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Department of Transportation

Upgrades on tap for Zephyrhills Municipal Airport

October 26, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Major renovations and changes are coming to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — in an effort to transform the facility from a general aviation airport to one that offers more accommodations for corporate jets.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe dished on the various happenings at the city-owned airport, located at 39459 South Ave., while speaking during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit at Zephyrhills City Hall.

The Oct. 13 event was organized by the City of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), and AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is undergoing several upgrades and improvements. Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe detailed the forthcoming changes during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit earlier this month. (File)

The city manager was among several speakers during the economic summit.

Poe quipped that the local airport is “the best in Pasco County,” adding, “part of that is because we’re the only general aviation airport in Pasco County, but we are growing.”

He opened his briefing by mentioning the progress coming along on the extension of Runway 1/19 — with tree-clearing already underway along Chancey Road.

The project lengthens the runway by 1,500 feet — up to 6,200 feet, from the current 4,700 feet.

The work is being funded through a $5.9 million state appropriation that was received back in 2018.

The 1,500-foot extension will allow the airport to accommodate an additional 17 different types of aircraft (including C-2 and D-2 corporate jets that hold anywhere from 14 to 20 passengers), Poe explained.

“We’re trying to grow, we’re trying to go more toward the corporate customers,” Poe said.

The airport also received $3 million from the state this past year to construct itinerant parking for all aircraft arrivals and departures other than local aircraft operations.

This upgrade goes hand in hand with the Runway 1/19 extension.

The parking is for the additional corporate jets the airport is hoping to attract through its longer runway, the city manager said.

Presently, incoming and outgoing aircraft are forced to park in front of the airport’s fixed-base operation terminal, which is not ideal, Poe noted.

“We have issues with the jet parking, right in front of the terminal, trying to get gas. It’s just not good; there’s a lot of potential issues that happen with that,” said the city manager.

Other airport improvement projects also are in the pipeline. These are mostly being funded with help from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), with the city contributing a smaller share. The list includes:

  • Rehabilitation and pavement of Taxiway A
  • Upgrades to the fuel farm
  • Upgrades to airfield beacons

Zephyrhills has its eyes set on greater aviation infrastructure improvements, too.

In advance of the 2022 legislative session, the city is requesting an additional $5.33 million from the state that would encompass building another taxiway, two box hangars and a newly renovated fixed-base operator terminal.

The most expensive proposition of the three-pronged initiative — if funding is approved — is a new fixed-base operator terminal, which would become a rest stop for pilots flying in and out of the airport, while also serving as an upgraded office space for airport staff.

Said Poe, “When pilots come in, they need to be able to plan the rest of the legs of their flight, have an area to come in, relax, watch some TV, take a shower, grab something to eat.”

Elsewhere, Poe underscored the critical role of the Pasco EDC — specifically business development director Tom Ryan — for helping to promote the municipal airport at ongoing events and conferences nationwide.

Ryan is responsible for business development of new and expanding office, technology, and industrial related businesses and parks, according to the Pasco EDC’s website.

His responsibilities also include coordinating strategies to support economic development efforts in targeted areas, including confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and incentive programs.

“Tom makes trips all over the country and talks highly of Zephyrhills, and helps to market us (to places) where the city cannot get out to,” Poe said.

Poe also emphasized the airport could not make major improvements without grants from the DOT, FAA and state legislature.

He pointed out the city has received roughly $10 million worth of grants in the past three years alone, adding, “there’s (been) a number of grants, millions of dollars before that, and there’s hopefully, millions of dollars after that.”

Published October 27, 2021

Port Tampa Bay’s impact is far-reaching

September 21, 2021 By B.C. Manion

If you live in the Tampa Bay region, there’s a high likelihood that your life has been touched by the activities that occur at Port Tampa Bay.

The port —  also known as the Port of Tampa and the Tampa Port Authority — is located near downtown Tampa — but its impacts are far-reaching.

“Port Tampa Bay is the largest port in the state of Florida,” Greg Lovelace, the port’s senior director of business development, told members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, through a Zoom meeting last month.

Hope Kennedy, the chamber’s president and CEO, told those listening: “I don’t know if we all realize what a huge asset the Port of Tampa is to our entire region. Not every community has a wonderful port, deepwater port.”

About 33 million tons of cargo moves across the port’s docks each year, and the port is made up of about 5,000 acres — making it Florida’s largest port both in terms of tonnage, and in land mass, Lovelace said.

Port Tampa Bay handles imports and exports, and has an excellent location in a supply chain that delivers goods for both domestic and international markets. (Courtesy of Port Tampa Bay)

Wondering if the port has an impact on your life?

If you drive a car, take an Uber or fly in an airplane, chances are the gasoline, diesel or jet fuel used to run them came through the port of Tampa.

“Over 40% of the energy products in the state of Florida come through the Port of Tampa,” Lovelace said.

If you buy a couch at a furniture store, shop at a Big Box store or order on Amazon — your purchase probably came through the port.

“The port business —which is products moving in or out by ship — is driven by the local market. In our case, that’s the I-4 corridor,” Lovelace said.

Nearly 1,000 people are moving into the state each day, he added.

“That translates into a lot of consumption for housing, appliances, groceries, furniture, etc.

“Whatever you see on the store shelves, that’s ultimately what comes through the port,” Lovelace said.

“There’s over 380 million square feet of distribution space along the I-4 corridor.

“You can see what a significant market this is, with all of the distribution centers and all of the population there, which consume products. That’s really what drives our business from a cargo standpoint, is the consumption,” said Lovelace, who has been with the port for 25 years and lives in Wesley Chapel.

“This area is considered the 10th largest economy in the U.S., with a GDP (gross domestic product) of more than $300 billion.

The port handles containers, refrigerated cargo, and cargo that is rolled onto and rolled off of a ship, referred to in the trade as RORO.

One of the port’s key exports is fertilizer because a chief ingredient, phosphate, is mined in Central Florida. But producing the fertilizer requires other raw materials, which are imported, Lovelace said.

Other imports include steel coils, lumber, and other materials used by the building and construction industry.

Recently, the port expanded its import trade to include fresh fruit from Guatemala and Honduras, through Dole Fresh Fruits, on a weekly service into Tampa.

“We’re excited about the service, which is operated by their sister company Dole Ocean Cargo Express, and what it means for the local community.

“Not only will Dole produce have a more efficient way to reach the market here in Central Florida, but the ships going back and forth are open to third-party cargo interests, meaning that companies in this area that are trading with Guatemala and Honduras have access to a ship to get there,” Lovelace said.

Location, location, location
Tampa’s port has a competitive advantage because it is less than a mile away from the I-4 connector, allowing trucks to quickly jump on and off of I-4.

“Accessing the interstate system is very important for companies to efficiently transport goods inland,” Lovelace said.

It makes sense for shippers to come to Tampa to serve the Central Florida market because of time and trucking-cost efficiencies, he said.

Tampa also is a logical choice for those wanting to move goods to the Atlanta or Charlotte markets, he added.

A summary of some of the key facts regarding the port’s core market.

The federal Department of Transportation limits the number of hours that truck drivers can drive in a day, Lovelace explained.

Trucks leaving Tampa can reach Atlanta or Charlotte within the DOT’s rules, but those departing from South Florida cannot, he said.

“We look for those types of advantages to provide efficiencies in the supply chain,” Lovelace said.

While many industries and businesses have suffered during COVID-19, Port Tampa Bay has been on a roll.

“Our container business is really booming. It’s up by almost 50% compared to the last year.

“We are expanding. A lot of new services coming in,” he said. “We’re pretty excited about that.”

So, with the exception of the cruise industry, Port Tampa Bay has flourished, he said.

Of course, the port is part of the larger supply chain, which, because of COVID, has experienced a huge backlog.

The port executive explained it this way: “If you order something on Amazon, a lot of times you’ll get a message now that says something like, ‘Due to extenuating circumstances, your order might be delayed … .

“That’s happening all over the country,” he said.

In short, when COVID initially hit, workers at plants in Asia were told to stay home and production halted.

With no cargo to move, ocean carriers laid up their vessels.

Then, everything came to a screeching halt.

Meanwhile, demand was building because people in the U.S. were working from home and thinking about things they could do around the house, such updating the kitchen, redoing the bathroom, buying a new chair or desk for their office, and so on, he said.

They began buying stuff online.

“So, now you have all of the plants shut down, all of the shipping lines down, but then all of sudden you started having all of these orders starting to come in,” Lovelace said.

Plants began producing again, but were months behind. Shipping lines began reintroducing vessels, but there wasn’t enough capacity.

The lack of capacity, coupled with the high demand, drove up ocean freight rates.

“And, they’re still struggling to catch up with some of the demand that has happened with all of the online ordering,” he said.

Some are projecting this situation will continue until sometime in 2022, he said.

Published September 22, 2021

Contract extended on intersection improvement

October 20, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Commission has granted an extension of 240 calendar days to D.A.B. Constructors Inc., to complete the construction of intersection improvements at State Road 54 and Morris Bridge Road and Eiland Boulevard.

The project had been scheduled to be completed by Nov. 22, but needs to be delayed because of utility coordination and relocation delays in the state Department of Transportation’s project that is widening State Road 54 to Curley Road.

D.A.B. also is the contractor on that project.

The contractor can’t proceed until utilities have been coordinated at the intersection. This coordination effort resulted in the need to extend the intersection improvements (SR 54 at Morris Bridge and Eiland Boulevard) construction contract by an additional 240 days.

The new completion date is expected to be July 19, 2021.

Published October 21, 2020

Slow down, move over – for safety

February 5, 2020 By Mary Rathman

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging drivers to help protect the lives of tow truck operators and first responders, by launching the Slow Down, Move Over campaign.

The towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined — one tow operator is killed in the line of duty every other week in the United States, according to a AAA news release.

While all 50 states have Move Over Laws for emergency responders, which includes tow trucks, fewer than 30% of Americans know about these laws, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

In Florida, the Move Over Law requires drivers to:

  • Move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized vehicles displaying visible signs while stopped on the roadside.
  • Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, and proceed with caution.
  • Change lanes if you can, or reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the side of a multi-lane roadway.
  • Slow down and maintain a safe speed while passing, if you are unable to move over due to road or weather conditions, or traffic congestion.

Failure to adhere to the Move Over Law can result in a $60 fine.

Drivers should Slow Down and Move Over for stopped vehicles, including tow trucks or wreckers; law enforcement; fire department; emergency medical service; Department of Transportation; and, utility and sanitation service.

For information on the laws, visit DrivingLaws.aaa.com.

Published February 05, 2020

Long-term planning efforts continue for Pasco’s roads

October 16, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will adopt a new plan, in December, pushing forward its long-term agenda for the county’s road system.

Its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan gives an overview of what roadway modifications could be made within a 20-year span.

Wally Blain of Tindale Oliver and Kasey Cursey of AECOM, consultants who work alongside the county’s MPO, explained some highlights of the 2045 plan at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, on Oct. 8.

Some key projects include:

  • Widening State Road 52 to six lanes, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
  • Widening State Road 52 to four lanes from U.S. 41 to Old Pasco Road
  • Widening U.S. 41 to four lanes, from its intersection with State Road 52, heading south to Connerton Boulevard
  • Extending Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway
  • Constructing a new State Road 52 alignment, east of Interstate 75, to connect with Clinton Avenue

Improvements on State Road 54 also are planned, but how to proceed has not yet been determined.

While State Road 54 continues to be an ever-congested corridor, especially at the intersection with U.S. 41, the roadway may see new improvements in Pasco County’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. (Brian Fernandes)

“We know that State Road 54 is a huge priority for the county,” Blain said. “There’s been much discussion about what would be the preferred solution or strategy for State Road 54.”

The map indicates that the Vision 54/56 plan will be evaluated for potential transit improvements, overpasses, elevated lanes and alternative intersection designs.

“[The] county and DOT (Department of Transportation) are working on the coordination of traffic signals on State Road 54,” Blain noted.

However, there are no plans to widen State Roads 54 and 56 respectively, from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301, according to the map.

Blain said: ”What we’re doing in the plan is we’re setting aside the money to do the project, and as those studies are completed, implementation can begin to happen right away.”

Currently, there is $395 million set aside for Vision 54/56 studies and improvements.

The long-range plan also proposes revamping the county’s public transportation system. That includes adding Sunday services, increasing the frequency for bus pickups and drop offs, and extending services to as late as 11:30 p.m.

“The MPO is a federally funded and mandated organization. It’s required in large metropolitan areas to do the transportation planning – where will people live and where will jobs exist, according to our crystal ball, by the year 2045,” Blain said.

Based on those projections, schematics of Pasco County were drawn showing potential road connections and widenings, as well as improvements to the transit system, he said.

Pasco County residents were surveyed in 2018 to get feedback on the MPO’s proposed plans. About 1,600 surveys were received.

Needs were identified, and then, he said, “we look at our revenues and what can we afford based on our expected revenue streams.”

Another survey was conducted for additional public feedback over the summer, to consider practical suggestions that could be implemented in the MPO’s cost-affordable plan.

While Pasco County’s transportation system receives appropriations from the federal and state levels, it also collects revenue from the county’s Penny for Pasco surtax.

The program raises funds through a one-penny surcharge for every dollar of sales tax collected by the county.

Of the portion allocated to the county, 18% goes toward transportation.

The 2045 long-range plan calls for the renewal of the Penny for Pasco program after 2024, as it currently stands.

Transportation revenues collected from federal, state and county levels are projected to exceed $7 billion from 2025 to 2045, Blain said.

Every five years, the Long Range Transportation Plan is reevaluated for potential modifications.

The 2045 plan would see slight allocation increases to specific projects in contrast to the 2040 plan.

Here are some specifics:

  • Road capacity would receive 69%, compared to 64%
  • Sidewalks and bicycle facilities would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Technology and congestion management also would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Roadway maintenance would receive 15%, compared to 9%

But, Blain also noted that transit projects would see a decline from 25% to 10%.

That decrease is due to the MPO’s assumption that there will not be any new local taxes or revenues generated toward transportation, Blain added.

The public is encouraged to engage in a 30-day comment period, starting on Nov. 1.

For more information or to give comment feedback, please visit MobilityPasco.com.

MPO public workshops
Where/When:
New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey (Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Avenue in Dade City (Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel (day/time to be announced).
Cost: Free
Details: The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization will unveil and explain to guests its roadway projections for 2025 to 2045.
Info: Visit MobilityPasco.com.

Published October 16, 2019

State Road 56 Extension gives drivers another option

July 17, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Motorists heading through the county to or from East Pasco now have a new way to do it.

The State Road 56 Extension, which links Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Greater Zephyrhills, opened on July 10.

This view shows State Road 56, looking east from Meadow Pointe Boulevard, on a new 6-mile stretch of the road, linking Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills. The road opened to the public on July 10. (Tyler Nathe, Aerial Photography Tampa, AerialPhotographyTampa.com)

Dignitaries and members of the media gathered for a preview of the road the day before it opened to the public.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley noted the significance of the new 6-mile stretch.

“It’s the first time in my lifetime that we’ve had a four-lane road from West Pasco all of the way to East Pasco,” Oakley said, noting the road closes a missing link between U.S. 301 on the east and U.S. 19 on the west.

“It’s an awesome day for the citizens of Pasco County,” added County Commissioner Mike Moore. “It’s going to bring a better quality of life for all of our citizens, and it’s going to bring opportunity to this area also.”

Moore noted the project wouldn’t have happened without the foresight of Will Weatherford, former Speaker of the House of the Florida House of Representatives, who secured funding to extend the road.

However, the state’s plans called for the extension to be a two-lane road.

Pasco County District 1 Commissioner Ron Oakley speaks about the project, during the media event held on July 9. (Christine Holtzman)

That was before the community of Zephyrhills rallied behind an effort to make it a four-lane road. They won the support of then State Rep. Danny Burgess and then State Rep. John Legg, who met with then Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold, who suggested the possibility of a state loan to pay for the second two lanes.

That plan came together through the collaboration of Pasco County officials, the City of Zephyrhills, private landowners and the contractor.

“This is really a monumental occasion,” said David Gwynn, District Seven secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation. “Although this is a DOT project, DOT was just one player in this.”

Now, the road is open, with signalized intersections at U.S. 301 and Morris Bridge Road, and features a multi-use trail, a sidewalk and bicycle lanes.

Melonie Monson, executive director of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, anticipates the tourist and economic growth that the new State Road 56 extension will provide to Downtown Zephyrhills. (Christine Holtzman)

After the preview tour, Oakley headed to a county commissioner meeting, where he marveled at the new road.

“It is absolutely beautiful. If you can drive that road, you’ll see Old Florida because there’s never been a road through there before. You’ll see sights that you’ve never been able to see,” he said.

Of course, the view won’t last forever, Oakley said.

“See it now, because in 8 (years) to 10 years, that will change,” Oakley said, as new homes, new businesses and possibly a school are built in the area.

“A lot of growth will happen from this,” he said.

Milestones

  • Speaker of the House Will Weatherford announces private-public funding plan for extension of State Road 56 to U.S. 301: November 2013
  • Zephyrhills community pushes for four-lane extension, rather than a two-lane link, at town hall meeting with Rep. Danny Burgess and State Sen. John Legg: February 2015
  • State Rep. Danny Burgess and State Sen. John Legg meet with Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold, who offers the possibility of a state infrastructure loan: April 2015
  • Pasco Commission approves series of agreements with state, City of Zephyrhills and private landowners, clearing the way for the state loan: January 2016.
  • Road opens to public: July 2019

By Brian Fernandes and B.C. Manion

Published July 17, 2019

A car heads south down US 301, near the brand-new intersection with State Road 56 in Zephyrhills. The new extension of roadway provides a direct east and west connection between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. (Christine Holtzman)

Ridge Road project to open in 2020?

April 17, 2019 By B.C. Manion

A portion of the Ridge Road Extension — a project Pasco County officials have wanted for 20 years — could open in time for the beginning of the 2020 school year.

The Pasco County Commission heard an update on the project during its April 8 meeting in Dade City.

The proposed Ridge Road Extension spans  7.6 miles, reaching from Moon Road to U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

Margaret Smith, the county’s engineering services director, told commissioners that county staff, and representatives from the Florida Turnpike Enterprise and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been meeting weekly. The Turnpike is a co-applicant on the project with the county.

“We get together and talk about the issues of this project, just to make sure we keep it moving forward, just because it is an essential addition to our east-west grid in Pasco County.

“Just recently, we had the biological assessment and Fish and Wildlife both agreed that there was no issues with the permit,” Smith said.

Sam Beneck, the county’s project manager for the Ridge Road Extension, outlined a potential timeline for the project.

“We anticipate that by July 15, we’ll have completion of the Fish and Wildlife Service consultation. That represents the largest single task, in terms of time commitment, that remains on this project. It’s obviously outside of the county’s, the Turnpike’s and the Army Corps’ hands. It  really depends on the Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Beyond that, we’re looking at the start of September, an environmental assessment and statement of findings to be completed by the Army Corps. We anticipate that they will be working on that before the Fish and Wildlife consultation is done, so hopefully the consultation completes, they can complete their statement of findings and then we’re really looking forward to a Sept. 23 permit decision.

“This is based on our best available information,” Beneck said.”

Assuming that the permit is issued, the county is proposing a bidding approach that would reward early completion by $15,000 a day and charge $15,000 a day for every day the project is late. That approach will be brought back to the board for formal approval, he said.

“We’ve distilled that to three milestones,” Beneck said. “The contractor will not earn or lose their entire incentive based on one day. It will run incrementally, and we’re using that same $15,000 per day.

“Our first milestone, as an example, would be completion of four lanes of Ridge Road, between Moon Lake Road and Town Center Boulevard.

“That would provide a second entrance and exit to that (River Ridge Middle and River Ridge High) school facility. That is a major challenge in the afternoon. That would be completed by Aug. 10, 2020,” Beneck said, noting that is the first day of school.

“If they complete it on Aug. 10, then there’s zero dollars, between the contractor and the county based on that.

“For every day in advance, they’ll earn incentive and for every day after, they’ll lose that disincentive, that $15,000 a day.

“So, if they come in 13 days early, they’ll get a full $195,000 incentive; and if they’re 13 days late, they’ll be charged that disincentive,” Beneck said.

The next milestone is a two-lane opening that would allow two-way traffic between Moon Lake and the Suncoast Parkway by May 31, 2021, which would be prior to the 2021 Hurricane Season.

“This is our largest incentive, that $1.5 million,” Beneck said. “ Again, it’s not make or break on one day. If they’re a little bit late, they’ll be charged for being late, and if they’re early, they’ll start to earn that incentive.”

The third milestone is the overall completion of the project, which would be by May 31, 2022, the beginning of the 2022 Hurricane Season. Again, incentives and disincentives would be used. The maximum incentive/disincentive for this milestone would be $705,000.

Beneck told commissioners: “We started working very closely with the attorney’s office, with the purchasing office, to make sure that everything that we’re doing is defensible. Once that review is complete, we anticipate bringing the package to the board, as its own item, discuss it with you all, make sure you understand it and concur with the strategy.”

Another idea is to delegate authority to County Administrator Dan Biles, so he can sign the contract and issue the notice to proceed.

County Commissioner Mike Moore told Biles, “Dan, I like your idea of incentivizing being ahead of schedule and disincentivizing being behind schedule.”

He thinks the county should consider the same approach when it proceeds with the Interstate 75/Overpass Road interchange project.

County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey praised the effort to get the road opened in the vicinity of River Ridge Middle and River Ridge high schools.

“My kids all went to River Ridge Middle and High School. And, I can tell you, on the middle school dance, middle school prom, whatever, that traffic backs up way down Ridge Road. It takes a couple hours to get in to pick up your kid and drop them off. It’s a nightmare. So, this is going to be so wonderful for that high school and middle school.”

Starkey also wants to be sure the county pursues the opportunity to have a trailhead at the Suncoast Expressway.

“There is land there that is not part of Serenova that is land that was used by the Department of Transportation to build their borrow pits. They carved it out and then they gave it back to SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). We were told by SWFMD years ago that we could use that as a trailhead. It’s high and dry.”

Beneck told Starkey: “Yes, we are coordinating with the water management district on that, as well as a lot of other opportunities.”

Biles noted the trailhead is not part of the current set of construction documents.

Beneck said that’s correct, but the discussions are “laying the groundwork for those facilities in the future.”

Mariano praised the county’s staff for the progress it is making toward making the Ridge Road Extension a reality, singling out Biles for his contributions.

Biles told commissioners: “We’re cautiously optimistic that we’ll be moving forward on this, late this summer.”

Ridge Road Extension, projected schedule
July 15: Fish and wildlife service consultation complete
Sept. 9: Environmental assessment and findings
Sept. 23: Permit decision and construction notice to proceed
October: Construction celebration ceremony

Potential construction schedule
August 10, 2020: Completion of four lanes between Moon Lake Road and Town Center Boulevard
May 31, 2021: Two lanes between Town Center Boulevard and Interchange, and four lanes through Interchange area to end of project
May 31, 2022: Phase 1 project completion

Published April 17, 2019

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The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on May 18, via Zoom. Socializing will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Email , for more information. … [Read More...] about 05/18/2022 – Democratic Club

05/18/2022 – Florida landscaping

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a UF/IFAS Extension seminar, “Florida Friendly Landscaping 101” on May 18 at 11 a.m. To register, visit EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 05/18/2022 – Florida landscaping

05/20/2022 – In-person service

Congregation Beth Chavarim will celebrate its first in-person service since the pandemic, with the Jewish religious holiday of Lag BaOmar, on May 20. For more information, email . … [Read More...] about 05/20/2022 – In-person service

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Need some summer-fun activities for the kids? The City of Zephyrhills will host free summer recreation programs for local youth, running from May 31 through July 7. https://buff.ly/3yDWdAB

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16 May

Showering teachers with tokens of appreciation!
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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has always prioritized education, and supports local teachers often. Check out what gifts they got them: https://buff.ly/3yy6pKJ

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15 May

Soldiers returning from the Vietnam War often faced hostility and scorn. An event commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war had a much different tone. https://buff.ly/3l7S67C

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