The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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A torch run for Olympians — Special Olympians, that is

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A bit of a breeze has the torch flame leaning, as Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco begins to lead the line of volunteers, staff and more than 100 Special Olympians taking part in the annual event. (Fred Bellet)

More than a hundred people turned out to run, or perhaps stroll, during the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida on April 12.

The event was held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, in Lutz.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco led the torch run, and was delighted by the turnout.

One of the special touches at the event was a balloon arch, set up on the bridge over the pond in the Tampa Premium Outlet concourse.

Over 400 balloons were used to decorate the bridge, according to Shannon Brzuchalski, director of marketing and business development.

“Tampa Premium Outlets is honored to partner with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to hold the Special Olympics of Florida 2022 Torch Run. We are proud to be a strong community partner to host great events and bring awareness to an amazing nonprofit organization,” she said.

More than 100 Special Olympians took part in the Torch Run at the Tampa Premium Outlets, with Special Olympians representing various Pasco County schools.

The communities of  Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes had many participants at the event.

Published April 20, 2022

Laura Leon, 18, left and Dariel Chamarro, 20, of Land O’ Lakes were among the students from various Pasco County Schools participating in the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run. The two were waiting to receive a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.
Many of those taking part in the Torch Run at Tampa Premium Outlets, did so at a relaxed pace.
The torch remained lit for those bringing up the rear in the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Before the start of the Torch Run, Destiny Chandler, 20, of Wesley Chapel, left, and Emily Lutz, 21, of Wesley Chapel, stop to pet Jo-Jo, a therapy dog. The three-year-old Labrador Retriever was accompanied by Pasco Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Brown.
Members of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office under the finish line balloon arch, at the Tampa Premium Outlets.
Hunter Roun, 20, of Land O’ Lakes, takes advantage of the chance to get a selfie with the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunder Bug.
Moniqua Ventrone, of Land O’ Lakes, lower right corner, and Maria Thelander, of Valrico, prepare a balloon arch for the Special Olympians to pass through, during the 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The women are from Party Now, in Lutz.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Art Madden gets an escort from Special Olympian runners after receiving the torch in a hand-off, along the route of the 2022 Torch Run.
Of those making a foot race out of the Torch Run, the first female to
cross the finish line was Marlynne Stutzman, 25, left, of Port Richey. She gets a hug from Andrew Ahern, 26, of Land O’ Lakes, who was the second-place winner for the men.

Commercial growth popping up in Pasco

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Brick-and-mortar projects are rising rapidly, expanding Pasco County’s booming growth.

Construction crews are building shops, restaurants, Class A offices, gas and convenience stores, and car washes — on sites with “Coming Soon” signs.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off Sierra Center Boulevard, next to Bonefish Grill. (Kathy Steele)

The county’s major commercial corridors – State Road 54 and State Road 56 – remain the epicenters of a construction juggernaut.

But Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, is an emerging source of expanded commercial and retail development.

Workers in hard hats and construction equipment engaged in projects are common sights on primary corridors in Pasco County.

Beginning on State Road 56, east of Interstate 75, options at The Shops at Wiregrass are expanding, or have expanded, to include Body Details; Crazy Sushi; Leonidas; and The Living Room.

New arrivals nearby include the Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Morningstar Storage.

On the west side of I-75, on State Road 56, new businesses are opening at Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Zaxby’s opened in September on an outparcel on the south side of State Road 56, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center. A Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is expected to open in a shell building under construction next door.

Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the state highway, is adding Zumiez, according to the outlet’s website. The store features “cutting-edge” clothing, shoes, accessories and brand names for skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Zaxby’s fast-food chicken restaurant opened in September on an outparcel of the Cypress Creek Town Center expansion, also on the south side of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Sun Vista Drive. Chicken Salad Chick is expected to occupy space in a new building under construction next to Zaxby’s, according to county permits.

On the north side of State Road 56, a Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction, next to Bonefish Grill in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

El Dorado is a 70,000-square-foot furniture store that will showcase as many as 20 storefronts offering furniture choices from contemporary to traditional. It is being built in front of Brighthouse Crossings apartments, near the Cypress Creek Town Center and Tampa Premium Outlets. A June opening is anticipated.

Also, a January 2023 opening is expected for the 300-unit, four-story Silversaw apartment homes, on Garden Village Way, off the town center’s Sierra Center Boulevard. Work also continues for the 260-unit Garrett Apartments at Cypress Creek Town Center..

Heading toward Land O’ Lakes, the Avila Living apartment complex is rising at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. Brick-and-mortar also is visible now at EOS Fitness.

U.S. 41, heading west from State Road 54, has had activity in recent months, too.

Circle K and 7-Eleven opened new gas stations and convenience stores on the federal highway, which locally is known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The Circle K replaced a demolished older strip mall at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Hale Road. The 7-Eleven and a Radiant car wash filled out a vacant corner at the Bell Lake Road intersection.

Land O’ Lake residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of Stonewater Grill, which fronts Bell Lake.

Stonewater Grill is a waterfront restaurant that is expected to open on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in early May. The restaurant will offer a range of menu options, craft beers and cocktails, a wine room, and an outdoor bar with patio dining.

In its previous renditions, the restaurant operated as Rapscallions, was rumored to be a future Hooter’s location that never came to fruition, and then served customers as Mosquito Grill and Bar, before closing and falling into disrepair.

Years ago, county officials moved to demolish the vacant and dilapidated structure.

But co-owners Dominic Difante and Scott Harris saw potential and now plan to open Stonewater Grill in early May.

They tore down most of the old structure and replaced it with a modern, stone-infused restaurant that will offer what Difante describes as an “elevated casual” dining experience.

The menu will include burgers, wings, tuna, steaks, chicken, and other options to please all tastes, Difante said.

There also will be patio dining with a bar, a wine room, a large event room with a bar, and an outdoor lounge area. He hopes to see customers dining, watching sports on large screen television, and returning two to three times a week, he added.

He hopes in the future to build a 75-foot dock, also suitable for outdoor dining.

“It’s a good area, a visible area,” Difante said. “I’m glad to be here.”

Projects galore on State Road 54
On State Road 54, moving west of the U.S. 41 intersection, an array of shops, restaurants, Class A offices and new apartments are transforming former pastureland.

The Shops at Ballantrae and the Cypress Ranch residential and commercial development especially are busy.

The Hub at Bexley is a new shopping and activity center at Bexley by Newland master-planned community, off State Road 54. Several shops and restaurants are scheduled to open by the end of 2022.

At Ballantrae, on Aprile Drive, the 54 Crossings Professional Center is under construction. The Class A office project includes two 60,000-square-foot office buildings. It will offer luxury flexible office space, lush landscaping, bicycle racks, a pavilion and walking trails, according to its website.

A shell building is under construction, also on Aprile, that will include a Five Guys restaurant and Trulieve, a medical marijuana store, according to county permits.

Opposite Ballantrae, Cypress Ranch is adding apartments and retail. Aldi’s grocery store, on Skybrooke Road, and Panda Express, on Harpers Run, are under construction. County permits also show work underway for EOS Fitness, Pacific Dental Services, The Learning Experience, and Chick-fil-A.

Next to a new Circle K gas and convenience store, Burger King is serving burgers and Woodie’s Car Wash is cleaning cars.

4 & Co. is a luxury business center and co-working space under construction on Bexley Village Drive in Bexley by Newland master-planned community.

Further west toward the Suncoast Parkway, The Hub at Bexley, off Bexley Village Drive, plans to open by the end of 2022. Its website lists future tenants for what is promised as a community gathering center, where residents can “come, stay and play.”

Among future tenants are Amazing Lashes; Bubbakoo’s Burritos; Checkmate Escape Rooms; Downright Deli & Donuts; Dr. Bawany dental office; Duckweed Liquors; Headlines Barbers; Haute Nails and Spa; P-Fit Fitness; Revolution Ice Cream; and The Poke Company.

Off Bexley Village Drive and Early Riser Drive, 4 & Co. Is planned for a summer 2022 opening. The company will offer about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-workspaces. Amenities include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture, and conference rooms.

The Springhill Suites by Marriott, also on Bexley Village Drive, is checking in guests.

In Odessa, commercial development at Starkey Ranch is expanding.

A new retail center – Shoppes at Starkey Crossings – is scheduled for an early 2023 opening on the north side of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, opposite the Starkey Ranch Town Square, anchored by Publix. Details on tenants are not announced, but the shopping center will have 20,000 square feet of leasable space, including a drive-thru window at one end.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come in Pasco, soon.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 20, 2022

Bounce on over, to have fun here

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Enjoy jumping around? This is the spot for you.

At Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, at 22930 State Road 54, in Lutz, there’s plenty of trampolines and all sorts of other options for when kids, and adults, get squirrely.

Amelia Marcos hangs from cloth ropes in a foam square pit at Flying Squirrel in Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

It’s an entertainment and recreation option that occupies more than half of the former K-Mart in the Willow Bend Shopping Plaza.

“We open at 2 o’ clock when school gets out, so it’s about people always looking for stuff to do after school,” said Kevin Olivella, Flying Squirrel’s manager. “So, it can be busy then, but that’s when we have a lot of people and families like that ready to jump around.”

Flying Squirrel opened in June 2020, following some pandemic delays typical for businesses opening during that period.

Ian Samora dunks a basketball off a trampoline at Flying Squirrel in Lutz.

“I think we put together every trampoline,” Olivella said. “From every last spring,” he added, laughing.

“And, even as a trampoline park itself, we have different aspects than other trampoline parks, too,” said Brody Flanagio, fellow manager.

Besides large trampoline areas, Flying Squirrel has a handful of Top Golf simulators, Drey Cafe for food and drinks, an augmented rock wall, arcade games, American Gladiator-like games with foam battalions, and even a zip line.

“It’s a lot of fun here, even to work here, because we have some staff competitions with the kids to mix things up,” Olivella said. “Weekends are our big days because we have birthday parties and it’s crazy. Or can be.”

Flying Squirrel is not far from Main Event Wesley Chapel, at the Tampa Premium Outlets, but Olivella said that the trampoline park and Main Event are different enough to not view themselves as competitors.

Flying Squirrel, located at 22930 State Road 44, in Lutz, now occupies the former K-Mart department store in the Willow Bend Shopping Plaza and is one of the largest trampoline parks in the Tampa Bay region.

“Main Event has bowling, more video games,” Olivella said. “I like to think we’re really a trampoline park first, so not only do we have a little younger demographic, we’re more about being active, jumping around, wearing kids out. So they’re just different beasts of entertainment.”

At Flying Squirrel, booking in advance is not necessary for those who just walk in to jump and play, but it is recommended for parties and events.

Prices start at $19 an hour, but there are family passes available, which are popular with frequent visitors.

Don Hager, of Wesley Chapel, falls into that category. He has made the trek to Flying Squirrel dozens of times, accompanied by his grandson, Braddick.

“He loves it,” Hager said. “It’s definitely something for him to do and then he’s tired later on. He gets great exercise and it gets him out of the house for an hour or so. What more does he need?”

Flying Squirrel Indoor Trampoline Park
Where: 22930 State Road 54, Lutz
When: Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Prices start at $19 an hour; group rates available
Details: A trampoline park, a rock wall, arcade games and other recreational options
Info: Call 813-501-8488, or visit FlyingSquirrelSports.us/lutz-florida/

Published April 06, 2022

‘No one does what we do,’ at Finishing Touches

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Finishing Touches, located at the Tampa Premium Outlets, has taken lighting planning and design into the digital age.

“We fully embrace online shopping; our entire store is designed around it. The only fault to online shopping is you can’t see the product in person. That’s where we come in,” said owner Bill Richards.

Whereas most lighting showrooms are vast and overwhelming, Finishing Touches only displays what’s necessary. Each example is perfectly placed to give visitors a better idea of the online options regarding, size, color and style.

And it all starts at the in-store, Interactive Online Design Center.

“Our program is designed specifically for the lighting industry,” said Richards. “With this tool, we can customize a plan that falls within your budget and order it right to the store.”

At Finishing Touches, you get the tactile experience of seeing the product in person, while still having your favorite pick from the expansive stock that online shopping offers. Bill’s wife, Terry Richards, has been in the lighting industry for over 40 years. At Finishing Touches, she offers her design expertise for free, and helps every customer find what they want at a great price. What further sets Finishing Touches apart is the guaranteed customer service. By having in-store hosts instead of solely purchasing online, there’s always a place to come back to for help.

“We price match, too; if you find it cheaper somewhere else online, we’ve got you covered,” said Richards.

To find a lighting setup that fits your room perfectly, Finishing Touches is situated across from Saks Fifth Ave and Kate Spade, at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Published March 30, 2022

En-LIGHT-ening You and Your Home at Finishing Touches

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Finishing Touches is a new lighting and fans showroom located in the heart of the Wesley Chapel/Land O’ Lakes area. Locally owned and operated by Bill and Terry Richards, the store offers a wide variety of lighting, ceiling fans and home décor. Terry has been in the lighting industry in this area for 40 years and knows precisely how to combine the best lighting touches with your home’s décor.

“We are passionate about lighting and keeping up with new designs and technologies,” said Richards. “Our focus is on finding you the right lighting for the right space, at the right price.”

As soon as you enter the store, you’re greeted by a comfortable store setting boasting beautiful selections of diverse lighting, along with over 70 ceiling fans of all sizes, styles and price ranges. Unique furnishings and artwork adorn the walls and floor to create a boutique feel.

”We have fans from 20” to 120” – something for everyone!” says Bill. “Besides what we have in the showroom, maybe you have a different style in mind. We can help you find it with our Online Design Center in the showroom. With Terry’s expertise, she will find what you are dreaming of AND in your budget. Our software gives us up-to-date info on stock availability and online prices, which we will meet or beat in most cases.”

The showroom is located in the Tampa Premium Outlets across from Kate Spade, a well-known women’s boutique. Hours are Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Published February 23, 2022

Pasco plans to take a look at its transit services

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GoPasco — Pasco County’s public transit agency — is planning to take a look at the services it provides and whether it needs to change them.

Kurt Scheible, the county’s director of public transportation, discussed the upcoming study with the board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Pasco MPO board — made up of elected leaders of Pasco County, Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey — is the transportation planning agency for the county.

Scheible said a study, which will be awarded based on a request for proposals, will aim at helping the county deliver the services based on customer needs and demand.

Essentially, he said, the question is: “What can I do to make it better for people in Pasco County go get to where they want to — easy? How do I help them overcome transportation barriers to get to where they need to go?

“I don’t care what the destination is. That’s what we’re looking for. Nothing is off the table,” Scheible said.”

Some ideas he would like to explore, include:

  • Can we get to some of the beautiful sporting complexes?
  • Is there a way we can serve Saint Leo University better?
  • What about providing a shuttle during the holidays between The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets? That way, motorists could park at one place, and go back and forth to shop and dine.

He told MPO board members that he wants a robust public participation process and told the board that its members will have the chance to weigh in on the issues.

Pasco County plans to study its transit services, with the aim of finding ways to get as many people as possible to where they need or want to go. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“We’re looking at every aspect of the county,” he said, and the goal is to let the citizens and the MPO board have a significant impact on where the transit agency is going.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez welcomes the opportunity.

“I’m happy that we’re having this conversation,” she said. “I look forward to being included.”

Scheible said possible approaches could include a “mobility system on demand.”

He said he may be unfamiliar with such systems, but a consultant with experience of seeing transportation systems across the nation might be knowledgeable.

“I may have read about it in an article or heard about it from somebody, but they have actually helped design it somewhere across the country,” he said. “Maybe they can put something in place like that.”

Scheible made it clear: “I’m not saying what needs to be done. The citizens, the stakeholders, are telling me what needs to be done.”

The study should reveal the centers where people are traveling to, he said.

“We won’t be able to meet everybody’s needs, but we’ll come up with the best solution that we can do and move forward,” Scheible said.

Zephyrhills Councilman Lance Smith said that transit is likely to play a larger role, as increased traffic continues to slow movement for motorists across the county.

“It takes 20 or 30 minutes to get to a place where I used to be able to go to in 10 minutes,” Smith said.

“Every one of you knows how bad the traffic is, and it’s not going to get any better,” Smith said.

“So, I think people may be willing to ride public transport.

“I think we all need to work together on it.

“Thanks, Kurt, we’ll put on our thinking caps.” Smith added.

Bus shelters
On another issue, Scheible updated the board on the status of pursuing some new bus shelters across the county.

Jacksonville’s transit agency has a bus shelter contract that Pasco can use to speed up the process, Scheible said.

“The good news about this is that the company will actually be able to design what we would like to have done and they’ll tell us what the price is, and we can move forward from there,” Scheible said.

“So, we’ll be able to present some options to you and you’ll have some input on which shelters you’d like in your area.

“The other good news is that we actually got the concrete and the civil engineering contracts in place to be able to put the bus shelters in.

“We’ll pour the concrete and make sure that we meet all of the codes, and so forth,” Scheible said.

Published January 19, 2022

Complaints increasing about traffic tie-ups on Pasco roads

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Pasco County has been attracting more residential, commercial and industrial development in recent years — leading to new opportunities and population growth.

But the growth creates traffic and there’s growing pushback against the county’s clogged traffic arteries.

Carla Card appeared, via a remote feed, during the public comment portion of the Pasco County Commission’s Dec. 7 meeting.

“I’m here today to discuss the tremendous growth, which is leading to the terrible traffic issues and accidents, near State Road 54, State Road 56, the Grove (at Wesley Chapel), Tampa Premium Outlets, and Old Pasco Road to Bruce B. Downs (Boulevard),” Card said.

“My home is off of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and this concerns County (Commission) Districts  1, 2 and 3.

Pasco County’s roadways are becoming more congested, as the county’s population grows. A number of construction projects that are intended to address the issue were halted earlier this year, but the work has resumed, so traffic flow should improve when those projects are completed — but that will take some time. (File)

“Fender-benders and horrible accidents are happening in this area every day because of the overgrowth in population.

“Our community can’t handle any more.

“Not only is the gridlock and the buildup negatively affecting the quality of life with current residents, but it’s also negatively affecting the wildlife that has nowhere to go and live.

“Deer are constantly being maimed and killed on these hazardous roads, and it’s very disturbing to see.

“The new construction in the area needs to be reviewed and additional development in this area should be halted, if there is no funding to fix the road issues.

“We certainly should not allow more development to increase in this area, which actually increases the chaos.

“There are several new multi-tenant buildings being built right now. Once completed, the population will grow and cause more traffic issues.

“It’s so bad right now that emergency vehicles are not able to respond quickly.

“And, how awful this is, if you or a loved one needs emergency care.

“So, we must stop any new developments until we get this traffic under control.

“People are running red lights and blocking intersections, which is just causing mayhem.

“It takes me over 35 minutes to get to I-75 (Interstate 75) and it used to take 12 minutes.

“There are six traffic lights in a short distance, and not one works to move the flow of traffic correctly.

“There are too many businesses near the I-75 on- and off-ramps. This is extremely dangerous.

“We need to stop new development or require developers to  pay for the build on the roads necessary, prior to the development of new structures. It’s just really becoming too much,” Card said.

During a different portion of the same meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore also expressed concerns about growing gridlock.

He showed his colleagues photos he took of traffic backed up on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, which turns into County Road 54.

“My son practices and plays golf a lot at Lexington Oaks Golf Club,” Moore said.

“I live in Seven Oaks, which is literally 5.9 miles away.

“It’s taken me 45 minutes, to go 5.9 miles,” he said, noting he makes the trip between 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.

By comparison, it only take 18 minutes to 21 minutes to get to Interstate 4, from Interstate 75, he said.

The traffic that’s backed up is not waiting to get on I-75, but rather waiting to make its way through Pasco County, Moore said.

“We have a lot of things coming up in this area. The area I just showed you is the exact area where an apartment complex was just approved. Another one (multifamily) in front of Lexington Oaks; another one is being built a block away.

“If you go around the corner, that’s that one that got approved on Bruce B. Downs (Boulevard), and there’s a couple more that are coming up for votes in the future,” Moore said.

“This road can’t handle any more. When I say no more — no more.”

Moore continued: “That’s not a good quality of life.”

“Nothing more can go around that area. We can’t handle any more. The citizens can’t handle any more,” said the commissioner, who successfully persuaded his colleagues to approve a temporary moratorium on new multifamily applications in a portion of his district.

The board is expected to revisit that issue in early 2022 because Moore would like to include some additional areas that are now part of his district.

The new areas became part of Moore’s District 2, when the county board approved new boundaries as part of the redistricting process that occurs every 10 years, after the U.S. Census count is completed.

Published December 29, 2021

Temporary lane added to help handle holiday traffic

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To help ease the flow of holiday traffic, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has added a temporary third lane on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75.

The extra lane is expected to remain open until after the New Year’s holiday period, according to a news release from Kris Carson, of the District Seven office of FDOT.

Also, motorists who are headed to southbound I-75 from eastbound State Road 56 need to know that the entrance ramp entry point to I-75 has been moved to the west, meaning motorists will need to exit State Road 56 sooner to get onto the interstate.

A temporary third lane has been added on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75. The lane is intended to help ease the flow of holiday traffic. (Courtesy of the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation)

The additional lane and the relocation of the exit are just the latest changes near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange — one Pasco County’s most traveled areas.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of I-75 on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a magnet for motorists.

Add to the mix a major construction project that’s now underway to create a new configuration at the interchange — and the ingredients are there to create traffic migraines.

The state road department previously issued a playbook, of sorts, aimed at helping drivers avoid the frustrations of holiday traffic jams.

Their first word of advice is to avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the Exit 279, which is the County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard)/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

Or, drivers can head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some additional suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

Published December 01, 2021

Pasco’s growth fuels economy

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Apartment construction is dominating residential development along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor — a magnet for development in the midst of Pasco County’s surging growth.

As rooftops on luxury apartment homes pop up, retail is following, as evidenced by roadside signs and county permits.

Signs like these, east of Odessa, off State Road 54, are popping up on former pastureland up and down the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor. (Fred Bellet)

Former pastures along the heavily traveled road are occupied now with shops, restaurants, apartments, auto dealerships and Class A offices.

The Shops at Wiregrass, near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, has added Athleta; go! Calendars & games; and, siKicks (a footwear and collectibles shop); Charming Charlies; and, Hickory Farms. Coming soon are Body Details; JABZ Boxing; and The Living Room.

Besides expanding its retail, Cypress Creek Town Center, a massive development west of the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange, is jumpstarting its residential plans.

County building permits indicate that Garrett Apartments are coming to Grand Cypress Drive, and Silversaw at Wesley Chapel is rising along Garden Village Way and Citron Boulevard.

Valentino’s Fine Jewelers and The Good Feet Store have opened on Sierra Center Boulevard, the town center’s prime east-west road, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill is coming.

Construction on Miller’s Ale House, meanwhile, is ongoing at the Wesley Chapel Boulevard entry into Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the highway.

Zaxby’s restaurant has opened on Sun Vista Drive near Costco. New offerings at Tampa Premium Outlets will include a Frosty Cart by Wendy’s and new jewelry selections with Banter at Piercing Pagoda.

BMW of Wesley Chapel is building a six-story building on State Road 56. (Fred Bellet)

Just west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, on the north side of State Road 54, owners of El Dorado furniture store are laying groundwork for a 70,000-square-foot store.

When it opens, expected around June, shoppers will be able to stroll along a streetscape, enjoying more than 20 storefronts showcasing furniture styles from contemporary to traditional.

The Capo family, who is developing El Dorado, opened their first store in the late 1960s in Miami.

The family opened a store in St. Petersburg in late 2019, before the COVID shutdown and, despite the timing, it has fared well, according to Pedro Capo, chief operating officer at El Dorado.

Now, Capo said he expects to hire and train about 50 employees for the Pasco store, likely beginning in March or April.

Capo is optimistic about the Pasco store’s prospects, noting that the county’s residential growth bodes well for building a strong customer base.

El Dorado will join WaWa, Firestone and Burger King along State Road 54 frontage at the Brighthouse Crossings apartments.

Just west of Brighthouse, a Woodie’s Wash Shack has opened at the Shoppes at Cypress Creek. Fazoli’s Italian restaurant is another potential tenant for the new plaza.

More housing and dining options

In Land O’ Lakes, the Avidity Living apartment complex is being built off State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. The 252-unit development is scheduled to open in 2022.

Also, coming to this location, is EOS Fitness.

Willow Bend Town Centre, at State Road 54 and Collier Parkway, recently added Ayoki Japan restaurant. Esporta Fitness is a rebranding of the former LA Fitness. And a sign near the center’s entrance off the state road suggests Pasco will get another car wash – Vortex Express Car Wash.

A new apartment community, Avidity Living, is being built at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. EOS Fitness will be built at the intersection. (Fred Bellet)

West of U.S. 41, vacant land at Ballantrae and Cypress Ranch is sprouting “coming soon” signs as construction begins on apartment units, new retail, and a proposed Class A office complex, known as 54 Crossings.

On the south side opposite Ballantrae, the Cypress Ranch development includes Azora, a new apartment complex, with a spring 2022 opening. Signs in front of the complex show a cornucopia of proposed shops including ALDI grocery store, Chick-Fil-A, another EOS Fitness, Honest-1 Auto Care, and The Learning Experience.

“We are happy to confirm that we will open our newest Lutz, Florida location next year, with construction scheduled to begin soon,” according to Matt Thon in a statement provided by email. Thon is the Haines City division vice president for ALDI.

No further details were provided regarding the construction schedule or opening date.

A Circle K is under construction at this location, and a Woodie’s Wash Shack, is coming.

On the north side, 54 Crossings is a proposed 60,000-square-foot Class A office building, at Aprile Drive, adjacent to Ballantrae’s row of fast-food restaurants that includes Taco Bell and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

East of the Suncoast Parkway, the master-planned community of Bexley at Newland is moving dirt for a major retail and business center, off State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive. Known as the Hub at Bexley, the commercial complex is scheduled for a summer 2022 opening.

Bexley’s website describes the Hub as a “retail and business destination,” with a summer 2022 opening. Bexley residents can walk or bike along connecting trails to enjoy dining, shopping, live concerts and family events. But it also is envisioned as an attraction for Tampa Bay residents with easy interstate access.

Construction continues at The Towns of Oakstead, on the north side of State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes. (Fred Bellet)

The Hub also includes a large outparcel on Bexley Village Drive, adjacent to the Springhill Suites hotel and opposite the delivery entrance into the Amazon warehouse. The site will become home to 4 & Co., with about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-work spaces. Memberships and limited passes will be offered. Amenities will include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture and massages, and conference rooms.

West of Suncoast Parkway, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard initially welcomed HotWorx and Jimmy John’s restaurant. New signs in the development indicate additional tenants will be there, including Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, PTI Solutions, Touch Nail Spa, and Shauby Dental Institute.

Another apartment complex, Avilla Suncoast, is under construction at Redstone Way and Crossings Boulevard, immediately behind the new Hooters restaurant.

Next along the route, The Preserve Marketplace, off South Branch Road, is increasing its retail and business options with Caring Paws Animal Hospital, 100% Chiropractic, PostNet, Lin China restaurant, Papa Johns restaurant, Burger Fi, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and the USF Federal Credit Union. The shopping center is anchored by the Greenwise Publix grocery store.

Starkey Ranch Town Center, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54, is expanding, too. A shell building is under construction, but the new tenants are not yet identified.

Starkey Ranch Business Park on Heart Pine Avenue recently added Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. Tropical Smoothie Café has a ‘coming soon’ sign. Butcher’s Mark Fresh Meats and Marinades is another shop on its way.

Clearly, there’s a lot going on, along State Road 54/State Road 56 — and there’s no indication that the pace of activity will slow anytime soon.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

By Kathy Steele

Tips to help avoid holiday traffic jams near I-75/State Road 56

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Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have offered a bit of a playbook to help motorists avoid holiday traffic jams near the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of the intersection on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a busy area.

Add the holidays and a major construction project into the mix, and traffic jams could become a real source of frustration during the holidays.

So, the folks at FDOT’s District Seven office are offering some practical suggestions that could help during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Their first word of advice? Avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the State Road 54/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

At the same exit, head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

In addition to issuing this guidance, the FDOT “will adjust traffic signals for seasonal traffic patterns and the project team is working on other plans to help improve travel times,” according to a news release from Kris Carson, spokeswoman for FDOT’s District Seven office.

Published Nov. 24, 2021