The Laker/Lutz News

U.S. 41

Busy intersection subject of public meeting

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Those interested in the future of the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 are invited to attend a public meeting this week to discuss possible options for improvement.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven is hosting the meeting, which is set for Sept. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, in Lutz.

Virtual attendance also is available, but registration is required to participate online.

To register, visit the project’s website: https://active.fdotd7studies.com/sr54/us41-at-sr54/.

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The FDOT is holding the workshop to give people who are interested the opportunity to provide comments concerning the traffic patterns, design, and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

In addition to the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, the project study will include areas adjacent to the intersection along the two major roads, according to FDOT materials.

State Road 54 is one of two existing major east-west arterials connecting eastern Pasco County to western Pasco County.

The need for this project has been established based on future traffic demands, future population and employment growth in the area, according to FDOT materials.

Improvements at the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection are included in the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Cost Affordable Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the 2035 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Needs Assessment, which was developed by the West Central Florida MPO’s Chairs Coordinating Committee.

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate various alternatives for the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection, which will improve the flow of people and goods through the project area by increasing roadway capacity and reducing traffic congestion.

The study will compare the effects each alternative may have on the environment and the surrounding communities, as well as the traveling public, according to FDOT materials.

Across Pasco County, State Road 54 provides connections to several regional north-south routes including U.S. 19, the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 98, the FDOT materials note.

“The proposed improvements at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 will enhance the overall transportation network linking Pasco County with the Tampa Bay region,” according to FDOT materials.

The options being considered are:

  • Alternative 1: A single-point urban intersection (SPUI), providing an interchange with State Road 54, elevated over U.S. 41.
  • Alternative 2: A parallel flow intersection (PFI), providing displaced left-turns, in all four approaches at grade.
  • Alternative 3: A continuous flow intersection (CFI), with elevated lanes of State Road 54 over U.S. 41, providing displaced left-turns in all four approaches.

There also is a no-build alternative.

Department representatives will be available at the in-person public workshop beginning at 5:30 p.m., to answer questions and discuss the project informally.

Draft project documents and other project-related materials also will be displayed, and a PowerPoint video presentation will run continuously during the workshop.

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to FDOT figures; U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019.

In addition to existing traffic, there’s significant growth underway in Central Pasco, with more on the way. Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

In evaluating alternatives, the state looks at the improvements based on such issues as traffic operations, safety, right of way needs and environmental impacts, among others.

Once a build alternative is selected, the next phase is the Project Design & Environmental (PD&E) Study phase, and then the design phase.

The PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022; design, from 2022 to 2024; right of way acquisition from 2025 to 2026.

Construction of this project is not yet funded, according to the project web page.

For more information or to comment, please contact Kirk Bogen, an environmental management engineer for FDOT, at 813-975-6448, 800-226-7220 or .

Published September 15, 2021

More changes are coming to Central Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has cleared the way for more changes to come to the central part of Pasco County.

The county board voted on Aug. 24 to approve changes to a master plan unit development (MPUD) on the west side of U.S. 41, between Roaches Run and Causeway Boulevard. The changes allow a maximum 275,000 commercial retail square feet and create a land use equivalency matrix, to expand the types of uses.

Those additional uses are office, medical office, health care-related, light industry distribution, multifamily residential, single-family attached residential, senior retirement/assisted living/aggregate home and public institutional uses.

The request was filed by Hagman Groves Inc., and RS Roach LLC, who were represented by attorney Barbara Wilhite.

The county board also approved a request to change the name from Causeway Center Commercial MPUD to Causeway MPUD, to better reflect the potential uses.

The commercial retail square footage shall be a minimum of 100,000 square feet.

Residential uses will only be allowed on the parcels abutting U.S. 41, if they are part of a vertically mixed-use integrated building.

Commissioners also approved a variance to reduce the number of required parking spaces in the development. And, they granted a deviation from the county’s standard platting procedure, for this specific project.

Brad Tippin, the county’s manager for development review, explained what the county is trying to accomplish with the platting deviation.

“One of the things that we’re doing — the development services branch and public infrastructure branch — are working together to try to reduce the overall timelines to market for some of these types of projects. So, one of the things that we’ve included in here is a deviation from our standard platting process,” Tippin said.

“We only are doing this in this particular project and we can only do it upon your approval of this particular set of conditions that would actually allow us to do that. We’re going to give it a trial run, see how it works,” Tippin said.

He added: “Some other jurisdictions are doing something similar.”

The county hopes this approach will help shorten its timelines, Tippin said.

Wilhite, representing the applicants, told commissioners: “I think we’ll come up with something that will bring this project to market quicker.”

In other action, the county board:

  • Approved a request by Pulte Homes to rezone the southwest corner of Lake Patience Road and Perdew Drive to allow 240 single-family detached homes on approximately 80 acres.

Attorney Clark Hobby, representing the applicants, noted the density “is roughly one-half of the density that would otherwise be permitted on the site.”

He added: “Every property that’s adjacent to the site, running for approximately six miles, have MPUDs or large-scale developments to the west.”

In other action, the board:

  • Established the Connerton East Community Development District, east of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, West of Ehren Cutoff, and South of State Road 52. The district covers 1,274.6 acres.
  • Approved a text amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan to allow a broader array of uses to be considered on the Paw Materials property, on the north side of State Road 52, about one-quarter mile west of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The policy previously contained the word “support” when referring to commercial and retail entitlements. Removing the word “support” expands the list of potential uses.

Published September 01, 2021

Will 7-Eleven set up in Lutz?

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A proposed rezoning for a gas station and convenience store, off U.S. 41, north of Sunset Lane, drew both support and opposition during an Aug. 16 hearing.

“We’re planning a brand-new modern building, designed to fit within the character of the Lutz community design standards,” Cami Corbett, an attorney representing the applicant told Susan Finch, the hearing officer on the case.

The proposed development is “a next-generation” 7-Eleven that would be built “at the node that’s specifically designated for neighborhood commercial development within the Lutz Community Plan,” Corbett added.

Three experts spoke on behalf of the applicant.

One offered testimony regarding the steps that are taken to ensure the safety of the fuel tanks and the methods used to capture gasoline vapors.

Another testified that the project will not pose a threat to water quality of private wells in the area.

A third expert discussed traffic issues. He pointed to improvements that are planned at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. He also cited a department of transportation study that estimates that 78% of a convenience store/gas station’s traffic comes from motorists driving by.

Natalie Davis, of 17880 N. U.S. Highway 41, in Lutz, spoke forcefully in favor of the request.

“I grew up in a neighborhood right across from this project, on Sunset and 41. I now own a small business that’s located in Lutz, as well,” she said.

She offered several reasons for her support.

Lutz has typically wanted to slow down development, she said, but in the last 15 years, it has allowed “a Publix, a Dunkin’ Donuts, restaurants, McDonald’s, a self-storage unit, a Walgreens, a bank, professional office parks, and new neighborhoods.

“So, my question is, why not a gas station? And, why not this property?” she asked.

“There’s widespread development to the north of us, on Highway (State Road) 54, and there’s development creeping from the south. And, U.S. 41 is the six-lane highway that runs in between.

“So, to think you’re going to keep Lutz small — that train has left the station. We’re not talking about a small-town road. We’re talking about a six-lane highway. We’re not talking about a nature preserve. We’re talking about a six-lane highway.”

She also thinks Lutz needs more gas stations, plus she supports the property owner’s right to develop the property, she added.

Gus Weekley, who owns the property up for rezoning, along with his brother, said the family has deep roots in Lutz.

“It initially was owned by my grandmother. She bought it decades ago, when (U.S.) 41 was the only major road into Tampa and she sold fruit that was raised on the land, to those coming to the north,” he said.

He recalled spending many summer weekends during his youth, working in the groves.

“We have history of 80 years or so, in Lutz,” he said, noting that he thinks a gas station will be a good addition to the community.

“This is not a case of someone just coming in and saying, ‘Where’s the check? See you later.’’’ Weekley said.

But one area resident raised concerns about locating a commercial business using a septic tank so close to nearby residences that rely on well water.

Sam Calco, president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, also objected to the request “based solely on the law, as established by the Lutz Comprehensive Plan.”

He contends the proposed rezoning violates that plan and should be denied.

Calco also contends that the request has failed to secure a commercial locational waiver, which he said is required.

“This project is not needed or wanted in Lutz at this time,” Calco said, vowing that he would not support the business.

“I know I will never buy a lottery ticket. Not one candy bar or Slurpee. Not one gallon of gas. Not one bag of ice —  ever — at this business,” Calco said.

“I ask you, our citizens ask you, to simply follow the law,” he told the hearing officer.

Corbett said the rural planning policies prohibit public sewer. If it was allowed, however, the developer would be glad to connect.

“While we had some real passionate people here this evening, I don’t think any of them are experts in the field such as compatibility or transportation or environmental, and so you do have expert testimony in the record, in the form of staff reports from the planning commission, development services and all of our experts to support the application,” Corbett said.

Corbett also noted the application had received no objections from the reviewing agencies.

Finch has 15 days from the date of the hearing to issue her recommendation, which will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final say on zoning and land use issues.

Published August 25, 2021

State roads department offers update on halted Pasco projects

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Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn recently gave an update on the status of state road projects that recently halted operations.

Gwynn gave the update during the Aug. 12 board meeting of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Pasco MPO — made up of representatives of Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Port Richey and New Port Richey — is the lead transportation planning agency in Pasco County.

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)

Gwynn told the MPO board members: “We had seven projects in our district, three of them in Pasco County, that DAB Contractors either were defaulted on — which was the DDI (Diverging Diamond Interchange) — or self-defaulted, which included State Road 52 and State Road 54.

“After that occurred, we met with our surety company — more or less the bondholder.

“I can tell you the surety has been very responsive so far,” he said.

He expressed confidence that once the surety company awards a bid on the contract, the contractor will “try to get this project not only going, but accelerating as quickly as possible.”

Gwynn also noted: “We’re also working with our maintenance contractor to ensure that the project sites are secured. I’ve noticed recently that some of the vegetation in some of the areas is starting to grow pretty high, so we’re out there with our forces, mowing them. In fact, we’re doing (State Road) 54, I think, today.

“The surety has let me know the direction they’ve given their people is that they need to get these contracts going as soon as possible because they’re also held to the same penalties as DAB would have been held to for being late. In other words, the end date of the contract doesn’t change. They’ll get penalized for every day they don’t meet, based on that original contract.

“I’m very optimistic that very soon we’ll have contractors on board working on those projects.

“When you look at some of the other construction projects we have around in Pasco County and around the district, a lot of the contractors are ahead of schedule. The State Road 52 realignment project is almost a year ahead of schedule, with Superior Construction.

“The Overpass Road Interchange is ahead of construction, so I think there’s capacity out there to get other good contractors and get these jobs moving forward.”

Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the FDOT District Seven Office, provided an Aug. 13 update regarding the status of the projects.

The surety company and the FDOT have executed a takeover agreement regarding the diverging diamond project, as of Aug. 12, according to Carson’s update.

The receipt of bids for the project had been scheduled for Aug. 12, but was moved back to Aug. 18, to provide more information and give more contractors an opportunity to compete for the work.

Mowing and general maintenance has been completed throughout the project limits.

Also, the number of temporary traffic control devices have been reduced to the minimum required to maintain a safe work zone, the update adds.

Regarding the State Road 52 project, from Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41: A representative with the surety met with an FDOT representative onside to assess the status of the project, on Aug. 11. The FDOT has completed uploading all of the documentation requested by the surety and the takeover documents are with the surety, for its execution.

Regarding the widening of State Road 54, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road: A representative with the surety met with a FDOT representative onsite to assess the status of the project, on Aug. 11. The FDOT has completed uploading all of the project documentation requested by the surety. The takeover documents are currently with the surety for its execution.

The FDOT has completed mowing throughout the project area. Additional maintenance of driveway access to business on the west side of Eiland/State Road 54 is planned to be completed within the next two weeks, according to the Aug. 13 update.

The surety will be responsible for meeting the original contract requirements, and the FDOT retains the responsibility to ensure the surety meets its obligations, the FDOT document adds.

Published August 18, 2021

Rezoning request for a gas station in Lutz is up for a hearing

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A rezoning request that would clear the way for a gas station, car wash and convenience store in Lutz is set for a public hearing next week.

The request — which has been scheduled and rescheduled — now is expected to be heard at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, in the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

The applicant, RKM Development Corp., is seeking to rezone the 2.6-acre parcel at 18601 U.S. 41, to allow a 4,650-square-foot convenience store and 16 gas pumps, as well as a car wash.

The parcel is adjacent to an existing Walgreens store.

The land, owned by Lutz Realty and Investment LLC, currently is zoned for agricultural and single-family conventional use. The request calls for rezoning the site to become a planned development zoning.

Opponents have voiced objections, which are part of the application case file. They claim the request is contrary to the Lutz Community Plan.

Opponents also cite concerns about increasing traffic at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41, which they said already poses dangers for motorists.

Concerns also were expressed about potential water contamination, noise, and negative impacts on property values and the environment.

Those objecting also say another gas station isn’t needed, and some said they won’t patronage the business, if it is built.

After the last hearing was delayed, representatives for the applicant held a community meeting on July 27, which was attended by both supporters and opponents to the request, according to Sam Calco, of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, who was present.

Planners for the Hillsborough County’s Planning Commission have found the request to be consistent with the county’s long-range plan.

“Overall, Planning Commission staff finds this proposed use and intensity to be compatible with the surrounding area,” according to a report by Planning Commission planner David Hey.

“The proposed development also fulfills the intent of the Lutz Community Plan,” Hey added to the report that’s included in the application case file.

Those interested in expressing support or opposition can weigh in at the rezoning hearing — either in person or virtually. Those participating virtually must sign up to do so by the county’s deadline. Check the county’s website for more information.

Once the zoning master makes a recommendation, the request will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning issues.

Published August 11, 2021

Mixture of uses proposed at Roaches Run, U.S. 41

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A 35-acre site at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and U.S. 41 could become home to a project with an array of commercial and residential uses.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners have recommended approval of the request, which would allow the site to be used for retail, office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; and public/institutional uses.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, said the request allows a maximum of 275,000 commercial square feet.

The zoning also includes a land use equivalency matrix, meaning an assortment of uses can be allowed within the project, with the matrix determining the maximum allowable density within the project.

Conditions of approval also spell out that the minimum square footage for commercial retail is 100,000 square feet, Hernandez said.

Plus, “residential will only be allowed on the parcels abutting (U.S.) 41, if they are part of a vertically integrated mixed-use building,” she said.

In addition to the zoning change, the request includes a variance from the land development code’s parking requirements — based on the ability of different uses within the project to share parking.

The planning board recommended approval of the request, with Planning Commissioner Roberto Saez absent.

The request next goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning decisions.

Published July 28, 2021

Gateway Wellness & Rehab Accepting New Medicare Patients For Primary Care

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There’s good news for seniors in the Land O’ Lakes area looking for a primary care practitioner who accepts new patients with Medicare coverage.

Erica Williams, a nurse practitioner who is board certified in primary care, has joined the medical team at Gateway Wellness & Rehab, at its Wisteria Plaza office on U.S. 41, just south of the Wilderness Lakes subdivision.

Erica Williams

Williams is providing family medical services for people of all ages, and is specifically treating patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, minor cuts and falls, colds, allergies, and medication review and assessment.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Erica’s expertise and caliber join our practice, especially with her extensive ER experience and family practice credentials,” said Robert Malhoit, D.C., owner of Gateway Wellness & Rehab. “The best family medical practitioners have a strong background in emergency care, and Erica has worked extensively in this field.”

Nurse Practitioners are licensed to manage people’s health conditions through treatment and education, and can prescribe medications.

“All Medicare patients are required to have a licensed family practitioner, and we are one of few medical practices in the area that is accepting new Medicare patients — both permanent Florida residents, as well as seasonal residents,” said Dr. Malhoit. “If you are looking for an experienced, compassionate family practitioner, call to make an appointment with Erica Williams.”

Williams is excited to be joining Malhoit’s practice.

“I have a passion for people to be healed holistically in all areas of their lives and I’m looking forward to being the conduit for this purpose at Gateway Wellness,” said Williams.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab takes a team approach with patient care. After a patient is assessed by their primary care provider, the rest of Gateway’s medical team reviews the patient’s need for chiropractic services, pain management, physical therapy and/or massage therapy.

“All members of our medical team are committed to listening to our patients, and never rush through patient assessments and appointments,” said Dr. Malhoit. “We understand that people want to be heard and don’t want to be a number. Our motivation is to help every patient see a positive medical outcome.”

New Medical Director
Another new provider at Gateway Wellness & Rehab is Medical Director Christopher Gleis, M.D., an anesthesiologist who also is board certified in pain management and Regenerative Medicine. He employs a multimodal approach to pain management, treating patients’ symptoms through interventional pain procedures, non-habit-forming medications and without the use of narcotics.

Dr. Gleis earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his internship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He also is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab offers a wide range of comprehensive services to meet the needs of its patients. In addition to Family Practice and Pain Management services provided by Dr. Gleis and Nurse Practitioner Williams, the Gateway team includes three chiropractors — one who specializes in pediatric and obstetric care, a doctor of physical therapy and a licensed massage therapist.

“Our staff of five integrated, multi-faceted medical specialties sets us apart from other medical practices in the Land O’ Lakes area,” said Dr. Malhoit. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for our patients in one convenient facility close to home with experienced and compassionate health care providers.”

Dr. Malhoit, who is known as Dr. Rob to his patients, established Gateway Wellness & Rehab in 2006. His practice in north Land O’ Lakes has grown with the community, and today is located in the center of the booming U.S. 41 residential area, which includes Wilderness Lakes, The Grove, Connerton, Lakeshore Ranch, Terra del Sol, Asbel Creek, Cypress Preserve and Talavera.

In addition to accepting Medicare, Gateway Wellness & Rehab accepts private insurance including auto and Blue Cross BlueShield. Contracts are pending for United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna and Humana. To make an appointment, call 813-929-8885.

The Gateway Team

Dr. Robert Malhoit, D.C.
Director of Chiropractic Medicine
2004 Graduate of Texas Chiropractic College
Advanced training in pain management and manipulation under anesthesia from the American Academy of Physical Medicine.

Christopher Gleis, M.D.
Medical Director
Ross University School of Medicine
Member of American Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians

Erica Williams, ARNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
RN, LPN and CPN
2017 NP graduate of South University, Montgomery, AL
26 years of nursing experience

Dr. Phillip Coleman, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Licensed since 2003
Graduate of Life University
Previous owner of Coleman Family Chiropractic in Morristown, TN

Dr. Carrie Coleman, D.C., F.I.C.P.A.
Chiropractic Physician
Certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Provides specialized care for children and pregnant women
Former Enlisted/SrA for the Air Force ; former natural fitness champion

Betty Armengol McCurdy PT, DPT, PCSs
Director of Physical Therapy
APTA Board Certified specialist in pediatrics
Credentialed Clinical Instructor with 20 years of experience

Tammy Fisher, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist/MA
Licensed Massage Therapist for 19 years
Physical Therapy Rehab Technician for 16 years
Experience in both hospitality and medical settings, the past 3 years at Gateway

Gateway Wellness & Rehab
813-929-8885
6761 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Wisteria Plaza, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34638
Gateway4Wellness.com

Diverging Diamond is delayed

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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

Pasco stormwater utility fee expected to stay the same

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The Pasco County Commission has decided that the county’s stormwater utility fees will remain unchanged for the 2021 fiscal year.

The current rate is $95 per equivalent residential unit — which is based on an average amount of impervious area of 2,890 square feet for a single-family home, according to agenda background materials.

County staff recommended that the ERU rate and square footage remain the same for the 2021 tax year, and commissioners signaled their approval, without discussion, during their June 22 meeting.

The public hearing for the Annual Stormwater Management Utility System Rate Resolution is scheduled for 9 a.m., on Sept. 14, in the board room at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.  At the hearing, the board must adopt a final rate resolution. It can reduce the fee, but cannot increase it, at that hearing.

In other action, commissioners approved these items, without discussion, as part of their consent agenda:

  • The award of a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering Inc., to provide the required roadway design services for the widening of Old Pasco Road, from north of Deedra Drive to north of Overpass Road, in an amount not to exceed $2,570,032.37. That figure includes $595,973.19 in optional services for fiscal year 2021.
  • The appointments of Dennis Baker, representing Tampa North Aero Park, and Spencer Brass, representing Pilot Country Estates Airport, to the Airport Zoning Commission. Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Manager Nathan Coleman will continue to serve on the commission, too.
  • A contract to Pacscon GeoEnvironmental Inc., for as-needed gopher tortoise surveying, permitting capturing transporting and after-action reports. The contract is for an amount not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2021; not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2022; not to exceed $110,000 in fiscal year 2022 and not to exceed $90,000 in fiscal year 2024. The total not to exceed amount is $400,000.
  • A task order revision in the amount of $109,910 with Stroud Engineering Consultants to cover additional design and construction inspection engineering services due to the addition of a 16-inch pipeline. The Florida Department of Transportation is fast-tracking the completion of the widening of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52. After the original task order was approved, additional improvements were identified, which consist of construction of a new 16-inch diameter force main along U.S. 41 to provide wastewater capacity for new development expected to be built in the vicinity in the near future.

Including the piping now will help meet future demands and avoid costly work later, according to the agenda materials.

Published July 07, 2021

Gas station rezoning requested delayed in Lutz

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A rezoning request that would clear the way for a gas station, car wash and convenience store in Lutz has been delayed — again.

The issue was set to be heard on June 14, but has been pushed back until Aug. 16 to allow the applicant to make a correction on the site plan for the project.

Cami Corbett, with the law firm of Hill Ward Henderson, represents the applicant RKM Development.

“We realized late last week that we had an error on our site plan, with respect to screening along U.S. 41 and that is a change that by code must be made prior to the site plan deadline,” Corbett said.

The applicant failed to meet the deadline, necessitating a continuance, she explained.

“We are also hoping to have an opportunity to meet with some of the members of the community who have filed letters of opposition in the last couple of weeks. They came in sort of in the last two weeks and we haven’t had time to meet with them, so we’re hoping we can utilize this time to meet with them,” Corbett said.

Lutz resident Michelle Parks wanted to know the likelihood of the request actually being heard on Aug. 16, given the fact it has been repeatedly continued in the past.

She also asked how the applicant plans to get in touch with interested members of the community.

A zoning official said there is a time limit regarding continuances, but he wasn’t able to immediately identify when that would expire, if for some reason the hearing is continued beyond Aug. 16.

Corbett said: “We will be sending out a notice, not only to our notice list and the HOAs (homeowner associations) on our notice list, but also to anyone who has registered an objection into the record.”

She said anyone who is not yet part of the record but who wants to be contacted, can ask the county staff for her information and contact her directly.

“We would be happy to meet with anyone who wants to meet,” Corbett said.

The new hearing date is set for Aug. 16 at 6 p.m., in the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

The applicant is seeking to rezone the 2.6-acre parcel at 18601 U.S. 41, to allow a 4,650-square-foot convenience store and 16 gas pumps, as well as a car wash.

The parcel is adjacent to an existing Walgreens store.

The land, owned by Lutz Realty and Investment LLC, currently is zoned for agricultural and single-family conventional use. The request calls for rezoning the site to become a planned development zoning.

The request has attracted opposition, with opponents voicing objections in emails, which are included in the application’s case file.

The request also was discussed during a community meeting on June 2 at the Lutz Train Depot.

Opponents claim that the request is contrary to the Lutz Community Plan.

They also cite concerns about increasing traffic at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41, which they said already poses dangers for motorists.

Concerns also were expressed about potential water contamination, negative impacts on property values, noise and possible negative impacts to the environment.

Those objecting also say another gas station isn’t needed, and some said they won’t patronage the business, if it is built.

While opponents are calling for denial of the request, planners from Hillsborough County’s Planning Commission have found the request to be consistent with the county’s long-range plan.

“Overall, Planning Commission staff finds this proposed use and intensity to be compatible with the surrounding area,” according to a report by Planning Commission planner David Hey.

“The proposed development also fulfills the intent of the Lutz Community Plan,” Hey added to the report that’s included in the application case file.

After the zoning hearing master considers the request, the hearing master’s recommendation will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning issues.

Published June 30, 2021