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Jack Mariano

Divided county board approves apartment request

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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

Pasco board delays decision on land use change

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The Pasco County Commission has delayed a decision regarding a controversial request that would clear the way to consider commercial uses at the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Estates.

The request is being vigorously contested by residents in Meadowbrook Estates and Sierra Pines subdivision, in Lutz.

Opponents object to allowing a change in the land use designation that would open the door to a rezoning request that would allow a litany of commercial uses.

Kiddie Campus University Inc., the land owner and applicant, is represented by attorney Barbara Wilhite.

Two previous efforts to gain approvals for a day care at the site were denied.

The current effort is to first obtain a land use change to allow commercial uses, and then to get a zoning change for the 1.67-acre site.

It is not unusual for the sale of property to be contingent on the successful acquisition of land use or zoning change.

Sharon Hunnewell-Johnson, of 17300 Riverstone Drive, told commissioners she’s lived in the neighborhood for 30 years.

“I do know firsthand, I was called by the person that I believe Barbara (Wilhite) represents, and I was told this was going to be a gas station/car wash. We cannot have a gas station/car wash within our neighborhood,” Hunnewell-Johnson said.

Speakers told commissioners that they worry that contaminants from a gas station could seep into their groundwater supply. They said the neighborhoods rely on well water for drinking water, as well as watering their fruit trees.

The neighborhoods were represented by Todd Pressman, a private consultant, Patricia Ortiz, a private planning consultant and attorney Luke Lirot, in opposing the request.

Numerous neighbors — sporting red T-shirts in a sign of solidarity — appeared via a remote feed at the March 23 public hearing to voice their objections. A number of letters of opposition also were read into the record.

Ortiz said the request represents a commercial intrusion into an established residential neighborhood.

Neighbors told commissioners that they don’t oppose use of the site, but want the use to be less intense.

Pressman also presented petitions signed by more than 140 people opposed to the request.

Lirot said that neighbors oppose potential uses that could affect their property values and their quality of life.

“If it’s a doctor’s office, or something else that wouldn’t be open deep into the evening, with noise and smoke and fumes, and things of that nature — if it’s a professional type of development — there’s no problem whatsoever.

“Nobody wants to deny the property owner of the use and benefit of that particular property,” Lirot said.

He asked the county board to consider a restriction that will limit the options available only to uses that would not have an adverse effect on the neighborhood.

Wilhite told commissioners that the proposed use is in keeping with the county’s long-range land plan.

The location fronts on State Road 54, which is a six-lane arterial highway. The site also is at a signalized intersection, which is ¾-miles east of the Suncoast Parkway.

She cited a policy in the county’s land use plan that specifically directs where the board wants commercial land uses to occur, and this location meets that criteria.

Commissioners said they want to ensure that buffering is adequate to protect the neighboring properties.

Commissioner Mike Moore asked: “Any chance counsel on both sides could maybe get together, put their heads together a little bit, and come up with a compromise between the two and bring this back?

“Just a thought, a suggestion. I don’t know if both sides are willing to have those discussions,” Moore said.

Moore said he has concerns for the house that’s across the street and for the house that abuts the property. He also questioned if there is sufficient room to meet buffering requirements.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also raised concerns about protecting nearby properties.

Starkey said “the devil is in the details” and noted there are plenty of examples of commercial uses adjacent to residential neighborhoods around the county.

Moore asked Wilhite if she was willing to meet with the other side.

She responded: “Commissioner Moore, you know I will always have conversations. I’m happy to have conversations.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Moore’s suggestion to ask the two sides to meet, to see if they can work something out.

Mariano told Pressman: “Mr. Pressman, I strongly recommend, take the opportunity to meet with them, otherwise, we vote on it now. We don’t know where it’s going to go yet.”

Pressman replied: “I hear you commissioner, and with that, I don’t think we have a choice but to meet and talk. But I’m going to say again, you’re putting the onus on the applicant for site plan and buffering. You need to put the onus on use.”

Starkey told Pressman: “I disagree.”

After both sides agreed to meet, the board voted to continue the land use request until April 20. The companion rezoning request also has been delayed. It is now set for May 18.

Published March 31, 2021

Grants to bolster Pasco library programs

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The Pasco County Public Library Cooperative has received two state grants that will allow it to expand its services.

The library has received a grant for $20,315 for fiscal year 2020-2021 to create a Books by Mail program, which will serve homebound residents who are physically unable to visit the library.

Homebound residents include those who can’t leave home during the pandemic, but also could be expanded to include people who live far away from a library.

The program will deliver materials to patrons through the United State Postal Service, and will  provide postage for the materials to be returned, according to information included in the agenda backup for the Pasco County Commission’s March 9 board meeting.

The county’s library system also received a grant through the Library Services and Technology Act for $50,413, to be used for a “Mobile Makerspace.”

In other library news, these appointments were made:

  • Douglas Butler will represent District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano on the Library Advisory Board
  • Richard Hayes will represent District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey on the Library Advisory Board
  • Joan Clark will represent Pasco County at large on the Library Advisory Board
  • Susan Dillinger will represent Pasco County at large, west side, on the Library Cooperative Advisory Board
  • Anjali Bedi will represent the City of Zephyrhills on the Library Advisory Board and Pasco County at large, east side, on the Library Cooperative Advisory Board.

Published March 17, 2021

Mariano is regional planning council chair

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Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano has been selected to chair the board for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, according to a news release.

Mariano was selected as chairman of the board for 2021, during the board’s Feb. 8 meeting.

The council represents the Tampa Bay region, with its board leadership coming from Manatee, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Mariano, who was first elected to the Pasco County Commission in 2004, is now serving his fourth term on the county board. He has previously served as chairman of the county board and also of regional planning council.

Only four elected officials during the regional planning council’s 59-year history have been selected to be board chairman twice, the release says.

The regional planning council works with six counties and 21 municipalities as they make long-range plans related to the future of the Tampa Bay region.

The council’s work focuses on resiliency, planning for climate change and sea level rise, environmental management, water quality, emergency preparedness planning, protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary and numerous other issues.

To find out more, visit TBRPC.org.

Published March 10, 2021

Solution to Land O’ Lakes traffic jams still years away, if then

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Complaints have persisted for years about traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

There also have been on-again, off-again public discussions over the best solution for reducing traffic at the place where two of Pasco’s busiest roads meet.

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to figures supplied by the Florida Department of Transportation.

U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019, according to state road officials.

On top of that, there’s new growth underway and future growth coming in Land O’ Lakes.

Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

But, complaints about traffic congestion are likely to persist for some time, because even in a best-case scenario, any option for improvements is likely to be at least 10 years away from funding.

That’s according to a Feb. 11 presentation to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board by Craig Fox, a project manager for FDOT.

While a solution may be a long way off, the issue is expected to get public attention this year, as consideration is given to four alternatives being studied by state road officials.

Fox outlined those four options:

  • Alternative 1: Two lanes of State Road 54, in each direction, are elevated over U.S. 41. Two frontage lanes run parallel to State Road 54, east-west. Additional lanes allow left and right turns to U.S. 41.
  • Alternative 2: An at-grade intersection without elevated lanes. Left-turns occur prior to the main intersection, using a frontage road along the cross streets.
  • Alternative 3: Two lanes of State Road 54 are elevated in each direction over U.S. 41. Left-turning traffic crosses over the opposing through traffic, several hundred feet before the major intersection.
  • Alternative 4: No Build

While there’s no funding for construction until 2031, work continues to study the alternatives, Fox told the MPO board.

“We are currently working on concepts for all three build alternatives,” he said.

In evaluating the alternatives, Fox said, “we’re looking at the improvements based on traffic operations, safety costs, impacts, right of way impacts, also.

“From that we’re going to select a build alternative to carry into the PD&E (Project Design & Environmental Study) phase, and eventually the design phase,” he said.

This map shows the Florida Department of Transportation’s study of the alternatives being considered for improvements to the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

He expects a public meeting on the alternatives to occur later this year, he said.

Once the alternative is chosen, the PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022.

That would be followed by design, which would occur from 2022 to 2024.

And, after that, right of way acquisition would occur from 2025 to 2026.

Construction, however, would not start until 2031, Fox said.

“It actually got pushed out to 2031-2032, and that was kind of also due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the statewide budget.”

At the Pasco MPO board meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano told Fox: “I like that you’re doing all of the alternatives. The one that intrigues me the most is the flyover, going east-west, because I think that’s going to be critical. It’s as much a safety factor, with the rail line that goes north-south, and especially if the rail line is ever going to run up and down. That would be safer, as well as more efficient, for that rail line, as well.”

Fox said the FDOT is currently updating right of way costs affiliated with the three alternatives.

He said it will be up to the Pasco County MPO to determine when the Vision 54/56 Task Force will reconvene.

The public will be able to comment on the alternatives at the Alternative Public Meeting, which is expected in Summer of 2021. They also will be able to comment online and via mail, he said.

Published March 03, 2021

Helping people get from place to place, safely

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As Pasco County and the municipalities within the county’s borders continue to grow, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization should have a greater voice in planning future roads to ensure safety, while promoting connectivity.

The issue came up repeatedly during the Pasco MPO’s Feb. 11 meeting.

“I’m wondering if it’s the role of the MPO to give some policy direction when we work on our road network,” Starkey asked her colleagues.

This aerial photo of the State Road 56 extension shows a pristine stretch of roadway, running from Meadow Pointe Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, to U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills. But that road will be developed on both sides, and once it is, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey says it will be hard for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross the road. She’d like future road planning efforts to be more forward-thinking when it comes to cyclists, pedestrians and people driving golf carts. (File)

She’d like the MPO board to be able to weigh in before road projects are done — to keep safety in mind for pedestrians, cyclists and golf cart users.

Otherwise, she said, the county and local jurisdictions could end up with scenarios they don’t want and have to spend more money later to make changes.

The issue of paying more attention to connectivity came up during discussion of an item to amend the transportation improvement plan to include two wildlife culverts under State Road 52.

The culverts will connect the Connor Preserve on the southern side of State Road 52 to the northern side of State Road 52, in the area of Parker Lake.

Once those culverts are added, right of way acquisition will begin this year, according to the agenda item.

Starkey asked if there’s a way to look at these planned wildlife crossings to make them large enough to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass through them.

She suggested making the crossings 8 feet deep, to make room for people to go back and forth.

Doing that would be much cheaper than putting an overpass over State Road 52, added Starkey, an avid proponent for using trails to create connectivity within and between communities.

She noted that the extension of State Road 56, between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and U.S. 301, would have benefited from forward-thinking regarding pedestrians and cyclists.

“Now, we’re going to have a problem, of how to get people safely from the south side of Two Rivers to the north side of Two Rivers,” Starkey said. “If we had just gone up a little in elevation, it would have been a lot cheaper than whatever the solution is going to be.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey’s observation. He told her: “You brought up a great point way back at State Road 52 and (Interstate) 75, about doing something for cyclists to be able to go under that bridge, as well, that did get accomplished. It delayed the project a little bit, but I think it was well worth it.”

Starkey said: “I think it was a $1 million redo. “That is much cheaper than a $10 million, $12 million flyover for cyclists — or whatever other solution there could have been.”

Mariano said he would like the state roads department to take another look at the wildlife crossings proposed for the State Road 52 project.

“Instead of being tight underneath, maybe it should be a big box culvert that will actually allow a couple of bicyclists width-wise to go through. I think it’s something we should explore. It’s a lot cheaper to do it now, than it would be later,” Mariano said.

Justin Hall, with the Florida Department of Transportation, said the department will consider the request. “I can circle back with the project manager and we can take a look at that.”

The issue of advance planning to improve safety and mobility also came up during discussion of two work task orders, approved by the board after discussion.

In one work task, Aecom will prepare Active Transportation Plan procedures and outline a public engagement process.

The consultant will “assist with the actual plan development; the recommended schedule, preparing draft templates for how the plan should be put together and also prepare the next steps. It’s essentially the strategic approach for how to put together the Active Transportation Plan, which is something the county has not had in more recent times,” said Nectarios Pittos, acting executive director for the Pasco MPO.

That work task order was approved for $49,917.25.

The second work task order is being handled by Tindale Oliver & Associates.

“This will include available data sources, data assembly, demographics, data gap, data collection, GIS mapping, crash data analysis, technical memo development, review of comprehensive plan and right of way preservation with standards,” Pittos said.

“This is essentially the technical understanding of what information we have, ahead of the plan formation,” he said. That work task order was approved for $48,666.14.

By having the two work task orders done at the same time, the MPO hopes to finish phase one of the project by the end of June, so it can begin plan development starting in August, Pittos said.

Starkey asked if this planning would be an appropriate place to consider policies that the MPO would like to be considered during future road planning.

“Certainly when they’re developing the plan, there will be recommendations and policies established in that plan. Our understanding is that this plan is going to take a lot of cue from the long-range transportation plan, so there will be a definite dove-tailing of the two documents.

“So, you’ll be able to make recommendations and essentially set policy as well, in these documents.

“The MPO can have its own policy and work with the various jurisdictions that are working with the MPO, to follow that policy,” Pittos said.

Published March 03, 2021

Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily

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The Pasco County Commission is considering a temporary pause on multifamily development in the central part of the county.

The board has directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would prohibit new applications for multifamily to be considered in an area bounded by State Road 54/State Road 56 on the south; State Road 52 on the north; U.S. 41 (Land O’ Lakes Boulevard) on the west; and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and on the east.

The moratorium would take effect beginning on the date of the first public hearing — which has not been determined yet.

This 262-unit apartment development is being built off State Road 54, at Oak Grove Boulevard. The Pasco County Commission is pursuing a temporary moratorium on new multifamily development in the central part of Pasco County, to give commissioners a chance to get a better handle on how much of this type of development is already entitled in existing zonings. (B.C. Manion)

The idea is to give county staff time to research the number of existing entitlements for multifamily development and to report back to the board. Once the board has that information, it can decide how to proceed.

Board members voted 3-2 to support pursuing the temporary moratorium.

Commissioners Mike Moore, Christina Fitzpatrick and Jack Mariano voted yes; Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley voted no.

The vote came after extensive discussion, including analysis of Pasco County’s Class A market demand provided by Lesley Deutch, managing principal with John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Deutch, who appeared on behalf of land use attorneys Joel Tew and Barbara Wilhite, told commissioners that demand for Class A apartments in Pasco County is expected to grow by about 5,380 over the next five years. She characterized that projection as a “conservative” estimate.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning director, provided a presentation that reviewed the county’s policies regarding multifamily development.

“The compact nature of development requires less infrastructure; it’s less land, and so you are making use of existing infrastructure as much as possible,” Pittos said.

Commissioner Starkey cautioned against becoming too restrictive regarding the development of multifamily housing.

“We need to have some workforce housing,” Starkey said. “I am really getting concerned that we don’t pay enough attention to this part of our society, and they need to be integrated into all of our communities.”

Commissioner Moore said his district is becoming too saturated with multifamily development.

He has repeatedly warned against the long-range potential of having large apartment complexes that become less competitive over time wind up with high vacancy rates and ultimately fall into disrepair.

Commissioner Fitzpatrick has similar concerns.

“What’s going to happen 30 years from now?” Fitzpatrick asked, expressing worries about the prospect for crime.

But, Starkey said multifamily is needed to address today’s demand.

She said young professionals aren’t buying; they want to rent.

Starkey also noted: “There is a rise in trend of apartment dwellers being higher-income brackets.”

Noting that Pasco is an attractive area, Deutch said, “there’s a lot of growth in Pasco. Unless you want it to stop, you  have to have housing.”

Like Starkey, Deutch said that renting has become a much more popular choice than it was in the past.

Chairman Oakley said Deutch’s report was informative.

“I don’t see we’re overrun with apartments,” Oakley said.

But, Moore persisted: “We continue to change zoning on parcels, when we already have the inventory to meet the demand.

“The parcels are there, ready to be developed tomorrow. These guys already have the entitlements,” Moore said.

“Did you look at all of the parcels that have the entitlements for the future, when you did your study?” Moore asked Deutch.

Deutch responded: “No, I did not. That wasn’t part of the study.”

Starkey noted that it can take decades for a property with an entitlement to actually be developed.

Attorney Tew raised this issue with the board: “I’m concerned that the commission will get into picking winners and losers in the marketplace. That is not what the government is supposed to do.”

He also told board members: “I think this is very treacherous ground and really uncharted territory for this commission.”

The prospect of a moratorium, according to Tew, “will be an immediate buzz kill to your potential employers.”

But, Moore cited a number of other places — such as Illinois, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Ohio, Texas and other jurisdictions in Florida — where moratoriums on multifamily are either in place, or are being considered.

Mariano, like Moore, thinks the county needs a better understanding of its current level of entitlements.

“I’m really scared that we don’t know what our supply could be, if everything was going to be built out,” Mariano said.

In another action relating to multifamily development, commissioners directed staff to prepare changes to the county’s land development code to remove the possibility of developing multifamily, as a conditional use, in a commercial zoning district.

The goal is to preserve commercial land for commercial uses, according to Fitzpatrick, who made a motion to pursue the change.

Moore seconded the motion, which was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Starkey dissenting.

Published February 24, 2021

Efforts continue to speed, simplify vaccine rollout

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National and local news reports show images of long lines of vehicles waiting to obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, as efforts continue to improve the process for signing up for the shots, and to speed the production and distribution of the vaccines.

President Joe Biden last week announced that the United States signed a final contract for 100 million more Moderna and 100 million more Pfizer vaccines. The news came during a Feb. 11 speech at the National Institutes of Health.

Biden also said that 100 million doses that were promised by the end of June now will be delivered by the end of May, and that the country is on track to have enough supply for 300 million shots by the end of July.

A public-private partnership has been launched, as well, with vaccinations being distributed through 21 national pharmacy partners and networks of independent pharmacies representing over 40,000 pharmacy locations across the country. The effort is part of a national strategy to expand equitable access to the vaccines. (More information is available at CDC.gov/covid19)

Participating chains nationwide include Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Publix, Costco and Winn-Dixie. To find participating local pharmacies, check those companies’ websites.

The retail pharmacy efforts are in addition to ongoing distributions coordinated through local public health departments.

So far, based on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order, COVID-19 vaccinations are limited to long-term care facility residents and staff; individuals age 65 and older; and, health care personnel with direct patient contact.

Hospital providers also may vaccinate persons deemed extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Pasco County seniors can register through the Pasco County health department’s portal.

They also can register through participating private pharmacies.

In Hillsborough County, seniors can pre-register for the state’s portal and reserve their space in line. The state will contact them once it is their turn for a vaccine. Additionally, they can register through participating private pharmacies.

Florida has no county residency requirement, so individuals can attempt to secure an appointment through any of these options.

Despite increased supplies and more vaccination options, Pasco County commissioners said they continue to hear from constituents who are frustrated about not being able to get registered for a shot.

At their Feb. 9 meeting, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told her colleagues: “I am concerned and want to be sure that we’re doing all we can, that our senior citizens who don’t have access to computers and aren’t computer savvy, are able to figure out how to get on. I’m hearing this over and over again.”

She thinks the county needs to do more to help.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. He’d like to see a system that would allow people to sign up and be put on a waiting list, and then to be notified when a vaccine becomes available.

That would be better, he said, “even if you’re going to be (number) 135,000 — as opposed to not getting in the system.”

Starkey reiterated her concerns: “The queue is the queue. I’m just saying, some people don’t know how to get in the queue.”

County Administrator Dan Biles noted there is a telephone number that people can call to make appointments.

Starkey responded: “I know, but it’s really hard to get through.

Biles observed: “You have 100,000 people trying to get 1,000 shots. It’s going to be hard to get through right now.”

Meanwhile, across the country, 52.9 million COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of COVID-19 cases nationally stood at more than 27.4 million, as of Feb. 14, and there has been a downward trend in cases for the past 30 days. The death toll for COVID-19 related cases stood at 482,536.

In Florida, the total number of positive cases exceeded 1.82 million, and there were 28,779 resident deaths, as of Feb. 14, according to data recorded on the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

The figures stood at 31,348 positive resident cases in Pasco County, and 642 deaths; and at 105,531 positive resident cases and 1,397 deaths in Hillsborough County.

COVID-19 vaccinations
To register:

In Pasco County: Go to PatientPortalFl.com to complete an account with CDR Maguire Health & Medical for upcoming appointments, or call 1-844-770-8548. New appointments open up every Sunday at 2 p.m., for the following week, and are typically filled within minutes.

In Hillsborough County: Call 866-200-3896, TTY 844-251-5532, or visit MyVaccine.fl.gov.

National Retail Pharmacy Program: Some retail pharmacies also are participating in a public-private partnership to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Check the website of  individual retail pharmacies to find out more.

For the most recent COVID-19 vaccination information, check with your local health department websites.

Published February 17, 2021

Pasco board divided over proposed apartments

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A proposal that would allow 400 apartments off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, at Hay Road, is being sent to state officials for review.

A divided Pasco County Commission approved the transmittal to the state, on a 3-2 vote, with Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick voting in favor, and Commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano voting against.

The state transmittal is just one step in the regulatory process needed to allow the proposed apartment project to proceed.

The site currently has a long-range plan designation of six dwelling units per acre and light industrial. Much of the land is occupied by wetlands and cannot be developed.

The proposed change would allow up to 24 dwellings per acre, but because of the wetlands, only about 13 dwellings per acre could be achieved, according to county planners.

County planners have recommended approval of the request, characterizing the request as “an appropriate transitional land use between the single-family residential development to the north and zoned multifamily district to the west.”

The Pasco County Planning Commission also recommended approval — despite objections from Planning Commissioners Peter Hanzel and Roberto Saez, who said the area is becoming oversaturated with apartments.

Commissioner Moore has repeatedly argued against rezonings that allow more apartments in the Wesley Chapel/Land O’ Lakes areas.

He predicts there will be a heavy price to pay in the future, when a glut of apartment buildings leads to high vacancy rates and buildings that fall into disrepair.

In recommending approval, county planners also noted that a proposed employment center use abuts the property, and that generally encourages higher densities to support that type of use.

Attorney Joel Tew, who represented the applicant, said the site has multiple property owners and the land has been assembled for this potential project.

Having multifamily adjacent to an employment center is consistent and supportive, Tew said.

“We submit this would be the poster child for the appropriate infill project,” Tew said.

Tew also noted that the wetlands on the site prohibit the possibility of future retail or office uses there.

In concurring with Moore, Mariano said: “I think we do have enough apartments out there. If they want to keep it residential, keep it smaller densities.

“Do I need more density right there? I don’t know that I do,” Mariano said.

A separate rezoning request is expected to come to the county board in the future.

Published February 17, 2021

Pasco County tourism decreased in 2020

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Tourism in Pasco County came back to earth in 2020 — following a record year the year before,  which saw the area surpass the million-visitor mark for its first time.

An informational presentation from Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — the county’s branded tourism arm — reveals some sobering facts and figures in a fiscal year impacted largely by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Adam Thomas, director for Pasco County’s tourism brand, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast (File)

Pasco attracted 959,700 visitors in fiscal year 2020, down 7.6% from fiscal year 2019 when it drew 1,038,700 visitors, according to an analysis by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc., consultants to the county.

Other tourism economic impact indicators registered noticeable reductions across the board for the county when compared to the previous year:

  • Room nights generated — 1,069,849 (12.1% decrease)
  • Direct expenditures — $391,642,500 (15.3% decrease)
  • Total economic impact — $552,216,200 (15.3% decrease)
  • Jobs supported by tourism — 6,790 (13.7% decrease)
  • Wages paid by tourism — $149,461,500 (11.1% decrease)
  • Tourist Development Tax (bed tax) — $2,639,427 (13.2% decrease)
  • Taxes supported — $51,789,400 (14.8% decrease)

County tourism manager Adam Thomas shared these annual findings and other details during a Pasco County Commission meeting last month.

The 113-page visitor report shows that about one in four visitors to Pasco came to visit friends and family, while one in 10 visitors traveled to attend or participate in a sporting event.

The areas within the county attracting the most visitors were New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Port Richey and Lutz, according to the report.

Perceptions of Pasco based on coded, open-ended tourist responses generally found the area as a friendly and pleasant place, with tropical Florida weather, and lots to do.

In the way of visitor satisfaction, Pasco earned an 8.3 rating, out of a possible 10, as a place to visit or vacation in 2020, with 95% of respondents saying they plan to return to the county.

Pasco County’s tourism brand, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, places an emphasis on its state-of-the-art athletics facilities and outdoor recreation opportunities. County visitation decreased 7.6% in 2020 from 2019, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About 85% of all visitors drove to Pasco in 2020, while 11% flew in through Tampa International Airport.

Florida made up the bulk of the county’s visitation, with 51% of all visits, followed by the rest of the Southeast (16%), then Northeast (12%) and Midwest (12%) regions of the country. Six percent of visitors were international, while 3% came in from the West.

Relatedly, 60% of all the visitors to Pasco were from 10 states.

Besides a majority of Florida-based visitors, roughly 5% of tourists came in from Georgia and New York. Smaller subsets were from Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee; top origin markets were Tampa Bay (29%), Orlando (6%), Atlanta (4%) and New York City (4%).

Another notable data point is that length of stays were shorter during the past year, according to the report.

A typical visitors length of stay in Pasco measured an average of 4.8 nights in 2020, down from 5.7 nights in 2019. The reduction is believed to be a result of the pandemic.

Despite reversing course in fiscal year 2020, Pasco’s tourism efforts have spearheaded in recent years, following a shift in philosophy to emphasize youth and amateur sports and recreation opportunities.

The Experience Florida’s Sports Coast branding efforts highlight the county’s growing list of modern athletics venues, including AdventHealth Center Ice, the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center and the Wiregrass Sports Campus of Pasco County. Tourism efforts also showcase the county’s myriad outdoor activities that include golfing, saltwater fishing, skydiving and scalloping.

The county’s day-to-day tourism efforts are under the direction of Thomas, a former minor league baseball pitcher who led the Citrus County Visitor and Conventions Bureau before being hired to Pasco in September 2017.

Bullish on tourism future
Following the annual report presentation, county commissioners commended Thomas and his tourism staff for the work they’ve done of late, and expressed optimism of a rebound — figuring the depressed 2020 was a temporary setback and anomaly because of COVID-19.

Commissioner Mike Moore, who chairs the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, highlighted how the tourism agency achieved national recognition throughout the past year.

Pasco County’s 10-day bay scallop season in July could help boost tourism efforts in 2021.

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast won three Telly Awards, including gold, for its scalloping promotional video. The Telly Awards is recognized as the premier award honoring video and television across all screens. It received over 12,000 entries from all 50 states.

The tourism department also claimed two silver Flagler Awards in 2020 for its website design and meeting planner guide. The Flagler Awards serves to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida.

Continuing on the positives, Moore pointed out bed tax collections actually increased in September 2020 compared to September 2019, despite the pandemic.

Moore gave Thomas kudos for “amazing, amazing work,” to lock in enough amateur and recreational sporting events to make that happen.

Others on the dais also voiced strong approval for Thomas and his tourism staff’s varied efforts.

“I don’t remember what it was like before, but since you’ve been here, it’s really been booming, even with COVID,” Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said of Thomas. “It’s a great team.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano noted Thomas was hired at an ideal time for the county almost four years ago, as projects like AdventHealth Center Ice and the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County were on the ramp-up.

Mariano also noted more tourism options on the county’s west side are taking shape, with seawall plans for Hudson Beach and improvements to SunWest Park — the latter of which could pave the way for some major sand volleyball and wakeboarding events in the future. “It’s going to be real exciting times coming forward,” Mariano said.

Commission Vice Chair Kathryn Starkey, too, acknowledged the staff of eight at Experience Florida’s Sports Coast has done a solid job.

As for what more can be done to make the county an attractive tourism destination, however,  Starkey turned to the county’s current slate of nature and parks offerings.

She referenced a point in the report’s visitor surveys that indicated those features generally fell below expectations. Moreover, about 43% of polled visitors desired more outdoor activities, despite the county boasting over 24 miles of coastline to the west, hilly terrain to the east, and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness to explore in between.

Upgrades in these arenas should be on the way, Starkey noted, thanks to a recently approved bond issue. “We haven’t had the money to make all of our parks as premier as we’d like them to be, but it’s coming,” she said.

Published February 17, 2021