The Laker/Lutz News

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

Tower Road

Approval sets stage for 325 more homes in Bexley area

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a change to the county’s land use plan to set the stage for additional residential development on the south side of Tower Road, south of Bexley Village Drive.

Board members voted on March 9 to change the land use designation on 77.21 acres from a maximum of three dwelling units per acre to a maximum of six dwelling units per acre.

The change clears the way for a potential rezoning to allow up to 325 units on the property, at 17370 Bud Bexley Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

A rezoning, which has been requested, also must be secured before the additional density can be achieved.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request during the planning board’s March 25 meeting.

The property is surrounded by Bexley South on the north; Suncoast Meadows on the south; Ballantrae on the east; and Sapphire Village on the west.

Besides getting a recommendation for approval from the planning board, planners also support the request.

County planners have described the site, which is currently vacant, as an appropriate location for the proposed development of single-family homes, at a maximum density of 4.21 units per acre.

The site has access from Tower Road.

The proposed development is expected to yield 59 students for Bexley Elementary School, 31 students for Charles Rushe Middle School and 40 students for Sunlake High School, according to background materials.

Published March 31, 2021

Planning commissioners recommend land use changes

By

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended a change to the county’s long-range land use map that would permit a greater intensification of development on a tract in a central area of Pasco County.

It also is recommending changes to policies affecting future development in the Villages of Pasadena Hills, in eastern Pasco County.

The recommendations will be considered by the Pasco County Commission, which has final authority over county land use and zoning matters.

The proposed change in Central Pasco involves increasing the maximum density from three dwellings per acre up to six dwellings per acre, on 77.21 acres on the south side of Tower Road, south of Bexley Village Drive.

The new land use designation would allow a maximum of 325 dwelling units, in a combination of single-family detached homes and townhouses.

The acreage is surrounded by a planned development called Bexley South, to the north; the Suncoast Meadows, to the south; Ballantrae, to the east; and Sapphire Village, to the west.

County planners recommended approval of the request, determining that the proposed plan amendment “is an appropriate location for the change in land use.”

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, said plans call for 325 single-family dwellings.

No multifamily is proposed, she said, noting the specific plan will come back in a separate request for a rezoning to create a master-planned unit development.

On the issue involving the eastern Pasco development, planning commissioners agreed with a recommendation from the Villages of Pasadena Hills Property Owners Group to reduce the required wetlands buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet.

In supporting that recommendation, planning commissioners rejected a recommendation by  the VOPH policy committee that would have changed the requirement to match the requirement in the rest of the county.

The Planning Commission also rejected a recommendation by the parks, recreation and natural resources department that would have required a more extensive buffer. The county’s planning staff supported the parks and recreation department’s recommendation, but planning commissioners supported the property owners’ recommendation.

Pat Gassaway, representing Heidt Design, told planning commissioners the goal is to take a look at the rules and update them to today’s market.

The current rules, he said, “require preservation of upland habitat without bound,” Gassaway said.

The update also includes myriad of other changes in the VOPH plan, with the goal of the changes to create a more level playing field between regulations required in this planning area and others, and to make the Villages of Pasadena Hills “more market friendly and more competitive,” Gassaway said.

The county has undergone significant changes since the Villages of Pasadena Hills was adopted in 2008, Gassaway said.

Published December 02, 2020

Discussion continues on Pasco BMX park

By

A BMX and bicycle park may not happen anytime soon in Pasco County, but officials appear to be interested in seeing what can be done to bring the idea to life.

The Pasco County Commission heard a briefing on the concept at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Delaney Morrison, president of the nonprofit Ride Local Inc., outlined the vision for a new large-scale BMX (bicycle motocross) park, that she said would complement existing BMX parks in the region, would expand the area’s recreational offerings and would help to attract more tourists to Pasco County.

Shown here are riders at Tampa BMX in Lutz. A nonprofit organization called Ride Local Inc., is trying to bring a covered BMX track and other amenities to Pasco County. (File)

The idea is to partner with the county to construct a BMX track and bike park on a 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area. The land is presently owned by Pasco County Utilities.

Under the proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers.

That would mark the first stage of a larger, surrounding bike park that would include a pump track, skate park, mountain bike obstacle course, casual bike path and other features.

The proposal calls for having an open air, covered track.

“We think that this is super important here in Florida, given the heat and the rain that we have,” Delaney said.  “We really think that that roof will set us apart from just having another BMX track.”

She also noted there would be opportunities for recreational leagues and a beginner’s program for newcomers to the off-road racing sport. And, the facility would host large-scale competitive events sanctioned by USA BMX.

The open space also could be used for drone races, truck rallies, and Boy Scouts of America and All-Pro Dad meet-ups, among other activities, Morrison said.

Over the past year or so, Morrison and her team have had ongoing discussions with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources.

“They came to me because of my background with cycling and biking,” said Starkey, who helped to Delaney’s group find the proposed site.

It’s an excellent location, Delaney noted, because it’s along the booming State Road 54 corridor, sits along the Tower Road extension and near a future high school, whose adjacent lot could be used for overflow parking for large events.

She also noted that it’s in the middle of some huge community developments, such as Asturia and Starkey Ranch, and others being built in the area.

Plus, she said, the location also pairs well with Tampa BMX and Oldsmar BMX, which is under construction — to attract regional and national tournaments.

Commissioners appear open to the idea, but money is the biggest hurdle.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who also chairs the Tourist Development Council, said during a recent TDC meeting that the county might be able to support some type of land use or lease deal, but is not in the position to fund additional capital projects.

Moore reiterated the funding issue during the board’s Sept. 8 meeting. He said doesn’t want to give the group false hope.

But, Starkey said Delaney’s briefing was for information only, at this point.

She plans to work with Delaney’s group to explore various funding sources, including possible funding from the legislature and support from private sponsors.

Delaney said the Ride Local Inc., is looking into creative ideas, such as leveraging a corporate naming sponsorship or partnering with an electric company to install solar panels on the proposed covered roof to help offset costs.

Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources, said a bike park/BMX was listed as one of the highest unmet needs during workshops held to develop the county’s most recent master parks plan.

However, Wiley noted, that type of amenity was not included in the master plan and, thus, no money has been planned for that type of project.

Wiley said he likes the concept of a bike park, with a BMX track, a playground and open spaces because that would address diverse user groups.

Delaney noted BMX’s broad appeal.

“The biggest thing about BMX is that this is a family sport,” Delaney added.

“This is one of the few sports that you can do alongside your children, not just sitting on the sidelines watching them, or waiting for practice to be over.”

Adam Thomas, the county’s tourism director, said the proposed facility could help round out the county’s sports offerings.

“The TDC (Tourism Development Council) board is in full support of this. I am in full support of this,” Thomas told county commissioners.

“This is a great opportunity, for not only our citizens, but to really diversify our product as a Sports Coast, and as our destination of sports events. The economic impact is strong. The visitation is strong. You have a great partner here with Delaney. I think this is a great opportunity for us to move forward, but funding — obviously, everything comes down to funding.”

Published September 16, 2020

A BMX park in Pasco County?

By

Pasco County has marketed itself in recent years as a premier amateur sports and recreation tourism destination.

Its tourism arm —  Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — has leveraged that credo, with state-of-the-art athletic facilities springing up. Those include the AdventHealth Center Ice skating rink, Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus and Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

Could a large-scale BMX (bicycle motocross) park be the county’s next major attraction?

Delaney Morrison, and her team, would like to see that happen.

Morrison operates Pinellas Park’s J&R Bicycles BMX Super Store. She’s also president of Ride Local Inc., a nonprofit group committed to providing safe and well-organized environments where enthusiasts can hone their skills in extreme sports.

This is a basic rendering of what a BMX track could look like in Pasco. A project is believed to cost a minimum of $1.7 million to $2 million, without additional frills, such as an open-air covered roof for year-round use. (Courtesy of Ride Local Inc.)

She outlined the Ride Local’s concept at the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC)’s August meeting.

“We’re eager to work with you, and hopefully bring BMX to Pasco County. It has been a passion of ours for decades now,” Morrison told the TDC, as she unveiled a 40-page proposal on the initiative.

The idea is to partner with the county to construct a BMX track and bike park on a 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area. The land is presently owned by Pasco County Utilities.

Under the proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers.

That would mark the first stage of a larger, surrounding bike park that would include a pump track, skatepark, mountain bike obstacle course, casual bike path and other features.

There would be opportunities for recreational leagues and a beginner’s program for newcomers to the off-road racing sport. It also would host large-scale competitive events sanctioned by USA BMX.

The open space also could be used for drone races, truck rallies, and Boy Scouts of America and All-Pro Dad meet-ups, among other activities, Morrison said.

“Our goals for this project are to establish a world-class track for locals and visiting riders, regardless of age or skill level,” Morrison told the TDC. “With the work that Pasco County already has done as a bicycle community, we know that BMX can just round out your offerings for bicycle activities.”

Location, location, location
Over the past year or so, Morrison and her team have had ongoing discussions with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources.

The identified location seems ideal for multiple reasons.

Morrison praised its high visibility along the booming State Road 54 corridor, sitting along the Tower Road extension and a future high school, whose adjacent lot could be used for overflow parking for large events.

The ability for commuting motorists to see a BMX track from afar is a luxury other like-minded BMX facilities don’t have, Morrison said. Often, she said, they’re “hidden in the back of a park somewhere.”

A 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area has been targeted as a possible location for a future BMX track and bike park. (Courtesy of Ride Local Inc.)

Case in point: Tampa BMX at Lake Park in Lutz.

“They have good ridership there, but you can’t see anything from the road. You just have to be in BMX and know that it’s back there,” said Morrison, who grew up in Lutz.

However, she said a Pasco BMX park would pair well with Tampa BMX and Oldsmar BMX, which is under construction — to attract regional and national tournaments.

The trifecta of facilities, she said, “would really set us apart from most other locations in the country.”

The close proximity of the tracks to each other is a selling point, she said.

“You can drive to any one of these tracks within 20 minutes and we could see, aside from bigger events, people from all over Florida wanting to come into our area to be able to ride a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and hit three tracks in the same weekend,” explained Morrison. Plus, she noted, local hotels, shops and restaurants would benefit from the business.

Continuing on the tourism piece, Morrison pointed out BMX is the fastest-growing sport/fitness activity. A study from the Sports and Fitness Association puts it ahead of other activities, such as cardio tennis, skiing, pickleball and rugby, among others.

The sport is pandemic-proof, too, she argued.

Morrison detailed a three-day BMX event last month in Toledo, Ohio — the Buckeye Nationals — drew representatives from 37 states.

If Ohio can attract that kind of crowd, during the summer in the middle of a pandemic, she said, she’s confident that Tampa Bay — with its beaches, Busch Gardens and easy access through Tampa International Airport — would see a rise in tourism.

Finding funding
Money appears the biggest hurdle in getting the project off the ground.

The park has an estimated base cost of $1.7 million to $2 million, Morrison said.

That’s without additional frills, such as an open-air covered roof on the BMX track, to allow for year-round use.

That’s an amenity that Morrison highly encourages, should the county assist in a partnership: “You don’t have to worry about a rainout. You really cut down on the heat. We think we’d get some regulars, a larger local draw than what some other tracks that aren’t covered do.”

Tyler Heinrichs is mid-air during a ride at Tampa BMX in Lutz. (File)

Cities and counties in other states have generally “put up quite a bit of money” with funding such projects, Morrison told the board.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who chairs the TDC, indicated the county could negotiate or support some type of land use or lease deal.

Providing upfront funding for construction, though, is all but a non-starter, at least for the present, given the COVID-19 pandemic and funding of other projects, such as the $44 million Wiregrass Sports Campus, he said.

“We just don’t have money in the tourism budget right now for additional capital projects,” said Moore.

“Not saying in the future there might not be, but right now, the cash, whether it be a million, million-and-a-half, two million or three million dollars, it just is not within the tourism budget,” Moore said.

With that, Morrison acknowledged her organization hasn’t fully gone “down the rabbit hole” in terms of capital funding mechanisms.

But, Ride Local Inc., is toying with some creative ideas, such as leveraging a corporate naming sponsorship or partnering with an electric company to install solar panels on a would-be covered roof to offset costs.

The group is prepared for the legwork needed to cultivate creative partnerships and alternate funding sources, she said.

“Really, for lack of a better term, we’re not scared,” Morrison said, there may be some other sources of funding within the state or region they can seek out.

Funding complications aside, TDC members expressed enthusiasm for a BMX facility of some sort.

“I love the idea,” said TDC vice chairman Wendy Longman, owner of Windsong Boat Charters in New Port Richey. “I think it would add a lot of value to the county and with the state of how things are, it’s a great social distancing sport, so I think it’s a phenomenal idea.”

TDC member Judy Sutton, owner of Quality Inn-Port Richey, concurred, hyping up the tourist benefits: “Between the United States and Canada, I also know people that do BMX, and you do travel a lot, and there’s an opportunity to bring it to Pasco.”

Published August 26, 2020

2045 roadway plan officially pushes forward

By

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board has approved the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan that includes numerous projects that are expected to be pursued within a 20-year time frame.

“The goal is to develop [a] cost-affordable plan that covers a minimum of 20 years through the planning process,” Wally Blain, of Tindale Oliver, told the MPO board during a Dec. 11 meeting at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

The evaluation of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 is underway and a part of the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. This agenda was passed by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board on Dec. 11. (File)

The 2045 plan is a revision of the 2040 plan. It prioritizes road in greatest need.

The long-range plan is updated every five years and is subject to revision.

Its feasibility is determined by what funds are allocated on the federal, state and local levels.

The planning process also included a public comment period, from Nov. 6 to Dec.6.

“More than 2,500 residents of Pasco participated in those and provided input on the transportation planning process,” Blain noted.

One comment noted that trucks are traveling faster on Ehren Cutoff, since the road’s shoulders were expanded. Another cited a lack of north-south improvements in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills compared to east-west improvements. And, there was a suggestion for a train service to connect Pasco County with Orlando and Tallahassee.

While the feedback was noted, priority road improvements must be dealt with first, Blain said.

The 2045 plan includes changes in the way revenues are distributed for transportation-related improvements.

The 2045 plan contrasts to the 2040 plan as follows:

  • Funding for roadway capacity rose from 64% to 71%
  • Funding for transit decreased from 25% to 9%
  • Funding for sidewalks and bicycle facilities increased from 1% to 2%
  • Funding for technology/congestion management rose from 1% to 3%
  • Funding for roadway maintenance rose from 9% to 14%

Projects in the 2045 plan include:

  • Widening of State Road 52 to four lanes, from U.S. 41 to Old Pasco Road
  • A one-way pair conversion, along U.S. 301
  • Widening of U.S. 301 to six lanes, from Eiland Boulevard to Kossik Road
  • Widening of Old Pasco Road to four lanes, from Wesley Chapel Boulevard to State Road 52
  • Widening of Overpass Road to four lanes, from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301
  • Extending Tower Road to U.S. 41

The Vision 54/56 project has $600 million for improvements, but specific changes have yet to be determined.

“State Road 54 is a key corridor that the MPO has taken as a priority in this plan, as well as the 2040 plan,” Blain said.

The MPO has been working along with the Florida Department of Transportation to address the issue.

The state transportation department is conducting an evaluation to determine potential improvements at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

The approved long-range transportation plan will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation. These agencies utilize the adopted plan to implement numerous federal and state-funded transportation projects in Pasco County.

In addition to long-range planning, Blain also covered a number of projects that are ongoing and committed in the five-year plan, which runs through 2024.

Those include:

  • Widening of State Road 52 to four lanes from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
  • Widening U.S. 41 to four lanes, south of State Road 52
  • Ridge Road extension from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to begin work on the project on Dec. 20)
  • Construction of a new State Road 52 alignment, east of Interstate 75 to Clinton Avenue
  • Construction of an Interstate 75/Overpass Road interchange.
  • Widening of Collier Parkway to four lanes, from Bell Lake Road to Parkway Boulevard

Published December 25, 2019

Help Bexley Celebrate Its 3rd Birthday!

By

Milestones are worth celebrating. In November, Bexley by Newland rings in being a part of the Pasco Community for the past three years!

A lot has happened in that short period of time. Not only has Bexley earned accolades from Real Estate advising group, RCLCO, has the top-selling community in Tampa Bay and one of the top 50 in the U.S., it also has been honored with a host of national and regional awards.

As Bexley has grown up, it has become a vibrant, planned community. Families don’t have to travel very far to enjoy Bexley’s outstanding amenities, which include resort-style pools, parks, fitness center, café, bike shop, BMX track, and miles of multi-purpose trails.

Residents often share that what makes Bexley so unique is the close-knit, family feel they just haven’t experienced elsewhere.

“Bexley is growing into the community we envisioned,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland. “It’s truly a special place and offers something for everyone, especially those who are looking for an active, outdoor lifestyle, and greater connections with each other. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of, whether you’re a family with kids, buying your first home, or looking to downsize.”

Outstanding Schools
Bexley Elementary School opened within the community in the Fall of 2017 on 18 acres donated by Newland.

The schools zoned for Bexley residents — Bexley Elementary, Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School — are all A-rated by the State of Florida. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes, a charter school just minutes from Bexley, also has earned top marks.

Top-Notch New Builders
This year, Bexley added two new partners to its outstanding list of homebuilders. Arthur Rutenberg Homes and Pulte Homes join Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by WestBay, and Lennar in offering a wide variety of single-family and luxury homes in the community.

Custom homebuilder Arthur Rutenberg recently opened its Avalon model home at Bexley. Rutenberg homebuyers can choose from 19 different floor plans that were created just for the community. Pulte, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, offers three flexible home designs located near Bexley Elementary. Pulte’s homes allow for personalization and feature the company’s 10-year protection plan warranty.

A New Vision for a 55+ Community
Pulte is no stranger to Bexley. Last year, the company opened its Del Webb at Bexley 55+ active adult neighborhood near the intersection of Sunlake Boulevard and Tower Road. Pre-sales for the community’s second phase of low-maintenance homes are expected very soon, with its sales center already open. Del Webb at Bexley’s expansive 17,000-square-foot clubhouse is on track to open in early 2020.

Nearby Community Comforts
Bexley residents enjoy all the comforts they need in a growing town. The community has attracted nearby conveniences, such as the AdventHealth Emergency Department, a SpringHill Suites hotel, and a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store. Additional dining and retail areas are also in the works.

In three short years, Bexley has earned many honors, but the best acclaim is from the hundreds of families who now call Bexley home, and are busy making memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Published October 30, 2019

New Suncoast Parkway projects are being planned

By

Projects aimed at improving traffic flow on the Suncoast Parkway are included in the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s tentative work program.

Those projects call for adding lanes at the parkway’s intersection with State Road 54, and for connecting the parkway with Ridge Road and with Tower Road.

Carol Scott, of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, highlighted those proposed projects at the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board meeting on Oct. 10, at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The Suncoast Parkway intersecting with State Road 54, as seen here, may see additional lanes to help ease traffic flow. There also are plans to intersect Ridge Road and Tower Road with the Suncoast Parkway. (Brian Fernandes)

She talked about the tentative work program for fiscal years 2021 to 2025.

“We’re going to make interchange improvements to the Suncoast Parkway and the (State Road) 54 interchange,” Scott said, of the first project.

The design phase would be funded for 2021, while construction would be funded for 2022.

The proposed project would add an extra deceleration lane on the Suncoast Parkway for motorists heading northbound to State Road 54.

It also would include additional right turn and left turn lanes when exiting onto State Road 54.

Scott also said that the current toll booth on the Suncoast Parkway eventually would be replaced with an electric one.

However, Pasco County Commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey, who sit on the MPO board, addressed the issue of congestion on State Road 54.

Motorists have expressed concerns about vehicles heading eastbound on State Road 54 stacking up before merging onto the Suncoast Parkway interchange, Moore said.

Starkey went on to state that, “We need longer turn lanes. Going on (State Road) 54 heading east in the morning, is a three- or four-light cycle wait.”

But, Starkey expressed optimism that the future Ridge Road extension, intersecting with the Suncoast Parkway, would help alleviate State Road 54 congestion.

Scott noted that there are plans to lengthen the acceleration lane turning off the state road onto the Suncoast Parkway – heading southbound.

Scott also said: “I believe there [is] also some developer-funded project in that area on (State Road) 54, to add some turn lanes in the future.”

The second project addresses Ridge Road intersecting with the Suncoast Parkway.

The Florida Turnpike Enterprise is working in conjunction with Pasco County on this initiative.

“We’re funding the interchange and we’re providing some technical assistance to the county,” Scott said.

That project is in the design phase and construction may begin in early 2020.

As of Oct. 25, a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not been granted. This would allow the extension of Ridge Road from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway.

Justin Hannah is a project manager for AECOM, which works with the county’s MPO.

The consulting firm had done a study to look at the Suncoast Parkway interchange projects, forecasting their impacts up to 2045.

“As a part of the study, we ended up analyzing potential interchanges,” the project manager told the board.

One of those is the connection of Tower Road, heading west to cross the Suncoast Parkway.

A Tower Road interchange would see an estimated 32% traffic diversion from the State Road 54 interchange, Hannah said.

Three alternatives are being considered for the Tower Road interchange. They are:

  • A tight diamond interchange: This would have closely-spaced and signalized intersections where the ramps would meet with the crossing road. The estimated cost would be $108.5 million.
  • A single point urban interchange: A signalized light would be placed at the center of the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and Tower Road, guiding traffic on and off ramps. The estimated cost would be $27.5 million. It also would have an approximately 3,700-foot space from the State Road 54 ramps to the south.
  • A partial clover leaf interchange: The Suncoast Parkway’s left-turn and right-turn ramps would merge with Tower Road heading upward in opposite directions, respectively. The ramps on either side, would form a loop on the north end of Tower Road before connecting again with the road. This would resemble an “M” shape. The estimated cost would be over $59 million. However, it would have a longer distance from the State Road 54 ramps.

Hannah said the great distance would be beneficial.

“The more distance and the more space we can get between the interchanges, the better the operations are, and the safer it is,” he pointed out.

Currently, the most preferred alternative is the partial clover leaf interchange, Hannah said.

There is one connection with the parkway that doesn’t seem to need long-term improvements, Hannah said.

“When we examined the State Road 52 interchange, the operations here were operating pretty well. We expect the existing interchange to handle future traffic demand through the year 2045,” Hannah said.

In addition to improvements to help motorists, Commissioner Starkey called for improvements to help bicyclists and pedestrians.

“There is no way for the cyclists to get from one side of the Suncoast (Parkway) to the other,” she said. “We just have to find a solution for that.”

Starkey suggested a flyover path where pedestrians and bicyclists would not need to contend with traffic.

Jensen Hackett of the Florida Department of Transportation briefly took to the podium, noting that the transportation department would look into any potential routes.

The Penny for Pasco program would provide funding toward a pedestrian-bicycle flyover at the Suncoast Parkway.

Published October 30, 2019

Active Adults Love Del Webb at Bexley

By

There’s a lot of excitement about Del Webb at Bexley. The active adult community is still under construction, but it’s already been named one of the top five coming soon communities by the website 55Plus.com.

The new, gated 55-plus community in Pasco County is being built on Sunlake Boulevard and Tower Road in Land O’ Lakes within Bexley, a national award-winning master-planned community.

Del Webb at Bexley was designed with today’s 55-and-over homebuyer in mind.

“We feel the Tampa area is underserved for baby boomers looking to live in a place that is designed specifically for them,” said Sean Strickler, PulteGroup division president for the west Florida region. “At Del Webb at Bexley, they can live near their children and grandchildren, but in a low maintenance, gated community that caters to their lifestyle.”

“Del Webb is the leading builder of active adult communities and we’re excited to partner with them in Bexley,” added Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, the developer of Bexley.  “We know Del Webb at Bexley is going to be a neighborhood where residents feel like family and make lifelong friendships. It’s an excellent complement to the existing Bexley community.”

Del Webb at Bexley will offer 850 single-family homes priced starting in the low $200,000s. Floor plans will range from the efficiency of the one-story, two-bedroom Steel Creek to the spaciousness of the two-story, four-bedroom, four-bath Pinnacle Grand.

The heart of the community will be a 17,000-square-foot, multimillion-dollar clubhouse. It features a large social room; café offering snacks, beer, coffee and wine; fitness area; and resort-style community pool. Other amenities include a dog park, community garden, pickle ball and tennis courts, and recreational activities planned by a full-time lifestyle director. Prospective buyers can view a virtual tour of the clubhouse online at BexleyFlorida.com/homes/del-webb.

Residents will also be able to enjoy a lakefront club and café and purchase additional access to Bexley’s many all-ages amenities including 10 miles of multi-use Avid Trails™, parks and play areas, soccer field, dog park, two resort-style pools, bike park and a robust schedule of social events.

Del Webb is one of the largest builders within Bexley, a 1,825-acre master-planned community developed by Newland Communities approximately 20 miles northwest of downtown Tampa.

The community is the first by Del Webb to be built from the ground up in the Tampa Bay area since 1960.

Pre-sales of homes at Del Webb at Bexley have already begun and six furnished model homes are expected to open in early 2019. To learn more and sign up for the Del Webb at Bexley VIP Interest List visit BexleyFlorida.com/homes/del-webb, or call (866) 230-6089.

Published November 28, 2018

Bexley borrow pit gains approval

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a request for a borrow pit to provide fill dirt for use at Bexley by Newland Communities, a master-planned community, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The development sought approval to operate the borrow to provide up to 1 million cubic yards of sand and dirt to be excavated and hauled over a period of four years.

The borrow pit will be reclaimed after the dirt hauling is completed.

The infill dirt will be used for internal uses at Bexley, but some of will need to be trucked across Tower Road, which is used by the public.

The borrow pit site is south of Tower Road, west of Sunlake Boulevard, and about half-mile east of Ballantrae Boulevard.

The borrow pit’s operating hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will not operate on Sundays or holidays.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of the request, and the County Commission approved it on its consent agenda, meaning there was no discussion of the item, at its Aug. 21 meeting.

Approval also is required from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, also known as Swiftmud.

Published September 5, 2018

Baby Boomers Await Del Webb Bexley

By

If you’re a baby boomer looking to retire in the next few years, imagine a 55-plus community that offers an active lifestyle located within one of Tampa Bay’s most desirable master-planned communities, where your children and grandchildren live just minutes away.

This is the vision Del Webb is bringing to Pasco County, in the Land O’ Lakes’ community of Bexley — a 1,825-acre development by Newland Communities, one of the most respected developers in the country.

“This is the first brand new Del Webb community in the Tampa Bay Region in a long time, and the anticipation and interest we’re seeing is incredible,” said Kelli Bailey, vice president of sales for the Pulte Group, which has owned Del Webb since 2001.

“With very little marketing, 2,800 people have already registered on our VIP list to receive regular updates about Del Webb Bexley,” said Bailey. “We’re seeing a huge pent-up demand for this community, especially from local residents.”

Bailey reports that about 70 percent of the community’s VIP members already live in Tampa Bay, and in particular Pasco County, where many members have long-term connections to the area through family, friends and work.

“Tampa Bay is a great place to live, no matter your age,” said Bailey. “And, as one gets closer to retirement, having an active adult community close-by like Del Webb Bexley, gives retirees the opportunity to continue living near friends and family, enjoy the area’s great shopping, dining and entertainment, and relax at beautiful beaches less than an hour away.”

Construction of Del Webb Bexley began this spring with roads and infrastructure at the 489-acre site. Work begins later this summer on the community’s  first model homes and amenities. An official grand opening is planned for early 2019.

Pre-sales will begin in late November to members on its VIP list, and the first residents will begin moving into the community next summer. At completion, Del Webb Bexley will have 850 homes.

Residents will not have to worry about lawn care and landscaping, because the community’s homeowners association will take care of all lawn maintenance.

“People really are looking forward to never having to mow their grass again and instead focus on enjoying Del Webb’s unrivaled lifestyle,” said Bailey.

Del Web Bexley is offering 17 floor plans designed with features desired by older residents. Homes will include integrated outdoor living areas, kitchens and laundries with raised appliances, bedrooms that easily convert into offices, dens and hobby rooms, and an abundance of storage to accommodate downsizing.

Home sizes will range from 1,200 to 4,000 square feet, and prices will begin in the low $200s. Home sites will be on 40-, 50- and 60-foot lots, with many backing up to water and conservation.

Pulte chose Land O’ Lakes for its newest Del Webb community after extensive market research to identify the best location for its Tampa development.

Focus groups identified top priorities as easy access to downtown, the Westshore district and Tampa International Airport; close proximity to beaches and other recreational activities; and top-rated medical facilities.

These priorities brought Pulte’s search to central Pasco County, and ultimately to Bexley, because of its convenient location next to the Suncoast Parkway, its closeness to several hospitals and medical specialists, and availability of many diverse recreational activities.

Another bonus is Del Webb’s location within Bexley’s master-planned community.

“We expect many home-buyers will choose Del Webb Bexley because they want to live close to their children and grandchildren,” said Bailey.

“It’s the best of two worlds,” said Bailey. “As people get older, many want to live in an age-restricted community like Del Webb because of the social and recreational activities designed just for them. But, they also want to live close to their families and younger generations.”

Bexley’s elaborate trail system will connect to Del Webb, so families can walk or bicycle between neighborhoods, and to and from Bexley Elementary, which is located just west of Del Webb homes.

Setting Del Webb apart from the rest of Bexley will be its top-tier amenities, which will open in early 2020.

The centerpiece is a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse and recreational complex, which will employ an on-site lifestyle director to help organize clubs, seminars, classes and fun things for everyone to do. The clubhouse will include a fitness center, aerobics studio, billiards, and neighborhood café and bar.

Outdoors, there will be a resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, and a separate resistance pool for water exercises. Two tennis courts, six pickle ball courts and four bocce ball courts will offer competitive play for residents. An outdoor amphitheater with an event lawn will host live bands and performances.

Del Webb families can walk or bike along Bexley’s 10-plus miles of winding trails that connect neighborhoods, parks and gardens, dog parks, community gardens, scenic lakes and wildlife areas.

Del Webb has been building 55-plus communities since the 1960s, including Sun City Center in south Hillsborough County. Del Webb Bexley is located about one mile north of State Road 54, where Sunlake Boulevard intersects with Tower Road. For more information, and to register for the community’s VIP list, go to BexleyFlorida.com/del-webb.

Published June 27, 2018