The Laker/Lutz News

West Pasco Government Center

Get rid of unwanted electronics, pesticides

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Pasco County is hosting a drive-up collection for residents to get rid of old electronics, household cleaners, pesticides and other hazardous wastes.

The event will be Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7537 State St., in New Port Richey.

For a full list of hazardous waste items accepted at the drop off event, visit bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

The event is intended for anyone who lives in Pasco County.

The disposal event is free, except there is a $5 charge for televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for TVs that are 36 inches or larger.

To learn more about household hazardous waste in Pasco County, please visit bit.ly/2getW9g.

Published December 01, 2021

Solid waste commercial rates to change in Pasco

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Pasco County is proposing that future commercial waste collection rates be determined by the open market.

The Pasco County Commission is set to have a public hearing on the issue at its Oct. 26 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in the first floor board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

The county currently sets a fixed maximum hauling charge based on the size and numbers of containers. The last adjustment for those rates for commercial customers occurred on Jan. 1, 2009, according to agenda backup materials for the county board’s Oct. 12 meeting.

During the past 12 years, the costs of equipment, fuel, and staffing for private waste haulers within the county have increased significantly, the agenda materials note.

Since the last adjustment, the Producer Price Indices (PPI) for truck transportation have increased over 25%.

The county now plans to join other counties around the state in allowing commercial haulers to operate in an open market, and letting competition among private businesses establish the charges.

The price for residential waste collection will not be affected by the change.

On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey raised the need for developing some type of voluntary registry to help the county reach out to leaders of Community Development Districts and Homeowner Associations.

She said she would like to be able to create a system to make it easier to reach these groups to provide opportunities for them to learn more about county departments and services, to help them to address issues within their communities. But such meetings are difficult to arrange without contact information for the leadership of the associations, she said.

Commissioner Mike Moore agreed that such a registry would have value and supported an effort to create one. He told his colleagues that the county may be able to pick up some pointers from Hillsborough County, on this issue.

In other action, the county board:

  • Amended the composition of the Airport Zoning Commission to add Hidden Lake Airport, and appointed James Bunn to represent that airport. The board, which helps with the creation of airport zoning regulations had three board members in the past, each representing a public use airport: Pilot Country Airport, Tampa North Aero Park, and the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Now the advisory zoning panel will have four board members.
  • Approved a two-year extension for the county’s construction of trail restrooms at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. The extension is needed because of delays in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Officially recognized the Fire Cadet Program as a county initiative. It has operated since 1989, but has never been formally recognized. Cadets are high school-aged individuals who want to pursue a fire service career after graduation. They are given exposure to all aspects of the fire service and its pathways to various careers. Participants meet regularly to learn the ins and outs of becoming a firefighter, emergency medical technician, or paramedic.
  • Approved spending up to $2.3 million for fiscal year 2022 for legal services, which are exempt from competition. The funds are designated for retaining the services of law firms, outside counsel, process servers, investigators, expert witnesses, trial consultants or similar persons or firms deemed necessary by the county attorney, for any reason, as necessary to address the county’s legal needs.
  • Approved a conditional use for Focus Forward Solutions, LLC/Fields Farm to permit a private motocross track for personal use on 30.58 acres, on the south end of Fields Farm Lane, approximately 1.25 miles west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. A private use motocross track had been operating at the site, in violation of the county’s land development code. The conditional use designation brings it into compliance.
  • Authorized additional purchasing authority in the total amount of $50,000 to Lewis, Longman & Walker P.A., for attorney’s fees, paralegal fees, travel expenses and costs, as may be incurred by the law firm on work done in behalf of the county. The maximum cumulative amount in 2022 is not to exceed $457,301.88. The law firm is handling litigation for the county in connection with the Ridge Road extension.

Published October 20, 2021

Neighbors battle townhomes near Lake Thomas

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Residents living near Lake Thomas are fighting a proposed townhome project, on approximately 42 acres, on the west side of U.S. 41, about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, appeared at the Jan. 23 Pasco County Planning Commission hearing, seeking a change to the county’s land use plan to increase the potential density on the site from three dwellings per acre to six dwellings per acre.

Obtaining the land use change is just the first step in the process. A rezoning also would be required before the townhomes could be built.

Wilhite said her client is aiming for a 218-unit townhome project on the property, which represents a density of 4.8 units per acre.

She said meetings have been held with neighbors and, as a result, conditions will be included with the rezoning request to address concerns that have been raised.

Several neighbors voiced objections during the public hearing.

Shirley Schmidt, 21133 Marsh Hawk Drive, Land O’ Lakes, who lives at The Preserve at Lake Thomas, said 300 feet of her property is immediately adjacent to the subject property.

The developer has listened, but she still objects, she said.

“He’s made revisions to address many of our concerns, but there is one overwhelming objection that cannot be mitigated if this project is approved — density, and its impact on traffic.

“The Ridge Road extension project, which is going forward within a few years, will dump a huge flow of traffic onto (U.S.) 41, just north of where this project is located.

“That alone will result in an unbearable increase in the traffic volume. Now, add yet another 400 vehicles from this project, and you’ll be one step closer to total gridlock.

“The traffic light at 41 and Ehren Cutoff is dangerous already. Residents from the proposed townhouse development, who need to go north, will be turning south onto 41 and crossing three lanes of traffic in the space of approximately 200 yards, to do a U-turn. That southbound turn lane creates a blind zone for those headed north and attempting to turn into our subdivision.

“We, in The Preserve at Lake Thomas, lost a resident not less than three months ago to a horrible accident, with this exact scenario.

“Please protect the rights and safety of the existing residents with your ‘No’ vote on this project,” she urged planning commissioners.

Scott Hitt, of 21008 Little Lake Thomas Road, is concerned about impacts of intensifying development.

“You get a bunch of people piled in on top of each other and you’re going to get stuff that starts happening. Right now, we leave our doors unlocked. We have stuff all over the place. Nothing goes missing. It’s kind of a cool place. It’s a gem that’s hidden away in here.

He urged commissioners to reject the request: “It’s not a good fit.”

“We’re not against development. Development is good, just not R-6.”

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey asked: “What is good?”

“R-3 (the current land use) is good,” Hitt replied.

Joe Seidle, of 20955 Lake Thomas Road, has lived in the area since 1982.

“We’re not saying we’re anti-growth. We’re saying, ‘It’s too many units,’” Seidle said.

“I haven’t heard one compelling need to change the land use. It’s Res-3, why are we changing it?”

Kathy Eshleman, of 5419 Shell Road, turned in two petitions with signatures from 99 people who couldn’t attend, but are opposed to the request.

She voiced her opposition, and she told planning commissioners she would prefer the development of single-family homes, within the existing density.

Other speakers objected to the intensification of development and voiced concerns about the

potential impacts on traffic, drainage and the quality of Lake Thomas.

Changing Land O’ Lakes’ character?
Ed Bly, of 21117 Lake Thomas Road, asked planning commissioners to consider the precedent that change would set. “This decision will forever change all of Land O’ Lakes, not just the Little Lake Thomas community,” Bly said.

Jane Smith, of 5353 School Road, Land O’ Lakes, is worried about the impacts to the lake, as more people move into the area. “I’m concerned about the runoff, with 218 units.”

Wilhite brought a team of experts to talk about her client’s intentions for the project.

Alexis Crespo, a certified land use planner with Waldrop Engineering, said the client recognizes that a binding project plan and conditions are important, in order for his request to be successful.

Many changes have already been made to the plan, in response to concerns that have been raised, she said.

For instance, the proposed access to the site will be directly from U.S. 41.

Also, the units will be clustered internally to limit impact from the buildings on adjacent single-family residences.

The units also will be limited to four-unit townhomes, two stories in height, she said, and the project will have substantial buffering.

The conditions for the proposed rezoning also address concerns about boat access to Lake Thomas, she said.

“This will have a passive boardwalk for residents, but no motorized or non-motorized boats will be able to access the lake from this project.”

She said the proposed project is consistent with the county’s vision for infill development in areas where there are water, sewer, schools and roadways to serve it.

She also noted that townhomes represents a diversity in type of residential development, and said many beautiful master-planned communities within Pasco County regularly incorporate housing diversity within their communities.

Steve Henry, of Lincks & Associates, said the additional traffic generated from the change compared to what’s currently permitted would have a negligible effect on U.S. 41.

He also noted the developer plans to put a right-turn lane in and a right-turn out lane at the project’s driveway.

Roy Mazur, professional engineer with WRA Engineering, said the project would not be allowed to cause flooding to on-site or off-site property, or to create adverse impacts on water quality.

“Even though a lot of the site will be impervious — there will be concrete, asphalt, buildings — our discharge in the developed condition cannot exceed that the discharge of the existing condition. That’s why the (retention) ponds are there,” Mazur said.

Wilhite also noted that the installation of the boardwalk will prevent access to the lake.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein noted that Crespo had presented a site plan that had more detail than is typically included in a master unit plan development.

He asked Wilhite if the zoning request for the master plan unit development will have a detailed plan that will be adopted with the zoning.

Wilhite said her client is willing to document commitments, but hasn’t finalized the plan that will accompany the rezoning request.

“Nobody likes us to say things and then not do them. I get that. That’s not our intent,” Wilhite said.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox asked Wilhite if her client is committed to proposed conditions contained in the master plan unit development narrative, including no access onto Little Lake Thomas Road, no boat access onto Lake Thomas and buffering requirements.

Wilhite said: “That’s correct.”

“It seems to me that these conditions address a ton of the concerns of residents,” Cox said.

Wilhite also noted: “The boardwalk concept was put in place as a means of enforcing what we say, which is no motorized, or non-motorized access to Lake Thomas.”

It provides a barrier to keep boats out, she explained.

Chairman Grey said,  “We’re here really to talk about the number of units we want to allow on the site. Personally, I think maybe R-6 is a little bit too intense.”

The planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the requested land use change.

Commissioners Richard Tonello, Peter Hanzel and Chairman Grey voted no.

The issue now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which makes final land use and zoning decisions in the county.

The County Commission is scheduled to consider the request on Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published February 05, 2020

Volunteer sought for Pasco Planning Commission

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Pasco County is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Ideal candidates will represent diverse knowledge and expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, real estate, surveying, property management, architecture, construction and/or other related fields, according to a county news release.

The deadline for application is Oct. 11.

Planning Commission members review and make recommendations to the Pasco County Commission on proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan, proposed changes to county zoning, requests for conditional use permits and other development applications.

The Planning Commission also conducts hearings and makes final determinations on all variances, alternative standards, and certain appeals and special exception applications.

To apply online, go to bit.ly/2G3IqUH.

The County Commission will be filling one vacancy on the Planning Commission, created by the resignation of Kevin Ryman, former vice chairman of that board.

The Planning Commission generally meets twice a month, on Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. The meetings alternate between the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City and the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

For more information about Pasco Planning and Development, visit bit.ly/2hMXfkD

Published October 2, 2019

Central Pasco project calls for 280 Class A apartments

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a project that includes 280 apartments and 49,500 square feet of commercial, on the north side of State Road 54, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Collier Parkway.

The site, approximately 25.4 acres, is about 2 miles west of the interchange of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

The request received a recommendation for approval by county planners.

Attorney Clarke Hobby represents the A.G. Spanos Companies and the Aiken Trust.

“I’m very excited to be representing the Spanos Corporation,” Hobby told planning commissioners.

“My client tells me that they intend on building the nicest multifamily community that’s been built in Pasco County. It’s a very substantial company that’s built over 100,000 multifamily apartments. They’re all Class A around the United States for over 50 years.

“I feel it’s going to be a quality project, with quality people involved,” Hobby said.

The main access to the site would be from the intersection of State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, an existing signalized intersection.

The commercial portion of the request would be developed near the front of the property, to take advantage of the signalized intersection, Hobby said.

Hobby also noted that the applicant is seeking, In a separate action, an amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, and the Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to forward that request to the state for review.

Such reviews are a standard part of the plan amendment process.

Hobby said his client wants to be a good neighbor.

“We realized there are about 10 or 12 houses that are adjacent to where the multifamily area will be back here, but we agreed to a 75-foot setback from our property boundary that effectively will create a 90- to a 100-foot setback from any home in here,” the attorney said.

“Additionally, this whole area already has mature oak trees on their side, and we’ll be planting  a large buffer on our end,” he said.

Karen Mason, who lives on Foggy Bottom Parkway told planning commissioners that she wasn’t there to speak for or against the request. However, she did note that within a 1-mile radius of the Twin Lakes community there are 1,659 apartment units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms.

“That’s within a 1-mile radius. You don’t have to travel much further to find many more. We’re not privy to the number of entitlements approved for that area,” she said. At the same time, however, Mason said she believes the Spanos Companies will build a quality project.

John Pavka, who has lived in the community for 25 years, said he lives within 400 feet of where the apartments will be built. He opposes the project.

“If you approve this and this thing goes through, my neighborhood is going to take a hit,” Pavka said.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel asked if there could be negative consequences if the apartment market becomes overbuilt, and the economy cools.

Hobby responded: “I do not believe we are overbuilt or over-planned on multifamily units, now.

“We commissioned a firm to do a market study and they showed the penetration rates, even with the ones coming online, they’re all leasing up.”

He also said his client wouldn’t invest in a project that’s in the ballpark of $60 million if there was uncertainty the market could sustain it.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox supported the request, making a motion for its approval.

“I’m a big believer of the capital markets. What’s being built is what’s being demanded.

“Recessions are normal. We go through them periodically. It’s part of the business cycle,” he said.

Cox said the project is clearly in keeping with the intent of the county’s comprehensive plan.

Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval to the Pasco County Commission, which is scheduled to consider it at a public hearing on Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m., in the board room at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published September 11, 2019

Changes recommended for Connerton’s master-plan development

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of changes to the Connerton Village II Master Planned Unit Development to adjust the boundaries for the regional park and elementary/middle school, and to remove the extension of the Plains Parkway north of Connerton Boulevard.

These changes are based on a land swap between Lennar Homes LLC, the Pasco County School Board and Pasco County.

The applicant also proposes to add an additional neighborhood encompassing 268 acres, adding 225 single-family units from the remaining Phase I entitlements. The changes also call for updating the Connerton Village II internal access points to reflect the pending development.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the changes, which they said are consistent with the previously approved land swap.

No one from the public spoke for or against the proposed changes, during the Planning Commission’s Aug. 22 public hearing on the request.

In backup materials provided to the planning commission, the county’s planners noted that the previously proposed extension of Pleasant Plains Parkway north of Connerton Boulevard would “bifurcate the new district park site and frustrate the basic purpose.”

Planners also noted that “the additional 225 units are being drawn from the remaining Phase 1 residential entitlements approved for the Development of Regional Impact. With the additional 225 units, the total aggregate units in Village II increases from 1,704 to 1,929.

The property is on the east and west sides of Flourish Drive, and the north and south sides of Connerton Boulevard.

The request is slated for public hearing before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 18, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., in the board’s chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

Published August 28, 2019

Proposed recycling amendment met with concerns

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An amendment to reshape Pasco County’s recycling collection was an agenda of importance at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 21.

The proposal was first introduced by the county’s Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department at a board workshop in April.

It came in response to a 2017 survey, which showed that over 75 percent of its Pasco County respondents preferred a higher frequency of recycling service, as well as carts.

Residents provide their own containers for recycling, which are identified with stickers supplied by one of the haulers. (File)

This change would increase recycling pickup from twice a month to once a week.

While residents would be able to continue using their own personal bin to load recyclable items, there would be the option of private haulers issuing a cart for a monthly fee.

Regardless of what container is used, it would have to be labeled with a signature sticker in order for it to picked up.

Also, glassware would no longer be accepted as a recyclable item, as it is deemed as a ‘contaminant.’

Broken glass mixed with other recyclables leads to potential contamination, thus lowering the commodity value of those items.

What’s more, glass has led to higher costs for the county when hauled away with recyclables – with foreseeable increases on the way.

According to the county, glass makes up about 40 percent of the weight for recyclables annually.

Costs become a burden when factoring in the transportation to a processing plant, then the separation of dirty glass from other recyclables, once there.

“We’re currently paying $45 a ton to transport the materials down to [the material recovery facility],” added John Power, the county’s solid waste director. “By 2020, our contract is going to disappear, so we’re going to see that price go up drastically.”

If glass was separated, it could potentially save the county over $100,000 in yearly expenses.

Joe Meierhoff stood before the Board of County Commissioners on May 21 as the sole opponent to the new proposal to phase out glass from recyclables. Meierhoff is a regional manager for Strategic Materials: a company that buys and redistributes refurbished glassware. (Brian Fernandes)

However, there was pushback against the proposal during the public hearing segment.

Joe Meierhoff is a regional sourcing manager of the glass-processing company, Strategic Materials.

He took to the podium to address his opposition before the board.

His company takes in recycled glass from material recovery facilities. Based on the condition of the glass, the business may see profit as it sells the material to bottle manufacturers.

Meierhoff expressed doubt about the reported annual glass weight, suggesting that contents inside glass perhaps adds to the bulk.

He also added that whether thrown in a garbage or recycling bin, the glass ultimately ends up at a landfill either way.

“I would like you to not agree to put glass out of the recycling,” he implored. “At the very least, give me the opportunity to work with the contracted recycler and see if we can come up with a resolution.”

While no definitive answer was given by the board, there was no indication that the manager’s request would be ruled out.

Although, that was not the only conflict that arose from the proposed amendment.

Under the new ordinance, Pasco residents who belong to a homeowners association (HOA) or a community development district (CDD), would not receive once a week pickups until their contract with private haulers expired.

Once the contracts end, these groups would be expected to abide by the same level of service as the rest of the county.

After receiving feedback from residents within these groups, Commissioner Mike Moore contested the idea.

“They have concerns about budgeting,” he said. “They want to be able to continue to negotiate those terms themselves, as they do now with the haulers.”

Other board members, however, took a different stance.

Commissioner Mike Wells noted that he had not received any negative feedback on the particular proposal.

He also went on to state: “I think we need to do it county-wide. I don’t know that we need to make an exception for one community.”

In agreement, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added that “they can negotiate their price, they just need to have recycling once a week.” She also mentioned that the only alternative would be for HOAs and CDDs to pay a higher fee if they did not comply with the ordinance.

Currently, the maximum amount a private hauler can charge a resident for both garbage and recyclable pickup is $12.44 a month.

If passed, the ordinance would grant haulers a 90-day period before providing the amended services.

The ordinance would not require any funding in order to go into effect.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting was held in the West Pasco Government Center board room in New Port Richey.

It was agreed unanimously by the board to continue discussions on the ordinance at a June 4 meeting.

Published May 29, 2019

Pasco County property tax rate won’t change

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Pasco County property owners will pay the same tax rate as they did last year, but their property bill could rise, if the value of their property has increased.

The Pasco County Commission had its first public hearing on the county’s budget for fiscal year 2019 on Sept. 4.

The board’s final budget hearing is set for Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m., at the West Pasco Government Center Board Room, 8731 Citizen Drive in New Port Richey.

The tax rates, which will remain the same, are at 7.6076 for the county’s operations and 1.8036 for fire services.

The board can reduce the millage rates at its final public hearing on Sept. 17, but cannot increase the rate.

The tentative budget for the fiscal year is comprised of 69 separate funds, with a total budget of $1,349,683,373, including fund balances, reserves and net assets.

Here is a summary of the tentative budgeted expenditures for 2019:

  • General government: $215,650,048
  • Public safety: $232,689,204
  • Physical environment: $218,163,923
  • Transportation: $126,265,565
  • Economic environment: $26,587,512
  • Human services: $15,499,611
  • Culture/recreation: $25,068,689
  • Other nonoperating: $52,161,676
  • Court-related expenditures: $3,476,178
  • Fund balances, reserves, net assets: $433,120,967

The county’s taxable assessed values increased 9.51 over last year.

Some highlights of the budget include fully funding Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco’s 2019 budget request; a 4 percent wage increase for board and constitutional officer employees; $5.4 million for various county initiatives and $6.4 million for infrastructure improvements.

Highlights in the Municipal Fire Service Unit Fund include two additional rescue units, an arson dog, a volunteer services chief and a wage increase for union employees.

No one spoke during the public comment portion of the hearing.

Published September 12, 2018

Approval recommended for TECO solar farm

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Opponents are disappointed

A proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County cleared the first hurdle needed for approval — despite impassioned pleas and even tears from area residents who oppose it.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recently voted 6-3 to recommend approval of the project to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final say.

Tampa Electric Company, or TECO, needs a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres on two sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads. The site is north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

It’s not clear when the county commissioners will take up the issue.

There is a 30-day appeal period for challenges to be filed against the planning commission’s decision.

Additional delays would come if an appeal is filed.

Nearly 240 people crowded into West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey on April 9 for a five-hour public hearing on the proposed project.

Tampa Electric Company operates a solar farm in Big Bend. (File)

Opponents objected to the loss of unique scenic views in a gateway area into Dade City, which is known for its rolling hills.

“This is by no means something that fits in this area,” said Gregory Ostovich, who lives near the proposed site.

“This is clean energy,” he said. “However, there is a term called visual pollution. This is spewing huge amounts of visual pollution in our area that trees will not hide, shrubs will not hide.”

About 250 acres of the proposed solar farm site are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

If built, TECO officials propose investing about $75 million and anticipate production of about 53 megawatts of power. About 464,000 photovoltaic panels would be installed that would track the sun daily from east to west, and feed power to TECO’s electric grid.

Over the next decade, TECO plans to invest $850 million in 10 solar projects that would provide energy to about 100,000 homes in Florida.

The electric company has about 20,000 customers in Pasco County, but company officials said the solar farm’s energy production would be shared by all of TECO’s service-area customers.

Consultants and TECO officials laid out a site plan that they said would produce clean energy and protect wildlife.

They provided renderings of a buffer of trees and shrubs along the roadway that would largely block views of the panels, and maintain Dade City’s rural character. They also emphasized cost efficiencies of solar compared to other fuels.

“Photovoltaic is going to be a good neighbor,” said Mark Ward, TECO’s director of renewables.

The project had some supporters at the hearing, including Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida.

Lee said TECO has been generous in protecting wetlands and creating a 660-foot buffer zone for an eagle’s nest in the southeast corner of the site.

In testimony during the hearing, a TECO representative committed to keeping that corner undeveloped “in perpetuity.”

“I understand that neighbors would like things to remain the same,” Audubon’s Lee said. “Renewable energy is important. We believe it is a good site. We believe the impacts have been well taken care of. We think the applicants have done an exemplary job of setting aside an area (for an eagle’s nest). This is not normally what we see.”

Landowners who would sell to TECO, if the project is approved, also supported it.

Members of the Jordan family, which harvested citrus groves for decades, described years of struggle to hold onto their way of life. But, the citrus greening disease has devastated Florida’s citrus industry, they said.

“It is not viable,” said Alice Jordan. “We can’t do it anymore, folks.”

But, opponents kept coming back to what they and Dade City would lose.

Laura Myers described the beautiful views she and her family had in a new home they bought on top of the hill overlooking the solar farm site.

“That’s not going to be covered by their buffering,” she said. “Instead of God’s sunrise, we are going to be looking at solar panels.”

Property owner Gordon Comer and his attorney, Gordon Schiff, contend the project doesn’t meet the county’s land use regulations including a northeast rural protection plan.

Comer said he was a real estate developer with 20 years of experience in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties.

“I am not opposed to appropriate development moving in,” he said. But, the solar project, he added, would substantially diminish the quality of life and property values.

Schiff declined to comment if an appeal would be filed.

The matter produced sharp differences among the planning commissioners as well.

“This is just the wrong place,” said Art Woodworth Jr. “There are plenty of other places TECO can site solar. I can’t understand why TECO is so intent on jamming this down the throats of northeast Pasco (residents).”

Planning Commission Charles Grey, who supported the solar farm proposal, acknowledged that perhaps a better location could be found.

But, Grey said: “Every time you find a location, someone will say ‘that is not a great spot. You need to put it over there.’

“It’s a beautiful area,” Grey said. “I want to see it preserved.”

But, Grey continued: “Everyone has rights. Not just you. Property owners have rights too.”

Published April 28, 2018

Residents pitch in to get rid of hazardous waste

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Pasco County residents unloaded an impressive 27 tons of hazardous waste during the county’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative, according to a news release from Pasco County.

County employees counted more than 570 cars and trucks as residents delivered hazardous waste for disposal during the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County)

It was the most successful mobile hazardous waste collection event Charles Ryburn can recall in his six years as the county’s environmental manager.

The chemical collection total nearly doubled from 2015, reported Ryburn in a written statement.

“Waste reduction, pollution prevention and removing chemicals from the solid waste stream are critical, and Pasco County residents are helping make that happen,” Ryburn said.

Residents dropped off more than 13,000 pounds of latex paint for the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Initiative for 2016.

Nearly 570 cars and trucks pulled into the parking lot of the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey on Dec. 3 to drop off hazardous waste.

The following is a list of items disposed:

  • 13,266 pounds of latex paint
  • 8,211 pounds of household chemicals
  • 115 lead acid batteries
  • 450 pounds of household batteries
  • 33 propane tanks
  • 275 gallons of used oil, antifreeze and gasoline
  • 250 mercury-containing lamps
  • 23,667 pounds of electronics recycling

Pasco County staff manages and operates two hazardous household waste centers for the safe handling, processing, and proper disposal of all wastes.

Hazardous waste brought to the centers by county residents are either recycled or sent out to a permitted hazardous waste management facility for treatment.

For more information, call (813) 929-2755, ext. 6896, or visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published January 4, 2017