The Laker/Lutz News

Starkey Ranch District Park

Pasco seeks to strengthen trade ties with German town

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The Pasco County Commission welcomed Andreas Siegel, the consul general of Germany, to its meeting last week and celebrated its Document of Friendship with Germersheim, Germany.

The Document of Friendship establishes the basis for developing and promoting a transatlantic exchange of mutually beneficial information, cooperation and fosters a relationship of understanding between the peoples of the District of Germersheim and Pasco County

The friendship pact also calls for the continued promotion of economic development, educational opportunities and cultural exchange.

The document came about during a trade mission to Germany last October.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick, state Rep. Amber Mariano and others accompanied Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc., on the mission, which involved exploring opportunities to establish business relationships and to learn more about apprenticeship programs, among other things.

The ties between Pasco and Germersheim date back to 2008, when Pasco County Schools established a student exchange program with the German district.

Starkey said Siegel, who is based in Miami, has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between Pasco and Germany. She said Seigel planned to meet with the Pasco EDC later in the week.

On another matter, the board delayed, until March 22, its consideration of a temporary moratorium on the submission and acceptance of applications for building permits, site plans, special exception uses, conditional uses, rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments proposing to increase entitlements on land around the airports in Pasco County.

The moratorium would apply to land near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Tampa North Aero Park, Pilot Country, Hidden Lake Airport and a portion of the conical and horizontal surfaces of the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.

In other action, taken on Feb. 8 or Feb. 22, the county board:

  • Approved a task order for Coastal Design Consultants Inc., to perform work connected to an expansion at Starkey Ranch District Park.

The task order involves architectural, engineering, and related services for six multipurpose fields, an additional parking area, a concession stand, and to extend the multi-use path around the existing stormwater pond area.

The work is to be done for price is not to to exceed $177,600 for fiscal year 2022.

  • Approved of a task order with ESA Scheda Corporation to provide environmental engineering and consulting services for the county’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program. The consultant will work with its subconsultant, Wildlands Conservation Inc., to provide environmental and land management planning services for five Pasco County ELAMP sites. These sites will be referred to as:
  • Pasco Palms Preserve (116 acres)
  • Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve (129 acres) with the northern portion of the Arthur Site (195 acres)
  • Five Mile Creek Conservation Area (179 acres) with the southern portion of the Arthur Site (647 acres)
  • Jumping Gully Preserve (1,839 acres)
  • Crockett Lake Tract (519 acres)

The effort aims to review all available information, former land management plans, desktop data reviews, and interviews with the county’s land managers, coupled with thorough site investigations to provide land management approaches that enhance, conserve, and protect natural resources, while achieving short and long-term objectives.

Funding for the project is budgeted at $190,806.00 and is in fiscal year 2022.

  • Amended the county’s land use plan from a designation for residential to a designation allowing commercial uses on 3.34acres at the Intersection of Gall Boulevard and Chancey Road.

Published March 02, 2022

Pasco continues taking aim at unlicensed contractors

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The Pasco County Commission is continuing efforts to stymie unlicensed contracting activity in the county, through an agreement with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for investigative services.

The county board approved renewal of an agreement with the Sheriff’s Office pertaining to the county’s Unlicensed Contractor Initiative for its building construction services department.

The county board approved a contract for an amount not to exceed $202,548.72 with the sheriff’s office, resulting in an amount not to exceed $549,856.10 for the two-year contract term, based on the board’s agenda backup materials.

The approval was made as part of the board’s consent agenda, meaning it was passed as one of several items without discussion.

The contract calls for the services of two detective to investigate unlicensed contractor activity. The agreement also allows for four additional automatic one-year renewals on Oct. 1 of each subsequent year, contingent upon board approval.

The aim of the detectives’ work is to “protect the public from falling victim to unlicensed contractors,” according to materials in the board’s agenda packet.

In other action, the board:

  • Authorized the transmittal of a request for a proposed land use change on 188 acres at the northwest quadrant of State Road 52 and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, for review by state agencies. The request calls for allowing up to 380 single-family homes and townhomes.
  • Adopted a change to the county’s comprehensive plan relating to airport protection zoning and land use compatibility.
  • Accepted the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 2020-2023 Collective

Bargaining Agreement – IAFF Local 4420, Pasco County Professional Fire Fighter’s Union

  • Approved the purchase of playground equipment at the Sam Pasco Recreation Center playground by utilizing the OMNIA Partners Cooperative Contract No. R170301 with BCI Burke Company LLC (BCI), which is currently in effect. The purchase is not to exceed the amount of $137,457.53 in fiscal year 2022.
  • Approved a change order to extend time and provide $60,000 in additional funding for Starkey Ranch District Park Phase 2A, resulting in a new cumulative NTE contract amount of $4,054,628.37 for fiscal year 2022 and an extension of time by 30 days.
  • Approved $300,000 for the county’s Destination Management Organization, for additional marketing and research initiatives. The DMO’s revenues came in higher than anticipated in 2021 and these funds will allow it to provide more services to Pasco County during fiscal year 2022.

Published January 19, 2022

Pasco lifts ceiling on commercial hauling rates

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Commercial haulers now can operate in a free market in Pasco County — meaning competition among private businesses will establish the charges.

The Pasco County Commission voted on Oct. 26 to remove the ceiling on the rates. The action brings Pasco into alliance with the approach used by other counties around the state, according to county staffers.

The change does not affect residential hauling rates.

At the same meeting, the county board approved increasing charges associated with water and wastewater connection fees — previously referred to as impact fees.

The board also established new fire line and fire hydrant rates. The increased rates take effect on Jan. 3. For a complete breakdown of the new charges, visit Pasco County Utilities, on the county’s website, PascoCountyFl.net.

In other action, the county board:

• Accepted a check for nearly $2.9 million, in “excess fees” from Paco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. The tax collector’s office is funded entirely by fees and commissions, with no direct ad valorem dollars. When the office’s total revenues exceed expenses, the “excess fees” are returned to the county board and other taxing authorities on a pro-rata basis at the end of the fiscal year.

• Approved a change to the comprehensive plan on 37.58 acres, east of Old Pasco Road and north of Overpass Road, to allow for commercial development. The board also approved a companion rezoning, allowing a commercial planned development of use to 315,000 square feet of commercial at that site.

• Authorized to shortlist and negotiate agreements for a Tower Road route siting and pond siting analysis for an area that begins east of Sunlake Boulevard to east of U.S. 41. The shortlisted firms are: American Consulting Engineers of Florida, LLC (American); Kissinger, Campo & Associates, Corp. (KCA); NV5, Inc. (NV5); Baslee Engineering Solutions, Inc. (Baslee); and George F. Young, Inc. (George F. Young). The county board authorized negotiations with the top firm, and if an agreement can’t be reached, authorized staff to negotiate with the remaining firms, in the county’s ranked order.

• Authorized to shortlist and negotiate agreements for a Tower Road route study and pond siting analysis for an area from the terminus of Rangeland Boulevard to east of Sunlake Boulevard. The shortlisted firms are Kissinger, Campo & Associates, Corp.; WGI, Inc.; American Consulting Engineers of Florida, LLC; NV5, Inc.; Baslee Engineering Solutions, Inc.; and, George F. Young, Inc. The county board authorized staff to negotiate with Kissinger, Campo & Associates, and if an agreement can’t be reached, to negotiate with the remaining firms, in the county’s ranked order.

• Approved an agreement to accept a $6.5 million grant, through the state Department of Environmental Protection, to provide water and wastewater infrastructure improvements to stimulate economic growth in the currently underdeveloped area of Pasadena Hills. The county will construct a water and wastewater distribution system including a piping system and appurtenances, a lift station, restoration, project management, and all work necessary to complete the project as outlined in the grant work plan. The grant begins upon execution of the agreement and expires on March 31, 2024. No county match is required and this is a cost-reimbursement agreement.

• Approved a change order involving additional work and a time extension of 129 days for the installation of a drain field at Starkey Ranch District Park. The amount of the contract with R.L. Burns Inc., will increase by $455,234.37, bringing the not-to-exceed total to $3,994,628.37. The new completion date is March 14, 2022.

• Authorized to shortlist and negotiate agreements with firms to complete an Orange Belt Trail route study, design and permitting. The firms are: Atkins North America, Inc.; HDR Engineering, Inc.; Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP; Burgess & Niple, Inc.; NV5, Inc.; Baslee Engineering Solutions, Inc.; and Sand County Studios, LLC. If an agreement cannot be reached with Atkins, the board authorized negotiations with remaining firms, according to the county’s ranked order.

• Approved a change to the county’s comprehensive plan to allow commercial development to be considered on 9.24 acres south of State Road 54 and River Glen Boulevard. The land previously was planned for residential development. The proposed change received a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission on Aug. 26. A change in the land use designation is the first step necessary to change the potential use on the land. A rezoning is required, too, before commercial development could occur.

• Authorized the reappointment of Steven Hickman to the board of the Pasco County Housing Finance Authority and appointed two new members, Jeffrey Sklet, deputy director for the Pasco County Housing Authority, and Stacy Ferreira, vice president of BB&T.

• Adopted a resolution honoring the Friends of the Pasco County Library System, a not-for-profit organization the helps the library through volunteering, fundraising and advocacy.

Published November 17, 2021

Pasco identifies spending plan for ‘American Rescue’ dollars

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a plan for how the county will spend $107.6 million in federal money intended to help local governments respond to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Administrator Dan Biles presented proposed projects and initiatives that would be supported by the funds, which the county board approved at its Aug. 24 meeting.

The plan also must be approved by federal authorities.

The county is proposing that about $98 million of the money be spent on these projects:

  • Acquisition of the Lindrick Utility system. Using the federal money will enable the county to acquire the system with a zero rate increase for county ratepayers as a whole, Biles said.
  • Wesley Chapel Library: This will build the next library that is needed in the county’s master plan, on land it already owns, in the fastest-growing area of the county, Biles said.
  • Jail construction: Will pay for changes to the design to address the issue of infectious diseases, not just COVID-19, but infectious diseases, as a whole, Biles said. This expense is in addition to the money that has been set aside from the general obligation bond, which was approved by county voters.
  • A super park at the Villages of Pasadena Hills. This is the highest priority on the county’s parks master plan, now that Starkey Ranch District Park is effectively done, Biles said. This will provide a significant source of money for the project.
  • A park project in Magnolia Valley.
  • Funding for dredging work.

The county also identified $5.5 million in expenditures for:

  • COVID-19 mitigation/prevention
  • Treatment and medical services

And, under the category for public safety and county operations, it includes an estimated $4 million in spending for:

  • Premium pay for county workers
  • County facility maintenance/upgrades
  • Cyber security upgrades
  • Technology improvements

Biles said the list totaling $98 million has some built-in room for price changes due to market conditions.

At the suggestion of Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and the consensus of other board members, the county added another category to its list. The money will be earmarked to support economic development efforts in the U.S. 19 corridor.

Biles told commissioners that the county spent a lot of time in webinars, on telephone calls and researching how jurisdictions around the nation and state were using the American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“Ultimately, we focused, really, on the revenue recovery piece,” he said.

Based on the model that the county used, it will be getting less revenue than it lost. However, Biles added, “ultimately, there are fewer reporting requirements based on that.”

Treasury wants to know what the county plans to spend the money on, but reporting requirements are different.

The money will be disbursed in two payments, one in fiscal year 2021 and the other in fiscal year 2022. It must be spent, with a few exceptions, by Dec. 31, 2022, Biles said.

He also noted that changes can, and most likely will, be made to the plan as time goes on.

Published September 01, 2021

Pasco County budget expected to surpass $1.5 billion

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The Pasco County Commission gave first-round approval of a budget exceeding $1.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The action came during the first public hearing on the budget, held at 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 8. The final public hearing on the budget will be on Sept. 21. The new budget takes effect Oct. 1.

No one spoke during the public comment portion of the public hearing, and the board passed the budget unanimously without comment — following a presentation by County Budget Director Robert Goehig.

Board members and county officials had discussed budget issues at length during previous budget workshops.

This year’s revenues were less than previously expected because of negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the county was unable to pursue most of its proposed business initiatives for the coming year.

The budget includes a 3% raise for county employees.

It also allocates increased spending for the county’s library system — including costs associated with opening a new library at Starkey Ranch.

There’s also more spending in the parks and recreation budget — related to the county gradually assuming management of the Starkey Ranch District Park.

Earlier in the meeting, board members authorized the issuance of $44 million in the second allocation for the general obligation bonds for fire/rescue projects.

Goehig told board members the funds will be used to build three new fire stations, to knock down and renovate three existing fire stations, and to design a centralized fire training center.

On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey asked county staff to take a closer look at the proposed placement of a community garden planned for the area where a school, library and theater are being built through a collaborative partnership in Starkey Ranch.

“I’m a little concerned that where that community garden is going now, it’s not going to be accessible by anyone who wants to go and participate in a community garden,” Starkey said.

“To me, that is a long way to go with all of your tools and equipment, to garden. I think it will end up just being the school garden and will not be a community garden. I personally, am not so happy with that location,” she said.

Starkey: “I would like to talk to them (project partners) about having it closer to the library, facilities, restrooms.

“I want to be a good partner (with the school district). I think they want to be a good partner. I actually don’t think that’s a good site at all,” Starkey said.

She would like to see what can be done about finding an area that’s more accessible.

“There’s going to be a lot of seniors that would like to be in the garden. Where are the restrooms?” Starkey asked.

Commissioner Mike Wells also briefed commissioners on progress that has been made through a partnership between the county and CareerSource on a Workforce Redevelopment Program.

The goal was about 150 jobs, for $1.5 million, Wells said. CareerSource exceeded that goal, with 163 jobs. The partnership also led to 56 part-time jobs, the commissioner noted.

“What I thought was really exciting, out of those 163 — 87 were homeless in Pasco,” Wells said.

“That gives us a return-on-investment of more than $6.5 million,” he added.

The county is going to contract with CareerSource for the next four years, Wells said. “They have done an unbelievable job with our team, to put people back to work.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore also updated the board about activities at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, which recently opened.

He reported that “43 out of 52 weekends are already booked with sports at that facility.”

Local programming has begun, too, Moore said.

“They have basketball leagues, they have indoor soccer leagues, they have cheerleading going on, volleyball going on. All of that is already going on, for our local residents. It’s already a huge success — obviously a huge asset for the county,” Moore said.

County Administrator Dan Biles also informed the board that there will be an item on the Sept. 21 agenda to discuss Pasco County’s COVID-19 response and where it needs to go from here.

Published September 16, 2020

Pasco sets tentative tax rate

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Pasco County’s revenues grew, but not as much as had been projected — before COVID-19 flattened the economy.

Pasco County commissioners last week approved the proposed tentative millage rates recommended by County Administrator Dan Biles.

“We are recommending no change in the operating millage rate of 7.6076, or the fire service MSTU (municipal services taxing unit) millage rate of 1.8036,” Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director told the board during its July 14 public meeting.

“Many of the general obligation millage rates are slightly higher than they were in 2020 because in ‘’(fiscal year 2020) ’20, we were paying interest only, and in (fiscal year 2021) ’21, we’re paying interest and principal.”

The board’s approval of its tentative rates means they will be reported in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices mailed to property owners in August. The board can choose to lower the rates but cannot raise them, when it adopts the county budget.

The board also set the first public hearing on the county’s budget for Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m., in the Historic Pasco Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Because of the ever-evolving threat of COVID-19, it is unclear at this time whether that meeting will be open for public attendance, or will be conducted in some virtual manner.

The county’s taxable assessed values did increase by 7.7% this year, compared to an increase of 9.3% last fiscal year.

Goehig noted that property owners may receive tax bills that are higher than they were this year, but that’s because that would be a property gained value, not because of a higher tax rate.

“Under the Save Our Homes protections, the (increase for) taxable assessed value of homesteaded properties is capped at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less,” he said. Since the CPI is 2.3%, taxable values on homesteaded properties cannot increase by more than 2.3%, the budget director added.

Goehig also discussed some specific areas of the budget proposed for decreases and increases in the coming year.

“The  biggest change is the tourism development fund. The reason for that is because we are expecting — because of the pandemic — not as many folks staying in hotels, and so on.

“So, we’re expecting revenues to go down, so likewise the amount of revenue to go down about 20%,” he said.

Despite the reduction, the county isn’t expecting any layoffs in that division, Goehig said, noting: “Our crack tourism team is standing by. They’re ready to do the best they can with the money that’s available.”

The fire/rescue department is facing a 10% decrease, Goehig added.

He explained: “That’s because with the pandemic, there’s fewer people out there driving. There’s fewer accidents. So, that the revenues going to fire/rescue are not as high as we had anticipated. So, we’re not really able to move forward with some of the business plan initiatives that we had incorporated into the fire department at that time.”

More funding is expected, though, in some areas.

“The libraries are increasing by almost 9%. We have a new library coming online this summer. That’s reflected there,” the budget director said.

“Parks and recreation increasing by almost 7%. That’s Starkey Ranch District Park. We’re gradually taking over the management of that park, so as we do that, we’re taking on some additional costs for that park,” Goehig added.

The proposed budget calls for a 2% increase for county employers, but it appears that a 3% raise is more likely to happen — based on sentiments expressed by board members.

County Commissioner Mike Wells has been vocal about his support for a 3% raise. That’s what both the county’s constitutional officers are proposing, and what Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved for state workers.

Commissioner Ron Oakley also went on record for a 3% raise for employees.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore put it like this: “We want to make sure that we’re all in line, i.e., the constitutionals that fall under our budget, when we talked about what percentage they’re giving. We talked about what we’re going to do. We want to make sure everybody’s in line.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the county typically gets some money back from its constitutional officers, so the board can look at the issue once it has a better idea of how much additional revenue it will have.

Mariano suggested making a decision on the salary issue “a little bit down the road.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, voiced misgivings about providing a 3% raise.

“I think in today’s COVID time, 2% is a good raise,” Starkey said, adding she doesn’t know anything in the budget she wants to cut.

“I would be OK going with the 2% this year, and then maybe next year, catching back up when the economy is better,” Starkey said.

Published July 22, 2020

Alzheimer’s walk raises nearly $56,000

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More than 500 residents from Pasco County joined the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Starkey Ranch District Park in Odessa, on Oct. 25.

Participants raised $55,784 to help pay for care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event fell short of its goal of $85,000, but fundraising efforts continue through Dec. 20.

Hundreds of Pasco County residents took park in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in the fight to end the disease. (Courtesy of Alzheimer’s Association)

“Alzheimer’s is destroying our families, our finances and our future,” said Michelle Olson, Alzheimer’s Association development manager, in a release.

“It’s time to end it,” she added.

The moving opening ceremony featured several local families affected by the disease, as well as Maria Johnson, of the West Pasco Business Association; Daniel Paasch, director of strategic operations; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis; and Margie Pagano, an Edward Jones financial advisor.

Doug Fresh, CEO of St. Mark’s Village and a participant for Team St. Mark’s, shared his thoughts on the walk.

“It was fabulous. The walk is important to St. Mark’s Village because of the people we serve. It’s important to work together with the Association to get some answers for this terrible disease,” Fresh said.

Currently, St. Mark’s is the top fundraising team, raising nearly $7,587. The team has been participating for about 10 years.

For information, visit ALZ.org, or call (800) 272-3900.

Pasco County’s budget tops $1.4 billion

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a proposed budget topping $1.4 billion for fiscal year 2020.

The property tax rate did not change, but revenues collected by the county will go up because of an expanded county tax base due to new construction and property value increases.

Also, property owners will pay additional taxes to generate revenues needed to pay for four bond issues voters adopted to support a jail expansion, additional fire stations, park improvements and upgraded libraries.

The tax rates adopted by a 4-0, with Commission Chairman Ron Oakley absent, were:

  • Property tax: 7.6076 mills
  • Municipal fire service unit: 1.8036 mills
  • Jail (bond issue): 0.0277 mills
  • Fire rescue (bond issue): 0.0222 mills
  • Parks (bond issue): 0.0100 mills
  • Library (bond issue): 0.0096 mills

The aggregate millage rate is 9.3666 mills.

“The county realized a 9.3% increase in taxable assessed values over the past year,” said Robert Goehig, county budget director. Overall, the county’s budget is $1,465,713,041.

“Compared to the current fiscal year, the final general fund expenditure budget represents an increase of $44 million,” Goehig said.

This year’s budget includes a $20 million increase in the county’s reserves, the budget director said.

The budget also:

  • Fully funds the sheriff’s budget request
  • Includes a 6 percent wage increase for the board and constitutional officer employees
  • Includes $6.8 million for initiatives, including the restoration of library hours, an emergency generator replacement plan and other items.

Also, Goehig noted, there’s  $6.6 million for investments in infrastructure, such as the Starkey Ranch District Park baseball fields; two roller hockey rinks in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning; various information technology projects; and, the facilities master plan.

No transportation millage was levied last year and none was proposed this year.

The county’s Municipal Fire Service Unit Fund, which has a tax levy of 1.8036 mills, will generate an additional $4 million because of an increase in property values.

Those funds will be spent to support the negotiated firefighter wage increase and staffing for new fire stations.

No one spoke for or against the budget during the comment period of the public hearing.

Published October 2, 2019

AATL tops Land O’ Lakes in postseason tune-up

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Two of the state’s top softball players matched up for the final time against one another in high school uniforms when Academy at the Lakes hosted Land O’ Lakes in a recent non-district game at Starkey Ranch District Park.

Starting pitcher from the Academy at the Lakes, senior Lexi Kilfoyl, on the mound before the start of the game against Land O’ Lakes High School. (Christine Holtzman)

In the latest matchup between crosstown foes, the Wildcats and senior ace pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl bested the Gators and their senior star pitcher, Callie Turner, en route to a 10-2 victory on April 24.

Kilfoyl struck out 14 batters on her way to a one-hit complete game, allowing four walks and two unearned runs.

It marked a confidence-boosting performance for the 2018 Gatorade State Player of the Year and University of Alabama signee, who’s methodically battling back from a right shoulder ailment that’s plagued her since early March.

Land O’ Lakes High School starting pitcher, senior Callie Turner, winds up to throw a pitch in the first inning.

It also put the bow on a 13-7 regular season for the Class 2A defending state champs as they gear up for what is likely another lengthy postseason run.

Kilfoyl’s counterpart and fellow USA junior national team candidate didn’t fare as well, however.

Turner, the Class 6A Player of the Year, surrendered all 10 runs (seven earned) in six innings of action against the Wildcats’ balanced lineup. It was a rare off night for the University of Tennessee signee, who finished the regular season with a 1.76 earned run average and 158 strikeouts in 95.1 innings.

In spite of the late season defeat, the Gators, like Academy at the Lakes, are hoping for a deep playoff run since ending the regular season 20-5 overall and 9-1 in district play. Land O’ Lakes finished last season as the Class 6A state runner-up after falling to Plantation American Heritage in the state title game.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state softball championships begin May 8 and continue through May 24 for all classifications.

Published May 08, 2019

Academy at the Lakes’ athletic trainer Makenzie Brinker, right, examines the injuries of player Jessica Mott, who was hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Land O’ Lakes High School senior Shelby Westbrook up at bat in the third inning. Westbrook was walked to first.
Academy at the Lakes’ Coach Diane Stephenson gives a pep talk to batter Kacey Atkins during the second inning of the game.

Additional money sought for new library project

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is pushing Pasco County to increase funding for a new library, which is part of a collaborative project between the county and Pasco County Schools.

The project is to be built in the Starkey Ranch development, located on the ranch formerly owned by Starkey’s family.

The project includes a kindergarten through eighth grade school expected to open in August of 2021, a public library and a community black box theater.

The idea is to share the facilities, allowing the school to use them when it needs them and the public to take advantage of them when the school doesn’t.

The new school will be built next to the new Starkey Ranch District Park, which is off the main entrance into the master-planned Starkey Ranch community, in Odessa.

The first phase of the district park was built through an agreement between the county and Wheelock Street Capital, the developers of Starkey Ranch. The 80-acre park, now open for use, includes a lighted Little League baseball/softball field; three lighted multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse and football; a concession stand with restrooms and an additional restroom building; four picnic pavilions surrounding an events lawn; a playground; a maintenance building and a trailhead to the community’s 20-mile trail system.

When the district park is complete, it will have five additional lighted ball fields, lighting and groomed turf for the current practice fields, two additional concession stands with restrooms, and a 1-mile trail around the park.

Commissioner Starkey is advocating for an additional $1 million for the library project to help it to become a cultural center for the community.

“You know that there is a library that is being built that is the first one of its kind, a co-located library with the school district and the county,” she said, during the commissioner comments portion of the County Commission’s Oct. 23 meeting.

“And, I have been working with our staff and the school board’s staff as we go through iterations of the project,” said Starkey, who previously served on the Pasco County School Board.

“I will tell you first, the school district has been fantastic to work with, and they have found a way to add more amenities to the project. They have pulled the library a little closer to the school, and they are putting some of their square footage back into the library, and there are funds over and above the $12 million that we have allotted for it, and it will help us to get an outdoor area that the community can use for outdoor events, which would include alcohol, too, if we wanted, near the theatre.

“But, where we are short is on the Maker Spaces,” Starkey said.

The current plan calls for having one Maker Space and switching equipment in and out for various uses, Starkey said. It makes more sense to have additional Maker Spaces, to provide options to do a variety of activities without having to constantly roll equipment in and out, she explained.

“In talking with the school district, that is in charge of building it, and getting the architect, (Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent) Ray Gadd thought we needed one more million dollars in order to be able to build three Maker Spaces at what will be the Cultural Center and what I think will be the new model for these kinds of buildings in the county.

“I hope to get one over on the east side, and Ray (Gadd) is already looking at sites where the county and the school district can share again,” she said.

The idea of having multiple Maker Spaces makes it possible for a variety of activities to be going on at the same time, Starkey explained. For instance, in one area, people might be doing pottery, while in another, they could be making jewelry.

Starkey suggested the county earmark $1 million of the $2,881,000 that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano returned to the county that morning.

“I would love to see you approve that (million-dollar appropriation) to help make this building a premiere building and the beginning of a model that we should replicate throughout the county,” she told her colleagues and County Administrator Dan Biles.

Biles reminded the board “right now the (returned) funds roll into the bottom line and go into the fund balance and our reserves.”

Biles also told the board he’d like to see what happens during the Nov. 6 election before considering Starkey’s proposed budget amendment.

Cathy Pearson, an assistant county administrator, also told board members that she recently took part in a visit to the Carrollwood Cultural Center, in Hillsborough County, to see how that operates.

During that trip, she said, she learned that the theater planned in the Starkey Ranch project was too small.

The theater plan calls for 203 seats, but it needs to be 250, Pearson said.

In addition to the money that Fasano returned to the county, Paula O’ Neil, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, told commissioners she would be returning $465,381.24, but she did request the county  consider providing a total of $100,000 to help four different agencies.

Published November 14, 2018