The Laker/Lutz News

Morris Bridge Road

Diverging Diamond work resumes

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Superior Construction Company Southeast LLC began working on the completion of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) last week, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

Work activities in the first few weeks will involve cleanup, surveying, and other tasks needed to safely resume construction. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2022, according to information on the Florida Department of Transportation’s website.

Pipes await a crew on the south side right of way, along State Road 56. Construction starts up again in the creation of the diverging diamond road design. (Fred Bellet)

Activities last week were expected to include mobilization of labor, equipment and materials, erosion control, survey, jobsite cleanup of debris and office setup, according to an update provided by Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the District 7 office of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Minor pothole and erosion control repairs were completed last week by the interim maintenance contractor, the update adds, with maintenance responsibility expected to be fully transitioned to Superior by Sept. 20.

The project will reconfigure the I-75/State Road 56 interchange between County Road 54 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard, in Pasco County.

The existing diamond interchange will be modified and converted to a DDI.

The main change will be to diverge, or cross, State Road 56 traffic to the left side of the road through the interchange, and then cross vehicles back over to the right side of the road on the opposite side of the interchange.

The changes will help to alleviate traffic congestion at this interchange to reduce travel time for motorists in this rapidly growing area, according to information posted on FDOT’s website.

Crews again have begun work on the diverging diamond road design at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. Here, crews work on 1-75, under the State Road 56 overpass. Heavy equipment can be seen moving dirt.

A DDI was chosen for the I-75/State Road 56 interchange because of the proven ability of this traffic configuration to increase safety and capacity while using a large amount of the existing interchange footprint, including the existing bridge, according to FDOT.

The DDI also was chosen because of its ability to handle heavy left-turn volumes, such as the westbound to southbound movement from State Road 56 to southbound I-75.

The new interchange at State Road 56 will reduce vehicle delays by allowing traffic to enter the interstate without waiting at a left-turn signal. To do this, traffic is redirected from the right side of the bridge to the left side.

Signalized crossovers are positioned at each side of the interchange, and are designed to cross eastbound and westbound State Road 56 traffic with no turning movements at these two intersections. This design allows for more efficient signal timing, which reduces delay times, minimizes conflict points, and enables the interchange to more effectively handle higher volumes of traffic while eliminating the more serious crashes associated with a conventional interchange.

These types of interchanges operate under two-phase signal control, which reduces lost time, delays and queue lengths at traffic signals.

Safety features include lower design speeds between ramps and a reduction in the number of conflict points. The lower speeds result in less severe crashes.

The design also fosters increased safety for pedestrians and bicycles, and better sight distance at turns.

The expected benefits for the interchange are an increase in capacity and pedestrian safety while reducing vehicle delays and crashes. These benefits will be achieved by an increased number of lanes, improved pedestrian facilities, more efficient signal timings and reduced vehicle conflict points, the FDOT says.

Future project updates on the diverging diamond will be provided at FDOT’s website, at FDOTTampaBay.com/.

Carson also provided updates on other projects that were halted when DAB Constructors ceased operations.

State Road 52, Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
The surety has received bids from prospective completion contractors on Sept. 9 and is evaluating the bids.

Quail Ridge requested additional delineation at entrance; additional barrels were placed on Sept. 17.

New Beginning Family Ministry requested additional mowing at their entrance, which was performed on Sept. 16.

Work continues on necessary pothole and silt fence repairs throughout the site.

State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
The surety responded to questions from prospective bidders, posting those responses on Sept. 14. Bids are expected to be received the end of September.

The surety’s subcontractor has been mowing, performing litter control and filling potholes at side streets and driveways throughout the project.

Emerald Striping is receiving school ahead sign panels to be installed by early next week. The flashing beacons for the signs are expected to be installed within three weeks to five weeks.

Also, FDOT maintenance crews have been onsite filling in washouts behind sidewalks project-wide.

Driveways and side streets milling was scheduled to begin on Sept. 18, with paving scheduled to begin this week.

Published September 22, 2021

Massive Two Rivers development gets OK

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A huge swath of land now occupied primarily by pastures and trees is expected to become home to Two Rivers, off State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

The Pasco County Commission voted 5-0 to approve a master-planned unit development (MPUD) zoning that will allow 6,400 residences, more than 2.6 million square feet of office and industrial, and 630,000 square feet of commercial uses.

The 3,405-acre property’s southern boundary is on the north side of County Line Road, and its northern boundary is on the north side of State Road 56.

The Two Rivers development also includes a site for an elementary school, middle school and high school, an 80-acre district park and a public safety site.

The development also will feature a connectivity plan, with trails and pedestrian paths — aimed at making it easier for people to get around the community — without relying on vehicles.

The Eisenhower Property Group will be building the majority of residential uses within the project, said Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing the applicants. “The Thomas family is retaining substantially of the all non-residential uses within the MPUD,” he said.

The Thomas family also owns the adjacent property, directly south of the Two Rivers site, in Hillsborough County, and part of the approval for the Two Rivers project requires a connection between the two developments to give the Two Rivers project access to U.S. 301, on a planned extension of County Line Road through the Hillsborough tract.

If that connection isn’t made on the Hillsborough side, then Two Rivers will be required to make the connection on the Pasco side, as one of the conditions for approval.

The schools and district park are expected to be co-located, so they can share land and other amenities, according to Joel Tew, who is co-counsel with Hobby, for the applicants.

The exact access to the school isn’t shown on the map because the school district and county must work out their plans to ensure access and safety for different uses, Tew said.

The shared uses could be similar to the arrangement the county and school district have at the Starkey Ranch K-8 and district park site in Odessa.

The Two Rivers project has been in planning stages for decades, Hobby said, noting that “Bob Sierra had this site under contract back as far as 2008.”

The Thomas family played an instrumental role in helping to secure the funding for the first two lanes of the State Road 56 extension to U.S. 301, and then for lanes three and four of the extension, Hobby said.

“Two Rivers was the largest part of the additional surcharges that are imposed on developments in this area to pay for lanes three and four of that extension. Of the $26 million that the county has to pay back to the state infrastructure bank, $15 million of that comes solely from surcharges on development on Two Rivers,” he said.

“What we’re bringing to you today reflects a lot of thought and effort by a lot of parts of your staff, the school board, particularly your natural resources (department) and the county attorney’s office.

“We believe this project has been done the right way,” he said.

“One of the biggest things you have to remember about Two Rivers is that it truly is a mixed-use project,” Hobby said, with 2.6 million square feet of employment-generating uses.

“So, this project has been set up correctly, from the get-go. We’re not shortchanging it. And, we’re going to create a lot of jobs along the way, in addition to creating an overall great community,” Hobby said.

Some residents objected to aspects of the request, including potential traffic congestion, concerns about potential flooding, and a lack of specificity regarding access points and other details, but the county board was not swayed by the testimony.

Published September 22, 2021

Crews getting back at it, on Diverging Diamond interchange

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Work on the diverging diamond project at State Road 56 and Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel was set to resume on Sept. 13, according to officials from the Florida Department of Transportation.

That news was part of an update released by Kris Carson, department spokeswoman for FDOT’S District 7 office.

Work was halted in June, when D.A.B. Constructors notified FDOT that it was demobilizing from the project. The state transportation department then defaulted D.A.B., on July 1.

D.A.B. Contractors had seven projects in FDOT District 7, including three in Pasco County. After D.A.B. was defaulted on the diverging diamond project, it self-defaulted on the other Pasco projects, which are on State Road 52 and State Road 54.

The surety company must now complete those projects.

Carson provided a Sept. 10 update regarding the status of the projects.

Diverging Diamond
The completion contract has been executed by Superior Construction and is with the surety for final signatures.

Superior Construction has been given a Notice to Proceed from the surety, and contract work is expected to recommence on Sept. 13.

Surveyors have been onsite gathering survey information to support the proposed Sept. 13 start date.

The interim maintenance contractor (DBI) performed mowing in the two ponds on the south side of State Road 56. Slope mowing was completed on the northeast quadrant adjacent to the northbound Interstate 75 on-ramp.

Slope mowing is currently underway on the interior slopes of the southbound on- and off-ramps.

A project-wide litter pickup cycle was completed.

State Road 52, from Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
The surety received bids from prospective completion contractors on Sept. 9, and the bids are being evaluated.

The FDOT performed pothole and silt fence repairs, to address urgent needs.

An upcoming mowing cycle is planned to start in two weeks.

State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
The surety put out an advertisement for bids on Sept. 9, with bids expected to be received the week of Sept. 23.

The FDOT’s maintenance crews have repaired potholes throughout the project and at the following side streets and driveways: McDonald’s driveway, Lado Drive, Loury Drive, Ashton Oaks Boulevard and Foxwood Boulevard.

Drop-offs have been addressed project-wide by inspection staff and maintenance crews.

The FDOT’s asphalt maintenance contractor is schedule to pave the previously listed side streets and driveways beginning Sept. 16.

Traffic markings maintenance has been completed at Meadow Pointe Boulevard and State Road 54.

Concrete barriers were adjusted at New River Road and State Road 54 and the Morris Bridge Road intersection, in front of CVS.

Emerald Striping is being scheduled to install flashing beacon ‘school ahead’ signs at New River Academy.

While the FDOT continues to address the state road projects that are behind schedule, State Sen. Danny Burgess told members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce that the state is seeing what it can do to streamline, in some way, the process of road contracting.

That way, if something like this happens again, the DOT would have additional options, such as going to with Bidder No. 2 on a project, he said.

“We’re going to look at some outside-the-box opportunities,” Burgess said.

Published September 15, 2021

State roads department offers update on halted Pasco projects

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Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn recently gave an update on the status of state road projects that recently halted operations.

Gwynn gave the update during the Aug. 12 board meeting of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Pasco MPO — made up of representatives of Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Port Richey and New Port Richey — is the lead transportation planning agency in Pasco County.

Work has stopped on a diverging diamond project that is being done in Wesley Chapel, which is expected to ease traffic at State Road 56 and Interstate 75, once the work is finished. An estimated completion date on the project has not been determined. (File)

Gwynn told the MPO board members: “We had seven projects in our district, three of them in Pasco County, that DAB Contractors either were defaulted on — which was the DDI (Diverging Diamond Interchange) — or self-defaulted, which included State Road 52 and State Road 54.

“After that occurred, we met with our surety company — more or less the bondholder.

“I can tell you the surety has been very responsive so far,” he said.

He expressed confidence that once the surety company awards a bid on the contract, the contractor will “try to get this project not only going, but accelerating as quickly as possible.”

Gwynn also noted: “We’re also working with our maintenance contractor to ensure that the project sites are secured. I’ve noticed recently that some of the vegetation in some of the areas is starting to grow pretty high, so we’re out there with our forces, mowing them. In fact, we’re doing (State Road) 54, I think, today.

“The surety has let me know the direction they’ve given their people is that they need to get these contracts going as soon as possible because they’re also held to the same penalties as DAB would have been held to for being late. In other words, the end date of the contract doesn’t change. They’ll get penalized for every day they don’t meet, based on that original contract.

“I’m very optimistic that very soon we’ll have contractors on board working on those projects.

“When you look at some of the other construction projects we have around in Pasco County and around the district, a lot of the contractors are ahead of schedule. The State Road 52 realignment project is almost a year ahead of schedule, with Superior Construction.

“The Overpass Road Interchange is ahead of construction, so I think there’s capacity out there to get other good contractors and get these jobs moving forward.”

Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the FDOT District Seven Office, provided an Aug. 13 update regarding the status of the projects.

The surety company and the FDOT have executed a takeover agreement regarding the diverging diamond project, as of Aug. 12, according to Carson’s update.

The receipt of bids for the project had been scheduled for Aug. 12, but was moved back to Aug. 18, to provide more information and give more contractors an opportunity to compete for the work.

Mowing and general maintenance has been completed throughout the project limits.

Also, the number of temporary traffic control devices have been reduced to the minimum required to maintain a safe work zone, the update adds.

Regarding the State Road 52 project, from Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41: A representative with the surety met with an FDOT representative onside to assess the status of the project, on Aug. 11. The FDOT has completed uploading all of the documentation requested by the surety and the takeover documents are with the surety, for its execution.

Regarding the widening of State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road: A representative with the surety met with a FDOT representative onsite to assess the status of the project, on Aug. 11. The FDOT has completed uploading all of the project documentation requested by the surety. The takeover documents are currently with the surety for its execution.

The FDOT has completed mowing throughout the project area. Additional maintenance of driveway access to business on the west side of Eiland/State Road 54 is planned to be completed within the next two weeks, according to the Aug. 13 update.

The surety will be responsible for meeting the original contract requirements, and the FDOT retains the responsibility to ensure the surety meets its obligations, the FDOT document adds.

Published August 18, 2021

Diverging Diamond is delayed

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Work on the diverging diamond project at State Road 56 and Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel has been halted, and the project is not expected to be completed until after the holidays.

That news was announced by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore during the Pasco County Commission’s July 6 meeting.

Moore told his colleagues that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had found the company doing the work — D.A.B. Constructors — in default.

Kris Carson, department spokeswoman for FDOT’s District 7 office, explained the series of events in an email.

This is an aerial of a diverging diamond project. Work has stopped on a diverging diamond project that is being done in Wesley Chapel, which is expected to ease traffic at State Road 56 and Interstate 75, once the work is finished. An estimated completion date on the project has not been determined. (File)

She said that in November 2020, FDOT “issued a Notice of Intent to Default (NOI) to the contractor due to concerns they were not proceeding at the pace required to meet the contractual completion date.”

In its response, D.A.B. Constructors “included a recovery schedule showing a project completion date of October 2021,” Carson wrote.

Based on that schedule, FDOT “established interim milestone dates that the contractor would need to meet in order to avoid being defaulted,” Carson’s email continues.

“One of the milestones was set for June 28, 2021, and the contractor did not meet this milestone.

“On June 25, 2021, D.A.B. notified the Department (FDOT) they were demobilizing from the project. As a result of missing the milestone, the Department (FDOT) defaulted D.A.B. on July 1, 2021,” Carson’s email says.

She also noted that “at the time of the default, D.A.B.’s schedule submitted to the Department (FDOT) showed a final completion date of Jan. 6, 2022, and the interchange would be in its final configuration in early November 2021. However, interim milestones on the projects critical path were not met to achieve that schedule. D.A.B. demobilized on June 25, 2021, which would further delay the project.”

Carson goes on to say that FDOT “will work with the surety company who is required to provide a replacement contractor to complete the project. At this time, FDOT is unsure how long it will take the surety to procure the replacement contractor but will work diligently to move the process as quickly as possible.”

During the July 6 county board meeting, Moore told his colleagues that motorists driving through the area likely would have noticed the work stoppage at that location.

“The company swore up and down they would get this done. They would meet the milestones. The timelines. They were moving along nicely, in the beginning, unfortunately, they slowed down again,” Moore said.

Despite the delay, Moore reiterated his support for the diverging diamond.

“It’s such a great project. It’s going to have huge benefits,” Moore said.

Still, the county commissioner expressed frustration.

“It’s unfortunate. It really is. Because who pays the price? It’s our citizens — that’s their taxes and they expect these projects to be done in a timely manner,” Moore said.

In her email, Carson said FDOT is “empathetic to impacts any project delays may cause to motorists, residents, and businesses and will make adjustments to traffic signals and any traffic control devices to help accommodate extra traffic volume” that’s typical during the holiday season.

She said D.A.B. is the prime contractor on two other projects in Pasco County: State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road; and State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41.

“The default does not apply to these state road projects,” Carson wrote.

Published July 14, 2021

Input needed for New Tampa park

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Hillsborough County is asking residents for their input into what will become a regional destination park in the New Tampa area.

Branchton Park, 15504 Morris Bridge Road, currently includes a small parking area, shelter, playground and a basketball court.

The improvement plan will create new amenities for the community.

Depending on the suggestions from residents, features in the park could include small and large dog parks, multiple playgrounds, more shelters, a splash pad, walking trails, pickleball and multi-use courts, and gathering spaces.

The improvements would be built on land south of the park.

Enhancements will be implemented in phases, with work on the first phase expected to begin later this year.

An estimated 45,000 residents live within a 10-minute drive to the park.

Those interested in filling out the survey can visit PublicInput.com/BranchtonRegionalPark_Media.

Published July 07, 2021

State road projects in Pasco approach $290 million

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During a recent transportation Zoom briefing with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Thibault, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, provided an overview of projects that are in various stages of progress in Pasco County.

Here’s a recap of information from his PowerPoint presentation and of his comments, project by project.

(Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

Diverging Diamond, at State Road 56
Project description: Converts from a standard diamond interchange to a diverging diamond interchange

  • Ongoing work is occurring on all four quadrants of the interchange.
  • The traffic pattern shift will occur this fall.
  • Project cost: $33 million

Estimated completion: Late 2021

Thibault’s comments: “The DDI (Diverging Diamond Interchange) was chosen for this interchange to increase safety and capacity, through an increased number of lanes; improving pedestrian facilities; more efficient signal timings; and, reducing vehicle conflicts.

“Work is occurring on all four quadrants, rebuilding the interchange ramps.

“Work is taking place in the median of the existing State Road 56 bridge over Interstate 75.

“Various traffic shifts are taking place and will continue to take place on State Road 56, on both sides of Interstate 75, as the contractor builds the improvements necessary to make the conversion to the diverging diamond configuration.

“Traffic is anticipated to be switched to the new diverging diamond pattern in the fall of 2021.

“The current estimated completion date is later this year.

“As many of you know, this project has overcome some errors and periods of insufficient resources by the contracting team, but milestones have been met related to the project completion, to ensure that sufficient progress is being made.

“The department understands that this is an important corridor in Pasco County and will continue our efforts to guide the contractor to complete the project, as quickly as possible.”

State Road 54 widening, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
Project description: State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a median

  • Project cost: $42.5 million
  • Estimated completion: Late 2021

Thibault’s comments: “Widening of State Road 54, as shown here in this aerial from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road, will widen the roadway from two lanes to a four-lane highway, with a median. Long stretches of new roadway are currently in use, with bi-directional traffic shifting either to the future eastbound or westbound pavement. Drainage, roadway and utility construction continues throughout the project area.

“Additional traffic switches will be coming, as new roadway segments are completed.

“In addition, a sidewalk will be built on the north side of the road, and a 10-foot-wide, multi-use trail will be built on the south side.”

New Interstate-75 interchange at Overpass Road
Project description: Existing bridge at Overpass Road was removed. Construction has begun on a new bridge.

  • Overpass Road will be widened from two lanes to four lanes, between Interstate 75 and Old Pasco Road. It will be widened to six lanes, from I-75 to Boyette Road.
  • Project cost: $64 million for this design-build project
  • Estimated completion: November 2022

Thibault’s comments: “This design-build project is to construct a new interchange approximately 3 ½ miles, south of State Road 52 in Pasco County.

“Overpass Road is closed, between Boyette and Old Pasco roads. It’s scheduled to reopen in February of 2022.

“Blair Drive has been realigned to connect with Old Pasco Road. McKendry Road has been realigned to connect with Boyette.

“The entrance to Wesley Chapel District Park from Overpass Road has been permanently closed.

“The entrance ramp construction has begun on all four quadrants.

“The project is progressing well.

“The new diamond interchange will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

State Road 52, near U.S. 41
Project description: Widening of State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41.

Widening State Road 52 to a six-lane divided highway; includes the widening of U.S. 41 approaching State Road 52, in each direction

  • Project also consists of building stormwater ponds, installing drainage pipes, building roadway base and relocating utilities.
  • Project cost: $49.7 million

Thibault’s comments:  “This is close to a $50 million project and the estimated completion is February of 2023, which is currently ahead of schedule that’s posted on the project website.”

U.S. 41, north of Connerton
Project description: Widening of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton to State Road 52, widens U.S. 41 into a four-lane divided highway

  • Project cost: $16.8 million
  • Estimated completion: February 2023

Thibault’s comments: “The project clearing is almost completed.

“Utility relocation and erosion control measures are underway.

“The drainage and excavation activities are set to begin shortly.

“Again, currently ahead of the schedule posted on the project website.”

Widening and new alignment of State Road 52
Project description: Widens State Road 52 to a four-lane divided highway and realigns the corridor from Uradco Place to west of Fort King Road

  • Miles of new roadway have been constructed.
  • A lane reduction recently has been put in place along eastbound State Road 52, from I-75 to allow for construction at the west end of the project.
  • Project cost: $81.4 million
  • Estimated completion: August 2023

Thibault’s comments: “It is progressing well and is slightly ahead of schedule.”

Published May 12, 2021

New community of Two Rivers edges closer to reality

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Two Rivers — a community proposed to rise along State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301 — will offer people places to live, work and play — under plans submitted to Pasco County.

The community has taken a step closer to development — through the Pasco County Commission’s April 20 approval of a text change in the county’s comprehensive plan, and a change to the county’s highway vision map.

This land, along State Road 56, east of Morris Bridge Road, is now occupied by trees, ponds and open fields. But it is proposed to become the future community of Two Rivers — a place that will feature homes, businesses, recreational options and schools, under proposals going through Pasco County’s regulatory process. (File)

Commissioners approved the changes unanimously. No one spoke in favor or opposition to the proposed changes.

Next, the developer must secure a rezoning to create the proposed community. That request is in process and is expected to come to the county board in coming months.

Once the regulatory hurdles are cleared, efforts can begin to bring the proposed 3,405-acre community to life.

Two Rivers is envisioned as a place that features a mixture of housing types, work opportunities, shopping, recreation and schools, according to previous public hearings involving the development.

The project has been in planning stages — off and on — for more than 10 years, and there have been a number of ownership changes.

The current proposal calls for creating Two Rivers as a master-planned development, on the southern edge of Pasco County. The project would tie into a community that’s under the same ownership, which is just south of the Pasco-Hillsborough line.

County documents detail the proposed plan, which includes:

  • 246 acres of conservation area
  • 3,875 single-family homes
  • 1,400 multifamily homes
  • 1,125 age-restricted homes
  • 1.3 million square feet for a targeted industry
  • 630,000 square feet retail

Other elements include schools for elementary, middle and high students, on property that would be next to an 80-acre county park.

Two Rivers is expected to be a community that emphasizes walkability and includes an extensive trail system that provides connectivity within the community. Alternate modes of transportation, such as golf carts, also will be encouraged, to help residents get from place to place.

The proposed community also calls for numerous recreational amenities, including recreational complexes, multipurpose fields, ball diamonds, an aquatics center, playgrounds, a dog park, tennis and basketball courts, and open spaces.

Published April 28, 2021

Two Rivers will offer places to live, work, play

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Two Rivers — a community proposed to rise along State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301 — is making its way through necessary government approvals, to bring the community closer to reality.

The Pasco County Commission voted last week to transmit a request to state officials for their review. The request involves changing the text in the county’s comprehensive plan and amending the county’s highway vision map.

This land, along State Road 56, east of Morris Bridge Road, is now occupied by trees, ponds and open fields. But it is proposed to become the future community of Two Rivers — a place that will feature homes, businesses, recreational options and schools, under proposals going through Pasco County’s regulatory process. (B.C. Manion)

The state review is required before the county board can take final action on the request.

In addition to gaining approval of those changes, the developer also must secure a rezoning to create the proposed community.

The rezoning request is in process and is expected to come before the board within the next few months.

Once those regulatory hurdles are cleared, efforts can begin to bring the proposed 3,405-acre community to life.

Two Rivers is envisioned as a place that features a mixture of housing types, work opportunities, shopping, recreation and schools.

Details of the proposed project were outlined during a previous Pasco County Planning Commission meeting.

The project has been in planning stages — off and on — for more than 10 years, and there have been a number of ownership changes.

The current proposal calls for creating Two Rivers as a master-planned development, on the southern edge of Pasco County. The project would tie into a community that’s under the same ownership, which is just south of the Pasco-Hillsborough line.

County documents detail the proposed plan, which includes:

  • 246 acres of conservation area
  • 3,875 single-family homes
  • 1,400 multifamily homes
  • 1,125 age-restricted homes
  • 1.3 million square feet for a targeted industry
  • 630,000 square feet retail

Other elements include schools for elementary, middle and high students, on property that would be next to an 80-acre county park.

Two Rivers is expected to be a community that emphasizes walkability and includes an extensive trail system that provides connectivity within the community. Alternate modes of transportation, such as golf carts, also will be encouraged, to help residents get from place to place.

The proposed community also calls for numerous recreational amenities, including recreational complexes, multipurpose fields, ball diamonds, an aquatics center, playgrounds, a dog park, tennis and basketball courts, and open spaces.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore spoke in favor of the proposed project.

“I’m in support of this. In the future, this is going to be a really, really nice, very well-done, master-planned community. This is something that has really been on line for a long, long time,” Moore said.

And, while Moore has decried what he perceives as a proliferation of multifamily development, he said he doesn’t oppose including multifamily in Two Rivers.

“There are multifamily apartments in the future of this property, which I understand and am in support of because this is an area that does not have the oversaturation of the multifamily. It makes sense in a large master-planned community,” Moore said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also spoke in favor of the proposal.

She also noted that she’ll be very interested in seeing the proposed trail network in the rezoning request for the master-planned community.

Commissioners unanimously approved the transmittal request.

Published February 17, 2021

Live, Learn Work and Play In Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Artist rendering of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, east of I-75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several floor plans from the community’s builder, Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan options available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently available, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret. “Avalon is just like a real town — we have homes priced for everyone, from teachers to physicians.”

In additional to several amenity centers, recreational amenities will include a Regional Park with soccer, football and baseball fields that is being planned in conjunction with Pasco County Parks & Recreation

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel also will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

And, unlike most subdivisions, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s commercial area is not strip centers facing the busy road at the community’s entrance.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

The first phase is expected to open later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. About 4.5 miles of State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes from east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. A sidewalk is being built on the north side of the roadway with a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the south side.

Downtown Avalon will continue to be built over the next several years. Eventually, there will be more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space, in its bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and become home to 10,000 residents.

Published January 27, 2021