The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Pasco County Commission

Speed limit reduced on Mentmore Boulevard

By

Following a speed study on Mentmore Boulevard, the speed limit is being lowered on the road — from Bexley Village Drive to State Road 54 — from 40 mph to 30 mph.

The Pasco County Commission approved the change on May 4.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s Speed Zoning Manual allows for the application of engineering judgment to establish the speed limit when needed, according to materials in the board’s agenda packet. As a result of the operational review of traffic conditions on Mentmore Boulevard, the judgment of the traffic operations and engineering services agreed that the speed limit be revised.

The reduced speed limit will take effect upon the posting of the speed signs, as required for law enforcement.

The cost to install the signs is estimated at $1,000.

Published May 12, 2021

Deadline soon for advisory committee applicants

By

Pasco County is seeking 13 people to serve as policy advisors on the new Northeast Pasco Rural Advisory Committee, according to a county news release.

The board is encouraging property owners, business owners and land use attorneys to apply.

Committee members will evaluate policies and regulations related to the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District, and will recommend commercial development design standards and guidelines to the Pasco County Commission.

The deadline for application is May 14.

The advisory committee members must either:

  • Be a Northeast Pasco County rural area stakeholder
  • Have a background in rural land use regulation development or a related field

The northeast rural area is bordered by Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, the Green Swamp, State Road 52 and the Hernando County line.

The Pasco County Commission will select the volunteer advisory committee members, who will serve until a final recommendation is made to the county board. Once the recommendation has been made, the committee will be automatically disbanded.

To fill out and submit an online application, visit bit.ly/2G3IqUH.

To learn more about Pasco County Planning and Development, go to bit.ly/2hMXfkD.

Published May 12, 2021

Pasco commissioners get a closeup look at Lombardi trophy

By

Brian Ford, the chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made a visit to the Pasco County Commission meeting on May 4, to thank the board for honoring the organization for being Super Bowl champions.

Brian Ford, the chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Pasco County Commission’s meeting on May 4, to thank the commissioners for passing a resolution of congratulations for the Super Bowl champion Bucs. From left: Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder, Pasco County Clerk Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Mike Moore, Bucs’ COO Brian Ford, commissioners Jack Mariano and Christina Fitzpatrick, and County Administrator Dan Biles. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor, Pasco County)

Commissioner Mike Moore read a resolution, which the board had approved at its April 20, meeting.

In part, the resolutions says: “During the 2020 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set franchise records for number of wins on the road, number of consecutive wins, points scored and touchdowns, and whereas the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were led by Coach Bruce Arians and record-setting performances” by quarterback Tom Brady and several other players.

The resolution also notes that “on Feb. 7, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first team to play in and win the Super Bowl, in their home stadium at Raymond James Stadium.”

The team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9, to become champions of Super Bowl 55.

In his response, Ford said, “The support that we have received during a very unprecedented season is just remarkable.

“I’ve told people across the country that we have the best fan base in all of sports.”

He noted that during the pandemic, the team was united, along with Coach Bruce Arians, and the Glazer family’s No. 1 priority was “the safety of our team, the players, the coaches and the public.”

“But at the end of the day, to be able to win a championship, like we did, in our hometown — the only thing that we missed was having the opportunity to have all of our fans there.”

Ford expressed the organization’s appreciation for the board’s recognition through the resolution, and also for its efforts to keep things open during the pandemic.

He concluded by saying: “We’ve all learned something from the past year and I think we can build on that,” and he reiterated that the “fan support” in the Tampa Bay community is second to none.

Published May 12, 2021

County board relaxes COVD-19 rules

By

The Pasco County Commission has changed its rules and is now allowing a limited number of members of the public to attend its meetings in person.

The board voted on May 4 to allow up to 18 people from the public to be in the board’s chambers during meetings at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City, and up to 30 members of the public to be in the board room at the government center in New Port Richey.

The board adopted that change before Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted COVID-19 requirements imposed by local governments, so it is unclear how the governor’s order will affect the board’s action.

In adopting the new rules, the board noted the maximum capacity limitations will be posted on signage outside of the board rooms and could change over time, based on the most current public health agency recommendations.

The amended rules also allow for the county administrator or designee to impose additional rules for use of the county’s board rooms through posted signage, including any required ingress/egress points for each board room.

At the time of adoption, the county attorney recommended masks be worn inside the board room.

The amended rules continue to allow other public participation options — email, WebEx and public comment kiosk — but also allow the county administrator or chair to close the kiosk, if it is not needed for overflow capacity and if no one shows up at the kiosk within 10 minutes of the morning or afternoon meeting start time.

Published May 12, 2021

Environmental committee appointments approved

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved the following reappointments to the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition Committee:

  • A one-year reappointment of Patty Fesmire
  • A two-year reappointment of Janie Howie
  • A three-year reappointment of Josh McCart
  • A three-year reappointment of Mona Neville

The committee consists of 11 volunteer members, according to background materials in the board’s agenda packet.

Five members shall have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the natural and/or environmental sciences. These five members also shall comprise the Scientific Subcommittee. Four other members shall have expertise in at least one of the following fields: real estate, business, or finance. One member shall have expertise in governmental affairs (with an emphasis in funding sources). One member shall be a layperson with interest in the land acquisition program.

The committee cannot have more than three members who do not live in Pasco County.

Another committee vacancy will occur soon, as Mac Davis has opted not to seek reappointment.

That leaves a position open for someone with expertise in real estate, business, and/or finance, which the Natural Resources Division intends to fill soon.

Published May 12, 2021

Local company is expanding with 100,000-square-foot building

By

A new 100,000-square-foot building, representing an $8 million investment in Pasco County, is being built in Compark 75 — just off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The expansion was celebrated in an April 9 groundbreaking ceremony, with Jerry Flatt, CEO of The Soule Co., offering remarks about the company’s expansion. He also expressed appreciation for the role that the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., the Pasco County Commission and Pasco County government have played in helping the company to thrive and grow.

Pasco County Commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey joined representatives from the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., Pasco County government and The Soule Co., to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony last month. A new 100,000-square-foot building is being constructed by The Soule Co. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

The company — which manufactures packaging materials and also medical foam cushioning — is located at 4322 Pet Lane, in Lutz. That facility will continue operations and will be joined by the new 100,000-square-foot building that is being constructed nearby.

The Soule Co., has two divisions: One fabricates packaging products made to customer specifications; the other fabricates disposable foam positioning products for the medical community.

The professional packaging division distributes a full line of packaging and shipping supplies, including corrugated boxes, poly bags, strapping, stretch films, and tapes, among others.

The medical division works closely with medical entities to design, develop, manufacture and distribute products that assist in patient care, recovery and healing.

The Pasco County Commission approved an economic incentive package worth $177,172 in August 2020, to support the company’s plans.

The incentive package includes $50,000 for creating 25 new jobs; a five-year reimbursement of tangible taxes, which totals $107,171; and, an employee training grant of $20,000 for Pasco-based employees.

The project is expected to generate $4.69 million annually in gross county product, county officials have estimated.

Flatt gave the crowd a brief overview of the company’s history, during the groundbreaking celebration that was recorded and can be viewed on the Pasco EDC’s Facebook Page.

This is what the new 100,000-square-foot building, now under construction by The Soule Co., will look like at completion. The company expects to add at least 25 new jobs.

When the company was established in 1957, it originally produced insulation and decorative foam, such as the type used by florists, the company executive said.

Shortly before 1980, Soule shifted to the packaging industry, he said.

“Then, in about 1986, we began our medical division, and right now, the packaging division and the medical division are working under the same roof, at the facility that’s right around the corner here on Pet Lane,” Flatt said.

He told those gathered at the ceremony: “It’s an exciting time for Soule company, with the expansion of our operation.”

The foam products produced by the company’s medical division is used to position patients and keep them safe during surgeries, he said.

“That part of our business is growing very rapidly,” he said, adding that’s because “we’re able to sell that product all over the country.”

He continued: “We typically have agreements with group purchasing organizations and under those organizations, they have a great number of hospitals. They do the purchasing and get the best deals for those hospitals.

“So that’s where the expansion is needed right now,” Flatt said.

The company has many agreements in place, but needs to hold back on them a little while, until it is able to take on the additional business.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said he’s pleased to see additional jobs being created in Pasco.

County leaders want to create employment opportunities locally, so workers won’t have to leave their communities to drive for work in Hillsborough or Pinellas counties, Moore said.

Mike Bishop, director of stakeholder engagement for Pasco EDC, said “the expansion work with the Soule company is one of the most important things that we do at the EDC.”

The economic development agency seeks to help companies get started, become established and expand, Bishop said.

Published May 05, 2021

Pasco hires a federal lobbyist to act on its behalf

By

The Pasco County Commission has selected Van Scoyoc Associates, of Washington D.C., to be the county’s federal lobbyist.

Commissioners considered proposals submitted by Van Scoyoc Associates and Gray Robinson — with each commissioner scoring the proposals individually. When the scores were tallied,  Van Scoyoc received the higher mark.

In approving the selection of Van Scoyoc Associates Inc., commissioners also authorized County Administrator Dan Biles to execute a contract with the firm in an amount not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2021.

Commissioner Mike Moore wasn’t sold on the idea of hiring either firm — not because of their capabilities, but because he’s not convinced that having a federal lobbyist is the best expenditure of the taxpayer’s money.

“I still have concerns seeing what our lack of return on investment was last time,” Moore said.

“I know there are earmarks — that the current president has added earmarks again, so there’s possibility of getting things. I just want to make sure that we’re going to get the best return on our investment for our citizens.”

He asked his commission colleagues: “Do you guys honestly feel that it’s worth us making this hire?”

When she advocated for the county to hire both a state and a federal lobbyist last fall, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey argued the investment would bring dividends back to the county.

She hasn’t changed her mind.

“I chair the federal committee at Florida Association of Counties, and I’ve interacted with other counties’ federal lobbyists and heard all of the things they’ve done for other counties,” she said.

“There are counties in the state that have multiple federal lobbyists,” Starkey added.

Such lobbyists can be valuable on federal issues, such as dredging, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps and transportation, Starkey said.

“There’s all kinds of ways — if we learned how to engage better, we could be effective in advocacy for things that are good for our county,” Starkey said.

But Moore said that wasn’t the case with the county’s last federal lobbyist.

“I don’t think we saw one dollar. We didn’t get anything. Let’s be honest. We got nothing,” Moore said.

Starkey responded: “I don’t think we utilized the resource as much as we could have, and I think that part is our fault. I think we need to learn how to use the resource better.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey.

“I think it’s very worthwhile,” Mariano said, noting he believes having a federal lobbyist is more important than having a state lobbyist.

He also noted that in this case, patience is a virtue.

“To invest in this, it can’t be a one-year deal. It takes time,” Mariano said. “It’s going to take a commitment for a few years, to get something back.”

Published May 05, 2021

Land O’ Lakes fire station construction approved

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved spending nearly $4.8 million to construct Fire Station No. 42, that will be built at 11425 Silver Palm Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Board members approved the expenditure during their April 20 meeting.

The lowest responsive bidder on the project is Trias, which is a company located in Lutz.

The funding for the project is available from the GO Bond Capital Project Fund.

The specifications were prepared by Fleischman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA.

On another issue, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder informed commissioners that a federal judge issued a favorable order in the case involving Sierra Club vs. Pasco County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, relating to the Ridge Road extension project.

In essence, Steinsnyder said, “the Sierra Club had tried to amend their existing pleading to bring in the federal fish and wildlife agency and allege endangered species violations.

“The court, in a well-written order, said ‘No, you had an opportunity to bring these in your initial cases.

In part, Steinsnyder said, the judge’s order said “it would cause undue harm to Pasco County to continue to delay this project.

“Basically, she shut it down and said, ‘No, you’ve got to file your motion for summary judgment by a date in June, which pushes the briefing schedule out. But that’s probably the best we could have hoped for because she had to give them some time to file their motion,” Steinsnyder said.

Both sides are asking for summary judgment, he added.

In another item, commissioners approved a request by Salem Radio Properties to rezone 77.21 acres of agricultural land to allow 325 residential units in a master-planned development on the south side of Bud Bexley Parkway, about 600 feet west of Ballantrae Boulevard.

Published May 05, 2021

Planning Commission appointments approved

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved the reappointments of Jaime P. Girardi and Peter D. Hanzel to the Pasco County Planning Commission. Their term will end on Aug. 9, 2022.

They also have approved the appointment of Don Anderson to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former Planning Commissioner Michael Cox. The term for the seat ends on Aug. 9, 2021.

Girardi, of New Port Richey, is a civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience in that field. Since 2005, he has focused on private development, planning and design.

He has served on the Pasco County Planning Commission since 2015.

Hanzel, of Wesley Chapel, is retired from the U.S. Department of Justice.

He is a past member of the Pasco County Citizens Mobility Board, chairman of the Lexington Oaks Community Development District and a past member of the Lexington Oaks Homeowners Association board.

Anderson, the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, was among 19 applicants for the post.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey made a motion to appoint Anderson, which was seconded by Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick.

In calling for Anderson’s appointment, Starkey said she thinks he “brings a really fresh perspective that’s needed to the commission.”

Zoning Administrator Denise Hernandez said the call for applicants for the volunteer post attracted considerable interest.

The pool of applicants was filled with people of varied backgrounds, including a retired employee of the Florida Department of Transportation, civil engineers, community association managers, retired Department of Justice employee, real estate investors, real estate appraisers, real estate brokers, mortgage brokers, folks that formerly served on planning and zoning commissions in other states, architects, folks that served in the public works commission in other states; one certified planner and a few contractors, Hernandez said.

That drew a reaction from Starkey, who asked if there is a way for the county can “find a way to let them have their voices heard.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed with Starkey’s suggestion of finding other ways to encourage the applicants to be of service.

“We’re always looking for people to be involved,” Oakley said.

Hernandez said the application did inquire whether applicants would be willing to help in another capacity and many of the applicants said they would.

Published May 05, 2021

Divided Pasco board rejects gas station request

By

Although they couldn’t actually be in the Pasco County Commission’s chambers — due to COVID-19 protocols — opponents to a proposed gas station near the Sierra Pines and Meadowbrook Estates neighborhood in Lutz erupted in shouts of jubilation when the request was denied.

The residents were so happy, their reaction could be heard in the board’s chamber — via a televised board hearing — even though the crowd was in an outer room.

Commissioners were divided on the request to change the county’s long-range plan designation on a 1.67-acre site at the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive.

Currently, the land is designated for residential use; the new designation would have allowed a litany of commercial uses.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano supported the proposed change; Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and members Mike Moore and Christina Fitzpatrick rejected it.

The land is owned by Kiddie Campus University Inc., under contract to sell it to a gas station and convenience store developer. Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented the applicant.

Residents of Sierra Pines and Meadowbrook Estates were persistent in their opposition.

They were represented by Todd Pressman, an independent planning consultant and attorney Luke Lirot. Their presentation included an analysis of the request by Patricia Ortiz, a professional planner.

Neighbor after neighbor also weighed in, raising issues, including the potential environmental hazards that the gas station could pose to residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water, for bathing and for irrigation.

They also contended that the neighborhood’s narrow road is not conducive to big trucks pulling and out.

Perhaps their biggest objection was having a gas station so close to existing residences.

They cited concerns about the 24/7 nature of a convenience store. They showed a simulated photo of signage used by a convenience store, super-imposed on the edge of the existing neighborhood.

They expressed concerns about the big trucks that service the convenience store making turns into or out of their neighborhood — noting the narrow two-lane road can’t support that kind of traffic.

While one of the lots fronts State Road 54, the other lot is directly adjacent to one residential lot and across the street from another one.

The request had received recommendations for approval from the county’s staff, as well as the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Wilhite told commissioners that the site is not appropriate for residential development and that it meets the criteria in the county’s comprehensive plan for a commercial designation.

Both Wilhite and planners said the proposed designation also would require sensitive site design and buffering requirements.

Starkey said the site is more appropriate for commercial use, than for residential.

She made a motion to “let it (land-use designation) become commercial, and let the zoning of this determine the use.”

She called for approving the staff’s recommendation, which was seconded by Mariano.

“Let all of these issues be hashed out in the zoning,” Starkey said.

Moore, however, said he couldn’t support having a gas station so close to neighboring residential development.

Starkey’s motion failed, with two in favor and three opposed.

The board’s April 20 vote came after a previous hearing that had been continued, with commissioners directing representatives from both sides to meet and see if they could come up with a compromise.

Neighbors said they are not opposed to a less-intense use, such as a professional office, but that option was never proposed.

This wasn’t the first time that Kiddie Campus Inc., sought permission to use the property for a different use.

Kiddie Campus’ two previous efforts to gain a special exception to allow a day care at the site also were denied.

Published April 28, 2021