The Laker/Lutz News

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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathryn Starkey

Pasco commissioners clash on apartment request

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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

Vaccine demand continues to outpace supply

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Complaints about difficulties in registering for COVID-19 vaccine appointments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have resulted in changes to those systems, but demand for vaccinations continues to outpace the supply of available vaccines.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough now are using the same registration system for vaccines.

Anyone age 65 and older who needs the COVID-19 vaccination must go to PatientPortalFl.com or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire: Health & Medical (CDR Maguire).

Saint Leo University hosted the first COVID-19 vaccine distribution in East Pasco County on Jan. 15, at its campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Jason Longo/Saint Leo University)

An account with CDR Maguire is required to register for a vaccination appointment.

Those who have created an account with CDR Maguire must log into the patient portal to register for an appointment.

Pasco’s health department announced that it would hold four vaccination clinics this week. Registrations for the clinics began on Jan. 17. Appointments are mandatory to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department planned to provide 400 vaccinations on Jan. 19 and 400 on Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Sears Auto Center in the Gulfview Square Mall, 9409 U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

There also will be 500 appointments on Jan. 20 and 500 on Jan. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33710 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Those receiving the vaccinations should be sure to have a photo ID, when checking in for your vaccination appointment. If using the online patient portal, be sure to bring a printed or digital copy of the confirmation email you receive, containing the QR code.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties continue to have a fundamental issue with vaccine supply.

On the Hillsborough website, a health department note says: “Please understand that the vaccine is not widely available in Hillsborough County at this time and the distribution plans depend on vaccine supplies. Supplies are provided by the federal government and distributed to the states, which then allocate them to counties.”

Pasco County Commission members expressed frustrations about the vaccine supply problem at their Jan. 12 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised the issue, noting that Pasco’s health department was supposed to receive 3,500 doses on a particular day.

“They received zero, as we all know,” Moore said to his colleagues.

“Our current population, we’re guesstimating, is 560,000 —  I’m sure when the census comes out it will be closer to 600,000,” Moore said.

About a third of Pasco’s population is over the age of 65, he added.

If the county was to get 1,800 vaccines a week, it would take about 7 ½ years to vaccinate the population in Pasco County. At 3,500, it would take 3 ½ years to vaccinate the population of Pasco County, he said.

Moore said he’d been working on the problem with Dan Biles, county administrator; Andy Fossa, county director of emergency management; and Mike Napier, public health officer for the Department of Health — Pasco County.

Moore then reached out to Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

“I was able to get him to send at least 1,000,” Moore said. “While I do appreciate that, that’s not enough.”

Moore said he and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley reached out to State Sen. Danny Burgess, and Burgess was able to secure another 500 vaccines.

“So, we ended up with 1,500 this week,” said Moore, who also expressed gratitude to Senate President Wilton Simpson and Rep. Randy Maggard, for their efforts.

But, Moore expressed his continued frustration about Pasco’s inability to get adequate vaccines.

“Every one of us (county commissioners) are getting the calls and the emails from our constituents. I know that each and every one of you, as well as I do, wish we could do more for them. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing that we can do is ask and beg. I really feel like I was begging yesterday, on behalf of our citizens. We need more vaccines in Pasco County,” Moore said.

Administrator Biles said “to be honest, the entire region is being shorted.”

“At the rate we’re getting it, it’s six-plus months, just to get the over-65 community,” Biles said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said “I’m trying to figure out why we’re getting shorted.”

She suggested sending a letter to the governor and state emergency management director, urging that “vaccines be distributed per capita, in a fair and uniform manner.”

The letter also should go to Senate President Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls, Starkey suggested.

“Let’s get that letter off immediately and get our fair share,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano weighed in: “I think we need to get a federal letter, too.”

Commissioners agreed with Starkey and Mariano’s suggestions, and approved separate motions to send both letters.

For more information on signing up for a vaccination and about the availability of appointments, visit the Pasco health department websites at Pasco.floridahealth.gov and the Hillsborough health department website at Hillsborough.floridahealth.gov.

Vaccines in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order that outlines that providers can only administer COVID-19 vaccines to these groups:

  • Health care facility residents and staff
  • Those age 65 and older
  • Health care personnel with direct patient contact
  • Persons deemed to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 by hospital providers

Keep wearing your mask
Even if you’ve had two vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s not enough information yet to say when it will stop recommending people to wear masks and to avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While experts learn more, they recommend that people continue to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • Avoid crowds
  • Avoid poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often

Published January 20, 2021

Input from law enforcement welcome in planning efforts

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore failed to find support from his colleagues when he suggested adding a seat on the county’s planning commission for a representative from the sheriff’s office.

Moore recommended the expansion of the planning commission during the county commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.

He said Sheriff Chris Nocco has asked for such involvement in the past, and Moore asked his colleagues to move forward with the request.

“It would definitely be an asset, with the growth of the county, when it comes to public safety, as well as the traffic concerns. They need to be represented on the planning commission.

“We do have a school board (representative) that’s on the planning commission. It would only benefit us to have the sheriff’s office to have a representative on the planning commission,” Moore said.

But, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted: “the school board is on the planning commission only for the purposes of increase in residential density, and that’s by statute.”

He added: “I’m not sure you couldn’t put a representative of the sheriff’s office on it, but that would require a land development code amendment to change that composition.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey was not receptive to expanding the planning commission.

“It just seems kind of odd to me, to put the sheriff’s office on the planning commission,” Starkey said. “Is there any planning commission in the state that has law enforcement on it?”

Steinsnyder said he would have to research that question to find out.

Starkey then asked: “Is there anyone at the sheriff’s office with planning background?”

Moore responded that the sheriff does have someone in mind that he would like to appoint to that role.

Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, said “to Commissioner Moore’s point, obviously any time there are new developments, there could be criminal elements to that.

“There are other concerns with CPTED, which is crime prevention through environmental design — guardhouses, gates, security cameras, lights.

“And then, to Commissioner Starkey’s point, as well, anytime you add more cars on the road, you obviously add more people that are speeding, people looking for through routes and trying to get off major thoroughfares.”

The sheriff’s intent is that “so many of those things that do come through the planning commission, we would appreciate the opportunity to have eyes on, as they go through, and make recommendations,” Daniels said.

Starkey said she’s fine with having a safety voice, but doesn’t think the planning commission is the best place for that.

“We take public comment, and certainly we hold the sheriff’s comments in high regard, and I would think that he should come to the meetings. However, being a voting member — I think that’s just not the right place for them,” Starkey said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey that the sheriff’s office doesn’t need to have a representative on the planning commission.

Moore told his colleagues: “I guess I don’t understand the apprehension to have somebody appointed from the sheriff to be on the planning commission, when everything and anything approved does have some type of impact on law enforcement.

“They’re asking to be involved in those discussions,” Moore said, noting the sheriff’s office can add a “totally different insight.”

He also reminded board members of how important public safety is to the residents of Pasco County.

“We’ve seen time and time again, on our surveys, public safety always ranks No. 1,” Moore said.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning and development director, said that having a sheriff’s office representative provide input on pre-application reviews could provide a chance for the law enforcement agency to weigh in at a much earlier stage of the project, than they would at the Planning Commission stage.

County attorney Steinsnyder also noted that the sheriff’s office might be able to be involved in another aspect of the county’s planning efforts, too.

“They may need a seat at the table at ordinance review, where we’re developing the land development code changes,” Steinsnyder said.

But Moore pressed on, noting he’d made a motion to take the necessary steps to add a representative from the sheriff’s office to the planning commission.

That motion was seconded by Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick, but it failed, with Oakley, Starkey and Mariano voting no.

After the vote, Moore asked County Administrator Dan Biles to be sure to reach out to the sheriff’s office to invite them to have a member attend pre-application meetings, which Biles said he would do.

Biles also noted that the county already shares some planning information with the sheriff’s office, but he will make sure that the information is getting to the right place.

Published January 20, 2021

Street hockey rinks open in Wesley Chapel, Holiday

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Perhaps someday a future hockey star will be able to say he or she first learned to play hockey on the streets of Wesley Chapel and Holiday.

Pasco County has added to its assorted sports and recreational profile with yet another outdoor activity in check — street hockey.

Two new outdoor street hockey rinks have opened at Wesley Chapel District Park and the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex in Holiday. The rinks were created through a public-private partnership between Pasco County and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Tampa Bay Lightning. The rinks are approximately 60 feet by 120 feet, with a full dasher-board system. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Two public outdoor ball hockey rinks are now available for use at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex in Holiday and Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel.

The concrete rinks — approximately 60 feet by 120 feet, with a full dasher-board system — are part of a public-private partnership between the county and the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Designed with the idea of growing the game of hockey throughout local communities, the rinks will allow young hockey players in the area a place to train, whether it’s the grass roots level or in organized leagues and tournaments.

A virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony of the rinks was held Dec. 10, with several representatives on hand from both the county and Lightning, respectively.

“We are very proud to open these two rinks today as part of our pledge to build 10 ball hockey rinks across the Tampa Bay area,” Lightning CEO Steve Griggs said. “These two rinks that we opened will give local youth the opportunity to get outside and play the great game of hockey. The Lightning would like to thank Pasco County for their enthusiasm and support in helping us make this a reality for everyone in Pasco County.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey tabbed the rinks “just one more wonderful thing that we’re bringing to Pasco County, to give our residents a really high quality of life.”

“This is another unique sport for kids to be involved in and learn all the good, life lessons you learn when you’re a part of a team,” Starkey said. “These rinks are a real value to the county and to the communities we serve.”

She also noted: “When (the Lightning) mentioned that they were going to put one (rink) in, knowing how large our county is and how much need that we have here, I asked them if they’d be kind enough to put in two.”

Count former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk among those “super, super excited” to witness outdoor ball hockey ramping up in Pasco.

“This place will be loaded with kids every night,” said Andreychuk, who serves as the franchise’s vice president of corporate and senior affairs. “As we know, having kids, giving them an activity, something to do, is a great thing.”

The county was responsible for laying out the rink concrete slabs, while the Lightning built out the remainder of the project, including the dasher boards, goal nets and electronic scoreboards. The pro hockey franchise also will be supplying equipment, such as sticks, balls and protective gear.

Lightning community hockey manager Josh Dreith, too, figures the rinks will be a score on both the east and west sides of Pasco: “I love Pasco County. There’s a ton of Lightning fans in Pasco County, and there’s a ton of engaged kids, as well.”

The Holiday and Wesley Chapel locations are part of 10 rinks being funded and constructed in the five-county Tampa Bay area — via a $6 million grassroots hockey development initiative from the Lightning’s Build the Thunder 2.0 and Connect the Thunder programs, and the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund. The other rinks are situated in Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Polk counties, respectively.

The rinks in Pasco are available upon request for open play now. There’s hope to have league play begin by March, depending on the COVID-19 situation, officials say.

Programming at the new rinks will eventually include:

  • Clinics run by Lightning alumni
  • Ball hockey leagues
  • Adult ball hockey
  • Ball hockey lessons

All essential equipment for teams playing ball hockey will be provided by the Lightning, including hockey sticks, balls and goalie protective equipment. Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will manage all programming and maintenance of the rinks.

Keith Wiley, the county’s parks department director, explained: “We’re going to have a combination of free play, obviously open to the public. And then, in coordination with the Lightning, we will be working on actual league play, where we can create some structured programming, depending on (the) season.”

With the partnership, the county contributed property and $240,000 toward the cost of the underlying concrete pads at the two outdoor rinks. From there, the Lightning have built out the remainder of the infrastructure, with dasher boards, scoreboards, penalty boxes, goalie nets, and more.

Engineering design on the rinks began in February. Construction began in August with the county’s portion of the work completed in late October.

Contracting through the Lightning, EnvironBuild LLC finished the dasher boards and scoreboards on Dec. 10.

Some minor improvements do remain, such as sheds, bleachers, and scoreboard electrical connections. Those touches are expected to be complete around March or so.

Published January 06, 2021

Not-so-random acts of kindness

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Even when life is ‘normal’ — it’s not always easy to find the time, energy or resources to help others who are struggling to get by, or whose spirits need a lift.

During a pandemic when people are feeling pressures on all sides and many of life’s big moments must be delayed or canceled — the challenge is even greater.

But, ingenuity and generosity prevailed in The Laker/Lutz News region, providing a counterpoint to the sadness and loss, and injecting a bit of joy.

Here’s a condensed look at some of those not-so-random acts of kindness that occurred during 2020.

Ed DelValle, of Miriam’s Bakery, left, poses with his family: daughter Erika; wife Miriam; and daughter Victoria. All four work at the bakery. (File)

Let them eat cake
When the Sunlake High band program decided it had to cancel its annual banquet, Miriam’s Cakes, in Land O’ Lakes, sprang into action. The bakery provided an individual cake — featuring the school’s mascot — for each of the 29 seniors in the band program.

Ed DelValle and his wife, Miriam Ruiz, who own the bakery have been a band family for years.

They wanted to do something special for members of the Class of 2020, including their daughter, Erika.

“I know the banquet is the biggest event for the band program every year. All of the kids look forward to it because it’s kind of like a mini-red carpet,” DelValle said.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Celebrating seniors
Marie Joles couldn’t stand the thought of high school seniors missing out on all of the special moments that make up part of senior year.

So, the dental hygienist, who wasn’t able to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, came up with a social media way to create Senior Spotlights, showcasing individual graduates.

She solicited submissions, then tweaked them before created postings that provided a glimpse of  their accomplishments, their ambitions, their interests and personalities.

It took work, but it was worthwhile, Joles said.

“I wanted to let them know we appreciate them,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and State Rep. Ardian Zika were at Medical Center of Trinity, when meals were delivered for hospital workers. (File)

A double dose of help
When Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey saw a news report about the Frontline Appreciation Group, she knew she wanted Pasco to get in on the idea.

The initiative purchases meals from restaurants — struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and provides the food to frontline health care workers engaged in the battle to help people who have been infected by the deadly virus.

The initiative was launched in New Jersey, but Starkey spearheaded a local chapter, called FLAG2020Pasco.

The effort has resulted in meals prepared by area restaurants, delivered to local hospitals.

Other local political leaders and government agencies also have stepped up to the plate, so to speak — in a number of other efforts to collect and distribute food. The county itself has created and managed new programs using federal funding to feed the hungry, and support local restaurants.

(File)

Spreading joy through bubbles
Blaise Ryndes, of Land O’ Lakes, a nationally known bubble magician, decided to take to the streets in his neighborhood to spread some joy amidst the pandemic. He put on a one-car bubble parade – making the way through the subdivision spreading what he calls, “little orbs of happiness and cleanliness.”

 

 

Gerry Ackley and Yvonne Wassman stand on one side of the truck loaded with food, while Steve Graves and Sandy Graves stand on the other.

 

 

 

 

Grad bash funds go to feed the hungry
When Pasco 2020 Grad Bash was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunlake High seniors decided to make a big donation from the money they’d raised to pay for event buses. They decided to help Keystone Community Church’s Second Serving program, which provides food for the homeless, operates a food pantry and helps people who are struggling, with other essentials.

 

 

 

Coty Darmoth is busy working at Nabruzzi Trattoria, a restaurant that decided to give back to frontline workers.

Giving back to a giving community
The executive chef and founder of Nabruzzi Trattoria credits his restaurant’s success to the support it has received from the Lutz community.

So, when the pandemic hit, it stepped up to deliver free hot meals to firefighters and medical workers, and others, who serve the community.

“Every Wednesday we’re going to pick somebody in the area that has put themselves at risk, that are out there every day,” said Massimo Sabetti, the chef/owner of Nabruzzi Trattoria at 6062 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

And, they delivered — to emergency department workers, firefighters and others.

Now, that’s what you call a chef’s special.

Kevin Taggerty, a retired master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, and his daughter, Ryah, a first grade teacher at Lacoochee Elementary created this work of art.

Keeping art alive
Lots of opportunities to do art and see art have been curtailed by COVID-19, but the Dade City Center for the Arts found a way to give artists a chance to express their talents, and art lovers a chance to view it through an outdoor public art exhibit.

The artists painted hay bales that were stationed in various places around Dade City.

 

 

 

 

 

This giant spider is just one of the creepy creatures that goes on display on Oct. 31, at Sid Siamandl’s annual ‘Halloween House.’

Lifting spirits, at Halloween
Sid Simandl has been decking out his “Halloween House” every year for 18 years, and this year was no exception. But, because of COVID-19, he changed things up.

Instead of an enclosed Haunted House inside his garage, he created a haunted trail, instead.

Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, gets a big kick out of treating visitors to a haunted spectacle. Indeed, it’s his favorite holiday. He nicknames himself Mr. Halloween for the occasion, and dons a pumpkin sports.

 

Keystone Place at Terra Bella, a senior living community in Land O’ Lakes, hired The Boomer Band, featuring keyboard/vocalist Kevin de Champlain and drummer/vocalist Vance Fontanella to inject some joy, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easing isolation blues
The Boomer Band was towed around on a trailer through the community of Keystone Place at Terra Bella, in Land O’ Lakes, so its senior residents could be entertained — from a safe distance, on their apartment balconies.

It was the senior living community’s way of easing the isolation blues.

 

 

 

 

The ‘green shirt’ ladies forge on
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has been maintaining its commitment to helping a broad range of community groups and organizations. The club’s tradition of community service goes back for decades, and it has not allowed COVID-19 to stop it. There are many other clubs throughout The Laker/Lutz News region that also have been doing their part to help others who are struggling, especially during this difficult time.

Published December 23, 2020

Santander will bring 875 jobs to Pasco

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Pasco County scored two big wins last week.

First, it sealed a deal with Santander Consumer USA to set up shop in the county, and to create 875 new job opportunities in Pasco.

Second, it found a way to give new life to a vacant building, at a prominent spot.

“Since about 2016, we’ve had a very difficult time in explaining why we have this (vacant) big box building, right at the entrance of our county, at Suncoast and State Road 54,” Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc., said in remarks to the Pasco County Commission.

Pasco County officials and representatives from Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and Santander Consumer USA celebrate the agreement expected to attract 875 jobs to Pasco County. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“Super Target has remained empty for four years, despite our healthy growth.

“I’m happy to say that because of the specialized need of that building and the specialized use, we do have a special company that is taking that building,” Cronin said.

Cronin and David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth, explained the details of the incentive package that’s being extended to Santander to persuade it to choose Pasco County.

Efforts to land the company began several months ago, when Santander Consumer USA came to the county during a national search conducted by Newmark Knight Frank.

“The goal was to locate a modern and efficient site that could accommodate future expansions,” Cronin said.

The search went beyond finding a site, he said.

It “was also a search for sustainable talent pipeline in a community with great livability.

Santander Consumer USA will be investing $22 million in Pasco County, Cronin said.

“The company will be paying over 115% of our current county average wage,” Cronin added.

The agreement details that Pasco’s average annual wage paid to workers in all industries is $38,338, as reported by Enterprise Florida Inc., and compiled by the State of Florida, Agency for Workforce Innovation, Labor Market Statistics.

Santander has agreed to create the 875 jobs within five years, and to pay at least $46,283 in average annual income for those jobs. To qualify for the incentive, a job must be staffed for at least one year.

Santander plans to renovate and occupy 115,425 square feet of the former Target store building, at 16400 State Road 54, in Odessa. The big box store has been vacant since 2016. (File)

Santander also will be offering career opportunities for the county’s bilingual workforce, which is expected to help the county’s Hispanic population — which makes up the county’s largest ethnic population, Cronin said.

“The economic impact to gross county product to Pasco is $129 million over the next five years,” Cronin added.

Their parent company, Banco Santander, is located in Spain, Cronin said, describing it as one of the world’s largest banks.

“If you have an automobile loan in Latin America, it’s probably from Santander,” he said.

In fact, Cronin added, “Banco Santander was named, just last week, Bank of the Year in the Americas, Brazil, Spain and Argentina, by The Banker, which is a global financial intelligence organization in London.”

Engel spelled out the terms of the economic incentive package.

“For the 875 jobs, the Pasco EDC recommends a $1,750,000 to be paid out over a 10-year period, and a 10-year tangible tax reimbursement, totaling up to $342,000,” Engel said.

Years one through five the incentive will be 50% of Santander’s tangible tax and years six through 10 will be 25% of their tangible tax, he added.

“This, in fact, is the most cost-effective job creation incentive that we’ve offered a company. It’s equivalent to $391 a job,” Engel said.

The incentive agreement notes that Santander intends to make interior and exterior renovations of 115,425 square feet of the old Target store, at 16400 State Road 54, in Odessa.

Backup materials for the board’s agenda item note: “The staff recommendation to

approve the tangible tax reimbursement in this case is based on the unique aspects of this project since it involves the redevelopment and occupancy of a former “big box” retail building by a qualified target industry, at significant expense, in one of the county’s most important high visibility economic growth and job creation corridors.”

It adds: “The recommended tax reimbursement incentive in this case should not be considered a precedent for reimbursement for interior improvements that may be made by other companies in the future, even if such companies qualify for a job creation incentive or are a qualified target industry.”

Background materials in the agreement note that Santander qualifies as a targeted industry, in the financial services sector.

A table in the agreement lays out the company’s plans to gradually add the 875 employees, beginning with 400 in 2021, with a total of 875 by 2025.

Ernie Ocasio, a senior vice president of Santander Consumer USA, told county officials that the company is eager to come to Pasco, and praised the county’s rich resources.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey remarked that she had been so upset about news of the Super Target’s closing that she had appealed to company officials to try to keep it open. It turns out that this new use is better for the county than having a big retailer at that location, the commissioner said.

Commissioners unanimously approved Santander’s incentive package.

What: Santander Consumer USA is setting up shop in Pasco County
Where: On State Road 54, near the Suncoast Parkway, in the old Super Target location
Detail: The company plans to hire 875 workers in the next five years.
When: The company plans to begin hiring in 2021.

Published December 16, 2020

Pasco lifts restriction on Sunday morning alcohol sales

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The Pasco County Commission has removed the county’s ban on the Sunday morning sales of alcoholic beverages.

Now, alcohol sales on Sunday will be treated like alcohol sales on any other day of the week in the county, said County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder. Previously, the sales weren’t allowed on Sundays before 11 a.m.

No one spoke during the public hearing and commissioners voted 5-0 to amend the ordinance, during the board’s Dec. 8 meeting. The change will take effect within 10 days of the board’s action.

The change was prompted by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who raised the issue at a board meeting in September.

“A lot of counties in the state and around the country have kind of moved away from this old-fashioned law,” Starkey said, at the time.

She said constituents had told her they’d like to get rid of the restriction, and said she’d previously witnessed people milling around in the grocery store, waiting so they could purchase alcohol to take with them when they were headed out to go boating, scalloping or to another activity.

She also said people who shop for groceries on Sunday morning shouldn’t be prevented from buying alcohol.

The board also approved the selection of Shawn Foster LLC, doing business as Sunrise Consulting Group, to serve as the board’s outside consultant for a maximum of $60,000 a year. The board listened to presentations by Foster and by a representative for Shumaker Advisers Florida LLC before selecting Sunrise.

At a board meeting in November, a panel of county staffers had recommended Corcoran and Associates, doing business as Corcoran Partners, be selected as the outside lobbyist.

But, commissioners rejected the process and requested presentations before making a selection. Corcoran Partners did not participate in the presentations.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Reorganized the board naming Ron Oakley as chairman and Starkey as vice chairwoman.
  • Approved numerous small changes to the county’s land development code, including a change in the process to approve permits to sell alcohol. Previously, those requests were heard by the Pasco County Planning Commission, which made a recommendation and then by Pasco County Commission, which had the final authority. Now, those requests will be considered administratively by county staff, unless some sort of exception is requested. The Pasco County Commission will decide on those cases, unless there’s an appeal.
  • Approved a unified sign plan for Krate, at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, to provide applicants with an opportunity to create attractive signage having uniform or cohesive design of color, texture, materials, or architectural features which contribute to place-making throughout the development. Krate, which is under development, is an open-air, urban-themed container park with retail shops, restaurants, outdoor seating areas, and live entertainment. The Grove is east of Oakley Boulevard and west of Interstate 75, about 650 feet north of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

Published December 16, 2020

Pasco board keeps door open for more AmSkills funding

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The Pasco County Commission recently approved the expenditure of $125,000 to support AmSkills Inc., a youth and adult workforce training program.

Plus, commissioners kept the door open for additional funding in future years for the organization — at the urging of County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Commissioners had been set to consider the $125,000 request during their Nov. 17 meeting on the board’s consent agenda. When items are on that portion of the agenda, they are approved in a single motion — unless a commissioner or member of the public asks for the item to be pulled for discussion.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is a staunch advocate for jobs training programs, particularly those that help people learn skills to equip them for good-paying jobs. (File)

Starkey requested the AmSkills issue be pulled because she objected to a phrase in the proposed approval that would have precluded the organization from seeking additional future operating funds from the county.

“I think it’s a mistake to put something that we can never ask for operating funds again,” Starkey told her colleagues.

“I just ask that we keep it at the $125,000, and then see what happens next year, but don’t put something that hamstrings anyone in perpetuity, because what we’re doing with workforce training and helping people get great jobs is amazing,” she said.

She also informed board members that AmSkills is moving from its location, which had been provided by Pasco County Schools, to its own building next year.

She said it also plans to expand its training program, and has been contacted by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, Withlacoochee Electric Co., and others to help set up training programs for them.

She noted that the jobs training program is gaining national recognition for its programs, but noted the county’s funding is the only funding that can be used 100% for operating costs.

“When you get grants, most of the time it’s for capital or specific things, but not operating,” Starkey said.

David Engel, manager of Pasco County’s office of economic growth, told commissioners that in general, the county triples to quadruples its return on investment when it spends money on programs that create jobs.

Engel also noted that “the work program that was submitted by AmSkills deals specifically with electronics and machining. They are working now with the Tampa Bay Builders Association on a very important trades program.”

Starkey said the new location will be advantageous for AmSkills and for people who need workforce training.

“They’re expanding their electrical program,” Starkey said.

Plus, AmSkills is making a move toward creating an innovation training center that will help other industries,” she said.

So, she urged the board: “Let’s leave the door open, and then we can judge it next year, if there’s a request.”

Starkey made a motion to that effect, which was seconded by Oakley and approved on a 5-0 vote.

In another action, the board passed a resolution recognizing national apprenticeship week and congratulated Justyn Bowes, who was named AmSkills apprentice of the year last year.

Bowes was so busy in his work he wasn’t able to receive the award last year, so he received it during the board’s meeting, in a presentation that was shared with commissioners via Zoom.

Bowes was one of the first high school students that started with AmSkills in 2015. He went to work as an apprentice in 2018, and at the age of 22, he travels extensively installing multimillion machines at key PharmaWorks locations.

“Justyn is a great example of how apprenticeships work,” said Peter Buczynsky, of PharmaWorks, in Odessa. “This is the model for the future, in growing our talent.”

Starkey noted: “We are now only one of two registered apprenticeship programs in the state of Florida. We were the first.”

Buczynsky added: “The nation is really looking to see what we’re doing here in Pasco County. It’s really impressive.”

“What a great opportunity that we have — a 22-year-old Pasco resident who is now traveling the world. It just chokes me up,” Starkey said.

Published December 09, 2020

Elected leaders take oath of office

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Swearing-in ceremonies were held earlier this month, for elected leaders.

Pasco County Commission members Jack Mariano, Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey, who were reelected to new terms, and Christina Fitzpatrick, newly elected to the board, each took the oath of office.

Mariano’s swearing-in ceremony was in the board’s New Port Richey chamber, while the other commissioners were sworn-in at the board’s Dade City chambers.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to have its organizational meeting, where the chairman is selected on Dec. 9, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

At Pasco County Schools’ district headquarters in Land O’ Lakes, reelected Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning took the oath of office, as did reelected board members Colleen Beaudoin and Alison Crumley.

Meanwhile, in Hillsborough County, newly elected Hillsborough County Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers, and reelected Commissioner Pat Kemp, each took the oath of office.

And, on the Hillsborough County School Board newly elected members Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn and Henry “Shake” Washington were sworn-in, as was Lynn Gray, who was reelected.

Published December 09, 2020

Pasco commissioners delay hiring decision

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The Pasco County Commission wants the county to advertise a top administrative position before deciding who should get the job.

Commissioners made that decision during their Nov. 17 meeting, when they were asked to confirm the selection of Gary Joiner to be the director of administration in the county’s building and construction services department.

The job pays $125,000.

Sally Sherman, assistant county administrator for development services, spoke in glowing terms of Joiner’s qualifications and “fit” for the job. He has 30 years of professional experience, including as Pasco’s county property appraiser. He initially filed for reelection, but failed to qualify in the race for the seat that was won by Mike Wells Jr., who just left the county board.

County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, wasn’t so sure that Joiner is the right choice for the job.

“I have a little reservation with this selection, just from my own personal interaction when I found something that wasn’t correct, in his world of property appraising,” Starkey said.

She said she brought the issue to Joiner’s attention repeatedly and it wasn’t corrected.

“It took me talking to Dr. (Marc) Bellas (performance management director) about it, to get it fixed, and it cost this county tens of thousands of dollars.

“The inaction, of fixing the problem, does not sit well with me,” Starkey said.

She suggested: “I think we maybe need to keep looking.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley was willing to support Joiner’s hiring, noting that he trusted County Administrator Dan Biles’ selection. But, Oakley’s motion to confirm the appointment died, for a lack of a second.

Newly elected Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick asked if the position was advertised.

Biles said it was not.

Commissioner Mike Moore observed: “Typically, on a director-level position, from my memory, unless it’s an internal promotion, they are always publicized. I don’t remember one time, when we did not publicize an opening, unless it was an internal promotion.”

Biles responded: “In general, we would.”

In this case, however, he and Sherman believed that Joiner “specifically had the skills and experience necessary to do the job.”

Biles also noted that Joiner “was already effectively a Pasco County employee, as the property appraiser.

“It just made sense to just go directly to him, and not go through the process, when I already knew who I thought we needed to hire,” Biles said.

The county administrator continued: “Anytime you go through that (hiring) process, you put other people through time and effort to get through that. If you already know who you think you want to hire, it probably makes sense to go straight to the end result.”

Fitzpatrick asked if the board could put off the decision until its Dec. 8 meeting, to provide the time to advertise to be sure that the county had the best person for the job.

Moore told Fitzpatrick that the decision could be delayed.

Biles told Fitzpatrick that he would prefer not to do that.

“The board obviously can direct us to what the board wants us to do. I will go back to the hiring and firing of the county employees is an operational decision. We bring the directors and above to board for confirmation,” Biles said.

But, Commissioner Jack Mariano said, he, too, supported advertising the job.

“I think we’re best serving the people of Pasco by looking at everybody out there. Let’s go look at the talent that’s out there, and who wants this job, and find out what’s best for the position,” Mariano said.

Starkey again expressed her dissatisfaction with Joiner’s response in her previous interaction.

“It wasn’t my role to fix it. I brought it to the attention of someone in a leadership position that should have fixed it. I brought it to his attention multiple times, and it never got fixed on their end. That, to me, is a lack of leadership. I think you need leadership in that position,” Starkey said.

Sherman assured Starkey if an issue arose, it would be addressed.

But, Fitzpatrick made a motion to delay the issue until the board’s next meeting, with the position to be advertised to ensure the best candidate is selected. Starkey seconded the motion, which passed on a 5-0 vote.

Moore noted the board’s action does not take Joiner out of the running for the job.

Published November 25, 2020