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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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Lutz Guv’na hopefuls compete in a makeshift bowling event during the Lutz Guv’na Debate at the Old Lutz School on May 14.
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Lutz Guv’na candidates square off in amusing debate By Kevin Weiss
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
There were only supposed to be two candidates facing off head-to-head at the annual Lutz Guv’na debate at the Old Lutz School on May 14. That was until a mystery candidate was revealed prior to the debate: Donald Trump. Or, more accurately, someone dressed in a suit sporting a latex mask in the likeness of the Republican presidential candidate. The entertainment had just begun, as actual Guv’na hopefuls Greg Gilbert and Andre Pamplona answered mostly tonguein-cheek questions from dozens of Lutz residents, and family members, in the crowd. They also squared off in a makeshift bowling competition, plus costume and watermelon-eating contests. In between the fun-filled activities was emcee Paul Vahue of First Baptist Church in Lutz, steering the event along, all while providing several jokes and one-liners to those gathered at the Old Lutz School. The day’s silliness was done in an effort See GUV’NA, page 11A
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A watermelon-eating contest was just one of the many entertaining activities during the Lutz Guv’na Debate on May 14. Clockwise from above, Donald Trump look-alike, Andre Pamplona and Greg Gilbert.
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