A St. Petersburg-based entrepreneur is hoping to persuade Pasco County planners that an urban food park would be a boon to the county’s economy and its tourism.
Emmanuel Roux, a longtime restaurateur, and his business partners, presented their concept to members of Pasco County’s Citizens Advisory Food Policy Council. They have met with the county’s planners, as well.
The project, which still needs financial backers, would need about 20 acres.
It could include a community garden, a food-related business incubator, restaurants, rooftop gardens, a bakery, a butchery, yoga classes, a wellness center, and activities that are educational and promote healthy, locally grown food.
There are sites under consideration and the final design would depend on which site is selected, as well as the community’s interests.
“This is not something we come in with that is cookie-cutter,” said Roux, a principal in the nonprofit Urban Food Park Inc. “It is essentially building synergies. People want more than just a food program. They want to learn something. They want it to be good for the community.”
Roux operated The Garden Restaurant and Redwoods in St. Petersburg. He currently owns Gateau O Chocolat, specializing in flourless, gluten-free cakes.
He has been a longtime supporter of community gardens and the farm-to-table organic food movement.
There are two potential sites for the urban food park, along U.S. 19, near New Port Richey. The most promising is a residential area near the intersection of U.S. 19 and Moog Road, around Holiday.
But, rural sites near Dade City and San Antonio also might be considered.
Roux and his team are in discussions with county planners.
“We may see this as a pilot project,” said Todd Engala, a planner with Pasco’s Long Range Planning Group.
Engala also advises with the citizen’s food policy group, which has a long-range goal of recommending policies that promote nutritional, and affordable food in Pasco.
The food park concept could potentially unite rural and urban sites in east and west Pasco, Engala said.
But, there is a sticking point.
Roux’s proposal is for the county to enter an agreement with his team for consulting services.
“The development process really is a consulting process,” said Derek Spilman, a partner in Urban Food Park and also in UFB Consultants Inc.
But the county wants a business plan.
“This is new ground for both of us,” said Engala. “We want to see this idea flourish, but it would need some kind of backing or funding. We’re at the point of trying to figure it out.”
Roux initially began looking for a site in St. Petersburg along the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. That has not yet materialized, but some vendors, including owners of a flower shop and ice cream shop, have expressed interest in the Pasco venture.
Food policy council member Jeff Wright said he would like the group to provide more details on their project.
“I would encourage them to talk to Pasco businesses that want to expand that are already here,” he said. “You’ll get more traction doing that.”
The intent is for Pasco residents to take the lead on this, said Roux. “The first choice should be given to residents in Pasco County. We are fully aware of that.”
Published October 14, 2015
