The Laker/Lutz News

William Arthur Gower

Development for Gower’s Corner is one step closer

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After more than a year of back and forth negotiations, an application to rezone property at the historical crossroads known as Gower’s Corner got the approval of Pasco County’s local planning agency.

The rezoning application has been continued repeatedly since late 2016.

But, on Dec. 14 in Dade City, members of the Development Review Committee voted in favor of a project to build up to 215,000 square feet of retail/office and a maximum of 40 apartments. The committee also approved a variance related to U.S. 41 right-of-way that will be used to widen the two-lane highway to four lanes, with the potential for six lanes.

A commercial and residential development slated for the intersection of Gower’s Corner, at State Road 52 and U.S. 41, is expected to transform what has been a generally rural area of Land O’ Lakes. (File)

As part of its five-year work plan, the Florida Department of Transportation is slated to begin construction in 2020 on a segment of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52. There also are plans to realign the intersection.

The approximately 44 acres of vacant land, identified in the rezoning as Tibbett’s Land at Gower’s Corner, is located at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

Clearwater attorney Jerry Figurski represented the property’s owners.

Construction on the proposed project likely is a few years off, and might not begin until the road widening, he said.

“It’s not clear if the Tibbetts will develop it or sell the land.”

Pasco County commissioners approved a land use amendment on the property in 2016, which was then followed by the rezoning application and the series of continuances.

Although the Development Review Committee has recommended approval, the rezoning application still needs to go before the Pasco County Commission for final approval.

The name of Gower’s Corner dates back to lumberman William Arthur Gower, who at one time owned land at all four corners of the intersection. In the late 1930s, he operated the first gasoline station and convenience store in the area.

County records show the St. Petersburg-based Tibbetts Land LLC, controlled by the Tibbetts, is owner of the southwest corner of the intersection.

Tibbetts Lumber was founded in 1949 by Linton Tibbetts. The company has five locations in Florida including its Land O’ Lakes location at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Published December 20, 2017

Developers have ideas for Gowers Corner

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An iconic crossroads in the Land O’ Lakes area — known as Gowers Corner — soon could be filling up with shops, offices and restaurants.

Pasco County commissioners approved a land use change on April 26 that clears the way for commercial development on about 44 acres at the southwest corner of the intersection.

“I think this is a great project for Land O’ Lakes,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “Right now, they don’t have that many amenities in the area.”

State Road 52 and U.S. 41 intersect at a historical crossroads, known as Gowers Corner. Developers are eyeing vacant land at the southwest corner for shops, offices, restaurants and some residential units. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
State Road 52 and U.S. 41 intersect at a historical crossroads, known as Gowers Corner. Developers are eyeing vacant land at the southwest corner for shops, offices, restaurants and some residential units.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Currently, the crossroads is sparsely filled out with a Citgo and a Speedway gas station. Large swaths of wooded land and fields behind complete the mostly rural landscape.

But, change is coming.

Developers plan to submit detailed plans for a project with about 215,000 square feet of commercial and office space. Forty residential units are proposed above retail shops, and an undefined water feature is planned as a centerpiece for the commercial center.

Gowers Corner is a landmark — steeped in the history of pioneer settlers and business owners.

According to local historians, the crossroads and surrounding community, took its name from lumberman William Arthur Gower. He migrated from Georgia to Pasco and became supervisor of a sawmill in Fivay.

Gower at one time owned land at all four corners of the intersection. In the 1930s, he operated the first gasoline station and convenience store in the area.

Today, corporate entities of another lumber family – the Tibbetts – are owners of the property now slated for development.

However, the Tibbetts’ project and future roadway construction are raising concerns among some area residents.

Land O’ Lakes’ resident Theodore DeLong said the county needs to address stormwater drainage before any construction is approved.

During the torrential rains of July and August, canals that drain stormwater into Green Lake overflowed. Several homes in the vicinity of Gowers Corner flooded and septic tanks stopped functioning.

“The project itself, I’m not against,” DeLong said. But he added, “We have been having tremendous problems from the lake because of flooding.”

Residents need answers, and a fix to the problem, he said.

There also are concerns about the impact of a proposed project from the Florida Department of Transportation to realign the intersection and add more lanes to the roadways.

County Commissioner Moore assured DeLong that county and state officials are working on the flooding issue.

“We’re wanting to get with SWIFTMUD (Southwest Water Management District) and looking for a possible resolution,” Moore said.

Published May 18, 2016