The Laker/Lutz News

Seven Oaks

Pasco County expanding its library options

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The Hugh Embry Branch Library is closed for remodeling and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library soon will close for a makeover, too.

Meanwhile, in just a few weeks, the new Starkey Theatre, Library and Cultural Center will open in the Starkey Ranch development, off State Road 54, in Odessa.

Hugh Embry has been cleared of its contents, with construction set to start on remodeling the 7,223-square-foot library. The $2 million project is expected to be completed by mid-2022, according to Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative.

Meanwhile, the 18,169-square-foot branch library in Land O’ Lakes is scheduled to close on Aug. 14, in preparation for its remodeling. That project is estimated at $4.75 million, and is expected to wrap up by late 2022.

The Hugh Embry library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements.(Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

Despite the difference in size, both libraries will be getting the same treatment, Harrison said.

“Both of these libraries were built, I believe, in the ’80s, and they are well overdue for a complete remodel,” Harrison said.

The two branches will get new furnishings, new lighting, faster broadband, new computers and printers for the public, Harrison said.

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling. Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments,” he said.

Space is being reconfigured at both libraries to maximize the space available for public programming, Harrison added.

In-person programs were curtailed by COVID-19, but the library system hopes to be able to resume those in the fall.

“We really can’t wait to get into some of these new spaces and start doing some of the in-person programs,” Harrison said. “That’s really what the public wants.”

At the same time, though, some remote programs introduced during COVID-19 will be retained, because they are popular and they meet a need, he said.

Funding for the library renovations is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison said.

Closing the branch libraries to allow remodeling will pose an inconvenience for patrons, Harrison said.

But, he also noted that it’s not feasible to keep the libraries open while doing the upgrades.

To try to mitigate the impacts, the library system has staggered the branch closings.

For instance, Hugh Embry wasn’t closed until the New River Branch Library was reopened.

It also is looking for alternative locations where patrons can pick up book holds, to minimize the distance people have to drive to borrow materials, he added.

As the Hugh Embry and Land O’ Lakes branches are temporarily closed, the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library and Cultural Center, referred to as the TLC, will be having its soft opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Aug. 2.

The TLC is on the campus of the Starkey K-8 School, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, and is the result of a collaboration between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools.

“During school hours, the children and the teen area will be closed off to the public and will remain available to the kids. Once school is over, then we open it up to everybody,” Harrison said.

The library has a 250-seat theater and the library system’s first Maker Space for ceramics, he added. “There’s a pottery wheel. There’s a kiln.”

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

“It’ll probably be about three years down the road,” Harrison said. “That community has been clamoring for a library close to them.”

Published July 28, 2021

Wesley Chapel native relishes second shot at ‘American Idol’

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Wesley Chapel native Zach D’Onofrio made his first brief appearance on ABC’s hit reality television show “American Idol” back in 2018.

Then he was a timid 17-year-old Wiregrass Ranch High School student who perhaps came away best known for his colorful sock collection, before being eliminated during the show’s “Hollywood Week” competition in Los Angeles.

Wesley Chapel native Zach D’Onofrio wowed ‘American Idol’ judges with his rendition of Billy Joel’s ‘New York State of Mind,’ during a March 21 episode to advance to the second round of ABC’s hit reality television series. The 20-year-old college student’s run ended shortly thereafter, during the duet challenge of the competition. (Courtesy of Gigi Stevens/Freemantle)

D’Onofrio’s second chance at stardom proved more fruitful.

Entering as a more seasoned and confident 20-year-old college sophomore studying at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, D’Onofrio aimed to advance farther in the competition and to have a more enjoyable experience overall.

Mission accomplished for D’Onofrio.

He made it to the second round of “Hollywood Week” thanks to his rendition of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” as part of the show’s genre challenge.

He also had previously impressed celebrity judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie — in a live audition broadcast March 14 singing “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles solo, and “Falling” by Harry Styles with girlfriend and former “Idol” contestant Catie Turner.

However, D’Onofrio’s run ended in the show’s duets challenge on March 22, where showrunners paired him with Sloane Simon, a 16-year-old high school cheerleader from the Pittsburgh area.

Together, they belted out a cover of “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates.

Following the aired performance, Perry said of D’Onofrio: “Listen, I believe in you. You really have grown and overcome.”

In the same breath, however, the Grammy-nominated pop star said both D’Onofrio and his duet partner “need more experience” and “it’s not the time” for them to continue in the competition.

But, she later added this of D’Onofrio on the broadcast: “Next time he comes back, he’s going to show us — the underdog always wins, always.”

Despite a rejection witnessed by millions of viewers nationwide, D’Onofrio came away pleased to have achieved more compared to his first go-round, thanks in part to countless choir and voice lessons taken the past couple years.

He also left with several friendships forged with other talented contestants throughout his appearance on the show.

He traded in his unique socks for showy, colorful sweaters, too.

“My whole thing the second time was getting out of my shell, and I really did think I got out of my shell,” D’Onofrio told The Laker/Lutz News in a recent phone interview.

“I definitely felt better the second time. I just didn’t want to get cut earlier than I did the first time. I just wanted to make it farther, that was my main goal, and I did.”

D’Onofrio acknowledged that he felt more comfortable this time performing in front of the daunting star-studded cast of judges — who are among the world’s all-time best-selling artists in their respective genres. After all, it wasn’t the first time he performed for them.

“I definitely was more confident, because I was like, ‘Yeah, they know me, I’ve done this before,’ like it really wasn’t that bad,” said D’Onofrio, who grew up in the Seven Oaks neighborhood in Wesley Chapel.

“I just saw (the judges) as people this time, instead of figures, because they really do give advice, and talk to you heart-to-heart and it feels real, because some things on TV are sometimes fake, obviously, but when you’re actually there in person and you can connect person to person, it just feels really nice.”

D’Onofrio began singing around his junior year of high school, making his talent known at Dreamhouse Theatre in Lutz, which was then owned by his family.

The budding singer-songwriter adeptly plays the piano, electric guitar and ukulele, and fancies himself an old soul at heart — with a passion for oldies and classics music dating to the 1940s era.

“It just feels right when I sing those types of songs,” said D’Onofrio, who lists Billy Joel among his favorites.

“That was kind of my goal with “American Idol,” to introduce the new generation of people that maybe aren’t familiar with that type of music…so it’s like taking older songs and just making them fun and new and that’s kind of my goal, just so people don’t dislike oldies.”

Newfound celebrity
While D’Onofrio said no music labels have reached out to him since his latest “Idol” appearance, he’s received offers to perform at some local piano and jazz bars in Tampa Bay.

His college also has been quite supportive of his career, hosting an “Idol” watch party and has “offered a lot of really cool opportunities,” such as on-campus performances.

He’s also acquired a certain level of fame — from getting verified on Instagram to having fans reach out to him on social media from Argentina, Brazil and Philippines, and other places.

Even former “Idol” contestant Clark Beckham, who finished runner-up on the show in 2015, reached out to him for words of encouragement.

Every once in a while, D’Onofrio is even recognized on campus, or about town.

But, people tend to be timid about approaching him.

“At school, I get so many stares,” he said, noting he realizes it’s because of his American Idol appearances.

He doesn’t say anything, because he thinks that would make them feel awkward.

“People want to say something but they never do, and I’m like, ‘I’m not scary, I swear, it’ll be OK.’”

Music is the motivation
D’Onofrio continues to make music from his college dorm room — which he’s transformed into a makeshift studio.

He also collaborates on projects with a friend through FaceTime calls.

He plans to release a single titled, “Don’t Leave,” in late April, which he describes as “a pop piano ballad.”

He’s also working to produce and release an EP album by summertime.

Now the lingering question: Could the third time be the charm for D’Onofrio, on “American Idol” or another reality television singing competition?

At the moment, D’Onofrio is focused on finding success as an independent artist and pursuing a degree in music management.

But he hasn’t closed the door on music competitions.

“I’m sure I’ll audition again just to see,” he said.

But he doesn’t know if that will be to “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent” or “The Voice.”

If he makes a return to “Idol,” he’d like to make it to at least round three.

While he’s exited the show this year, 19-year-old Alanis Sophia, of Dade City, remains active in the competition.

Published March 31, 2021

Apartments proposed on Bruce B. Downs, at Eagleston

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow an apartment development on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

The request, submitted by Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, would allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the 16.24-acre site. Adventist intends to sell the land to enable the development.

The Pasco County Commission is scheduled to hear the request on Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m., in the board’s chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Pete Pensa, director of planning for AVID Group of Tampa, outlined details of the request for planning commissioners.

The property is located at 5101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., which is about one-fourth mile south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Pensa said. It has direct frontage on Bruce B. Downs and Eagleston boulevards.

There’s a mixture of development in the area, including retail, medical office uses, car dealerships and an assisted living facility, Pensa said.

It’s south of BayCare’s planned hospital, which recently was announced, Pensa said.

Baycare hospital officials recently had a ceremonial groundbreaking for the facility, which is under construction.

Other nearby uses include fast-food and sit-down restaurants, and a bank, Pensa added.

“To the south of us are townhomes and single-family subdivisions,” he said, adding, “there is no existing multifamily within this mixed-use quadrant.”

He also mentioned that multifamily is an appropriate transitional use between commercial to the north and single-family residential to the south.

The site has been zoned for commercial use since 1984, but there hasn’t been a market for that use, Pensa said. “They’ve not been able to find a buyer and developer.”

“There are a variety of commercial uses in the area that support the project, both from  opportunities for shopping and eating, as well as working, including the BayCare facility,” he said.

The hospital is expected to have 275 jobs, and the nearby assisted living facility.

Plans call for preserving a significant portion of the apartment project property, Pensa added.

Amenities will include walking trails around a pond, a park, a dog park, picnic areas, a clubhouse and a pool.

Pensa also noted that there would be fewer trips generated by this development than from a commercial use. And, he said there is water, sewer and reclaimed water available to service the site.

He submitted two letters of support for the project.

However, there were objections.

Todd Yontec emailed his objections, noting that he’s a longtime resident of the Seven Oaks community and objects to adding apartments in an area that already has plenty of residential development.

“This would truly be poor planning by the commission, if it keeps adding apartment complexes without encouraging the building of the infrastructure to support the increasing population density in this area,” Yontec wrote.

“The only deviation from this original plan that I would support would be to return the parcel to wetlands, or create a park,” he added.

Planning commissioner Roberto Saez, who lives in Seven Oaks, also objected to the request.

He said the area is oversaturated with apartment complexes.

“I go to Publix. Every time, it’s getting busier,” he said, making it harder to find parking.

“As an owner, I believe it is increasing the value of my property. As a user, it can be a real nightmare. I don’t see any type of expansion of Bruce B. Downs. I don’t see any plan to cover the schools,” Saez said.

“I have a hard time with the project, to be honest with you,” the planning commissioner added.

Saez said he’s also concerned about overloading Seven Oaks Elementary School.

Chris Williams, who represents Pasco County Schools on the planning board, said the proposed development would generate 30 elementary school students.

Saez voiced skepticism about that projection.

But, Williams said the biggest impact on schools comes from single-family developments.

As the school district’s director of planning, Williams is in charge of the planning done to address future school needs.

He said he has no concerns about the impact on schools from the proposed development.

“We don’t object to this particular development,” Williams said.

Revised on Jan. 3, 2021

An overpass at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs?

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It’s a long way from reality, but Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore wants to begin taking steps toward the possibility of an overpass at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

The commission chairman broached the idea during the commission’s Aug. 19 meeting.

“If you know the intersection of 581, that’s Bruce B. Downs, and (State Road) 56 — that’s one of the largest intersections in the nation. It’s huge,” Moore said.

“For bikers and walkers, that is impossible to cross,” he noted.

“It’d be great for our citizens to have access, especially bike access, all across there,” Moore said. “All four corners have numerous things to benefit the citizens.”

In addition to The Shops at Wiregrass, there also are a number of shops and restaurants along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, the county leader said.

There’s also a multi-use path, and State Road 56 has been extended over to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

“I would love to see if we can look at possibly getting — I’m going to call it a flyover —  for bikes and walkers. I mean, golf carts would be cool, too, but if that can’t happen, at least for bikes and walkers,” Moore said.

Creating this overpass would help the county move closer to its concept of creating walkable communities, Moore added.

“We have a number of neighborhoods, very close to that intersection,” he said, mentioning Seven Oaks and Northwood, as well as numerous townhouse and apartment communities.

“It’s just hard for them to get over,” Moore said. “If you want to make this bike-able, walkable — you need to have access.

“We have the new brewery coming, that’s going to be one of the largest in West Florida,” he added.

Moore said he raised the issue because he wanted to get a conversation going about the potential improvement.

Fellow Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Moore:  “I think that would be great to have something like that over there, it’s just a process.”

To move forward with the idea, she advised him to get in touch with Tina Russo, who heads up the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Starkey also added that getting an improvement like that built would need to go through the Metropolitan Planning Organization process.

Published August 26, 2020

Cypress Creek Middle set to open this fall

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When a new school year opens, Cypress Creek Middle students will finally have school buildings to call their own.

Middle and high school students have been sharing the campus, formerly known as Cypress Creek Middle High, since 2017.

Beginning this fall, however, there will be a middle school for grades six through eight, and a high school for grades nine through 12.

Construction on the middle school began in 2019.

Cypress Creek Middle School is ready to open on its new campus.(Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“It’s more than on track,” said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco Schools. “It’s as ahead of schedule as we’ve ever been.”

Like all public schools in Pasco County, a regular school day likely will be very different from any previous school years.

Planning sessions are ongoing for the fall start of school, with keen attention on how the COVID-19 pandemic will dictate changes in school operations.

Gadd said he anticipates an announcement on what to expect for district schools by July 1.

Cypress Middle School has a student capacity of about 1,600 students. Gadd surmises the first year enrollment will be somewhat lower.

Construction for the school building is estimated at about $43.5 million.

It shares the same campus as the high school, but is about 15 acres north of it.

With a curriculum focus on performing arts, the building design includes a black box theater, chorus, dance and orchestra rooms.

Also, Pasco-Hernando State College is expected to open its Instructional Performing Arts Center on the same campus this fall.

The district initially planned to open both a high school and a middle school on the Cypress Creek campus at the same time, but a lack of funding forced it to use the campus for both middle and high school students.

The campus opened in 2017, for students in grades six through 11, with a senior class added the following year. Care was taken to keep the younger students and older students separated, and to provide middle school and high school programs.

Opening of the middle school in the fall also required a realignment of school boundaries affecting primarily students living in the Seven Oaks subdivision of Wesley Chapel, who attended John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School.

While the district gears up to open a new school, it’s preparing for how it will operate safely amidst COVID-19 concerns.

Gadd noted there’s no precedence to follow.

“We look at everything the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) does, but CDC has not provided us with any pragmatic, practical information,” Gadd said.

Figuring out how to do social distancing isn’t easy, especially with kindergarten and elementary students, he said.

“How do you keep kindergartners from interacting?” Gadd asked.

One option to keep younger students safe would be to keep them together as one classroom group, he said. There would be no intermingling with students in other classrooms. And, activities with each group, including recess, would be done as a unit.

Middle school and high school students are more mature, and more likely to handle social distancing, Gadd said.

But, there are many more issues to resolve — even something as simple as getting students to and from school.

“How do we get kids on the bus and off the bus?” Gadd said.

Work sessions are ongoing.

“Our intent is to open all schools,” Gadd said. “Right now, we haven’t received any guidance from the state suggesting otherwise.”

Revised June 09, 2020

Finding a way to shine a spotlight on seniors

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During normal times, Marie Joles is busy at her day job, working as a dental hygienist.

And, typically during this time of year, high school seniors are gearing up for their final festivities in high school — prom, awards ceremonies, graduation.

But, the threat of a highly contagious and deadly virus — the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — has upended life’s ordinary routines.

So, instead of going to work, Joles has been at home. And, instead of gearing up for traditional celebrations and hanging out with friends, seniors have been spending their final school days distance learning.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Joles hated the thought that their senior year would end that way. After all, she remembered how special it was for her family to go through the festivities when her daughter, Samantha, graduated last year.

So, Joles, who is a board member of the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s PTSA and in charge of that group’s social media efforts, asked PTSA president Jennifer Kanyok, if she could do Senior Spotlights on their social media.

Once she got the go-ahead, she began soliciting the spotlights on her personal Facebook page and on the Seven Oaks Facebook page.

Then she reached out by text and email to Robyn White, the school’s principal; David Wilson, the athletic director; and to all of the school coaches.

She also reached out to Bobbie Gebhart, the band booster president, and Jeni Wiseman, the football team mom — to spread the word about the profiles.

The parents submit the photos and blurbs, which Joles tweaks and posts.

In less than 24 hours, she had seven profiles ready.

Now, there are dozens posted.

They convey a sense of pride of the parents who submitted the blurbs about their children.

The profiles offer a glimpse of the lives these members of the Wiregrass Ranch High Class of 2020 have led, and offer insights about their personalities and aspirations.

Some have earned college credits, a college diploma or industry certifications while still in high school. Others have volunteered hundreds of hours.

They’ve been in theatrical performances, in marching band and orchestra, in color guard and cheerleading.

They’ve competed in lacrosse, soccer, swimming, football, track, basketball, weightlifting, basketball and other sports.

They’ve been members of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and Health Occupations Students of America, to name just a few clubs.

And, they have wide-ranging ambitions.

Some plan to pursue traditional careers, such as nursing, law and business administration. Others aspire to less common paths, such as becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, a makeup specialist or an animator.

Most graduates appear to be heading off to higher education in the Sunshine State, at such colleges as Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Florida State University and Stetson University.

Regardless of what they’ve done, or where they’re going — they have made an impression.

One graduate is described as “a beautiful soul and a day of sunshine.”

Another is said to have “a musician’s heart.”

One “has a big heart, is a hard worker and knows how to live in the moment.”

Another has “a wicked sense of humor, amazing spirit and zeal for life.”

Joles said she wanted to do the spotlights because this is a special time for seniors and they deserve recognition.

“I wanted to let them know that we appreciate them,” she said.

Those wishing Joles to post a profile of a Wiregrass Ranch senior can reach out to her at  , or text her at (813) 830-8643.

How are you celebrating your graduating seniors?
The normal ceremonies that mark completion of high school are being postponed until later this year. Meanwhile, families and schools are getting creative in their efforts to help celebrate members of the Class of 2020.

What are you doing? We’d love to know. We’re planning to do a story sharing how families and schools within The Laker/Lutz News are rising to the occasion to make their high school seniors feel special.

Send your submissions to .

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Published May 06, 2020

ICI Homes Opens New Wesley Chapel Models With 2.75% Financing

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Sometimes the most difficult of times, such as the challenges presented by COVID-19, also create unexpected opportunities.

This is true for buyers of ICI Homes in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. This premium builder has 12 inventory homes available now or in the next few months, including four cottage-style homes in its first Wesley Chapel neighborhood, Persimmon Park.

The two-story Primrose model is light and bright with lots of windows and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

Not only does ICI Homes have a larger than usual inventory of unique one- and two-story homes, it is also selling homes in the high $200s for the first time in Tampa Bay.

“We are known as a premier, semi-custom builder, and typically build homes from the $400s to over $1 million. So to come into Wesley Chapel with moderately priced floor plans is very exciting for us, and more importantly for our customers who want our quality and craftsmanship in a smaller, more affordable home,” said Paula Spitler, Tampa sales manager for ICI Homes.

Almost as important as the quality and pricing of its homes, ICI Homes also is offering an exceptionally low interest rate of just 2.75% on 30-year mortgages, when using the builder’s preferred lenders.

“We call this our buy-down program, because a lower interest allows our buyers to increase their spending power, and more quickly build equity in their homes,” said Spitler.

“There are only a limited number of these special loans being allocated across our 20-plus communities in Florida, so please don’t wait. It’s first-come, first-served, and once these loans are gone, they’re gone,” said Spitler.

Many families are drawn to Persimmon Park because of its desirable Wesley Chapel location, and also because its students are zoned to the area’s highest rated schools — Wiregrass Elementary, Dr. John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High.

“One of Persimmon Park’s biggest draws is the schools our students are zoned to attend,” said Spitler. “We have families moving from nearby subdivisions, such as Seven Oaks, that were recently rezoned to other schools. Many families want to keep their children enrolled in the schools they have traditionally attended or have been assigned to attend.”

Persimmon Park is located within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch —located off Bruce B. Downs and Chancey Road, directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Wiregrass Ranch is a 5,000-acre, walkable community with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

Persimmon Park is Wiregrass Ranch’s newest new home community, with ICI Homes committed to building 97 homes in this unique subdivision.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Spitler. “Plus, our amenities are everything a family wants without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

ICI Homes is introducing its first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, featuring open floor plans with front porches, and garages at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes on 40-foot home sites, and ICI is premiering five new floor plans with prices beginning at $292,900.

“Light and bright with lots of windows,” is how Spitler describes these floor plans, having a cottage look and feel that are open, airy, and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

“These homes have been designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes,” said Spitler.

Two beautifully furnished model homes are available for tour at Persimmon Park. The one-story Lantana model is the craftsman elevation and, at 1,793 square feet, features three bedrooms and two baths, with an open kitchen and unique breezeway for outdoor living.

The two-story Primrose model is the coastal elevation and, at 2,434 square feet, offers the master bedroom downstairs, and a game room and three additional bedrooms upstairs.

“Families love the rear-load design because it gives the home a very nice front elevation with no garage blocking the home’s curb appeal,” said Spitler. “Plus, rear garages make for easier access to the kitchen when it’s time to unload groceries, and also creates more backyard privacy with covered breezeways and summer kitchens.”

Model homes are open daily for tour, with or without an appointment. Sales staff strictly follow COVID-19 safety protocols and always make sure families tour models by themselves, without other people in the model.

Families also can tour the homes virtually, via video, at icihomes.com.

“Our 3D virtual tours allow you to view and walk through our homes at your own pace, right from your couch,” said Spitler. “You can move from point to point for a complete 360° view to get a sense of the home’s space, finishes, floor plan and measurements. It’s truly the next best thing to being there.”

Published April 29, 2020

Pasco County ‘hottest county around,’ commission chairman says

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When Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore moved to the county in 2007, it was a different place.

When he arrived, the State Road 54/56 corridor — with it shopping malls, restaurants, car dealerships, hotels, residential subdivisions, medical offices, state college and industrial development — looked nothing like it does today.

The Shops at Wiregrass wasn’t even there yet, recalled Moore, who had made the move from nearby New Tampa for a larger home in Seven Oaks.

“They just built the JCPenney, without the mall. When I first moved here, we were still going to Hillsborough County and to New Tampa for a lot of things,” he said.

That was then.

“You think about how hot Pasco County is right now. We’re the hottest county around,” said Moore, now serving in his second term, and recently named county commission chairman.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is bullish on Pasco County. He sees bright prospects for 2020, and said the county’s pro-growth attitude is creating more opportunities for its residents. (File)

“Wesley Chapel has the highest income in the Tampa Bay region.

“New restaurants and businesses are coming every single day.

“I do so many ribbon cuttings my fingers are tired,” Moore said.

New businesses are bringing jobs to the county, and there’s even some Class A office space popping up.

“That’s what’s amazing, you look at the growth and opportunity that we have in this area now, compared to what we had when I first moved here in ’07.”

Now, he said, “I don’t need to leave Pasco County, unless I need to go to the airport.”

Statistics paint a favorable picture of the county.

The number of homeless is down; job growth is up. Tourism hit the million-visitor mark for the first time this year, and numerous companies have set up shop in Pasco, or have announced plans to do so.

Moore said a strong economic development team, a streamlined approval process and a pro-growth board have combined to create more interest in Pasco.

County staff and the private Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc., work together to recruit new businesses, he said.

“There are certain things that (Pasco) EDC can do — being a private entity,” Moore explained.

“A lot of companies don’t want to make it public beforehand. People have employees who might have to relocate. There are investors involved, if they are public companies.”

“The EDC can work behind the scenes.”

The county also has focused on reducing bureaucracy, Moore said.

“One of the things that we have encouraged — as a commission, as a whole — is to make it as easily navigable as possible, to come here and start from the ground up,” Moore said.

“Our economic development group needs to make sure that when they (prospects) come here and they’re ready to do business, that it’s a smooth process,” he added.

The economic development team’s job is to make the area enticing, but it goes beyond that Moore said. They also need to help the companies through the county’s process.

Public support for economic development has played an important role, Moore said, noting that a portion of the Penny for Pasco tax proceeds is earmarked for that purpose.

The county has a number of tools it uses to entice businesses: It waives mobility impact fees and permit fees. It rewards job creation. It supports work force training. It forgives loans. It uses tax and job creation incentives.

The commission’s Dec. 10 meeting — where two companies announced intentions to locate in Pasco — offered a glimpse of how such strategies are paying off.

Encompass Health Corporation, based in Birmingham, Alabama, announced plans to bring 179 jobs to Central Pasco. Rooker Properties, LLC, a company based in Atlanta, Georgia, unveiled plans for an industrial park on a site off Old Pasco Road, expected to generate hundreds of jobs.

Meanwhile, financial services company Raymond James — also receiving a number of incentives — is expected to break ground in 2020 for a campus expected to have hundreds of employees, in the Wiregrass Ranch area of Wesley Chapel.

“That will be significant for our area. We’ve all been waiting for it,” Moore said.

Aside from the economy, the county is making strides in efforts to improve its quality of life, Moore said.

Numerous road construction projects are in various stages of progress.

Most recently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to extend Ridge Road, initially from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, but ultimately it will extend to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

The county has pushed for the east-west corridor for 20 years, and securing the permit marks a major milestone. As of last week, it remained unclear if opponents — who object to the project’s path through the Serenova Tract of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve — will wage a legal challenge.

Meanwhile, over in Wesley Chapel, construction continues on the diverging diamond, a project aimed at easing congestion at the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

And, in another significant development, the extension of State Road 56 between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills was wrapped up in July, creating a new east-west corridor between the two communities.

The county also has been making strides on civic projects, Moore noted.

Four voter-approved bond issues are supporting the construction of additional fire stations, the renovation of libraries, improvements at county parks and a jail expansion.

The county also recently announced a record-breaking $22 million acquisition of environmental lands, to preserve ecological corridors.

And, within recent months, the county opened its first barrier-free playground.

Moore championed the idea, after noticing there wasn’t a place where children with disabilities could play at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Keith Wiley, who oversees the county’s parks departments, got involved — and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, Lennar Foundation and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel stepped up to help pay for the project.

The barrier-free playground was a first for Pasco, but Moore expects that it won’t be the last.

Six things to watch in 2020

The Laker/Lutz News asked Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore to identify the top things to watch in 2020. He provided these six, along with some observations:

  • Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex: The 98,000-square-foot Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex will open, creating a new destination for amateur and youth travel teams. It also will have programs during the week for local youths. The facility is expected to boost county tourism, as teams travel to Pasco from around the country and even internationally. The facility also will add to the local economy, as visitors stay at hotels, shop at stores, eat at restaurants, buy gas and so on.
  • Interstate 75-Overpass Road interchange: Work will begin on a design-build project to create a new interchange at Interstate 75 and Overpass Road, 3.5 miles south of State Road 52. The new diamond interchange will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access to south I-75. To accommodate the new interchange, Overpass Road will be widened from two lanes to four lanes between I-75 and Old Pasco Road and to six lanes between I-75 and Boyette Road. Blair Drive will be realigned to connect with Old Pasco Road; and, McKendree Road will be realigned to connect with Boyette Road.
  • U.S. 41 Redevelopment: Redevelopment and revitalization along U.S. 41/Land O Lakes Boulevard is expected to occur, as U.S. 41 is widened, south of State Road 52 to alleviate backups at State Road 52/U.S. 41. There also will be increased efforts to improve the corridor’s appearance, through landscaping projects and redevelopment.
  • Job growth in Pasco County: The county is attracting more companies because of its policies that support growth and that is expected to continue. Quality of life improves when citizens can work closer to home, and new developments, such as Raymond James, which is expected to occur in early 2020, offers one example of increasing job opportunities in Pasco.
  • Improved quality of life through public projects: New looks for Centennial Park Library and New River Library will be unveiled in 2020, with modernized interiors and makerspaces. The county is also engaged in more than 30 projects in its parks, ranging from new roofs and gutters on buildings to updating playground equipment.
  • Ridge Road Extension: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to Pasco County on Dec. 20, to begin on Ridge Road Extension, initially to connect Ridge Road to the Suncoast Parkway. Plans also call for eventually extending the road to U.S. 41. The project will provide a new east-west corridor, giving motorists another travel option and providing another evacuation route during emergencies.

Editor’s note: These observations were edited for brevity.

Published January 01, 2020

Growth and change are hallmarks at area schools

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As 2019 becomes 2020, area schools continue to respond to growth, while also changing academic options available on some campuses.

Recently, Superintendent Kurt Browning announced an initiative that will create significant change in West Pasco-area schools to bolster academic performance, but he also outlined some coming projects within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, as well.

This is what the new Instructional Performing Arts Center, to be built on the campus shared by Cypress Creek High School and the new Cypress Creek Middle School, will look like. The campus is at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Specifically, Browning said the district plans to add a grade 6-12 STEM/STEAM magnet school in Land O’ Lakes that is proposed to open in August 2023 and a grade K-8 STEM/STEAM Magnet in Wesley Chapel, proposed to open in August 2024.

That’s on top of previously announced plans, which include an Eastside Technical High School, opening in August 2022.

District officials envision a magnet technical school that doesn’t fit the traditional educational mold.

They say it will combine a rigorous curriculum along with technical skills training — and will seek community partnerships to give students real-world experiences.

The idea is to prepare students to have many options when they leave high school — whether, say, they want to work as a welder for someone else; or, they want to have their own welding business.

While that school is still a couple of years off, the district plans to open Cypress Creek Middle School in August 2020.

It will be located on the same campus on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, where Cypress Creek Middle High has been serving grades six through 12.

Once the new middle school opens, it will serve grades six through eight, while the high school serves grades nine through 12.

The Pasco County School Board approved boundary changes — which primarily affected the Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel — to reassign students from that area to Cypress Creek Middle and Cypress Creek High. The boundary changes will relieve crowding at John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High School.

In the fall of 2020, Pasco County Schools is scheduled to open Cypress Creek Middle School. It is being designed for 1,600 students, making it the district’s largest middle school. The middle school will join Cypress Creek High and Pasco Hernando State College’s Instructional and Performing Arts Center. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

On the same Cypress Creek campus, the school district donated land to Pasco-Hernando State College for the Instructional Performing Arts Center, now under construction, which will be known as IPAC.

The new performing arts center is expected to provide both educational opportunities and entertainment. It also is expected to benefit middle school through college students, through its programming.

Cypress Creek Middle School was designed to be compatible with the performing arts center, too. It will have a state-of-the-art black box theater, as well as facilities for dance, orchestra and chorus.

Meanwhile, the district also plans to open Starkey K-8 School in August 2021. It’s the first district school designed deliberately to serve kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school is the second phase of a partnership between Pasco County Schools, Pasco County government and Wheelock Communities, the private developers of Starkey Ranch, a community off State Road 54 in Trinity.

One part of the project is the Starkey District Park, which opened its first phase in November 2017. Two additional phases are planned for the park.

The school will be near the district park.

There’s also a third part of the project that involves construction of what’s been dubbed TLC, which stands for theater, library and cultural center.

In addition to new construction, the district also is working to improve existing facilities.

Most recently, it wrapped up a massive makeover of Land O’ Lakes High School — which involved five phases, and required considerable coordination to complete while students and staff remained on campus.

The work was done in stages to avoid sending students and staffs to another campus, or using split sessions.

The project involved reconfiguring spaces to improve campus flow, and modernizing facilities.

It involved tearing out walls, redoing plumbing, electrical and upgrades to technology. It also included a five-classroom addition to the science wing.

The school recently celebrated the project’s completion with a rededication ceremony, and on another night, it offered public tours.

Major Pasco County Schools projects, 2019-2020:

  • Zephyrhills High campus-wide renovation
  • Land O Lakes High campus-wide renovation, final phase
  • Cypress Creek Middle construction
  • Starkey K-8 construction
  • Starkey Library Theater construction
  • East Technical High construction
  • SunlakeHigh design and construction of classroom wing
  • Bexley Elementary design and construction of classroom wing

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published January 01, 2020

Pasco School Board adopts new school boundaries

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The Pasco County School Board unanimously approved school rezonings for the 2020-2021 school year — primarily affecting students living in the Seven Oaks subdivision in Wesley Chapel.

Board members approved the boundary shifts that are aimed to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High School and John Long Middle School, and to fill seats available at Cypress Creek High School and the new Cypress Creek Middle School, which is expected to open next fall.

Cypress Creek Middle School, now under construction, is expected to open in August 2020. The Pasco County School Board has approved boundaries for both Cypress Creek Middle and Cypress Creek High. The boundary shifts primarily affect students living in the Seven Oaks subdivision of Wesley Chapel, who now attend John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High schools. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The boundary shift does not apply to Wiregrass Ranch students, living within the rezoned area, who will be entering their junior or senior years. Seniors can ride district buses; juniors cannot.

Board members supported Superintendent Kurt Browning’s boundary recommendations, despite requests by parents to allow current freshman at Wiregrass Ranch to have the option to remain, if their parents provided transportation.

There also was a request to allow rising eighth-graders from John Long Middle to be allowed to attend Wiregrass Ranch High.

In advocating for incoming sophomores, Mike Schulze, a Seven Oaks parent, said “this group is just as important as all of the others.”

Other parents expressed their displeasure with the boundary shifts, citing concerns about disrupting their children’s lives, traffic issues and the greater distance from the Seven Oaks neighborhood to the Cypress Creek school complex, which is on Old Pasco Road.

Board members said Pasco County’s rapid growth continues to force the district to shift boundaries to accommodate growing enrollments.

Board member Allen Altman applauded Browning’s recommendation to grandfather in both rising juniors and rising seniors at Wiregrass Ranch High, which is on Mansfield Boulevard.

“I think based on the numbers and projections. That was generous and accommodating,” Altman said.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong said rezonings are always tough.

“I know it’s painful,” Armstrong said.

“The idea is to reduce the number of students at Wiregrass. And, to accomplish that, it’s necessary to move students out of Wiregrass,” she said.

Board member Megan Harding said she had visited Wiregrass Ranch High, where she saw crowded hallways, students eating lunch outside and multiple portable classrooms.

Failing to address the crowding could end up putting Wiregrass on a 10-period day, and that’s not a great option, the board member said.

“This is not a decision I make lightly,” Harding said. “You’re child isn’t a number to me. Your child is important.”

Still, Harding said: “With a rapidly growing area, if we don’t address problems now, it’s only going to get worse.”

There were other boundary changes approved, including shifts that affect an area near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway.

The land is currently undeveloped, but has been approved for a massive development.

The new boundaries assign the entire area to Mary Giella Elementary, Crews Lake Middle School and Hudson High.

Future students in those areas would have been assigned to Land O’ Lakes schools.

Published November 27, 2019