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COVID-19 cases on the uptick
By B.C. Manion
bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the nation, with outbreaks occurring in parts of the country with low vaccination rates, according to officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of July 22, 35% of counties in the United States were experiencing high levels of community transmission, and COVID-19
cases were on the rise in 90% of the nation’s jurisdictions, according to a CDC interpretative summary of the week’s data. That July 23 briefing, posted on the CDC’s website, notes that “the worrisome trends are due, in part,” to the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant. The increase in COVID-19 infections is being observed locally, too. Officials with AdventHealth’s West Florida region are noticing “a significant
uptick in COVID-19 cases” and “an increase in COVID hospitalizations at its hospitals in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hardee, Highlands, Pinellas and Marion counties, according to a media briefing from the health care chain. “The Delta variant is the most prominent strain we are seeing in our system,” AdventHealth reports. It also notes that “some 94% of patients See COVID-19, page 11A
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B.C. MANION
Joel and Barbara Jackson display the award that Joel received for his water-wise yard. He’s a huge advocate of Florida native plants — which require less water and attract bees, birds and butterflies. He said he consults Barbara when choosing plants to add to their yard. Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore bestowed the award for residential landscape to Joel who resides in Land O’ Lakes. Turn to page 1B for more landscaping inspiration.
20122020
Rezoning would allow 400 apartments This rezoning request was already in the process, before Pasco County imposed a six-month moratorium in April, regarding consideration of new requests relating to multifamily development within a specified area of the county. By B.C. Manion
COURTESY OF JOEL JACKSON COURTESY OF JOEL JACKSON
Firebush is a fast-growing shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall. Its vibrant, tubular blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its berries attract birds, too.
Stokes’ Aster is native to Florida’s wet pinewood. It has very splashy flowers in the summer. Its bright flowers attract bees and butterflies. It prefers wet, but well-drained soil.
bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners have recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow 400 apartments on approximately 43.42 acres at the southeast corner of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Hay Road. Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, detailed the request at the planning board’s July 22 meeting. The proposed multifamily project See REZONING, page 11A
There’s
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SPECIAL SECTION inside this week
Pasco County Pasco is planning to update its mobility fees expanding its New retail would see a sizable increase — 50% over four years — based on the proposed fee schedule; plus, two new fee categories could be added. By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission is expected to update the county’s mobility fee schedule — with proposed rates increasing, decreasing or staying the same in a number of categories. The proposed fee schedule calls for a sizable fee increase in the retail category. It also proposes the addition of two new categories — one that provides a discount for locally owned small businesses and another that establishes a rate for accessory dwelling units. Mobility fees are the charges which accompany new development to help cover
the costs for multi-modal impacts — road, pedestrian, bicycle and transit. Consultant Bill Oliver, a registered professional engineer, has conducted a number of mobility fee studies for the county. He managed this one, as well. He presented the county staff’s recommended updated fee schedule to the Pasco County Planning Commission for its consideration during the planning board’s July 22 meeting. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is expected to consider the proposed changes at its Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 meetings, Oliver said. “The costs of implementing your mobility system have increased over recent years,” Oliver said. “And, according to the Florida DOT (Department of Transportation), we expect those costs to continue to increase by about See MOBILITY, page 11A
library options A new library also is opening soon in Starkey and one is being planned, in Seven Oaks.
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Hugh Embry Branch Library is closed for remodeling and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library soon will close for a makeover, too. Meanwhile, in just a few weeks, the new Starkey Theatre, Library and Cultural Center will open in the Starkey Ranch development, off State Road 54, in Odessa. Hugh Embry has been cleared of its contents, with construction set to start on remodeling the 7,223-square-foot library.The See LIBRARY, page 11A