The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

State Road 52

Old Pasco Road widening project draws considerable interest

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A constant buzz of conversation filled the room, as people checked out posted maps of proposed improvements along Old Pasco Road, between County Road 54 and State Road 52.

A steady stream of people came and went during the open house-style meeting on July 28, at  the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Panos Kontses, assistant director of engineering services for Pasco County, is overseeing the county’s efforts to improve Old Pasco Road. He and other county staffers were at a July 28 open house-style meeting, to answer questions and listen to feedback from area stakeholders. (B.C. Manion)

People posed questions to county staff members, while checking out the displays of two alternatives for the project that are under consideration.

They also jotted comments to share suggestions and concerns.

Panos Kontses, assistant director of engineering services for Pasco County, said 3,500 letters were sent out to let people know about the meeting. The meeting was advertised and information about it was posted on the county’s website, too.

Kontses was pleased that people turned out to share suggestions, which he said will be considered, as planning continues.

During the session, Kontses said most of the people he talked with were residents of the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club community. However, he noted, staff members were stationed at different spots along the wall displays who also were fielding questions and hearing feedback.

Some Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club residents told Kontses they’d like to see a northbound right-turn lane to be built leading into the community.

“That’s a very good comment, so we will consider it, of course,” Kontses said.

“There was a request to put a signal there. That’s something we will consider during the design,” he added.

Many questions centered on the timing for the project, he added.

A fact sheet provided by the county gives details on the timing, as well as the alternatives under consideration.

Here’s the timeline, laid out in the fact sheet:

  • Design phase: Fiscal years 2022-2023 (this is running a little behind schedule)
  • Right of way acquisition: Fiscal years 2024-2025
  • Construction: 2026-2027

The drawings on display at the meeting depicted two build alternatives. There also was a matrix comparing the alternatives based on their compatibility with the county’s long-range planning efforts, the effect on the safety of traffic operations, environment impacts, and estimated construction and right of way costs.

Alternative one closely matches the alignment shown in the original 2001 and 2003 route studies; and alternative two considers revisions to further minimize impacts from alternative one. There’s also a No Build option.

The fact sheet notes that the proposed alignment follows the previous 2001 and 2003 route study recommendations. That alignment is:

  • West-shifted from County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard) to south of Country Club Road
  • East-shifted from south of Country Club Road to south of Boom Boom Drive
  • West-shifted from south of Boom Boom Drive to north of Bonnie Blue Drive
  • East-shifted from north of Bonnie Blue Drive to north of Deedra Drive
  • Center-realigned to eliminate sharp curves from north of Deedra Drive to north of Sonny Drive
  • East-shifted from south of Sonny Drive to 1,600 feet north of Overpass Road
  • West-shifted from 1,600 feet north of Overpass Road to State Road 52

Kontses said most of the right of way has been acquired on the northern section of the road, although he noted some additional right of way may be needed for flood plain compensations and ponds.

In recent years, the two-lane Old Pasco Road has experienced increasing traffic, with the opening of a new middle school, new high school and new performing arts center, and additional residential development in the area.

Traffic is expected to increase, as new subdivisions continue springing up and an industrial business park is expected to open on the road.

A new interstate interchange at Overpass Road and Interstate 75, which is under construction, also is expected to bring more traffic into the area.

“I think the people are excited that we’re doing something because this road is needed,” Kontses said.

“There are some safety concerns with some steep curves in the area of the RV park,” he noted.

“There’s congestion. When the school lets out, there’s a lot of traffic.

“They’re excited to see that we are putting in some signals. It’s going to be four lanes, instead of two,” he said.

Those unable to attend the meeting can review the materials on display at bit.ly/3bwVOGr.

The public also is invited to weigh in by completing an online comment form at bit.ly/3OaDPmS.

The deadline is Aug. 11 for submitting comments, which will be included with the Old Pasco Road Route Study and Pond Siting Analysis Report.

Published August 03, 2022

Gearing up for the new school year

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As students in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area head off to school for the 2022-2023 academic year, those arriving at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation will be helping to usher in the new school’s traditions.

Kirkland Ranch, at 32555 Innovation Drive in Wesley Chapel, is a magnet school that will specialize in preparing students in career fields and technical trades such as automotive maintenance and repair, including diesel; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; cybersecurity; digital media and multimedia design; engineering and robotics; welding; electricity; and, patient care technology.

Students at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52, in St. Leo, will have an opportunity to learn in the school’s new robotics and artificial intelligence lab, on the first floor of Kirk Hall.

Dr. Monika Kiss explains some of the features of Saint Leo University’s new Robotics and AI Lab. (Courtesy of Chad Gonzalez/University of Saint Leo)

The lab is part of the university’s new School of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS), which brings together several popular areas of study and degree.

At Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, 33347 State Road 54, a new middle school building will help to accommodate students at the growing charter school.

Those are just a few changes that await, as a new academic year gets into full swing soon.

The first day of school for students is Aug. 10 in Pasco and Hillsborough public schools.

The beginning of the school year varies for private schools, Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida, as well as for home-schooled and online students.

Typically, the beginning of the school year means that families are doing some shopping, or taking advantage of school supply giveaways.

For those still needing to shop, the Florida Back-to-School sales tax holiday remains in effect through Aug. 7. In general, the tax holiday means no taxes are due on the retail sale of:

  • Clothing, footwear and some accessories (selling for $100 or less per item)
  • Certain school supplies(selling for $50 or less per item)
  • Learning aids (selling for $30 or less per item)
  • Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories for personal use (selling for $1,500 or less)

Public school students in Lutz and Odessa attend schools in either Hillsborough or Pasco, depending whether they live north or south of the county line. Some Hillsborough students also attend Hillsborough schools in New Tampa.

Students in Central Pasco attend schools in Odessa, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, while those in East Pasco attend schools in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, St. Leo and San Antonio.

There’s some overlap between communities, since the shapes of school zones vary and there are magnet schools that draw students from beyond traditional boundaries.

As the school year kicks in, the impact on area traffic will be noticeable, as students, teachers, cafeteria workers, assistant principals, principals and other staff members make their way to their respective campuses.

And before heading back, it’s a good idea for students and parents to do a little homework to find out more about what to expect in the coming school year.

School websites often offer a wealth of useful information about school rules and expectations, how to sign up for various activities, fees that are due, and so forth.

Be sure to check the Twitter and Facebook social media channels for individual schools and your school district, too, to see if there’s any current news that’s helpful to you.

For instance, those following the Pasco County Schools’ website would know that the federal government is ending free meals it had been providing for all because of COVID-19 relief funding.

Some students will qualify for free or reduced price meals. But here are this year’s charges for paid and reduced price meals.

Elementary: Breakfast: $1.60 paid, 0.30 reduced; lunch, $3 paid, 0.40 reduced

Middle: Breakfast: $1.75 paid, 0.30 reduced; lunch, $3 paid; 0.40 reduced

High: Breakfast: $1.75 paid,  0.30 reduced; lunch, $3.75 paid; 0.40 reduced.

As the new school year begins, both Pasco and Hillsborough public schools continue to work to fill staff vacancies.

The school boards in both districts also are urging voters to approve a tax increase that they say will help them to attract and retain quality staff.

In Pasco, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

In Hillsborough, the tax increase also would last four years, unless extended by voters, according to the district’s website.

At least 75% of the proceeds would go for increased compensation for teachers, counselors, media specialists , bus drivers and transportation assistants, classroom assistants, and other non-instructional support staff.

Hillsborough also would use proceeds to protect and expand art, music, physical education and workforce education.

Voters will decide the outcome of the ballot initiative, in their respective county, during the Aug. 23 Primary Election.

Published August 03, 2022

Old Pasco Road meeting set

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Pasco County is anticipating that a four-lane divided road will be needed to accommodate future traffic on Old Pasco Road, from County Road 54 to State Road 52.

Options being considered for widening the road will be on exhibit at a community meeting this week.

County staff and consultants will be hand at the meeting to provide details, answer questions and give the public an opportunity to comment on the options being considered.

This map depicts the project limits for a project the county expects will be needed to handle additional traffic on Old Pasco Road. The public is invited to learn more about options being considered and to offer comments and ideas at an open house-style meeting on July 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Those wishing to learn more are encouraged to drop by any time during the open house-style meeting to review aerial maps, conceptual plans of the widening and alternatives.

The meeting will be on July 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Details about the options were provided by the county to The Laker/Lutz News.

According to that information, the county currently is performing a Route Study and Pond Siting Analysis to evaluate the impacts of widening of Old Pasco Road, within the study area.

Alternatives being considered include a typical urban section (curb and gutter) from County Road 54 to Blair Drive and an urban or suburban section from Blair Drive to State Road 52.

Improvements also will include potential signalization of several intersections, on-street bicycle lanes, a sidewalk on one side of the road, a multi-use path on the other side, and drainage improvements, according to the county.

In addition to a No Build option, there are two other alternatives under consideration.

  • Alternative 1: This alternative closely matches the horizontal alignment and right of way width of the recommended alternative shown in the original Old Pasco Road Original Route Studies, which were approved by the Pasco County Commission in March 2001 and April 2003.

This option, from Country Road 54 to Quail Hollow Boulevard, applies the Urban Narrow Typical Section (100 feet of right of way) and acquires right of way along the west side of Old Pasco Road while utilizing existing slope/drainage easements.

From Quail Hollow Boulevard to Blair Drive, this alternative applies the Urban Standard Typical Section (128 feet of right of way).

From Blair Drive northward to State Road 52, it applies the Suburban Typical Section (158 feet of right of way) with a curb and gutter in the median and paved shoulders with parallel ditches on the outside.

Near the Cypress Creek High School, to avoid complete reconstruction of the existing two-lane roadway, this alternative applies a Rural Widening Typical Section (164.5 feet of right of way) with inside travel lane widening/shoulders, and milling and resurfacing of the existing travel lane/outside shoulders.

  • Alternative 2: This alternative considers revised typical sections and horizontal alignments to further minimize the impacts of Alternative 1.

From County Road 54 to Quail Hollow Boulevard, this alternative applies the Urban Narrow Typical Section (110 feet minimum right of way) and acquires right of way along the west side of Old Pasco Road while utilizing existing slope easements.

From Quail Hollow Boulevard northward to State Road. 52, this alternative applies the Urban Standard Typical Section (128 feet minimum right of way).

Near the Cypress Creek High School, to avoid complete reconstruction of the existing two-lane roadway, this alternative applies the Urban Widening Typical Section (164.5 feet of right of way) with inside travel lane widening/shoulders, milling and resurfacing of the existing travel lane and construction of bike lanes and outside curb and gutter.

The alignment follows the previous 2001 and 2003 route study recommendations:

  • West-shifted from County Road 54 to south of Country Club Road
  • East-shifted from south of Country Club Road to south of Boom Boom Drive
  • West-shifted from south of Boom Boom Drive to north of Bonnie Blue Drive
  • East-shifted from north of Bonnie Blue Drive to north of Deedra Drive
  • Centered/realigned to eliminate sharp curves from north of Deedra Drive to south of Sonny Drive
  • East-shifted from south of Sonny Drive to 1,600 feet north of Overpass Road
  • West-shifted from 1,600 feet north of Overpass Road to State Road 52

Portions of the required road right of way have already been acquired south of Overpass Road. All required road right of way has been acquired north of Overpass Road to State Road 52. Right of way for 12 of the 14 pond sites already has been acquired within the corridor.

The county currently has funding for the following phases of the project within its 10-year capital improvement program:

  • Design phase: Fiscal Years 2022/2023: This is slightly behind schedule
  • Right of way acquisition: Fiscal Years 2024/2025
  • Construction: Fiscal Years 2026/2027

Those unable to attend the meeting can review the materials on display at bit.ly3bwVOGr.

The public is welcome to comment on the project by completing an online comment form at bit.ly/3OaDPmS.

Published July 27, 2022

Project at I-75 and State Road 52 moves closer to approval

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning request to clear the way for a project known as Pasco Town Center, on roughly 1,000 acres at the southeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

Pasco County will seek to build a project known as Pasco Town Center at the southeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and State Road 52. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning matters.

This won’t be the first time the county board considers the project.

It approved an economic incentive deal on June 7, with Columnar Holders, relating to the proposed project, which includes 4 million square feet of industrial space; 725,000 square feet of office space; 3,500 housing units; 400,000 square feet of retail and 300 hotel rooms.

The agreement terms provide a $55.8 million package for Columnar, funded mostly through property tax rebates, as specific milestones are met.

The development company also will install key roads and utility connections beyond the Pasco Town Center Property – providing $70.1 million in public infrastructure, with no direct cost to taxpayers, David Engel, the county’s director of the office of economic growth, said at the June 7 county board meeting.

Pasco Town Center is within the Employment Center area of Connected City.

Joel Tew, attorney for the applicant, described the project to the planning board at its July 21 meeting.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of jobs,” he said.

“We must use at least 55% of the land — in this case, we’re talking over 1,000 acres of land, so we’re talking about over 500 acres of land must be allocated and used for corporate business park, targeted business or industrial use,” Tew said.

“We then must use at least 20% for residential uses, but they can’t be single-family detached. So, everything has to be multifamily or townhomes to support the employment center.

“Then, finally, we have to use at least 5% for support commercial uses for the employment center,” he said.

Planning Commissioner Chris Williams, who also is the director of planning for Pasco County Schools, noted that the residential entitlements are double what had been previously proposed.

That raises the issue of the potential need of a school site within the project site, Williams said.

Tew responded: “For the record, we understand that concern.”

He also noted that there’s still a significant amount of land that has not yet been committed to a particular use, so he is confident that a suitable site could be identified.

At the planning board’s meeting, Engel explained the significance of the Pasco Town Center project.

“It’s vitally important for our economic future because it is the heart of our economic development area, on I-75 and (State Road) 52, employment node,” he said.

It will provide infrastructure — the public spine roads and the master utility lines—for the employment center area, as well as to areas to the east, he said.

The Office of Economic Growth wanted to ensure the elements of the economic development agreement were carried through to the master-planned unit development (MPUD) level, so it has worked closely with the county’s planning department to ensure that happened, he said.

County planners recommended approval of the request.

Neighbors seek to protect their tranquility
Carol Roth, who lives on McKendree Road, appeared before the planning board, along with her daughter and granddaughter. All three women raised concerns about the impacts the sizable project will have on their way of life.

“When we came into this area, it was beautiful and serene,” Roth said.

“I feel it is the obligation of Pasco County government to protect me and my environment and my land, as you allow for growth for business and other people. I’ve lived there over 50 years, I built that home and I’ve enjoyed what I have.

“I’ve enjoyed its inherent beauty. I don’t know if people are familiar with rural Pasco, but it’s a distinct beauty,” she said.

She also noted that her property has a variance for an air strip and wanted assurances that wouldn’t be affected, if future plans call for a new school nearby.

Roth said she’s not against development, she’s against the impacts that come with this type of development.

“What happens to the little people who own 20 acres right across the street?” she said.

Her granddaughter noted that the family built their home “with their own sweat and blood.”

She expressed concerns about impacts on wildlife in an area where gators walk across their property, dozens of turkeys hang out there, and there’s sandhill cranes and other creatures.

Safety is an issue, too, she said.

Roth’s daughter noted that all of the development will create light pollution, resulting in a loss of access to the night sky, and the sense of stillness and awe they currently enjoy.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development manager, said the county doesn’t anticipate any conflicts with the landing field from future development. He also noted that plans call for realigning McKendree Road, which would push traffic further away from the family’s home.

Tew said that whenever development occurs, it will be required to meet buffering, setback and landscaping requirements.

Planning Commissioner Jon Moody observed: “We can’t stop Tampa from extending northward. I don’t think there’s anything we can do to stop that kind of growth. The population continues to grow, the people up North keep coming. And, from the looks of things, it looks like it’s going to keep coming.”

Moody said he understands the family’s concerns, noting he won’t pay for streetlights in his neighborhood because he enjoys the night sky, too.

“But I can’t guarantee that the next 100-acre tract over or the one after that is not going to get built on; I don’t own it,” he said.

He also noted this project is “going to bring a lot of jobs, probably desperately needed  jobs.”

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi agreed: “Growth is coming. It’s inevitable.”

At least now, both Girardi and Moody said, the county is planning for growth.

Planning Commissioner Williams added: “My family has been here for five generations, here in Pasco County.”

He, too, enjoys the rural nature of where he lives, Williams said.

But he added: “I can’t dictate what my neighbor decides they want to do with their property.”

Planning board chairman Charles Grey added: “We’re aware, keenly aware, of growth and how it affects areas that we once thought were going to be that way forever.”

This project has been thought out and will have considerable benefit, Grey said.

“There’s going to be a downside as far as you’re concerned because of the growth, but the upside is, at some stage, you may want to sell that property, and when you do, it’s going to be worth a lot more money, because of it,” Grey said.

Published July 27, 2022

ICI Homes Continues to Sell and Expand in Today’s Market

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders, is continuing to sell and expand, as a large number of buyers from different markets across the country are still trying to move to Pasco County.

“Out-of-state buyers from east to west coast are attracted to Pasco County because of its highly desirable master-planned communities, excellent schools and superior road network,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

For ICI Homes, Pasco is the hub of its Tampa Bay operations. Its team is dedicated to helping families find beautiful lots and select from a variety of floor plans in some of Pasco’s most prestigious communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’Lakes, Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, and Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City.

Move-in Ready Homes are Available at Lake Jovita
Move-in showcase inventory homes are currently under construction and will be ready by the end of this year in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, for customers who are looking to settle down in Dade City for that short, 20-minute drive to Wesley Chapel and the old-fashioned charm of downtown Dade City.

Some of the inventory homes that will be offered in Lake Jovita include the Charlotte, Costa Mesa and Egret. According to Jones, all three floor plans are some of the most popular floor plans throughout the state of Florida.

The Charlotte, Costa Mesa and Egret range from just over 2,000 to 3,000 square feet and are all offering large indoor and outdoor living areas along with oversized bedrooms. Each floor plan is positioned on premium homesites throughout the community and are well appointed with the latest design features.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park is Opening Soon
The land development team is working hard on phase two, which is almost completed. ICI Homes will be starting to offer a VIP interest list this July.

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to have finished phase one of Persimmon Park and are looking forward to starting phase two,” says Jones.

Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. Its amenity center includes a unique T-shaped luxury pool, with cabanas and a grilling area.

The Primrose is Persimmon Park’s most popular floor plan. This two-story plan features nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area, with plenty of room for family and friends to gather. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for gaming, entertaining, family time or guest privacy.

Connerton is Almost Sold Out
As for Connerton, Jones says the demand is equally as high and warns that the community is almost completely sold out.

“Connerton, Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community is located in Land O’ Lakes and is one of the developments that many people are interested in,” says Jones.

Only four homesites currently are available at Connerton, but a recent showcase home in the community will be ready by the end of the year for potential buyers.

A popular gated community within Connerton, Rose Pointe, offers a clubhouse with a full-time activities director, fitness center, gym, large resort-style pool and more. This small, gated community is one of the many features that makes Connerton stand out to potential homebuyers.

Another gem in the Rose Pointe community is the Connerton Nature Preserve, which features a scenic 2-mile trail that winds through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands. The trail’s 10-foot-wide sidewalks allow for easy biking and walking through Connerton’s picturesque landscape.

A New Phase is Coming to Bexley
ICI Homes is excited to be back in Bexley and offering a wide range of floor plans. A VIP interest list will be offered to potential buyers this July.

Bexley, a planned community that embraces Land O’Lakes natural settings, has thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and a great location off State Road 52 and the Suncoast Parkway.

ICI Homes model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel; the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City; and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Jones at .

Published June 29, 2022

Another Pasco deal expected to yield 2,400 jobs

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The Pasco County Commission has approved another economic incentive deal — this one expected to yield 2,400 jobs when completed.

The county board approved a $6.3 million incentive package for the project, to be funded through property tax rebates.

In a separate action, the board approved a substantial modification to a previously approved master-planned unit development for the site, increasing its size as well as its permitted industrial development.

The approximately 225-acre site is near the northeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

The planned industrial project is a 1.4 million-square-foot build-to-suit distribution center, according to David Engel, director of the county’s office on economic growth.

Northpoint Development LLC, which will build the project, is the “largest privately held industrial developer in North America,” according to attorney Clarke Hobby, who represents Northpoint.

In briefing the county board on the economic development incentive, Engel said: “Originally, it (the site) was smaller, but the developer has acquired an additional 56 acres to the north to accommodate a larger building footprint.

“The developer estimates the building and land development improvements will total $205 million and the equipment in the building will be approximately $100 million,” Engel said.

“There is discussion of putting in a 500,000-square-foot mezzanine, bringing the build-to-suit building up to approximately 1.9 million square feet in floor area,” he added.

The project will necessitate $9.9 million in road improvements, Engel said. The developer has requested $6.3 million in assistance.

“We’re proposing to pay the developer back in ad valorem taxes over 20 years, which will amount to 33% of the tax flow that goes into the general fund.

“In the event that the project with the build-to-suit does not come to fruition, the developer will default back to the original entitlement of 1,150,000 square feet,” Engel added.

“It’s still a very cost-effective proposition for the county because the incentive comes at a minimum of $5.50 a square foot versus the other spec buildings that we’ve done in the past, which range from $9.60 a square foot to $10.”

“The general fund projected revenue over the 10-year period will be $19.1 million, so when you net out the $6.3 million ad valorem assistance, the general fund will capture at least $12.8 million in revenue,” Engel said. “The annual gross county product contribution is $282 million.

“The current return on investment is $1 gives us $195,” Engel said. “This is a completely performance-based deal,” he added.

Hobby told the board: “This is an exciting project. I can’t talk about the end-user here, but the project is being designed and will be constructed for a major regional distribution center that will include a significant number of jobs.

“If for some reason the end-user went away on this project, no money will be advanced, unless my client goes out and builds this enormous building anyway.

“It’s a huge net benefit to the county even if the end-user didn’t come.

“I’m happy to say that my client is so confident in the deal happening that we’re planning on starting construction in late August, to early September,” Hobby said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“District 1 in East Pasco is starting to grow more and more, with Pasco Town Center (a recently approved economic incentive deal nearby) and then this project, too. A lot of great things happening, a lot of jobs being created for our citizens, in East Pasco,” Oakley said.

Hobby added: “This is a big deal. This building is almost a half-mile wide.”

Engel said the floor area size is comparable to two football fields.

Hobby told the board: “Coming from Dade City, it had such a huge employment base, it really made a wonderful town, a lot of middle-income earning opportunities. So, for me, the jobs are really key to creating a community. That’s why I’m so passionate about it.”

Published June 29, 2022

Dayspring Academy is planning a school in Angeline

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The Pasco County School Board and Creation Foundation, doing business as Dayspring Academy, plan to work together on a new elementary charter school to serve an emerging community in Central Pasco.

The Pasco County School Board approved an agreement at its June 21 meeting, which sets the stage for a new elementary school for 600 students to be built in Angeline, in an area just south of State Road 52 and west of Sunlake Boulevard, according to an agreement in the board’s agenda packet.

Dayspring and the school board have agreed to fund the project through impact fees. The school will serve kindergarten through fifth grade students.

“Dayspring and the school board desire to partner with each other in this endeavor and as such will work to blend the charter school program and curriculum with the future board STEM 6-12 magnet,” the agreement says. The objective is to open the school in 2024.

The agreement also spells out how construction should proceed, how payments will be made, and so on.

Angeline is a new development spanning 6,200 acres, which is south of State Road 52 and east of the Suncoast Parkway. The new 6-12 magnet school already is under construction in the heart of a town center that is near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

That campus is expected to become a magnet for world-class cancer researchers and life science companies.

The board approved the agreement as part of its consent agenda, meaning it was approved with a number of other agenda items without board discussion.

Published June 29, 2022

Model homes expected soon in new ‘city’ of Angeline

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Crews are busy at Angeline, a new 6,200-acre master-planned community in Central Pasco.

A recent tour of the property, given by Vaike O’Grady, vice president of marketing and communications for Metro Development Group, provided an early glimpse of the emerging development.

Fabric banners proclaim Angeline, on a portion of Sunlake Boulevard, just south of State Road 52.

Angeline is a massive community that’s in the early stages of development. It is being likened to a small city, built from the internet up, by Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

A welcome center is under construction.

Some street signs already are posted, including Banyan Breeze Boulevard and Anchor Dune Drive.

Vibrant signs proclaim some of the community’s values: Thrive. Nourish. Learn. Connect.

Lennar will build the first homes in Angeline, from its Active Adult Collection, with model homes expected to open this summer.

A multimillion amenity center and clubhouse will be constructed within Lennar’s gated neighborhood — featuring a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and more.

“We are currently launching with four (builders). Just like in any of our large communities, we would expect to have a very diverse mix — anywhere from eight to 10 builders, over time,” said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group.

“We like to create multigenerational communities, so everything from townhomes, villas, entry-level single-family homes, move up, luxury, for rent, multifamily apartments.

“Our goal is to be able to offer a very diverse product mix, so there’s something in it for everyone,” he said.

Angeline will be massive
When completely built out, Angeline is expected to have about 35,000 people, Goyani said.

The community will be home to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County 775-acre campus, which is entitled for up to 24 million square feet of planned clinical and research facilities.

Plans include a hospital, research and development space, office, manufacturing, laboratories, pharmacies, educational facility/university, hotel, and commercial space. The multiyear, multiphase project is expected to create 14,500 jobs.

Its footprint is larger than downtown Tampa.

“It’s super exciting. We can’t more thrilled to have an anchor like Moffitt Cancer Center here,” Goyani said.

Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $20 million in funding for Moffitt, which would have been recurring for 30 years. At the same time, he left intact $106 million in funding for infrastructure for Moffitt.

Goyani said the governor’s veto will have no impact on Metro Development Group’s plans in Angeline.

Moffitt issued a statement following the recent legislative session, thanking the governor and legislative leadership for their support of Moffitt’s efforts.

In part, that statement says: “The new funding approved will help accelerate Moffitt’s expansion efforts in Pasco County to better serve more patients, increase our research and education efforts, create new jobs and make our vision to build a global destination to live, work and cure cancer a reality.”

Not far from the planned Moffitt site, Pasco County Schools is building a 6-12 STEAM Magnet School, focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Goyani said the school is significant.

This depicts the 6-12 STEAM Magnet school under construction in Angeline. It’s on a site near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County research and medical campus. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

“That’s an integral part of our town center. It’s the first of its kind, not only from an educational standpoint, but from a place-making standpoint that we’ve integrated a four-story school, right within the heart of the town center,” Goyani said.

Angeline also will feature the latest in technology.

“We’re creating an entire city, from the internet up,” said Goyani, obviously passionate about what that will mean to the people who live and work there.

“Angeline is going to have the fastest connectivity in the Tampa Bay area at over 2 gigs —included for everyone who moves into the community.

“At a very fundamental level, we see technology as the great connector and the great equalizer, especially in today’s world.

“Technology is the only thing that can bridge the digital divide.

“So, you could be a school student, you could be a CEO high-level executive, you could be an hourly laborer — but guess what, one thing in common to everyone is technology.

“When I’m looking for a restaurant, I’m connecting to the same level of connectivity. I’m using the same maps, I’m using the same websites that a CEO or an executive or someone else would do, if you bring the same technology to everybody, regardless of where they live.

“They rent an apartment, the live in a townhome, or they live in a multimillion dollar home — we want them to be able to connect, learn, stay healthy, by getting access to the same technology,” Goyani said.

Angeline promotes wellness
The new community in Central Pasco is designed to promote good health.

It will have a professionally managed working farm. It will have a regional park.

(B.C. Manion)

An extensive trail network will weave throughout Angeline and will have connections to the Starkey Preserve, the Connerton Preserve and the Crossbar Ranch Preserve.

“We want to create the healthiest zip code in the country,” Goyani said.

For one thing, people who want to do telehealth appointments are unlikely to encounter problems with the strength of their internet connection.

Besides encouraging good health, the trails provide easy connections between people and the places they want to go, he said.

“You could go on a bicycle, golf cart. You can take an e-bike, you could take a scooter; (or) autonomous golf carts, when they arrive eventually. Or, you could just bike and run,” Goyani said.

“You should be able to get to anywhere within the community without hopping in your car,” Goyani said.

Angeline also promotes sustainability, he said.

It will have state-of-the art battery- and solar-powered streetlights that are completely off-grid and are dark-sky compliant.

It also will retain much of its natural beauty.

“Preserving the natural area is part of our sustainability goal. More than half of the Angeline project is conservation and preserve areas,” Goyani said.

“The way we do that is basically bending our building footprints and subdivision phases around the existing natural areas, and respecting what’s out there that came before us.

“It’s obviously harder. It’s also expensive. But we think that’s the right way to do it,” Goyani said.

One manmade amenity that’s expected to be popular is Angeline’s planned crystal lagoon. The development group established the first lagoon in Florida in Epperson in Wesley Chapel, and another one is under construction in its Mirada development.

This aerial shows the welcome center for Angeline that’s under construction near Sunlake Boulevard and State Road 52. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

The lagoon sparks interest, Goyani said.

“So, you’re in California, you’re in New York, you want to move to Florida. Or, you’re living in South Tampa, and you say, ‘OK, why would I go up to Angeline?

“The lagoon provides that visual ‘Wow,’” Goyani said.

He also noted: “What we saw during Covid was that it was just a great way for people to safely gather outdoors, continue with their life.

“It just provides for good, all-around family enjoyment,” he said.

Metro Development Group’s involvement in Angeline began in 2018, when it acquired the property.

“Originally, Lennar had it under contract, and based on what they saw what we’d done at Connected City, the ability to transform an entire region, they approached us to see if we would be interested in taking over Angeline. That’s how we got involved,” he said.

The property’s size and its access to the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52, as well as the Ridge Road extension running through it, made Angeline appealing to Metro Development Group.

“We want to create something that is of this size and scale, that can also handle traffic for the next 50 years,” Goyani said.

Angeline, a 6,200-acre master-planned community, one day will be like a small city.

Plans for the area, which is south of State Road 52 and east of the Suncoast Parkway, include:

  • Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, a 775-acre life sciences and research park, expected to attract researchers and companies from around the world
  • A diversity of residential options, expected to appeal to be people of all ages in different stages of life
  • A community farm
  • A 6-12 STEAM Magnet School (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
  • 3,600 acres of green space and an extensive trail system
  • A MetroLagoon
  • The fastest internet in the nation, accessible to all within the community
  • Access to State Road 52, the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road. An extension of Ridge Road will run through the property, ending at U.S. 41.

Published June 22, 2022

Pasco is expected to gain 6,000 jobs

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A new development planned for 965 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52 is expected to generate 6,000 jobs.

The Pasco County Commission approved an incentive deal on June 7 to help pave the way for the development.

The Pasco Town Center, as the proposed development is known, is expected to include 4 million square feet of industrial space; 725,000 square feet of office space; 3,500 housing units, 400,000 square feet of retail and 300 hotel rooms.

The agreement with Columnar Holdings includes a $55.8 million incentive package, funded mostly through property tax rebates, as specific milestones are met.

The development company also will install key roads and utility connections beyond the Pasco Town Center Property – providing $70.1 million in public infrastructure, with no direct cost to taxpayers, according to David Engel, the county’s director of the office of economic growth.

The infrastructure includes sanitary sewer, potable water, reclamation lines and roadways, Engel said.

“The project completion of all of this $70 million worth of infrastructure is in three phases, with a terminating target date of Dec. 31, 2028.

That public infrastructure “will expedite and attract job-creating industrial and employment center development” in the area, according to details in the county board’s agenda backup.

“We’re proposing to provide $46.2 million in ad valorem equivalency grants. That’s (in) the form of a rebate. The developer pays taxes in Year 1 and he gets rebated a portion of the taxes in Year 2, which is 33% for most of the development and 20% for the multifamily,” Engel said.

The agreement also provides $9.6 million in cash reimbursements to the company toward constructing the master utilities within the employment center area of the master-planned unit development. That will be paid for with $2 million in Penny for Pasco proceeds and the rest through county funding.

Laying the groundwork for employment growth
Engel noted the developer has requested assistance because the county wants “to accelerate creating a development-ready environment in the employment center,” Engel said.

“Because of the pressures in the marketplace and our lack of inventory, we do not have suitable space for companies to come in to that area right now, and we have tremendous demand for that.

Engel also noted: “We’ve requested — and the developer has agreed — to increase the industrial entitlement from 1.8 million square feet of industrial to 4 million square feet of industrial.”

Pasco Town Center is within the Employment Center area of Connected City.

After incentive rebates, the new development is expected to generate over $300 million in revenue for the county over the next several decades, Engel told the county board.

The agenda memo notes that “all the described incentive payments will be deferred and accrued in a county escrow account for the benefit of the company until 1 million square feet of industrial and/or office space is built, which may include occupied or ‘spec’ (speculative) building space.”

Based on the development phasing schedule provided by the company, the county estimates the project will yield aggregate ad valorem revenue totaling $386,581,404 during the 40-year ad valorem rebate payment period, the memo says.

It also is expected to create nearly 6,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, at build-out, the memo adds.

Engel’s office forecasts a 10-year return on investment equaling 35 times.

“The benefits of the project, related to economic growth, are profound because we’re focusing on installing all of the public master roadway and utility infrastructure in the Connected City employment area,” Engel said. “That will be on the developer’s property and off-site, to serve the entire area.

“This is the most productive agreement that I’ve brought forth to date to the board,” Engel said. “The Rooker project, for example, which we provided Pads and Pours funding, was $9.80 a square foot. This is $9.60 a square foot.

Once the project is complete, $1 contribution by the county will give us $100 in return to the local economy,” Engel said.

Michael Wolf appeared on behalf of Columnar Holdings, which plans to develop the site.

He told the board that the company is part of Traylor Construction Group, which helped to build the Howard Frankland Bridge back in the 1990s. Traylor is a third-generation company, run by four brothers today, Wolf noted.

“We buy raw land, entitle it and do these infrastructure improvements. We also have construction arms for doing vertical construction, as well.

“We’ve had a very strong presence in the Orlando market for the past 15 years, developed almost 5,000 lots there in major master-planned communities, largely adjacent to Disney World,” he said.

The company is “very experienced in the space — construction, development.

“We’ve also got horizontal development going on in Austin, as well as in Denver, as well as southwest Florida.

“We’ve got experience in all asset classes, from residential, industrial, multifamily, single family and so on,.” Wolf said.

Developer will pay attention to design
Wolf assured board members that the developer won’t “just lay out large industrial buildings, but ( will) work on place-making, as well.”

It is collaborating with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences on creating a sustainable design, including fitness components, he said.

It also wants to create dining and entertainment options for employees and residents of neighboring master-planned communities, he added.

The agreement won’t take effect until after the site receives the county board’s approval of a master-planned unit development rezoning request.

That approval appears highly likely, based on enthusiasm expressed by county board members.

“I think it’s a win-win for the county and for our developer,” said Commissioner Ron Oakley, noting the project is located within his district. “I appreciate you being here and building this kind of product for us.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “This is a very exciting project.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Wolf: “This looks really fantastic. I’m really excited we’re getting this quality of development at (I) 75 and (State Road) 52. I’m sure you’re going to be very successful there.”

In keeping with her persistent advocacy for trails and for making it easy for people to get around, Starkey asked the developer to pay attention to that issue.

Wolf agreed with Starkey: “We just think it’s so important to really, truly get that activation, to have folks be able to run, bike, golf cart, what have you. If we don’t have those components, we won’t be able to activate that space.”

As he reiterated his support for the project, Oakley noted that when he left Pasco to go off to college, he was able to return to work in the citrus industry.

Others that left for college were unable to come back for jobs in their professions. Projects like this increase job opportunities and help to change that picture, Oakley said.

Wolf told board members that the proposed rezoning for the project is working its way through the process.

Wolf told commissioners that the developer hopes to get a shovel on the ground this year.

Published June 22, 2022

Pasco scores wins and losses, in this year’s state budget process

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When it comes to state funding for projects, Pasco had some wins and losses, during the last session of the Florida Legislature.

Ralph Lair, Pasco County’s intergovernmental officer and members of Sunrise Consulting Group, the county’s Tallahassee lobbying team, briefed the Pasco County Commission on some of the highlights during the board’s June 7 meeting.

One of Pasco County’s budget priorities that made it into the budget, but was axed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen, called for $14 million for the second phase of the Ridge Road Extension.

The governor also slashed a request by Moffitt Cancer Center for a $20 a million a year, which would have been recurring for 30 years, Lair said.

That would have paid out $600 million over time, which Moffitt was going to use to build its hospital, Lair said.

On the plus side, DeSantis retained $106 million in funding intended for infrastructure related to the Moffitt project, Lair noted.

Shawn Foster, of the Sunrise team, added:  “I know some of you had some major concerns.”

But he reminded board members that Moffitt got $23 million a year last year, though an increase in the sales tax for cigarettes.

Lair said DeSantis also vetoed $35 million intended for a a sports complex and about $5 million for an intersection project near the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village.

He also noted the veto of a $7.1 million request by Pasco Schools for a partnership school with Moffitt Cancer.

“The Sheriff’s Office had two projects. One of their items was vetoed for their office community outreach and engagement initiative for $150,000; but they did receive $3.2 million for a center for recovery for endangered and missing persons,” Lair added.

Pasco County did receive $2 million for Green Key drainage improvements and $5.9 million for right-of-way improvements relating to Lacoochee industrial development.

The Pasco County Fair Association got $2.5 million to do a barn replacement and the Pasco County Housing Authority received $700,000 for a 77-unit affordable housing for veterans, Lair added.

On the municipal front, Dade City received $9 million for the extension of Morningside Drive and a $4.2 million appropriation for a five-point intersection roundabout, which will be over on Meridian/St. Joe Road/State Road 52.

Commissioner Ron Oakley noted that the roundabout project was scheduled for two years from now, but the funding was brought forward so it can happen now.

A big-ticket item for Dade City, however, fell victim to DeSantis’ veto pen: A $39.7 million project to do a replacement of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and a relocation was struck from the budget.

The City of San Antonio received state funding for two projects: $600,000 for a stormwater management project and $900,000 for a sewer extension project.

The city’s request for $500,000 to harden its historic fire station was vetoed.

“The City of Zephyrhills was  our big winner in our community,” Lair said. The projects involved a sewer and water main extension; airport improvements; and, a street extension into the planned National Guard Armory.

Lair also noted that Saint Leo University received $15 million for a multipurpose arena complex, but also had two items vetoed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Veto Items
Before signing the state’s budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 443 items, totaling $3.1 billion. Here’s a look at some of the local items rejected by the governor:

  • Ridge Road Extension Phase 2B: $14 million
  • Sports Training and Youth Tournament Complex: $35 million
  • Moffitt Pasco County Life Sciences Park: $20 million per year for 30 years
  • Pasco-Hernando State College, remodel buildings A through E and Chiller Plant, west: $22.5 million
  • University of South Florida, Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences, Research & Teaching Facility, $75 million
  • Saint Leo University Organic Farm (The Farm) Initiative. $311,000
  • Two Saint Leo University programs relating to its Robotics Engineering Degree and Microcredentials Program: $1.2 million
  • Bills relating to Academy at the Farm: $11.8 million
  • Bills relating to Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership School: $7.1 million
  • Tampa Bay Thrives: Behavioral Health Navigation and Support Line: $300,000
  • Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Engagement Initiative: $150,000
  • Bills relating to Pioneer Florida Museum: $5.3 million
  • Bills relating to Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority: $1.4 million
  • San Antonio City Hall & Fire Station Hardening: $60,000
  • Pasco County Cultural Arts: $2 million

Source: 2022 veto list of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Published June 15, 2022