The Laker/Lutz News

Land O' Lakes News

Busy intersection subject of public meeting

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Those interested in the future of the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 are invited to attend a public meeting this week to discuss possible options for improvement.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven is hosting the meeting, which is set for Sept. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, in Lutz.

Virtual attendance also is available, but registration is required to participate online.

To register, visit the project’s website: https://active.fdotd7studies.com/sr54/us41-at-sr54/.

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The FDOT is holding the workshop to give people who are interested the opportunity to provide comments concerning the traffic patterns, design, and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

In addition to the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, the project study will include areas adjacent to the intersection along the two major roads, according to FDOT materials.

State Road 54 is one of two existing major east-west arterials connecting eastern Pasco County to western Pasco County.

The need for this project has been established based on future traffic demands, future population and employment growth in the area, according to FDOT materials.

Improvements at the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection are included in the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Cost Affordable Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the 2035 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Needs Assessment, which was developed by the West Central Florida MPO’s Chairs Coordinating Committee.

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate various alternatives for the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection, which will improve the flow of people and goods through the project area by increasing roadway capacity and reducing traffic congestion.

The study will compare the effects each alternative may have on the environment and the surrounding communities, as well as the traveling public, according to FDOT materials.

Across Pasco County, State Road 54 provides connections to several regional north-south routes including U.S. 19, the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 98, the FDOT materials note.

“The proposed improvements at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 will enhance the overall transportation network linking Pasco County with the Tampa Bay region,” according to FDOT materials.

The options being considered are:

  • Alternative 1: A single-point urban intersection (SPUI), providing an interchange with State Road 54, elevated over U.S. 41.
  • Alternative 2: A parallel flow intersection (PFI), providing displaced left-turns, in all four approaches at grade.
  • Alternative 3: A continuous flow intersection (CFI), with elevated lanes of State Road 54 over U.S. 41, providing displaced left-turns in all four approaches.

There also is a no-build alternative.

Department representatives will be available at the in-person public workshop beginning at 5:30 p.m., to answer questions and discuss the project informally.

Draft project documents and other project-related materials also will be displayed, and a PowerPoint video presentation will run continuously during the workshop.

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to FDOT figures; U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019.

In addition to existing traffic, there’s significant growth underway in Central Pasco, with more on the way. Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

In evaluating alternatives, the state looks at the improvements based on such issues as traffic operations, safety, right of way needs and environmental impacts, among others.

Once a build alternative is selected, the next phase is the Project Design & Environmental (PD&E) Study phase, and then the design phase.

The PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022; design, from 2022 to 2024; right of way acquisition from 2025 to 2026.

Construction of this project is not yet funded, according to the project web page.

For more information or to comment, please contact Kirk Bogen, an environmental management engineer for FDOT, at 813-975-6448, 800-226-7220 or .

Published September 15, 2021

Hitting the links for a few friendly rounds

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Idlewild Pastor Tim Hurlesss, left, was pleased with his drive off the first tee, a Par 5. Frank Mutz, director of recreation, is nearby. (Fred Bellet)

Idlewild Baptist Church ministers to both the body and soul, as seen through its recreation ministry, which wrapped up a coed summer golf league at Plantation Palms, in Land O’ Lakes, last month.

The league ran through Aug. 25.

Tee times at the golf course, at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., began at 5:30 p.m.

Rounds involved a two-player scramble, consisting of nine holes.

There also was an optional free golf clinic, and a $15 buffet, available.

For more information about Idlewild’s recreation programs, visit Idlewild.org/recreation/, or contact Griffin Shollenberger at 813-264-8737 or .

Published September 15, 2021

Jim Willis, of Land O’ Lakes, watches as his ball comes up short while putting on the third green.
Jim Willis, of Land O’ Lakes, reacts to his putt on the third green. Tim Hoelle, Jeff Ennis and Wade Griffin played along with Willis.
Allison McCoy, of Tampa, reacts with a laugh after over-shooting the cup outside the practice green at the Plantation Palms Golf Course. Allison’s husband, Brad McCoy, a seasoned golfer, was lending tips to his wife, a newcomer to the game. The couple was practicing before the tournament began.
Tristan Kennedy of Land O’ Lakes works on getting more distance using a sand wedge during the Idlewild Baptist Church coed golf clinic and weekly golf match, at Plantation Palms Golf Course.

Contract approved for Land O’ Lakes library renovation

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The Pasco County Commission has selected Trias Construction LLC, to complete the renovation work at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

The library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, will get a complete makeover, under the approved expenditure, which is not to exceed $3,837,200.

The work is being paid for with funds secured from General Obligation Bonds approved by Pasco County voters in a November 2018  referendum, with a 66% voter approval.

This rendering shows what the new interior of the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library will look like, once a massive remodeling project is completed at the library. (Courtesy of Pasco County Libraries)

The project involves completely updating and modernizing the branch library, including new spaces for adults, teens and children.

When the renovations are completed, it will have updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air-conditioning and faster internet.

There also will be updated meeting spaces, an expanded lobby, a renovated makerspace and a central service desk, according to materials in the county board’s Aug. 24 agenda packet.

Space is being reconfigured in the library to maximize the amount available for public programming.

There also will be exterior renovations, including new landscaping and outdoor spaces.

The library closed on Aug. 14, to get ready for the renovations. The project is expected to wrap up in late 2022.

Meanwhile, patrons that typically use the Land O’ Lakes branch will be able to order materials to be placed on hold and picked up at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, which is next to the library. Hours for picking up holds will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Patrons wanting to visit another library location can go to the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, which has just been completely updated. Or they can go to the Starkey Theatre, Library and Cultural Center that recently opened in the Starkey Ranch development, at 12200 Lake Blanche Road in Odessa.

Future plans also call for a library in Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

The county plans to use money from the American Rescue Plan Act toward the funding of that new library.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the Land O’ Lakes Branch remodeling can be found at PascoLibraries.org/lol-remodel/.

For additional information, in general, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published September 08, 2021

County office building in Land O’ Lakes to get upgrades

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a task order for slightly more than $1.78 million to Bandes Construction Company LLC., to complete interior renovations at the David “Hap” Clark Jr. Building in Land O’ Lakes.

The work will be performed in two phases, on the first and second floor of the building referred to as the Hap Clark building, at 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Details of the project were included in the county board’s agenda materials for its Aug. 24 meeting.

Phase one will be done on the northern side of the building on the first floor, and will accommodate building construction services, veteran services, human services and conference suits.

The general scope of work shall be approximately 6,027 square feet of existing space,

including the surrounding restrooms and corridor.

Phase two of the renovation will be on the southern side of the building on the second floor, and will consolidate the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources team into one suite of approximately 6,250 square feet.

Published September 08, 2021

New irrigation system coming to recreation center

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Coastal Design Consultants Inc., has been hired by Pasco County to perform engineering and design services required to prepare construction plans for the replacement and expansion of the irrigation system at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

The engineering and design work involves providing plans for a system that will irrigate the ball fields, the soccer fields and common areas at the recreation center, at 3032 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Coastal Design must work with the county to field questions regarding the construction plans and specifications. It also must perform a limited amount of observation, to ensure construction work is proceeding in a manner that it will conform with approved plans and specifications.

The Pasco County Commission approved paying Coastal nearly $50,000, as part of the board’s consent agenda on Aug. 10. Items on the consent agenda are adopted in a single motion, without comment, unless someone wants to pull an item from the agenda for discussion.

Funding for the project is coming from the General Obligation Bond funds, approved by voters, to support improvements at the county’s parks and recreational facilities.

Published August 18, 2021

At Wilderness Lake Preserve, here’s a man who really cleans up well

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Each day for the past three years, Russ Filsinger’s afternoon routine hasn’t changed.

After hopping on his bicycle for his daily exercise, Filsinger covers every corner of his community at Wilderness Lake Preserve in Land O’ Lakes and the nearby shopping plaza.

He picks up litter.

He gathers the trash, whether it’s candy wrappers, soda cans, fast-food bags, straws, empty alcohol bottles, dog refuse, or even COVID masks (he’s up to 500 of those).

Russ Filsinger spends about two hours each afternoon picking up litter at his Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

He collects it all and disposes of it properly, recycling, if necessary.

The work usually takes about two hours, each day.

For three years.

“Russ is one of those kind people who cares about the earth and wants to keep his neighborhood clean,’’ said Franca Carlino Anderson.

She’s Filsinger’s neighbor and got to know him because she was curious about why he continually picked up trash.

“He’s an amazing part of our community. He’s not looking for accolades or even to be noticed. He just cares,” the neighbor said.

“I think it makes him happy to see the earth clean, the way God intended,’’ said Filsinger’s wife, Jeanne. “His dedication is something. I pick up things, too, if I’m walking by. But I’m not on the bike making sure every little thing is picked up. It makes our whole area look so much better. People love what he is doing.’’

Filsinger, 71, is a retired social worker from New Jersey. He has worked with homeless, gangs and drug addicts. He retired due to health reasons and moved to Florida, where he toured with a Christian rock band, then became a minister. He has been a prison chaplain and a hospice chaplain. He has volunteered as a guardian ad litem for children.

“My bio is kind of interesting,’’ said Filsinger, who now ministers at Grace Family Church.

It’s mostly about helping.

“It’s such an easy concept, but we all can do something, even if it’s a very small thing … and small things can add up,’’ Filsinger said.

Three years ago, Filsinger grew weary of incessant litter around his neighborhood; maintenance workers weren’t quick about removing it. So Filsinger took matters into his own hands — literally — and began sweeping through the area with his trash bags.

“Instead of getting mad at the people who litter, I’m determined to beat them,’’ Filsinger said. “And the best way to beat them is if I can pick it up faster than they can throw it out of their car windows.

“It became a challenge to me. You can throw out whatever you want — a box, a carton, a Big Gulp cup — but I’m going to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Everyone wins and you lose.’’

Filsinger was riding his bike anyway for fitness. He’s dealing with various physical woes, such as foot neuropathy, severe osteoarthritis and lack of function in his hands and fingers. No matter. He keeps going.

“Doing this has made my bike ride longer, but more meaningful,’’ Filsinger said. “And it’s not just trash. I take dead animals off the roads. I don’t want kids going by on their scooters, seeing these carcasses being taken apart by buzzards. I just want people to see green, bushes and flying birds, not this endless plastic stuff that’s all over our roads.’’

In addition to the area’s roads, sidewalks, pathways, ponds and green spaces, Filsinger has taken his work to Wilderness Commons, a shopping plaza at the front of Wilderness Lake Preserve. The store owners are appreciative. Filsinger combs the parking lot and also makes sure things are securely in the dumpster.

“It only takes a few minutes to get it all straight,’’ Filsinger said. “Now there’s nothing there, not even one straw wrapper. I’m pretty proud of it. This is very satisfying.’’

All the neighbors know about Filsinger now.

Cars honk their horns and people wave.

He gets thank-you wishes from passersby.

The Wildness Lake Preserve newsletter did a short write-up on Filsinger.

The final line: “His efforts are to be applauded!’’

Filsinger isn’t stopping or even slowing down. If anything, he’s picking up speed.

“I think littering is getting worse,’’ Filsinger said. “One of my goals is to get all people to care about picking up litter. We can really make a dent.

“My philosophy has been, ‘If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it?’ So the job never really stops. If I can do this at my age while having fun doing it … maybe others can get the same type of satisfaction.

“I’d love others to join in. If we all did a little something to help our world, wouldn’t this be a much better world?”

By Joey Johnston

Published August 11, 2021

Pasco County offers help to Olympus pool customers

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Pasco County is stepping up to help customers of Olympus Pools, according to a county news release.

Olympus Pools has pulled hundreds of permits for pool projects in Pasco County during the past two years, and most remain unfinished, the release said.
The pool company has ceased operations.

Pasco County now is offering a new tool to help customers whose projects are in limbo, due to open permits, and the county also is waiving fees associated with Olympus Pools permits through Dec. 31, 2021.

The county has launched a dedicated webpage to help customers navigate the permitting process and to answer questions they may have.

“We hope this action will help ease the financial burden on our customers who choose to seek other permitting options,” Assistant County Administrator Sally Sherman, said in the release.

Olympus Pools customers have three options for open pool permits:

• Oversee the project yourself
• Hire a new, licensed pool contractor
• Cancel your pool permit

For more information on options, visit bit.ly/OlympusPermits.

Published August 04, 2021

New subdivision recommended in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning for a new subdivision on the southwest corner of Lake Patience Road and Perdew Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

Applicants Pulte Home Company LLC and Curtis L. Law Inc., are requesting a change in zoning from an agricultural district to a master-planned unit development to allow 240 single-family homes on roughly 80 acres.

The land currently is occupied by a residence and agricultural pursuits, according to materials in the planning board’s agenda backup.

The county’s planners have found the request to be consistent with the county’s land development code and comprehensive plan, and they recommend approval of the request.

Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing the applicants, said the request calls for roughly 240 units, which is far fewer than the 400 possible under the comprehensive plan designation.

He also pointed to other master-planned unit developments in the area and noted that the site is located in the urban service area, where the county is encouraging most of its growth.

One resident raised concerns about traffic on Lake Patience and about any potential impacts the new development would have on an adjacent community’s two private lakes.

But Hobby said, “There’s a dedication of right of way for a future collector that runs along the eastern boundary, and I believe the lady who just spoke lives to the east of that, so our project, per se, will not end up being immediately adjacent to the road that she’s talking about or her subdivision.”

He also noted there is no access to the other community’s lakes.

The planning board voted unanimously, with Planning Commissioner Roberto Saez absent, to recommend approval of the rezoning.

The application now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over zoning and land use issues.

Published August 04, 2021

Library branch to reduce hours, then close for remodeling

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will be operating on reduced hours through Aug. 13, then will close on Aug. 14 for renovations, according to a Pasco County news release.

The library’s hours through Aug. 13 will be:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During its renovation, the library will undergo a complete, floor-to-ceiling upgrade.

The work is being paid for through a General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum, which Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

Each library in the county’s system is being remodeled to provide a better user experience.

When the renovations are completed, libraries throughout the system will have updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air-conditioning and faster internet.

Materials on hold can be picked up at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, next to the library, on select days.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the remodeling can be found at PascoLibraries.org/lol-remodel/.

For additional information, in general, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published August 04, 2021

Mixture of uses proposed at Roaches Run, U.S. 41

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A 35-acre site at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and U.S. 41 could become home to a project with an array of commercial and residential uses.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners have recommended approval of the request, which would allow the site to be used for retail, office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; and public/institutional uses.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, said the request allows a maximum of 275,000 commercial square feet.

The zoning also includes a land use equivalency matrix, meaning an assortment of uses can be allowed within the project, with the matrix determining the maximum allowable density within the project.

Conditions of approval also spell out that the minimum square footage for commercial retail is 100,000 square feet, Hernandez said.

Plus, “residential will only be allowed on the parcels abutting (U.S.) 41, if they are part of a vertically integrated mixed-use building,” she said.

In addition to the zoning change, the request includes a variance from the land development code’s parking requirements — based on the ability of different uses within the project to share parking.

The planning board recommended approval of the request, with Planning Commissioner Roberto Saez absent.

The request next goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning decisions.

Published July 28, 2021