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The LAKER EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Connected City vote on Pasco’s agenda By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
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A final decision on an ambitious technology-driven community in eastern Pasco County – known as Connected City – is at hand. The Pasco County Commission will have a final public hearing on the project on Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City. The first public hearing on Jan. 24 offered a review of the project and an opportunity for public comment. Pasco County and Metro Development Group are partnering on a 10-year pilot project, authorized by state law. About 7,800 acres were set aside for development projects that encourage advanced technology and high-wage jobs.
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The Meridian Autonomous vehicle, known as the World Bus by Mobi-Cubed, will be the first self-driving vehicle tested in the Connected City. The ‘city of the future’ is being developed by Metro Development Group in partnership with Pasco County.
The area is bordered by Interstate 75, State Road 52 and Curley and Overpass roads. Metro is the first to offer a development project for the area. More developers are expected to take part in Connected City in the future. “This project arguably is one of the leading technology designs in the country right now,” said Kris Hughes, the county’s planning and development administrator.“It sets new standards for physical development. It makes Pasco highly competitive and attractive as a place to live and work.” Several people spoke during public comment on Jan. 24. Most supported Connected City. See CONNECTED, page 11A
Extension Office could get makeover By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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The Pasco County Fair Association is seeking a state grant to help pay for a $1.1 million upgrade of the Pasco County Extension Office. The Extension Office — which is supported by state and county funding — now leases space from the fair association. But, the facility needs improvements and more space to expand its services. The state grant could address both needs. The Pasco County Commission, on Jan. 24, gave the fair association the go-ahead to seek a state grant to help cover the costs. The state grant requires a 40 percent match. So, the county has agreed to provide about $243,000, and the fair association would cover about $197,000, if the grant is approved. The fair association would be in charge of completing the project, which will include securing contractors and obtaining county permits. While the fair association and members of the community are on the same page now, that wasn’t the case during an October stakeholders meeting. At that point, the county was considering options that included moving Extension to the Stallings Building, at 15029 14th St., in Dade City, leaving it at the fairgrounds or finding another location. Those supporting the fairgrounds’ location said Extension should stay because its activities are closely aligned to those of the Pasco County Fair. But, those supporting the
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Margarita Romo is delighted that the county is looking into ways to offer programs at the Stallings Building, at 15029 14th St., in Dade City. The neighborhood needs more services, Romo said. Cathy Pearson, an assistant county administrator is in the background.
Stallings Building said the community living near there need the additional programs that Extension could bring to the area. “From that last meeting in October, we really learned a lot from the whole community,” Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services said, at a Jan. 19 follow-up stakeholder meeting. “It opened our eyes to what that community really needs. There’s a need in both places,” Pearson said. “So, we had the opportunity in the last 60 days to meet with the Pasco County Fair board, and really voice our concerns about the building, and stuff that needs to be im-
proved here. “We also talked about operations. “You know what? They really listened. They really did,” Pearson said. If the grant is approved, Extension would move temporarily to the Stallings Building. The county also will work with the community to develop a business initiative, Pearson said. “What kind of community programs can we put in there?” she said. “We have until March 6 to work on our plan,” Pearson said. If the state grant is approved, there would See EXTENSION, page 11A
Design is final for new City Hall
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Spectators at a previous Farm Festival and Quilt Show enjoyed watching draft horses demonstrate their strength.
Festival showcases quilts, horses By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
The Pioneer Florida Museum is hosting a festival that showcases the strength of draft horses, and the beauty and diversity of quilts. The event is slated for Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. The Southern Draft Horse Pulling Competition will be 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Feb. 4. Other highlights include: • The Hoffman Challenge Quilt Collection on display • A show of dolls, quilts and clothing • A display of works by local quilters • A sale of quilts and supplies • A quilt appraisal and trunk show • Cane grinding and syrup making, Feb. 4 • An arts and crafts show; traditional crafts
Farm Festival & Quilt Show WHERE: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City WHEN: Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Draft Horse Pull competition on Feb. 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) COST: $10 for adults on Saturday and $5 on Sunday; $5 admission for children (612), both days. Children age 5 and younger are admitted free.
• Festival vendors and a concession stand • Children’s activities The museum is one mile north of downtown Dade City, off U.S. 301, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road.
When it comes to a new City Hall, the Zephyrhills City Council agreed that “bigger is better.” Council members unanimously approved the design for the new City Hall complex on Jan. 23. The design calls for a two-story building of 19,615 square feet. The $6.2 million price tag is about $300,000 greater than the alternative option, which called for a structure of 18,170. Alan Knight, the council’s vice president, was the most outspoken advocate of proceeding with Harvard Jolly’s larger, more expensive, building. The city’s anticipated future growth is the main factor, Knight reasoned, in dishing out more dollars. “We’re no longer a sleepy little town,” Knight said. “Zephyrhills is not growing, we’re exploding. I think to do anything to shortchange — or cut the building down— would be a mistake.” He added:“We’re already the largest city in Pasco County, and I see nothing but growth.” Council member Lance Smith concurred:“We need to do it first-class.” The total scope of the City Hall project is estimated at about $7.6 million. That includes additional “soft” costs, such as architect and engineering fees, furniture and technology expenses. Other estimated expenses — relocation costs and temporary office space— are also See CITY HALL, page 11A