Except for some weeks throughout March and April, the COVID-19 hasn’t halted much new development within the City of Zephyrhills. That’s the word from Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, who outlined a number of citywide projects during an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on June 23. Perhaps the most notable setback, Vande Berg said, involved a slight delay in court … [Read more...]
New retail coming soon to Cypress Creek Town Center
June 30, 2020 By
Cypress Creek Town Center is adding new retail to its commercial roster. Though COVID-19 hit a pause button for the Pasco County community, construction workers are still building out new space for shops, restaurants and offices at the town center. Located across from Tampa Premium Outlets on State Road 56, the outdoor mall is at the epicenter of new development in the Wesley Chapel and … [Read more...]
More restaurants, entertainment coming soon
June 16, 2020 By
Cypress Creek Town Center is adding a rock-themed, family restaurant; a game and entertainment venue; and a cigar emporium to its retail roster. Rock & Brews, Main Event and Cigars International are under construction on the south side of State Road 56, on stand-alone parcels adjacent to Tampa Premium Outlets. Rock & Brews general manager Tim Patituce anticipates an October … [Read more...]
Peaceful protesters call for justice
June 9, 2020 By
Dozens of peaceful protesters stood in front of The Shops at Wiregrass on the rainy evening of June 6 — joining the chorus of voices across America calling for the end of police brutality and systemic racism. Those gathered in Wesley Chapel were there to speak up in the aftermath of the May 25 death of George Floyd. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after Derek … [Read more...]
UPDATE: Southbound I-75 to westbound SR 56 reopened
June 2, 2020 By
The southbound Interstate 75 ramp to westbound State Road 56 has been reopened. Work on the Diverging Diamond had closed the right lane of the ramp heading west, but kept open the left lane on the ramp. Now, motorists exiting at the ramp can head either direction on State Road 56. The ramp was reopened because too much congestion was building up at the ramp, according to John McShaffrey, a … [Read more...]
Diverging diamond work moves forward
May 19, 2020 By
Work is approaching the halfway mark on the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2022, according to Florida Department of Transportation officials. “We’ve got quite a way to go,” said John McShaffrey, FDOT communications outreach manager in District 7. “Until we get to the point we can convert to the diverging … [Read more...]
Serving up food — to sustain, comfort
May 12, 2020 By
Concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has flattened the economy, causing many to seek out help for the first time to put food on their tables. Here is a look at some efforts, to help feed others, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Collecting food to feed the hungry The woman pulls up and pops open her trunk, so volunteers could gather the bags of … [Read more...]
Aldi moves toward grand opening
May 12, 2020 By
A new Aldi grocery store is nearing completion at the entrance to Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56. Another Aldi in Zephyrhills that has been stalled for years over relocation of a traffic signal is nearing final decisions, and a potential allocation of state funds. But, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) likely will determine the grand opening for the one off State Road 56, and … [Read more...]
Local businesses getting hit with COVID-19 impacts
March 24, 2020 By
Drive around the region and the impacts of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are obvious. Grocery store parking lots are full — with people lining up before the stores open to get their hands on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other scarce items. There’s less traffic on the road because many people are working remotely, and that number may climb if ‘stay at home’ mandates are … [Read more...]
Aldi opens Odessa store
March 18, 2020 By
Customers were ready when the Aldi in Odessa had its grand opening celebration on March 12. The Aldi store is one of the grocery chain’s new locations in Pasco County, and new stores are planned off State Road 56, near Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and another off U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills. Patrons were lined up awaiting the store to open in Odessa. Store Manager Katherine Garner oversees … [Read more...]
