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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Wells Jr.

Pasco commissioners seek way to stop panhandlers

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They already have an ordinance on the books that addresses panhandlers, and another one that addresses trespassing.

But, the Pasco County Commission still hasn’t found an effective way to put a stop to panhandling.

“We have a panhandling ordinance in place. We write a lot of tickets to all of the people that are doing the panhandling. One gentleman has 240 tickets,” Commissioner Jack Mariano said during the commission’s Oct. 9 board meeting.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano (File)

Pasco County sheriff’s deputies don’t know what else to do, he said.

“They don’t want to take them to jail to fill up the jail. What do you do next?” the commissioner said.

Mariano has an idea.

He wants to try to dissuade people from giving donations to panhandlers.

He wants the county to send a message that “we don’t want you donating to the panhandlers.”

He thinks that would help put a stop to the panhandling problem.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agrees that there’s a problem. She told her colleagues that she was aware of a panhandler working on one side of a turn-lane on Starkey Boulevard who was cited, so he simply moved to the other side of the road.

“Apparently, it’s site specific when you cite them. I think we have to readdress that ordinance,” Starkey said. She thinks the ordinance should address panhandling that happens anywhere in the county.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Kristi Sims explained the actions the board has taken to date.

“So, when the board enacted its ordinance concerning road solicitation, or panhandling — that is a civil violation and yes, tickets were written,” Sims said. “People would turn the tickets over and use them as another sign, on the backs of their tickets. It was not being paid. It wasn’t particularly effective with some of the panhandlers in the county.

“If you’ll recall, when it started, it (panhandling) was ubiquitous — on almost every corner and growing.

“There was certainly a hard-core population of people who are violating the road solicitation ordinance, so this board went further and implemented a trespass ordinance that allows the sheriff to trespass them off of public property, intersections and yes, that is site specific,” the attorney said.

If that’s not working, Sims suggested two options. One would be to work harder on the trespass option, or two, violation of the ordinance is theoretically punishable by up to 60 days in jail.

“However, we would need to fund and pay for representation for indigent defendants to do that,” she said.

“The only thing left is jail,” Sims said. “I can’t make a certain segment of panhandlers care that they’ve received a citation.”

Mariano thinks the county should warn people who are giving to panhandlers that they should stop doing so.

“I think when someone gets a couple of warnings, they’re going to stop. When the panhandlers see that these people are being warned not to donate, I think we can deter it that way.

“Because obviously, what we’re doing is not working. We need some type of change. I think this is something, that this would be a very positive move to try to diminish what’s happening out there,” Mariano said.

Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said he favors taking action to reduce panhandling because he worries about the safety of people who are seeking donations.

Mariano suggested having a workshop to discuss updating the ordinance, and commissioners asked County Administrator Dan Biles to put together a list of the county’s priorities so they can discuss during their next meeting when they might want to set up that workshop.

Biles agreed to bring back that list.

Published October 17, 2018

Pasco tax revenues are up this year

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Rising property values in Pasco County could provide about $11 million in increased revenues.

That’s a bigger windfall than the $10.5 million initially projected.

That extra cash – about $650,000 – would play a key role in helping to close a $3.3 million gap in funding requests for 2019 from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Pasco County expected to receive final revenue data by July 1 from the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office.

The Pasco County Commission received a budget update — including two possible scenarios on the sheriff’s budget — at a June 26 public workshop at Saint Leo University.

Both options on the sheriff’s budget relied on the $650,000 of additional revenue.

County commissioners quickly rejected one option to also withdraw $2.6 million from a reserve fund.

Instead, they accepted a staff recommendation to pair the $650,000 with budget cuts. An estimated $2.4 million for temporary on-site pods at the overcrowded Land O’ Lakes Detention Center would be delayed until 2020. And, a proposed $250,000 for Safety Town would be eliminated.

Commissioners agreed with the staff’s recommendation, except for cutting the Safety Town proposal.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said funds should be found for Safety Town either from the county’s fund balance or new property tax revenues.

Safety Town is a safety education program for children, ages 5 to 8, that the sheriff’s office operates.

“It’s really for youth,” Wells said. “It’s needed. I think we need to absolutely fully support the sheriff on this.”

The sheriff’s budget for 2019 is nearly $133 million, an 11.5 percent increase. However, most of that increase is related to jail overcrowding.

While temporary on-site inmate housing would be delayed, the proposed budget still includes funds for out-of-county inmate housing.

The existing jail was built for a capacity of about 1,400 inmates but currently is about 200 inmates over that cap. While that’s a dip in recent weeks, the jail, at times, has had nearly 1,800 inmates.

“It’s a safety issue for deputies,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “We’ve seen a spike in fights going on.”

Currently, Seminole County’s jail has about 60 of Pasco’s inmates, at a cost of under $74 a day per inmate.

The sheriff also said 13 new detention officers will be hired and trained during the next nine- to 12-month period.

When money is available for on-site pods, those officers will be ready, he said.

Commissioners also reviewed funding requests for about 40 items from various departments, split into two tiers based on priority.

One package would cost about $4.4 million for expenses such as wage increases for county employees, restoration of library hours, fire rescue stations, and an additional inmate work crew.

The other package of about $1.1 million would pay for new positions in departments, including public services and development services.

There also was a recommendation for $15,000 to the United Way of Pasco County, for an emergency fund to aid low-income residents who aren’t eligible for other programs.

Wells asked that funding for United Way be increased to $50,000. Later on, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested $100,000.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey asked for details on those expenses.

“I support the United Way. I just want to know where the money is coming from,” she said.

Anticipated property tax revenues might be enough to fund the United Way request, said Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

He also noted that county officials are taking a realistic approach to crafting the 2019 budget to withstand potential revenue losses for 2020.

A major concern is a November referendum for an additional $25,000 homestead exemption for homes valued more than $100,000. Most county officials expect it to pass, with a projected revenue loss as high as $14 million, effective for the 2020 budget.

Even so, Biles said county officials looked at the potential revenue losses “and what that would do to the budget so we don’t have to go back on any of these decisions for 2019.”

That includes the priority items for wages, library hours and new job positions, he said.

The county also has other referendums in November that could change spending priorities.

County commissioners recently approved four bond referendums for the November ballot that would bring new revenues for public safety, fire rescue, parks and libraries, if approved.

“If the park referendum doesn’t pass, we have a huge amount of backlog for our parks for safety reasons,” Starkey said. “I don’t want to see parks closing down.”

Published July 4, 2018

Local governments share forum

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Pasco County has shared interests with city governments, but it’s a rare occasion for county and city officials to meet in a joint public forum.

But, that’s exactly what happened on June 26 when staff members and elected officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City sat down at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest, and such meetings could become an annual or semi-annual event.

“We need to do more things together,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said.

Officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills held a joint forum at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest. (Kathy Steele)

Most of the talk centered on roads, traffic and redevelopment.

Each of the city and town representatives highlighted accomplishments and issues of concern.

Traffic and road projects topped the list, including one traffic crossroad, known as “calamity corner.”

The intersection is where State Road 52, headed toward St. Leo, takes a turn to the right. But, motorists at that juncture also are navigating along Pompanic Street and College Avenue.

They are guided by signs to stop or yield, and a string of three red caution lights that motorists can find confusing.

“There are a lot of accidents, near accidents, and complaints,” said Eric Stallworth, who serves on the San Antonio City Commission.

Former Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader spoke a few months ago at a Pasco County Commission meeting about the intersection and urged county commissioners to find a fix for it.

One idea was for a roundabout.

That appealed to Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who said the topic could be brought up at the August Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Discussion also focused on current and ongoing road projects, including widening and realigning State Road 52.

An additional extension of State Road 56 is being sought, too.

Currently, State Road 56 is being extended from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills’ officials are seeking additional state funding for a study on linking State Road 56 to State Road 39.

City and county benefit from greater roadway connectivity, said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

With roads and existing rail lines, Vande Berg said, “We think there’s an opportunity to have an inland port at the (Zephyrhills) Municipal Airport.”

Zephyrhills and Dade City representatives also provided brief views on projects paid with revenues from their Community Redevelopment Areas, or CRAs.

Zephyrhills has used funds for items, including Hercules Park, street lighting and three neighborhood cleanups that removed 900 tons of debris.

“It has made a difference,” said Gail Hamilton, the city’s CRA director.

Future plans include Zephyr Park improvements.

Dade City (which has two CRAs) used its CRA funds, along with Florida Department of Transportation money, to extend Hardy Trail. The trail is envisioned as part of a network of area trails.

The CRA also provides matching grants as incentives to redevelop Dade City’s historic downtown.

The projects brought praise but also criticism of CRAs in general from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“It’s no secret. I’m not a big huge fan of CRAs,” he said. But, he added, “I do appreciate both cities doing it properly, and not including the entire city in a CRA.”

Moore and other county commissioners have been critical of CRAs in Port Richey and New Port Richey, which are drawn to include all properties within city limits.

State law has since been amended to be more restrictive, with a CRA being no more than 80 percent of a municipality.

CRAs are special taxing districts that generate property taxes for reinvestment in community projects to end blight within those districts. Once a property tax baseline is established, future property tax revenues are available to the CRA. Those revenues, then, aren’t available to the county’s general funds.

Moore said it doesn’t make sense for areas with expensive homes to be in a CRA. “Obviously, we know an entire city isn’t blighted,” he said. “That’s not too kosher.”

He anticipates the Florida legislature eliminating new CRAs after complaints about mismanagement statewide.

Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina disagreed.

“I’m not sure they’re going away,” he said.

If they do, Spina said the city would lose the incentives it can now offer to spark redevelopment. “We have a much more vibrant downtown now,” he added, because of the city’s CRA.

It’s the “bad apples” that are misusing CRAs that are the problem, said Starkey.

“I’m OK with it, if we add accountability and transparency,” she said. “I think the language in the (Florida) statute was poorly written.”

Published July 4, 2018

Land O’ Lakes has its own Rotary Club, again

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After being a satellite of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon club, the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes has regained its independent status.

The Land O’ Lakes organization had existed for years, then merged with the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, and then became a satellite club.

It took some time to reach the required membership level, but the Land O’ Lakes Club is a standalone club again, said Sandy Graves, president of the revived Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club.

These are the original members that started the club, from left, Larry Giannone, Elayne Bassinger, Sandy Graves, Terri Dusek, along with Perry Bean, who is district governor of Rotary.
(Courtesy of Dave Wright)

“You have to have 20 to officially charter,” Graves said. “We’d get real close and then a couple would quit, or move or whatever.”

The group wanted to be on its own so it could focus on needs in Land O’ Lakes, as well as helping in broader efforts, Graves said.

“We need the Rotary in Land O’ Lakes again. Land O’ Lakes needs a strong civic organization,” Graves said.

Rotary provides the opportunity to do a lot of good, not only locally, but in the nation and the world, as well, Graves said.

Now that the club is official again, it is on the Rotary Club locator, which makes it more visible, she said. “People who are coming in that were Rotarians somewhere else, or want to join Rotary, they’ll be able to find us easier,” she explained.

The club meets on Fridays at 8 a.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Meetings include breakfast and generally last for an hour.

Anyone who is interested in joining the club can come visit a few times for free to find out more about it before deciding if they want to join, Graves said.

“We want people who are committed,” Graves said.

Besides Graves, other officers of the club are Jim Englemann, president-elect; Barb Goiran, secretary; and, Elayne Bassinger, treasurer.

The group also has a membership committee, a foundation committee and a public relations committee, Graves said.

One of the club’s projects involves purchasing weather-resistant outdoor instruments, which will be placed at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Graves said.

They’re oversized instruments, which can be played by children and have even been known to be played by adults, she said.

“These instruments are very good for kids with autism or Tourette’s Syndrome,” she said, because they can be soothing and can help them with their concentration.

Graves estimated it would cost about $10,000 to purchase the instruments, but added that could be more or less, depending on how many and what type of instruments are purchased.

The group recently raised $1,200 through a fundraiser.

The money came from a chance drawing for a five-hour scalloping trip for four, sponsored by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr.

Graves hopes the club will be able to secure a matching grant for the funds it raises to help purchase the outdoor musical instruments.

The club also is planning to do a Land O’ Liberty Salute, which involves decking out trees in the median of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard with red, white and blue ribbons — as a gesture of patriotism, in time for the Fourth of July.

The club also will be involved with Traditions on the Green, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, an annual tradition which features holiday music by local schools.

Graves encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about the Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club to come to a meeting.

Being part of the organization can be a rewarding experience, Graves said.

“It’s like anything in life. You know, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it,” she said.

Published June 13, 2018

Business park spurs talks on widening Old Pasco Road

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There is no disagreement that Old Pasco Road should be widened to four lanes.

But, the timing and funding for such a project got mixed reactions from Pasco County commissioners who approved a new business park on the mostly two-lane roadway.

Approximately 90 acres on Old Pasco will be the site for the county-initiated project, known as Overpass Business Park.

Intersection improvements will be made at State Road 52 and Old Pasco Road. County commissioners in the future want to see Old Pasco widened to four lanes.
(File)

Commissioners did include a condition to require developers to widen the road from the park’s entrance, north to Overpass Road.

The park is less than a half mile southeast of the intersection of Overpass and Old Pasco.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore pushed to widen the entire length – nearly two miles – of Old Pasco. Or, at least, he said it should be widened as far as Oakley Boulevard.

“I’m by no means against the project,” Moore said.

But, Old Pasco “needs to widened all the way through before we move forward with any actual project.”

The vote to approve was 3 to 1, with Moore the dissenting voter.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., was absent from the May 22 meeting in New Port Richey.

Other county commissioners worried that a requirement to widen the entire road would be too limiting.

“I just don’t see why we would force ourselves onto a condition when we don’t know what (project) will come before us,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “We’re tying our hands.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed.

He said the county would lose flexibility in attracting projects.

“We want to be able to move quickly when opportunities come forward,” he said.

The park is part of a county-driven effort to diversify the types of businesses and industries that are attracted to Pasco.

The land will be made site-ready, and marketed to prospective developers who will pitch their proposals to the county.

Starkey had a suggestion on funding for the road widening.

She cited an article in the magazine, Florida Trend, about a federal grant to Alachua County for a road project, aimed at boosting economic growth.

County officials said they already were working on an application to submit for a state grant.

Two other road projects are on tap to enhance Old Pasco at its intersection with State Road 52, and with Quail Hollow Boulevard.

County commissioners recently approved about $2.2 million for pavement reconstruction starting about 1,450 feet south of State Road 52, a sidewalk, stormwater, pond construction, signage and turn lanes.

The Florida Department of Transportation is in the midst of a major road widening project at State Road 52 and the Interstate 75 interchange.

In 2019, the county plans to begin intersection improvements for Old Pasco and Quail Hollow Boulevard.

Published May 30, 2018

Pilot code enforcement program yields results

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A more proactive approach to reducing blight in Pasco County appears to be working, and the Pasco County Commission wants the efforts to continue.

Commissioners approved a pilot program in April 2017, described as “high return enforcement.”

The focus was to become more aggressive in pursuing the worst of the county’s code violators through the use of fines and court actions.

A pilot program to take proactive actions to reduce blight in Pasco County resulted in demolition of about 50 mobile homes in the former Lazy Breeze Mobile Home & RV Park, outside Dade City. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

A partnership of county departments, including the county attorney’s office, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, code enforcement and building inspections have worked together, using existing staff members and resources.

The program has received no dedicated funding.

Assistant County Attorney Kristi Sims presented a progress report during a recent workshop in New Port Richey.

“The idea was to use what we had and to reorganize to take on more than what would normally have been taken on,” said Sims.

The program focused on repeat offenses, danger to health and public safety, and violations with serious impacts to the community.

Highlights from the past year include:

  • 63 blighted structures were demolished by property owners
  • 55 blighted structures were demolished by Pasco County
  • 17 demolitions are pending
  • 10 nonconforming signs have been removed or converted to monument signs
  • 46 signs have been repaired
  • More than 8,500 illegally stored tires were removed from five sites, as a result of lawsuits
  • Lawsuits are pending against five owners of vacant, dilapidated commercial buildings

One court case, settled in 2017, led to the removal of about 40 mobile homes and as many as 15 recreational vehicles at the Lazy Breeze Mobile Home & RV Park, off U.S. 301, outside Dade City.

“We’ve done a lot with a little,” Sims said. “It’s up to the board to decide if they want us to continue doing it.”

The program won praise from county commissioners.

“I think the public really notices,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

More than 8,500 illegally stored tires were removed from several sites as a result of a pilot program to take proactive actions to reduce blight in Pasco County.

In her district, Starkey said no one has a problem with removing blight because “it’s keeping their property values down. It’s keeping commerce and business out.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., also complimented the program’s results.

He had one cautionary caveat.

“We shouldn’t be overregulating and hurting small businesses,” said Wells. But, he did favor demolitions, and other actions that address matters of life and public safety.

The county’s priority is “not to go out and bust people’s chops about a sign or bushes,” he added.

Sims said the program relies on a scoring system to prioritize the worst offenses, including factors such as safety risks.

“Our goal is to strategize enforcement based on the board’s goals,” she said.

“Commercial blight is an expressed priority of this board,” Sims said.

She also noted that the county is flexible in scheduling a timetable to complete repairs.

“Our goal isn’t to eradicate a business or use, if it can be fixed,” Sims said. “What we’re looking for is compliance, and progressing toward fixing it.”

One of the challenges is to balance an employee’s everyday workload with the additional duties required by the new enforcement efforts, Sims said.

A lot of time is taken up with clerical work, and the need for up-to-date communications on work done by multiple departments. Additional staff for clerical work and building inspections is needed, Sims said.

County commissioners seemed to be receptive to the idea of including funds in the 2019 budget to address some of these issues.

Published May 9, 2018

Crystal Lagoon debuts with a splash — from Michael Phelps

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The weather was warm, the sun shining, and the crowd deep for the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

The April 28 kickoff for the nation’s first lagoon was further buoyed with a special appearance from retired Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympics history with 28 medals — 23 gold, three silver, two bronze — serves as global ambassador for Crystal Lagoons Inc.

Michael Phelps, a retired Olympic swimmer, spent part of the time during his visit talking about the importance of water safety. (Randy Underhill)

Following a short promotional video and introductions, Phelps’ entrance at the Wesley Chapel-based lagoon drew bursts of cheers and applause from the crowd, who nestled near a main stage to get an up-close look at the legendary swimmer.

Phelps engaged the crowd by highlighting the enjoyment his own family had at a similar lagoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“You guys are going to enjoy it. It’s so much fun,” Phelps said in his opening remarks. “The water’s crystal clear, and there’s so many activities — and that’s something that’s so much fun for me now being a dad with two kids, so I’m excited you guys get to experience this.”

Phelps noted it was his first visit to Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Bay area, arriving on a flight from New York City.

“I wish I lived down here, so I could experience this with my family more often,” he said. “Maybe we’ll have to bring the family down sometime soon.”

Following brief remarks, Phelps met with scores of fans and spent the afternoon signing autographs.

He later held a formal question-and-answer session with media.

Phelps’ first impression of the 7.5-acre lagoon? Gorgeous.

Said Phelps, “This is such a great place to be, and the atmosphere is incredible, so it’s going to be cool to watch this place grow, and watch families come and enjoy this.”

Phelps also said he “would love one in Arizona,” half-jokingly egging lagoon developers within earshot to plan a similar lagoon near his Phoenix-area residence.

Besides the Epperson lagoon itself, Phelps said he’s impressed by the modern technology which maintains the waters’ vibrant blue hue — the brainchild of biochemist and real estate developer Fernando Fischmann.

Phelps said, “To be able to turn brackish water into the prettiest, crystal blue water you can possibly find — it’s pretty mind-blowing. It’s incredible to be able to see the technology that we’ve been able to use…and it’s so cool how you can literally clean 1 percent (of the water) if 1 percent needs cleaned.”

Meanwhile, Phelps used his platform to discuss the importance of water safety, particularly regarding young children.

He stressed the importance of lifeguard and parent supervision, as well as teaching children to swim properly and to avoid drains.

Drowning is the second-highest cause of death for children under the age of 14, Phelps said, noting that teaching children about water safety is one of his passions.

Other dignitaries at the event included Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr.; Pasco County commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey; state Reps. Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano; Kevin Morgan, executive vice president of Crystal Lagoons US Corp; Greg Singleton, president of Metro Development Group; and Christopher Souza, regional manager for Crystal Lagoon.

Hundreds of people turned out to see Michael Phelps at the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

In addition to Phelps’ appearance, the daylong tropical-themed celebration included water ski shows, flyboarding performances, and live music and dancing.

The perimeter of the lagoon was lined with food trucks, bounce houses and several other family-friendly activities.

Various real estate agents and homebuilder companies also had booths there.

While attendees weren’t allowed to swim in the lagoon, many walked along the perimeter, with some dipping their toes in the sand and shallow water.

The lagoon won’t be open for swimming until sometime this summer.

The lagoon spans over three-quarters of a mile, with its deepest point around 10 feet. It’s filled with approximately 16 million gallons of water.

It is the featured centerpiece of the Epperson community, which is eventually expected to have 2,000 homes.

Epperson residents will be able to enjoy aquatic activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing small boats, as well as Caribbean-style beaches and cabanas, a waterslide, an entertainment plaza, a yoga lawn and an area for special events.

The lagoon will have some limited guest opportunities, but will more or less function as a private club.

Though Epperson is the first, it’s one of 22 Crystal Lagoons planned throughout the U.S., by Metro Development Group. A majority of those are in Florida, with a handful in Texas, along with another on the Las Vegas Strip.

That includes a Crystal Lagoon planned for Mirada, a master-planned community next to Epperson. Another is planned in south Hillsborough County for the Southshore Bay community.

Both Epperson and Mirada are part of the Connected City corridor, which encompasses about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County.

At build-out, the entire Connected City will have about 37,000 homes and more than 12 million square feet of commercial space.

Published May 2, 2018

Tunnel under U.S. 41 could cost half-billion dollars

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It could cost more than a half-billion dollars to build a tunnel under U.S. 41 to tackle the traffic gridlock at that juncture with State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

A study recently completed for the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization put the estimated cost at more than $550 million.

That’s significantly more than the $134 million estimated to build elevated lanes over the state highway.

Pasco County commissioners are considering a tunnel under U.S. 41 to relieve traffic gridlock at State Road 54. This shot was taken during a recent rush hour, looking east on State Road 54, at U.S. 41.
(Randy Underhill)

The estimate was presented to the MPO board at an April meeting in New Port Richey. The board, which reviews transportation matters, includes Pasco County commissioners and elected officials of the county’s cities. David Gwynn, secretary of District 7 for the Florida Department of Transportation, is a nonvoting advisor.

“I was shocked when I saw the numbers,” Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said.

Other findings in the study showed that right of way purchases for the tunnel and the elevated lanes would be $70 million each.

Maintenance costs for elevated lanes would be $7 million through 2040. Costs for the tunnel are uncertain, but maintenance would be more than $7 million in the same time period, the study says.

Moore supported the study that MPO board members requested in January. At the time, many thought the board would make a final decision on four recommendations presented by a volunteer task force.

But, Moore said, “It was important to me, at least, to look at every possible solution, and cross it off if you need to.”

Based on the study’s results, he said, “I would definitely say this would be crossed off my list.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano isn’t quite ready to do that, however. He convinced board members to delay its final design selection until the May 10 meeting.

He asked that planning staff members inquire about a tunnel built in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

That tunnel, he said, appears to be shorter in length than the model considered for U.S. 41.

“Could they have saved a little more if they did it differently?” said Mariano, referring to the study. “I think we should take a closer look. The numbers might come down quite a bit.”

The study considered a tunnel of 6,000 linear feet, with 4,000 linear feet underground. Approaches to the tunnel would be 1,000 feet on either side.

Moore asked Gwynn if the state transportation department would sign on for a project of more than half a billion dollars.

“It’s certainly a lot more difficult to fund than other options,” Gwynn said. He also noted that the tunnel’s design would have to meet certain traffic criteria. “You may find you can’t shorten it a lot,” he added.

The task force, which studied the matter for two years, looked at 11 alternative designs and a no-build option. Among the four designs the volunteer group recommended were elevated lanes at major intersections and a system of parallel frontage roads at-grade level.

The task force never considered a tunnel, which would be built with a “cut and cover” technique.

Workers would cut a large size trench, lined with walls, and then, cover it over.

The intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 sees upwards of 100,000 vehicles a day pass through it.

The MPO will decide on May 10 if they want to add the tunnel to the list of potential designs. If approved, the issue would go back to the task force for review.

If the tunnel is rejected, board members plan to vote on the four recommendations from the task force.

“This needs to get on the docket,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr. “We need to get moving on this. Time is of the essence. This intersection is not getting better.”

Published April 25, 2018

Pasco cuts ribbon on kitchen to feed seniors

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Nutritious meals that are served to Pasco County seniors will now be made locally.

The meals previously were prepared in St. Petersburg and then trucked over to Pasco County.

Now, the food preparation will be done in a new commercial kitchen at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Center.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., center, holding scissors, helped cut the ribbon on the new commercial kitchen at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Center. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Pasco County officials cut the ribbon on the new kitchen, at 6801 Wisteria Loop in Land O’ Lakes, on March 26.

About 1,000 meals a day will be produced on-site from the refurbished kitchen.

Some seniors will eat at that center, and some will be served at the other senior centers in Pasco. But, the majority of the meals will be delivered to homebound seniors.

A contract with St. Petersburg-based GA Foods calls for up to 1,600 meals a day to be prepared at the senior center’s kitchen. Pasco County commissioners approved the contract in September 2017.

State funds of about $250,000 paid for the project.

The upgrade in meal preparation and delivery is a public-private partnership with GA Foods, Pasco County’s Elderly Nutrition Division, Pasco County Schools, and area businesses.

The state-of-the-art commercial equipment is from in-kind donations from the school district, and businesses, including Welbilt.

“It’s a great collaborative effort,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr. “The goal is that no senior has to wait for service. That’s the goal for me.”

Wells cut the ribbon along with other county and school officials, and county commissioners.

With meals prepared locally, Pasco anticipates an annual cost savings of more than $120,000, and a decrease in the home-delivered waiting list.

Data has shown that one in six seniors in Pasco are food-insecure.

“The Land O’ Lakes kitchen project is an initiative that we’ve strived for several years to realize,” Gabriel Papadopoulos, Pasco’s community services director, said in a news release on the event.

Feeding Pasco’s Elderly is a nonprofit organization that supports funding to Pasco County’s Senior Services Division. The agency helped secure the state funds for the grant.

Gov. Rick Scott previously vetoed the funds in 2015, but the renewed request made it into the fiscal year 2017 state budget.

Published April 4, 2018

Pasco is testing a new recycling program

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Pasco County commissioners are eager to roll out a new countywide recycling program.

But, first they need to wait for the results of a seven-month pilot study to test the use of carts and pickup schedules.

“My vision is to expand this as quickly as possible to the rest of the county,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr. “It’s exciting that we’re doing this.”

Two haulers — Waste-Aid Systems Inc., and Waste Connections (formerly Progressive Waste Solutions) — reached agreement with Pasco to target households in two areas of the county.

The haulers will provide containers, and schedule pickup days.

Pasco County commissioners approved the pilot study on March 14 at their meeting in Dade City. The county’s cost is about $118,000.

Participants will receive letters in April if they are in the pilot study. And, 1,500 carts will be delivered by May 1.

Residents currently provide their own containers for recycling, which are identified with stickers supplied by one of the haulers. (Mary Rathman)

Initially, the county will collect baseline data from the county’s current schedule of twice-a-month pickup for recyclables. Residents provide their own containers, which are identified with stickers supplied by one of six haulers operating in Pasco.

The study then would determine if recycling would increase if residents receive twice-a-week garbage and once-a-week recycling collection. The pilot program will end in October, and county commissioners will receive a report in November.

The study will collect data on the tonnage, and the rate of participation from residents.

Pilot study participants also will receive educational materials, and observations will be made by the haulers to see if contaminants, or non-recyclable materials, are placed in the carts.

Haulers also will handle repairs and replacement of carts.

“Haulers will find out what numbers they’ll be dealing with,” said Flip Mellinger, the county’s assistant county administrator for public infrastructure. “It’s a learning opportunity for us.”

County commissioners had discussions on increasing the frequency of recycling services at four workshops held between May 2015 and April 2017.

A citizen survey conducted in 2017 got 7,500 responses, with 84 percent in support of once-a-week recycling service. And, 58 percent said they would like a recycling cart to be provided.

County officials at the time said about 27 percent of residents recycled.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said residents moving to Pasco County often come from cities and counties that already recycle.

“They are shocked when they see our lack of recycling here,” she said.

County officials anticipate presenting an update on the study after three months. County commissioners will be looking for opportunities to expand recycling quickly.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be successful,” said Wells, “I’m not trying to be funny, but it can’t be any worse.”

Published March 21, 2018