Mike Moore wasn’t a stranger to politics when he decided to run for Pasco County Commission. However, being an elected official wasn’t a lifelong ambition, either.
Rather, the Wesley Chapel man said, he increasingly came to realize the impact government has on everyday life and decided he wanted to play a role.
Before running for office in 2014, Moore owned a home health company, which led to his involvement in lobbying efforts with that industry’s trade group at the state level.
He was active in Republican Party politics in Pasco, too, knocking on doors, waving signs for candidates and writing campaign checks.
Ultimately, after discussions with his family and within the community, Moore decided to toss his hat into the ring for a seat on the county board.
Moore said he wanted to help shape local government’s impact within District 2, and across the county, as a whole.
Early on, he identified three key issues: Public safety, infrastructure and jobs.
As he leaves office on Nov. 21, Moore said the county has made gains on all three fronts.
Complaints still surface during public comment and budget discussions regarding a shortage of manpower and pay issues regarding first responders, but Moore said Pasco has made great strides in those areas during the last eight years.
The county has budgeted more money for pay, and Pasco’s residents have supported public safety through both a General Obligation bond and Penny for Pasco, Moore said.
Traffic bottlenecks
Traffic is another big issue in Pasco.
At public hearings, opponents frequently battle proposed projects — raising concerns about traffic congestion and potential dangers if more growth is allowed before road improvements are made.
From Moore’s perspective, though, the county has made significant progress on infrastructure.
Numerous road projects have been completed, or are on the way, he said.
“I’m very happy that we were able to work very closely with our legislators and FDOT (the Florida Department of Transportation) to get that Diverging Diamond moved up, from 2024 — when it originally was going to start, to now, almost being completed.
“That’s huge. It really is huge,” he said, referring to a project intended to reduce congestion at Interstate 75 and State Road 56.
He also pointed to the new I-75 interchange being built at Overpass Road.
“How often do you see a new interchange on (Interstate) 75?” he asked.
The extension of State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills, is a big achievement, too, Moore said.
Initially, proposed as a two-lane road, the State Road 56 extension was expanded to four lanes, after partnerships were forged between Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills, the FDOT and private landowners to finance the road and get it built.
There are ongoing projects on State Road 52, State Road 54 and U.S. 41, as well. Plus, land is being acquired for the widening of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, with construction expected to begin next year, Moore said.
Also, a portion of the extension of Ridge Road has been completed, from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to the Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. The next phase will extend it to U.S. 41.
It took more than 20 years for the county to get the green light on the Ridge Road extension, he said.
More companies are coming to Pasco
Pasco has projects going on all over, but there’s one, in particular, which is expected to create significant opportunities for decades to come.
A new “city” called Angeline is beginning to emerge on 6,200 acres, in an area south of State Road 52 and west of U.S. 41.
The development, which will have an emphasis on wellness, is expected to become home for people of all ages and feature a diverse mix of housing types.
Plans call for pathways throughout the development to encourage people to walk or bicycle to get to around, rather than hopping into a car.
The community also will boast the latest in internet technology.
When complete, Angeline is expected to have about 35,000 people.
It will be home to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus, which will span 775 acres and which is entitled for up to 24-million square feet of planned clinical and research facilities.
Plans for the area include a hospital, research and development space, office, manufacturing, laboratories, pharmacies, educational facility/university, hotel, and commercial space. The multi-year, multi-phase project is expected to create 14,500 jobs.
Moore pushed hard to expand Pasco’s job growth, noting residents need more work options closer to home.
“If you want a good quality of life, the less time you’re on the road, the more time you can spend with your family and your friends,” Moore said.
He’s been a fierce advocate for preserving land designated for job-generating uses, rather than allowing its conversion for other uses, particularly apartments.
He persuaded his colleagues to approve a temporary moratorium on new multi-family entitlements within District 2.
That moratorium has been lifted; Moore’s attitude hasn’t shifted.
“Converting commercial land to multifamily along our major corridors — will always concern me,” Moore said. “I was happy we had a pause on it. I wish it had continued longer.”
As he reflects upon his time in office, the commissioner said he’s pleased with Pasco’s many improvements through the years.
The county’s revamped tourism efforts have resulted in higher Tourist Development Tax revenues, a bigger impact on the local economy and the successful branding of the area as Florida’s Sports Coast, Moore said.
“We’re making a name for ourselves,” he said, noting the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team trained at AdventHealth Center Ice before skating to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Pasco also has hosted national and international tournaments, showcases for professional sports and recently was selected as the site for the Florida Senior Games.
When athletes and spectators travel to Pasco, area restaurants, gas stations, hotels, stores, shops, entertainment venues and mom-and-pop businesses benefit, Moore said, adding these additional TDT revenues also help to reduce taxes for Pasco residents.
Pasco is looking good, in more ways than one
Moore cited a number of improvements he thinks are noteworthy.
The county’s curb appeal is better because of the county’s war on blight, Moore said.
Its animals are safer, too, because of the county’s abuse registry and its ban on the retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits.
The passage of the county’s sexual predator ordinance was important, as well, to protect Pasco’s most vulnerable residents.
He also praised the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially its efforts to help area businesses and residents hit hard by its impacts.
Besides big-picture issues, Moore pushed for specific projects.
He advocated funding for a recreational center at Wesley Chapel District Park and for a library in Seven Oaks.
One of his most gratifying projects, he said, involved the effort to establish a universal playground — for children of all ability levels — at Wesley Chapel District Park.
“It was a true community project,” Moore said.
“It was amazing when I reached out to private organizations, like the (Wesley Chapel) Rotary (Club) and AdventHealth (Wesley Chapel) and (the) Lennar (Foundation), and how willing they were — not just to write a check for a couple of thousand dollars — but $50,000 and $25,000 checks — and, it (the playground) happened,” Moore said.
The real payoff came from seeing the joy on children’s faces, when they showed up to play. Such moments reveal what’s possible — when government and community join forces for the common good.
Published November 16, 2022
