The Laker/Lutz News

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Land O' Lakes

Land O’ Lakes fire station construction approved

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending nearly $4.8 million to construct Fire Station No. 42, that will be built at 11425 Silver Palm Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Board members approved the expenditure during their April 20 meeting.

The lowest responsive bidder on the project is Trias, which is a company located in Lutz.

The funding for the project is available from the GO Bond Capital Project Fund.

The specifications were prepared by Fleischman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA.

On another issue, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder informed commissioners that a federal judge issued a favorable order in the case involving Sierra Club vs. Pasco County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, relating to the Ridge Road extension project.

In essence, Steinsnyder said, “the Sierra Club had tried to amend their existing pleading to bring in the federal fish and wildlife agency and allege endangered species violations.

“The court, in a well-written order, said ‘No, you had an opportunity to bring these in your initial cases.

In part, Steinsnyder said, the judge’s order said “it would cause undue harm to Pasco County to continue to delay this project.

“Basically, she shut it down and said, ‘No, you’ve got to file your motion for summary judgment by a date in June, which pushes the briefing schedule out. But that’s probably the best we could have hoped for because she had to give them some time to file their motion,” Steinsnyder said.

Both sides are asking for summary judgment, he added.

In another item, commissioners approved a request by Salem Radio Properties to rezone 77.21 acres of agricultural land to allow 325 residential units in a master-planned development on the south side of Bud Bexley Parkway, about 600 feet west of Ballantrae Boulevard.

Published May 05, 2021

Strong Women and Their Accomplishments Are Worth Celebrating

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March is National Women’s History Month. As a female-owned business, this celebration hits home for customers and employees of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

From the minute Cornerstone was launched 15 years ago, Cornerstone’s owner, Dana Spears, did whatever it took to bring dependable HVAC service to the Tampa Bay area.

But, it wasn’t always an easy task. As a mom who also juggled a part-time job, she had to overcome obstacles and break through barriers to build her company from the ground up to become the successful business she has today.

Dana’s story represents what National Women’s History Month is truly all about. Of course, being a female-owned business isn’t the only thing special about Cornerstone. The company sets the bar high when it comes to home care and comfort, and always gives customers the specialized service they need.

Here’s more about what makes Cornerstone Pros different than others.

Home Service Experts
In need of an HVAC tech, electrician or plumber? Cornerstone offers the full spectrum of home services to turn your home into a true safe haven. Why does this matter to you? Because hiring a home service provider that has multiple services leads to three major benefits.

  1. Convenience: Hiring Cornerstone Pros eliminates the stress and hassle of dealing with multiple companies to address your home service needs. Rather than having to juggle scheduling appointments with different contractors, you’ll enjoy the convenience of working with one company.
  2. A friendly face: Serving the Tampa Bay community for over a decade, you may have either hired us before or know someone who has. This means, rather than hiring a stranger, you’re hiring a familiar face and a company with a proven reputation for dependability.
  3. Quality service and fair prices: Cornerstone also makes service affordable and easier on your budget. Affordability never comes at the expense of quality. From exclusive coupons and discounts, to flexible financing options, it delivers dependable, high-quality craftsmanship that is affordable and easy to pay for, over time.

Licensed, Certified and Affordable
The only way to protect your budget and secure your family’s safety is by hiring a professional company that is certified to handle your HVAC, plumbing and electrical problems. Cornerstone does the screening and training for you, ensuring that every technician who enters your home is licensed and certified in HVAC, plumbing or electrical before they are added to the team. With Cornerstone, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve hired the most qualified person for the job.

And, when it comes to pricing, Cornerstone does things a little differently. Rather than charging by the hour, it charges by the job. This means your initial quote is your final cost—no exceptions. This firm-pricing plan allows its technicians to ignore the clock and focus on delivering the quality work you deserve.

Cornerstone even offers a maintenance plan starting at $9.95 that covers routine maintenance for your AC, plumbing and electrical items, as well as discounts on repairs and service visits.

Above all else, the best part about Cornerstone is that its team cares about your home comfort, budget and safety. Whether you’re in need of emergency plumbing or A/C repair, or you’re considering a tankless hot water heater, call 813-949-4445.

Published March 31, 2021

Army veteran gets a warm welcome to his new home

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Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson received a warm welcome to his specially adapted custom home in Land O’ Lakes, on the morning of March 13.

Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson raises the flag in front of his new home, which was provided by Homes for Our Troops. Peterson was wounded in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Homes for Our Troops)

The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops, donated the home to Peterson during a special key ceremony.

The custom home, at 24235 Hideout Trail, is adapted to meet Peterson’s needs.

The Army veteran was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. He was riding in a vehicle on a route clearance mission when an improvised explosive device exploded directly under his seat, a news release said.

From left: Stephen Peterson and his wife Brittany, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Homes for our Troops President/CEO Tom Landwermeyer.

He immediately lost his right leg in the blast, and sustained fractured hips, a fractured tailbone, and a traumatic brain injury.

His new home features more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops.

The home also is designed with hallways that are accessible for wheelchairs and with cabinets that are within reach.

Homes for Our Troops donated the house to Peterson, using contributions from donors, supports and corporate sponsors.

Those attending the ceremony in Land O’ Lakes were required to wear masks or facial coverings as a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To find out more about Homes for Our Troops, visit HFOTusa.org.

Published March 24, 2021

Solution to Land O’ Lakes traffic jams still years away, if then

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Complaints have persisted for years about traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

There also have been on-again, off-again public discussions over the best solution for reducing traffic at the place where two of Pasco’s busiest roads meet.

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)

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to figures supplied by the Florida Department of Transportation.

U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019, according to state road officials.

On top of that, there’s new growth underway and future growth coming in Land O’ Lakes.

Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

But, complaints about traffic congestion are likely to persist for some time, because even in a best-case scenario, any option for improvements is likely to be at least 10 years away from funding.

That’s according to a Feb. 11 presentation to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board by Craig Fox, a project manager for FDOT.

While a solution may be a long way off, the issue is expected to get public attention this year, as consideration is given to four alternatives being studied by state road officials.

Fox outlined those four options:

  • Alternative 1: Two lanes of State Road 54, in each direction, are elevated over U.S. 41. Two frontage lanes run parallel to State Road 54, east-west. Additional lanes allow left and right turns to U.S. 41.
  • Alternative 2: An at-grade intersection without elevated lanes. Left-turns occur prior to the main intersection, using a frontage road along the cross streets.
  • Alternative 3: Two lanes of State Road 54 are elevated in each direction over U.S. 41. Left-turning traffic crosses over the opposing through traffic, several hundred feet before the major intersection.
  • Alternative 4: No Build

While there’s no funding for construction until 2031, work continues to study the alternatives, Fox told the MPO board.

“We are currently working on concepts for all three build alternatives,” he said.

In evaluating the alternatives, Fox said, “we’re looking at the improvements based on traffic operations, safety costs, impacts, right of way impacts, also.

“From that we’re going to select a build alternative to carry into the PD&E (Project Design & Environmental Study) phase, and eventually the design phase,” he said.

This map shows the Florida Department of Transportation’s study of the alternatives being considered for improvements to the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

He expects a public meeting on the alternatives to occur later this year, he said.

Once the alternative is chosen, the PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022.

That would be followed by design, which would occur from 2022 to 2024.

And, after that, right of way acquisition would occur from 2025 to 2026.

Construction, however, would not start until 2031, Fox said.

“It actually got pushed out to 2031-2032, and that was kind of also due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the statewide budget.”

At the Pasco MPO board meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano told Fox: “I like that you’re doing all of the alternatives. The one that intrigues me the most is the flyover, going east-west, because I think that’s going to be critical. It’s as much a safety factor, with the rail line that goes north-south, and especially if the rail line is ever going to run up and down. That would be safer, as well as more efficient, for that rail line, as well.”

Fox said the FDOT is currently updating right of way costs affiliated with the three alternatives.

He said it will be up to the Pasco County MPO to determine when the Vision 54/56 Task Force will reconvene.

The public will be able to comment on the alternatives at the Alternative Public Meeting, which is expected in Summer of 2021. They also will be able to comment online and via mail, he said.

Published March 03, 2021

Tax Refund Is A Great Way To Fund Home Improvements

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You may already be thinking about how to best use your tax refund and special COVID-19 government checks, which most people will be receiving in March and April.

Tax refunds are substantial income for many families. The IRS reports that 90% of American taxpayers receive a refund of just under $3,000 each year.

And, while it’s fun to fantasize about blowing your refund after being constrained for months because of COVID-19, it’s much wiser and more beneficial to your family to use the money to update your home’s mechanical systems.

“If your home was built in the past 20 years, it is likely overdue for a new A/C system, water heater and electrical panel,” said Miguel Silva of Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes.

“A tax refund will often cover the full cost of converting to a tankless hot water heater or replacing your electrical panel. Plus, it can be a significant down payment toward a new A/C system. If you take care of these home improvement projects now before our busy summer months, we’ll get your job done within a day or two, and are offering some great coupons to reduce your cost,” Silva added.

Replacing your aged A/C system with a high-efficiency air conditioner can lower your energy bills significantly, prevent energy waste and perhaps most importantly, give you peace of mind that you will have consistent, air-conditioning relief all yearlong.

“Many people wait until their A/C system completely fails, or end up spending too much money on repairs trying to keep it going,” said Silva. “Using your tax refund to be proactive and upgrade your home’s mechanical systems before there are problems is a gift to your family’s long-term health and comfort.”

Silva explains that replacing your home’s mechanical systems typically pays for themselves within a few years.

“Folks don’t realize that their hot water heater and A/C unit are appliances, just like their refrigerator, and all appliances have a life span. If you’re getting close to the end of their warranty periods, give us a call and be proactive, instead of waiting until you have no hot water, or air conditioning on the hottest day of the year.”

Many families are upgrading their home’s electrical panel to a 200-amp service because they want to add LED light fixtures, electrical outlets with USB ports, outdoor lighting, and power for generators, hot tubs and pools.

“Most panels in older homes are wired for just 100 or 150 amps, which is not enough wattage for today’s myriad home electronics,” said Silva. “Most tax refunds will easily cover the cost to replace your entire electrical panel with a new one.”

Cornerstone also sees many households converting to a tankless hot water heater because they want endless hot water.

“Nothing is worse than running out of hot water when your family is getting ready for school, work or play,” said Silva. “After comparing the cost of replacing their old water tank, most homeowners switch to a tankless system because it costs 50% less to operate, plus gives them hot water on demand with absolutely no fuss.”

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 as an air conditioning service company, and has expanded into plumbing services, electrical services and whole-home generators.

“Every morning, our vans are fully stocked with everything our technicians need, which means on most calls, we are able to solve a customer’s problem on the first visit,” said Silva. “Please call us today to get a quote for your home improvement project, so you’re ready to go when your tax refund comes in.”

Tax Refund Specials

$200 OFF
Upgrade on higher seer A/C and
tankless water heater at the same time

$100 OFF
Tankless Water Heater Installed

FREE Nest Thermostat
With any 16 SEER A/C replacement

$50 OFF
LED Lighting Upgrade

$75 OFF Generator
And 12-Month Special Financing

Published February 24, 2021

Ash Wednesday events vary, across region

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Ash Wednesday observances normally involve Christians flocking to churches to receive ashes on their foreheads — in the sign of a cross, to mark the beginning of Lent, which leads up to Easter.

But this year — as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic — local Ash Wednesday observances were varied.

Pastor Kevin Grills and the retired Rev. Barry White stand near a cross at First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

The First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes, for instance, offered “Ashes to Go, a free Cup of Joe,” to motorists streaming by the church, located on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

At Saint Leo University, in St. Leo, students and staff could get ashes at various locations on campus.

Meanwhile, Bishop Gregory Parkes, who presides over the Diocese St. Petersburg, offered  guidance for Ash Wednesday observances.

During this season, “Catholics are reminded to turn away from faithless ways and to be renewed in their faith,” Parkes said, in a news release.

The sign of the cross received on Ash Wednesday serves as an “external sign of this inner reality,” Parkes adds, in the release.

The release also said that Parkes had “determined that the distribution of ashes can be done in a safe manner as long as certain protocols are in place. Some parishes will distribute ashes by sprinkling on the crown of the head, a method commonly used in other countries. Masks are to be worn by ministers and recipients during the distribution, and the minister will take a pinch of ashes and silently sprinkle them over the head of each recipient.

“Additionally, parishes have the option to distribute ashes via a swab or cotton ball, as long as masks are worn by ministers and the cotton balls or swabs are replaced after application. Also, ministers may choose to apply ashes with the thumb as long as they and the recipients wear masks during the distribution and ministers sanitize their thumbs before and after the distribution.”

Sam Boehne uses ashes to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of Danny Torres, left, as Saint Leo University Music Minister Lucas Nocera distributes ashes, right. (Courtesy of Sam Gonzalez/Saint Leo University)

Meanwhile, back at First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes, Pastor Kevin Grills and retired Rev. Barry White, stood ready early Feb. 17 to distribute ashes to motorists who wanted to receive them, while passing by on their way to work.

Sue Shea, a church volunteer, and Glenn Cote, a church member and owner of Aroma Joe’s coffee, also were on hand, to offer coffee to those dropping by.

Cars zoomed past the church quickly.

Chances are that motorists didn’t see the sign posted near the entrance to the church’s driveway. The church also extended the invitation, by posting signs in nearby neighborhoods, welcoming people to drop by to receive some ashes and a free cup of Joe.

But, there weren’t many takers on Ash Wednesday morning.

Still, the ministers and the volunteers weren’t discouraged.

“I just love to be part of what God is calling us to do,” said Cote. “Part of his commandment is to go out and to serve, and to make disciplines. So, we’re hopefully able to do that,” he said.

Shea has belonged to the church since its inception in 1959, when it was located in Lutz before moving to Land O’ Lakes in 1974.

“I am a servant,” Shea said. “I am always excited about being able to serve the community, and share God’s love.”

Rev. White said the church’s efforts are in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

“These are different times. You’ve got to offer things, to hopefully reach out to the community,” White said.

The outreach, Pastor Grills said, is a sign that the church desires to go out to the people.

“It’s not about people coming inside the walls,” Grills said.

He added, it’s a chance for motorists streaming by to see, “we’re out here — at least attempting, meaning well.”

“It’s an opportunity to pray for every car that goes by,” Grills said, and “that’s certainly what we’ll do, when we close up here, we’ll spend some time in prayer.”

Published February 24, 2021

Who Installs Your Home’s Mechanical Systems Is More Important Than The Manufacturer

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Homeowners often put more emphasis on which manufacturer they believe makes the best air conditioning unit, generator or hot water heater, instead of focusing on which company they hire to install and warranty the unit.

“Manufacturers essentially use the same components, which are put together on the same assembly lines,” explains Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes. “And, because there has been a lot of consolidation among manufacturers, many products are virtually identical, and differ only in the name they market under.”

Since there is little differentiation among brands, and because all manufacturers must meet the same industry standards and energy efficiency requirements, the most important factor for a homeowner to consider is what company they hire to specify and install their new home mechanical system.

“The technician’s knowledge and expertise, the service warranty provided, and the longevity and reputation of the installing company are critical to a unit’s success after it is installed in the home,” said Spears.

While an A/C unit, water heater and generator are technically home appliances, it’s important for people to understand that replacing these systems is not like replacing a refrigerator.

“With a refrigerator, all you need to do is plug the new one into the wall outlet. But, an A/C system, for example, must be ordered with specifications particular to your home, and then properly integrated into your home’s mechanical systems by certified technicians who know what they are doing.

“A homeowner can buy the most expensive product available, but it will not operate properly without the correct installation, or operate effectively for the number of years that it should,” said Spears.

Spears recommends choosing an established A/C, electrical and plumbing company that is locally owned, and has a reputation for great customer service and standing behind its work.

“You want to be sure the installing company will be in business to help you with service and warranty issues for years to come,” said Spears.

Transfer Switches and Generators
It is always best to be prepared by planning ahead before an emergency strikes. Spears explains there are two solutions to making sure your home has power in case of a power outage – a whole-home generator or a transfer switch to a portable generator.

“Built-in generators are the best way to maintain power to your entire home. However, because of the cost and the delay in permitting, many families install transfer switches to power their refrigerator, lighting in key rooms and even a small bedroom A/C unit, which is often needed by someone with medical conditions,” said Spears.

A transfer switch eliminates extension cords winding through a house, and can be installed very quickly. There is also a significant difference in cost. At Cornerstone Pros, a transfer switch typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, while a whole-house generator begins at $9,000 (pricing depends on a home’s square footage).

For families wanting whole-home generators, Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest manufacturer of backup generators that automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator and the installation. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Spears.

Cornerstone Pros offers 0% financing to qualified buyers to make monthly payments affordable for generators, A/C systems and trutankless hot water heaters.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to plan ahead and to give us call to help identify what they can do to make the home safe and comfortable,” said Spears. “We do everything possible to make a home’s mechanical systems meet their budget with our payment plans.”

Cornerstone Pros answers its phones 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night.  For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

It’s time to get your home’s system in shape for 2021. Take advantage of our winter specials!

Published January 27, 2021

Celebrating some of life’s big moments

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If ever there was a time when joy was needed, 2020 was the year.

Here’s a look, in condensed form, at some of the stories revealing big moments and happy times in The Laker/Lutz News region, during the year that was.

(File)

Soaring into the wild blue yonder
Olivia Jenkins flew her first solo flight from Tampa North Flight Center in Lutz, aboard a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, on Sept. 23. In doing so, she achieved a personal goal to fly solo before even getting a license to drive a car. She intends to get her private pilot’s license when she turns 17, on Feb. 10. She has big plans after that, too. She will seek a congressional nomination to a military service academy, and one day hopes to fly for the U.S. Air Force or perhaps to fly helicopters for the Army.

Superheroes give boy an epic parade
David Castle — an 8-year who loves superheroes, WWE, Fortnight, motorcycles, fast cars and

fishing — had a very special Halloween when hundreds of people joined in to put on an epic parade for him. Superheroes dropped by and bikers threw up smoke, giving David a day to get his mind off cancer and just enjoy being a kid. He’s had a hard battle — but on this particular day, he was surrounded by people who wanted to make him happy, and they did.

Making birthdays happy, despite COVID-19
When Kynlee Kuberski wasn’t able to celebrate her 11th birthday at Universal Studios, her mom, Jessi, took to social media inviting people to drive by to wish her a happy, socially distanced birthday. People responded, making the day a treat for Kynlee, who lives in Connerton. Kynlee, center, reacts as a Pasco County Fire Rescue truck drives by — adding to the fun. Her mother, Jessi, stands to her left, and her older sister, Kalyn, is on her right.

 

When original plans for Evelyn “Ev” Furman’s 99th birthday were canceled, her daughter came up with Plan B.
The plans were all set. Furman’s family planned to travel to Land O’ Lakes and to take her to the Rusty Pelican to celebrate her 99th birthday.
A birthday lunch with friends was planned, too.
Neither happened, thanks to COVID-19.
Instead, her daughter, Debbie Storts organized a party — inviting people to drive, walk or bicycle by the house to help Ev celebrate.
Storts used a 6-foot tray to hand out cupcakes. Those bringing gifts left them at the edge of the driveway, where they were collected and sanitized, before being delivered to the Birthday Girl.
Although the original plans fell through, Ev didn’t mind.
“It was the best party I ever had,” she said.

 

The Rev. Harold Thomas, and his wife, Bermice, enjoy lunch, during the “Birthday King’s” surprise birthday party.
Members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, in Dade City, wanted to do something special for the Rev. Harold Thomas, who was turning 85.
So, they threw him a surprise celebration, complete with a drive-by parade with police sirens, and a luncheon with social distancing.
The finishing touches were a red robe and crown, for the “Birthday King.”
The pastor has led the church for 37 years.

 

Faithful woman has a national role
Michele Bowman, who lives in Zephyrhills, has achieved something attained by only three other Floridians in 117 years. She’s been elected as one of nine national directors for the Catholic Daughters of America.
The organization promotes spiritual growth, charitable giving, community service and sisterhood.
She wants to expand the membership and to attract younger members.
“It’s a problem when your membership starts to age out” she said, in a Laker/Lutz News interview. “We may have to change the way we approach things, and I’d like to have a voice in this because I believe it’s a big issue. We should be proactive.”

 

Gesture honors a Marine’s service
Otis Felder, a retired U.S. Marine, was already having a pretty good Veterans Day — even before he made his daily trek to the dog park at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway. But when he arrived, it got even better. That’s when he was surprised by a new bench at the park, which his friends had dedicated to him. ‘Holy mackerel,’ the 84-year-old said, when he saw the bench. ‘I never expected anything like that.’

 

 

Military veteran Francis Xavier O’Connell salutes the flag during a ceremony in his honor.

Venue changes, but dignity preserved
A date had been set to honor Francis Xavier O’Connell — a decorated military veteran and a former prisoner of war — during the legislative session in Tallahassee, but that couldn’t occur because of COVID-19.
So, new plans were made to provide a socially distanced ceremony at Angels Senior Living at the Lodges of Idlewild, in Lutz, where O’Connell lives.
Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, he had to watch the ceremony through glass doors, as it was performed outside.
O’Connell’s niece, Carolyn Matthews, who was involved in arranging the tribute, said members of two veterans groups stepped forward to help create a meaningful and dignified event.

 

 

First Day, learning in-person
Beyond requirements for masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing, the first day of school in the 2020-2021 school year will stand out for Principal Tim Light for another reason, too. It was his first ‘First Day’ leading Cypress Creek Middle School in its newly opened home on Old Pasco Road. He’d been planning for the day for months, and he was ready. ‘I’m very excited,’ Light said. ‘Honestly, I never thought this day was going to get here.’

First Day, learning remotely
Five-year-old Brooklyn Holtzman, of Land O’ Lakes, had her first day of kindergarten at home — learning remotely through Pasco County Schools’ MySchool Online. She’s enrolled at Sanders Memorial STEAM Magnet School. She even had a special hat for the day.

 

Celebrating the Lightning’s Stanley Cup
The Tampa Bay Lightning injected joy and excitement in the midst of a global pandemic by defeating the Dallas Stars, to bring home the Stanley Cup.
Amelie Arena was open for a limited number of spectators and outdoor watch parties were socially distanced. Spectators wore masks. (They’re not masked up in the photo, but once the picture was taken they put their masks back on.)
When the Lightning won the cup, euphoria erupted.
Mary, David and Kimberly Eberhard are loyal Lightning fans.
When she’s not cheering on the Lightning, Mary’s financial acumen helps keep The Laker/Lutz News running smoothly.

Bell Lake Road project begins in January

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Pasco County’s Bell Lake Road Improvement Project in Land O’ Lakes is scheduled to begin on Jan. 4, and run through spring 2022.

The year-plus project will consist of extensive infrastructure and safety improvements — including road reconstruction, stormwater modifications, curb and sidewalk — along Bell Lake Road, east of U.S. 41 to Banjo Lake Road, according to a Pasco County news release.

Eastbound and westbound lanes on Bell Lake will remain open as much as possible during the project; however, lane closures and full road closures could be necessary, periodically.

Drivers should be aware of traffic pattern changes, including lane shifts, slower speeds and full detours.

A full road closure and detour is tentatively scheduled to begin mid-March, for approximately eight days. Reminders and planned detour routes will be published prior to the closure.

Project details include:

  • Construction hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Nighttime work during the eight-day detour period
  • Residents always will have access to their homes
  • Construction team will coordinate with emergency response and public transportation agencies to ensure uninterrupted service
  • Project completion in early spring 2022

The contractor for this Pasco County Engineering Services project is Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc.

For information and questions, contact Matt Kodsi at 727-834-3604 or ">.

Published December 30, 2020

Agricultural zoning allowed, with conditions

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Charles Gilbert Tucker received the approval he wanted for a small tree farm on a 5.46-acre tract, 1,750 feet south of Cypress Lane and Dupree Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

Tucker said he needed the rezoning, in order for the property to qualify for an agricultural exemption, for taxing purposes.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request on Nov. 17, contingent on Tucker obtaining a deed restriction to limit operations on the site to a pine tree farm, and other non-commercial farm uses.

The deed restriction is intended to prevent uses that could have negative impacts on neighbors.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore recommended a deed restriction be added to Tucker’s property, noting that it was a solution discussed during the Pasco County Planning Commission’s consideration of the request.

Tucker had agreed to the restriction, but planning commissioners did not require it when recommending approval.

Moore asked Tucker if he remained willing to obtain a deed restriction, and the property owner said he has no objections to doing so.

Tucker said he plans to use the property for a pine tree farm and for citrus trees for personal use.

The rezoning won’t take effect until Tucker obtains the deed restriction.

Published December 09, 2020