fetches a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist, dynamic cruise control and intelligent high beams at no cost.

Available in base, Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES350 starts at $39,600, the 300h at $41,410 and the F Sport at $44,135. Placed between the entry-level IS and the larger GS, the ES350 is the near-perfect ride. Tweaks to the mouse-like Remote Touch for toggling navigation, climate, audio and phone controls are welcome. This delightful Lexus is a well-balanced blend of luxury and performance.

LEXUS ES350

Tires: P215/55R17
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Length: 195.9 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 56.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
City: 22 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Web site: LexusOfWesleyChapel.com

Test drive all the Lexus ES models at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-5350.

Published December 12, 2018

Filed Under: Auto Section Tagged With: Eagleston Boulevard, Lexus, Lexus of Wesley Chapel

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