The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

U.S. 301

Considering options to ease traffic

By

Three alternatives are being considered to improve traffic flow through one of Pasco County’s busiest intersections.

A community workshop was held last week for the public to weigh in on three proposed alternatives, as well as a no-build option, at U.S. 41 and State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The intersection carried about 124,000 vehicles per day in 2019 and is projected to carry 176,000 vehicles per day in 2045, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven presentation materials.

Charts of various configurations of traffic patterns piqued the interest of many attending a workshop regarding alternatives being considered to improve the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. (Fred Bellet)

State Road 54 runs east-west through Pasco County, providing connections to several regional north-south routes, including U.S. 19, the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 98.

Meanwhile, U.S. 41 is a north-south road that traverses the entire length of Pasco County.

The roads are part of the regional transportation network, are used as hurricane evacuation routes, and are designated as regional freight mobility corridors.

They also play a role in the daily lives of commuters.

Motorists use U.S. 41 to travel from Hernando County through Pasco County to Hillsborough County.

When the traffic stacks up at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54, traffic is impeded on both major arterial roads.

The situation has been a source of frustration for motorists, who have complained for years about being stuck in traffic through repeated light cycles, and there’s been considerable talk, too, about the need to fix the problem.

Besides being inconvenient, the crash rate at the intersection is higher than the state average, according to FDOT materials.

Paul Ketchum, who lives in the Oasis development off State Road 54, makes a point regarding one of the proposed plans to improve the flow of traffic through State Road 54 and U.S. 41, where Land O’ Lakes meets Lutz.

The options being considered are:

  • Alternative 1: A single-point urban intersection (SPUI), providing an interchange with State Road 54 elevated over U.S. 41.

This alternative would affect 62 parcels and would require 28 business relocations.

The anticipated need for right of way is 55.3 acres. The estimated present cost for this alternative is $222 million.

  • Alternative 2: A parallel flow intersection (PFI), providing displaced left-turns, in all four approaches, at grade.

This alternative would affect 30 parcels and would require 17 business relocations. The anticipated need for right of way is 22.2 acres. The estimated present total cost for this alternative is $108.9 million.

  • Alternative 3: A continuous flow intersection (CFI), with elevated lanes of State Road 54 over U.S. 41, providing displaced left turns in all four approaches.

This alternative would affect 65 parcels and would require 34 business relocations.

The anticipated need for right of way is 54.5 acres. The estimated present day total cost is $246.3 million.

Leslie Bush, of Tampa, used an electronic device to take notes regarding the proposed alternatives.

All three of the options would involve three residential relocations and would impact eight contaminated sites. None of them would have an impact on archaeological or historical sites.

There also is a no-build alternative, which will be dropped if and when an alternative is selected.

The workshop drew 94 people, with 49 coming to the workshop at Keystone Community Church, off State Road 54, in Lutz, and 45 taking part virtually, according to figures provided by Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the District 7 office.

The session included a video, that ran continuously, explaining the alternatives.

Those attending could check out displays and learn details about options being considered.

Representatives of the DOT were there, too, providing information and fielding questions.

A closer look at a proposed plan, showing a change of elevation on State Road 54.

Besides having the chance to become more informed, the workshop offered the opportunity for the public to fill out comment cards offering their views on the various alternatives and to address such issues as traffic patterns, project design, and the social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

The need for this project has been established based on future traffic demands, future population and employment growth in the area, according to FDOT background materials.

In evaluating alternatives, the state looks at the improvements based on such issues as traffic operations, safety, right of way needs and environmental impacts, among others.

Based on additional analysis and consideration of public comment, the project team will select a preferred alternative and complete the feasibility study.

The next phase is resuming the Project Design & Environmental (PD&E) Study phase, which will be done in 2021 and 2022; then the design phase, 2023 and 2024.

Right of way acquisition is expected to take place from 2022 to 2026.

This project is not yet funded for construction.

Published September 22, 2021

Massive Two Rivers development gets OK

By

A huge swath of land now occupied primarily by pastures and trees is expected to become home to Two Rivers, off State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

The Pasco County Commission voted 5-0 to approve a master-planned unit development (MPUD) zoning that will allow 6,400 residences, more than 2.6 million square feet of office and industrial, and 630,000 square feet of commercial uses.

The 3,405-acre property’s southern boundary is on the north side of County Line Road, and its northern boundary is on the north side of State Road 56.

The Two Rivers development also includes a site for an elementary school, middle school and high school, an 80-acre district park and a public safety site.

The development also will feature a connectivity plan, with trails and pedestrian paths — aimed at making it easier for people to get around the community — without relying on vehicles.

The Eisenhower Property Group will be building the majority of residential uses within the project, said Clarke Hobby, an attorney representing the applicants. “The Thomas family is retaining substantially of the all non-residential uses within the MPUD,” he said.

The Thomas family also owns the adjacent property, directly south of the Two Rivers site, in Hillsborough County, and part of the approval for the Two Rivers project requires a connection between the two developments to give the Two Rivers project access to U.S. 301, on a planned extension of County Line Road through the Hillsborough tract.

If that connection isn’t made on the Hillsborough side, then Two Rivers will be required to make the connection on the Pasco side, as one of the conditions for approval.

The schools and district park are expected to be co-located, so they can share land and other amenities, according to Joel Tew, who is co-counsel with Hobby, for the applicants.

The exact access to the school isn’t shown on the map because the school district and county must work out their plans to ensure access and safety for different uses, Tew said.

The shared uses could be similar to the arrangement the county and school district have at the Starkey Ranch K-8 and district park site in Odessa.

The Two Rivers project has been in planning stages for decades, Hobby said, noting that “Bob Sierra had this site under contract back as far as 2008.”

The Thomas family played an instrumental role in helping to secure the funding for the first two lanes of the State Road 56 extension to U.S. 301, and then for lanes three and four of the extension, Hobby said.

“Two Rivers was the largest part of the additional surcharges that are imposed on developments in this area to pay for lanes three and four of that extension. Of the $26 million that the county has to pay back to the state infrastructure bank, $15 million of that comes solely from surcharges on development on Two Rivers,” he said.

“What we’re bringing to you today reflects a lot of thought and effort by a lot of parts of your staff, the school board, particularly your natural resources (department) and the county attorney’s office.

“We believe this project has been done the right way,” he said.

“One of the biggest things you have to remember about Two Rivers is that it truly is a mixed-use project,” Hobby said, with 2.6 million square feet of employment-generating uses.

“So, this project has been set up correctly, from the get-go. We’re not shortchanging it. And, we’re going to create a lot of jobs along the way, in addition to creating an overall great community,” Hobby said.

Some residents objected to aspects of the request, including potential traffic congestion, concerns about potential flooding, and a lack of specificity regarding access points and other details, but the county board was not swayed by the testimony.

Published September 22, 2021

Busy intersection subject of public meeting

By

Those interested in the future of the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 are invited to attend a public meeting this week to discuss possible options for improvement.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven is hosting the meeting, which is set for Sept. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, in Lutz.

Virtual attendance also is available, but registration is required to participate online.

To register, visit the project’s website: https://active.fdotd7studies.com/sr54/us41-at-sr54/.

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The FDOT is holding the workshop to give people who are interested the opportunity to provide comments concerning the traffic patterns, design, and social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

In addition to the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, the project study will include areas adjacent to the intersection along the two major roads, according to FDOT materials.

State Road 54 is one of two existing major east-west arterials connecting eastern Pasco County to western Pasco County.

The need for this project has been established based on future traffic demands, future population and employment growth in the area, according to FDOT materials.

Improvements at the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection are included in the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Cost Affordable Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the 2035 Regional Long Range Transportation Plan Needs Assessment, which was developed by the West Central Florida MPO’s Chairs Coordinating Committee.

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate various alternatives for the U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection, which will improve the flow of people and goods through the project area by increasing roadway capacity and reducing traffic congestion.

The study will compare the effects each alternative may have on the environment and the surrounding communities, as well as the traveling public, according to FDOT materials.

Across Pasco County, State Road 54 provides connections to several regional north-south routes including U.S. 19, the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 98, the FDOT materials note.

“The proposed improvements at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 will enhance the overall transportation network linking Pasco County with the Tampa Bay region,” according to FDOT materials.

The options being considered are:

  • Alternative 1: A single-point urban intersection (SPUI), providing an interchange with State Road 54, elevated over U.S. 41.
  • Alternative 2: A parallel flow intersection (PFI), providing displaced left-turns, in all four approaches at grade.
  • Alternative 3: A continuous flow intersection (CFI), with elevated lanes of State Road 54 over U.S. 41, providing displaced left-turns in all four approaches.

There also is a no-build alternative.

Department representatives will be available at the in-person public workshop beginning at 5:30 p.m., to answer questions and discuss the project informally.

Draft project documents and other project-related materials also will be displayed, and a PowerPoint video presentation will run continuously during the workshop.

State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to FDOT figures; U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019.

In addition to existing traffic, there’s significant growth underway in Central Pasco, with more on the way. Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten.

In evaluating alternatives, the state looks at the improvements based on such issues as traffic operations, safety, right of way needs and environmental impacts, among others.

Once a build alternative is selected, the next phase is the Project Design & Environmental (PD&E) Study phase, and then the design phase.

The PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022; design, from 2022 to 2024; right of way acquisition from 2025 to 2026.

Construction of this project is not yet funded, according to the project web page.

For more information or to comment, please contact Kirk Bogen, an environmental management engineer for FDOT, at 813-975-6448, 800-226-7220 or .

Published September 15, 2021

Zephyrhills sets legislative priorities

By

The City of Zephyrhills has solidified three legislative projects to present to the Pasco County legislative delegation at its annual meeting.

The session is set for Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.

The public, and representatives of various interest groups and local governments are invited to present their requests to the delegation before the 2022 Legislative Session begins.

The City of Zephyrhills is seeking a $5 million state appropriation for myriad improvements to Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave. Shown here is a draft concept from a park master plan. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

With that, the Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a staff recommendation to seek funding for the following multimillion dollar projects, during an Aug. 23 regular meeting:

  • Sewer main extension/water main extension — Kossik Road and Fort King Road ($3.48 million)
  • Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — taxiway, two box hangers, fixed-base operator/terminal ($5.33 million)
  • Zephyr Park improvements ($5 million)

The next step was for representatives from the city to ask state Rep. Randy Maggard and state Sen. Danny Burgess to sponsor the projects on its behalf, during the delegation meeting.

Here’s a closer look at the priority projects, which also were outlined in a report prepared by Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Sewer main extension/water main extension — Kossik Road and Fort King Road
This $3.48 million project calls for connecting sewer lines along Kossik Road from U.S. 301 to Fort King Road, then from Fort King Road north to Phelps Road and south to Simons Road.

It also includes a water main along Kossik Road, from Greenslope Drive to Fort King Road.

The sewer main portion will allow for the decommissioning of existing septic tanks along the route and will accommodate proposed development.

The water main portion will create a loop in the system, allowing for redundancy by being able to service the area from different directions.

The comprehensive project, Poe said, “will help to create a loop for the water system and install a sewer main that’ll open up our system, kind of in the northwest corner of our city.”

Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — taxiway, two box hangers, fixed-base operator/terminal
This Zephyrhills Municipal Airport improvement project is three-pronged, with each portion combining to total $5.33 million, if funded in its entirety.

The first piece calls for two box hangers on the southern infield — totaling slightly over $1.9 million — to house larger aircraft and boost economic development opportunities in coordination with the extension of Runway 1-19.

The housing of aircraft at the airport also will help to increase turbine operations, therefore beneficial for future FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) funding, officials say.

The second portion — totaling $725,000 — would be the construction of the parallel taxiway, from Runway 5-23 north to Taxiway Bravo to allow aircraft housed in the proposed hangers to access both runways 5-23 and 1-19.

The project’s third component is to construct a new fixed-base operator terminal — costing $2.7 million — to offer better service to pilots that fly in and out of the airport.

Poe said the airport project can be split into separate parts, but advised the entire package be submitted to the delegation, “and then let the state say, ‘Hey, we would only like to fund half of that, or a portion of it.’”

The airport is located at 39450 South Ave.

Zephyr Park improvements
For the past several years, the city has conjured up various ideas on how to spruce up the 34-acre Zephyr Park, at 38116 Fifth Ave.

It presently features Alice Hall Community Hall, lighted tennis courts, handball, fishing, picnic pavilions, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and a lakeside trail.

But the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) envisions the community park to be much more — a place within walking distance to the city’s downtown core, intersecting recreation, fun and art.

Redeveloping the space into a blended urban natural park would provide a connection from downtown to the west of the CRA district, officials say, while promoting the economic development of surrounding neighborhoods and expansion of the downtown area.

The city organized a community open house back in May 2016 to gather input on what enhancements residents would like to see at Zephyr Park. A Zephyr Park master plan also was completed shortly afterwards, by project consultant Kimley-Horn and Burkhardt Construction Inc.

A draft concept shows an event lawn, family fun zone, wedding lawn, dog park, history garden, splash pad, fitness zone, bandshell, and pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and terraces surrounding Lake Zephyr, among other frills.

Should Zephyr Park gain state funding — is requesting $5 million— Poe acknowledged that staff will revisit and likely refine some of the park’s drafted redevelopment plans “because it has been several years,” since those talks took place.

The city manager put it like this: “We’ll look at it, talk about it, tweak it, because, you know, maybe the interest of the community has changed from the time when we originally did the plans, so we’ll look at all that.”

Published September 01, 2021

Worth The Trip

By

Phonographs, flowers, antique Fords
If you’re looking for a family friendly place to spend a day, or want to show out-of-town guests a side of Florida away from amusement parks, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are worth a trip.

One of the cars on display in a garage at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. (File)

On 20 acres along the Caloosahatchee River, you’ll find Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter homes, botanical gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab, and the Edison Ford Museum. You can meander on your own, take self-guided audio tours or join historian-led tours.

In the botanic laboratory, you can imagine Edison, Ford, and Harvey Firestone of Firestone tire fame discussing the need to find a new source of rubber in case foreign rubber became scarce. The trio was so concerned, they formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in 1927 and headquartered it on the property.

Under Edison’s leadership, researchers sought a source of rubber that could be grown and produced quickly in the United States. In the long run, they found that Goldenrod was the most suitable. The banyan tree was among more than 17,000 plant samples they tested. One of those trees, planted on the property in 1927, may be one of the largest banyan trees in the continental United States.

The Edison Ford Museum chronicles the lives of Edison, Ford and their families at their winter homes; has displays on Edison’s electric lighting and phonograph inventions, among other breakthroughs; and showcases vintage Ford cars.

For those drawn more to nature, the grounds feature orchids, bougainvillea and other flowering plants, as well as towering bamboos and palms. Moonlight Garden, designed in 1928 by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, features fragrant white flowers and a small pool, intended to reflect moonlight.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Where: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
When: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Cost: adults, $25; ages 13-19, $20; ages 6-12, $15; 5 and under, free. Free parking.
Info: 239-334-7419; EdisonFordWinterEstates.org.

By B.C. Manion

This is an updated and condensed version of a story that was originally published by The Laker/Lutz News on April 29, 2015.

Take a step into Florida’s past at the Gamble Mansion
History and architecture buffs, or just anybody looking for a free outing, might consider making the trek to Gamble Plantation Historic State Park.

The park boasts Gamble Mansion, the oldest building in Manatee County and the only remaining plantation house in South Florida. It’s on 17 acres once part of a thriving sugar plantation owned by Maj. Robert Gamble Jr., who arrived from Tallahassee in 1843.

He was attracted by the area’s mild climate, rich soil and easy access to the Manatee River, but especially by free land, offered by Congress to encourage frontier settlement.

Gamble Mansion in Ellenton is the only remaining antebellum plantation house in South Florida. The park is open to visitors every day. Tours of the mansion are offered Thursdays through Mondays. (File)

In just two years, his plantation was among a dozen cultivating sugarcane and producing molasses for the New Orleans’ market.

He eventually owned 3,500 acres, including about 1,500 acres producing sugar, limes, lemons, olives, oranges, corn and beans. By 1855, he owned 155 slaves who farmed, cleared fields, cooked and cut wood for fuel at the sugar works.

Although a bachelor, Gamble lived in the 10-room, two-story brick and tabby stone mansion, with thick walls and 18 columns supporting the roof and upper verandas.

But by 1856, hurt by crop losses and declining sugar prices, he sold his estate for $190,000 (nearly $6 million today) and moved back to Tallahassee.

The mansion’s story was far from over. After the Confederacy’s surrender at Appomattox, the Rebel’s Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, fled Union troops and headed south. According to the park’s website, “it is thought that” he took refuge in the Gamble mansion until he escaped to England.

Park manager Kevin Kiser said the mansion has weathered hurricanes, once stored manure, and was in shambles when the Judah P. Benjamin Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy bought the property in 1925, revived it and deeded it to the state. Today, it is furnished with pieces typical of plantations from the 1840s to 1860s.

Besides its interesting history, the park offers a pleasant respite, with picnic areas, benches and moss-draped trees.

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Where: 3708 U.S. Highway 301, Ellenton
When: 365 days a year; 8 a.m. to sundown
Cost: Free parking and admission to the grounds; mansion tours are $6 for adults, ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 6 to 12; and free for those under age 6.
COVID-19 updated: The plantation mansion and visitor center have reopened. Tours of the mansion are offered on Thursdays through Mondays, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. (Be aware, it can get very hot in the mansion in the afternoon, so morning tours are recommended, particularly during the summer.) Masks are optional; social distancing is requested.
Info: 941-723-4536; FloridaStateParks.org

By B.C. Manion

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on March 20, 2014.

Explore underwater delights at Mote Marine
Of all the wonders at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, kids seem to love watching sharks the most. River otters, baby gators, manatees and sea turtles draw crowds, too.

But the Shark Zone’s 135,000-gallon habitat is the superstar here. Behind the scenes, scientists are researching why sharks and stingrays rarely get cancer, which could lead to new human cancer treatments.

Sharks are the stars at Mote Aquarium. (File)

That’s one of the beauties of Mote – it’s a marine laboratory and an aquarium open daily to the public. It’s a big place, divided into two areas across the street from each other, so plan plenty of time, and go on a weekday if you can.

At the Marine Mammal Center across the street from the main aquarium, trainers feed lettuce to manatees at noon daily. It’s fun to watch the cow-like creatures float around munching while we humans photograph them.

A few steps away, sea turtles wade in stone habitats. They were all injured in the wild and brought to Mote for rehabilitation. Around the corner, river otters frolic in a glass-enclosed habitat, swimming underwater for a while, then slithering onto rocks.

In the “Teeth Beneath” exhibit, alligators, caimans (kin to gators), turtles and crocodiles stare back at guests. Upstairs, tanks hold cobalt-blue spotted jellyfish and snook, while displays detail Mote’s coral reef restoration and conservation projects. Behind the scenes, not accessible to the public, are sea turtle, dolphin and whale hospitals.

In the main aquarium, visitors learn about Florida’s coastal and freshwater habitats by looking at displays of living coral, diamondback terrapin, clownfish, lobsters, moon jellyfish and seahorses.

Mote has plans for a $130-million aquarium that broke ground last November on 5 acres south of University Parkway off Interstate 75 in Sarasota. A fundraising effort is underway for the 110,000-square-foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.

The new aquarium will attract visitors to learn about marine life, while current facilities will give Mote more space for research labs.

Until then, visitors can enjoy otters, manatees, turtles and the ever-prowling sharks at Mote’s longtime aquarium.

Mote Marine Laboratories & Aquarium
Where: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
When: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Cost: Adults, $24; ages 3 to 12, $18; under 3, free. Tickets must be bought online at Tickets.mote.org. Parking is free.
Info: 941-388-4441, ext. 416; Mote.org

By Karen Haymon-Long 

This is an updated and edited version of a story originally published in The Laker/Lutz News on May 2, 2018.

Published August 25, 2021

Wire Road pavement work is underway in Zephyrhills

By

The Wire Road pavement rehabilitation program began this week in Zephyrhills, and is expected to be completed around Sept. 17, according to a Pasco County news release.

During the project, crews will focus on road base rehabilitation, milling, resurfacing and new pavement markings, the release says.

The project includes work along the entire three-mile stretch of Wire Road, from County Road 54 to U.S. 301, which also is known as Gall Boulevard.

Northbound and southbound lanes will be under construction with single lane closures, the news release says.

The project work hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Message boards will be used to direct traffic.

The project is expected to take 32 days to complete, depending on the weather.

Asphalt Paving Systems is the contractor for this project, being done for the county’s public works department.

Published August 18, 2021

Dade City awards infrastructure projects

By

The City of Dade City is moving forward on a pair of long-awaited infrastructure projects, as commissioners have awarded construction bids for the 10th Street sidewalk installation and the  Howard Avenue drainage improvements.

Dade City commissioners approved both projects unanimously during their July 27 meeting.

In the 10th Street sidewalk project, approximately 2,600 linear feet of sidewalk, which is five-foot-wide, will be installed. Sidewalk ramps conforming with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards also will be installed on the east side of 10th Street, between an existing sidewalk north of Camphor Drive and tying into an existing sidewalk at the intersection of Florida Avenue.

The City of Dade City is moving forward on a pair of long-awaited infrastructure projects, including the 10th Street sidewalk installation and the Howard Avenue drainage improvements. (File)

The construction bid was awarded to Land O’ Lakes-based B.R.W. Contracting Inc., totaling $204,859.

B.R.W. Contracting was the lowest of six sealed bids received, with the others ranging from $258,903.75 to $332,189.

The bid award also is below an engineer’s estimate of $266,698.41.

The city has allocated $200,000 in Penny for Pasco funds, with the remaining balance paid for through transportation impact fees, according to a city memo.

The company has 180 calendar days to complete the project, upon notice to proceed.

Dade City Public Works Director Bryan Holmes told commissioners that city staff “investigated some past performance that arose in other counties” with B.R.W. Contracting. (One of the more publicized problem cases with the firm involved the Osowaw Boulevard resurfacing project in Hernando County in 2015.)

But Holmes said B.R.W Contracting addressed such issues at hand, adding his staff felt comfortable moving forward based on satisfactory recommendations from nearby Zephyrhills.

The firm has been involved on U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road, Simons Road and the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center in Zephyrhills, among other projects.

Said Holmes: “Staff confirmed with the City of Zephyrhills that (B.R.W. Contracting) has performed work on similar projects and they have been satisfied with their work.”

Mayor Camille Hernandez expressed enthusiasm that the “long-awaited” sidewalk project will soon be underway.

“Gosh, how many years have we been talking about that one?” Hernandez quipped. “I’m excited about this one.”

Holmes agreed that the sidewalk has been in the works for a long time. “I know this (project) predates me, so I know it’s been awhile,” he said.

The Howard Avenue drainage infrastructure project was awarded to Palmetto-based TLC Diversified Inc., in the amount of $215,000.

The project generally calls for drainage improvements at an existing stormwater pump station located on the Hardy Trail at Florida Avenue, to resolve washout issues along the trail.

The scope includes installation of a larger submersible pump with motor, an upgraded control panel, installation of a manhole at the concrete vault, installation of a fence with access gate, and the stabilization of disturbed areas around the location with sod.

The project, Holmes said, “will increase the pumping capacity to empty out that (Howard) pond to allow additional stormwater to flow in.”

TLC Diversified was the lowest of three sealed bids received, the others coming in at $249,500 and $250,150, respectively.

The project to upgrade the stormwater pump station is budgeted for $230,000 through a combination of Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant dollars ($150,000) and Penny for Pasco funds ($80,000).

The Howard Avenue drainage improvements is the second of a three-phase project.

The first phase included the expansion of the stormwater pond along Howard Avenue. Following this second phase project, the third phase calls for removal of ditch reinforcing, which is expected to be handled by city employees using locally sourced materials to save on costs, the public works director said.

Published August 11, 2021

Zephyrhills city manager earns solid performance marks

By

The verdict is in: Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe is doing a pretty bang-up job.

That’s the general consensus of the Zephyrhills City Council in its performance review of Poe, shared during the council’s July 12 meeting.

Poe earned a combined 4.21 on a rating scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning needs improvement and 5 meaning exceeds expectations.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe (File)

Here’s how the scores for Poe broke down:

Council President Alan Knight: 4.84
Councilman Ken Burgess: 4.68
Councilman Charlie Proctor: 4.27
Councilman Lance Smith: 3.82
Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson: 3.43

The 12-page evaluation covered a period from June 2020 to June 2021.

The review consisted of 10 key performance measures — personal, professional skills and status, relations with elected members, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision, community, and fiscal management.

The evaluation also gave council members an opportunity to respond to specific questions and include comments pertinent to the rating period. Those specifics could include the city manager’s strengths, performance areas needing improvement and constructive suggestions.

The results were submitted to Lori Hillman, the city clerk; Sandra Amerson, human resources director; and, Pasco County.

After the results were shared, several council members offered remarks about the city’s operations under Poe’s management.

Smith and Burgess each simply stated the city manager is “doing a good job.”

Burgess added: “I think everything is running along pretty good right now.”

Knight was more effusive in his praise. He said Poe is “doing a great job.”

Knight elaborated: “Things that are being done for this city and the growth and all, I’m just real proud of everything. Once again, Mr. Poe, we’re very proud. I know I’m very proud of the job you do.”

Poe’s evaluation period coincides with several noteworthy changes for the municipality. Those include consolidation of the city’s longstanding fire department into Pasco County; the opening of the multimillion-dollar Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; progress on the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection project; the launch of the city’s first social media accounts; and, the hiring of its first public information officer.

Poe became Zephyrhills’ city manager during a period of massive residential growth in the city — with over 2,400 homes under construction, not including the numerous developments currently in the negotiation stage. As a result of the growth, an estimated 6,000 people could move into the city within the next two years to five years.

He previously served as city manager in Dade City in 2008, a position he held for over a decade.

He left Dade City to become the assistant city manager in Zephyrhills, in November 2018, then stepped up to replace retiring city manager Steve Spina in July 2019.

Published July 28, 2021

Shop a little, give a little back

By

While running routine weekly errands, area residents can help to reduce single-use plastic in the environment — while also giving back to the community — by shopping at the Dade City Winn Dixie.

Through Winn Dixie’s Reusable Bag Program, with every $2.50 reusable community bag purchase, a $1 donation is made to a nonprofit that is local to the grocery store at which it was bought.

The nonprofit Pioneer Florida Museum & Village has been selected by store leadership at Winn Dixie, 12649 U.S. 301 in Dade City, to benefit from the program during the month of July.

The museum will receive $1 for every reusable bag sold at this location.

“It’s more important than ever to help reduce single-use plastic in the environment,” Stephanie Bracknell Black, executive director of the museum, said in a news release.

“Nonprofits at the local level, like us, are in need of community support. This program offers the perfect solution to multiple issues of the world today. We hope you’ll support us in July by purchasing one – or two – community bags at our local Dade City Winn Dixie,” Black said.

For information about the reusable bag program, visit WinnDixie.com.

Published July 07, 2021

Alternative route selected for Morningside extension

By

The Dade City Commission has approved an engineer’s recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension route study, but funding for the initiative remains an issue.

The extension of Morningside Drive is intended to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road.

Commissioners on June 8 approved an engineer’s recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension route study, pond siting analysis and report — authorizing work to proceed on subsequent phases of the project, including funding acquisition, design/permitting and right-of-way acquisition.

This 1.19-mile route with a roundabout is the preferred choice to extend Morningside Drive to connect U.S. 301/98 to Fort King Road in Dade City. The total estimated cost of the roadway project is $12,401,800. Officials have said the Morningside Drive extension project will yield numerous benefits, such as reducing traffic volume on parallel roadways and stimulating economic development. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The route study — completed by New Port Richey-based Coastal Design Consultants Inc. — is next slated to be presented sometime in August to the Pasco County Commission.

The civil engineering firm’s recommended 1.19-mile route includes a roundabout at the Morningside Drive/Fort King Road west segment, circling AdventHealth Dade City hospital and the Pasco County Schools bus garage.

The preferred route — somewhat resembling a Z-shape pattern — veers slightly northeast from Fort King Road, winding south through open water and upland areas within Dade City and unincorporated Pasco County, connecting parallel with the Hardy Trail, then cutting across eastward to the entrance of U.S. 301, passing between Walgreen’s, Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Winn-Dixie and other establishments.

The roadway calls for two, 12-foot-wide traffic lanes; 5-foot bicycle lanes; curbs and gutters; a sidewalk on the south side; and a multi-use path on the north side connecting with Hardy Trail.

The design speed for the Morningside Drive extension is 45 mph with a posted speed of 30 mph.

Stormwater management facilities improvements and a flood plain compensation area also are included in the roadway plans.

Coastal Design Consultants president/owner Paul Manuel shared a detailed PowerPoint presentation at last month’s in-person meeting at the Dade City Commission Chambers.

According to Manuel’s presentation, the winding route “was developed to optimally utilize the available upland area and parcels of property owners who have indicated that they support the proposed extension.”

The implementation of a roundabout, Manuel said, requires fewer right-of-way impacts and is more conducive to traffic calming compared to a signalized intersection. It’s also less costly to build and maintain, he said.

Other considerations taken into account during the route study were community long-range planning goals, safety, environmental impacts, property impacts and costs.

The estimated total capital project cost of the selected route is $12,401,800. Two other alternatives were considered and studied, as well as a no-build alternative.

This amount encompasses estimated construction, design, and construction engineering and inspection ($9.1 million), right-of-way acquisition ($1.7 million) and wetland mitigation ($1.6 million).

The route’s right-of-way impacts affect 18.44 acres, 17 parcels, two businesses and one residence, according to Manuel’s report.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

As plans move forward, funding the entirety of the project remains a problem for the municipality, for the time being.

In 2019, Dade City was awarded a $5 million state appropriation for the Morningside project — less than half the project’s estimated total cost. This funding remains available for use through 2024, unless the city requests the state for an extension to complete the project.

The $5 million is roughly enough to just cover the project’s design, permitting and right-of-way access issues before the build portion.

City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners that staff is “looking internally at how we’re going to bridge that gap” for monies to pay for the roadway.

Some transportation impact fees will be coming through to help cover costs, but Porter said she doesn’t “have a real hard number on that yet.”

She suggested the city ask state legislators for another round of funding for the project, and seek out opportunities with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and beneficiaries of the project, such as the hospital.

Porter pointed out she’s been in regular communication with state representatives and county partners, so decision-makers are aware of the project’s sizable price tag.

Morningside extension yields benefits, but concerns, too
Officials have said the Morningside Drive extension project will yield numerous benefits, such as reducing traffic volume on parallel roadways and stimulating economic development.

It offers direct access to the hospital, on Fort King Road, which was considered a top priority for the road’s extension, and also improves public safety access for police and fire rescue services.

“I think it’s going to benefit not only AdventHealth, but the community at large with the growth and the other things that are happening,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said.

Having the connection to Hardy Trail is an added bonus, the mayor said.

New Port Richey-based civil engineering firm Coastal Design Consultants Inc., provided the route study recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension project. In addition to the 1.19-mile Z-shaped route, two other routes and a no-build alternatives were considered. (Courtesy of Coastal Design Consultants Inc.)

Addressing the funding shortfall, Hernandez observed, “Clearly, well, ($5 million) isn’t going to work. We do know that we have some work to do.”

She said her concerns include both funding for the project and the time frame for completion.

Commissioner Knute Nathe also expressed support for the recommended route extension for its public safety and fresh development opportunities, but emphasized the importance of considering other community concerns throughout the project’s process.

He referred to some vocal citizens — situated along 10th Street, Fairfield Lane and Willingham Avenue —  who may be affected in one way or another.

Overall, Nathe said, the project will be “very important for our residents,” particularly from the perspective of patients and doctors more easily traveling to and from the hospital, between Dade City and Zephyrhills. “There’s been a lot of public support for extending Morningside,” Nathe said.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive thanked Coastal Engineering for “a phenomenal job with the assessment and the route study.”

Shive continued: “I agree with what’s being recommended. I think it’s going to be a plus for the city.”

In early May, Pasco County Engineering Services hosted an open house for the Morningside Drive extension, which drew about 40 participants at the Dade City Commission chambers.

Public input was received during and after the meeting.

Comments included general support of the chosen route, but concerns were raised about existing flooding conditions within the study area, right-of-way acquisition required for build alternatives, traffic volumes and noise, and wetland and wildlife impacts.

Manuel addressed those concerns head-on.

“There were a lot of concerns about flooding, which we will make an emphasis during the design process, but that is a process that you’re going to get into a lot more deeply when you get into understanding the design of the project,” he explained.

“There were also concerns to right-of-way acquisitions and how close it is to people’s residences and homes,” he added, noting he read through all of the comments and has a good understanding of the concerns.

As for next steps, the project’s design/permitting period will take about a year, Manuel noted.

Back-and-forth negotiations and regulatory processes on wetland and environmental impacts with state agencies takes up the bulk of that time frame, he said.

Published July 07, 2021