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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Lake Padgett

Enjoy Lake Padgett With A Waterfront Cardel Home

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There are more lakes in Land O’ Lakes than anywhere else in Tampa Bay. And, one of the area’s most desirable is Lake Padgett, a spring-fed, 200-acre lake that is home to an exclusive Cardel Homes community.

Cardel is the newest homebuilder on Lake Padgett, which has been home to beautiful waterfront homes for over 50 years because of its peaceful cypress-lined shores, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Lake Padgett families enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, paddle-boarding, canoeing and kayaking. And, today, they can also enjoy boating to lakeside destinations.

Just south of Cardel’s community, The Enclave At Lake Padgett on the lake’s western shore, are fun boating destinations that have opened in the past few years.

This includes The Tiki Cove, which has a dock for boaters to tie up to, live music and beach volleyball games on the weekends.

Even closer to The Enclave is another waterfront destination, In The Loop Brewery, where boaters anchor close to the beach and planning for a dock is underway. This popular local spot has an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room, and a huge outdoor deck and beer garden overlooking the lake.

“Most lakeside communities offer homeowners traditional waterfront views and boating, but living on Lake Padgett offers even more, because it has destinations you can easily boat to,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes.

There are only a handful of  homesites remaining on the lake, which is why Phillips is so excited about The Enclave At Lake Padgett.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett. It’s exciting as a builder to be offering such beautiful, large lots in such a premium location,” said Phillips.

Many people who discover The Enclave At Lake Padgett say it’s one of the best kept secrets in Land O’ Lakes.

“Part of this community’s intrigue is that one would never expect to find such a gem tucked away in the heart of Land O’ Lakes,” said Phillips.

Conveniently located off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41),  just two miles north of State Road 54,  the secluded entrance to The Enclave assures residents of privacy that they will share with just a handful of other homeowners.

All of The Enclave’s homesites can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats. And, unlike other developments on Lake Padgett, none of its docks are shared between homeowners.

“This prestigious community has just eight large homesites available — all very private and with no CDD fees,” said Phillips.

In addition to its waterfront living, The Enclave is just 15 minutes from Wesley Chapel’s shopping and dining destinations, including Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops of Wiregrass and the newly opened Cypress Creek Town Center.

Cardel Homes is offering three, one-story plans at The Enclave, all with tile roofs and brick paver driveways as standard features. Homes range from 3,000 to 4,260 square feet, and offer four bedrooms, three or four baths and three-car garages.

The St. Lucia model home is ready now for a quick move-in. This stunning home is 3,336 square feet with four bedrooms, three baths, and a large front porch and covered lanai.

The home is on a wooded lot, and has a large front porch and covered lanai in the back. An oversized dock is just steps away from the backyard, and is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural setting.

The St. Lucia inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is listed at just $650,000. If you prefer to choose your homesite and select a floor plan, colors and finishes, a Cardel home in The Enclave begins at $494,900.

“The Enclave At Lake Padgett is a perfect community for families wanting to move up to an exclusive, private, lakefront community with no CDD,” said Phillips. “It offers the best of both worlds —all the recreation and things to do on Lake Padgett, with the convenience of being close to so many shopping and dining options.”

CardelHomes.com/Tampa
(813) 598-6646
Sales Center in Bexley at 4081 Epic Cove, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Published April 24, 2019

Pasco may lift exclusion on dock roofs on freshwater lakes

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When Joe Steffens gazes from his backyard out onto Bell Lake, he can easily view the private  lake’s water — and his neighbor’s boat docks, complete with roofs — that he built himself.

But, his dock doesn’t have a roof.

And, even if he wanted to put one on, he wouldn’t be allowed to under current Pasco County regulations.

Joe Steffens, of Land O’ Lakes, stands in his backyard, overlooking Bell Lake. He’s been working to persuade the Pasco County Commission to change an ordinance to lift an exclusion over dock roofs on freshwater lakes. He said they’re a way of life in Central Pasco. (B.C. Manion)

Steffens, who is a marine contractor, has been pushing for a change — and has been discussing the issue with individual commissioners for the better part of a year to try to make that happen.

He appeared at the Pasco County Commission’s Feb. 5, to reiterate the request.

He told commissioners: “Everybody has a boathouse on all the freshwater lakes to protect their investments.”

When people buy lakefront property, he said, they see the other docks with roofs on the lake and expect to be able to get one.

Sandy Graves, of Land O’ Lakes, agrees with Steffens.

She told commissioners: “I’m a native Laker and this has never been an issue in Land O’ Lakes. I’m a member of a lake association of the second-largest private lake in Pasco County, and it’s never been an issue for us. These roofs are part of our scene, and they’re a beauty of it.

“These are freshwater lakes. They’re private lakes,” she said.

Denise Brand, of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant in Land O’ Lakes, said she and her husband also support the request to amend the county’s ordinance.

“Currently we have seating on a dock that goes out on a lake,” she said. “We would like to make changes to the dock, but we are afraid that we would not be able to put a roof over a new dock. “Currently our dock has three steps down, so it’s difficult for elderly people and people with disabilities to access the dock seating area.

“We did not realize until recently that if the existing dock was to be renovated that we might not be able to put a roof over the new one, and we would like for you to consider roofs being allowed on docks,” she said.

Commissioners now appear ready to make the change happen.

They instructed County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to proceed with changes to the ordinance that would allow the dock roofs over man-made and freshwater private lakes.

This is a look at Bell Lake, which has some docks that have roofs.

Commissioner Mike Moore spoke in favor of the change.

“They’re right. It’s a quality of life issue,” he said, adding that he also would love to see the restaurant be able to renovate its dock.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey weighed in, as well.

“I’m totally in support for the people on the lakes have their (dock) roofs,” she said.

However, she continues to oppose roofs over docks on canals.

“I travel through a lot jurisdictions in the intracoastal and the vast majority do not allow any kind of coverage,” she said.

Steinsnyder said the prohibition of roof docks would remain in the ordinance, except for the lake issue that was raised in the Central part of the county.

The attorney also addressed two other changes that would be made to the ordinance.

One change would require property owners to maintain their seawalls.

That change “takes the operative language of the Hernando County ordinance” and adds it to the county’s ordinance.

The other change would allow more of a canal to be used for the dock, in the situation of a dead end canal, where there is not a different property owner at the end of the waterway.

The proposed amended ordinance will go through a public hearing before the Planning Commission and two public hearings before the County Commission.

Moore said he’s confident the amended ordinance will be adopted.

Steffens is optimistic.

If the ordinance is adopted, he’ll be able to work closer to home.

“I work in Hillsborough mostly now. I have to, because that’s where the work is,” he said.

But, that’s not the only reason he wants the change.

He wants to restore a way of life in Central Pasco, he said.

“This is just a small sample,” he said, indicating the dock roofs on Bell Lake.

“I mean Lake Padgett and East Lake and Lake Saxton and King Lake and Lake Thomas — all of these lakes — that’s the way it’s been.

“It’s been for generations. For years and years, people have been doing that. It’s just what they expect out here, on these freshwater private lakes,” Steffens said.

Published February 20, 2019

Cardel Homes Introduces The Enclave At Lake Padgett

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There are more lakes in Land O’ Lakes than anywhere else in Pasco County. And, of its dozens of lakes, none is more desirable than Lake Padgett, a spring-fed, 200-acre lake that is the largest in central Pasco.

Lake Padgett has been home to beautiful waterfront homes for over 50 years, where residents enjoy boating, water skiing and long views of cypress-lined shores, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

There are only a handful of homesites remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be introducing the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “We’re thrilled to be offering eight beautiful lots directly on the Lagoon, all that are large in size.”

The Enclave At Lake Padgett is a secluded, gated community of just 18 homesites, with easy access off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41). All of Cardel’s homes will back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett.

“All of our homesites can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats,” said Phillips. “Plus, none of our docks are shared between homeowners.”

Homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett must be a minimum 3,000 square feet, and Cardel’s floor plans are as large as 4,260 square feet.

For families looking for a new home, Cardel has an inventory home that is available now — the elegant one-story St. Lucia, which has 3,336 square feet and offers four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage.

“Our St. Lucia model has an open floor plan that is very attractive to families of all sizes,” said Phillips.

This one-story beauty features 12-foot ceilings, a den off the entry, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, expansive great room, huge bonus room, and a master suite with a sitting area and private lanai at the back of the house. Interior features are fabulous, and include white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile throughout, and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The home is on a wooded lot and has a large front porch, and covered lanai in the back. An oversized dock is just steps away from the backyard, and is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“This home is ideal for the family wanting to move up to an exclusive, private community with no CDD,” said Phillips.

“It’s the best of both worlds — enjoying all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers, without the boat noise and traffic directly in your backyard. If you want to start the new year in a beautiful new home, this is one of the best waterfront values in all of Tampa Bay,” he adds.

The St. Lucia inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is listed at just $650,000.

If you prefer to choose your homesite and select a floor plan, colors and finishes, currently, Cardel is offering buyers up to $50,000 off in its design center, for homes contracted before the end of the year. A Cardel home in the Enclave begins at $494,900.

Many families want to live in Land O’ Lakes because of its excellent schools. The Enclave is assigned to top-rated Sunlake High, Charles Rushe Middle and Lake Myrtle Elementary.

For families wanting to build in Hillsborough County, Cardel is introducing a new community in Lutz, located close to USF and I-275.

Oakwood Reserve offers 1-acre homesites on Clement Road – a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Like the Enclave at Lake Padgett, only eight homesites are available.

Cardel also builds homes in Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, along the State Road 54 corridor, next to the Suncoast Parkway.

“Cardel Homes is one of the few national builders to offers buyers communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley that offer many desirable family amenities, to those like the Enclave At Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve, which offer larger lots, more privacy and high-end custom features,” said Phillips.

Visit Cardel Homes at the Enclave At Lake Padgett, or at Bexley, Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Published November 28, 2018

Looking for sinkhole solutions

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Remedying a massive sinkhole in Land O’ Lakes has taken a minor step forward, four months after it opened and swallowed two homes on Ocean Pines Drive in Lake Padgett.

Residents of the Lake Padgett community were presented several preliminary solutions for fixing the sinkhole long-term, during a Nov. 8 meeting at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center.

The audience also had the opportunity to ask questions and offer input to county officials.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrative of public safety, led the meeting.

He offered up three possible solutions for “success” in the sinkhole’s remediation:

  • Build a fence around the sinkhole with a cul de sac on each side (estimated cost of $1.7 million)
  • Connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon while adding a cul de sac to each side of the lake (estimated cost of $2.5 million)
  • Rebuild the original road through the sinkhole (estimated cost of $800,000)

The first two options would require the county to purchase several properties, either to connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon and/or develop a cul de sac.

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned. Remediation costs are estimated anywhere from $800,000 to more than $2.5 million. (File)

The third option, meanwhile, requires the reconstruction of Ocean Pines Drive using a sheet piling methodology. Fences then would be placed around bodies of water on either side of the road — similar to how retention ponds have fences around them.

A fourth option consists of leaving the sinkhole “as is,” adding a chain-link fence and signage around its perimeter. The option would cost about $50,000.

The Pasco County Commission will have the final say on how to proceed with long-term recovery efforts at the sinkhole site.

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned.

On July 31, the county approved $1.3 million for an initial cleanup of debris, and stabilization of the site. That work has been completed.

Guthrie said additional geotechnical investigation is required before any remediation can be done, which would cost an additional $100,000 to $200,000.

The University of South Florida also is recommending a resistivity survey be completed to determine how the sinkhole interacts with underground surrounding areas. The cost would be another $15,000.

Dr. Lori Collins is a research professor at USF, and is a part of the team of geologists and postgraduate students researching the sinkhole since Day 1.

She explained further testing is needed to truly understand how the sinkhole penetrates the Florida aquifer and connects to the lake system.

“We want to make sure science tells us what the alternates should be first. Right now, we don’t know…what’s going on underneath the ground,” Collins said.

The necessary prep work could take another 45 days, Guthrie said, before a final recommendation is presented to county commissioners.

“We want to do it right the first time and not keep coming back, time and time again,” Guthrie said.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrative of public safety, served up three possible solutions for ‘success’ in the sinkhole’s remediation. (Kevin Weiss)

Since the sinkhole involves private property and a county road, the county is a stakeholder in the situation. Had the sinkhole never touched the roadway, it would’ve strictly been a private property issue, Guthrie said.

Regarding funding, Guthrie mentioned municipal service taxing units  (MSTU) or municipal services benefit unit (MSBU) as options that have been used in the past.

Utilizing the county’s general fund reserves is another possibility. However, the county is already “significantly dipping” into those reserves following Hurricane Irma, Guthrie said.

Assistance through grants and the state also will be vetted, he said.

“We’re trying to get whatever we can,” Guthrie said. “It’s going to be very difficult…to help pay for this.”

Terence Doohen was one of several sinkhole victims who attended the Nov. 8 meeting.

He said the public forum proved beneficial to affected homeowners and community members.

“I felt there was some good information there that had not been communicated to me,” he said, “so I thought it was well worth my time and some other people’s time.”

The 44-year-old, along with his wife and 10-year-old son, in August had their lakeside property red-tagged by the Pasco County Building Inspectors Office.

Doohen said he’s in favor of “whatever is the safest solution for everyone involved.”

“I would go to bat for long-term, whichever is the safest option,” he said.

Doohen also supports the county taking a thorough look at the sinkhole matter before making any major decisions.

“I’m fine with the time that’s gone by,” he said “I think it’s fine, if everybody’s dotting all the ‘i’s and crossing all the t’s, and if it moves at a little bit slower pace than one expected; I think you’ve just got to kind of live with it and roll with it.”

Several additional community meetings are expected over the next several months.

Guthrie acknowledged the sinkhole matter will be handled in a methodical fashion, likely extending well into 2018.

“We are at step one on a ladder that’s probably about 10 stories long,” Guthrie said.

Published November 15, 2017

Unstable sinkhole claims seven homes

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Pasco County building inspectors have condemned five additional homes — because of recent destabilization of a sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County officials say the sinkhole grew another 30 feet, to a diameter of around 260 feet, after a bank on the western edge—closest to Lake Saxon — collapsed between the evening of Aug. 3 and the morning of Aug. 5.

Previously, the sinkhole measured between 225 feet wide to 235 feet wide and approximately 50 feet deep.

Ceres Environmental Services, the main debris removal contractor, worked throughout much of the weekend on cleanup and recovery efforts. Besides debris removal and disposal, Ceres will pump and remove contaminated water, and stabilize the sinkhole as needed with granular fill, over the next several weeks. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The recent destabilization may have resulted from seismic vibrations caused by heavy construction equipment operating nearby the site, according to Kevin Guthrie, the assistant county administrator for public safety.

He reassured the sinkhole is not active, based on information he’s received from geo-engineers and other experts.

“We did anticipate that we were going to have potential problems (during cleanup),” Guthrie said.

The widening temporarily halted cleanup operations and forced building inspectors to condemn five more homes, which show signs of foundation shifts and compromised structural integrity.

The recent destabilization of the sinkhole was the first documented movement since July 19, when the perimeter widened by approximately 10 feet, after sand erosion just below the ground surface dried and collapsed into the hole.

The sinkhole originally opened July 14 in the Lake Padgett community.

Officials say that most of the sinkhole is about 180 feet wide. Its current depth has not been verified.

On the day that the sinkhole opened, it engulfed the properties at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive and 21835 Ocean Drive.

The five additional homes that have met the criteria for demolition are:

  • 21815 Ocean Pines Drive
  • 21814 Ocean Pines Drive
  • 3153 Canal Place
  • 21748 Ocean Pines Drive
  • 21845 Ocean Pines Drive

Meanwhile, cleanup efforts have resumed.

On July 31, the Pasco County Commission approved $1.3 million to remove the debris, eliminate the public health threat and secure the sinkhole site.

Ceres Environmental Services, the main debris removal contractor, worked throughout much of the weekend on cleanup and recovery efforts.

On the afternoon of Aug. 5, crews began dumping truckloads of lime rock to stabilize one side of the sinkhole and create a slope, to remove floating debris via a small platform barge equipped with an excavator. A total of 125 dump trucks of uncrushed lime rock were brought into the sinkhole area, and five semi-loads of debris were removed from the site.

Following debris removal and disposal by Ceres, EnviroWaste Services will begin removing contaminated water from the site, over the next several weeks.

The county also may opt to bring the roadway leading to the sinkhole up to grade, to later be asphalted in.

Guthrie said the “Phase 1” tasks will not be rushed, to prevent any injuries and further evacuations.

“During this recovery process, we are going to be slow, deliberate, methodical in our approach, as to not get anyone injured,” he said. “If we have to slow down, we slow down. Speed is not of the essence here.”

Following the cleanup phase, county administrators will “hit the pause button” to consult with the Pasco County Commission for the next phases.

Possible long-term options range from leaving the sinkhole alone, to filling and repairing the sinkhole, or connecting it to a nearby lake. Estimates on filling the entire sinkhole would require at least 135,000 cubic yards of dirt.

The entire mitigation of the sinkhole is expected to take several months.

During cleanup, the county is deploying four safety officers to monitor the sinkhole. They will alert neighbors door-to-door if additional evacuations are necessary.

Published August 9, 2017

Pasco County allocates $1.3 million for sinkhole response

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Cleanup of a massive sinkhole in the Lake Padgett community in Land O’ Lakes was expected to begin as early as this week, weather permitting.

The Pasco County Commission approved $1.3 million to remove the debris, eliminate the public health threat and secure the site. The action came at a special July 31 board meeting.

Here’s the breakdown on the board’s $1.3 million expenditure:

  • Debris removal at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive and 21835 Ocean Pines Drive by Ceres Environmental Services: $640,099
  • Fill, from various contractors: $300,000
  • Water hauling (Environ Waste): $30,000
  • Tip fees: $14,750
  • Initial response expenditures: $78,194
  • Contingencies: $237,137

The $1.3 million is for the initial “phase one” cleanup, not the absolute sinkhole repair of completely filling the site, grading it and so on, according to county officials.

Debris removal is slated to begin this week, as the Pasco County Commission allocated a $1.3 million for the initial cleanup process. Ceres Environmental Services was awarded the bid for debris removal, not to exceed $640,000. (Kevin Weiss)

After phase one is finished, the county will take a break and determine what to do from there.

Regarding the debris removal by Ceres Environmental Services, County Administrator Dan Biles said the company first will try the dragline methodology, via a long-reach excavator.

The company may also resort to other methods to complete the task, Biles said.

Ceres will remove and dispose of floating debris, will pump and remove contaminated water, and will stabilize the southeast portion of the sinkhole with granular fill.

The cleanup task should take somewhere between two to four weeks, Biles said.

During a July 27 news conference, Kevin Guthrie, the assistant county administrator for public safety, said “I want everybody to have a clear understanding the county is not going to pay taxpayer dollars to completely remediate the sinkhole, bring it back up to pristine condition as it was before and step away.

“We are removing the immediate danger of life and health, which is the debris and the contamination, and then we will move on to that next phase, whatever the (County Commission’s) wishes are at that point in time.”

The sinkhole originally opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, where it engulfed two homes and a boat.

The now “dormant” sinkhole measures 235 feet wide and approximately 50 feet deep — believed to be the largest in county history. Despite extensive property damage caused by the disaster, no injuries have been reported.

Possible long-term options range from leaving the sinkhole alone, to filling and repairing the sinkhole, or connecting it to a nearby lake. Estimates on filling the entire sinkhole would require approximately 135,000 cubic yards of dirt.

Determining that next step, Guthrie said, will be a “methodical process.”

Guthrie added: “We probably have about three actual, doable contingencies. We will be talking to the board about what their possibilities are, along with the associated costs.

The sinkhole originally opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, where it engulfed two homes and a boat. The sinkhole now measures 235 feet wide and approximately 50 feet deep—believed to be the largest in county history. (File)

“We’re going to let the board make some important decisions, because at the end of the day, it’s…the taxpayer’s money, and we need to make sure we’re doing the right things by the taxpayers,” Guthrie said.

Last week, the county sent out demand letters and notice of financial responsibility to the homeowners, renters, and companies that did remediation work in the past.

Guthrie reiterated the sinkhole damage is a private matter between each affected party’s insurance company, and the county eventually will seek as much reimbursement as possible.

However, at least one of those insurers has told the county it’s not their problem. And, another argues they’ve already paid a property owner and have no further liability.

Meanwhile, five families still remain displaced. Pasco County Community Services has collaborated with United Way of Pasco to provide 90-day relocation assistance for the affected renters and property owners.

And, over the past week, site activity — including presence from county agencies —began tapering off, after a fencing enclosure was installed on the roadway leading up to the sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive.

That didn’t stop some residents and sightseers from getting a firsthand look at the destruction.

William Dillon, a Land O’ Lakes resident, marveled at the site Friday evening.

“It’s going to be quite a project getting that stuff out of there,” he said.

He also expressed sympathy for the families affected.

“I just feel sorry for them,” he said. “It’s just terrible.”

Nancy Teague, a nearby Lake Padgett resident, likewise, was in awe of the sinkhole.

“Can you imagine how many millions (of dollars) it would take in concrete to fill it?”

Published August 2, 2017

Cleanup set to begin on massive sinkhole

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Barring unforeseen developments, cleanup is expected to begin this week on the massive sinkhole that recently swallowed two homes in the Lake Padgett community of Land O’ Lakes.

As of July 20, Pasco County was entering the final stages of securing bids from contractors for debris removal at the sinkhole site, which now measures 235 feet wide and approximately 50 feet deep — believed to be the largest in the county’s history.

While the sinkhole is labeled ‘dormant,’ recent activity has been documented. On July 19, the sinkhole’s perimeter widened by approximately 10 feet, after sand erosion just below the ground surface dried out and collapsed into the hole.
The movement along the bank resulted in a hot tub and slab of concrete falling into the hole, along with about 10 feet of dirt and grass. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Before cleanup and repair work can begin, however, engineers must perform additional testing to ensure the ground around the sinkhole is stable enough for heavy equipment. One of the county’s contracted engineers, Intertek-PSI, is currently using ground penetrating radar and core sampling to measure the structural integrity of Ocean Pines Drive and county easements leading up to the sinkhole.

Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public safety, said recovery work could take months, with costs ranging from $750,000 to more than $2 million.

“It’s going to be a very slow and methodical process,” Guthrie said.

The county already has spent about $100,000 responding to the sinkhole, through contractual and departmental costs.

The county’s goal is to have a debris removal company in place in case homeowner’s insurance companies don’t accept responsibility to clean up the sinkhole.

The fastest, most economical cleanup tactic being considered is what’s called a dragline — a cable-operated system that would extend out and collect debris from the surface of the sinkhole.

Other possible options include using a float barge or large crane, with an excavator, to remove debris and decontaminate the sinkhole site.

“We’re trying to look for the most cost-effective, but safe option, so that we don’t put other homes in danger,” Guthrie said. “If we can employ a tactic that does not cause harm to the (sinkhole) banks, that’s the big deal right now.

“There’s a possibility using that dragline may actually destabilize those banks and cause further damage,” he said.

The assistant county administrator estimates filling the entire sinkhole would require approximately 135,000 cubic yards of dirt, though plans that far ahead are not yet in place.

The sinkhole originally opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, where it engulfed two homes and a boat.

Despite extensive property damage, no injuries have been reported.

The sinkhole is currently labeled “dormant,” but activity has been documented.

On July 19, the sinkhole’s perimeter widened by approximately 10 feet, after sand erosion just below the ground surface dried and collapsed into the hole.

The movement along the bank resulted in a hot tub and slab of concrete falling into the hole, along with about 10 feet of dirt and grass.

As a precaution, two homeowners along Canal Street were advised to gather their belongings for possible evacuation in the future.

Guthrie has reassured the activity is not an indication of the sinkhole becoming deeper.

“The sinkhole is not growing,” he said, assuredly.

In resolving the erosion issue, Guthrie said the edges of the sinkhole must be reshaped with dirt, from a 90-degree angle to a 45-degree slope.

“There is no support for that sand. As the water table goes down, that sand has nothing to hold it in place. So, that sand is falling out which then causes the grass and top soil to collapse,” Guthrie explained.

Once engineers deem the area safe, the county will bring in dump truck loads of dirt to shore up the banks of the sinkhole, before the large-scale cleanup process begins.

“We’re trying to determine if there are any sinkholes or any other activity under the ground before we bring the dump trucks in. Once we have figured that out, then we will start bringing that dirt in,” Guthrie said.

Elsewhere, water tests of the sinkhole turned up negative for E. Coli, officials said last week.

Further testing did come up positive for total coliform bacteria, in some of the water surrounding the sinkhole, officials said.

Greg Crumpton, a county health official, said it’s likely the result of older, dirty wells, some of which are upwards of 10 years to 20 years old in the Lake Padgett and Lake Saxon communities.

He said a confirmatory test and resample is underway.

If those tests come back positive, nearby homeowners are advised to use bottled or boiled water until the wells are disinfected.

Water tests
Due to the positive bacterial results, Pasco County announced it is waiving the fees for well water for testing more than 400 homes along Lake Padgett and Lake Saxon through July 28.

All residents living on the following streets qualify for free well water testing: Bronze Leaf Place, Canal Place, Clover Leaf Lane, Flat Rock Place, Grove Place, Heatherwood Lane, Lake Padgett Drive, Lake Saxon Drive, Ocean Pines Drive, Panther Way, Peninsular Drive, Pine Shadow Drive, Rain Forest Place, Snook Circle, Swans Landing Drive and Wilsky Road.

Residents who would like their well water tested should do the following:

  • Go to the Pasco County Environmental Laboratory located at 8864 Government Drive in New Port Richey and request a test kit for Total Coliform.
  • Present proof of address and receive lab instructions to collect water.
  • Take a sample of their tap water according to lab protocols, and bring the sample and associated paperwork back to the laboratory.
  • Results will be available in two days.

 

Help still available
Help remains available for sinkhole victims. Those needing help should reach out to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army of Pasco County, Pasco County Human Services or United Way of Pasco County.

Published July 26, 2017

Massive sinkhole swallows two homes

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Recovery efforts expected to take months

Efforts are beginning in a recovery process to address impacts from a massive sinkhole that swallowed two homes in the Lake Padgett community of Land O’ Lakes.

Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public safety, said authorities received a 911 call at 7:21 a.m., on July 14, reporting a depression forming under a boat.

A depression indicating the presence of this sinkhole was initially reported to Pasco County authorities around 7:21 a.m., on July 14. It grew quickly, swallowing two homes and the roadway in front of it before going dormant that evening. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

First responders from Pasco County Fire Rescue were on scene by 7:36 a.m., according to county officials.

“Very quickly, it (the sinkhole) started expanding toward the house, and then the house started falling in,” Guthrie said, estimated that happened within 30 to 40 minutes of them being on scene.

First responders rescued two dogs from one home and quickly evacuated other nearby homes, he said.

When Guthrie arrived, shortly after 9 a.m., the sinkhole was at the edge of the driveway of one of the destroyed homes.

“Within 45 minutes, the entire roadway was in,” he said.

In addition to the two homes — at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive and 21835 Ocean Pines Drive — that were destroyed, the county tagged nine other homes as being unsafe to enter.

Despite the extensive property damage, however, no one was injured.

The neighborhood was cordoned off on July 14 to keep people safe and keep curiosity seekers out.

Besides a heavy presence of public safety officials, scores of media outlets swarmed the neighborhood on July 14. News trucks straddled the normally quiet residential streets, and drones and helicopters buzzed overhead.

The story made the national news, received extensive coverage on local television stations and captured air time on NPR, too.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey visited the site on July 17, to see the devastation firsthand and to announce a relief effort established to help those affected.

“Seeing it on TV is very different from seeing it live,” Starkey said, of the sinkhole’s damage.

“This is just devastating for our community. I’m just very thankful we had no loss of life,” she added.

The commissioner also offered this reassurance: “I wanted our residents and our citizens to know that the Pasco County Commission is here for them.”

Kevin Guthrie, Pasco County’s assistant county administrator, addresses the media at one of several briefings regarding the giant sinkhole that opened up in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

United Way of Pasco has partnered with the county to help the people who have been affected by the sinkhole, said Alice Delgardo, CEO of the organization.

A sinkhole relief fund has been set up by United Way of Pasco, and another one is being established by SunTrust Bank, Delgardo said.

Anyone wishing to contribute can be assured that those accounts are legitimate and will provide help to those affected, Guthrie said.

Immediately after the news conference with Starkey, water quality sampling began.

Water at the nine homes that were evacuated will be tested, as well as another 11 homes in the neighborhood, Guthrie said. Results were expected by the afternoon of July 18 (after The Laker/Lutz News went to press).

No other action by the county was expected on July 17.

“We are still in that 48-hour waiting period that the Department of Environmental Protection has asked us to do.

“The Department of Environmental Protection will be back today (July 17) to do another water level assessment to make sure that things are not growing,” Guthrie said.

Before it went dormant, the sinkhole grew to 225 feet in diameter and 50 feet deep, Guthrie said.

“I don’t recall any sinkhole of this size (in Pasco County), nor one that had water in it,” Starkey said.

“I believe this is the largest one in the state of Florida in recent history,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie is unsure when the residents who were evacuated will be able to return home.

“Engineers are telling us that it’s not safe, as we move that heavy equipment in and out of here, with the sinkhole. We don’t know exactly where that safe edge is at.

“We’re going to be working with building engineers, with civil engineers … We are going to do everything in our power to get those people back in their homes as soon as we possibly can,” he said.

Guthrie also wanted to assure area residents: “We’re going to communicate with them every step of the way. We’re going to walk this road, hand-in-hand. We’re going to keep them informed. Do not fear, we are not going to turn our back on you. We are not going to let you down. We are going to be with you, every step of the way.

“The full strength of the Board of County Commission, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, The United Way and Red Cross, Salvation Army and our community is all standing here with them, and we’re going to work it together,” Guthrie said.

Sinkhole relief efforts
Need help?
Citizens who need help can reach out to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army of Pasco County, Pasco County Human Services or United Way of Pasco County.

Want to help?
Those wanting to help can visit UnitedWayPasco.org and click on the sinkhole relief banner; text sinkhole41444 or check with SunTrust Bank, which also is setting up a relief fund account.

What’s next?

  • Pasco Emergency Management has moved from a response phase to a recovery phase, which is expected to take months to repair the sinkhole.
  • Pasco County is now treating this as a hazardous materials incident because of septic tank issues and building debris. The county began testing water quality of the nine evacuated homes on July 17 and planned to test it on 11 other homes in the neighborhood as well.

Additional residents wishing to have their water tested for E. coli ($7 fee) or other possible contaminants (additional fees apply) may do so through the Pasco County Environmental Lab. Go to PascoCountyFl.net/index.aspx?NID=1476.

  • County officials will meet with homeowners and insurance companies to start discussing mitigation
  • Residents who were evacuated will be allowed back into their homes as quickly as possible, but the county will be consulting with experts to be sure it is safe for them to return.

Published July 19, 2017

In the Loop is ready for live music, more hours

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Patrons of In the Loop Brewing will be able to quaff their favorite craft beers while enjoying live music on an outdoor deck on the shores of Lake Padgett.

Pasco County commissioners approved a request from the brewery’s owners to allow live music that previously had been banned. The hours of operation also were expanded to allow more flexibility for hosting special events, yoga classes and private parties.

The item appeared on the consent agenda at the county commissioners July 11 meeting in Dade City. No one spoke in opposition, and commissioners unanimously gave their approval.

In the Loop opened in 2016, at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in a restored two-story home. There is an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room. A beer garden, with a deck, overlooks Lake Padgett.

Co-owner Joe Traina has described the live music as acoustic guitar playing, similar to Jimmy Buffet’s style. Typically, live music would be on weekends, and would complement the relaxed atmosphere of In the Loop, said Traina, speaking at a hearing before the Pasco County Planning Commission in June.

The expanded hours, as approved by the county, would allow In the Loop to operate from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Live music would be allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday through Friday; and, from noon to 9 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

Owners have said they plan to schedule operating hours that are less than what is allowed.

The first live music event will be “Rhythm & Brews” on July 28 at 7 p.m., according to the brewery’s Facebook page.

For information, visit Facebook.com/InTheLoopBrewing.

Published July 19, 207

Land O’ Lakes gets a new brewery

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In the Loop Brewing is ready for beer lovers to belly up to the bar.

The craft brewery, in a renovated two-story house, and an outdoor beer garden, along the shores of Lake Padgett, is the setting for the newest addition to the craft beer scene in Pasco County.

In the Loop Brewing co-owner Joe Traina pours a beer at the Land O’ Lakes brewery. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
In the Loop Brewing co-owner Joe Traina pours a beer at the Land O’ Lakes brewery.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

It is the dream-come-true for three friends who spent weekends in a garage on Cherbourg Loop, brewing beer that got kudos from friends.

Now, Mark Pizzurro, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina are inviting the neighborhood to share in the hoppy pleasures of craft brew at In the Loop, at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“It’s been a good, solid opening,” said Traina. “We’re meeting neighbors and making new friends.”

On a recent afternoon, Traina poured brews for first arrivals to In the Loop.

“It’s amazing and exciting to have a local place that harkens back to the old-fashioned bar,” said Steve Flom, who was visiting family in Land O’ Lakes. “Everybody wants a place like Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Joe knows our names.”

Beer-brewing friends Mark Pizzurro, left, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina have opened In the Loop Brewing at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
Beer-brewing friends Mark Pizzurro, left, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina have opened In the Loop Brewing at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The journey from renovations to opening day took nearly two years of entanglements in bureaucratic red tape. Licenses and approvals to brew their own craft beer brands just arrived.

Within a month of so, five In the Loop brews will be on tap, with more to come. First arrivals will be an IPA, a vanilla espresso porter, a Vienna lager and a pale ale.

Pizzurro is the brewmeister. He served an internship at Big Storm Brewing in Odessa.

Abreut is a former firefighter who owns Crossfit En Fuego, located next door to In the Loop. He focuses on the brewery’s marketing.

Traina deals with sales, and they all handle bar duties.

For now, beers on tap include local and Florida-based brews such as Funky Buddha and Sunshine City IPA.

A wooden deck at In the Loop Brewing overlooks the shores of Lake Padgett in Land O’ Lakes.
A wooden deck at In the Loop Brewing overlooks the shores of Lake Padgett in Land O’ Lakes.

Looking for something different? Try a Swedish cider in a tall, cool glass.

But, the In the Loop brews aren’t the final touch for what the partners see as a slow, deliberate introduction to the neighborhood.

More is to come.

A staircase from the tasting room to the second floor eventually will open into a special events room.

Before that can happen, though, a second exit must be installed to meet county building and safety codes.

In the moment, however, guests can enjoy the bar, and a tasting room with dark concrete floors and a brick chimney. Old-style suitcases, cut in half, jut from a wall and serve as drink rests. Outside, the patio and a wooden deck roll out toward Lake Padgett, with peaceful views of the lapping waters.

Games of Jenga and corn hole are at the ready for friendly competitions.

“We want it to be a good time to kick back and relax,” said Traina.

Published November 23, 2016