The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Pasco County Planning Commission

Rosebud Continuum approved as a private school

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Field trips to Rosebud Continuum are a regular, bi-weekly event for students at Academy at the Lakes during the school year.

Students learn about gardening and sustainable practices for an environmentally friendly world.

Now, Rosebud’s staff members are preparing for a future that will expand its outreach to more schools.

The 14-acre Rosebud Continuum features a Florida Native Plant Trail, with a wildflower meadow. (File)

The Pasco County Planning Commission on July 11 approved a special exception permit that will allow Rosebud to operate as a private school.

The expectation is for more students from area schools to come for tours and hands-on-learning. Rosebud also plans to apply to Pasco County Schools for inclusion on a list of approved student support programs and resources.

Rosebud will not be a day school, but instead will be a go-to location for other schools interested in environmental programs, said Jerry Comelias, the site and educational director for the Rosebud Continuum, at 22843 Hale Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Teachers also could attend workshops to learn about Rosebud and sustainability, with a goal of being their students’ tour guides.

“We want to train the trainers,” said Comelias. “We want to make the world a better place.”

In addition to Academy at the Lakes, Blake High School students, from Hillsborough County, were among those making trips to Rosebud in recent months.

Students aren’t the only groups that tour Rosebud.

Visitors from Haiti came earlier this year to learn natural growing practices that they can use at home.

Comelias is a graduate of the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida.

Rosebud Continuum is a partnership between the Patel College, and Sonny and Maryann Bishop, who own the 14-acre site.

Sonny Bishop is a former National Football League player, and a Lakota Sioux.

Rosebud reflects the Bishop family’s philosophy of preserving and advocating for ancient traditions of sustainability, once commonly used in Florida.

The site features a sustainability farm, a wildflower meadow, goats, aquaponics, hydroponics, Florida native plants, beekeeping, and biodigesters that convert food waste into fuel and fertilizer.

The site also has a two-story brick home, a brick garage, a basketball and volleyball court, a hoop-house and a shed.

The metal shed will be designated as a classroom, and the hoop-house will be a greenhouse classroom.

No new structures are planned.

Summer months are mostly about maintenance and cleaning up, and getting geared up for the coming school year, Comelias said.

Tours through the Florida Native Plant Trail, with the wildflower meadow, though, are available on request, he said.

For information, call Comelias at (813) 331-7170, or email .

Published July 18, 2018

Pasco County streamlines development review process

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The Pasco County Planning Commission got a makeover but several of its newly appointed members will have familiar faces.

The Pasco County Commission on July 10 approved an ordinance that revamps an existing two-step process for previewing land use and zoning applications.

Commissioners disbanded a long-standing advisory board, known as the Development Review Committee, or DRC. That committee generally reviewed applications and made recommendations to the County Commission.

The DRC was made up of county department heads and the county administrator.

The county’s new ordinance also reduces the size of the Planning Commission from an 11-member board to seven voting members.

Six planning commissioners are county appointments, with the seventh member appointed by the Pasco County School District.

While the configuration has changed, five of the county’s appointees were members of the outgoing board. They are: Michael Cox, Jaime Girardi, Charles Grey, Peter Hanzel and Kevin Ryman.

Roberto Saez is the only new face on the board. He formerly was Pasco’s senior construction project manager for Pasco.

Chris Williams, the school district’s planning director, has been approved by the school district to fill the seventh slot. He, too, served on the outgoing board.

The new planning commission will have its inaugural meeting on July 26. It will be the only board making decisions and recommendations to county commissioners on development-related issues.

County commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance and new appointees.

The streamlined approach, which took years to become reality, initially was recommended by a study conducted by The Urban Land Institute in 2008.

Pasco staff members culled through 29 applications for the new planning commission, including seven current members.

They presented county commissioners with a list of 15 applicants, from which six candidates emerged with sufficient votes to make the final cut.

County commissioners also initially approved Dennis Smith – a current planning commission member –  as an alternate in the event that Cox had to decline his appointment.

Cox was waiting to hear if he would be appointed to a state ethics commission, which would make him ineligible to also serve on the planning commission.

The ethics commission appointment didn’t happen, so Cox will serve on the planning commission. And, the appointment of Smith as alternate became moot.

Published July 18, 2018

Review board recommends family homeless shelter

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a program to temporarily house homeless families in a former Boys & Girls Club building.

Planning commissioners reached that recommendation during a public hearing on June 6.

The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County wants to operate the temporary shelter on Youth Lane in Port Richey. The coalition also wants to open administrative offices in a second building, designated as the Housing Services Center. Individuals and families would be able to receive a range of social services at the center, with a primary focus on housing for the homeless population.

About 50 people attended a public hearing to oppose a program from the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County to operate a temporary shelter for families, and provide additional services at a Housing Services Center. (Kathy Steele)

The county owns the land, and has partnered with the coalition to get the program up and running.

About $700,000 in grants, and other funding sources, has been allocated for building renovations.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to make the final decision at a June 19 meeting in New Port Richey. Commissioners also will vote on an amendment to the county’s comprehensive land use plan to change the land use from open space/recreational to a public/semi-public use.

About 50 people attended the planning commission’s public hearing to show their opposition to the project. Most of the concerns, however, focused on the services available at the services center, not the temporary family shelter.

Area residents worried about increasing crime, a loss in property values, and overall public safety.

“The only good thing about this program is the good intentions,” said Suzanne Greene Taldone, who lives in the Crane’s Roost subdivision, off Little Road.

She thinks the coalition’s site will become a magnet for transients and will create “a cesspool of crime.”

Greene added: “Encampments flourish near these centers because they want to be first in line for services.”

The program was initially proposed in 2017 as a temporary shelter for adult men and women, with a focus on providing a one-stop center for social services and with a goal of placing people in permanent housing.

Amid strong opposition from residents, the coalition changed its purpose to instead help families only at the shelter. Coalition representatives also voluntarily limited the services that would be available at the Housing Services Center.

Under the proposal, the center would not have an emergency food pantry, clothes closet, showers, or scheduled visits for a mobile medical unit.

The coalition also agreed to other conditions.

Four to eight families would be housed temporarily, but no more than 36 people would stay at the shelter at any one time. The coalition estimates helping a minimum of 50 families annually.

Background checks would be done. There would be security cameras, and a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Also, coalition staff members would be on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Families could stay no longer than 180 days.

The goal, coalition officials said, would be for families to stay 30 days to 60 days, with most being placed in housing within 45 days.

“This is something that is very realistic,” said Don Anderson, chief executive officer of the homeless coalition.

Area residents remain skeptical.

Judith Bowes lives in the nearby subdivision of The Orchards of Radcliffe. She said more than 70 widows live there.

“They were scared. They had a lot of sleepless nights,” Bowes said. “The shelter that will house six to eight families is not the problem. The problem is (the Housing Services Center) will bring a lot of transients into the neighborhood. My neighbors are still having sleepless nights.”

But, Amina Ahmed said it made her sad to hear people making assumptions about people who are homeless.

“Not all of them are criminals,” Ahmed said. “People think if you’re homeless, you have to have a problem, which is not true. Let’s help people become valuable members of society.”

Attorney Robert Lincoln, who represents the owners of an adjacent shopping plaza, also spoke in favor of the coalition’s efforts.

The owners had found fault with the original plan but support the new direction, Lincoln said.

He said that eliminating such services as showers, medical care and clothes makes a difference.

“You take away those kinds of things, you take away the kinds of services that get people wandering in off the street,” Lincoln said.

Plus, he noted: “It’s much better to be working with (the coalition) and becoming engaged.”

Published June 13, 2018

Decision coming on solar farm permits

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A decision on how and where to permit solar farms in Pasco County is headed for a vote on June 5 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

Pasco County commissioners will consider an amended ordinance for the land development code on regulating solar farms. The ordinance had a first public hearing on May 22 in New Port Richey. No vote was taken at that hearing.

The matter has produced heated debate since plans for the Mountain View Solar Project were filed with Pasco County earlier this year.

Some residents in northeast Pasco County say they will lose scenic views if a solar farm is built off Blanton Road. (File)

Tampa Electric Company, known as TECO, is proposing to install about 464,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 350 acres, on both sides of Blanton. The solar panels are expected to produce about 53 megawatts of power, which will be fed into TECO’s power grid.

Previously, the Mountain View Solar Project received approval from Pasco County Planning Commission for a special exception permit. However, a final decision from Pasco County commissioners is on hold after two appeals of that decision were filed in May.

The ordinance to be heard in Dade City, if approved, would codify the county’s future approach to permitting solar farms.

Currently, the land development code doesn’t specifically list where “solar electric power collection facilities” are permitted.  As a result, decisions regarding TECO’s proposal were based on a section dealing with uncertain classification rules.

The proposed ordinance would permit solar farms as special exceptions in agricultural zones, and permitted use in some commercial and industrial zones. Also, decisions on permitting would be left to county staff and the planning commission.

Pasco County commissioners wouldn’t directly vote on the permits, but would hear appeals.

At the May 22 hearing, about a dozen opponents spoke against the ordinance and the solar farm project, including two attorneys representing area homeowners.

Attorney Gordon Schiff represents Kathleen and Gordon Comer, who own a home and farm on property off Platt Road. Schiff filed the appeal of the planning commission’s decision on May 8, on behalf of the Comers.

Attorney Susan Johnson Velez represents a group of homeowners in northeast Pasco, including Sandra Noble. Noble filed an appeal of the planning commission’s decision, also on May 8.

Both attorneys raised objections to the county’s interpretation of sections of its land development code that were used to craft the proposed new ordinance.

Schiff said the county was treating solar farms as compatible with neighborhoods when they “are industrial in nature.”

TECO’s proposal should be held to tougher standards than the county is applying, he said.

The proposed facility “is not a substation, not commercial farming or agricultural activity. It’s a power plant,” said Schiff.

Johnson Velez said the county was ignoring its policies on protecting rural areas, including the natural views of rolling hills.

“I’m not sure how you protect scenic vistas from nearly half-a-million solar panels,” she said. “I think that should be addressed.”

Area residents also spoke in opposition. No one spoke in favor.

“Solar is a wonderful thing in the right place…but not in people’s backyards,” said Nancy Hazelwood.

If approved, the ordinance would apply countywide, not just in northeast Pasco, she said.

Some counties put solar farms in industrial areas, and others have created special districts for solar farms, she added.

Hazelwood asked that the county hire an outside consultant, not connected to the power industry, to study solar energy.

In the meantime, the ordinance would be put on hold, she said. “It’s too important to your citizens.”

Noah Kaaa, who lives on Platt Road, agreed.

What works in Hudson might not work in Trilby or Zephyrhills, he said.

“It’s too broad of a paintbrush to use across the entire county,” he said.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, tried to address some of the resident’s concerns.

Research on other counties has been done, she said.

Hillsborough and Polk counties issue conditional use permits, and largely allow the decisions to be made at the staff level. Solar farms are allowed in agricultural zones in those counties, she said.

Applications for solar facilities would be handled on a case-by-case basis, said David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney.

Because planning commission decisions can be appealed, he said, “Ultimately, the board of commissioners does have final say.”

Published May 30, 2018

Proposed homeless shelter for families stirs passions

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Efforts to aid Pasco County’s homeless population are shifting from a homeless shelter for single adults to a shelter for families only.

The goal is to place homeless families in permanent housing as soon as possible. That is a significant change from the initial focus one year ago on a “navigation center” with wraparound services for single men and women.

The effort now has a new name, too. It’s no longer being called a navigation center. Instead, it will be called the Housing Services Center.

Whatever it is called, some area residents still don’t want any shelter in their neighborhood. Others are unhappy with the change in focus.

Don Anderson, chief executive officer of The Homeless Coalition of Pasco County (File)

And, some are ready to welcome the shelter as a first step in the right direction.

About 100 people attended a public meeting on May 16 in New Port Richey to learn more about the new concept, and to offer comments.

Cathy Pearson, Pasco’s assistant county administrator for public services, and Don Anderson, chief executive officer of The Homeless Coalition of Pasco County, led the discussion.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also attended.

She said she came to listen and learn. “This is not a subject I know a lot about,” she said.

Anderson defended the decision to operate a families-only shelter.

“We believe families are highly motivated to get into housing because of the number of children,” said Anderson.

The shift also would save the expense of hiring 24/7 security guards, he said.

The goal would be to place families in permanent housing within 30 to 60 days, with an average stay at the shelter around 45 days.

An additional six to 12 months of services would be provided after families leave the shelter.

Families are defined as one or two adults, with at least one child under age 18.

A year ago, another public meeting was held to discuss the initial proposal for a homeless shelter for adults.

“We felt it was time to update our citizens,” Pearson said.

The shelter, if approved, would be housed in one of two buildings at 8239 Youth Lane, off Little Road in Port Richey. The second building would become the offices of the homeless coalition, which currently operates in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood on Pine Street.

The Youth Lane address formerly was home to the Boys & Girls Club, which vacated the site in 2016.

The updated presentation included a video and a power point slide show. As many as 70 social service agencies and organizations are partners with the homeless coalition, and support the Youth Lane shelter.

Passions ran high
More than 40 people spoke during public comment.

Opponents who live near the shelter site said they worry about increases in crime and a loss of property values.

Ann Archer Corona found it troubling that the shelter plan seems to change “minute-to-minute. We all feel threatened. I find it to be a big threat.”

She said housing values would drop significantly, if the shelter was to open.

Some who supported the initial plan to aid single men and women objected to the new focus on families.

“We are losing out on all those opportunities for the chronically homeless who are at risk of dying on the street,” said Kassie Hutchinson. “We’re ignoring a huge part of our population. Once again, we’re reneging on something we promised.”

Anderson said the coalition and its partners planned to increase outreach efforts for homeless adults. While no single adults could stay at the shelter, he said efforts would be made to find housing resources for them. But, he added, “There are limits to what we can do.”

A two-building campus on Youth Lane in Port Richey is the proposed site for a homeless shelter for families.

Pearson said it is still a goal in the future to fund a homeless shelter for single adults. “They won’t be forgotten,” she said.

Other members of the audience supported the new concept as a step in the right direction.

“Housing is the only known cure for homelessness,” said Daniel McDonald.

Every homeless person is someone’s son or daughter, sister or brother, he said. Leaving people homeless, he added, costs taxpayers money for providing public services.

“This (the shelter) is a bargain for taxpayers,” McDonald said. “It’s money well spent.”

The homeless coalition’s new proposal also found support from a once skeptical source – owners of an adjacent retail plaza, anchored by Hobby Lobby.

Sarasota attorney Robert Lincoln, who represents the shopping center’s owners, said, “We’ve been concerned about the project since it started moving forward last year.”

The budget for the initial plan didn’t seem adequate, and the space at the site too small to handle up to 75 adult men and women, Lincoln said.

Housing families seems to address most issues, including public safety, he said. “We’re continuing to work with the leadership (at the homeless coalition) to make sure we know who the families are,” Lincoln said. “They have been very responsive. We will continue to work with them.”

Starkey said the county should be compassionate but also tough on some issues, such as panhandling.

“I have to bring a hammer and I have to bring a heart,” she said.

Anderson said the cost to remodel the two buildings on campus would be about $700,000. The coalition has about $680,000 from a federal neighborhood grant, with an additional $100,000 from Pasco County’s United Way.

Annually operating costs are estimated at about $350,000. All but $145,000 is already funded, Anderson said.

Additional grants and private donations will be sought, he added.

The Pasco County Housing Authority has pledged 50 housing vouchers, which can be used anywhere in the county as part of the Section 8 housing program.

Pasco has about 2,600 homeless people, based on the most recent count. More than 700 are individuals, with more than 1,800 in family relationships.

Shandi Vargas was among a handful of people who put a face to the plight of Pasco’s homeless population. She escaped an abusive marriage, but ended up homeless. She currently lives in a rented room and has found an internship.

She is working toward living again with her three children.

“I’m a single mom trying to fight for her children,” Vargas said.

A homeless shelter for families probably would have kept her family intact, she said.

Even as she struggles with her own situation, Vargas said she volunteers to help other homeless people, and people at risk.

“Let us come together and figure out a solution, and stop thinking all homeless are criminals,” she said.

The Pasco County Planning Commission, which makes recommendations on land use issues, will review the proposal on June 6 in New Port Richey.

The final decision is up to the county commissioners, who will hold a public hearing on the matter June 19, also in New Port Richey.

Published May 23, 2018

Approval recommended for TECO solar farm

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Opponents are disappointed

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

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

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

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

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

Additional delays would come if an appeal is filed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schiff declined to comment if an appeal would be filed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published April 28, 2018

Proposed solar farm sparks controversy

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An open house to preview a proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County drew an impassioned crowd of residents who mostly panned the project.

Tampa Electric, known as TECO, is seeking a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres, off Blanton Road in Dade City.

The first public hearing for the project will be with the Pasco County Planning Commission at a future date.

The solar farm, if built, would produce about 55 megawatts of renewable energy. The project represents a $75 million investment from TECO. It is part of the electric company’s master plan to expand its use of solar power.

Tampa Electric operates a solar farm at Big Bend at Apollo Beach, in Hillsborough County. The same technology will be used at a proposed solar farm in Pasco County, if approved.
(Courtesy of Tampa Electric)

By 2021, TECO anticipates investing $850 million in 10 solar projects that are expected to generate energy for about 100,000 homes.

About 120 residents attended TECO’s open house on March 8 at Pasco-Hernando State College, outside Dade City.

The electric company planned the event as a one-on-one exchange between residents and its employees, who stood next to poster boards ready to explain the project.

Midway through the event, however, resident Dot Ward climbed aboard a chair with a plea.

“I suggest we all leave and tell the county we aren’t happy,” she said.

Most appeared to share her opposition to the project, and disappointment with TECO’s event.

“This is the jewel in the crown of Pasco County,” said Pat Weaver, in describing the aesthetics and scenic views on what could become a solar farm.

“This is agriculturally zoned out here,” said Weaver, who is a former Dade City mayor. “Solar is not agriculture. It’s industrial. This is not something you can grow.”

However, Sharon Hanna-West is concerned about future development proposals, if the solar farm is rejected.

She hasn’t decided if she is for or against the solar farm, and she wants more information. She worked with other residents on the Northeast Rural Protection Overlay District.

The Pasco County Commission adopted the district in 2016 as part of the county’s long-range land use plan.

It was a victory for residents, Hanna-West said.

But, she said, “I want ya’ll to think long and hard about this blanket opposition. So, be careful what you hope.”

The solar farm would be built on two sides of Blanton Road, on the southeast corner of Blanton and Frazee Hill Road; and, on the northwest corner of Blanton and Platt Road. The site also is to the north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

About 250 acres are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. The couple bought the property from Wells Fargo Bank in 2016 for an estimated $1.5 million.

Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

Many expressed concerns about noise and loss of property values.

About 464,000 panels would be installed. TECO officials said the panels swivel and follow the sun’s direction, which allows for better energy collection.

In height, the project is equivalent to a one-story structure, they said. They also said noise level is “imperceptible.”

Alma Coston, who lives near the site, was skeptical.

“They say it doesn’t make any noise. That’s a bunch of hooey,” she said.

She said people enjoy the scenic views and rolling hills.

“We’re on one of the highest ridges in Florida,” said Coston.

The regulations set out for the overlay district govern residential development of three houses or more. It also restricts mining operations or other projects that tear up hillsides or impair vistas. Portions of some roads, including State Road 52, Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Trilby Road and Blanton are designated as “rural-scenic.”

New development isn’t prohibited but would need to meet certain standards, including buffering.

“This (solar farm) isn’t going to protect our view shed,” said Jill Yelverton, who lives directly across from the site.

She also worries about a bald eagle’s nest, located in the southeast corner of the property near Ramsey Road and Blanton. She said she has seen eaglets.

TECO officials said the nest will be protected. Design plans include a 660-foot radius as a buffer. There are no plans to ever develop that area of the property, they said.

Area residents in the past have opposed two housing developments at the site – Berry Hill Estates and College Hill.

“We don’t mind residential, at least, if it’s on one, five or 10 acres,” Yelverton said. “That would be acceptable.”

That’s the current housing pattern in the area, she said.

For more information about TECO’s proposal, visit TampaElectric.com.

Published March 21, 2018

In the Loop is ready for live music, more hours

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Patrons of In the Loop Brewing will be able to quaff their favorite craft beers while enjoying live music on an outdoor deck on the shores of Lake Padgett.

Pasco County commissioners approved a request from the brewery’s owners to allow live music that previously had been banned. The hours of operation also were expanded to allow more flexibility for hosting special events, yoga classes and private parties.

The item appeared on the consent agenda at the county commissioners July 11 meeting in Dade City. No one spoke in opposition, and commissioners unanimously gave their approval.

In the Loop opened in 2016, at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in a restored two-story home. There is an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room. A beer garden, with a deck, overlooks Lake Padgett.

Co-owner Joe Traina has described the live music as acoustic guitar playing, similar to Jimmy Buffet’s style. Typically, live music would be on weekends, and would complement the relaxed atmosphere of In the Loop, said Traina, speaking at a hearing before the Pasco County Planning Commission in June.

The expanded hours, as approved by the county, would allow In the Loop to operate from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Live music would be allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday through Friday; and, from noon to 9 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

Owners have said they plan to schedule operating hours that are less than what is allowed.

The first live music event will be “Rhythm & Brews” on July 28 at 7 p.m., according to the brewery’s Facebook page.

For information, visit Facebook.com/InTheLoopBrewing.

Published July 19, 207

In the Loop wants more hours, live music

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Owners of In the Loop Brewing want to expand the hours of operation and bring live music performances to their outdoor beer garden.

It’s about staying competitive in the local market and building on their success, they say.

Members of the Pasco County Planning Commission approved both requests at its June 7 meeting in New Port Richey.

In the Loop Brewing owners Mark Pizzurro, left, Peter Abreut and Joe Traina stand by the outdoor serving window at their Land O’ Lakes brewery.

The Pasco County Commission, which has the final word, is likely to consider the matter at its July 11 meeting in New Port Richey.

In the Loop opened in 2016 at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in a restored two-story home, with an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room. A landscaped beer garden, with a deck, overlooks Lake Padgett and its lakefront residences.

As approved by the planning commission, In the Loop could operate from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Live music would be allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday; and, from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Noise levels which currently apply to recorded music would remain the same, and also would apply to live music. Those levels are equivalent to conversational speech, background music or an air conditioner, according to comparative decibel charts.

“We want to be able to offer the same hours of other breweries,” said In the Loop co-owner Joe Traina.

The live music would be “acoustic guitar playing” – typically on weekends – that suits the relaxed atmosphere of In the Loop, he added.

“We want to be good neighbors,” Traina said.

A wooden deck in the beer garden of In the Loop Brewing overlooks Lake Padgett.

County staff members had recommended an increase in operating hours, but not as many as the planning commission.

County staff recommended against live music.

No one spoke against the proposal at the June 7 public hearing.

In the Loop started with a friendship and a home-brewing hobby in a garage on Cherbourg Loop.

In 2016, Traina, Mark Pizzurro and Peter Abreut took the leap and opened their brewery.

Traina said they want In the Loop to be a catalyst for redevelopment in Land O’ Lakes, along U.S. 41.

“We want a nice, classy place like in Seminole Heights, in Tampa,” Traina said.

In the Loop is a destination on beer bus tours organized by Tampa Bay Brewing Tours, with headquarters on Florida Avenue in the Seminole Heights’ neighborhood.

Yoga classes are held every other Sunday in the beer garden.

Chambers of commerce and other organizations want to use the business for breakfasts, parties and special events, Traina said. Current operating hours can’t accommodate that, he said.

At present, In the Loop is closed on Monday and Tuesday. It opens at 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, and, at noon on Sunday. Current closing times are 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Published June 14, 2017

New school buses to run on natural gas

By

Pasco County school buses have the green light to run on natural gas.

School officials expect the shift to save money in the long-term, while ushering in a more environmentally friendly fleet of buses.

On Feb.10, the Pasco County Planning Commission approved a recommendation from the county’s planning staff to allow construction of a bus maintenance and storage facility, and a refueling station on Interlaken Road in Odessa.

Future buses transporting children in Pasco County Schools are expected to use natural gas for fuel. (File Photo)
Future buses transporting children in Pasco County Schools are expected to use natural gas for fuel.
(File Photo)

The approximately 24-acre site on the north side of Interlaken Road will have the capacity to accommodate about 120 school buses and 180 personal vehicles.

In the first year of the program, school district officials plan to buy 30 to 35 new buses that run on fuel known as Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG. Those buses could be in service by spring of 2017.

More buses will be added year to year, slowly replacing some of the 470 buses in the fleet. The shift will reduce reliance on gasoline and diesel-burning fuels in favor of natural gas, which burns cleaner and emits fewer toxins.

Upfront costs are anticipated at about $1.5 million per year to buy buses. However, the school district could be reimbursed $25,000 per bus, up to 10 buses, through a state rebate program.

Clearwater Gas System, which is owned and operated by the city of Clearwater will supply the natural gas.

The planning commission’s approval came with conditions to address concerns raised by nearby residents.

An 8-foot masonry wall will be built. Activities within the compound will be set back 40 feet from residences, and efforts made to keep noise levels low.

Roadwork on a newly-extended Interlaken Road is under way. When completed in June, the two-lane road will have 6-foot sidewalks and an 8-foot multi-use trail.

Published February 17, 2016