U.S. 301

Upscale RV park rolling into Dade City

June 15, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Recreational vehicles and RV parks dot the landscape of rural thoroughfares surrounding Dade City.

But, just north of the historic downtown district, a very uncommon RV park is being planned. This project, an upscale RV gated community with amenities more often found in pricey single-family home subdivisions, is moving toward development.

Hill Country Estates is at 17151 U.S. 301, atop one of Dade City’s rolling hills.

Hill Country Estates has 37 ready-to-build lots for RV owners looking for homes with pull-through garages and amenities such as a guest house, garden, court yard and observation deck atop the garage. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Hill Country Estates has 37 ready-to-build lots for RV owners looking for homes with pull-through garages and amenities such as a guest house, garden, court yard and observation deck atop the garage.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“It’s a pretty unusual project,” said Jack Buckley, real estate solutions provider with Exit Realty in Land O’ Lakes.

The site has 37 ready-to-build one-acre lots.

Construction on the first site is anticipated within 45 days.

A standard feature will be a pull-through RV garage. Buyers will have several floor plan options ranging from about 1,200 square feet up to a more customized 5,000 square feet.

There will be one-bedroom, one-bath; two-bedroom, two- bath; and three-bedroom and two-bath houses.

Amenities can include an observation deck atop the garage, a pool house, garden and courtyard. The base price will be about $505,000. There also would be fees for a homeowner’s association.

“We like to think these would be a second residence,” said Buckley. Though for some, he said it could be a third or fourth home.

Interest in the homes has been high, Buckley said, with more than 90 inquiries. Developers hope to acquire an additional 98 acres from an adjacent golf course in order to build another 80 homes, he said.

The initial goal is to sell at least half of the existing lots, and then expand, Buckley added.

The project’s location is centrally located with easy access to Interstate 75, and trips to Tampa International Airport and downtown.

But, Buckley said there also is plenty happening now and in the future in Dade City. Potential projects could include a new golf course and a boutique hotel, he said.

The Publix grocery store that opened in late 2015 at the corner of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue is also a plus. It’s a short drive from Hill Country Estates.

“That’s a big feature for us, because years ago where would people go to do their shopping?” Buckley said.

Published June 15, 2016

Cities to have backup water

May 18, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A project to link the water systems of Zephyrhills and Dade City is headed to construction, most likely by this summer.

The Zephyrhills City Council, on May 10, approved a contract for about $1.7 million with Suncoast Development of Pinellas County.

Work can begin after the Florida Department of Transportation completes its resurfacing and trails project on U.S. 301, which could happen within the next month.

Once underway, work on the water systems is expected to take about a month, said John Bostic, utilities director for the City of Zephyrhills.

Last year, the cities of Zephyrhills and Dade City reached a 25-year interlocal agreement to link their water systems. The agreement is seen as a backup plan during water emergencies. Both cities also anticipate greater water needs as more residences and commercial development sprouts along U.S. 301, the federal highway that links the two.

“If one of us ever runs out of water, we can send water on its way to one or the other,” Bostic said.

Each city would pay the going rate at the time, according to the agreement.
The project involves installing about three miles of water pipes and fire hydrants along the east side of U.S. 301, from Phelps Road to near the highway’s intersection with U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Centennial Road will mark the dividing line between the two systems.

Construction costs will be paid through a $2 million grant awarded to the City of Zephyrhills by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Both cities use multiple public wells to supply residents and businesses with drinking water drawn from the Floridan aquifer. Zephyrhills gets most of its water from the Hillsborough River Groundwater Basin, and a portion from the Withlacoochee River Basin. Dade City’s permitted wells are within the Withlacoochee basin.

Published May 18, 2016

Trail skips East Pasco

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County will be left out of one of the longest segments of the state’s Coast to Coast Connector Trail, but efforts are expected to continue to include the county in future projects.

The Florida Department of Transportation is opting for a northern trail route that winds through Hernando and Sumter counties and the city of Webster for the Coast to Coast Connector Trail, known as the C2C trail.

The department of transportation rejected alternate southern routes that would have passed through Pasco County, citing safety and relocation issues, and environmental concerns.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, left, studies a map as David Williams, a planning manager for the Florida Department of Transportation, talks about the state’s recommendation for a segment of the Coast to Coast Connector that skips Pasco County, but does go through the town of Webster. In the background, Webster Mayor Kelly Williams looks on. (Richard K. Riley/Photo) — Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, left, studies a map as David Williams, a planning manager for the Florida Department of Transportation, talks about the state’s recommendation for a segment of the Coast to Coast Connector that skips Pasco County, but does go through the town of Webster. In the background, Webster Mayor Kelly Williams looks on.
(Richard K. Riley/Photo)

State officials also said a southern route would add about nine additional miles to the C2C trail, which would boost construction costs.

About 80 people attended the last of three public meetings, hosted by the the state transportation department on April 7. Other meetings were in Sumter and Hernando counties.

Many came away from the April 7 meeting disappointed that the Sumter trail segment wouldn’t pass through a single Pasco town or city.

“It’s so important to us, not only as a destination, but for economic impact to the community and tourism,” said Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

Transportation officials and their consultant, Orlando-based VHB, conducted a feasibility study for what is known as the South Sumter Connector Trail, the largest remaining segment of the C2C trail. The study looked at three northern routes through Hernando and Sumter counties, and two southern routes through Pasco and Sumter.

The purpose of the project is to build a trail segment connecting the Good Neighbor Trail to the South Lake Trail. That link also will interconnect with the James A. Van Fleet trail, which winds to the Withlacoochee Trail. When finished, the C2C will be about 270 miles of new and existing trails in nine counties, including the Starkey Wilderness Trail in west Pasco and the trailhead for the Withlacoochee.

The planned trail segment would fill the gap in the C2C trail, which when finished will link Pinellas County in the west with Brevard County in the east.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey also suggested another alternative, which would tie in the cities of Webster, Lacoochee, Trilby and Dade City. That proposal was not part of the study, which will conclude in June.

The transportation department’s preferred route would cost about $21.4 million. The southern routes would cost about $25 million to $27 million.

The next phase is an approximately two-year study of environmental and engineering issues that would begin in late 2016 or early 2017. The trail then would be designed, right of way secured and, finally, construction would begin.

The entire process is likely to take multiple years.

Hernandez and others plan to keep lobbying for the entire Pasco community, in this and future projects.

Constructions of several trails or links with existing trails are in the works in Pasco, and also between Pasco and Pinellas County. They eventually will link with the Suncoast Trail and Hernando. A multi-use trail beside U.S. 301 is planned as a future link for the Hardy Trail, in Dade City.

Dade City council members were scheduled, on April 12, to consider a letter supporting Starkey’s proposed route, as well as a connector loop suggested by Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader. That action was slated for consideration after The Laker/Lutz News’ press time.

The letter, which would be sent to state transportation officials, also will request that directional signage be installed at the Good Neighbor Trail to let bicyclists know of trails available in Pasco.

Dade City resident Mark Pinson is heading up a petition drive to gather signatures favoring a trail that would include Dade City and other Pasco destinations.

“Bikers want destinations,” Pinson said. “Dade City is a great destination. You want a place to eat and have a cup of coffee.”

Several trails come close to Dade City, but they don’t connect, he said.

Hundreds of bicyclists flock to Dade City and San Antonio to enjoy scenic rides, he added.

Brooksville resident Art Frassrand checked out proposed routes on a display map prior to the transportation department’s slide show, and listened to David Williams, a planning manager for the department, as he explained the agency’s decision process.

“This is easily the most feasible route,” Williams said. “It’s a lot easier right-of-way wise. We won’t take as much frontage.”

Frassrand wasn’t persuaded.

“I think the southern route is the best,” Frassrand said.

It would trail through the Withlacoochee State Forest, and offer “the prettiest views,” he said.

Williams said forestry officials weren’t in favor of the C2C going through the state forest. He also noted hunters who said a bicycle trail would disrupt their hunting season.

However, Frassrand said bicyclists share the forest with hunters now for off-road or dirt bike riding.

Pinson said the northern route followed along busy highways.

“It’s probably a more unsafe route for bikers,” he said.

The extra nine miles that bothered transportation officials wouldn’t be an issue for bike riders, especially those planning an across-the-state jaunt, Pinson said.

“This is the prettiest nine miles of the whole trip,” he said.

Published April 13, 2016, Revised on April 15, 2016

Local couple shares passion for fossils

March 9, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Seina Searle will never forget the first time she and her husband, Mike, went to what was then called Fossil Fair.

“We walked around with our jaws open,” Seina said. They were in awe of what fossil hunters could find in Florida.

Seina and Mike Searle get a thrill out of finding fossils to help unravel the mysteries of the prehistoric past. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Seina and Mike Searle get a thrill out of finding fossils to help unravel the mysteries of the prehistoric past.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The Searles had already begun their amateur quest to find old bits of bone and teeth in a desire to learn more about Florida’s prehistoric past, but when they got to Fossil Fair, she said, they were blown away by the possibilities.

That was 1993, and the Searles immediately joined the Tampa Bay Fossil Club.

Flash forward 23 years. Mike is now president of the club, which boasts around 600 members and Seina is on the board of directors. She’s coordinating a team of about 140 volunteers for the 29th annual Tampa Bay Fossil Fest, set for this coming weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

They hope the event will spark an interest in others that will lead them to join a community devoted to unearthing clues about the creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.

The couple’s passion for fossils is obvious.

An entire room in their Lutz home is filled with shelves of fossils they’ve found while diving in rivers and exploring mines. They have stuff in their garage and out back, too.

Mike and Seina Searle spend much of their free time hunting for fossils. The shelves in a room in their Lutz home are filled with items they’ve found. They have more in their garage and in a patio area out back.

There’s one section in their fossil room devoted to finds from vacations to Nebraska to go fossil-hunting. They’ve made the trip 19 times and are planning to go there again this year.

Their passion has evolved through the years, Mike said.

At first, they just wanted to find stuff, he said.

“Then we wanted to find good stuff. Then, we wanted to find the most stuff,” he said.

“Sometimes you get wrapped up in what the value of your collection is worth and what you find. We’ve completely gone through all of those emotions. Now, our goal is to find stuff that’s scientifically valuable, that will help unravel the picture of what was in Florida,” he said.

Seina is fascinated by what Florida was like millions of years ago.

“It was a lot like Africa now,” she said. “You had the mammoths. Mastodons. Rhinoceros. Huge Bears. Lions.”

There were armadillos the size of Volkswagens, Mike said.

Seina has had a penchant for unearthing buried treasures since her childhood.

“I always loved archeology as a kid. I was always digging in the backyard, hoping to find something. I always had that interest,” Seina said.

The couple has traveled to Nebraska 19 times to hunt for fossils and plan to make a 20th trip there this year.

“I never really thought so much about fossils, until he (Mike) took me looking for shark’s teeth in Venice,” she said.

Mike said he became interested in fossils after a kid showed him some shark’s teeth he had found.

“My favorite fossil, I think, is shark’s teeth,” Mike said. “What I quickly came to appreciate was the time involved. “Most people can’t conceive the time.

“You pick up a shark’s tooth on the beach,” he said. “It’s from a 5 million-year-old animal.

“Some of the fossils we dig out west are 30 million years old. You cannot conceive that kind of time frame,” he said.

The Searles have built their knowledge of archeology and paleontology through years in the field, listening to experts and sharing discoveries with other club members.

The Tampa Bay Fossil Club meets monthly at the University of South Florida, featuring presentations from experts. Club members bring items to the meetings for help in identifying the specimens.

The club also goes on field trips, has an annual campout and organizes other activities.

“I’m certain we’re the largest amateur club in the country,” Mike said.

There’s camaraderie among club members, the couple said.

When fossil hunters get together, he said, they tend to talk about things like the newest sloth that’s been found, or why diving is off limits in certain areas, Mike said.

“Everything else seems like it doesn’t matter,” he said.

29th annual Tampa Bay Fossil Fest
When: March 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, intersection of Interstate 4 and U.S. 301, just east of Tampa
How much: $7 for adults, free for children 12 and under
Details: Paleo enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do at Florida’s largest prehistoric show. There will be fossils, artifacts, minerals, shells, workshops, silent auctions, door prizes, and activities for kids.
For more information, visit TampaBayFossilClub.com.

Nature’s way to have fun, decompress

March 2, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Hillsborough River State Park — just a short drive south of Zephyrhills — is one of Florida’s first state parks.

It’s a place where nature lovers can explore trails, where fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines, where families and friends can host special gatherings, and where campers can call the place home — for up to 14 days at a time.

A variety of events take place at Fort Foster, which is across the street from the Hillsborough River State Park. Despite the fact that roughly a quarter-million people visit the park, perhaps only 10,000 of them are aware of Fort Foster, says Brian Pinson, park manager. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — A variety of events take place at Fort Foster, which is across the street from the Hillsborough River State Park. Despite the fact that roughly a quarter-million people visit the park, perhaps only 10,000 of them are aware of Fort Foster, says Brian Pinson, park manager.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The park opened in 1938, as one of the nation’s original Civilian Conservation Corps parks.

The Hillsborough River — the park’s namesake — was named in the late 1700s for Wills Hills, the British Colonial Secretary and Lord Earl of Hillsborough, according to the park’s website.

The Civilian Conservation Corps established the area surrounding the river rapids as a public park during the 1930s.

The 3,600-acre park is divided by the Hillsborough River.

It features seven miles of nature trails and boasts 15 ecosystems, said Brian Pinson, park manager.

Nature enthusiasts have a chance to explore Florida’s wild side, with its ever-changing seasonal shows of wildflowers. They can also see wildlife such as deer, raccoons and rabbits, and birds such as owls, wood storks, woodpeckers, roseate spoonbills, and painted bunting.

Alligators sunning themselves are a common sight at Hillsborough River State Park. (Courtesy of Florida State Parks) — Alligators sunning themselves are a common sight at Hillsborough River State Park.
(Courtesy of Florida State Parks)

Alligators are a common sight, as they sun themselves along the banks of the Hillsborough River.

Those who enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool can take advantage of the park’s fully accessible pool, which is open seasonally.

The park also has 117 campsites, which are extremely popular with northern visitors during the winter, Pinson said.

The campsites are also a popular draw on weekends during other parts of the year, he said.

The park draws roughly 250,000 visitors a year, and they come from all over.

During a recent campground coffee, there were visitors from as far away as Switzerland and Nova Scotia, and others from Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pinson said.

Park manager Brian Pinson describes what life was like for inhabitants at Fort Foster, a reconstructed fort on the east side of U.S. 301, across the road from the Hillsborough River State Park.

The park also includes the Fort Foster State Historic Site, which is not widely known — even to visitors at the park, Pinson said.

The fort is on the east side of U.S. 301, and is only opened for guided tours on weekends and special events.

Fort Foster is a reconstructed fort from the Second Seminole War. Rangers lead tours of the site on the weekends, for $2 per person.

Despite its long-time presence at the park, Fort Foster is little-known, said Brian Pinson, park manager.

“Our annual attendance is about 250,000 people a year. Of that 250,000 a year, I’ll bet 240,000 of them have never heard of Fort Foster,” he said.

But, he’s trying to change that.

“We’re trying to get the word out on Fort Foster,” he said.

“What we’ve recently started doing is a dinner at the fort. We do it once a month. We sell tickets online. It’s like a four-star dining experience. We light the entire fort up with candles. We have re-enactors that come over, on the Seminole side, as well as the military side. And, you sit at a picnic table with a couple of strangers, but you get to sit down with somebody who is playing the part of a military lieutenant from 1835. It’s $25 per person.

“We do it the third Saturday of every month through the winter. (November through April).

The dinners are limited to 25 people.

Visitors have plenty of places to picnic at the park.

People who want to learn more about Fort Foster and the Second Seminole War also can visit the Interpretive Center, which was the park’s original ranger station. There, visitors can see more than 100 artifacts from the Fort Foster site.

Pinson, who became the park manager just months ago, is working to increase the number of reasons for people to come to the park, and to help visitors take full advantage of what it has to offer.

For instance, every other Wednesday at 6 p.m., the park holds a potluck supper.

“It’s like loaves and fishes. We just eat and eat, and there’s always enough food,” Pinson said. “We’ve got meals from all over the country, sometimes all over the world.”

On March 19, the park is having a community yard sale. Anyone who wants to sell their items can rent out a table for $10, he said.

Pinson also plans to add a stage, to accommodate music in the park.

While there’s plenty to do, the park also is a great place to unplug, relax and recharge, Pinson said.

For some, the park is a sanctuary; for others, a meditation room, he said.

“This is an outlet for people to just do nothing,” Pinson said.

What: Hillsborough River State Park, a state park with nature trails, campsites, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, fishing and special events.
Where: 15402 US 301 N., Thonotosassa, FL 33592
How much: Admission is $6 per vehicle (2 to 8 people); $4 for single occupant; $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers. Separate charges for camping, equipment rentals and event rentals.
More information: (813) 987-6771, or visit FloridaStateParks.org.

Published March 2, 2016

New Dade City Hall ready for debut

March 2, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Dade City residents will get their first official peek inside their new City Hall at a ribbon cutting on March 11 at 10:30 a.m.

City employees and law enforcement officers, however, are already getting accustomed to the new, 22,000-square-foot building. They moved in about three weeks ago.

“We’ve gotten settled in,” said Gordon Onderdonk, the city’s public works director.

(Courtesy of Wannemacher Jensen Architects)

Now, it’s the public’s turn to explore the new seat of city government, and the headquarters for the Dade City police department.

Ribbon-cutting festivities will include a performance by the Pasco High School Band, as well as speeches by guest speakers, a flag raising and a rendition of the national anthem. Those attending will be able to go on guided tours of the complex, and refreshments will be served.

Wannemacher Jensen Architects created a design for two separate buildings that are joined by an entryway canopy and a courtyard. One side of the complex houses city offices; the other is headquarters for the Dade City police force.

In preparation of the celebration, the Dade City Commission approved the temporary closure of Meridian Avenue from Fifth Street to the U.S. 98 Bypass from 8 a.m. to noon on March 11.

Construction on the new City Hall began in March 2015 on the site of the old building.

In the 1920s, developers planned a hotel at the location, but that was never completed.

During the Depression, the building found new life as a federal work project and served as the hub of city government for decades.

Through the years, city agencies outgrew the space and moved into other buildings.

During construction, some City Hall employees were relocated to an annex building and to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot on U.S. 98 at U.S. 301.

Consolidating offices in one building will make it easier for people to do business with the city, Onderdonk said.

“This is one-stop shopping for them to take care of everything. It’s all in the same building and will be convenient,” he said.

The city’s police department vacated its previous location on Pasco Avenue.

The new facility has typical features of a police department, including interview rooms, holding cells, a booking area, a special area for the K-9 unit and a conference room. But, there also is new and upgraded technology.

The city commission chamber also will benefit from technology upgrades, including a projector screen that will make it easier to observe meetings.

The approximately $5.9 million budget for the building’s construction came from the countywide Penny for Pasco program and the city’s reserve fund.

Published March 2, 2016

Scenic vistas are in U.S. 301 vision plan

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Between Zephyrhills and Dade City, a ribbon of asphalt connects two cities with distinct characteristics.

At either end, U.S. 301 is a gateway into two versions of small town America.

Between those places, motorists are treated to scenic vistas, rolling hills and wooded valleys.

“Anyone who drives it understands the uniqueness,” said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

But, there are pressures building along U.S. 301, as developers make room for new subdivisions, shops and offices.

The Florida Department of Transportation will complete resurfacing of U.S. 301 in 2016, and also build a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the roadway. (File Photo) — The Florida Department of Transportation will complete resurfacing of U.S. 301 in 2016, and also build a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the roadway.
(File Photo)

The test is how to make room for growth, but also preserve the character of two cities and the state highway in between.

Edwards and Randy Mejeur, associate principal with AECOM, presented a long-range strategic vision plan on Jan. 25 for development along U.S. 301, from Kossik Road to the U.S. 98 bypass.

The plan emerged from three public workshops that gathered input from area residents, developers and business owners.

Pasco MPO funded the vision efforts. Representatives of Zephyrhills, Dade City and the Florida Department of Transportation participated.

“We think we’ve packaged a consensus out there,” Edwards said. “There really was no foundation. I think we’ve built the foundation.”

Mejeur said the workshops were heavily attended.

About 72 percent who participated either approved or strongly approved the proposed vision. About 11 percent either opposed or strongly opposed the plan and 18 percent was neutral.

Highlights of the vision plan are:

To maintain four lanes, with a trail system
To build reverse frontage roads, parallel to U.S. 301, but for use by local traffic
To have a minimum number of traffic signals and median cuts
To support development, but to have landscaping, buffering, and preservation of hills and vistas
To create unique gateways for Zephyrhills and Dade City

“They didn’t want to see Zephyrhills and Dade City all mashed up,” Mejeur said. “They wanted to keep distinct looks.”

And, they didn’t want the highway to be lined with strip malls.

Trail connections were priorities, too, Mejeur said.

“If we can preserve the character while accommodating traffic, I think that would be great,” said Zephyrhills Councilman Lance Smith.

Councilman Charlie Proctor had concerns about right-of-way purchases.

Edwards said, “We would see it as a friendly buy and not a condemnation. It is possible to come to terms.”

The state transportation department began resurfacing U.S. 301 in 2015, from Kossik Road to Bougainvillea Avenue, near the U.S. 98 bypass. The approximately six-mile road project also includes construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the highway. Completion of the project is expected in the spring.

The new trail eventually is slated to link with Hardy Trail in Dade City.

Mejeur said a bicycle and pedestrian analysis for the area should be done “to look at how movement occurs, so that they continue to occur in a safe way.”

Next steps include the Pasco planning organization partnering with the state transportation department on a realignment study for U.S. 98 and Clinton Avenue. There is no funding as yet for the realignment, but other road projects to extend Clinton and to realign State Road 52 are in design phase.

The Dade City Council is expected to receive a similar presentation on the U.S. 301 vision plan soon.

Published February 3, 2016

Food, quilts and horse pulls on tap this weekend

February 3, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is gearing up for its 26th annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show.

This quilt is an example of a Hoffman challenge quilt. (Courtesy of The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village) — This quilt is an example of a Hoffman challenge quilt.
(Courtesy of The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village)

The two-day event features a Southern Draft Horse Pulling Competition on Feb. 6, and a quilt show and other activities on both Feb. 6 and Feb. 7.

The event is very popular, said Brenda Minton, the museum’s event coordinator.

“It usually brings in about 2,500 to 3,000 people. We expect more than that this year, because we have heavily promoted it,” she said.

Quilt lovers will be able to see quilts on display, and also will be able to buy supplies and take part in a raffle to try to win a quilt, provided by Quilts of Plum Lane in Dade City.

“Each year it (the quilt) is donated by someone different,” Minton said, noting the proceeds from the two-day event, including the raffle, benefit the nonprofit museum.

The museum relies on admissions and rentals to provide the revenue needed for its operations, she said.

Other highlights of the Farm Festival and Quilt Show include cane grinding and syrup making on Saturday, and arts and crafts show, traditional crafts and festival vendors.

There also will be a number of children’s activities.

No coolers or pets are allowed, and no food or beverage can be brought on-site, but there will be a concession stand.

On Saturday, festivalgoers will be able to buy a fried chicken dinner or a pulled pork dinner. The organizers decided to offer both to be sure they don’t run out of food, Minton said.

There also will be live entertainment. The lineup features The Dulcimer Connection, ColdIron, and the Sarah Rose Band.

The New River Poets will also be providing entertainment, Minton said. They’ll be doing skits in the schoolhouse.

Festivities take place at the museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, 1 mile north of downtown Dade City, just off U.S. 301.

Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Feb. 7.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, ages 6 through 12. Admission is free for children under age 5.

Published February 3, 2016

New 4-lane to connect communities

January 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is set to receive a nearly $23 million state loan after state and local officials stitched together a deal for a four-lane extension of State Road 56 from Wiregrass Ranch to Zephyrhills.

The project previously had been intended to build two lanes from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Converting it to a four-lane project will boost the estimated $35 million price tag to about $65 million, including the loan plus interest.

‘We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits. This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.’ — Richard Gehring, Pasco strategic policy administrator.

Loan proceeds from the State Infrastructure Bank could be available as soon as April. Construction is expected to start by fall of this year. Completion is expected in 2019, and repayments of the loan would start shortly thereafter.

The project is expected to improve access to Interstate 75 and southeast Pasco, and spur new development in and around Zephyrhills, and its airport. Residents and officials in Zephyrhills have long lobbied for four lanes, arguing that a two-lane road was a major roadblock to redevelopment.

“It’s a major, major public/private partnership,” said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills’ city manager. “It will be an economic boost for the area.”

Pasco County commissioners, on Jan. 12, approved a series of agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation, four developer/landowners, the Cone & Graham construction company and the city of Zephyrhills.

The agreements detail a repayment schedule that allows the county to collect funds from developers and landowners along the corridor through mobility surcharge fees, or special assessments if needed.

“We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits,” said Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator. “This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.”

Prior to the commissioners’ meeting in Dade City, negotiations had hit a few snags, largely around how to structure the loan’s repayment and who would be liable for cost overruns.

State transportation officials agreed to extend the department’s contract with Cone & Graham, the contractor hired for the initial two lanes. The contractor would cover cost overruns but, in the event of a default, the county and developers would be liable.

Most of the road construction runs through Two Rivers Ranch, and its developers will pay almost $15 million in mobility surcharge fees. River Landing and Wyndfields will yield fees of about $6.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

Developers of a fourth community – Wesley Chapel Lakes – had an existing agreement in place, not taking into account additional construction, and will contribute about $2.7 million.

The county would pay most of a potential shortfall of about $1.5 million, with Zephyrhills contributing about $150,000 of that total.

In addition, plans to build a district park in Wesley Chapel Lakes will be abandoned. Because of wetlands, the site was too small, said David Goldstein, Pasco County’s chief assistant county attorney.

Instead, the developer of River Landing will provide parkland co-located with River Landing High School.

“This is going to be a win-win for the school district and the road project,” Goldstein said.

Published January 20, 2016

Seeking state road money

January 6, 2016 By Kathy Steele

State lawmakers are seeking $8 million in state funds to push along a project, known as the diverging diamond interchange, to fix the daily traffic jams at Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

The trouble spot already is among Pasco County’s 2015 priorities for highway projects. The list is for a five-year plan that is updated annually and also includes the intersection at State Road 54 and U.S. 4, and other projects along State Road 52 and U.S. 301.

But, with some state money in hand, a project start date for I-75 and State Road 56 might come sooner rather than later. Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation anticipates funding in 2017 for study and design of the interchange.

Traffic stacks up daily, at morning and evening rush hours, as motorists navigate Interstate 75 and State Road 56. (File Photo) — Traffic stacks up daily, at morning and evening rush hours, as motorists navigate Interstate 75 and State Road 56.
(File Photo)

“I think there is reason to hope,” said State Sen. Richard Corcoran. The Land O’ Lakes lawmaker is the designated Speaker of the House when the 2016 legislature convenes Jan. 12.

Sarasota is the first city in Florida to build a diverging diamond interchange. The $74.5 million interchange at I-75 and University Parkway will be operational in 2017.

Another similar project is possible on Interstate 95 in Jacksonville.

In the diverging diamond interchange, multiple lanes of traffic from opposite directions crisscross from one side of the roadway to the other and then switch back, guided by road signs, marked lanes and traffic signals.

It might sound counter-intuitive, but in practice is easy to follow, eases traffic congestion, prevents wrong-way entry onto ramps and reduces crashes, according to engineering experts.

This type of interchange also allows for pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes.

The expectation is that no additional right of way will be needed at I-75 and State Road 56, which will aid in costs and construction schedules.

Corcoran is meeting with representatives of the state department of transportation to discuss the matter. Federal funds also will be needed.

State Rep. Danny Burgess shares Corcoran’s optimism for the project. A funding request for $8 million has been filed, he said.

“We’re actively working hard to alleviate the current problem,” Burgess said.

Corcoran is familiar with the long lines that form during peak rush hours, because he drives that route almost daily.

The area surrounding the interchange is exploding with new growth, with more and more vehicles passing through I-75 and State Road 56.

Tampa Premium Outlets opened in October. Permits, site plans and wish lists for more commercial and residential growth in the area are multiplying, including the Cypress Creek Town Center. When that is finished, development will span both sides of State Road 56.

“It (the interchange) needs fixing very fast,” Corcoran said. “To the extent that we can play by the same rules as everyone else, it’s certainly going to be a top priority.”

That means making a convincing case that the project is worthy, Corcoran said.

Other states embraced the diverging diamond long before Florida.

Missouri was the first in 2009, and kept on building them, again and again. At nine, the state is home to the most diverging diamonds in the country, according to a list compiled by the Official Website of the DDI.

Utah is close behind, with eight, and North Carolina has seven.

As of Dec. 1, the website documented 64 diverging diamonds in operation around the country.

For information on Sarasota’s diverging diamond interchange, visit SWFLroads.com/i75/university. A YouTube video showing how the concept works also is available online.

Published January 6, 2016