The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

City of Dade City

Be prepared to savor some Southern Charm, and kumquats, too

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Downtown Dade City soon will be transformed into a marketplace and center of activity for the 27th annual Kumquat Festival.

The event celebrates all things kumquat.

Thousands of visitors head to Dade City each year to enjoy some old-fashioned Southern Charm at the annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

The festival draws its name from a tiny, sweet and tangy citrus fruit.

The annual gathering began nearly three decades ago, when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were trying to find a way to inject new life into downtown Dade City.

They decided to have an event to celebrate the kumquat because the Kumquat Growers, based in Dade City, are the nation’s largest producers of the fruit, sometimes described as “the little gold gems of the citrus family.”

The festival began small, on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

All sorts of products featuring kumquats will be available at the 27th annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over the years, the event spread through the city’s historic downtown core, and it routinely attracts thousands of visitors from the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Besides giving people a chance to sample the distinctive flavor of kumquats, the festival also offers them a chance to experience Dade City’s hospitality, at a family friendly event.

This year’s event is being presented by AdventHealth Dade City, the City of Dade City, and dozens of other valued sponsors, according to Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

About 20,000 are expected to attend, including residents from the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties, winter residents, tourists and “day-trippers,” according to Wiggins.

The event presents opportunities for fun, shopping, eating and entertainment.

Admission is free; parking is available in the downtown area.

The event will feature art displays, a “Health and Wellness” section, a children’s activity area, a classic car show, a quilt show, vendors selling food and unique craft items, kumquat items in myriad varieties and, of course, kumquat beer and wine.

Kumquat facts
Kumquats have been called the ‘little gold gems’ of the citrus family. They are believed to be native to China and have a very distinctive taste. Kumquats, like grapes, can be eaten whole.
The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp, which contains seeds and juice, is sour. Together, the peel and pulp taste sweet and sour. The seeds contain pectin, which can be removed by boiling for use in jams and jellies.

Source: The Kumquat Growers Association

27th annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Info: Visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Published January 24, 20234

Dade City plans for a new James Irvin Civic Center

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One of Dade City’s most recognizable and heavily used buildings is headed toward a rebirth.

The City of Dade City and the Pasco County Recreation and Natural Resources Department are working on a project to tear down the existing structure and rebuild the James Irvin Civic Center.

An artist rendering shows how a new James Civic Center and the renovation of Naomi Price Park in Dade City would reshape the long-standing park that sits across the street from the historic Dade City Cemetery. (Courtesy of CPH Corp)

The current building at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., in the heart of Naomi Price Park, originally was erected in 1963.

City officials reached out to residents on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9 asking them what exactly they wanted out of the facility.

At the same meetings, residents had a chance to see artist renderings of the planned reconstruction project.

No timeline for project start was unveiled, but those attending were encouraged to list the amenities they are seeking in a new civic center.

This is one of eight projects the city intends to complete. So far, it has earmarked $32 million of its budget for those projects.

The project will entail tearing down the existing building and erecting a new, larger, state-of-the-art facility, of which the city has already earmarked $1.2 million.

In public forums held Nov. 6 and Nov. 9, Dade City residents and locals were asked for their input on various amenities they would like at the completely new James Irvin Civic Center, and to weigh in on designs. The design seen here won overwhelming approval from the dozens that attended, mainly because it included a much-desired gymnasium. (Courtesy of CPH Corp)

The project also involves renovation of Naomi Price Park. The park already has basketball courts, a playground, pavilions and restrooms. New park amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a community garden, gazebo and learning trail.

“I grew up here and what was needed then and what is needed now is much different,” Dade City Mayor Jim Shive said. “We’re excited to see the designs and can’t wait to see final ones, but we know we will need to put more money aside (for rebuilding James Irvin Civic Center). But the input, especially (on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9) has been invaluable.”

CPH Solutions LLC, an architecture and engineering firm, presented a tentative artist rendering of the new facility on site, while also presenting two alternative floor plans that residents and locals were asked to vote for their favorite.

Overwhelmingly, those who came to Moore-Mickens Education Center on Nov. 6 and the current James Irvin Civic Center on Nov. 9 voted for the floor plan that included a large gymnasium, as well as multipurpose rooms and a kitchen.

“People definitely want a gym — a multipurpose indoor space,” Shive said, also noting that feedback on that came from residents wanting a place to hold and/or attend events away from the outdoor elements.

Erected in 1963, the James Irvin Civic Center gets its namesake from one of the most active members of the Dade City community. Irvin attended Moore-Mickens as a young teen and was known for his honesty and conscientiousness. He mentored young men, served as a deacon at his church and coached/officiated Little League games, including the one between Taiwan and Canada during a 1977 international competition.  

James Irvin Civic Center, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., sits inside of Naomi Price Park in Dade City and is set to be completely rebuilt as a modern, state-of-the-art facility featuring a gym. The current building was erected in 1963. (Mike Camunas)

In addition to owning Main Street Cleaners, one of the oldest businesses in Dade City, Irvin was an active volunteer with the Pasco Public Schools Foundation, the Community Alliance of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, and the city’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board.

Knowing the love for Irvin, and the history of Price Park, in which it was Branch Camp No. 7, a World War II Prisoner Camp, was another reason the city reached out to its residents. City officials wanted to be respectful of the historic site.

“Instead of renovating the current building, we found it more financially feasible and logical to tear down and build from scratch,” City Manager Leslie Porter said. “But it was important to us to remember that these are still historical sites and they’re important to the city. When it comes to Dade City, we’re always considering the historical aspects, especially with all our projects.”

James Irvin

The new civic center is one of eight current projects either in the planning stages or soon-to-be in progress. Other projects include a new park at Church Avenue and Eighth Street, which will include a splash pad and amphitheater, Touchton Park renovation and the streetscape renovation to Seventh Street.

“We are all excited about all the projects and improvements because we know the impact it will have on Dade City,” Porter said. “We’ve been listening to the community and working with them, hand in hand, to bring what they want to Dade City, which is growing exponentially.”

“This is all very exciting,” Shive added. “We can’t wait to bring them all to our city.”

James Irvin Civic Center
Where: 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City
Details: A multipurpose, city-run building located at Naomi Price Park in Dade City. Plans call for tearing down the current building, which dates back to 1963, and replacing it with a state-of-the-art facility that includes multipurpose rooms, a gym, kitchen and more. The City of Dade City has already earmarked more than $1.2 million to fund the project.

Published November 15, 2023

Dade City approves 2023-2024 budget

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The City of Dade City approved a budget of more than $40 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The budget was approved at the Sept. 26 City Commission meeting.

The City of Dade City finalized its budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 at $40,008,600, a decrease of $985,750 or 2.4% from the previous budget. (Mike Camunas)

The new spending plan represents a decrease of $985,750 or 2.4% from the previous budget.

This deviates from the 2022-2023 budget, which had a 64% increase (nearly $25 million), and included many of the ongoing projects throughout the city.

At the Sept. 12, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Commission voted to set the tentative millage rate at $7. The certified taxable value is $549,535,014 and at the millage rate, ad valorem tax revenues in the General Fund are anticipated to increase by $842,060.

Personnel costs are expected to be $9,038,125 or 22.59% of the total budget, an increase of $1,302,801 (16.84%) from the previous budget. This will create funding for nine new positions, the negotiation of a 3-year contract with the PBA (Police Benevolent Association), increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.

Operating costs are expected to be $5,878,185 or 14.69% of the total budget, an increase of $735,825 (14.31%) from the previous budget. The insurance crisis, inflation, and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.

Capital outlay and debt service, representing 62.72% of the budget, is anticipated to total $25,092,290, which is a decrease of $3,024,377. 

Major capital projects include the Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, splash pad, amphitheater, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $3,371,785 collected from impact fees and system development charges that are held in reserve for qualifying capital projects.

City amends rental fees
The City Commission passed Resolution 2023-27, which amended rental fees for the exclusive use of parks and recreational facilities that was established in January 2008.

Commissioners held a series of workshops to discuss amendments, however, rental fees for parks and facilities usage are not increasing. Fees for the use of electricity will increase from $5 to $15 per hour for use of pavilions and from $16 to $25 per two-hour block for the use of ballfield lights.

Monies collected under this resolution will provide a revenue source to the General Fund.

Published October 18, 2023

Dade City chamber executive says it’s the ‘right time’ to retire

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It may not be his hometown, or even where he lives, but John Moors has played an instrumental role in sharing the story of Dade City.

Now, the leader of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce says it’s “the right time” to leave the post that he’s held for more than a dozen years.

The chamber, with its 400-plus members, is committed to economic development and improving the quality of life in Dade City.

John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is stepping away from his leadership role on June 7, after leading the chamber for 12 years. The chamber, a nonprofit organization, has 400-plus members committed to economic development and improving the quality of life in Dade City. (Mike Camunas)

“The hardest thing when it comes to retiring is that you ask, ‘What’s next?’” Moors told The Laker/Lutz News. “My wife retired already, and we decided to renovate the house — spend time with the grandchildren, travel and other stuff, so the timing was right.

“It has been a pleasure to serve The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and to be associated with the marvelous people and businesses that make the Dade City area so unique,” he added.

“So, it’s the right time.”

Moors joined the Chamber in December 2010 after a career in the hotel business in both Canada and the United States and as the Convention Center administrator for the City of Tampa. He had also spent time as an adjunct professor teaching event management and hospitality at nearby Saint Leo University.

Moors has always been an outsider — that is, not a native of Dade City.

When he took the position, he considered that to be an advantage.

“(Not being from Dade City) it (could have gone) either way,” Moors explained. “Sure, it can be an advantage to have deep, historic roots in the community, but at the same time, it can be an advantage to come in with a 30,000-foot view as someone who is not influenced by opinions of people. But my goal was always to just come in and do the best you can for the people you serve.

“So when I did come in, it was about taking the time to listen and watch what’s going on and see who the players are in town, and become ingrained in the community, even if you’re not from that community. It’s important to know the history and background of the community and really know what their goals are and what they want out of a community.”

Moors is proud of the initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure.

There are three, however, that stand out, he said.

He helped create the SMARTstart Pasco Incubator Network with the Pasco Economic Development Council. Created in 2012, SMARTstart has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. The program offers low-cost workspaces, educational resources, guidance, a collaborative environment for area entrepreneurs, and microloans to help businesses that can’t secure traditional financing.

The Incubator Network, specifically, nurtures early-stage ventures during the phase when they are most vulnerable, helping them to survive and grow.

“To have that in conjunction with Saint Leo (University), TECO and the City of Dade City, that was very important,” Moors said. “It was happening at places like (University of South Florida) and (University of Tampa) and in Gainesville (at the University of Florida), so why not here?”

Moors also is proud of how he, chamber members and community volunteers were able to make the Kumquat Festival, the city’s signature event, bigger and better.

Moors has always considered the event an opportunity for Dade City to offer its hospitality and give visitors a taste of its good old-fashioned Southern charm.

John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, is retiring from his post on June 7, after a 12-year tenure.

The hope is that long after the festival ends, people who came to the event will return to Dade City, to enjoy the shops and restaurants in the community’s downtown.

He said he’s proud of using the festival to promote Dade City, and to support the well-being of its downtown.

Moors also is proud of the chamber’s leadership in creating and hosting “Access East Pasco and Access to Opportunity” events like the one that is set for June 16 at Saint Leo University.

The events are informative networking luncheon and panel discussions featuring leading area business and government influencers regarding the growth, development and business potential of the Greater Dade City area and beyond.

“It’s important to have these meet-and-greets where people can talk to each other and the leaders about growth and development in person, not just reading about it on social media or in the newspapers,” Moors said. “They get to see them in person, ask questions to the panels or one-on-one and, to me, that has always been important.”

Moors has seen plenty of change during his time at the helm.

He’s witnessed growth in the business community, and an expansion of residences, parks and amenities.

He’s quick to point out that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way businesses operate, with several shifting from brick-and-mortar physical locations to e-commerce, and some converting to hybrid operations — offering in-person and online services.

“That’s changed the last couple of years with the pandemic — the physical presence, the brick-and-mortar is no longer needed for things like banking,” Moors said.

“Even when you have a physical shop, the way of business has changed, so (chamber) members have had to change the way they do things,” he added.

As for Moors’ replacement, a succession plan, monitored and administered by the chamber’s board, is in place.

Chamber Board President Matt Maggard of Shumaker and the executive board of the chamber will oversee the transition.

Moors will be missed.

Dade City Mayor Jim Shive said “it has been a privilege working with John over the years. John’s business acumen and keenness has served the chamber well, and was very instrumental in pulling the chamber through the last couple of years during COVID.”

Shive added: “The last (12) Kumquat Festivals have been very successful due to his fiscal responsibility. As a city, we are very appreciative of the chamber for their continuing efforts in putting Dade City on the map with the annual Kumquat Festival.

“We certainly have enjoyed our partnership with the chamber under his reign as executive director, and he will truly be missed.”

Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce “Access East Pasco”
When: June 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Saint Leo University, 33701 County Road 52, in St. Leo
Details: An informative networking luncheon and panel discussion event featuring leading area business and government influencers regarding the growth, development and business potential of the Greater Dade City area.
Info: DadeCityChamber.org/access-east-pasco

Published June 07, 2023

Elected leaders say park needs are being felt across Pasco

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The need for additional recreational opportunities rang out loud and clear during a joint session of elected Pasco County leaders and those from municipalities on the east side of the county.

Zephyrhills Mayor Billy Poe noted: “We’ve seen such large growth on the east side of Pasco and the development of Pasadena Hills. The question has come up several times about the possibility of a regional park on the east side of Pasco, possibly along (U.S.) 301, so both Dade City and Zephyrhills benefit from it, (as well as) San Antonio and St. Leo.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’s interested in increasing aquatic opportunities — for competitive swimmers and for other swimmers, too.

Weightman said he’s talked to county staff about the issue, noting there’s no community pool east of U.S. 41, aside from the YMCA and St. Leo.

He said an aquatics center, which could accommodate competitive swimming, could benefit the county’s tourism efforts. But he also noted that it is important to provide an opportunity for people to learn how to swim.

One of the two swimming pools that Pasco County operates is at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

“Folks moving into our county — they need to know how to swim. It’s a quality of life and safety factor,” Weightman said.

The county board member said he fully supports “some kind of a recreational center with an aquatics component — a significant aquatics component.”

He also noted it might behoove the county and its cities to work together on creating an aquatics center, instead of developing competing facilities.

Keith Wiley, who oversees the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department, said his team greatly desires addressing the aquatic needs on the east side of the county.

He noted there are plans to move forward with a super park in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is in the Wesley Chapel area. 

Wiley said he plans to recommend that the super park become home to a community pool.

“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity to talk to the school board for the possibility of a partnership because (at) the two pools the county does operate, we see a lot of activity from the high school swim teams. And, I think, quite honestly, they have some skin in the game,” Wiley said.

He also told the elected leaders that Pasco’s parks department is working on a master plan to define a recreational trail system. 

“The idea is to really be high-level, to ultimately figure out what our trail system looks like,” he said. The planning will cover such things as prioritizing connections through greenways, near existing state and county-owned properties, and recognizing hubs of concern, he said.

This planning is separate from work being done to establish an alignment for the Orange Belt Trail.

On another note, the county parks department is teaming up with the City of Dade City on a feasibility study related to park facilities located in the areas of Lacoochee, Trilby, Villages of Pasadena, Naomi S. Jones Park, Burks Park, and the James Irvin Civic Center.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told the elected leaders: “The James Irvin Civic Center is located in Naomi Jones Park. It was built in the 1960s and has served its useful life. The city is currently partnering with the county. We’re conducting a feasibility study for park facilities in East Pasco County.

“One of the deliverables from the study will be a schematic design, with preliminary engineering and landscape planning for a new community center,” she said.

Porter also noted: “We would hope to continue our partnership with the county, providing the recreational services. Currently, the county offers the programming there, as well as with the Armory. We don’t have the staffing at the city level to do that.”

Dade City Commissioner Angel Woodard told those gathered: “I would just like to stress the importance of why we are trying to construct a new facility.

“When you have a building that’s been built in 1960 and one addition to that building took place in 1992 — and, it is not sufficient for the community.

“We don’t have anywhere on the east side of the county, on a cold night, to even up to bring our homeless in.

“We don’t have anywhere, on this side of the county, during the COVID crisis, to hold funerals.

“This is vitally important that we stand together to move forward to create a community center.

“One of the biggest things that I hear, over and over again, is ‘We have nowhere for our children to go.’

“And, that needs to change,” Woodard said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey mentioned that the community center project might be a good candidate for federal funding. She recommended that city officials look into that.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mariano suggested this could be something that the county and city worked on together.

Published February 15, 2023

Dade City approves nearly $41 million budget

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The City of Dade City approved a budget of nearly $41 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

The new spending plan represents a 64% increase over last year’s budget, which approached $25 million, and was adopted unanimously during an Oct. 4 meeting.

This is a significantly large increase from the previous budget, accounting for 64% higher than the $24,961,790 budget for last fiscal year.

Dade City Commissioners voted on Oct. 4 to approve the 2022-2023 budget of $40,994,350. The city covers 7.5 square miles and was incorporated in 1889. It has an estimated population of 7,888 in 3,029 households. (Mike Camunas)

The new budget is $40,994,350.

The substantial percentage of the increase comes from capital projects, while other costs are the addition of personnel and inflationary impacts.

Personnel costs are expected to be slightly more than $7.7 million, representing about 19% of the budget. That’s an increase of more than $1.3 million over last year.

The increase is due to new positions, increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.

Inflation also had a significant impact on the budget.

The city’s millage rate of 7.14 remained unchanged. The city’s property values came in at $403,362,761. That’s more than $63 million higher than the value in 2021, which was $339,633,298.

The general fund budget is expected to increase by almost $5.2 million.

Operating costs have increased by nearly $360,000.

Overall, departments continue to look for ways to improve operating efficiencies in the face of rising costs. Inflation and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.

Major projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond, Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, utility relocation projects, splash pad, Irvin Center, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $1.75 million collected from impact fees and system development charges that will be held in reserve for future capital projects, and $430,500 that will be deposited into the renewal and replacement fund for public utilities.

Capital expenditures increased by nearly $3.9 million, primarily due to the Morningside Drive Extension, splash pad, Irvin Center, road improvements and the purchase of police vehicles.

The Dade City Commission consists of Mayor James Shive, Mayor Pro Tem Knute Nathe, and Commissioners Scott Black, Ann Cosentino and Normita Woodard.

Published October 19, 2022

Taking a ride with the mayor through Dade City

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Mayor Camille Hernandez and representatives from the City of Dade City joined in a 2½-mile casual bicycle ride through the city on March 25 to promote bicycling and pedestrian safety. The event was hosted by Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, a regional coalition of professionals, advocates, and residents committed to making walking and bicycling safe. The organization was there to pass out shirts and promote roadway safety. The ride started at The Spoke, the visitor’s center on Church Street, and cyclists traveled on the Hardy Trail and Seventh Avenue. Dozens of riders joined in, as did some members of the Dade City Police Department. To learn how to become an ambassador for Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, log onto www.bikewalktampabay.org.

(Courtesy of Jennifer Cannizzo)

75-home subdivision proposed on Happy Hill

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a proposed subdivision of up to 75 homes at the northwest corner of Happy Hill and Sarah Lynn Drive, in Dade City.

The land currently is zoned for agricultural and rural density use, but, if approved by the Pasco County Commission, will be rezoned to a residential-4, high-density residential district. The county board has final jurisdiction in land use and rezoning requests.

County planners also have recommended approval of the application by Distinct Development Dade City/Happy Hill Road to rezone the 18.78 acres.

The site currently consists of undeveloped hayfields.

Access to the proposed subdivision will be from Happy Hill Road, which is a county-maintained collector road.

In accordance with an interlocal agreement between the county and the City of Dade City, the county has requested a review of the subject request from the City of Dade City and has not received any comments, according to materials in the planning board’s agenda packet.

The area surrounding the site is characterized by residential development and agricultural pursuits. The site is designated in the county’s land use plan for up to six residential units per acre.

Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant at the planning board’s Jan. 6 public hearing.

He told planning commissioners that his client opted for the R-4 zoning request, rather than seeking a master-planned unit development that would have yielded the potential for approximately 120 houses.

The site is “immediately adjacent to the Sweetwater apartment complex to the south. Two of the sites adjacent to this site are zoned MF-1, so they allow multifamily at considerably higher density.”

A traffic study shows that after the development occurs, Happy Hill Road “will still be at level of service A and B, depending on whether you are north or south of the site. There’s a lot of capacity there.

“There’s a lot going on in that area and there’s really two big influences in the area, that’s from the crest of the hill, down to (State Road) 52, on Happy Hill. One is, the roads, including the Clinton Extension, which you can see from these sites looking down. So, you have (State Road) 52 and the Clinton Extension, which are going to be major, major game-changers in this area.

“And then the second thing is, the City of Dade City has annexed a considerable number of parcels, not very far north of this site and now have approved basically 1,000 units with lots that are smaller than this site,” he said.

Alisa Weaver, who lives directly across the road from the proposed rezoning, urged the planning board to recommend denial of the request.

“My question is: How does this zoning change positively affect the health, safety, welfare and morals of the surrounding community? And, how does this change benefit the surrounding homeowners?

“That’s a lot of houses in a small area, and I don’t feel any of the resident homeowners are benefiting from this,” she said.

She’s concerned about traffic on Happy Hill Road.

“It’s always been a two-lane rural road,” she said.

But she pointed out, there’s already a problem with traffic and that’s likely to worsen with increased development.

The speed limit is 45 mph, and 35 mph near the school and church, she said.

“Nobody goes 45 (mph). I’ve been run off the road. I’ve got my blinker on, turning left. They go around you,” she said, adding that even county vehicles have nearly run her off the road.

“It’s very hazardous, and now we’re looking at additional homes, on top of what’s already going to go in down the road (on the land that Dade City has annexed).

“My question is: What is the county going to do to protect me and my visitors and my property? What is going to keep us safe?

“Now, is the time to support your current homeowner residents before allowing additional high-density development.

“I ask you to deny this proposal on Happy Hill Road,” she said.

Hobby told the planning board that the transportation analysis, completed by an expert in the field, showed there’s sufficient capacity on the roadway.

He also said that lot sizes in the proposed subdivision will have frontages of at least 60 feet.

The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the request.

In other action, planning commissioners recommended approval of a request by Rucks Cobblestone for a land use change to allow commercial use on 3.34 acres at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Chancey Road.

The land currently is designated for residential development, at up to nine dwellings per acre. The applicant is seeking a designation to allow commercial uses.

In recommending approval, the planning board concurred with county planners, who supported the request.

In supporting the request, county planners found that shifting the land use to commercial would “create little or no objectionable, external effect upon neighboring land uses.”

Planners also noted that the proposed commercial site is at the intersection of two arterial roadways; is not located internally to an existing single-family neighborhood and will not act as an intrusion.

Planners also found that the development intensity is limited and designed to serve the needs of the immediate neighborhoods.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published January 12, 2022

Dade City seeks public feedback on Seventh Street improvements

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The City of Dade City is accepting public comments and ideas for conceptual traffic and beautification improvement plans for Seventh Street.

The City of Dade City is seeking public feedback on traffic and beautification improvements along Seventh Street. Shown here is a rendering of alternatives for a section on Seventh Street from Church Avenue to Meridian Avenue. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

City officials seek to create a downtown area that’s attractive, walkable and bikeable, and will appeal to everyone visiting it.

To that end, the municipality has obtained the professional services of Johnson Engineering to develop a streetscape improvement conceptual plan along Seventh Street, from Pond Avenue to Florida Avenue. The type of improvements being considered along the corridor involve a complete street concept — including reconfiguring the sections for traffic calming, and to accommodate sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping and lighting.

Johnson Engineering has prepared first-draft renderings of the possible configurations of each typical section of the corridor.

They have been broken down into four sections:

  • Florida Avenue to Church Avenue
  • Church Avenue to Meridian Avenue
  • Meridian Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard
  • Martin Luther King Boulevard to Pond Avenue

To provide feedback on the streetscape strategy and view renderings, visit DadeCityFl.com/news_detail_T1_R37.php.

For more information, call project manager Tina Mauriello at 352-523-5050, ext. 420.

Published October 13, 2021

Dade City wants your junk

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The City of Dade City is providing trash trucks to help residents dispose of household waste on Neighborhood Cleanup Day on Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Residents are asked to clean up their properties, and to remove junk and/or debris from their yards.

Then, residents can take the unwanted items to one of these four dumpster locations:

  • 10th Street and Whitehouse, behind Bravo’s
  • North Seventh Street parking lot, behind Del Carmen’s
  • Watson Park on North Avenue, on the basketball courtside
  • Watson Park on Main Avenue, parking lot

Tires and household hazardous waste cannot be dropped off.

Acceptable materials include glass, wood (8 feet or less), fence, carpet, household trash, furniture, mattresses, and plywood.

For information, call Dade City Public Works at 352-523-5050.

Published October 13, 2021