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Ninth Street

Busy 2021 anticipated for East Pasco communities

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The East Pasco municipalities of Dade City and Zephyrhills are poised for a busy 2021 in terms of infrastructure, development and other community programs.

Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights in the new year:

Dade City

A rendering of the type of large-sized heart-shaped sculptures that will be installed at city-owned properties in the downtown area. (File)

Let’s get artsy
“The Heart of Pasco County” moniker soon can be taken on quite literally in Dade City — in the form of an outdoor, permanent public artwork exhibit.
The Dade City Center for the Arts in February will celebrate the installation of a new outdoor public art exhibition — in the form of about a dozen 8-foot-tall metal heart sculptures painted by local artists and installed throughout historic, downtown Dade City.
Proposed locations for the 3D heart sculptures, which will have varied artwork patterns on each, include:

  • Hibiscus Park
  • City Hall/Police station alcove entrance or nearby
  • Green space entrance to Hardy Trail
  • Meridian Avenue/U.S. 301 intersection, near Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
  • Naomi S. Jones Park
  • Whitehouse historical landmark on Old Lakeland Highway
  • Lock Street/Hardy Trail intersection
  • Agnes Lamb Park near Meridian Avenue
  • Price Park
  • Watson Park
  • Dade City Garden Club
The Dade City Center for the Arts is facilitating more community art programs.

The community initiative is designed not only to color up the downtown area, but also to use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool, to encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits. More frills include installing QR codes on each sculpture mapping out the location of other city landmarks and providing information about a particular artist or meaning of the artwork itself.
The entire concept is similar to outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.
The city’s arts center also has been approved to create a wall mural at the site of the former CenturyLink building at Hardy Trail and Eighth Street.

 

 

Dade City’s visitor information center will be built adjacent to the Roy Hardy Trail on Church Avenue. (City of Dade City)

Visitor’s information center coming
Roy Hardy Trail cyclists and exercisers alike will have a spot to take a breath, relax and learn about the happenings in their community all at once.
It comes in the form of a visitor’s information center adjacent to the Hardy Trail on Church Avenue.
The 1,380-square-foot open floor space will feature informational kiosks and mobile displays for all county tourism amenity partners.
The building also will be accompanied by two porches and a bike rack — its location designed to offer easy access off the Hardy Trail for users to gather and rest. The facility will have two family bathrooms, as well.
A groundbreaking is slated sometime in early 2021, with completion expected in the summer.
The project is funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

Sprucing up downtown
Dade City leaders have made it a priority for 2021 and beyond to ensure that the city’s historic downtown area is safe, clean and generally more desirable to stroll through.
The city is moving forward with plans to install additional crosswalks along Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, and is improving stormwater drainage near Seventh Street and Pasco Avenue.
It also is exploring traffic-calming initiatives to reduce vehicle speeds. And, it is making public parking space changes, boulevard additions, and encouraging landscaped parklets to create additional outdoor seating areas.
Additional resources also will be dedicated to downtown cleanup — including mowing, weeding and litter patrol of city-owned properties in the Community Redevelopment Area.
Meanwhile, the city’s public works team is in the midst of enhancing the lighting downtown parking lots, as well as Agnes Lamb Park on Ninth Street.

Could Dade City try to leverage its recreation amenities, such as motocross, as it embarks on a rebranding effort? (File)

Marketing rebrand in the works?
The City of Dade City is plotting a full-scale marketing rebrand to capitalize on residential and tourism growth in Pasco County and Tampa Bay area, at large.

The city has earmarked $40,000 in this fiscal year’s budget toward a marketing and advertising plan, promotional activities and other contractual services.
But, before that money, and possibly much more, is allocated specifically, Dade City commissioners want to hear what the public thinks — and that includes local business owners, residents and other stakeholders.

Efforts to gather input throughout the year could take form in charrettes, surveys, monthly forums, and even door-to-door visits.

How to best promote its current and forthcoming amenities remains the looming question.
Does the city try to emphasize its unique collection of downtown shops and restaurants? Focus more on recreation attractions inside and outside the city limits? Leverage its budding reputation as a location for rural destination weddings? Or, perhaps will it simply brand itself as an ideal location to raise a family?


City of Zephyrhills

The rebuilding Jerry’s Crystal Bar is set to open in early 2021 on Gall Boulevard. (Courtesy of Jerry’s Crystal Bar)

Iconic business to reopen
The longest-operating bar in Zephyrhills is set to reopen in early 2021 — almost two years since it was destroyed by a fire.
The original Jerry’s Crystal Bar had been in business since 1954, at 5707 Gall Blvd.
That all changed in May 2019 when a two-alarm fire electrical in nature suffocated the building’s attic and roof, yielding a total loss.
A complete rebuild of the iconic, family owned establishment is coming along swimmingly since a May 2020 groundbreaking. The bar’s owners expect a grand opening ceremony in January or February.
The new building takes on an elevated, modernized look and is nearly double the size of the old structure. It also falls under the requirements of the city’s form-based code for the U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard corridor area, whereby the facade is aligned right up to the street with a wide sidewalk and all parking is situated behind the bar.

A rendering of the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road intersection project (File)

U.S. 301 intersection project to spur commercial activity
The completion of an intersection improvement at U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road, expected in mid-2021, is expected to open up opportunities for increased commercial development.

The $2.3 million state-funded project calls for new traffic signals on U.S. 301 at Pretty Pond and at Medical Arts Court/ Townview Avenue, along with other median and roadway improvements.
Once construction is complete, the area is poised to land Chick-fil-A and Chipotle chain restaurants, among several other businesses and attractions.

Residential developments popping up
Don’t be surprised if “The City of Pure Water” get a little more crowded in 2021 and beyond.

Significant progress or completion is expected on a number of large-scale residential developments throughout the municipality.

With myriad new homes on deck, small town Zephyrhills is going to get a little more crowded. (File)

A slew of new housing communities is actively underway — such as Abbott Square, 700-plus units surrounding the new Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center off Simons Road; and Abbott Park, 500-plus units tucked behind the Zephyr Commons Publix Shopping Center, off Gall Boulevard.

Other notable homesites include the Link at Calusa Springs, north of Silverado Golf & Country Club; the Oaks at Pasco, southeast of Silverado Golf & Country Club; and Skybird Properties, off Alston Road near the municipal airport.

Simply put, the city’s real estate market is “very hot right now,” Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said earlier this year.

“I don’t know where all these people are coming from, but these housing subdivisions are selling homes for over $300,000 with HOAs and CDDs. I wasn’t sure how that’d work in Zephyrhills, but you drive up to Silverado and before the lot infrastructure is completed, you’re seeing a ‘Sold’ sign, so it is amazing.

“Even through this COVID-19 environment, the residential housing…has really stayed very strong, which helps the city from a budget and revenue standpoint,” said Vande Berg.

More bells and whistles for tennis center?
Could the newly opened Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center continue to add to its wide range of features this year?

The northeast corner of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center on Simons Road is reserved for a an indoor multipurpose sports complex. (Courtesy of Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center)

Well, the City of Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills City Council are giving strong consideration to a second request for state funding to expand the state-of-the-art facility on Simons Road.

The northeast corner of the 10-acre property has been reserved for a 30,000-square-foot indoor multi-purpose sports complex — enough room to handle four full-sized tennis courts, and can also be converted to accommodate soccer, weddings and even concerts.

This past year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $1.5 million appropriation for the Phase II project from the state’s budget amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that might not stop city leaders from continuing to push for the project. Appropriation requests for this year must be submitted to the state by early February.

The $4.9 million tennis center, which opened in September, already includes numerous courts and other amenities.

Published January 06, 2021

Dade City turns 130: It’s time to celebrate

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Dade City is celebrating its 130th birthday with a series of events this week that include everything from a walking tour, to enjoying a free cupcake, to a scavenger hunt — and more.

The week kicked off with events on Monday and Tuesday — which was after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

But, there are other events set for the rest of the week, beginning with a Walking Wednesday tour, set for June 5 at 9 a.m.

This historic courthouse has a commanding presence in downtown Dade City. It also is where the Pasco County Commission has some of its meetings. (File)

The tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., and goes through downtown Dade City, wrapping up at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments await.

Those taking the tour have a chance to see a city that prides itself on its charm, its history, shops and restaurants, and its picturesque courthouse.

The stop at the chamber of commerce gives tour-takers a chance to visit the place which rallies a couple of hundred volunteers annually to put on the city’s signature event: the Kumquat Festival.

The festival, which pays homage to a tiny fruit, attracts thousands of visitors to Dade City.

Last year, the festival feature more than 400 vendors and sponsors who sold their products and promoted their services. In addition to generous sponsors, more than 200 volunteers stepped up to make it happen.

The chamber also hosts popular monthly business breakfasts and promotes merchant events to encourage a lively downtown.

Another celebration set for this week is called Throwback Thursday, which pits downtown merchants in a competition to see whose storefront window best reflects a theme from the past.

Voters can choose their favorite on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winning business will receive a prize.

On Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drop by the Dade City Heritage Museum, at 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, to enjoy a free cupcake and learn about Dade City’s 130-year history.

The museum itself has an interesting past.

It is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot, which was built in 1912 and was the first site to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally, the depot accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation. The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

Beyond being an architectural gem, the depot played an important role in Dade City’s history.

“Railroad stations served as major community commercial and social centers, linking each of the small towns with the rest of the world. At the turn of the century, therefore, railroads and associated depots play a significant role in the development of Central Florida communities, such as Dade City,” the historic document said.

The week of celebrations concludes with a Scavenger Hunt, set for Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hunt will involve representatives from the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants, the Dade City Heritage Museum and others for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize.

Events set for earlier in the week — after The Laker/Lutz News went to press — included

Monarch Monday, which was a ceremony to officially dedicate Dade City as a Monarch Butterfly City USA.

The city has joined four other Florida municipalities to address the plight of the endangered insects.

Another event, called Touring Tuesday, was held on June 4. It featured a guided tour of City Hall, with a meet-and-greet with Mayor Camille Hernandez and members of the Dade City Commission.

Dade City celebrations
Walking Wednesday: June 5, 9 a.m.: Tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City. The walk travels through downtown Dade City, ending at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments will be available.

Throwback Thursday: June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Downtown Dade City merchants will be decorating their storefront windows to reflect the years past and you get to vote on which you like best. The winning business will receive a prize.

First Friday: June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Dade City Heritage Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass. Celebrate Dade City’s birthday with a free cupcake and learn about 130 years of Dade City history.

Scavenger Hunt Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Join the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants and the Dade City Heritage Museum for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize. Visit the Dade City Heritage Museum’s website or Facebook page for more details.

Published June 05, 2019

Dogs’ Day set for furry fun in the sun

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Owners and their canines will have the chance to display some team effort at the annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City event on March 16.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the function will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The day will have a host of fun activities designed for patrons and their furry friends to work collaboratively.

Once again ‘man’s best friend’ will be the center of attention at the 10th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City event on March 16. (Courtesy of dogsdayindadecity.com)

At 10 a.m., the Dog Wagon Parade will allow owners to showcase their dogs in stylish costume.

Owners may also bring their own custom-designed wagon for their pet to cruise in.

This will be followed by the Dog Costume Contest at 11 a.m., where the best-dressed pooches will be eligible to win prizes.

The noontime K-9 Challenge will encourage owner and dog to work through an obstacle course.

As the newest edition, Bow-Wow Rally will run throughout the event – a game of strategy.

And, if your dog has certain skills to show off, then don’t miss the Canine Got Talent competition at 12:30 p.m.

Owners and their furry friends can prepare to get their faces messy with the Ice Cream/Yogurt Eating Contest at 1:30 p.m.

Local vendors will also be available to offer food, as well as pamper dogs with massages, manicures, treats and clothing.

The event will be at Agnes Lamb Park at 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

Proceeds will go toward the Pet Pantry for Love One Another ministries.

For additional information, call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., Dade City
When: March 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons can bring their furry friends out for a parade, team activities and food, among other things.
Info: Call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Published March 06, 2019

Zephyrhills opens doors to new City Hall

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The brand-new Zephyrhills City Hall has been in operation since October — but local residents and dignitaries got an up-close view of the digs during a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At 19,000 square feet, the $6.2 million building represents a major upgrade to the former City Hall facility, which was 11,000 square feet and was built in the 1950s.

The new $6.2 million Zephyrhills City Hall is more than 19,000 square feet. The two-story building is located at 5335 Eighth St. (Kevin Weiss)

The two-story building, at 5335 Eighth St., has a modernized brick and stone exterior, and is accented with a fountain and courtyard plaza.

The interior has a similar majestic feel.

On the whole, the new City Hall features more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms, which can flexibly be used to accommodate public events.

The first floor is spotlighted by its sizable council chambers — outfitted with high ceilings, large windows and modern decor. It seats up to 80 people and is equipped with large flat-screen televisions to help attendees see presentations.

Also on the first floor, is a large main lobby and a sizable reception area, for those waiting to meet with the city’s utility, building and planning departments.

Much of the second floor features administration and IT office spaces, as well as a conference room and break room. Several of the second floor spaces are double-door rooms, which may later be converted to more offices as the city grows.

Technology is another a significant feature in the facility. It has automatic lighting and upgraded thermostats, as well as security cameras and access-control keypads. Meeting rooms are equipped with Smart TVs that are integrated with office computers for greater efficiency and planning purposes.

Multiple restrooms, stairwells and an elevator are some other noted features.

City officials expressed excitement about the City Hall during the open house event.

The new Zephyrhills City Hall was christened with a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a beautiful facility,” Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said. “The first thing I thought of when I came in after it was finished was, ‘Wow!’”

He added: “We’re very proud of it and very proud we could do this for our citizens. It’s their building. It fits our community, and we’re really proud of that and we’re proud to have the honor of serving the community.”

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the building, too. He noted the former City Hall felt “kind of like a dungeon.”

“It was well past time we needed this new building,” Smith said. “It’s just a beautiful building, and I think that’s what a public structure should be — it should be something that everybody’s proud of and it’s to be used by the community.”

Smith also took time to encourage more residents to utilize the council chambers to host meetings, events and other activities. “I just want everybody to use this. …Instead of being used once every two weeks, I want to see that thing used,” he said.

Fellow City Council member Jodi Wilkeson expressed these sentiments, regarding the new City Hall: “I believe in my heart that the people who hold this city together — the workers— they deserve a structure like this, as do the citizens of our community.”

The City Hall project was designed and built by Harvard Jolly and A.D. Morgan.

It took more than a year to build the facility after the old City Hall was demolished last September. During construction, Zephyrhills staffers worked from the city’s old police station on Ninth Street, while City Council meetings were held at the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Assistant City Clerk Jessica Carter remembers her co-workers being elated to finally move into the new City Hall on Oct. 8.

“That was a day we were all looking forward to. We didn’t mind coming into work that Monday,” Carter said with a chuckle.

Though pleased with the entire facility, Carter noted the break room, of course, is a favorite among city employees, herself included.

Said Carter: “It’s a happening place; lots of counter spaces.

“I don’t know if anybody saw the old City Hall, but our break room was more like a closet with a refrigerator, so this is definitely a huge upgrade,” she added.

The new building is still undergoing a few final finishing touches, according to Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc. Those include correcting minor painting flaws, window treatments and other punch list items. Work is also being done on the courtyard fountain and an additional parking lot, which is expected to be finished by January.

Published December 5, 2018

Zephyrhills voters head to the polls

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Voters in Zephyrhills will decide the outcome of two city council seats in an election set for April 10.

In District 3, Devin J. Alexander, Cory P. Sommers and Jodi Wilkeson are competing for the seat vacated by Kenneth Compton, who chose not to seek re-election.

In District 4, incumbent Charles E. Proctor will face challenger William D. Seville.

Brian Corley, Pasco County supervisor of elections

Voters can pick up carry-out absentee ballots through April 9, at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5344 Ninth St.

On April 10, voters must cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Although voter turnout is historically low for municipal elections, Brian E. Corley, supervisor of elections for Pasco County, thinks there could be an uptick in participation this year.

Voters “appear to be a little more energized than in the past, which certainly makes me a happy camper,” Corley said.

Plus, there’s a sizable number of voters who, for the first time, requested Vote by Mail ballots for the 2016 election cycle, leading up to the presidential and general election, Corley said. They requested ballots through every election for two cycles, he said.

These voters typically don’t vote in city elections, but ballots have been mailed to them.

So, now, “literally, all they have to do is fill in a couple of ovals, and drop it in the mail, or get it back to our office by 7 p.m. on the 10th, and it will obviously count.”

Corley finds it ironic that voter turnout “is through the roof” for elections when voters are choosing the nation’s president, but local elections have low turnouts.

“Your city council members — those are the ones you pass by, going to church, going to Walmart. They make very important decisions that deal with the future of your city. It really kind of baffles me that people don’t get involved in coming out to vote in those elections,” Corley said.

“They need to get off the sidelines. They need to get in the game and have their voices heard,” he added.

Meanwhile, voters won’t need to do a thing in Dade City, San Antonio or St. Leo on election day.

The results of those are already known — since the candidates in those races drew no opposition.

In Dade City, Scott Black and Camille S. Hernandez won seats on the City Commission.

In San Antonio, Elayne Bassinger, Sarah Schrader and Eric C. Stallworth won seats on the City Commission.

And, in St. Leo, Donna H. DeWitt, James E. Hallett and Richard Christmas won seats on the Town Commission.

Published April 4, 2018

Celebrating a day to honor trees

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Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.

The idea for Arbor Day in the United States originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Among the pioneers moving into the Nebraska Territory in 1854 was Julius Sterling Morton from Detroit. He and his wife, Caroline, were lovers of nature, and the home they established in Nebraska was planted with trees, shrubs and flowers.

In 1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by Julius Morton “to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.”

The trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter from the wind and sun, beauty and inspiration, for everyone.

By 1920, more than 45 states and territorial possessions were celebrating Arbor Day. Today, it is commemorated in all 50 states.

For many years, Arbor Day was observed on Julius Morton’s birthday, April 22, but today, National Arbor Day is usually celebrated on the last Friday in April.

Many states and municipalities have implemented state or locally recognized Arbor Days that reflect the best time for planting in their region. Florida celebrates Arbor Day the third Friday in January — a tradition that began in 1886.

Visit ArborDay.org to learn when Arbor Day is recognized in each of the states.

Pasco County celebrates Arbor Day

What: Memorial Tree Celebration
When: The Dade City Garden Club and the City of Dade City will host an Arbor Day Memorial Tree Celebration Jan. 19 at 10 a.m., at the garden club, at 13630 Fifth St.
Details: Dade City is an official “Tree City,” which means it has a tree ordinance in place, maintains core standards of sound urban tree management, contributes funding, and celebrates Arbor Day.
Memorial trees, dedicated in memory or in honor of a special person or occasion, will be recognized by Deborah Garnett Parks, president, and Gail Stout, chairperson.
Trees will be planted by city staff at the Garden Center and the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue and Ninth Street, and a small memorial plaque is placed in front of the tree.
The program also will feature a Proclamation from the City of Dade City to be read by Mayor Camille Hernandez, and speakers from the Florida Forest Service, University of Florida IFAS Extension.
The event is open to the public.
Info: Call Gail Stout at (352) 567-0607.

What: Arbor Day Celebration
When: Jan. 19 starting at 11 a.m. at Frances Avenue Park, 5580 Frances Ave., New Port Richey
Details: Trees, free seedling will be available, while supplies last. Seedling species will include Pawpaw, redbud maple, sycamore, wild black cherry, hoptree and sassafras.
There will be a children’s program about trees, the city’s Public Works department and the children will plant trees as part of the celebration and the city’s designation as a National Tree City USA.
Free seedlings also will be available at Tasty Tuesdays on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the New Port Richey City Library on Main Street.
Approximately 600 seedlings will be handed out to the community during the week of Arbor Day.
Info: KeepPascoBeautiful.org

Published January 17, 2018

Firm selected to manage planned Zephyrhills tennis center

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The Zephyrhills City Council has selected a firm to run the city’s proposed tennis complex, the latest step in guiding the ambitious project forward.

During a May 22 meeting, council members unanimously agreed to enter negotiations with Pennsylvania-based firm Tennis P.R.O. LLC, to operate and manage the proposed tennis facility.

Construction could begin by year’s end.

This rendering of the Zephyrhills Tennis Center shows 10 courts (eight clay, two hard surface), three mini-courts and one exhibition court. The tennis center is also expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces. A second level, if added, will contain an observation deck, players lounge and concessions.
(File)

The council also considered Tennis Management Partners and Net Results, before making its choice.

Tennis P.R.O. is owned by Pascal Collard, the director of tennis at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Wesley Chapel from 2003 to 2006. He currently serves as the tennis director at The Merion Cricket Club, a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania.

Once finalized, the public-private partnership agreement will first call for Tennis P.R.O. to offer input to the facility’s final engineered site design and architectural plans.

Elsewhere, the firm will be responsible for local tennis operations, and facilitating other elements such as membership and fundraising.

City Manager Steve Spina said the arrangement mirrors the one Zephyrhills has with the East Pasco Family YMCA, in which the city owns the building property, but outsources programming and facility management.

Councilman Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the concept.

“Having a professional firm that knows what they’re doing and can operate it properly is the way to go, in my mind,” Smith said.

The planned Zephyrhills Tennis Center will be located on 4.7 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

Renderings unveiled in November show the estimated $2.19 million project includes 10 courts — of which eight are clay and two are hard surface. Plans also show three mini-courts and one exhibition court, built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

The planned tennis facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team. Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, tragically died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

The complex also is expected to feature a pro shop, a multifunctional community room, and two office spaces.

Recreation impact fees from The District at Abbott’s Square and other developments will be used to finance most of the the facility’s construction costs, city officials say.
But, additional frills — such as a clubhouse and observation deck — would likely need to be financed by the city and other funding sources, including, USTA grants, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants, Penny for Pasco, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation, and Pasco County Tourism.

Once operational, memberships will be required to access the facility.

However, Zephyrhills residents will get a price break.

Officials believe the tennis center could become a national draw for college and USTA-sanctioned events.

Meantime, the facility is expected to be named the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who became a scholarship player on the University of South Carolina Upstate women’s tennis team.

Vande Berg, the daughter of the Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg, died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Earlier this month, the council voted unanimously to send the proposed tennis center name to a committee made up of city staffers who will vote on an official recommendation to the council, which is standard procedure under a city resolution that governs the naming of city facilities.

In other action, Zephyrhills City Hall will permanently close June 9, to make way for construction of a new city hall complex, at 5335 Eighth St. The temporary quarters will be housed at 5344 Ninth St.

Beginning June 12, city council meetings will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., for approximately one year.

Board meetings, including airport authority and planning commission, will also be at the library, during that period.

Published May 31, 2017

Former police station to become temporary city hall

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As construction on the new City Hall complex ramps up, Zephyrhills city staff will shuffle operations to a familiar building.

Beginning this summer, most city departments will relocate temporarily into the former Zephyrhills police station, at 5344 Ninth St.

Construction on a new $6.2 million City Hall complex is slated to begin this summer. The plan calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet, situated between the city’s public library and fire department on Eighth Street.
(File)

City council members approved a 12-month lease agreement between the city and Dannie Jordan, of RTD Construction. It calls for the city to pay $4,000 per month for use of the 5,200-square-foot building, from June 1 to May 1.

The city also has an exclusive option to extend the contract month-to-month for up to six months.

Council members took the action on March 13, during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Once the staff has moved, the existing City Hall, at 5335 Eighth St, will be demolished to make way for construction of a new $6.2 million complex.

The plan, which was approved in January, calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet, situated between the city’s public library and fire department on Eighth Street.

With a modern stone and brick exterior, the new City Hall follows an architectural template similar to the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Compared to the current City Hall, the complex’s interior will be equipped with more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms.

Meanwhile, the former police station will accommodate most city departments, as construction is ongoing.

However, two departments — Planning and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) — will set up shop in the Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave.

As construction begins on a new City Hall complex, government employees will relocate temporarily into the former Zephyrhills police station, at 5344 Ninth St. The city signed a 12-month lease to use the 5,200-square-foot building between June 17 and May 1.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

City Manager Steve Spina said the old police station is move-in ready, and has lines already pre-wired for city-owned computers and phones.

“The building will be a perfect fit for us in terms of a relocation site during the construction of the new city hall,” Spina said.

Only a few minor changes are needed, such as widening a window for customers to access the City Clerk’s office, Spina said.

Besides ample workspace, the old police quarters should result in some cost savings for the city, which originally budgeted $120,000 for a relocation site.

In other related action, the city council approved the purchase of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter building, at 5325 Eighth St.

The agreement calls for the city to pay the chapter $55,000 net, plus minimal closing costs.

The .16-acre property, appraised at $71,200, sits on two lots measuring 50 feet-by-140 feet.

In November, the council authorized obtaining an appraisal to determine the value of the property after DAV Chapter 65 announced it was shutting operations.

The now-vacant property — adjacent to the current City Hall along Sixth Avenue — includes a 924-square-foot main building, a 450-square-foot aluminum storage building and a 335-square-foot concrete block building.

The main DAV building was slated to provide temporary office space for the city’s Building Department, but an inspection unveiled various facility issues, including roof leakages.
The building instead will be torn down to make way for additional parking and sidewalks along Sixth Avenue.

The property, moreover, encompasses the city’s vision of a courtyard plaza and walkway, linking the new City Hall and the city’s public library, and fire department on Eighth Street.

“We’re buying it for the big picture,” Spina said last month. “Part of the appeal of the area is it would be a government complex.”

Published March 22, 2017

This event gets dogs’ tails waggin’

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Dogs’ Day in Dade City, now in its eighth year, is an event that’s aimed at giving dogs a chance to have fun, while their owners have a good time, too.

Dog owners bring decked-out wagons, so their dogs can ride in style during the Dog Wagon Parade at Dogs’ Day in Dade City. This year the event is March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Courtesy of Lucy Avila)

Rain put a damper on last year’s festivities, but event organizer, Lucy Avila, hopes this year’s Dogs’ Days will enjoy better weather.

The event is scheduled for March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Agnes Lamb Park, at Meridian Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Dade City.

Those attending the event typically come from Dade City and the nearby communities, such as Zephyrhills and Brooksville, but also from Tampa, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey and other communities.

Dogs must be kept on a leash.

There are all sorts of activities planned, including a dog wagon parade, a dog costume contest, a K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest and an ice cream/yogurt eating contest.

In the ice cream/yogurt eating contest, Avila said, “The dog gets the dog yogurt, the human gets the ice cream. When they say, ‘On your mark, get set, go,’ they take the lids off of their containers and the humans hold the one for the dog, and the humans hold their own, and they can only use their mouth, their tongue.

“It’s great. It is so much fun,” Avila said.

The K-9 challenge has been very popular, too, she said. Dogs compete in the small, medium and large categories.

This pup was having fun showing off a few moves at a previous Dogs’ Day in Dade City. The event, now in its eighth year, aims at bringing dogs and dog-lovers together to have some fun

They have to complete a course, which is timed. But, there are things along the way to sidetrack them, including treats, a ball and other distractions.

“That has been a hit,” she said.

“We are just really proud of our community to be able to put this on,” she said.

Another highlight of the event will be a 1 p.m. presentation by a speaker from Canine Partners for Patriots, of Brooksville.

“We are so proud to have them come to our event,” she said.

In that program, dogs and veterans are connected. The speaker will be sharing stories of those special connections.

“The dogs mean so much to these people. They just have made a better quality of life for them,” she said.

The “‘Canine Got Talent” portion of the event is always a big hit, as people show off dogs who can jump through hoops, bark along with music and do other fun pet tricks, Avila said.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, at Meridian Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Dade City (Across from the Edwinola on Meridian)
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, free parking
Details: People and dogs can both have fun at this shindig. There will be a dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, a K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest, as well as vendors selling items meant for dogs and for humans.

Published March 15, 2017

Zephyrhills plans to buy property next to City Hall

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The conceptual plan of a new City Hall complex in Zephyrhills has taken another step forward.

The city council unanimously authorized city manager Steve Spina and city attorney Matt Maggard to negotiate the purchase of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter building, at 5325 Eighth St. The .16-acre property, appraised at $71,200, sits on two lots measuring 50-by-140 feet.

The City of Zephyrhills plans to purchase the Disabled American Veterans property, shown on the left, to use as temporary office space once construction begins on the $6.2 million City Hall project. Post-construction, the DAV property will be used for additional parking and sidewalks, linking the City Hall with the city’s library and fire department.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The action came at the council’s regular Feb. 13 meeting.

In November, the council authorized obtaining an appraisal to determine the value of the property after DAV Chapter 65 announced it was shutting operations.

The now-vacant property — which sits adjacent to the current City Hall along Sixth Avenue — includes a 924-square-foot main building, a 450-square-foot aluminum storage building and a 335-square-foot concrete block building.

Its planned usage is multi-layered.

Initially, it will provide temporary office space — likely for the city’s Building Department, when construction is underway on the new, $6.2 million City Hall complex.

The City Hall project is expected to be complete sometime in mid-2018.

After construction is completed, the main DAV building will be torn down to make way for additional parking and sidewalks along Sixth Avenue.

The property, too, encompasses the city’s vision of a courtyard plaza and walkway, linking the new City Hall and the city’s public library, and fire department on Eighth Street.

“We’re buying it for the big picture,” Spina said. “Part of the appeal of the area is it would be a government complex.”

Zephyrhills city manager Steven Spina
(File)

Council president Kenneth Compton agreed, saying the “location couldn’t really get any better.”

Spina said the DAV building is move-in ready, but additional funds will be set aside to make it a suitable workplace for city employees.

Funds are available to purchase the building in the city’s contingency budget. Likewise, expenses could be billed into the construction of the new City Hall.

Spina advised the council he plans to negotiate an offer several thousand dollars less than the appraised value.

Moreover, the city is eyeing another temporary quarters along Ninth Street and Sixth Avenue. One possibility, Spina said, is the former police station, at 5344 Ninth St.

Meantime, the design of the new City Hall is already in motion.

City staff members have met with engineers and architects to outline project goals and objectives, along with a construction timeline.

The project calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet, significantly larger than the current City Hall, which is 13,497 square feet.

With a modern stone and brick exterior, the new City Hall follows an architectural template similar to the Zephyrhills Public Library.

In other action, the council heard an update on the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, from Melonie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Monson told council members that the event drew more than 11,000, its largest turnout ever.

That compares to about 6,000 the previous year.

She estimated the economic impact for the event at about $500,000.

She also shared a few statistics:

  • About 30 percent of attendees were regional; 20 percent were out-of-state.
  • There were 39 sponsors.
  • Fifty-four cook teams took part, and there were 73 judges.
  • There were 140 vendors and expo participants, and there were 180 volunteers who contributed more than 3,000 hours of service.

“With the overwhelming success of the new venue and this year’s barbecue, the economic impact will be felt in our community for some time,” she said.

The chamber’s annual Pay It Forward dinner is Feb. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Silverado Golf & Country Club. There, donations and scholarships will be dished out from money raised during the BBQ fest.

Published February 22, 2017