The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

U.S. 301

Another civic group rejects elevated toll road concept

By

Just a day after Pasco County’s organization of homeowners associations rejected plans for an elevated toll road along the State Road 54/56 corridor, another group has come out against it.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, whose office is just blocks from where such a road project would go through in Land O’ Lakes, has given a thumbs down to the potential $2.2 billion private proposal from International Infrastructure Partners.

“While the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce supports planned growth and economic development, we are opposed to the (State Road) 54/56 managed lanes initiative (elevated toll road) as it will have a severe negative impact on all area businesses and our community,” the board of directors stated in a release.

The chamber said it formed a study committee after it was approached by some 400 of its members to look into the 33-mile project that would extend from U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills to U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The committee concluded it was against the project, and requested Pasco County, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority provide information so that residents can make more informed decisions.

Part of what they asked for included all the studies relating to the corridor, and supporting documents that “justify why and how the managed lanes concept is the ‘only viable option,’ according to county officials. The group also wants all transportation and traffic studies for the region for the past 10 years, including studies on State Road 54, State Road 52 and Ridge Road, as well as the continuation of the Veterans Expressway east of Dale Mabry Highway in Hillsborough County.

The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations earlier this week also rejected the elevated road concept, saying it would negatively effect many of its 60,000 residents who live along the corridor.

PACA gives a big no to elevated toll road

By

In a move that is not necessarily surprising, the Pasco Alliance of Community Associations has come out against a proposed elevated toll road in the State Road 54/56 corridor.

John Copeland, PACA’s president, presented the group’s decision to Pasco County Commissioner chair Jack Mariano in a letter Wednesday, saying they are “opposed to this solution.”

PACA represents 60,000 residents living in homeowners associations, condominium associations and community development district-managed communities.

“Most of these residents reside along the 54/56 corridor and feel they will be adversely affected by an elevated toll road on 54/56,” Copeland said in his letter. “Our membership believes that more suitable solutions can be found and that not enough consideration has been given to possible alternatives.”

International Infrastructure Partners has proposed a private venture estimated by some to cost $2.2 billion that would build a 33-mile elevated toll road from U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills to U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

A group of residents living along the State Road 54/56 corridor have organized against the project, speaking out at recent meetings hosted by the county. However, it is ultimately up to the Florida Department of Transportation to make a final decision, although officials there say they won’t proceed without the blessing of the county.

PACA was created in 2007 as a way to bring together a number of civic associations in Pasco County. Its next meeting April 10 will welcome Richard Gehring from the county government, who will present details about the proposed elevated toll road. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Zephyrhills on high alert for rabies

By

A cat has tested positive for rabies in the southeastern part of Pasco County, putting Zephyrhills on alert for the disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County says domestic animals are at risk if they are not vaccinated, especially if there is any chance they could come into contact with a wild animal.

The alert last until mid-May, and covers an area west of U.S. 301, south of Fairview Heights Road, east of River Glen Boulevard, and north of the area just one mile south of Chancey Road.

Rabies is a viral condition that causes inflammation of the brain, and is typically fatal once symptoms start to appear. It ca be transmitted through bites and scratches, and a human infection requires immediate medical care.

An animal with rabies could infect other wild animals or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against the disease. Domestic animals should be vaccinated, and all wildlife contact should be avoided, officials said, especially with raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is a rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.

The Department of Health also recommends:

* Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
* If a pet is bitten by a wild animals, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
* Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.
* Never adopt wild animals or bring them into a home.
* Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
* Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they might come into contact with people and pets.
* If someone is bitten by any animal, seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and visit a doctor or hospital for immediate medical attention.
* Report animal bites and scratches to Pasco County Animal Services at (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212, or (352) 521-5194.
* For concerns about wild animals, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3203.

For more information on rabies, call (352) 521-1350, ext. 344.

Tallahassee meeting lays groundwork for elevated road discussion

By

The State Road 54/56 corridor was the primary topic of conversation between Pasco County administrator Michele Baker and Pasco County Commission chair Jack Mariano with Florida Department of Transportation secretary Ananth Prasad in Tallahassee last week. And, of course, the proposed elevated toll road planned to link U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills with U.S. 19 near New Port Richey, was part of that discussion.

“This is a very unique opportunity for Pasco County,” Prasad said in a release. “It’s not every day that a private company offers to come in and design, construct and maintain a new roadway with no costs to taxpayers.”

But the project is not exactly being well-received by everyone. A group of residents along the State Road 54/56 corridor have organized in recent weeks to oppose it. This, among other things, has pushed Baker to suggest public meetings discussing the proposal happen sooner rather than later.

“It is very important that we inform our residents of the projected need to address traffic congestion, and the alternatives available,” Baker said in a release.

Mariano, however, is not convinced.

“I want to make sure Secretary Prasad looks at all of our options,” he said, in a release. “Projects like the Ridge Road extension should also be brought into the discussion to help alleviate any traffic congestion on State Roads 54 and 52, and provide another hurricane evacuation route.”

A proposed extension of Ridge Road has been tied up with environmental concerns.

Although it’s not part of the official group of public meetings to introduce the elevated road concept to the public, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is holding a town hall meeting Monday to discuss that and other planned growth development along the growing corridor. That begins at 7 p.m. at the Sunlake High School gymnasium, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

“This proposal has the potential to create numerous jobs for Floridians, improve traffic flow in Pasco County, and enhance economic development,” Prasad said. “However, we want to hear what the community wants to help with growing congestion in this area.”

The first official meeting is planned for March 15 at Fresh Market at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. That meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Commission candidates (mostly) avoid elevated toll road debate

By

It’s become so controversial, even those seeking the Republican nomination for a seat on the Pasco County Commission are steering clear of it.

Bob Robertson
Bob Robertson

That is except Bob Robertson, who has a very strong position on the proposed elevated toll road for the State Road 54/56 corridor:  “This is one of those ideas that hopefully will go back to wherever it came from very, very soon.”

Robertson joined Mike Moore and former State Rep. Ken Littlefield at the Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club monthly lunch Friday for the first debate among Republican candidates to replace Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission.

Neither Littlefield nor Moore would take a stand one way or the other on the proposed 33-mile road that would connect U.S. 301 near Zephyrhills and U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. Both, however, said they were looking forward to a town hall meeting planned for Monday night by County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey where the elevated road would be at the top of the agenda.

“If we as a county are approving developments in an area that is already over-congested, I might suggest that we reconsider the process by which we are building houses and where we are building them,” Robertson said. “It’s also been suggested to us that if we don’t build this elevated toll road, there will be 10 lanes (of traffic) each way. I have a hard time seeing that.”

Robertson is likely the underdog in the District 2 race, having yet to match the money of Moore or the name recognition of Littlefield. Yet, the Zephyrhills investment assets manager wasn’t shy about where he stood when it came to the estimated $2.2 billion project that’s ultimately in the hands of the Florida Department of Transportation.

“What if the company goes bankrupt in the middle of building this project?” Robertson asked. “What if they built this toll road and nobody comes, nobody wanting to spend $7 or $8 or $9 to drive on this elevated superhighway? Then what do we do?”

The state nor the county asked for the private company bid for the toll road, and such an unsolicited bid should be treated like an unsolicited sales call, Littlefield said. Although he didn’t take a position, he also warned that even though reports are that this road would be funded privately, that may not end up being the case.

“Ain’t nothing free, folks. Ain’t nothing free,” Littlefield said. “There are a lot of red flags. There’s $2 billion that somebody wants to give to us. Why? Who are they? Do they live in Pasco? Do they live in Florida? Do they live in the United States? I want to know these things.”

Moore says the entrance to the Seven Oaks community where he lives fronts State Road 56, so he’ll be right in the line of fire. Yet, he’s not ready to go yea or nay quite yet.

“Right now, what I am doing is listening to all of you, just as I would be doing if I was sitting on the commission,” Moore said. “What other options are there, because we can’t just say no to something or just say yes to something. What are some other options?”

Starkey’s town hall meeting is March 10 beginning at 7 p.m., in the auditorium of Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For more on the debate, check out the March 12 print edition of The Laker.

Starkey to discuss elevated road at town hall

By

The official public meetings surrounding the elevated toll road concept proposed for the State Road 54/56 corridor might be a month or two off, but Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is wasting no time giving residents a voice.

Starkey is planning a town hall meeting March 10 at 7 p.m., in the Sunlake High School cafeteria. The school is located at 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The official announcement of the meeting doesn’t suggest topics, but published reports say the controversy over the unsolicited bid from a private company to turn existing right of way into a toll express lane will be right at the top of the agenda.

International Infrastructure Partners are pushing for the road, which would eventually stretch 33 miles between U.S. 301 near Zephyrhills to U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The final decision on whether to allow IIP to move forward on the potential $2.2 billion project lies with the Florida Department of Transportation. However, officials at the state agency said it would not green light the project if it doesn’t have support from the community and county commissioners.

Commissioners Henry Wilson and Jack Mariano have appeared to take stands against the road, however, Starkey has been more noncommittal either way, saying she is looking to get more information before making a decision.

Opponents to the road call it unnecessary, and has the potential to stymie growth and destroy home values and businesses. Those who support it, however, say it’s needed to help handle future traffic congestion in the corridor created not just by neighboring counties, but the anticipated growth in the southern portion of Pasco County as well.

For the county’s explanation of the elevated road concept, click here.

Suncoast, repaving projects create traffic delays

By

As construction really picks up on the major north-south toll road in the region, Florida’s Turnpike is updating some of the traffic delays travelers may experience on the Suncoast Parkway and Veterans Expressway.

Single-lane closures can be expected on the stretch of Veterans between Linebaugh Road and Gunn Highway daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and bridge construction continuing at the bridges along the way that may also require additional lane closures.

In general, construction is taking place between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., most days, with motorists needing to stay alert of construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Lane closures may take place nightly beginning at 9 p.m. in both directions.

The conversion to all-electronic tolling is nearing an end for those who are traveling the Veterans Expressway on a regular basis.

General lane closures are expected each night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Dale Mabry Highway and Gunn Highway. The southbound off-ramp of Gunn Highway will be closed March 12. The northbound off-ramp of Hutchison road will be closed March 2, March 4, March 12 and March 13, while the southbound off-ramp will be closed March 2, March 12 and March 13.

The Sugarwood area will have lane closures March 11 and March 12 along the mainline road.

The conversion phase is set to be completed in May, with the overall project slated to finish next summer.

The Florida Department of Transportation has released its hot spots for potential traffic delays for the coming week.

Daily lane closures continue weekdays on North Dale Mabry Highway between County Line and Brinson roads for repaving. There could be delays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Repaving also could create intermittent daily lane closures on U.S. 98 between U.S. 301 and Oak Forest Drive during the week between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Repaving continues on U.S. 301 between Pioneer Museum and Mosstown roads, creating daily lane closures Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Night work is taking place on U.S. 301 between Geiger and Tucker roads, creating lane closures Sunday through Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

For more information, call (813) 975-6060.