The Laker/Lutz News

Zephyrhills City Council

Improvements keep coming to Zephyrhills redevelopment area

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The concept design plan for Hercules Park renovations is being updated to include public requests for restrooms, artwork, educational signage, a retention pond, and Wi-Fi, among several other features such as playfields and pathways.

Initial design plans for a BMX bike track were not well-received during a workshop, so that piece is being removed from the scope, according to Gail Hamilton, director of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The 12-acre park property is at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

Upgrades continue to occur in the redevelopment district that is under the jurisdiction of the Zephyrhills Redevelopment Agency. (File)

Hamilton provided an update on the CRA’s activities in a number of areas during the agency’s last meeting. The Zephyrhills City Council serves as the board of the CRA.

The CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district.

The Zephyrhills CRA redevelopment district is approximately 501 acres. It encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside, and Plaza.

Other notable updates on activities within the district were shared during last month’s meeting. They include:

  • A CRA commercial matching façade and signage grant totaling up to $6,000 has been approved for Tara Hornbeck, doing business as Mulligan’s Tavern, at 5420 Gall Blvd.

Upgrades for the new Irish pub are slated to feature an aluminum frame cloth awning by the front door entrance, as well as replacement of rotted windows and doorframe.

The building was formerly the home of Salsa’s Mexican Grill, which has been closed for more than a year, Hamilton said.

Several other improvements outside the grant’s scope also will be completed — including parking lot repaving and landscaping — at the restaurateur’s expense. “We will have a nice looking building when it’s all said and done,” Hamilton told CRA Commissioners.

  • A $5,000 CRA residential ownership incentive grant has been approved for Elis Jose Burgos-Berrios, at 4929 16th St.

The grant’s purpose is to encourage home purchases within distressed neighborhoods as a catalyst to improve the owner-occupancy rate and neighborhood, one street at a time.

The grant requires Burgos-Berrios to file a homestead exemption on the property for five years.

Burgos-Berrios is a city employee, tasked with maintaining the city’s Oakside Cemetery, at 5301 First St.

  • Public Wi-Fi now is installed for Fifth Avenue, but the CRA is working with a consultant and the city’s IT department on developing a website landing page that Main Street will eventually oversee.
  • Zephyrhills Public Works has installed a slew of black benches throughout downtown, matching the color scheme of trash cans, signs and poles.

• The CRA has partnered with Main Street and public works to install blue Adirondack chairs (made of recycled plastic water bottles) attached with concrete slabs at Transplant Park, a pie-shaped area at 12th Street and Fifth Street. A neighborhood happenings sign promoting downtown parades and events also will be installed at the pocket park.

Published July 28, 2021

Zephyrhills city manager earns solid performance marks

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The verdict is in: Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe is doing a pretty bang-up job.

That’s the general consensus of the Zephyrhills City Council in its performance review of Poe, shared during the council’s July 12 meeting.

Poe earned a combined 4.21 on a rating scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning needs improvement and 5 meaning exceeds expectations.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe (File)

Here’s how the scores for Poe broke down:

Council President Alan Knight: 4.84
Councilman Ken Burgess: 4.68
Councilman Charlie Proctor: 4.27
Councilman Lance Smith: 3.82
Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson: 3.43

The 12-page evaluation covered a period from June 2020 to June 2021.

The review consisted of 10 key performance measures — personal, professional skills and status, relations with elected members, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision, community, and fiscal management.

The evaluation also gave council members an opportunity to respond to specific questions and include comments pertinent to the rating period. Those specifics could include the city manager’s strengths, performance areas needing improvement and constructive suggestions.

The results were submitted to Lori Hillman, the city clerk; Sandra Amerson, human resources director; and, Pasco County.

After the results were shared, several council members offered remarks about the city’s operations under Poe’s management.

Smith and Burgess each simply stated the city manager is “doing a good job.”

Burgess added: “I think everything is running along pretty good right now.”

Knight was more effusive in his praise. He said Poe is “doing a great job.”

Knight elaborated: “Things that are being done for this city and the growth and all, I’m just real proud of everything. Once again, Mr. Poe, we’re very proud. I know I’m very proud of the job you do.”

Poe’s evaluation period coincides with several noteworthy changes for the municipality. Those include consolidation of the city’s longstanding fire department into Pasco County; the opening of the multimillion-dollar Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; progress on the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection project; the launch of the city’s first social media accounts; and, the hiring of its first public information officer.

Poe became Zephyrhills’ city manager during a period of massive residential growth in the city — with over 2,400 homes under construction, not including the numerous developments currently in the negotiation stage. As a result of the growth, an estimated 6,000 people could move into the city within the next two years to five years.

He previously served as city manager in Dade City in 2008, a position he held for over a decade.

He left Dade City to become the assistant city manager in Zephyrhills, in November 2018, then stepped up to replace retiring city manager Steve Spina in July 2019.

Published July 28, 2021

Zephyrhills golf course to stay open, for now

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A roomful of passionate golfers could be seen holding up signs reading, “Save, Save, Save Our Course,” at a June 14 Zephyrhills City Council meeting.

The showy display of activism inside City Hall chambers came in response to recent reports of the Florida Army National Guard scouting the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course as a prime spot for a new $25 million armory development.

Turns out, these residents need not worry about the future of the longstanding 18-hole, par 68 course, after all.

The Florida Army National Guard is considering various parcels throughout Zephyrhills to develop a $25 million armory, including a 14-acre tract on the northside of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. (Courtesy of Florida Army National Guard)

That’s because the National Guard has all but changed course — instead evaluating a number of other would-be armory locations, so as to not impact the golf facility, located at southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, at 39248 B Ave.

This includes strongly considering a 14-acre tract on the northside of the municipal airport, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said during the meeting.

“We’re trying to find another location (for the armory),” Poe said. “Nothing has been finalized yet, but we are working on that.”

State lawmakers recently approved allocating the substantial appropriation to the military organization, for a future training ground in Zephyrhills. (Armories are used for

equipment storage, recruiting, personal training, educational training, and general administration offices.)

While an armory location has not yet been finalized, the city manager assured council members and residents the city golf course more than likely will stay in operation.

Said Poe, “I can’t say that it’s completely off the table until everything’s signed, but the serious conversations are on the other (14-acre) parcel, because the guard realizes that they don’t want to take over an existing golf course; they’ve made that comment.”

Poe also made clear that he’ll keep the community abreast on any changes in conversations between the city and the guard.

“It’s not a decision that’s made in the dark, in a vacuum by staff,” he said.

“It has to come back before council, so right now, the guard is evaluating if that 14 acres is sufficient for their needs.

“The last conversation we had (with the guard), it appeared to be, so that is the direction we’re moving — the golf course will remain, and the guard will land on another property.”

The municipal golf facility was established in 1957, then opened in 1978.

It’s regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding courses, where snowbirds, seniors and others flock to during the year.

It’s also been described as veteran-friendly, accommodating to beginners, slower players and individuals with physical disabilities.

Zephyrhills City Councilman Charles Proctor (File)

Course management staff have stated the facility can average upwards of 1,500 players per week and some 6,000 rounds per month, during the busy winter season between October through February.

The course’s future has been a hot topic over the last several council meetings, given the guard’s armory situation and questions surrounding the golf facility’s upkeep and overall value to the community.

Even with Poe’s well-received revelation, several town residents still felt the need to stress the importance of the outdoor recreational staple.

Tom Darby, who lives in Tropical Acre Estates, said the airport golf course is “one of the best courses for senior citizens,” given its shorter yardage and lack of hills compared to other nearby offerings.

Darby also suggested if the golf facility was to shut down to make way for an armory — “the worst-case scenario,” he said — the city should develop another municipal course somewhere else in town to accommodate an area “full of senior citizens.”

Meanwhile, Zephyrhills resident Valerie Snell questioned why city administration would bring the golf course issue to the fore during a time many snowbirds who play the course have already left the area to spend summer up north.

Snell observed, “The population of this city drops by 75% in the spring, because of all the snowbirds that go back home, and I know that there are a lot of people that use that course, and before any decisions are made, I would hope that you would let them be heard, also.”

Regarding this statement, the city manager acknowledged wintertime would’ve created “perfect timing” for snowbird residents being in town to comment in person.

However, state appropriations being at stake is “why the conversation started now” compared to delaying the task for several months, Poe responded.

“It wasn’t to eliminate or prohibit citizens from coming in and speaking, it’s just the circumstances dictated the timing of it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, circumstances sometimes dictate when we have to make decisions and when we have to have the meetings, and this is one of those times, where conversations have to take place now and can’t wait until the wintertime, so that’s the reasons why the conversations started a few weeks ago.”

Snell then asked if these part-time Zephyrhills residents, among others, could send letters of support for the golf course.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike. The Florida National Guard initially was eyeing the course for a new armory, but is evaluating other parcels. (File)

In response, Poe encouraged the community involvement on all fronts: “That’s perfectly acceptable, to have them send letters of support. I’ve received a couple in the last couple weeks, so if there’s individuals that want to send letters of support, that’s perfectly fine, and those can be entered into the record, just the same as you are here today.”

Toward the end of the meeting, the course’s pro shop manager Craig Sexton submitted a stack of hard-copy petitions from local golfers pleading the council to keep the facility in play.

He also made some brief comments addressing council members: “I’d just like to leave (these petitions) with you, and I’d just like to simply say, ‘Thank you.’ It takes a lot of stress off us.”

The municipal course has at least one ardent legislative champion in Councilman Charles Proctor.

He made it clear he would not support any development project that would jeopardize the links — a position which drew rounds of applause from those seated in attendance.

“I would just like to let the people know that are involved with the golf course that I would never vote to take away your golf course,” Proctor said.

“I know you all enjoy it, you get a lot of use out of it, so I can’t speak for the rest (of the council), but I would never vote to take away your golf course. It’s been a part of Zephyrhills for a long time, and I wouldn’t even attempt to try to take it away.

“Nothing is ever in stone in life, we all know that, but I believe our city manager and our city employees are working hard to make this work for both parties.”

Discussion about the course’s future originally came up during an early May meeting to approve a lease agreement with Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators.

Poe at the time disclosed how the guard had targeted the golf course property for purchase — likely to be a substantial offer — among other site alternatives and parcels throughout the city, following the wave of expansion funding from the state.

Armed with that information, council members tabled the lease renewal for future discussion, as the city’s present agreement with Under Par doesn’t expire until April 2022.

Published June 30, 2021

Barbecue and classic car event planned for July 4 weekend

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A Backyard BBQ and Classic Car Show has been set for Independence Day weekend, in downtown Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills City Council cleared the way for the event, by granting a special event request from the Zephyrhills chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

The downtown event, set for July 3 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., will require the closure of some downtown streets.

The streets that will be closed from noon to 10 p.m. are:

  • Fifth Avenue, from Seventh Street to Ninth Street
  • Eighth Street, from Fourth Avenue to Sixth Avenue

Alcohol will be available in a designated area, with off-duty Zephyrhills Police Department officers on hand throughout the event.

The event on July 3 will feature barbecue contests and a classic car show. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Eagles #3752 Facebook Page)

City staff recommended approval of the request, which council members approved unanimously at their June 14 meeting.

An online flyer of the event promotes vendors, hot rods, prizes, live bands, barbecue contests, a full bar and more.

While council members expressed enthusiasm for having the event during the Independence Day weekend, they also advised event organizers that in the future they must coordinate downtown events in advance through Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., and the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Such coordination is intended to help prevent scheduling conflicts with other downtown events and to control the closure of roads, which could affect surrounding businesses and properties along Fifth Avenue, they said.

Council Vice President and CRA Board President Jodi Wilkeson made those issues clear during the meeting.

But she added: “I think this is a great opportunity for the Eagles to promote the downtown community.”

City Manager Billy Poe addressed the councilwoman’s concerns directly.

He explained now that Main Street has just filled its director position with the hiring of Faith Wilson, staffers will be more insistent with local organizations wishing to host downtown events to follow proper communication channels.

“That conversation’s gonna ramp up a little bit more,” Poe said. “I think as we move forward, we’ll have some more communication about different events and how do we coordinate everything together.”

That said, Poe suggested the council go ahead and approve this latest request from the Eagles.

“What the Eagles are putting on is what we want downtown,” Poe said, noting their prior events have attracted visitors from Lakeland and other locales.

Council President Alan Knight added he’s “very happy” to see the downtown barbecue and car show come about.

But Knight wanted assurance from the organization that attendees limit alcohol consumption to a specified block, and not throughout the entire event.

“We just don’t want (drinkers) wandering around or running through town,” Knight said.

Zephyrhills Eagles representative Reed Sutton said the group is amenable to each of the council’s requests and accommodations.

“We are a nonprofit organization, and we are here to help downtown Zephyrhills to grow back up and be something exciting,” Sutton told council members.

“We will do whatever we have to do to work with you city members…and whatever you need from us, we’re here, and we’ll back ya’ll and do whatever we have to do,” Sutton added.

The Zephyrhills Eagles run their charity operation out of a two-story former bank brick building, at 38421 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills

Their regular events and programming include bingo, darts, pool, card games, karaoke, live music, line dancing instruction, and more.

The international nonprofit organization was founded “on a premise of proud, caring, people helping people with a passion for community service.”

Published June 30, 2021

Residents back Zephyrhills golf course

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The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course remains up in air, as city leaders continue to ponder the possible sale of the property for a Florida Army National Guard Armory.

In recent weeks, the National Guard has been scouting the 65-acre golf property situated on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

This development comes as state lawmakers approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the military organization, for future training grounds in Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike. The course’s future may be in jeopardy if the Florida Army National Guard selects the location as its site for an armory expansion, and the City of Zephyrhills received a weighty offer for the property. (File)

But area residents have come out swinging in support of the 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Avid golfers and course workers alike voiced the need to keep the outdoor recreational amenity intact, during a public comment portion of a May 24 Zephyrhills City Council regular meeting.

The facility — established in 1957, then opened in 1978 — is regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding golf courses, where snowbirds and others flock to during the year.

Discussion about the course’s future originally came up during an earlier May meeting to approve a lease agreement with Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators.

But City Manager Billy Poe at the time disclosed how the National Guard had targeted the golf course property for purchase — likely to be a substantial offer — among other site alternatives and parcels throughout the city, following the wave of expansion funding.

Armed with that information, council members tabled the lease renewal for future discussion, given that the city’s present agreement with Under Par won’t expire until April 2022.

With no final decisions yet set, locals came out in full force inside Zephyrhills City Hall to put comments on the record.

Sixteen-year-old Wesley Chapel resident Jake Roberts spoke in glowing terms about his experiences at the course.

The teen, who was the first public speaker to weigh in on the topic, said he learned to play golf there with his father, when he was just 8 years old.

He described the course as “a cornerstone” of his life and “a very important place” for the entire East Pasco community.

“I have a lot of good memories from there,” Roberts told the council. “I’ve grown up there basically, around some of the best, kindest, and overall good people that you could meet.”

He urged council members: “Please allow these memories I will forever cherish to be experienced by more people in this community.”

Roberts’ father, Art, also stood up, wrought with emotion on the course’s uncertain future.

Choking up, the parent shared how course staff and members welcomed his family and rallied around his 12-year-old daughter’s battle with cancer.

Art added that the course was “a place to go” for the family during the traumatic times, then emphasized how the facility is accommodating and affordable for both young and older golfers, including retirees and winter residents.

“The value to our community is immeasurable,” Art said. “There’s a lot of folks that need that place.”

Zephyrhills resident Ken Fabiani can attest, as an amputee veteran who’s played the municipal course the past four years. “It’s about the only golf course that’s feasible for somebody that has, not a handicap, but a little difficulty playing the longer golf courses,” he said, also noting the pro shop offers a 20% veteran discount.

Fabiani also suggested the proposed armory project “be placed somewhere more convenient than taking away the city’s golf course, and let it be that everybody has a chance to play.”

Mike Murrell discovered the course about two years ago when he relocated to Zephyrhills.

He has since become a regular course volunteer, where he’s met hundreds of people young and old — including some players in their 90s, who relish the smaller, beginner-friendly style course. “If it weren’t for that course,” Murrell said, “they wouldn’t be playing golf.”

Murrell also said, “I think it’d be a travesty if the course was shut down, because it’s enjoyed by so many people, especially the six months out of the year when the northerners are down here, it’s unbelievable.”

Longtime Zephyrhills resident Gary Kyle began playing the course about 11 years ago.

He likewise pleaded with city leadership to not compromise the course: “It’s a great place to go to unwind, it does a lot for the community. It gives people, young people especially, a place to go that’s safe, a good, safe environment, and I would really like for the council members and the city to keep the course open.”

In addition to other area residents who spoke up in favor of keeping the facility intact, course employees, like pro shop manager Craig Sexton, expressed concern about closing the course in favor of another development project.

“I don’t see why one company has to die for another to live,” Sexton said.

“I don’t understand why we need to destroy one company that’s functioning, not great, but we’re surviving, and for that to happen post-COVID, I’m confused, I’m not sure what is going on.

“I understand the city has to look out for the city, but I ask that you also consider us employees and just understand that we have something at stake, too.”

When questioned by council about course activity, Sexton said the facility can average upwards of 1,500 players per week and some 6,000 rounds per month, during the busy winter season between October through February.

“When we’re on and everybody’s in the groove,” he said, “it’s busy, it’s crazy out there, but they love it, and we make it happen.”

Sexton contrasted those figures with an undetermined number of National Guard soldiers and staffers who’d train and take base at the would-be armory unit.

He observed, “I mean, it’s really a substantial penalty to the community if we just wipe this golf course off the earth, you know.”

Zephyrhills golf course manager Ayako Burkhart also pleaded to keep the city golf course, describing it as an affordable recreational outlet for all ages and backgrounds.

Burkhart also detailed how the property is a haven for many seniors and winter residents, some who regularly stop by the clubhouse, not just for golf, but for coffee and conversations.

She also pointed out how the facility also is “a safe, comfortable environment” for golfers with disabilities, who may take a while longer to get around the course, by ensuring they aren’t harassed or yelled at for slow play. “People are appreciative of what we’re doing,” Burkhart said, “as a city golf course to everyone.”

Council addresses concerns
Following the barrage of public statements, council members further weighed in on the issue, while also thanking citizens for providing input.

Councilman Lance Smith, who grew up playing the course, acknowledged any final decision one way or the other will be tough given the course’s history and community role.

The councilman encouraged city staffers to visit the course to see its present condition and operations.

He also suggested the National Guard “look elsewhere” throughout Zephyrhills, instead of a golf course “that provides a recreational amenity to how many thousands of people every season.”

“Quite frankly, I’m going to have a very difficult decision to make, because that golf course is very dear to me, personally,” Smith said.

“When it comes down to it, I honestly can’t say which way I’m going to fall on it. …I know this (issue) is going to come before us, but I just want to put it out there that I have a strong attachment to that piece of ground out there.”

Mayor Gene Whitfield similarly advised staffers to best push other vacant sites to the National Guard for an armory.

“It’s been here a long time, it’s almost like a landmark here to many of us,” Whitfield said of the municipal course. “Personally, I’m kind of in the camp that says, ‘We need to keep looking and not make a hasty decision.’”

Councilman Ken Burgess said he’s confident administration “will do what’s in the best interest for the city overall,” then adding “we still have some things to find out before we even make a decision anyway.”

Added Councilman Charles Proctor: “Sometimes we do have to make tough decisions, but I think we can put a little common sense into it and maybe, hopefully, make everybody happy.”

City Attorney Matthew Maggard even chipped in his experiences participating in youth camps as a kid at the course.

It’s where he first learned to properly hit out of a sand trap thanks to an instructor’s memorable tip about envisioning swinging a shallow patch of sand about the size of a dollar bill under the ball. “I used that (tip) all the way through high school when I played on the high school team. That was the best trick I ever learned, and I learned it out there,” he said.

Altogether, Council President Alan Knight may have best summed up what most were thinking: “I have a big place in my heart for that golf course.”

Published June 02, 2021

Will Zephyrhills golf course become home to armory?

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The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is uncertain, as city leaders are considering sale of the property for possible use for a Florida Army National Guard Armory.

The 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., sits on roughly 65 acres of prime real estate on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course)

It is regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding golf courses, where snowbirds and others flock to throughout the year.

Discussion about its future came up during the Zephyrhills City Council’s May 10 meeting when the council was set to consider a staff recommendation to approve a first amendment lease agreement between the city and Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators.

That contract includes running the pro shop and snack bar, and providing golf cart rentals and golf equipment.

But instead of considering that rather routine contract, council members tabled the issue for a future meeting and instead focused on breaking developments regarding the Florida Army National Guard’s interest in the property.

News that the organization had scouted the golf course and expressed interest in the property came about the same time the council’s meeting agenda was being prepared.

It all comes as state lawmakers recently approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the National Guard, for a location in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills City Councilman Ken Burgess

With that in mind, council members Ken Burgess, Lance Smith and others figured it best to delay action at least a few weeks or months until more information can be gathered, given the present lease agreement doesn’t expire until April 2022.

“I know (Under Par) would like to have something done right now, but we do have a little bit of time,” Burgess said. “I don’t see a reason to approve it, and then six months from now say, ‘No, we’ve got to come back and do something different.’

Zephyrhills City Attorney Matthew Maggard said: “I don’t think it’s going to hurt anything to push it a couple of meetings.”

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe told council members he’s set to have ongoing discussions with National Guard representatives to discuss various site alternatives and parcels throughout the city.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe

“We’re looking,” he said. “Obviously, we want them in the Zephyrhills area, in the Zephyrhills city limits.”

Down the line, if the golf course lease agreement as written is ultimately approved and the National Guard (or other group) later presents a lucrative enough offer for the property, a renegotiated buyout would need to be arranged between the city and Under Par, Poe explained.

Under Par’s annual rent is upward of $60,500 per year, broken up into monthly installments, which provides a solid revenue generator for the city.

The new agreement would have extended the lease for an additional 15 years, until April 30, 2037, with an option for two additional five-year renewable periods.

Zephyrhills City Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson

Per the agreement, Under Par also would be required to invest $80,000 in total capital improvements over the 15-year extension. That could include clubhouse modifications, cart cage and parking lot enhancements.

The agreement also states the lessee’s total course acreage would need to be reduced by 0.65 acres due to construction of an airport access road from Alston Avenue, which slightly impacts one of the holes.

Even though consideration of Under Par’s lease extension has been delayed, Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson did question why monthly rent costs on the golf course property aren’t being increased from the original September 2002 agreement.

She also pondered the overall level of service and added value it provides compared to other courses in the area in terms of full-fledged youth programs, memberships and even whether there’s ADA-compliant restrooms.

Zephyrhills City Councilman Lance Smith

“Those are the kind of questions that I feel like we should have answers to before we launch into another long-term lease with these folks,” Wilkeson said.

Later in the meeting, Wilkeson said she likely would have voted against the lease agreement, as she didn’t feel her questions were satisfactorily answered by city staff or Under Par representatives.

The course was established in 1957, then opened in 1978, according to the course’s website.

Its longstanding history prompted council members to express feelings of nostalgia.

Burgess mentioned it was the first golf course he ever played on, when he was growing up.

“We could play there for 50 cents,” he quipped.

Smith recalled similar positive experiences about the course, and said he knows there are others who feel an attachment to it.

“It’s a great course, and there’s people that have been out there for years,” Smith said. “Every winter they come down and they have their buddies that they play with, and there’s a social aspect to it as well.”

At the same time, Smith observed: “Something I can say is the golf industry is not a growing industry at all. Matter of fact, it’s going the other way; you see golf courses closing.”

Jeff Sweet assists with operating the golf course for Under Par.

Sweet asserted the course’s benefits, explaining there’s upwards of 200 rounds played on some days in the wintertime. He also noted there’s about 50 seasonal memberships sold.

“People like it,” Sweet said. “It’s a shorter course, it’s not a five-hour round, it’s three-and-a-half hours, and that really fits in. It’s more of a beginner’s course, not as much trouble, so I think it really has a niche.”

Fellow Zephyrhills golf course manager Ayako Burkhart added that youth can play the course free when accompanied by an adult. “We like to teach the kids how to play outside and be good in sports,” she said.

Published May 19, 2021

Federal help sought for sewer project

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The City of Zephyrhills is pursuing federal dollars to help pay for a new master lift station located in the vicinity of Otis Allen Road and 23rd Street.

The project — yet to be designed — calls for a new duplex master lift station with provisions to be upgraded to a triplex station when needed; an emergency generator; and, 17,000 linear feet of 8-inch and 10-inch HPDE (High Density Polyethylene) force main piping.

Zephyrhills is requesting $1.5 million in federal funding, which equates to 37.5% of the overall cost of the estimated $4 million project.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe (File)

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said the opportunity to secure federal dollars comes about as federal lawmakers recently reinstated the process of earmarking for local governments and nonprofits, otherwise referred to as community project funding.

With that, an approved congressional request package has been sent to the office of U.S. Rep Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, who’s told city leaders he will offer his support for the project through the legislative budgeting process.

The action approving the latest drafted package for the congressman’s office came during an April 26 regular meeting of the Zephyrhills City Council.

Zephyrhills has not been given a time frame regarding when they will know whether their grant request has been approved.

However, the plans to move ahead on the project are not contingent on receiving the federal money, Poe said. It will need to evaluate other funding options, if the federal request is denied, he said.

Based on prepared documents, the municipality looks to have the project’s design and bidding process complete by January, which includes determining the location of the station and the best route for the piping.

If on track from there, construction is expected to begin sometime in February and run through December, with the project being fully online and operational by January 2023.

Poe explained the need for the project, in a memo to council members.

The city’s existing wastewater infrastructure is at capacity and cannot accommodate additional flow from the north side of the city to the advanced wastewater treatment facility on the south side of the city, Poe explained in the memo.

The initiative is intended to assist with wastewater systems improvements to allow the city to balance wastewater flow, to provide water quality protection, and to support water supply needs in the Hillsborough River Basin.

The proposed improvements include a force main and associated lift stations that will allow the city to take approximately 200 residents off either septic systems or aging package plant facilities and instead send this wastewater flow to the city’s AWT (Advanced Wastewater Treatment) plant.

Poe and other city officials also said the project will ensure that future development will connect to centralized wastewater disposal facilities, therefore preventing installation of future septic systems and package plants near sensitive ecosystems.

In simpler terms, Poe said, “This will help to accommodate growth and take some pressure off the existing system.”

The City of Zephyrhills is seeking a $1.5 million federal grant for a new master lift station in the vicinity of Otis Allen Road and 23rd Street.

Councilman Ken Burgess supports the improvement, saying, “I think this is a much-needed project.”

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition also sent letters to Bilirakis, supporting the project.

In part, Melonie Monson, chamber director, wrote: “East Pasco County, including the Zephyrhills community, is experiencing accelerated growth in recent years, and is poised to become the number one place to live. The addition of this new lift station would grant future development the ability to connect to the city wastewater with confidence and ease.

“We know you recognize the need to move away from old septic systems, which could hold potential risk, and into a streamlined and safe wastewater disposal system. It is important for our city to offer adequate infrastructure to its residents and this wastewater system improvement and would be a step in that direction. We applaud our state and city leaders who are working to better our community.

“We ask for your support in this effort to improve the amazing community in which we live, work and play,” Monson concluded.

Other updates shared during the council meeting, included:

  • Work on the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport runway extension 1-19 project officially began in mid-April, with completion expected sometime around November or December.
  • New mast arm traffic signals are now set to be erected as part of the U.S. 301, Pretty Pond and Townview shopping center intersection project.
  • Walls are up on a standalone Chick-fil-A franchise, with an anticipated opening in late July or early August, at 7490 Gall Blvd.
  • Construction is moving forward on a standalone Chipotle franchise, though there is not a known time frame for opening, at 7642 Gall Blvd.

Published May 05, 2021

Zephyrhills councilmembers retain seats

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The names and faces on the Zephyrhills City Council will remain familiar — but some titles are changing.

Incumbent councilmembers Charles Proctor and Jodi Wilkeson have been reelected to new three-year terms, both running unopposed in the 2021 municipal election.

Charles Proctor

They each took the oath of office, in a swearing-in ceremony conducted by City Clerk Lori Hillman during a special meeting on April 15 at Zephyrhills City Hall.

Other members on the voting council include Ken Burgess, Alan Knight and Lance Smith. Mayor Gene Whitfield also sits on the dais, though he doesn’t run council meetings, cannot make motions and cannot vote on matters before the council. He does, however, have veto power on city ordinances.

While the composition of the council didn’t change, there was a reorganization, with Knight selected to serve as council president, and Wilkeson as vice president.

Councilmember liaison appointments were finalized, too.

Burgess will serve on the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce; Proctor, on Ridge League of Cities; Smith and Whitfield, on Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); and Wilkeson, on Main Street Zephyrhills.

Proctor begins his fifth term on Council Seat 5.

He was elected to his first term back in 2011, when he defeated then incumbent Manny Funes.

Proctor has owned an auto detailing and coin collection shop on Eighth Street for about three decades.

A native of Portland, Maine, Proctor moved to Florida in 1989, where he quickly landed a job washing cars and as a butcher, before launching his own businesses in Zephyrhills within a couple years.

Jodi Wilkeson

Wilkeson likewise is no stranger to the city’s governing dais — beginning her fifth term — having been elected to a three-year term April 2018 and also previously serving from 2008 to 2014.

She lost Seat 2 in the 2014 municipal election to Knight, a retired educator, but assumed Seat 3 in 2018 after defeating candidates Devon Alexander and Cory Sommers. She took over for outgoing member Kent Compton, who did not file for reelection that cycle.

Wilkeson is the founder and president of an architecture and interior design firm in Tampa.

She’s held numerous volunteer roles over the years, previously serving on the citizen-led Zephyrhills Planning Commission and Zephyrhills Historic Preservation Board.

Besides her council duties, Wilkeson is board president of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The mayor and city council serve as representatives of the electors of the City of Zephyrhills, and are responsible for establishing the direction and policies of all affairs of the city.

Their primary duties include exercising legislative leadership and policy to promulgate the laws and ordinances of the city, approving an annual budget to provide for the needs and services of the city, setting policy and direction for the various functions of city government, and appointing citizens to serve on various advisory boards and committees.

Council members each receive $6,000 annually for their duties.
It’s undoubtedly a busy time inside city hall — navigating the East Pasco town’s rampant growth, development, infrastructure enhancements and other changes.

Some of the council’s recent and future undertakings include:

• Managing the addition of thousands of new homes throughout city limits

• Multimillion dollar expansions to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, municipal airport and municipal tennis center

• Myriad roadwork projects, such as U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection and paving of Simons Road

• Work to revitalize the historic downtown district

• Overhaul of the city’s 911 dispatch communications system

Zephyrhills City Council
Seat 1: Lance Smith
Seat 2: Alan Knight
Seat 3: Jodi Wilkeson
Seat 4: Ken Burgess
Seat 5: Charles Proctor
Mayor: Gene Whitfield

Published April 28, 2021

Zephyrhills discussing 911 dispatch

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The City of Zephyrhills has proudly operated its own police and dispatch for over a century, dating back to 1914 to be exact.

Some of this autonomy could be altered in coming years, however.

With technology advancements and rampant growth on the East Pasco town’s doorstep, local leaders are evaluating the existing operating model for public safety.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) and other city officials are considering various ways to upgrade and improve its 911 dispatch communications and records management technology.

At least one possibility includes consolidating and integrating those services with Pasco County, in an effort to improve efficiency and public safety, among other reasons.

The Zephyrhills City Council conducted a 90-minute workshop presentation on the issue last month.

Council members reached a consensus that it’s time to proceed with a feasibility study to account for cost factors, planning and transition of a 911 systems merger.

Some possible routes for such study are via the Police Executive Research Forum, through an academic institution such as the University of South Florida, or with the help of a consulting firm.

“This is a big deal, so we need to know what we’re getting into,” said Zephyrhills Council President Charles Proctor.

Here’s how the communications system currently works: The municipality’s central dispatch handles all landline 911 calls and other non-emergency calls within city limits.

But Pasco County Emergency Communications, based in New Port Richey, answers 100% of wireless cellphone 911 calls, even those within Zephyrhills.

After a briefing with the wireless caller, county dispatchers transfer the call to ZPD dispatch. Dispatchers at ZPD proceed to ask a similar line questions from the 911 caller — such as exact location, name and phone number — and determine whether to send an officer on scene.

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer acknowledged this multi-step verification and county-to-city wireless call transfer creates “some redundancy” and at times becomes “a very lengthy process,” often due to voluminous confirmation protocols required by the county.

The police chief underscored the issue by mentioning that a local wireless 911 caller sometimes may be asked to confirm his or her name three times or more, even before identifying their particular emergency or situation.

Said Brewer: “I can understand if you’re going through those protocols as a 911 caller and you’re going through an emergency, and then having to get transferred, they’re probably upset, that they just want an officer or EMS or whatever.”

Another shortfall with the current model — there’s the chance of wireless call transfers getting dropped in transit between county and city dispatch.

The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) will remain in place, even if the city merged its 911 dispatching services with Pasco County. The local law enforcement agency has 34 sworn officers.

Multiple options on the table
Zephyrhills leaders previously considered dispatch consolidation in 2012.

The plan wasn’t implemented due to potential costs and a view by stakeholders that a merger with the county wouldn’t be beneficial at the time.

But with marked increases in cellphone usage, surging residential growth and corresponding cutting of landlines, city leaders are again considering the possibility of an operational overhaul.

Since 2012, wireless transfer calls have increased from about 55% to 62%, and the figures are only expected to increase in coming years, officials say.

Brewer introduced three options for city leaders to consider:

  • Remain status quo — continue to operate in the same manner
  • Hybrid consolidation — create a mixture of a centralized and localized system. The city would remain as a standalone communications center but would share a common CAD/RMS (computer-aided dispatch/record management system) with Pasco County.
  • Full consolidation — consolidate into a centrally located communications center for all emergency personnel and shared CAD/RMS system, to eliminate 911 calls being answered by dispatches from different agencies and the need to transfer callers

A full dispatch consolidation model would mirror what’s now in place at the Dade City Police Department (DCPD), which joined Pasco’s 911 system in 2015.

Under this setup, the county handles all 911 calls, prioritizing calls by importance and dispatching city or county units accordingly, on the same radio frequency. At the same time, Dade City police employees answer all non-emergency calls.

When there’s a municipal landline call requiring assistance, Dade City police call-taking employees simply enter information into a shared CAD/RMS system. From there, the county dispatches the closest unit, whether it’s Dade City police, sheriff’s deputies, or both.

Benefits to dispatch consolidation
Brewer outlined multiple benefits associated with a communications merger — particularly the improved safety for law enforcement officers and the general public.

A consolidated system between city and county may prove particularly useful when responding to critical incidents, he said.

The Zephyrhills Police Department is considering alternatives to its central dispatching services, including a possible merger with Pasco County Department of Emergency Services. Presently, city dispatchers answer all landline 911 calls within city limits, while local wireless 911 calls are answered by the county then transferred to city dispatchers.

“All (city and county) officers would have the same information simultaneously and would allow for greater situational awareness,” he explained. “I think being able to respond in a coordinated manner would certainly provide better safety for our citizens.”

The police chief shared various examples of high-profile emergency response communication failures, like the 2018 Parkland school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed the lives of 17 students and school faculty members.

In this particular case, Brewer detailed how the Broward County and Coral Springs Police Department were operating on different communications systems at the time, causing delays in the transfer of 911 calls. The calls overloaded the 911 system and overwhelmed staff. Meanwhile, officers and deputies on scene were unable to merge radio traffic, thus preventing information exchange of the shooter’s location and description. Also, the antiquated radio system became impaired at one point, further impeding communication among units.

Removing redundancy and improving efficiency, along with interoperability, enhanced mapping capabilities and shared costs would be other plusses under a merger, Brewer said.

Cybersecurity enhancements would likely result, too.

“They (Pasco County) have layers upon layers upon layers of protection over there to protect themselves from cyberattacks,” Brewer said. “While I think we do a good job as a municipality, I don’t think we have the protections that they do.”

Moreover, ZPD is also working toward seeking police accreditation, whereby “there will be expectations for certain protocols, certain technology that we’ll have to take into consideration,” Brewer said.

Drawbacks to dispatch consolidation
Reservations regarding a consolidation model include the loss of local control and the required levels of data sharing between city and county law enforcement, particularly as it pertains to internal investigations and confidential information.

“There’s a lot of different circumstances where we’d want to have control over our own information,” Brewer said.

“I have a lot of pride where I work and I feel like we provide a good service to our citizens, and losing some of that control scares me a little,” he said.

While response times to emergencies may be improved in some instances, the comprehensive level of service Zephyrhills residents and businesses have been accustomed could take a hit, if the county is put in charge of dispatching all units.

That’s because the city’s team of dispatchers — many who’ve accrued long tenures in their role —  have a heightened familiarity with community members and landmarks to quickly discern where to send units, even with limited information, officials say.

Also, besides handling pressing matters, ZPD “pretty much responds to everything” including vacation house checks and neighborhood noise complaints, Brewer said.

In these scenarios, county dispatchers may opt to not deploy units, given their lower priority level.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe highlighted this dynamic during the workshop: “I will tell you that the sheriff’s office cannot provide the same level of service that ZPD provides the citizens of Zephyrhills. They cannot do it. The calls that we respond to, they say, ‘Thank you, but we’re not coming.’ — so the level of service would just not be matched.

“If somebody goes on vacation and says, ‘Hey I think I left my door unlocked.’ We respond. The sheriff’s office says, ‘You better call your neighbor or family member, have them go check.’ That’s just an example of the level of service that we provide.”

Published March 03, 2021

Zephyrhills plans to seek state funds for three projects

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The City of Zephyrhills has decided to seek state funding for three improvement projects during the 2021 state legislative session.

Those projects involve improving Seventh Street; expanding the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; and, improving a runway at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The total costs for all three projects is estimated at $11.6 million.

This is a rendering of what a complete roadway would include, traversing Seventh Street from C Avenue north to U.S. 301. The 1.5-mile section would be converted from a single two-lane, one-way northbound road to a two-lane, two-way road with the addition of a multi-use trail, a sidewalk, on-street parking (where practical), and drainage improvements. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to submit funding requests for these projects at a Jan. 11 regular meeting.

When the Florida Legislature meets, it considers requests from local governments for assistance with projects of local importance.

Zephyrhills must ask state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City, and state Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, to sponsor these projects on the city’s behalf.

Staff will work to complete the applications and then submit to both the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Monies would theoretically be made available to Zephyrhills in July, should one or more of those projects be approved by the Florida Legislature and signed off on by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Here’s a more detailed look at the proposed projects:

  • Seventh Street complete street

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has proposed to convert U.S. 301 and Sixth Street to a one-way pair street network. Because of these improvements, the city correspondingly wants to construct roadway improvements along Seventh Street from C Avenue north to U.S. 301. The roadway would be converted from a single two-lane, one-way northbound road to a two-lane, two-way road with the addition of a multi-use trail, sidewalk, on street parking where practical, and drainage improvements. The length of the street project is approximately 1.5 miles. Estimated cost is $6.3 million.

  • Indoor tennis complex, plus outdoor hard courts

Shown as Phase II on the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center plans, this includes the construction of a 30,000-square-foot indoor tennis facility with the capability for other sports and activities (soccer, ping pong, banquets, ceremonies), along with associated parking. Additionally, staff would like to construct six outdoor hard courts, allowing for sanctioned hard-court tournaments. Estimated cost is $2.5 million.

  • As part of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s runway 01-19 extension, additional funding is needed for paved runway shoulders, taxiway B extension, stormwater piping and an access road. These projects have a total estimated cost of $2.8 million. (File)

    Zephyrhills Municipal Airport runway extension

The city previously received a state appropriation of $5.9 million for the extension of runway 01-19, which is currently out to bid. However, an engineer’s cost estimate indicates the original appropriation will cover only the design and construction of the runway, and will not cover the paved runway shoulders, taxiway B extension, stormwater piping or the access road. These additional items have a total estimated cost of $2.8 million.

Before deciding to approve the project submissions, there was much discussion during the meeting — mainly concerning the additions to the tennis center and the airport runway extension.

Zephyrhills Council President Charles Proctor, for one, expressed disappointment because the city again must request for additional state funds regarding improvements to the airport runway. He was dismayed, as well, that no state funding requests were presented for improving various city parks facilities, including Hercules Park.

The city manager addressed both matters.

Poe detailed how original airport runway costs were likely underestimated because there was no design at the time of the requests for fiscal year 2018-2019, plus he said there was a short time frame for an engineer to put a package together. Moreover, construction costs have changed somewhat since then, Poe said.

“I agree, it’s crazy to me that $5.9 million doesn’t cover everything we needed out there; unfortunately, that’s where we are on that,” the city manager said.

As for not requesting anything in the way of local parks improvements from the state, Poe suggested next year might be more apt given expected state budget reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic — where officials have said could hit the $5 billion shortfall range.

He mentioned conversations with various state representatives made it appear they’re likely to sponsor fewer projects on the whole because of the pandemic’s lingering effects. For example, Poe said Burgess previously told him he’d be comfortable sponsoring just two Zephyrhills projects this year.

Poe observed: “Let’s be honest, I think this state budget coming up here is going to be very tight. That doesn’t lend itself to a lot of appropriations, but we could be surprised. I think people are spending more than what we thought they would be throughout this past year, so hopefully projections were off.”

The City of Zephyrhills is seeking state funding for a trio of infrastructure projects. (File)

Meantime, there always had been plans to construct an indoor multi-purpose sports complex holding four tennis courts, at some point.

City council members were taken aback that the proposal also includes the construction of six additional outdoor hard-surface tennis courts to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, situated on 10 acres at 6585 Simons Road.

The facility already features nine Har-Tru clay tennis courts, two hard-surface tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and four padel courts.

If the multimillion dollar expansion project is passed in its entirety, that would give the facility 21 tennis courts in one form or another, plus the pickleball and padel offerings.

Aside from a quartet of indoor/covered courts, Poe explained the reasoning for funding an additional six outdoor hard surface courts is to open the facility to a wider range of tournaments, and to accommodate increasing recreational uses and demands.

In order to host certain tournaments — such as high school district or regional meets — the facility must have a minimum of eight hard-surface courts, he said. (Any indoor courts would not count toward that requirement because they technically have a different playing surface.)

As a further added use — the outdoor hard-surface courts could be converted and taped into pickleball courts as needed, Poe said.

Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson and Councilman Alan Knight questioned why an extra half-dozen outdoor hard courts weren’t part of original construction plans several years ago.

“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t plan ahead,” Wilkeson said, adding she’d also like to at some point see some concrete economic data generated from tennis tournaments and other events.

“It would be nice for me to look at it from more of a business plan perspective,” she said. “We talk about these amorphous numbers that impact the community tax revenue, but what other source of revenue is there for the city as it relates to these tournaments, or the tennis center.”

Poe wasn’t quite sure why more hard courts weren’t included from the onset, as he wasn’t the city manager at that time.

He suggested this possibility: “I don’t know that it was anticipated that the center would be as successful as it has been this early.”

He also pointed out there was perhaps more emphasis on constructing clay courts at the time: “I think the thought was the future of tennis facilities is to have the Har-Tru courts. With the clay courts, it’s easier on the joints and offers a little more flexibility to its users,” Poe said.

Despite council’s critiques, they ultimately agreed to seek funding to advance the tennis center’s build out.

Councilman Lance Smith underscored the facility’s importance, to put the matter into perspective: “I was over there for some of the (recent) tournaments and there were people from all over Florida that were in Zephyrhills, spending money in our restaurants, and then some of them lived at homes across the street, too, so there’s an ancillary benefit you get from it.”

Smith continued: “To host a high school tournament…that’s not a significant amount of revenue, but it brings people to the area. All of it generates traffic that wouldn’t otherwise be here in Zephyrhills. That being said, we do need to be careful spending our money.”

Elsewhere, regarding Seventh Street enhancements, Poe explained this project still needs to be designed.

Poe also noted: “There are some elements that could be removed or phased in to make that very large number more palatable for funding.”

Published January 27, 2021