The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

U.S. 301

Dade City considering retail consultant

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The City of Dade City is considering the feasibility of hiring a retail consulting firm — as part of an effort to lure more commercial business and economic development within city limits.

City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 7 workshop, where they heard proposals from three professional firms for the creation of a retail market analysis and development plan.

The City of Dade City is considering hiring a retail consulting firm to drive more business to the municipality. City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 14 meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

Based on a request for proposal, the purpose of the project, in essence, is to better understand the retail landscape in the Dade City market, then have a firm develop a retail recruiting plan and broker potential prospects for the market.

The three firms interviewed were: Place Dynamics LLC, The Retail Coach, and Retail Management Associates.

The project, if followed through, would specifically address ways to improve and spur development along the U.S. 301 corridor, State Road 52, and the downtown area.

Cost estimates from the firms ranged from roughly about $60,000 to $90,000 for full implementation of the required scope of work; the city has not yet selected a firm.

The topic was broached again during a May 14 regular meeting, with some disagreement on how the city should proceed.

Commissioner Jim Shive suggested scheduling another workshop to have a more in-depth discussion on the matter, before deciding whether or not to select a retail consultant.

The commissioner said he heard from several constituents expressing concern on the amount of money that would be spent on a firm.

“I’m not opposed to moving forward,” he said, “but I think we need to have more discussion, that we just don’t need to jump in it headfirst, but that we’re looking at all angles.”

“It’s a lot of money, and I kind of want to know where it’s coming from,” he said.

Shive also pointed out another economic study has already been completed on the city by Melanie Romagnoli, of the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth, thereby perhaps reducing “a lot of the legwork” proposed by interviewed firms.

Shive, moreover, said the municipality might not have the necessary resident population to attract commercial businesses that a retail consulting firm would be tasked to target and recruit.

Proposing an alternate option to a retail consultant, Shive suggested the city look into bringing on staff, an economic development director or a CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) director, as well as generally investing more into the city’s downtown area.

Commissioner Scott Black, however, countered the city does indeed have the geographical portfolio to justify bringing aboard a retail consultant, which he said is imperative to better market the area and recruit businesses of all types.

Black acknowledged the city may not have the demographics that would attract big-box stores and major food chains, but certain other types of retail businesses instead.

“There’s a lot of retail that we have the numbers (of residents) for, we just don’t have anyone out there recruiting and bringing it,” Black said. “This retail recruitment element is what we need, and that’s what the beauty of what these types of firms do is — they welcome and determine what would succeed here and they bring it in.”

Black then stressed the need for such a firm, as a means to help the municipality grow, expand its tax base and bring better jobs to the area.

“It’s going to more than pay for itself after a few years,” Black said. “There are many opportunities that we have here for Dade City, but we don’t have this type of organization where (city staff) can go out and target businesses.”

“Now is the time to do it, not to put this off any longer,” he added.

Meanwhile, during the meeting’s public comment period, Dade City-based realtor and investor Larry Guilford said retail consultants oftentimes don’t provide much value to a city its size, or even up to cities with as many as 40,000 residents.

“It all comes to rooftops; we don’t have the rooftops,” Guilford said. “I’d love to put a Chick-Fil-A here, but if I don’t have certain rooftops out here, it’s a no-go; you have that in many cases.”

Guilford said a retail consultant may be worthwhile for Dade City to consider a few years from now, but not at this time.

“I don’t think you’ll get the bang for the buck,” Guilford noted.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said the city plans to continue the conversation at either another workshop or city commission meeting, to follow up with the retail firms and review reports from the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

“I think we’re doing our due diligence to make sure that we have all of the pieces together,” Hernandez said.

Published May 22, 2019

Workshop focuses on East Pasco

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Pasco County Commissioners met in a workshop session with local municipal leaders on the afternoon of April 2 to discuss a number of projects that are planned or under discussion in East Pasco County.

Projects that were discussed included:

  • A roundabout at the intersection of State Road 52, College Avenue and Pompanic Street
  • An extension of Morningside Drive in Dade City
  • A drainage fix in downtown Dade City
  • The extension of State Road 56 to Chancey Road
  • The widening of County Road 54, from U.S. 301 to 23rd Street

Discussion regarding the City of San Antonio focused on an intersection, where State Road 52 meets College Avenue to the west and Pompanic Road to the north.

Pasco Board of Commissioners and municipal officials met on April 2 in a workshop setting to discuss a number of current and proposed projects in East Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

Efforts have been taken to address the San Antonio intersection, which has been a place of confusion for motorists and an area that has been prone to accidents.

Those problems persist despite the installation of stop and yield signs, and caution lights.

To address the continuing problem, the Metropolitan Planning Organization has suggested installing a roundabout at the intersection.

“Essentially, we’re at a stage where some design has been undertaken,” said John Villeneuve, MPO director. “This is something that will assist in facilitating safety and more maneuverability.”

While the project has been well-received by the board, no start date has been given.

Meanwhile a number of proposed or active Dade City projects were discussed.

One of those projects involves extending Morningside Drive, from U.S. 301 to Fort King Road.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez has advocated for the MPO to put the project on a list for funding.

An alignment study has been conducted on the development, but funding needs to be in place to proceed to the next phase.

The potential benefits of the connection are already recognized locally.

It would boost economic development and would provide direct access off U.S. 301 to AdventHealth Dade City, said Mike Sherman, city planner for Dade City.

Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s director of public works, discussed Dade City’s downtown drainage issues.

Dade City, he said,  “has been plagued for years with a major drainage issue.”

He told those gathered that a stormwater retrofit project is the solution.

The project involves installing a new sewer system of more than 2,400 linear feet with various street drains. The collected water would run underground heading east to the U.S. 98 bypass, eventually being dumped into Irvin Pond.

That project, which may be completed during the summer of 2020, is receiving funding from the city, the state and the Florida Department of Transportation.

In Zephyrhills, there’s a proposal to extend State Road 56 to Chancey Road.

Construction already is underway to connect State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

But, Zephyrhills officials are looking into the possibility of later extending the state road further east to Chancey Road.

Todd Vande Berg, director of planning for Zephyrhills, brought schematics to the workshop and talked about the link’s potential to encourage increased industrial manufacturing, add jobs and boost the local economy.

The planning director also provided an update on plans to County Road 54 from U.S. 301 to 23rd Street.

The city had planned to widen that stretch of the road to four lanes, but those plans were halted because of conflicts with the local school district and efforts to obtain right of way, Vande Berg said.

The present plan keeps the road at two lanes, but adds turn lanes and pedestrian improvements, the director added.

The joint workshop between county commissioners and municipal officials was held at Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

Published April 10, 2019

State Road 56 extension to Zephyrhills is progressing

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Pasco County’s efforts to extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301 are advancing, as construction is now in the latter phases of development.

“The main thing is the local connection between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel,” stated Gregory Deese, resident engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation.

The project, which began two years ago, will offer motorists a direct route between the two communities.

Construction for the new State Road 56 extension is advancing as the road is set to be paved in the near future. Also, traffic lights will be set up where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301. (File)

This will be a new alternative to traveling on Old State Road 54 further north.

Deese noted that it may also be beneficial in serving as a new hurricane evacuation route for those distancing themselves from coastlines.

Currently, State Road 56 ends at its intersection with Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

The road’s future extension, heading east, is barricaded from public use as roadway is still being constructed.

There’s about ½-mile of roadway that remains to be built, at which point the 6-mile stretch will be paved with asphalt, Deese said.

Traffic lights will also be installed where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and as it intersects with U.S. 301.

That work will require some daytime lane closures on both Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

Flaggers will signal motorists as opposing traffic will have to share lane space.

“We’ll have stop signs and ‘slow’ signs to make sure that [the] operation is safe,” the engineer said. “You’ll stop traffic in one direction to allow the opposite direction to go through.”

Closures are expected to take place before and after morning traffic peak hours, Deese added.

In addition to the lights where it meets State Road 56, Morris Bridge Road will undergo an expansion.

This will accommodate a northbound and southbound left-turning lane – both heading east and west onto State Road 56 respectively.

U.S. 301 will be expanded to include a right-turn lane, and re-striped to provide a left-turn lane – both heading westbound onto State Road 56.

The project also will provide easier access to the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility on U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard).

A northbound left-turn lane and a southbound right-turn lane on U.S. 301 will be added as a convenient entryway onto the premises.

Also, a 10-foot-wide trail will be added on the south end of State Road 56 for pedestrians.

“The multi-purpose trail on [State Road] 56 is basically a path that rollerbladers or walkers will be able to use,” Deese explained.

Also included is a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north end, and two 7-foot-wide bicycle lanes – on both shoulders of the road.

These amenities will run the entire course of the 6-mile project.

The $59.2-million development is set for completion as early as this fall.

Published March 27, 2019

Top Community Perks In The Highlands

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What are you looking for in your dream Florida home? Get ready, because the Highlands at Scotland Yards offers them all!

  1. Spacious New Homes: With features like open floor plans, two-car garages, and gourmet kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, you’re sure to love our model homes.
  2. Luxurious Amenities: Designed for active 55+ adults, our swimming pool, golf course and clubhouse create the ultimate social experience.
  3. Premier Location: Quaint and quiet Dade City has historic architecture, fantastic restaurants, and great antiquing. It also offers easy access to Wesley Chapel, Tampa and Orlando.
  4. Peace of Mind: With top-notch community property management taking care of your needs, you get to live carefree!
  5. Affordability: You own the home and enjoy a resort lifestyle for one monthly community fee. It’s high value and exceptional quality, all within your means!

Call (352) 775 -0452 to see for yourself. The Highlands at Scotland Yards is located at 9420 U.S. Highway 301, Dade City, FL 33525.

Published March 27, 2019

Session highlights area roads

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Pasco County residents had the chance to gain insight on three local road projects at a Feb. 26 open house presented by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The state road department officials fielded questions from residents during the session at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Residents could view poster boards and watch videos to learn more about these three projects:

  • The Diverging Diamond Interchange connecting State Road 56 with Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel.
  • The State Road 56 extension from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301
  • Widening Old State Road 54 east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road

While residents appeared to be interested in all three projects, the Diverging Diamond seemed to attract the most attention.

“This is the one that matters most to me,” said Lee Anne Pete, noting she drives in the State Road 56 and Interstate 75 area “every day, at least once.”

John McShaffrey, left, of the Florida Department of Transportation, informs Mike Lin on the operation of the Diverging Diamond Interchange in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Since she and her husband moved to the area a decade ago, they have witnessed the growing development along State Road 54 and State Road 56.

The Wesley Chapel resident said she often gets stuck in traffic congestion on the northbound ramp leading onto State Road 56, from I-75.

One comforting solution for Pete is a third lane being added to the ramp leading west onto the State Road 56 bridge.

Currently, the 2-mile ramp branches off: Two lanes head west on State Road 56 and two lanes head east.

Greg Deese, FDOT resident engineer said: “This has been a long time coming in regard to congestion relief. We’re hopeful that’s what this is going to accomplish.”

Since construction began in January, workers are continuing to install drainage pipes under the southbound ramp heading onto I-75 and the northbound ramp heading onto State Road 56.

This, in conjunction with a lane expansion on the northbound ramp, may result in future lane closures.

However, any closures will continue to occur only at night from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The next phase will be reconfiguring lanes on State Road 56 to crisscross before reaching the bridge, Deese said.

“Most of the time, you’re going to see during traffic shifts [that] they’re going to be working behind concrete barrier walls,” the engineer added. “You’re going to see the construction, but they’re not going to close lanes – especially during the day.”

The state transportation department projects that impacts to normal traffic flow will not be an issue whether traveling on or off the bridge.

Although the reception has been generally positive regarding the interchange, there are those who have expressed their concerns.

Mike Lin is somewhat skeptical of the added traffic light where the northbound ramp leads east onto State Road 56.

Currently, traffic on the ramp merging eastbound onto State Road 56 becomes congested even with no stop light present.

With the addition of the light, the New Tampa resident fears it will only worsen an already existing problem.

And, while the state transportation department assures that the bridge will not need to undergo an expansion for additional lanes, Lin has doubts about that, as well.

“How do you get it to fit in the existing bridge?” Lin asked. “Unless you’re going to make the lanes narrower, I don’t know how you do that,” he added.

The project plans to have three lanes heading eastbound on the State Road 56 bridge.

Westbound traffic will hold six lanes as studies show there is heavier activity on that route.

The $33-million interchange project is set for completion in late 2021.

Another road project featured at the meeting was the extension of State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The $59.2-million project is of much interest, as it creates a direct link from Wesley Chapel into Zephyrhills.

Along State Road 56, pedestrians will be accommodated with a multipurpose trail on the south end, a sidewalk on the north end and bicycle lanes on both ends of the road.

The 6-mile project is expected to be completed later this year.

Another project featured at the open house involves the widening of Old State Road 54, east of Curley Road in Wesley Chapel to the east of Morris Bridge Road in Zephyrhills.

The 4.5-mile project will expand Old State Road 54 from two lanes to four lanes, divided by medians.

A sidewalk will be added to the north end, while a multipurpose trail will be added to the south end.

The $42.5-million project is expected to be complete by mid-2021.

Published March 06, 2019

Political Agenda 03/06/2019

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Sample ballots and early voting
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that Sample Ballots for the April 9 Municipal and Special Primary elections are available online at PascoVotes.com.

The supervisor’s office also intended to send the vote-by-mail ballots for the more than 12,000 requested on March 5, after The Laker/Lutz News print deadline.

Voter turnout will be posted daily on PascoVotes.com, as vote-by-mail ballots are returned.
The Municipal Elections are for voters who reside within the city limits of New Port Richey, Port Richey and Zephyrhills. The Special Primary is for voters who reside within House District 38, and per Florida Statutes 101.021, is a closed primary for registered Republican voters.
To be counted, vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the elections’ office by mail or hand delivery by 7 p.m., on Election Day. Mail ballots may also be returned to city halls but may not be turned in at the polls. Voters can check the status of their vote-by-mail ballot at PascoVotes.com/Vote-by-Mail/Check-Request-Status.aspx.

Vote-by-mail ballot can be requested by calling (800) 851-8754 or request one online at PascoVotes.com.

Voters who wish to vote in person before Election Day may vote at City Halls beginning March 8.

Early Voting begins March 30 at East Pasco Government Center and Central Pasco Professional Center. See PascoVotes.com for addresses and times.

Election results will be posted on-line at PascoVotes.com beginning at 7 p.m., on Election Day.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet March 18 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City. The speaker will be Kelly Smith. Dining a la carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information, visit EastPascoDems.com, or call (813) 383-8315.

Democratic Environmental Caucus of Pasco
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Pasco County Chapter will meet on March 13, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., but networking begins at 6 p.m. For more information, .

Development projects underway in Zephyrhills

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Much development is on tap for the city of Zephyrhills — from new commercial and residential properties, to ongoing road construction projects.

Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg discussed a number of those projects as the guest speaker of the East Pasco Networking Group’s February breakfast meeting.

Among the most ballyhooed is the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, which will be situated west of Simons Road.

Zephyrhills city planner Todd Vande Berg discussed several city development projects at a recent East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

The speaker said the $3.5 million project is expected to break ground in May or June: “We’re getting real close with the final engineered site plan, as well as the architect plans.”

The facility will include a mix of 11 full-size outdoor clay courts and hard courts, including an exhibition court to attract various United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned tournaments.

It also will feature multiple pickleball and padel courts, racquet sports “becoming more and more popular,” Vande Berg said.

Meanwhile, the indoor portion of the center will include a lobby and seating area, community room, kid’s club room, fitness center, plus “other unique elements,” like cryotherapy and salt room chambers. Additionally, Wesley Chapel-based Buttermilk Provisions restaurant will have an in-house bakery and coffee shop with artisan offerings.

The project is a public-private partnership between the city and Tennis P.R.O and its owner, Pascal Collard, who will operate and manage the tennis facility.

The tennis center is named after Vande Berg’s daughter, a former Zephyrhills High School district champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Much of the project’s funding is being offset by various impact fees and grants, Vande Berg said.

The city planner believes the tennis center could have international draw.

He said the USTA recently inquired about having the facility someday host matches for the Fed Cup, regarded as the premier international team competition in women’s tennis.

“It’s going to be a unique opportunity for all Pasco County and the region,” Vande Berg said of the tennis facility. “It’s going to be a huge deal.”

The speaker also noted some indoor/covered tennis courts could potentially be phased in later, at the discretion of the facility’s management team.

“That would make us very unique in the state of Florida, because there’s only one other facility in the state that offers that,” he said.

Also in the arena of business development, Vande Berg mentioned the city is working on a master plan for its industrial corridor — which encompasses about 4,000 untapped acres of property along the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — to create a regional hub for light manufacturing companies.

Vande Berg said the master plan ties in with the four-lane extension of State Road 56 to U.S. 301.

The speaker noted Zephyrhills is also pursuing an additional extension to State Road 56 that would link to State Road 39; the city received $1 million in the Florida 2019 budget to fund a planning study for the project.

“One thing that we’ve heard from some manufacturers was, ‘Well, we need access to a four-lane road,’” Vande Berg said, “so that’ll make a big difference.”

Aside from trying to expand its industrial footprint, other commercial projects are in the works in Zephyrhills.

The city is set to get a Chick-Fil-A, Aldi Supermarket, PetSmart, Marriott Fairfield Hotel and Dollar General, along with other businesses.

Florida Medical Clinic is also undergoing a major health care facility expansion along Eiland Boulevard and Simons Road, Vande Berg said.

“There’s a lot going on in Zephyrhills,” the city planner said.

Vande Berg also touched on the city’s residential development, noting thousands of new homes and apartments will be coming online in the next decade.

Some of the larger developments include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, and expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities, while Wire Ranch Apartments and Pretty Pond/Wire Road Apartments are some the larger multifamily units in the works.

“The residential housing is booming,” Vande Berg said. “We have a couple thousand units coming on board and they’re not all retirees. A lot of these homes are single-family, younger families with kids.”

Published March 06, 2019

Responders’ work praised in Dade City Business Center fire

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Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley praised the work of emergency responders who converged on the Dade City Business Center, in Dade City, to put out a two-alarm fire, which began in the early afternoon on Jan. 18.

Pasco County Fire Rescue was among numerous agencies responding to a two-alarm blaze at the Dade City Business Center. It took 19 hours to put the fire out. Pasco County Fire Rescue investigators attributed the cause of the fire to welding being done by an employee. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire)

It took about 18 hours to bring the fire under control, according to a report from Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Pasco County Fire Rescue investigators attributed the cause of the fire to welding being done by an employee. The estimated damage to the business center was put at $3 million.

Oakley said local firefighters were joined by crews from other counties and received support from various agencies, in the quest to put out the raging fire.

“At the height of the fire, there were approximately 114 personnel on the scene working to mitigate the incident,” Oakley told his fellow Pasco County commissioners, during the board’s Jan. 22 meeting.

“There were no injuries. That’s the best part of the whole thing,” Oakley said.

“The fire started about 12:30 or 1 o’clock on Friday. You could see it from downtown Dade City. Just black smoke. It was hard to figure what was going on at the time.

“It started in one warehouse and it moved from one to three warehouses, and it affected five out of seven businesses right in that area in the business center,” Oakley said.

Combating the fire involved having to shut down the railway, which is no easy feat, he said.

Fortunately, there was sufficient water at the business center site to battle the blaze, Oakley said. Otherwise, crews would have had to close U.S. 301 to get to the closest water, Oakley said.

The commission chairman said he plans to send a letter thanking everyone who helped, including various agencies and the businesses that provided food to feed those working the incident.

Published January 30, 2019

Pace of Pasco’s road construction picking up in 2019

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It’s no secret that dealing with traffic congestion is a way of life for Pasco County residents.

Whether they’re commuting to work, taking the kids to school, going grocery shopping, heading to a doctor’s appointment or taking care of myriad daily needs, there’s good chance motorists will get stuck in traffic and have to wait for traffic lights to cycle at intersections.

Traffic is backed up, on the access road from Interstate 75, heading to State Road 56. (Fred Bellet)

Getting anywhere can be a hassle at peak traffic hours — regardless of the direction drivers are going.

The good news is that 2019 is likely to go down as a banner year with respect to the number of projects aimed at improving traffic flow.

Here’s a look at what is underway, planned for construction, or under study for possible improvements, based on presentations by Florida Department of Transportation officials, transportation department fact sheets and previous reporting by The Laker/Lutz News.

The Diverging Diamond
One massive project, set to get underway this month, is called the Diverging Diamond Interchange.

It aims to reduce congestion at the Interstate 75-State Road 56 interchange, through a reconfiguration of the intersection, in an area between County Road 54 and Cypress Ridge Boulevard.

Eastbound traffic on State Road 54 at the Interstate 75 underpass.

The new design is expected to improve traffic flow, thus reducing travel time for motorists.

The estimated construction cost is $33 million, and the project is expected to take three years to complete.

Extension of State Road 56
Another significant project involves the extension of State Road 56, beginning at Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and ending at U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Work on this 6-mile extension began in 2017. It has an estimated construction cost of $59.1 million.

Initially expected to be completed in the fall, the road could open as early as this spring, David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, said during the Discover Dade City symposium in November.

The project includes a four-lane road, with a 10-foot multi-use trail on the south side of the road and a 5-foot sidewalk on the north side. There will be 7-foot bicycle lanes on the shoulders, in each direction.

Northbound traffic on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, stacks up and waits for the traffic light to turn green.

New signalized intersections also are being built on Morris Bridge Road, where the new State Road 56 crosses it, and on U.S. 301, where the new State Road 56 ties into it.

Also, the City of Zephyrhills requested a study to evaluate extending State Road 56 from U.S. 301 to State Road 39 with a connection to U.S. 98.

And, another study is looking into realigning U.S. 98, where U.S. 301 intersects with Clinton Avenue.

The Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization also has requested a study to evaluate the potential for the realignment of U.S. 98 at the U.S. 301, in the area of Clinton Avenue (new State Road 52).

U.S. 41 and State Road 54
While the need for a solution to daily traffic jams at U.S. 41 and State Road 54 is widely known, it is not yet clear how the issue will be addressed. Here are alternatives that have been identified, according to a state transportation department document:

  • Elevated express lanes at major intersections; express lanes on the ground for the remainder; and bus services in express lanes.
  • Parallel flow intersection.
  • Elevated lanes at major intersections; bus or rail in separate lanes, combined with a continuous flow intersection.
  • No Build: Maintaining six lanes on the ground and current transit services.
Motorists heading north on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, wait in the daily backup, just south of State Road 54.

State Road 52 improvements
Projects are in various stages along the State Road 52 corridor. Here’s a synopsis:

  • Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41: This project will widen a 3.8-mile stretch from two lanes to six lanes, with a 12-foot multi-use trail to be built on the north side of State Road 52. The project also includes a 1-mile widening of U.S. 41, approaching the intersection with State Road 52. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.
  • East of U.S. 41 to County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard): Calls for widening the two-lane road to a four-lane divided road. The 8.5-mile improvement also includes a 12-foot multi-use trail on the north side of the road. The project is under design, but there is no construction funding at this time.
  • County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard) to Old Pasco Road: Widening the two-lane road to a four-lane road, with a median. The 1.5-mile project has an estimated cost of $13.4 million and is scheduled to be completed this spring.
  • State Road 52 widening and new alignment, from Uradco Place to west of Fort King Road.

Between Uradco Place and Bayou Branch Canal, the existing road will be widened to a four-lane divided highway.

East of Bayou Branch Canal, the new alignment will be a four-lane, divided State Road 52, built south of the existing State Road 52, tying into Clinton Avenue.

Heading east, past Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, barricades guide motorists through ongoing widening construction.

Clinton Avenue, between County Road 579 and Fort King Road, will be a widened to a four-lane divided road.

Clinton Avenue, between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301, will be designated County Road 52, after the construction of the new State Road 52 is complete.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2019.

 

Other projects
Interstate 75 interchange at Overpass Road
Pasco County is building a future interchange at I-75 and Pasco Road. The project is scheduled for letting in 2020.

U.S. 301/U.S. 98
Resurfacing/bike lanes

An eastbound school bus turns south on to Old Pasco Road, an area where road construction continues.

Project limits: Pond Avenue to north of Long Avenue/Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City

is in design. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.

Wesley Chapel Intermodal Center Study
This study, expected to be completed in late summer, will identify the needs and location of an intermodal center that will serve as a hub for local and regional transit. It includes the analysis of facility needs, location, cost, funding, connectivity and conceptual design.

Proposed U.S. 301 widening
Another project calls for widening U.S. 301, from a four-lane road to six lanes, from County Road 54/Eiland Boulevard to north of Kossik Road, in Zephyrhills. That construction is not yet funded.

Brian Fernandes contributed to this report.

Published January 9, 2019

This crowd was bullish on East Pasco’s prospects

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Speakers at the recent “Discover Dade City” symposium cast a spotlight on East Pasco’s development opportunities.

The event, held in the conference center at the East Pasco campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, focused on ongoing projects, as well as those on the drawing board and future prospects.

Dewey Mitchell, the keynote speaker at ‘Discover Dade City’ said that as Dade City grows, its biggest challenge will be to preserve its authentic charm. (B.C. Manion)

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Greater Tampa Realtors and Central Pasco Association of Realtors (which merged with the Pinellas Realtor organization), hosted the inaugural event on Nov. 29.

Larry Guilford, who moderated the two panels of speakers, said “so many things are already happening in Dade City, and so much more is going to happen.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said since becoming mayor in 2012, she has tried “to make sure that Dade City has a seat at the table.”

The city continues to look at ways to enhance its quality of life, through such amenities as recreational trails, a bike hub and a splash park, Hernandez said.

It also wants to find ways to repurpose its old buildings, and to explore a Farm-to-Table initiative, she said.

As the city grows, it wants to be sure it plans appropriately, Hernandez added, so it can preserve the “quaint authentic nature of Dade City that you won’t find anywhere else.”

New roads to progress
State Rep. Danny Burgess talked about the extension of State Road 56, which now ends at Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, but is being extended to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The road will create a new east-west artery that will help ease congestion and promote economic growth. Burgess said, “That will open up so many opportunities.”

David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, said it looks like the State Road 56 extension could be completed as early as next spring, or at least by summer.

The transportation leader talked about a number of other projects that will have a significant impact in East Pasco.

The biggest investment involves projects on State Road 52, starting at the Suncoast Parkway, with stretches being widened all of the way over to U.S. 301, he said.

“This summer, in June, we’re going to let over $150 million in state projects just on State Road 52,” he said. “Widening to six lanes the portion between the Suncoast (Parkway) and (U.S.) 41; some other projects between (U.S.) 41 and the interstate (I-75); and, the realignment (of State Road) 52 all of the way out.”

The state also is studying whether State Road 56 could be further extended from U.S. 301 over to State Road 39 to create another corridor leading to Interstate 4.

Another big project, referred to as the Diverging Diamond, is expected to begin construction in early 2019.

Aimed at reducing congestion at State Road 56 and I-75, the project is expected to make traffic in that area more challenging during construction.

The planned construction of an I-75 interchange at Overpass Road also is expected to provide a significant improvement to transportation in East Pasco.

Preparing future workforce
On the education front, Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, said a new technical high school expected to open in 2022 on Old Handcart Road will expand opportunities for students, while helping to boost Pasco’s economy.

The school will serve students from the Dade City, Zephyrhills and greater Wesley Chapel areas.

The goal is to build a school that helps students to develop skills that are needed by employers, which will benefit the school’s graduates and companies seeking to fulfill workforce needs.

The district is doing its homework now, to ensure that the school is equipped to offer relevant programs, Browning said.

“We don’t want to build a building and then figure out what programs we’re going to teach,” the superintendent said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley addressed the need for local government to pick up the pace with regards to permit approvals.

“That’s the worst part of government —  how slow it moves,” Oakley said.

He pledged: “Pasco County is not going to hold up the builders and others who want to do things the right way. We’re going to make it so it’s more streamlined for them to get those permits.

“There’s nothing wrong with controlled growth,” Oakley said.

Opportunities for all
Another panel talked about investments being made in East Pasco.

Jason Newmyer, administrator for Florida Hospital Dade City, said next year will be a transformative year at the hospital, as a $22 million makeover begins.

Michael Lawson, director of operations for Metro Development Group, talked about Connected City, which is intended to be a place where there will be opportunities for everyone, ranging from large companies to small entrepreneurs.

“We’re going to create this environment that will promote this growth,” Lawson said, noting the 50-year plan for Connected City calls for the development of 10 million square feet of nonresidential and 40,000 residential units.

Connected City is in a corridor covering about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County. It borders Interstate 75, State Road 52, and Curley and Overpass roads.

Some things are already happening.

Epperson, a community in Connected City, became the first community in North America to open a manmade turquoise lagoon, known under the trademarked name, Crystal Lagoon.

“Crystal Lagoon has been a game-changer for the industry. We were proud to be the first in the U.S. We’ll see these deployed all over the country, but that’s just one element (of Connected City). There are going to be so many more.

“I look at Connected City as basically being an iPhone with unlimited ability to put Apps on it,” Lawson said.

Dewey Mitchell, co-owner of Capstone Tropical Holdings Inc., was the symposium’s keynote speaker.

Agreeing with other speakers on the agenda, Mitchell said there’s no doubt East Pasco is poised for growth. He also touched on an issue raised by Dade City Mayor Hernandez.

“I think the biggest issue for Dade City going forward — as all things happen, and they are going to happen — is keeping the charm the city has currently. I think that’s going to be the biggest issue.

“I kind of like to look at the city of Dunedin. They’ve done a really good job of merging the old city with newer development.

“It’s a pleasant place to be. There’s restaurants and shops. It’s lively. They have a bike path through.

“It sounds easy, but it’s not,” he said.

“At the risk of being offensive to someone, take St. Pete Beach. They messed it up,” he said, and now, “they’re struggling to get back what they once had.

“They just didn’t do it right. Dunedin did,” Mitchell said.

The symposium’s aim was to raise awareness of development opportunities in the East Pasco area, and provide networking opportunities for developers, brokers and property owners, according to John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Saint Leo University was the presenting sponsor, assisted by Pasco-Hernando State College, First National Bank of Pasco, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Properties Group, Florida Hospital Dade City/Zephyrhills, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, the City of Dade City and The Laker/Lutz News.

Published December 12, 2018