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APRIL 30, 2014
Major resurfacing planned for U.S. 41 By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Motorists driving on U.S. 41 in Lutz will notice lane closures while workers complete a $5.4 million waterline project. But even after the waterline work is done, traffic disruptions on the six-lane highway that cuts through Lutz will continue. The Florida Department of Transportation
will do a resurfacing project on U.S. 41, from Linnwood Drive to north of County Line Road, through Lutz. Plans call for resurfacing 7.4 miles of roadway. Other improvements include intersection upgrades for pedestrian improvements and bicycle lanes along the entire length of the project. The railroad crossing south of Crystal Lakes Road will be reconstructed as well,
which will require a temporary detour, according to FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson. Design for the project was completed in March.The work is expected to begin in the winter, Carson said. The design work cost $2.3 million. The resurfacing and other improvements will cost an estimated $11.5 million, but those figures may change as the project progresses, Carson said.
Local woman revels in Boston Marathon run By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Trish Trout can scratch an item off her bucket list. The Wesley Chapel woman completed the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, finishing the 26.2-mile course in 6 hours and 14 minutes. It was a day that she’ll never forget. “I was in the center of the Boston Marathon,”Trout said.“You’re a rock star for a day. It’s like everybody’s your best friend.” It came a year after bombings rocked the event, and security was tight, Trout said. Military police, Boston police and other law enforcement officers were stationed about every 150 yards along the route. Helicopters hovered over the crowds. Armored trucks blocked roads. Bomb-sniffing dogs walked through the crowds,Trout added. “My cheering section could not get to the finish line because it was lockdown. Even VIP ticket holders were kept out,” she said. Despite the heavy security, the atmosphere was festive. “It was a beautiful day. The energy was unreal,”Trout said.“At times, it was breathtaking, just seeing all of those people in support, and all of the runners. All ages, all shapes and sizes. It was awesome.” Spectators lined the course, cheering on See MARATHON, page 12
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRISH TROUT
Trish Trout is taking it all in as she runs in the 118th Boston Marathon.
Lutz leader: ‘The system, this time, worked’ “I loved the way they treated me.”
Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Procedures for Heart Care
StJosephsNorth.org
BC1400997_0414
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Towering stands of pine trees and open fields characterize the plot of land at the northeast corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway, but that property soon could have an entirely new look. The parcel is part of a 251-acre plan that calls for upscale houses, multifamily units, offices, retail and a congregate care facility. Lutz residents are notorious for battling proposals they believe will disrupt their way of life. But in this case, they turned out en masse to support the proposed project. That’s because of all the work the applicants and community did before the public hearing took place. “They negotiated with our community members in good faith,” said Mike White, the president of the Lutz Citizens Coalition.“The
B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTOS
Conditions for a proposed planned development north of Van Dyke Road and east of North Dale Mabry Highway calls for the creation of a signalized intersection at North Dale Mabry and Exciting Idlewild Boulevard.
system, this time, worked. And, it worked well.” Attorney Joel Tew and Richard Davis represent Geraci Land Acquisition LLC and Standard Pacific Homes of Florida, who presented their rezoning applications as companion requests. The companies are seeking to change the land from its current agricultural zoning to planned developments (PDs). Land Use Hearing Officer Steve Luce had two public hearings on April 21, to listen to the evidence that he will use to recommend whether the Hillsborough County Commission should approve or deny the two requests. Much of the testimony heard during the first hearing was carried over to the second hearing, as well, at the request of those testifying. See SYSTEM, page 12