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Cost rules out U.S. 41 underpass By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
Even dropping the cost from more than half a billion to $250 million, an underpass at U.S. 41 and State Road 54 would be too pricey. Members of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization have opted not to add the underpass - also called a tunnel - to a list of recommended road designs to ease traffic congestion at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. Pasco County Commissioner Mike
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Moore said “it’s worth looking at everything.” But, the tunnel option is “cost prohibitive.” Finding a solution is important because the intersection is one of Pasco’s busiest with about 100,000 vehicles passing through daily. Members of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization in April got sticker shock from a study that estimated the underpass would cost $550 million. Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano then persuaded the MPO board to
delay its decision for more research. He questioned the initial costs, suggesting that MPO staff search for existing, and shorter, underpasses in other municipalities. “I don’t think they found what I was looking for,” Mariano said. But, he added: “I feel better with these numbers as far as being realistic.” The initial study considered an underpass of 6,000 linear feet. The new data looked at costs for an underpass of 2,500 linear feet. See UNDERPASS, page 19A
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The Laker/Lutz News is once again honoring our local high school graduates by publishing their names in today’s newspaper. Beginning on page 7A, we are recognizing more than 3,500 students from the 11 high schools in our distribution area.This is the 11th consecutive year we’ve published this edition, a popular keepsake for the families we serve. It is an honor to acknowledge our community’s young people who have worked so hard to achieve this goal. Graduating from high school is an accomplishment that sets our kids on a path to success as they enter adulthood, and one that is critical to their future. We read and hear much today about how our youths are attached to their digital devices and out-of-touch with anything that does not directly involve them. But, I believe that perception is greatly exaggerated, and that today’s teens are no different in their interests, worries and aspirations than those of other generations. Graduating from high school has always required commitment and perseverance. And, like the classes before them, the Class of 2018 consists of good kids who focused on their studies, listened to their teachers and parents, and worked hard to complete the many requirements needed for graduation.They dream, as other graduates before them — to live a fulfilling life and help make the world a better place. High school graduation is also a testimony to parents, who kept their child focused on achieving this important goal. It was their support, encouragement and confidence in their son or daughter that kept their student going when they didn't want to do their homework or go to school and, in some cases, had even considered dropping out. Over the next few weeks, students will proudly walk across the stage and accept their diplomas as their parents watch from
CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN
Yes, that was a pair of horses you saw strolling down the street Members of the Riddock family greet Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Raymond Meunier, as he rides his horse, Teagan, in the Long Lake Ranch subdivision in Lutz. Four-year-old Chase Riddock, tries to pet the horse, while his mother, Tanya, holds his brother, 2-year-old Cooper. The patrol makes periodic rides through Pasco County neighborhoods. Its next scheduled ride is on May 21, in the Angus Valley community of Wesley Chapel. After that, a ride is planned for June 4 in south Zephyrhills. Below, Deputy Meunier can be seen with Mounted Posse volunteer Beverly Sturtevant riding on her horse, Andy.
See HONORING, page 19A
Continued growth expected for Pasco’s housing market, expert says By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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Pasco County is in a rapidly growing region, so more growth is expected, a national real estate expert said last week at an event organized by the Central Pasco Association of Realtors. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, made his first visit to Pasco County, to address more than 150 real estate professionals gathered at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Yun anticipates moderate growth in national home sales, forecasting 3 percent to 4 percent in most parts of the country, and slightly greater increases in Florida. There are a number of factors contributing to Florida’s strong real estate market, and Pasco County, in particular,Yun said. Florida continues to attract foreign investors,Yun said.
Canadians come to the Sunshine state to escape the cold. British are very dominant in purchasing property in Orlando. Germans like areas such as Fort Myers and Naples.And, Latin Americans are attracted to the Miami area. “Many Puerto Lawrence Yun Rican residents are seeking better opportunities here in Florida,” he added. “Greater Tampa, including Pasco, has not had a large global exposure, but you are getting more of it,”Yun said. He predicts Florida will continue to see an acceleration in population growth, especially in light of recent changes to the tax code. “The end result, it is an additional tax burden for people living in the New England states, Connecticut, New Jersey and
New York,” he said. “People will be seeking:‘How do I lessen some of the burden?’ One way to do that is coming to Florida,”Yun said. He also noted that the current housing recovery is on healthy footing. The nation certainly doesn’t want what happened in 2005, when the housing market was hot:“Anyone with a heartbeat was somehow able to get a mortgage and buy a home,” he said. “I’m fairly confident that this increase will not lead to another decline because the fundamental backdrop is different.We’re in a job-creating environment,” he said. And, perhaps most importantly, underwriting standards are tough. Much higher credit scores are required to get a mortgage, he said, noting that, if anything, underwriting standards may be too stringent, especially for people who are selfemployed. “Home sales are rising, but in a very See HOUSING, page 19A