The Laker/Lutz News

Suncoast Parkway

A closer look at Pasco County’s economic growth

By

Not many people understand the inner workings of Pasco County’s economy quite like David Engel, director of the county’s Office of Economic Growth.

Engel shared some of those insights as the featured guest speaker during The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce July business breakfast at Golden Corral in Zephyrhills.

Engel’s office serves as the fiduciary and administrator of Penny for Pasco. It is tasked with executing the goals and strategies outlined in the county’s adopted Economic Development Plan and the Pasco County Commission’s adopted Strategic Plan.

In his role, Engel promotes economic development, job creation, and targeted industry recruitment and expansion for the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund (Penny for Pasco) program.

David Engel (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Engel also provides oversight to the county’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee.

He brings wide-ranging experience to the role, including more than 16 years of experience as a municipal planning director and transit-oriented development manager.

He also spent 10 years on Wall Street, as a senior research analyst, specializing in public finance, transportation and energy technology systems.

Workforce demographics
Engel’s 30-minute talk — during the July 1 gathering — was replete with details about Pasco’s evolving labor demographics.

In 1990, about 23% of the Pasco’s workforce commuted outside the county, which at that time was essentially a rural and agricultural county, Engel said.

By 2000, the out-of-county workforce commuter figure ballooned to 42%, and now, it’s roughly 46%.

Engel put those facts into perspective: “What that means is there’s 200,000 people that are working in this county, 46% of them get in the car and drive elsewhere, and that’s why, driving over today at 5:50 this morning, I hit traffic on (State Road) 54, if you can believe it, because the Suncoast Parkway’s the main commuter for the Tampa Bay area.”

Despite frustrating traffic pileups, Engel emphasized that the Pasco County Commission is “committed to a balanced lifestyle” incorporating a place for residents to live, work, play, learn and celebrate culture.

Engel is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and holds a master’s in city and regional planning from Rutgers University.

He said through smarter development initiatives, the county is “providing a more inclusive environment so that people that live here can work here, they can send their kids to good schools, (and) there’s options.”

The county, he said, is refocusing its intention to create development that’s aesthetically pleasing and provide more than houses.

“We’re creating communities, not subdivisions,” Engel said.

His office also focuses on job skills training.

He said that the No. 1 question prospective businesses have is: “Where are my people going to live, and how am I going to get to work?”

Pasco’s unemployment rate is below both the state and region’s jobless rate.

He attributes that to the county’s “very sustainable, good economy.”

Engel also touted the benefits offered through programs such as CareerSource and AmSkills. The programs help people to attain skills, which improves their opportunities to land good jobs. And, it helps companies that have a need for trained workers.

Only 4.6% of the jobs in the county are in the manufacturing sector, Engel said.

But, he said, they are high-paying jobs and give young people good opportunities.

Engel also highlighted the increasing need for private employers to find buildings that are ready to house their operations.

When he joined the county three years ago, Engel said, inquiries would come in from companies looking to relocate to the area that would require 10,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet of workable space, within two months.

Satisfying the surging demand was a problem at the time.

“We had no inventory,” he said. “We really didn’t have the infrastructure to deal with the demand in the county.”

To resolve this matter, the county has what’s called Pasco Accelerated Development Sites (PADS) and Pasco Occupant-Ready Structure programs (PORS), funded through Penny for Pasco.

The programs provide “loans to support office and industrial-type development to provide the inventory here to absorb the demand that is coming in the door,” Engel said.

The county now has several hundred thousands of square feet of Class A office space up along the Suncoast Parkway and Northpointe Parkway (called NorthPointe Village), as well as State Road 54, near Ballantrae (called 54 Crossings). Asturia Corporate Center — a flex-industrial space along Lakepointe Parkway, in Odessa, has gone up, too.

There’s also demand for more light-industrial buildings — think spaces with 30-foot ceilings and loading docks — especially throughout East Pasco, the economic development expert said.

“We have so much demand for that. The east side needs it bad,” Engel said.

‘Trophy projects’ abound
The speaker went on to discuss a trio of what he referred to as “trophy projects,” in the county’s pipeline.

He first outlined Overpass Business Park, set on a 100-acre property at Old Pasco Road, that was formerly a county spray field.

The targeted industrial and office development master plan will support about 860,000 square feet, projected to create at least 1,500 new full-time jobs.

Commissioners approved a proposed incentive package to encourage the Rooker Company, based in Atlanta, to create an industrial park on the land.

It was initially made possible through a state grant in the waning days of former Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, Engel said. The grant was to rip out old infrastructure and create a development-ready site.

Work began in February. A ribbon-cutting for the first industrial building is expected next summer.

This is a rendering of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, an urbanized mixed-use development off State Road 54, including a mixture of residential, commercial and general office use.

The project is both ahead of schedule and under budget, Engel happily added.

A second notable project is the build out of the Lacoochee Industrial Area, which spans 90 acres near Bower and Coit roads.

The project area eventually will accommodate approximately 700,000 square feet of industrial/light industrial development to generate up to 1,000 new full-time jobs.

Community Development Block Grant and state appropriations are being combined toward rebuilding and repaving Coit Road, Bower Road and Cummer Road, he said.

Plans are in motion, as well, to construct a rail spur in the industrial area.

A targeted industry is already in place — The Reinforced Earth Company, which is a concrete product supplier that’s been hiring.

“Those are probably the first (new) jobs in Lacoochee in probably three or four decades that have been created,” Engel said.

The revitalization seeks to stimulate a community, in northeast Pasco, that’s been struggling since the sawmill company closed in 1959.

“It’s one of the most impoverished areas in the state of Florida. It’s sad, actually,” Engel said.

“When I first came here, I took a tour of the county. I saw a sign at a church that said, ‘No meals today,’ that’s how poor it is. The churches, because of the demand, had to turn people away for nourishment.

“They’re isolated and stranded, don’t have broadband service, the roads are in bad shape, people are living in actual shacks with metal roofs and vegetation (is) growing on them.”

Meanwhile, the picture is quite different in the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel development, which is located along State Road 54.

The urbanized mixed-use development situated on 215 acres will feature multi-story buildings with residential, commercial and general office uses.

The project calls for 2,695 residential units, 165,000 square feet of Class A office space and 190,400 square feet of commercial development. It is expected to generate 1,065 new full-time jobs, situated in a walkable neighborhood.

The owner-operator of the project is integrating public infrastructure, such as parking decks and roads, to meet the needs of the concentrated area.

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

Imagine restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities such as dance, gymnastic and karate studios.

The county offered up $32 million in ad valorem tax rebates to see the project through — with an expectation it will generate about $90 million in tax dollars on the backend.

Engel described Avalon Park as “a great project” creating “a downtown urban development for Wesley Chapel.”

Having a downtown area will help create a sense of place, where the community can gather, Engel observed.

He also noted its close proximity to Zephyrhills, making it convenient for the city’s residents to take advantage of Avalon Park’s offerings, if they choose to do so.

Challenges ahead
Elsewhere, Engel touched on multiple big-picture challenges the county faces in present and future.

One major task, he said, is identifying redevelopment opportunities, chiefly along older commercial corridors such as U.S. 19 and U.S. 301.

The corridors have the necessary infrastructure, but have long been synonymous for blight, graffiti and homelessness, issues that otherwise “really detracts from the hard-working community,” he said.

“That is stigmatizing this county,” said Engel. “You go out to other parts of this (Tampa Bay) area, (people) haven’t been up to Pasco in 20 years, and they’re just talking about U.S. 301 and U.S. 19 and how bad it looks, and they don’t have a clue, and we have to reeducate people using smart redevelopment.”

Another challenge for Engel’s office is finding additional ways to support Pasco’s small businesses — noting 80% of county businesses have fewer than 25 employees.

Penny for Pasco, in its current iteration, is only allowed to address target industries.

So, Engel and one of his staffers are using a small business engagement survey to better understand those business needs and desires.

A data-driven report will be presented to the county board, as Penny for Pasco funds are being authorized, Engel said.

Published July 21, 2021

Diverging Diamond is delayed

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still, the county commissioner expressed frustration.

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

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

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

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

Published July 14, 2021

Building A New Home Is The Best Option In A Seller’s Market

By

If you’re looking to buy a home today, you know it is a very robust and competitive real estate market, especially here in Pasco County with its highly desirable master-planned communities, excellent schools and superior road network.

For ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most respected custom builders, 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 three of Pasco’s most prestigious— Asturia in Odessa, Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, and Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City.

“While homes are selling quickly everywhere, we work closely with buyers to find the perfect homesite and floor plan in a community that is best suited for their lifestyle,” said Greg Jones, Tampa Division Manager for ICI Homes.

The amenity center at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel has a unique, T-shaped luxury pool, cabanas, grilling area and gated playground.

For those needing to relocate quickly, ICI Homes has showcase homes in each community that will be available for sale later this summer. “These move-in-ready homes are not yet being advertised, but we are inviting people to give us a call to learn more about them, so they are ready when they become available,” said Jones.

Fortunately, most families can plan ahead, and many are choosing ICI Homes as their builder because they are able to customize their home and have it ready in as little as eight months — the same length it takes most national production builders to complete a home.

“Building a new home gives you control — you can choose the community, homesite and floor plan best for you, rather than settling for someone else’s tastes,” said Jones. “Building new is really the best way to go today, instead of getting trapped in bidding wars and dealing with the uncertainty and hassles that come with a seller’s market.”

ICI Community Updates
ICI Homes has been building homes in Asturia since 2017, and is the exclusive builder in this development’s final phase.

“Asturia is such a great community to live that in just four months we have sold half of the 22 lots available in its final phase,” said Jones. “If you want to be close to the convenience of the Suncoast Parkway, and live in the vibrant Land O’ Lakes and Trinity area, please come by our sales center soon, while we still have lots available.”

Families wanting a Wesley Chapel address will fall in love with Persimmon Park, a unique community of less than 250 homes located in the Wiregrass Ranch master-planned community. ICI Homes has homes beginning in the $300s, and this affordability has moved sales along exceptionally well, with 80% of homesites sold. All homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home.

Persimmon Park recently celebrated the grand opening of its amenity center, which includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area. Coming soon will be dog parks for small and large breeds, and paved trails that connect to the Wiregrass recreational parkway system.

July is an exciting time for Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, when ICI Homes is opening its new model. Lake Jovita offers scenic views on 1,054 acres of rolling hills and beautiful lakes, winding through 36 holes of a nationally acclaimed championship golf course.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular floor plans for Lake Jovita, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in.

Start your search for a new home on the ICI Homes website, which is stocked with 3D virtual tours, photo galleries, interactive floor plans, and much more. Online sales staff can answer your questions, get you the information you need and connect you with an ICI Homes community sales associates.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and the Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

 Call 813-252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com, to schedule a VIP appointment for a new homesite in the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. The sales center there at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City.

Published June 30, 2021

State road projects in Pasco approach $290 million

By

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

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

(Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

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

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

Estimated completion: Late 2021

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

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

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

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

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

“The current estimated completion date is later this year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The project is progressing well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Utility relocation and erosion control measures are underway.

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

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

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

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

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

Published May 12, 2021

Pasco EDC touts diversified economy, startups

By

As Pasco County businesses and individuals look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is continuing to provide wide-ranging resources and guidance.

Pasco EDC representatives Mike Bishop and Dan Mitchell were on hand during a Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last month at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, to discuss the group’s various opportunities and initiatives.

(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The Pasco EDC is a private, 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes countywide economic development, and is partnered and funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. The organization formed in 1987.

“It’s all about jobs,” Bishop, the organization’s director of stakeholder engagement, said during the April 20 meeting. “We are in the business of attracting these companies to provide jobs for our county residents.”

Pasco EDC’s six target industries encompass the following: manufacturing; aerospace, aviation, and defense; business and professional services; information technology; life sciences and medical technology; and, logistics and distribution.

Noticeable strides are being made in the life sciences and medical technology tract, in particular.

Bishop highlighted Moffitt Cancer Center’s expansion near the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road Extension in Pasco.

The multiphase campus ultimately is expected to comprise of an estimated 1.4 million square feet and some 14,000 jobs over the next 20 years, featuring research labs, offices, light industrial/manufacturing capabilities, and conference space.

The facility also is anticipated to attract other surrounding medical-oriented biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Said Bishop: “That’ll be the gift that keeps on giving.”

Mike Bishop, Pasco EDC director of stakeholder engagement

Bishop told the breakfast crowd that the manufacturing sector “is a big one for us,” given its contributions to the county’s tax roll.

Exporting is another area the Pasco EDC is “looking at getting back up and running,” Bishop said, noting “that’s something that COVID impacted pretty dramatically.”

Bishop described workforce connections as a point of emphasis now, as companies face the challenge of finding talented, skilled employees.

Pasco EDC has worked to help fill that gap, he said, partnering with institutions including Pasco-Hernando State College and Saint Leo University to facilitate internships and other opportunities, to link employers and career seekers.

Meanwhile, Mitchell emphasized the importance of the county fostering a diversified economy to help “rise all boats.”

Many economic development councils across the country have “a huge focus” on recruiting businesses to their respective areas.

But, Mitchell said: “Just recruiting $80,000 per year jobs doesn’t give everybody a job, so we believe in stimulating a diversified economy.”

For instance, residents who are in recovery from substance addiction need various employment opportunities.

Pasco EDC does more than recruit companies.

It also helps existing industry develop and grow.

Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC SMARTstart program director

The organization’s SMARTstart program, led by Mitchell, offers resources and tools for established small businesses and also helps entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a business.

SMARTstart offers mentorship opportunities, educational workshops and roundtables, microloan funding, workspace incubators and other tools.

Some 1,500 business owners participated in at least one of its programs last year, Mitchell said.

At its core, SMARTstart seeks to resolve whatever is holding back would-be business owners.

“We’ve all been there, something’s holding you back,” Mitchell said, noting the obstacles can include insufficient funding, a lack of workspace, or a need for education or guidance.

Mitchell touched on specific opportunities available through SMARTstart.

For example, the organization has opened its microloan eligibility requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for businesses looking to grow, expand, or pivot operations.

Loans are available for up to $50,000 for applying businesses that are otherwise unbankable; Pasco EDC’s revolving microloan fund has about $600,000 available.

The loans can’t be used for real estate, short-term needs or to pay off debt, but can be used for improvements, working capital and so on.

“It really needs to be used to grow new business,” he explained.

Another signature SMARTstart operation is a nine-week bootcamp — CO.STARTERS — which seeks to equip seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn ideas into action, and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.

The CO.STARTERS operation, Mitchell explained, “helps people take a nascent idea and turn it into a business model, and really put it on a structure, and by the end of that nine weeks, they’ve got a little rolodex with several guest speakers that have come out, and they’re ready and prepared to launch their business.”

By the same token, Mitchell acknowledged people sometimes — upon finishing the nine-week program — decide they’re better off not turning their original idea or concept into a full-blown business, where they might have to invest their savings or resign from their current job.

To learn more about special events, available training and other Pasco EDC resources, visit PascoEDC.com, call 813-926-0827.

Published May 12, 2021

Leaders tour new research center site

By

Leaders from Moffitt Cancer Center, Lennar, and Metro Development Group recently toured the Central Pasco site that is planned to become home to a massive research and innovation district — as well as to one of the West Central Florida region’s newest live-work-play communities.

H. Lee Moffitt, left, reviews a map of Angeline with Dr. Patrick Hwu, CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. At right is Metro Development Group CEO John Ryan. (Courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center)

As plans for the new Angeline mixed-use community continue to take shape — H. Lee Moffitt, founder of Moffitt Cancer Center; Dr. Patrick Hwu, CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center; John Ryan, CEO of Metro Development Group; and Mark Metheny, division president of Lennar Central Florida toured the property on April 22 — riding in off-road vehicles along trails and dirt roads, according to a news release.

Angeline — which is being billed as a wellness-themed community — will be developed on thousands of acres of land, east of the Suncoast Parkway and south of State Road 52.

Moffitt plans to create a massive research and corporate innovation district that is expected to become a life sciences destination for the world.

Moffitt is working closely with the project developer, Metro Development Group, and the lead homebuilder, Lennar.

In the first phase, Moffitt will construct 128,000 square feet for a corporate business park, generating approximately 430 full-time jobs, the release says.

Once the Suncoast Parkway-Ridge Road Extension intersection is built, the first phase is expected to be complete in five years.

Plans for the Angeline community, which spans 6,200 acres, include a variety of homes from leading homebuilders for 30,000 new residents, a 150-acre regional park, Crystal Lagoon and beach, village center featuring restaurants and retail, and 3,600-plus acres of natural, undeveloped green space with an extensive trail network that could span up to 100 miles, the release says.

“Touring the Pasco campus for the first time only solidified how incredible this endeavor will be,” Moffitt’s CEO Hwu said, in the release.

He is meeting with biotech companies and other potential partners to be involved in the Moffitt facility.

“We foresee a first-of-its-kind campus with patient care, research, biotech, wellness, digital innovation and ultimately cures,” Hwu adds, in the release.

He also talked with the Metro Development Group and Lennar leaders about how the growth opportunity created by Moffitt’s new Pasco County location was one of the major reasons he decided to join Moffitt as CEO last year.

Site entitlements for Moffitt’s project, which encompass 24 million square feet, include plans for 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.

At the site visit, Metro Development Group shared initial ideas for the surrounding mixed-use master-planned community and amenities to complement Moffitt’s expansion campus, according to the release.

Leaders discussed potential synergies, such as researchers working with students at a STEM magnet school.

Here is a look at the progress being made on the Ridge Road extension, at the site that is part of a massive development being planned for a Pasco campus of the Moffitt Cancer Center. In addition to research facilities, the new community of Angeline will feature neighborhoods and an array of amenities.

Angeline will have a focus on being a wellness community, with fitness trails and recreation areas that would benefit those who live and work on campus, as well as cancer patients and survivors. The community will be built with a digital infrastructure to provide high-speed connectivity indoors and outdoors, the release says.

“We are proud to partner with Moffitt and Lennar on this forward-thinking project,” John Ryan of Metro Development Group, added in the release. “At Metro, we are known for creating healthy places for residents to live and work, and being aligned with Moffitt is a great fit in this regard.”

“We are very excited to be one of the first builders selected for Angeline, and look forward to providing a great product for the residents of Angeline and Pasco County,” said Lennar’s Metheny.

On the same day that the tour was taking place, Dr. Timothy Kubal was talking about the Moffitt Cancer Center at Wesley Chapel, where he is senior medical director, during a Zoom economic development briefing with members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

During his talk, Kubal mentioned that the tour of the cancer hospital’s new Pasco site, which included Moffitt’s CEO, was happening on the same day.

“We bought a massive amount of space — 775 acres, Suncoast Parkway, Ridge Road extension,” Kubal said, noting the need for that site “arises out of a need for space.”

Plans for the site, he said, are not “100% fleshed out yet, because it is so early.”

However, he added: “We’re going to keep growing because we’ve got a 25-acre footprint that is old.

“We need to be able to offer all of these different services in different places.

“So, we’re growing — we’re going to grow north, south, east, west — and we’re looking to grow with the community,” Kubal said.

Published May 05, 2021

Lutz neighbors oppose commercial rezoning

By

Residents of the Meadowbrook Estates and Sierra Pines subdivision, in Lutz, are banding together to fight a proposed commercial rezoning at the entrance of their communities.

Kiddie Campus University Inc., is seeking to change residential zoning to general commercial on a 1.67-acre site, on the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive.

Area residents who oppose the change were represented by Todd Pressman, a private consultant, during a March 4 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Pressman cited a report by a private planner, commissioned to review the request. The planner raised issues with the compatibility of a commercial use — in an area characterized by residential development.

“A request came through for this property for a day care and preschool in January ’11. That was denied 7-0, by this board. The same request came through one year later, for preschool, and that was denied,” Pressman said.

“This request would allow a gas station operating on this property. That would be nothing less than devastating for this community,” said Pressman, who presented petitions signed by 140 people against the request.

Residents from Meadowbrook Estates and Sierra Pines voiced objections, too.

They said a driveway from the proposed commercial site would have access onto Meadowbrook Drive —  a street they claim is too narrow to handle the traffic a commercial project would generate.

One opponent also raised concerns about the potential long-term environmental damage — from droplets of gasoline that seep into the ground — if a gas station is allowed to locate at the site.

The communities rely on private wells for drinking water.

Other residents pointed out the problem of delivery trucks having a hard time getting out of the neighborhood, if they make a wrong turn, because the streets are so narrow.

Despite those objections, county planners have recommended approval of both a land use change and a rezoning. Both changes are needed to clear the way for a commercial use.

If the land use change is approved, the applicant will have to meet buffering requirements that exceed those normally required by the land use code, county planners said.

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, noted that the site is at a signalized  intersection, on a six-lane arterial highway, three-quarters miles east of the Suncoast Parkway.

“I think the neighbors are clear that they will object to any use other than residential,” Wilhite said, but given the site’s location at the intersection, on a six-lane arterial highway, she added, “this is absolutely not the place for a residential use.”

Wilhite also noted that the county board has adopted a comprehensive plan that specifically directs where it wants commercial land uses.

“This application strictly complies with that direction,” Wilhite said.

Charles Grey, planning commission chairman, said “I try to always put myself in the position of both property owners. The residents and the person who wants to develop the property. It’s always a balance of property rights.”

“I’m a strong proponent of property rights.

“I do think we need to provide some type of protection for the residents who live in that area. They are very, very close to this property.

“I certainly wouldn’t want people walking back and forth, from a 7-Eleven, for example, to my home, walk across my property. I know how that gets. I deal with that all of the time,” Grey said.

Planning commissioner Peter Hanzel said he would prefer to see a less intense commercial use.

“When you go to a C2 (general commercial), you open a large variety of facilities that can go there. Perhaps that’s what the residents are concerned about, going to a C2. Is there a possibility that it could go to a C1,” he said, which would limit the potential list of uses.

Wilhite responded: “My answer to that is that they opposed the day care. They clearly said today that they want it to remain a residential use. This is not a place to underutilize property.”

Planning commission Chris Poole asked about what type of use was planned.

Wilhite said a gas station is one of the permitted uses in the requested zoning district.

Grey wanted to know if the planning commission could see the buffering plan before voting on the request.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, said buffering is typically determined during the site plan review process — after the use of the site is known and the orientation of the building, parking lot and other elements are known.

In this case, because of the land use requirement, a greater degree of buffering would be required, Tippin said.

But, Grey said he would like to see the actual plans.

Tippin said creating the buffering plan before sufficient details are known could result in a less-effective plan.

Poole suggested voting on the land use plan, but delaying the zoning request until more details are available on the buffering.

Wilhite said she would be happy to work with the county on a buffering plan, and could include language that would provide flexibility to adjust the plan, if necessary.

A board majority voted to recommend approval of the land use change. The board continued the rezoning request until April 1.

Published March 17, 2021

Pasco to update its facilities master plan

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement with Furr, Wegman & Banks P.A., for a facilities master plan update.

The facilities master plan was completed in March of 2015, and this task calls for completing the work necessary to update it.

The agreement specifies that the task must be performed for an amount not to exceed $336,720, according to background materials in the agenda for the Feb. 9 board meeting.

The facilities master plan is expected to be completed within 248 days of the county’s notice to proceed, unless an extension is approved.

In other action, the commission:

  • Approved a change order with Williamson Dacar Associates Inc., to extend the completion date of Feb. 9, 2021, for the Hugh Embry Library Renovations by 365 days. No funding was required for this action. The time extension will allow for completion of professional services, including construction administration and closeout.
  • Approved a change order with Moss & Associates LLC for the addition of two Design Assist Contractors (DACs) for the jail facility expansion and visitation building detention equipment and security electronics during the pre-construction phase. The amount of the change order is for an amount not to exceed $120,487, for a new cumulative not-to-exceed amount of $591,689 in fiscal year 2021.
  • Accepted a grant from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Inc., to expand archery supplies for reimbursement in the amount of $4,578 and to authorize the director of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, or his designee, to execute the grant agreement. The grant will be used to increase the county’s inventory of bows, arrows and targets; thus making archery education more available at passive parks, such as Starkey and Crews Lake Wilderness Parks and Withlacoochee River Park.
  • Approved the purchase of new carpeting in the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center, in the amount of $57,991.72. The purchase, being made through a state contract, is to replace carpet that is frayed and worn, and has reached the end of its useful life. New carpeting is required to maintain a safe and clean environment, according to agenda background materials.
  • Approve and accept the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Grant funding, through the Florida Department of Transportation, to purchase one vehicle. The grant is specific to Pasco County Public Transportation. Funding for the vehicle Is 80% federal, 10% state and 10% local. The total amount of the award is $90,000, which includes $9,000 match from the state and $9,000 match by the county. If the vehicle exceeds the total cost, the county must make up the difference.
  • Approved a recommendation to approve shortlist firms for roadway design services for design services for the Old Pasco Road widening, from north of Deedra Drive to North of Overpass Road. These are the shortlisted firms, in order: HDR Engineering Inc.; American Consulting Engineers of Florida; WGI Inc.; DRMP Inc.; Madrid Engineering Group Inc.; Johnson Engineering Inc., and Florida Transportation Engineering. The board also authorized negotiations with the top-ranked firm, HDR, to secure a design agreement for the project.

If an agreement cannot be reached with HDR, the board also authorized negotiations could be conducted with the remainder of the firms, in ranked order. An agreement is expected to be brought to the county board for approval within three months.

Commissioners also heard an update from County Administrator Dan Biles, who said the county has signed an agreement that will provide reimbursement to the county for the construction of the interchange at the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road.

The county and the Florida Department of Transportation collaborated extensively to execute the funding agreement, in the amount of $20 million. The plan is to deliver the next phase of the Ridge Road extension — opening two lanes between Town Center Road and the Suncoast Parkway this summer.

Published February 17, 2021

Moffitt in Pasco: ‘Transformational’

By

A deal approved last week by the Pasco County Commission is expected to have consequences far beyond the county’s borders, government and economic development leaders said.

County commissioners approved more than $25 million in incentives in an agreement with H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc.

The Pasco County Commission, county staff and representatives of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc. celebrate a deal that is expected to have long-term consequences for Pasco County, and the region. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

The county has agreed to make infrastructure improvements necessary to access the site, at an estimated cost of $24,913,012.

It also has agreed to waive, or pay, certain county permitting and impact fees related to supporting the initial phase of building construction, at an estimated cost of $786,988.

The cancer center owns a 775-acre site, near the southeast corner of the future intersection of Suncoast Parkway and the Ridge Road extension, which is currently under construction.

In the 24-page agreement, approved unanimously by the county board, Pasco County details and justifies the partnership with Moffitt.

In part, the agreement states: “The county has concluded that providing economic incentives to Moffitt will serve as one of the most significant catalysts in the county’s history for future economic growth, by creating the potential for new employment opportunities in Pasco County, reducing reliance on regional commuting to work by citizens, significantly diversifying the tax base, and introducing smart growth and service technologies to the area.”

County staff has determined that construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the approved agreement is essential to support the overall corporate business park development of the property.

In presenting the incentive package to the county board, Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., emphasized the significance of Moffitt’s decision to locate in Pasco.

“Words cannot fully express the magnitude of this project, or the potential of this project,” Cronin said.

In the first phase, Moffitt has agreed to construct a minimum of 128,000 square feet for corporate business park uses.

That phase is expected to generate 432 full-time jobs, according to the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

The multi-year, multi-phase Moffit project, however, is expected to include over 1.4 million square feet of research lab/office, light industrial/manufacturing, general office, and clinical building space.

“The overall, large project, is estimated to create at least 14,000 jobs — indirect and direct jobs for our community,” Cronin said.

Moffitt operates an internationally recognized immunotherapy program in Tampa, and is seeking to branch out because of space constraints on that campus.

David de la Parte, executive vice president and general in-house counsel for Moffitt, told commissioners: “This is a big deal. It’s a complicated transaction. It’s been a number of years in the making.

“It’s certainly important from an economic impact standpoint, but it’s even more important to the citizens of the state and to the citizens of this community,” de la Parte said.

“Cancer is a terrible thing,” he added, noting that Moffitt’s role is to be a research engine, an innovator, a place of discovery.

This is the site where H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc., plans to expand its work on a campus in Pasco County.

“We have been constrained, frankly, in that role, given the campus constraints that we have and have had. This will give us an opportunity to further accelerate the discovery,” he said.

The attorney anticipates the Pasco campus will become “a life sciences destination for the world.”

Besides approving the economic incentive agreement, the board took a separate action to direct staff to secure funding to pay for the extension of Sunlake Boulevard to the Moffitt site.

Curing cancer, creating opportunities
Pasco commissioners are delighted by Moffitt’s decision to open a Pasco campus.

“Yes, there’s the economic benefits that our citizens of Pasco County will have because of this facility being here,” County Commissioner Mike Moore said. But Moffitt’s work, he said, has impacts throughout the world.

“Each and every one of us has been touched by either somebody that’s gone through cancer or is going through cancer now,” Moore said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said: “This is so great for your organization. It’s great for our county, but this is magnificent for the Tampa Bay region and Florida, as well.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick weighed in, too: “This will not only be an economic asset for our community, but it’s going to create jobs and it will save lives.

“You guys are going to be bringing the best of the best right here to Pasco County, and I’m very excited,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley were enthused, too.

Oakley told de la Parte: “We support you all of the way, and we’re here to help you.”

Along those lines, the agreement with Moffitt calls for a designated county liaison to help streamline governmental processes, and an assigned rapid response team to handle any issues that arise.

Moffitt has agreed to handle the design, permitting, installation and construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the agreement.

But before that occurs, these conditions must be met:

  • Completion of the Suncoast Parkway Interchange at Ridge Road
  • Completion of the Ridge Road extension in an easterly direction from the Suncoast Parkway Interchange to Sunlake Boulevard
  • Completion of two lanes of Sunlake Boulevard in a southerly direction from State Road 52, south of the Ridge Road and Sunlake Boulevard intersection, to Moffitt’s spine road intersection at Sunlake Boulevard

Also, before Moffitt begins construction of the corporate business park building, the county and Moffitt will agree to a construction disbursement agreement that identifies specific sources of funds to satisfy the county’s obligations under the incentive agreement.

The conditions are expected to be met by the end of 2022.

Once they have been met, Moffitt has five years to complete the construction of the corporate business park building.

The agreement also gives the county administrator the authority to approve up to three years of extensions, if Moffitt has made good faith efforts to meet its deadline.

Published February 03, 2021

State road projects will ease congestion

By

Orange traffic cones and road signs signaling “a new traffic pattern” are a common sight for motorists, especially those traveling Pasco County’s state highway grid.

Amid COVID-19 lockdowns and now hopefulness that a vaccine could mean a return to normalcy, roadwork in Pasco County never stopped. Construction crews cleared rights of way, smoothed out dirt, buried pipes, paved new traffic lanes, landscaped medians, added pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and realigned existing roadways to ease traffic congestion in one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing counties.

Several major road projects from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be completed within the next four years. They include work on a new diverging diamond interchange at State Road 56 and Interstate 75, as well as projects on State Road 54 and State Road 52.

The construction schedules haven’t always met expectations.

Pasco County commissioners recently expressed displeasure with the slower than anticipated pace of project completions, especially on the diverging diamond. Pasco officials pushed to get the project started early, hoping for a spring 2021 completion. Instead, the schedule promises a summer 2022 end date, according to FDOT officials.

The new interchange is an entry and exit off I-75 onto State Road 56 where commercial and residential development is bringing new retail, hotels and residents to the area. Among the destinations are Cypress Creek Town Center, Tampa Premium Outlets and AdventHealth Center Ice.

The first completed road project is expected in late 2021 when work ends on the widening of State Road 54 east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. The last project through the pipeline will be the widening and realignment of State Road 52 in summer 2024.

Here is a list of some major state road projects currently under construction in Pasco County:

Workers from Sodmore LLC, of O’ Brien, lay sod for the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56, just west of Willow Oak Drive. The new interchange, scheduled to be completed in summer 2022, is expected to relieve traffic snarls at the interchange. (Fred Bellet)

Interstate 75 at State Road 56 diverging diamond interchange
Construction began in January 2019, with a completion scheduled in summer 2022. The estimated cost is about $33 million.

The diverging diamond is a popular design innovation with a unique pattern that relies on multiple lanes of traffic in a crisscross pattern and a limited number of traffic signals.

This project is the first diverging diamond in District 7 of the FDOT. Others are planned in Hillsborough County at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and I-75; and at Gibsonton Drive and I-75.

FDOT’S website praises the diverging diamond for its ability to handle heavy traffic volumes, increased pedestrian safety, more efficient signal timings and fewer opportunities for vehicles to crash.

Interstate 75 at Overpass Road
Construction on a new diamond interchange, including changes to local road patterns, began in October 2020. Completion of the approximately $64 million project is scheduled for summer 2023.

The new interchange is located about 3.5 miles south of State Road 52. There will be a flyover for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

Overpass will be widened from two 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 to Boyette.

Initially, crews will work in the southwest area of the project where a new neighborhood access road will be built at Old Pasco Road. It will replace the current Blair Drive link to Overpass.

Motorists westbound on State Road 54 make their way into Wesley Chapel as eastbound motorists head into Zephyrhills. The state road is being widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a median, to ease traffic congestion.

State Road 54 widening in the Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills areas
About 4.5 miles of State Road 54 will be widened from two lanes to four lanes from east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road.

Construction began in November 2017 and is scheduled for completion in late 2021. The estimated cost is $42.5 million.

In early November, eastbound traffic shifted onto newly paved lanes from west of Wesley Chapel Loop to New River Road. Simultaneously, Pasco is remodeling the New River Branch Public Library on State Road 54.

A sidewalk will be built on the north side of the roadway with a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the south side.

State Road 52 widening and realignment near Dade City and San Antonio
The project will widen and realign State Road 52 between Uradco Place and Fort King Road.

Construction began in November 2019, with completion scheduled in summer 2024. The estimated cost is $81.4 million.

A short portion of McCabe Road between Curley Road and Wirt Road is closed until spring 2021. Williams Cemetery Road is closed east of Wichers Road and McCabe, also until spring 2021.

In addition, some daily lane closures, with flagmen signaling to motorists, can be expected on Curley, McCabe, Prospect Road and Clinton Avenue. A detour route is available using Curley, Prospect and Wirt.

State Road 52 widening in Land O’ Lakes
About 3.8 miles of State Road 52 will be widened into a six-lane divided road from Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41.

Construction began in September 2019, with completion scheduled in late 2023. The estimated cost is $49.8 million.

A 12-foot-wide multi-use path will be built on the north side of State Road 52. In addition, about one mile of U.S. 41 will be widened as it approaches the intersection with the state road.

By Kathy Steele

Revised January 25, 2021