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 community outreach manager for the Florida Department of Transportation.
Revised June 03, 2020
Wesley Chapel Boulevard
Diverging diamond work moves forward
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 diamond, we really won’t see any benefit to the traffic or to pedestrians.”
Construction to retrofit the interchange began in 2019 on the project, which has an estimated cost of $33.2 million.
Diverging diamond interchanges rely on multiple lanes of traffic in a crisscross pattern, with a limited number of traffic signals.
Periodic lane closures and traffic shifts will be required, though most of the work is within the ramp areas. Activities are concentrated at the interchange between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.
Once the new design is road ready, the interchange is expected to ease traffic gridlock at one of the county’s busiest intersections, where I-75, State Road 56, State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard converge.
Tampa Premium Outlets, the Cypress Creek Town Center, AdventHealth Center Ice and Brightwater Crossings apartment complex are driving growth in retail and residential development.
They also are drawing long lines of motorists moving onto and off the busy roadways.
The project originally slated to begin in 2024 got moved ahead of schedule by about two years.
Just two weeks ago, the DOT announced that the project’s completion date was accelerated by two weeks under a directive by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor is taking advantage of reduced traffic volumes at this time to get road work completed more quickly.
This project is the first diverging diamond in District 7 of the FDOT.
Other similar designs are planned in Hillsborough County for State Road 54 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, at I-75; and at Gibsonton Drive, at I-75.
Florida’s first diverging diamond opened at University Parkway at I-75, in Sarasota, in 2017.
Published May 20, 2020
Aldi opens Odessa store
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 the Aldi store. She held the scissors for the ceremonial ribbon cutting outside.
Matt Thon, Aldi division vice president, helped officiate at the grand opening.
“We’re really excited to open the Odessa, Florida store,” he said. “It’s our 93rd store in our division here [and] about the 150th in Florida.”
It also is now among 1,900 Aldi grocers in the U.S.
Thon also noted that Pasco County’s growing population is what appealed the grocery chain to build a number of its stores within the region.
The newest Pasco store adopts the same interior design found in many of those in the country.
The aisles are filled with various food items – some commercial brands, but mostly Aldi brands.
The store also offers healthy food alternatives, such as vegan and organic products.
Many of these foods can be found in the new refrigerated section, which provides additional space to stock.
New and already-existing stores will follow this model, as well.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the more popular items, Thon said.
“From the consumer feedback that we’ve received, and what our customers tell us each and every day, is produce drives their shopping decisions,” he said.
The key is to put fresh food with high quality on the line within a timely manner, Thon said.
Shopper Cynthia Cameron, of Hudson, came to the store to support the opening of the Odessa branch.
Cameron noted that even when she’s in another county, she’ll shop at the nearest branch.
“I do like Aldi, and I think they’re a great store to shop at,” she said.
She enjoys Aldi’s chicken and its produce. She’s impressed by the store’s prices.
Thon noted that the store’s Keto bread is a popular item.
It sells quickly, he said, noting the Keto diet — which avoids carbohydrates — has helped popularize the bread, Thon said.
One aisle alone is stocked with various Aldi name-brand wines.
Also, items like Barissimo coffee and Elevation energy bars are placed at the front end of aisles as stand-out products.
This includes the gluten-free LiveGFree products.
“What I hear from customers is they come in for our gluten-free line and they’re shocked at the price points,” Thon said.
Cost-efficient items are what keeps loyal shoppers, he added.
The store also stocks appliances and décor items.
Items include bedroom accessories, shelves, chairs, ovens and handicap equipment.
Those who enjoy gardening also can select from a variety of flowers and plants.
The carts used at the store are interesting, too.
Each can be pulled from its space when a quarter is inserted in a slot, located on the bar handle. Customers get the quarter back once they return the cart.
Thon noted that he wants customers to have that same comfort level when they walk into the new Odessa store.
The upcoming Lutz-Wesley Chapel branch is scheduled to open in the summer.
Published March 18, 2020
This entrepreneur is bullish on Pasco
When Thomas Giella Jr., launched his business, he was a one-man operation — and he wasn’t sure how to get it where he wanted it to go.
So, he took advantage of various programs offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and began learning more about the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur.
That helped get his business rolling, and now, six years later, he still uses what he has learned through those programs.
Now, he has five employees, and he expects to add at least two more in the foreseeable future. He also expects to be required to move from his current location, on Wesley Chapel Boulevard in Lutz, as the business outgrows its space.
Giella thinks the future is bright for entrepreneurs who want to launch businesses in Pasco County.
“Pasco is hot,” the Dade City native said. “Pasco is growing.”
Entrepreneurs and manufacturers should realize the county has much to offer, Giella said.
If they can’t find what they’re looking for in Pasco, he said, “they should start it themselves.”
He added: “Who knows what’s going to happen in the next decade?”
His interest in technology dates back to his teenage years, when he built his own computer.
When he started his business, called Gear Spinners, he offered website design aimed at the small to mid-sized business market.
Over time, his business pursuits have evolved and grown.
Now, he is chief executive officer of Complete I.T. Corp, which owns and operates three different brand divisions, including Complete I.T. Computer Repair and Network Solutions, Tampa Bay Installs and Diverge Laser Systems.
Complete I.T. provides computer repair and computer/network solutions. It also designs, repairs and replaces business network of all sizes.
“We started off as a website company. We have added so many services. We started doing IT — helping companies set up networks,” Giella said.
Giella estimates he has roughly 800 clients on the IT side – residential, commercial and enterprise.
“Our primary market for the computers and networks is Tampa Bay and Florida,” Giella said.
But, it has expanded its reach, he said. “Sometimes, we’ll do work for a local franchise that’s starting up or something, or a business — and word will get to one of their other offices, what we did, so they’ll say, ‘Can you put in a bid for us over here?’”
Tampa Bay Installs provides a variety of services. It installs and services access control gates and security cameras for homeowner associations and community development districts, Giella said.
For instance, at a clubhouse, company services include installing speakers and Wi-Fi, inside and out, cameras by the pool, in the clubhouse and in the parking lot, televisions and access control systems.
His primary market for gate access systems stretches from Brooksville to Riverview and from Kissimmee to the Gulf of Mexico, Giella said.
Most recently, his company branched into lasers.
Giella co-owns Diverge Laser Systems with Charles Bourne.
The company provides support and sales for Universal Laser Systems.
It sells and services equipment for a vast array of clients in the fields of manufacturing, education, education, military and government.
He believes lasers will help the county attract more manufacturers.
“Pasco’s mission right now is to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pasco County. We can now provide equipment to companies, who will then be able to create the manufacturing jobs using the equipment,” he said.
To find out more about Giella’s companies and services, call (813) 235-0554, ext. 103.
Want to know more about running a business?
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers numerous free workshops and seminars at various locations around Pasco County. The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., also offers free and low-cost programs. To find out more, visit these websites: PascoHernandoScore.org or PascoEDC.com.
Published March 18, 2020
2045 roadway plan officially pushes forward
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 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
New apartment project approved on State Road 54
The Pasco County Commission has approved a project with 280 apartments and 49,500 square feet of commercial, on the north side of State Road 54, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Collier Parkway.
Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning request, with Commissioner Mike Moore objecting vociferously.
Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the A.G. Spanos Companies and the Aiken Trust on the request, which involves a 25.4-acre site, about 2 miles west of the interchange of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.
Both county planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the request.
During the Planning Commission public hearing, Hobby told that board that A.G. Spanos Companies has built more than 100,000 multifamily Class A apartments across the United States during the past 50 years.
The main access to the site will be from the intersection of State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, an existing signalized intersection.
The commercial portion is planned near the front of the property, to take advantage of the traffic light.
Objections were raised to the proposed rezoning during the Planning Commission meeting by some neighbors in the Twin Lakes community, but no one objected during the County Commission’s hearing.
“We got the consent of the adjacent homeowners and we did that by working hard,” Hobby said.
The attorney said his client has been working with the neighborhood and with county staff to improve the project.
The applicants agreed to provide a long access road to improve interconnectivity in the project, they reduced the height of the apartments and they created a large setback, Hobby said.
The attorney also noted that the project fits in with the county’s vision for the South Market Area, which calls for higher density, mixed-use development clustered around existing arterial roadways.
The idea is to avoid spreading out density like peanut butter, and instead create a true urbanized area, Hobby said.
Planning expert Kelly Love, director of entitlement planning at Clearview Land Design in Tampa, also spoke on behalf of Hobby’s clients.
“The plan is for the South Market Area to evolve from a suburban bedroom community development pattern, with inefficient utilization of land, to one which incorporates verticality, density and urban form,” she said.
“The Aiken mixed-use amendment before you today, contributes to this land use evolution.
“We’re trying to put the density, the mixed-use and the connectivity in an infill development, which has transit right at its front door,” she said.
And, while Moore has consistently voiced opposition to the proliferation of apartments being developed in the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, Hobby said that a market study was done and it shows that Pasco County’s multifamily is not overbuilt.
“Our overall renter percentage ownership compared to other suburban or urbanized areas is very low. We’re at roughly 22.5 percent; Manatee is at 27.8; Hillsborough is at 40.
“So, we are way below everyone else. We are in a healthy market. There’s a demand there. We’ve got a great project. We’ve got a great builder,” Hobby said.
But, Moore reiterated his objections.
“It’s no secret about my disdain for the amount of apartment complexes that are going up along the 54/56 corridor, especially east of Collier Parkway up to Bruce B. Downs,” Moore said.
“My concern is that what this board is doing and continuing to do, along with what previous staff members have done with the South Market Area, is you’re going to be very disappointed, 10, 15, 20 years down the road,” he said.
He then rattled off a list of 13 apartment developments within a 5-mile radius.
Moore also said the residents and business owners who live within the area “are sick and tired of apartments on (State Road) 54 and (State Road) 56. It’s a fact. I hear it all of the time.”
When people come to Pasco County and head on State Road 56, they see apartments, Moore said.
“The market might be good right now, but you’re saturating the market in that one small section. This county is big. It’s a very large county. If we keep putting them up in this area, we’re going to pay for it,” the commissioner predicted.
He asked his colleagues to take another look at the county’s comprehensive plan and policies in its South Market Area to address the issue.
“We’re rezoning and rezoning and rezoning, to allow MF (multifamily),” Moore said. “When is enough, enough?”
Other commissioners appeared open to having a workshop session to take a closer look at the issue, but when Moore mentioned the possibility of a temporary moratorium until that can be worked through, he found no support.
A temporary moratorium, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said, would be “pretty drastic.”
“You’re seeing all of this density here because the market needs it. We have 100 people moving to Pasco a day. Where are they supposed to live?” Starkey said.
There are also people who are downsizing and people who can’t afford to buy a house, she said.
Still, she added, “I don’t mind taking a look at it to see, ‘What is that right number?’
“And, we purposely put density on the (State Road) 54 corridor to save us from sprawl, right, and to allow one day to support transit,” Starkey said..
Commissioner Mike Wells said he agrees that the board needs to take a look at the issue.
At the same time, however, Wells noted: “I think the market decides, not us.”
Commissioner Jack Mariano said, “We were trying to avoid sprawl. Do I think that we’re getting what we thought we’d get? I will say, no.“
He thinks there are “way too many apartments.
“I would much rather see us take another look at this. Condos would be a lot better. Fee-simple townhomes would be a lot better. I want people invested in their community,” Mariano said.
Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed that the board should hold a workshop to take a closer look.
At the same time, commissioners said they want to take a look at the county’s mobility fee incentives and discuss which categories should receive them.
No date has been set for that workshop yet.
Published October 30, 2019
Central Pasco project calls for 280 Class A apartments
The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a project that includes 280 apartments and 49,500 square feet of commercial, on the north side of State Road 54, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Collier Parkway.
The site, approximately 25.4 acres, is about 2 miles west of the interchange of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.
The request received a recommendation for approval by county planners.
Attorney Clarke Hobby represents the A.G. Spanos Companies and the Aiken Trust.
“I’m very excited to be representing the Spanos Corporation,” Hobby told planning commissioners.
“My client tells me that they intend on building the nicest multifamily community that’s been built in Pasco County. It’s a very substantial company that’s built over 100,000 multifamily apartments. They’re all Class A around the United States for over 50 years.
“I feel it’s going to be a quality project, with quality people involved,” Hobby said.
The main access to the site would be from the intersection of State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, an existing signalized intersection.
The commercial portion of the request would be developed near the front of the property, to take advantage of the signalized intersection, Hobby said.
Hobby also noted that the applicant is seeking, In a separate action, an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, and the Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to forward that request to the state for review.
Such reviews are a standard part of the plan amendment process.
Hobby said his client wants to be a good neighbor.
“We realized there are about 10 or 12 houses that are adjacent to where the multifamily area will be back here, but we agreed to a 75-foot setback from our property boundary that effectively will create a 90- to a 100-foot setback from any home in here,” the attorney said.
“Additionally, this whole area already has mature oak trees on their side, and we’ll be planting a large buffer on our end,” he said.
Karen Mason, who lives on Foggy Bottom Parkway told planning commissioners that she wasn’t there to speak for or against the request. However, she did note that within a 1-mile radius of the Twin Lakes community there are 1,659 apartment units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms.
“That’s within a 1-mile radius. You don’t have to travel much further to find many more. We’re not privy to the number of entitlements approved for that area,” she said. At the same time, however, Mason said she believes the Spanos Companies will build a quality project.
John Pavka, who has lived in the community for 25 years, said he lives within 400 feet of where the apartments will be built. He opposes the project.
“If you approve this and this thing goes through, my neighborhood is going to take a hit,” Pavka said.
Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel asked if there could be negative consequences if the apartment market becomes overbuilt, and the economy cools.
Hobby responded: “I do not believe we are overbuilt or over-planned on multifamily units, now.
“We commissioned a firm to do a market study and they showed the penetration rates, even with the ones coming online, they’re all leasing up.”
He also said his client wouldn’t invest in a project that’s in the ballpark of $60 million if there was uncertainty the market could sustain it.
Planning Commissioner Michael Cox supported the request, making a motion for its approval.
“I’m a big believer of the capital markets. What’s being built is what’s being demanded.
“Recessions are normal. We go through them periodically. It’s part of the business cycle,” he said.
Cox said the project is clearly in keeping with the intent of the county’s comprehensive plan.
Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval to the Pasco County Commission, which is scheduled to consider it at a public hearing on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.
Published September 11, 2019
Opponents cite access concerns in Wesley Chapel rezoning
Questions are being raised about the safety of entering Wesley Chapel Boulevard from Hay Road, in a rezoning case seeking to allow 35 single-family attached townhomes on Hay Road.
The applicant, Lawrence P. Martinez, represented by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, is seeking to change the zoning on about 6 acres from agricultural use to medium density, multiple family.
The Pasco County Planning Commission heard the request at its May 9 public hearing.
The request involves a parcel on the west side of Hay Road, about 1,800 feet south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
The applicant has voluntarily agreed to deed restrictions that would limit the use of the property to single-family attached townhomes, said Denise Hernandez, Pasco County’s zoning administrator.
“This will not be an apartment complex,” Hernandez told planning commissioners, who serves as an advisory body to the Pasco County Commission on zoning and land use plan cases.
The zoning administrator also noted that the Pasco County Commission has approved similar zoning requests, and that county planners have recommended approval.
“The access at this point of time is proposed through Hay Road,” Hernandez said, but she added there’s a possibility that the parcel maybe developed along with the property to the north. If that happens, the primary access would be Wesley Chapel Boulevard, also known as County Road 54.
Neighbors, however, voiced concerns about the safety of using Hay Road as the primary access. Reginal Mesimer, a traffic engineer from St. Petersburg, appeared on behalf of Perry and Synthia Horner, who own property near the proposed rezoning.
The Horners own Hay Road, with some others who have easements to use it, Mesimer said.
“Right now, there are seven homes on Hay Road. One day, the Horners would like to develop their property with 200 units.
“About a year ago, a traffic signal went up at the entrance of Grand Oaks Boulevard, which didn’t line up with Hay Road. Now, there’s no way to provide a left-turn lane to enter Hay Road from County Road 54, and northbound queuing traffic coming out of Hay Road often is blocked by traffic queuing at the traffic signal at (County Road) 54.
“Mr. Horner tells me in the past year there have been two accidents associated with people who actually live on Hay Road, at that intersection, simply because Hay Road is so close to the traffic signal.
“Now, the county has plans to widen County Road 54 (also called Wesley Chapel Boulevard) to six lanes,” Mesimer added.
Mesimer noted that the parcel up for rezoning might be joined with another to the north, which has access to Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
That would be more suitable than trying to flow the traffic from the 35 new units onto Hay Road, Mesimer said.
The Horners have offered to provide land for an access road to allow motorists to drive to the signalized intersection at Grand Oaks Boulevard, which would improve access for everyone using Hay Road, Perry Horner said.
Paul Steele, of 4100 Hay Road in Lutz, urged planning commissioners to reject the rezoning request.
“We see our lives being turned upside down by this whole development, and a devaluation of our property. I’m here in complete protest to the idea,” he said.
Steele said he has lived on his property for 22 years and is raising several children there.
“We moved into that neighborhood for the specific express purpose of having our solitude, our privacy, being able to lead our lives in a certain way — free of heavy traffic, free of potential crime, free of people coming onto property constantly, being able to have our dogs run free, etc., etc., etc.
“This proposed development is going to have a serious negative impact on our lifestyle.
“If the road situation is not changed, it will have even an additional impact on the safety of my family and people coming to visit us on Hay Road.
“There’s been two very serious accidents. It led to one resident actually selling the property, leaving the property.
“It’s already a bad situation with a blind turn. When you turn right off of Hay Road today, traffic is coming 55, 60, 65 miles an hour. Very frequently people are almost rear-ended, just making a right-hand turn because you can’t see the traffic coming,” Steele said.
Wilhite said she’s not sure if her client will use Hay Road to get to Wesley Chapel Boulevard, or will be able to access the road through a property to the north.
David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, asked the applicants if there is sufficient right of way to improve Hay Road, if that becomes necessary for access.
Steve Henry, a traffic engineer from Lincks & Associates, representing the applicant, said there is enough right of way for a 20-foot road on Hay Road.
The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.
Published May 15, 2019
Wesley Chapel Boulevard expansion plans progress
A construction time frame has been set for Pasco County’s plans to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard to six lanes.
The expansion of the road — also known as County Road 54 – will be broken into two projects.
The first project begins just north of the road’s intersection with State Road 56 and extends to the north of its intersection with Magnolia Boulevard.
The second project extends from the intersection at Progress Parkway to the intersection of Oakley Boulevard.
An initial 2003 study prompted the idea of expanding Wesley Chapel Boulevard to four lanes. However, later studies predicting an increase in density resulted in a call for more widening.
“Projections we did, before 2008, show that future growth is going to bring the volumes up to a point that we’ll need to have six lanes there,” said Panos Kontses, a Pasco County engineering manager.
The widening comes at a time when State Road 54 and State Road 56 are adding new commercial and residential buildings, in response to the area’s growing demands.
County engineers are finalizing the blueprints for the project.
“Right now, we are trying to finish the design plans,” Kontses said. “We are about 90 percent finished.”
Letters offering to purchase right of way have been sent to landowners along the route of the first project.
Most of this stretch is two lanes, without a median to divide opposing traffic.
The new construction adds a median, which will have openings so motorists can make turns.
Future plans for commercial growth and road widening on Old Pasco Road was considered in this project, the engineering manager said.
Kontses said the expansion of Old Pasco Road, which intersects with Wesley Chapel Boulevard, is expected to increase traffic.
The county’s plan to create a new interchange at Interstate 75 and Overpass Road — which feeds into Old Pasco Road — also will increase activity in the area, Kontses added.
Motorists heading northbound on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, have to make a slight right curve when going past the intersection of Old Pasco Road.
Eastbound traffic already has three lanes from Old Pasco Road to Oakley Boulevard, but westbound traffic has just two lanes for a portion of that stretch.
To accommodate an expansion of a six-lane road, the existing median will be narrowed.
This median runs north of Magnolia Boulevard to Oakley Boulevard.
The projects’ additional amenities will include an 8-foot multi-use trail to the east side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and 5-foot to 6-foot sidewalk on the west side. These will be installed in the area between State Road 56 to Magnolia Boulevard.
Also, traffic lights will be added at Wesley Chapel Boulevard’s intersections with Stagecoach Village Boulevard and Compark Drive.
A signal already has been installed at Grand Oaks Boulevard, but will undergo an upgrade during construction.
While it’s too early to tell what delays or closures may come, Kontses assured that contractors will use night construction in order to minimize disruption.
Both projects will be treated as one development during the construction phase. The project cost is estimated at $53 million.
“We assume construction should start sometime between the end of 2021 and [the] beginning of 2022,” Kontses stated.
Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.
Published May 08, 2019
Cypress Creek Town Center buzzing with activity
If you haven’t been in the area west of Interstate 75, off State Road 56, during the past several months, chances are you’re not aware of the increasing activity happening at Cypress Creek Town Center and in nearby areas.
Five Below, at 25609 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, is set to have its grand opening on March 29, according to a banner posted at the store.
Five Below sells everything from cellphone cases and chargers to yoga pants, footballs, candy, and seasonal items from Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
Meanwhile, Burlington, at 25589 Sierra Center Blvd., also is set to have its grand opening on March 29, according to the company’s website. Burlington also is hiring, according a banner on the company’s storefront.
Burlington is an off-price apparel and home product retailer, which operates 567 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico, according to its website. The store offers a large selection of coats, clothing, shoes, linens , home décor and baby items.
Those grand openings come on the heels of Hobby Lobby’s grand opening on March 18. Located at 25675 Sierra Center Drive, it is the national retail chain’s 865th store. Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home décor products, including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies, according to information provided by the company.
Meanwhile, Earth Fare, a North Carolina-based grocer, also at Cypress Creek Town Center, entered the Pasco County market when it opened its 51st store in February. The 24,000-square-foot store aims to promote the health and well-being of its customers by selling an assortment of healthy foods.
Coming soon to the town center will be HomeGoods, at 25557 Sierra Center Blvd., which is scheduled to have its grand opening on April 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to its website. It also is “now hiring” according to a sign on the storefront’s exterior.
HomeGoods is an off-price retailer, which offers brand name and home fashion assortments that are 20 percent to 60 percent less than department and specialty store regular prices, the company’s website says. It offers merchandise from thousands of vendors throughout the world.
Many other establishments already are operating at the town center, which has shops and restaurants on both sides of State Road 56.
Diners have a wide array of options on the north side of State Road 56, including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Fast-Fire’D Blaze Pizza, Taco Bell, Pollo Tropical, Wendy’s, Ford’s Garage, Mellow Mushroom, Sweetea Café, Chuy’s Tex Mex and Bahama Breeze.
Meanwhile, Walk-ons Bistreaux & Bar, on the same side of the road, is under construction. The New Orleans-based sports bar was founded by business partners who were walk-ons to the Louisiana State University basketball team. They opened their first restaurant near LSU’s Tiger Stadium.
On the south side of State Road 56, diners can select from LongHorn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Culver’s, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and MOD Pizza.
Other developments on the south side of the road include Costco Wholesale Warehouse, an At Home Home Décor Superstore and smaller shops.
Tampa Premium Outlets also is on the south side of State Road 56, just west of I-75.
And, another project is coming, on the east side of Creek Grass Way, about 600 feet south of State Road 56, according to county records.
Main Event is planning a 48,608-square-foot entertainment center and has requested permission to sell alcoholic beverages there. The Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners have recommended approval, and the Pasco County Commission was scheduled to consider the request on March 26, after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline.
The Main Event is a bowling, laser tag and dining entertainment center, which has locations in 16 states, including Florida, according to its website.
On the north side of State Road 56, shops include T-Mobile, Noire Nail Bar, Men’s Wearhouse, Mattress One, Aspen Dental, Great Clips, Pearl Vision and Sleep Number. Verizon Wireless and Wesley Chapel Smile Dentistry are coming soon.
There’s also Hyatt Place Hotel & Conference, a 130-room hotel, has opened and already has hosted a variety of community events there.
Also, on the north side of State Road 56, to the west of Cypress Creek Town Center, there’s a new Burger King in front of the Brightwork Crossing apartment development, and nearby a Wawa gas station under construction nearby.
El Dorado Furniture-Wesley Chapel is planning a 70,000-square-foot, two-story showroom at State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, according to county documents.
Published March 27, 2019
