The Laker-Land O' Lakes/Lutz-May 18, 2016

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Developers have ideas for Gowers Corner By Kathy Steele

ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

An iconic crossroads in the Land O’ Lakes area — known as Gowers Corner — soon could be filling up with shops, offices and restaurants. Pasco County commissioners approved a land use change on April 26 that clears the way for commercial development on about 44 acres at the southwest corner of the intersection. “I think this is a great project for Land O’ Lakes,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “Right now, they don’t have that many amenities in the area.” Currently, the crossroads is sparsely filled out with a Citgo and a Speedway gas station. Large swaths of wooded land and fields behind complete the mostly rural landscape.

KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTO

State Road 52 and U.S. 41 intersect at a historical crossroads, known as Gowers Corner. Developers are eyeing vacant land at the southwest corner for shops, offices, restaurants and some residential units.

But, change is coming. Developers plan to submit detailed plans for a project with about 215,000 square feet of commercial and office space. Forty residential units are proposed above retail shops, and an undefined water feature is

planned as a centerpiece for the commercial center. Gowers Corner is a landmark — steeped in the history of pioneer settlers and busiSee GOWERS, page 11A

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDEN SHIREEN

Local artist Eden Shireen has made a name for herself since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist.

Local musician is making some noise By Kevin Weiss

kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Eden Shireen is making a name for herself in the local music scene. Thousands of YouTube views for her cover songs and the March release of her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP (Extended Play) have made the 20-year-old Land O’ Lakes singersongwriter an up-and-coming artist. Her popularity has been steadily increasing since she became a 2015 Florida GRAMMY Showcase semifinalist, that helped to propel her career. Shireen, a 2014 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School, describes her musical style as a “clash between pop, indie and folk.” That unique style was formed during her high school years, when she was heavily involved in her school’s choir and theater programs.

“I was about 14 or 15 when I started to write short stories and poems, and then I got involved in musical theater...and I was like,‘Oh, my poems are literally just songs.’ Then I started the whole writing process, and it was great,” Shireen said.“I really found my voice through acting and realized,‘Wow, I love doing this.’” Listening to alternative bands like Bleachers, Of Monsters and Men,The 1975 and First Aid Kit were major influences during her formative high school years when she started creating music. “I started to not just listen to what was on the radio,” she said. “Being a musician, you want to find what’s going to inspire you the most, so I really just dove into Pandora (Internet Radio) and Spotify, and any different kind of playlists I could find.” She continued,“I always grew up listening to great music in my house with my family. I knew who The Sundays and The

Land O’ Lakes singer-songwriter Eden Shireen released her five-song ‘Shadows’ EP on March 25.

Cranberries were before anybody else.” As she manages her burgeoning music career, Shireen is working toward an associate degree at Pasco-Hernando State College, before she relocates to Orlando to enroll in the University of Central Florida’s Entertainment Management degree program. She plays a lot of shows in Tampa, includSee MUSICIAN, page 11A

Tampa Bay Express gaining favor in Pasco By Kathy Steele

ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

A project to build express toll lanes on interstate highways, known as the Tampa Bay Express, has picked up an endorsement from the Pasco County Commission. Commissioners voted 4-1 on May 10 to send a letter to the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization urging a favorable vote on the project. The planning organization is scheduled for a June 22 vote on a project that has gained wide support in Pasco as a solution to commuter gridlock. Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano voted no. He cited concerns about the increasing reliance on toll roads to generate revenues. He did approve of the potential for rapid bus service included in TBX. “All the toll roads in the world don’t necessarily help your traffic,” he said. The Hillsborough MPO’s decision will determine if the project goes forward as a

transportation priority. State highway officials peg the initial construction costs at about $3.3 billion. Some state estimates put the costs at as much as $6 billion. “This is very, very important for the residents of Pasco County,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.“We think about quality of life, especially for residents who commute back and forth to Hillsborough County and Pinellas County on a daily basis.” For some, commuting times can be more than two hours a day, Moore said.“If we save 30 to 45 minutes for them, just think about the increased quality of life, the time they will spend with family and friends, not on the road.” In recent weeks, the Pasco Economic Development Council and The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce also have come out in favor of the TBX. The Pasco MPO added its voice to the chorus on May 12 by approving a resolution

in favor of TBX. Outside of Pasco, the TBX has been a divisive issue for months. Some Tampa city leaders, including Mayor Bob Buckhorn, are strongly in favor. But, community activists in Tampa’s historic neighborhoods of V.M. Ybor, Ybor City, Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights strenuously object. They say the added express lanes will slice through their streets, wiping out more than 100 businesses and residences. Opponents have held protest marches and packed public meetings.Yard signs opposing TBX are a common sight. The Sunshine Citizens is pushing against the project. Most recently, the civil rights office of the Federal Highway Administration agreed to a preliminary investigation of TBX, based on a complaint that the toll system benefits wealthy commuters and motorists, while See EXPRESS, page 11A


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