Alcohol Sales OK'd For Theater Complex

Alcohol Sales OK'd For Theater Complex

By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

DADE CITY - DADE CITY - Cobb Theatres has won approval to sell beer, wine and liquor at a movie theater complex under construction at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, despite concerns from a nearby church congregation.

Pasco County commissioners Tuesday voted 5-0 to award a conditional-use permit and waive a rule that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a church or school.

Alcoholic beverages will be sold to patrons 21 and older at a "cinebistro" restaurant and theater on the mezzanine of the complex, northwest of State Road 54 and Interstate 75. Cobb expects to open the 16-screen, 2,700-seat complex in August.

Members of Faith Baptist Church, which is 827 feet away from the theaters, opposed Cobb's petition. They worry intoxicated theater patrons will drive by the church and school, putting children and congregants in danger.

"Five years ago, we planned a church with a school here," church member John Mitten Sr. told commissioners. "I'm asking you to at least protect us somewhat, not from our members going to the theater but from drunk drivers."

Tampa attorney Clarke Hobby and an entourage of other attorneys and consultants argued the theater and church are separated by a thick line of trees and an apartment complex. Hobby said the cinebistro needs to compete with other restaurants at The Grove, such as Outback Steakhouse.

Pasco Zoning Administrator Deborah Zampetti agreed that the trees and apartments provide a "unique buffer."

Hudson-based planning consultant King Helie, also representing Cobb, noted the 1,000-foot rule was adopted 29 years ago, when Wesley Chapel was a more rural place.

"Wesley Chapel has really changed," Helie said. "There is better housing and there is potential for better employment. This is an amenity."

Travis Haulk, a member of Faith Baptist, asked how Cobb, which seemed attuned to every other construction detail, failed to comply with the distance rule.

"Everything's been done to a T and to the letter, except the 1,000 feet," Haulk said.

Margarita Romo, executive director of Farmworkers Self Help in Tommytown, asked commissioners to uphold the distance rule, noting that movie theaters are a common hangout for youngsters.

"I think they're going to see thing and hear things," Romo said. "I think you're going to be opening doors you don't want to open. If it's supposed to be 1,000 feet, make it 1,000 feet. That's an agreement between the church and the state."

Jean Ann Jakes of Quail Hollow also argued a movie theater serving alcohol will set a precedent.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder assured commissioners a waiver for Cobb would not preclude the board from denying others.

Commissioners agreed the movie theater would be an asset and provide jobs for high school students.

"I understand your teachings, but we represent all the people in Pasco County," Commissioner Pat Mulieri told church members.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

Huge tree pieces removed from street

Huge tree pieces removed from street
Posted by Dave Balut Date last updated: 7/3/2008 11:24:53 PM


A 10 News viewer, who called us about huge pieces of a tree dumped in the road, has results. Pasco County and a tree service worked together to remove the hazard. But we still don't know who's responsible for the mess because the sheriff's office isn't saying.

Wesley Chapel, Fl. - With the largest pieces of oak tree already hauled off to a county landfill, workers with Bento's Tree Service finished scraping mulch off Lawrence Avenue Thursday afternoon.

The owner of the tree service didn't want to talk on camera, but says he volunteered to clean up this mess for free, after Pasco County asked him to help.

County Commissioner Pat Mulieri says the company responsible for the illegal dumping was supposed to clear this street Thursday morning but did not. So the county stepped in to clear the hazard.

Homeowners, glad to see the road hazard gone, are still puzzled by the whole thing.

"It's just bizarre how it happened, how the stuff was dropped off, supposedly the owner was found and the owner just didn't do anything and the county had to step in and hire another company that offered to do it for free, which was a great thing and I'm glad it's resolved," said homeowner Andre Cunningham.

What is not resolved, is who dumped huge pieces of tree trunk and limbs on Lawrence Avenue late Tuesday night.

The Pasco Sheriff's office is not yet releasing the name of the company responsible, saying the matter is still under investigation.

At first Pasco County was not going to help remove the tree because this is a private road. So homeowners called 10 News for help.

"A big relief now that it's gone," said Cunningham.

Another neighbor saw the tree dumping Tuesday night and called sheriff's deputies with the license plate number on the truck.

A Pasco County Sheriff's spokesman says illegal dumping happens frequently, but not usually something so large in the middle of a residential street.
Dave Balut, Tampa Bay's 10 News

Pet Adoption Marathon Is Coming

Pet Adoption Marathon Is Coming


By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: July 2, 2008

Updated:

LAND O' LAKES -- Pasco County Animal Services will play host to a pet adoption marathon Saturday, July 19, as part of the Hill's Pet Nutrition Second Chance for Love program.

The Hill's pet food producer will bring its mobile tour to the county pet shelter in Land O' Lakes and underwrite the costs for at least 25 pet adoptions, Animal Services Manager Denise Hilton recently told the County Commission.

The shelter is a 19640 Lake Patience, Land O' Lakes, off U.S. 41, north of S.R. 54..

The Friends of the Animal Shelter support group also will dedicate the outside playground.

Pet photographer Jim Dratfield will take pictures of the adopters and their new pets.

Free pet food samples will be available as well.

A company contest offers free pet food to winners, while the shelter might qualify for a chance at donations of more than $10,000. People who share a written or video adoption story will be entered into the Second Chance for Love Contest.

The grand prize cat and dog winner will win a VIP photo shoot with Dratfield in New York City, a one-year supply of Science Diet pet food and $10,000 for the Pasco shelter. Eight, second-prize winners will get a one-year supply of Science Diet pet food and $2,000 for the shelter.

For the past few years, the shelter has gotten free Science Diet pet food from Hill's in exchange for posting the company's promotional posters, Hilton explained. So the offer to bring the mobile tour here was welcomed. Commissioners approved the event so long as Hill's provides the liability insurance for the tour visit here.

"Yes!" Commissioner Pat Mulieri exclaimed about news of the event. "This is exciting." Mulieri also rates the staff veterinarian, Dr. Terry Spencer, as "outstanding."

Commissioner Jack Mariano also expressed his enthusiasm for the "great program." In addition, Hilton reported that veterinarian interns from area schools will work over the summer for the Pasco Animal Services shelter, in Land O' Lakes.

County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers

County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers: "County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers

ADVERTISEMENT

By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY The Pasco County Commission today briefly discussed the possibility of hiring only nonsmokers.

'The ultimate goal is to have the healthiest work force that we can,' Commissioner Michael Cox said. An advisory committee on insurance has raised the idea of a ban on hiring smokers for county government jobs.

This step toward a smoke-free Pasco government work force might drive down insurance premiums by reducing the amount of smoking-related medical care county employees would require, Cox said.
Commissioners asked County Administrator John Gallagher to research the concept.

In the meantime, Commissioner Pat Mulieri said she hopes the county's insurance provider will cover some quit-smoking programs.

Aetna, which is scheduled to become the county's health insurance provider later this year, will provide some $20,000 to the county for wellness programs, Cox reported.

Carl Orth can be reached at corth@suncoastnews.com"

County To Overhaul Development Codes

County To Overhaul Development Codes: "County To Overhaul Development Codes

ADVERTISEMENT

By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY Overhauling Pasco County's land development code should take priority, county commissioners said this morning, even if that means holding off on some large-scale projects and other ordinances.

'We have a Ferrari (comprehensive) plan and a Volkswagen Bug land development code,' Commissioner Michael Cox said.

The county needs a 'timeout' on other matters until 'out-of-date' development codes can be rewritten, Cox said.

County Administrator John Gallagher agreed. 'We spend all our time (now) doing amendment after amendment after amendment' to the codes based on the latest projects submitted by developers. 'All we do is look at our shoes all day and process paperwork.'

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder asked county commissioners at today's workshop to help determine priorities for his legal staff. An overhaul of the land development codes could postpone other ordinances in the pipeline, he noted.

For instance, the county legal staff continues to work on school concurrency rules, which will help determine if an area can support a new school based on county infrastructure such as roads and sewers.

Also in dispute is how much the county should pay toward impr"

Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision

Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision: "Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision

ADVERTISEMENT

By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 24, 2008

Updated:

NEW PORT RICHEY - Does Christmas come in May? Yes!

At least Betty Abshire and other Briar Patch Village residents might have been tempted to say so after Progress Energy Florida this week steered clear of Pasco County for possible routes for new transmission power lines.

'I would use the word elated,' Abshire said as president of Briar Patch Village of Seven Springs Homeowners Association. The 155 villas are nestled near Seven Springs Boulevard and Perrine Ranch Road.

Power line towers might have essentially split the community in half under one route the utility had suggested, Abshire believes.

About 200 people from Briar Patch Village, Trinity West and Nature's Hideway appeared for a May 3 protest meeting against the potential power line route. That protest had followed an April 28 protest in Land O' Lakes which drew more than 400 concerned residents from a wide area.

Progress Energy Florida officials 'listened to the voices' of protesters, Abshire remarked. Utility executives realized it would be 'unpleasant' had they proceeded with the route through the Briar Patch area. Some families were concerned for their children's s"

Pasco: Sheriff's strategy backfires

Pasco: Sheriff's strategy backfires: "Sheriff's strategy backfires

Defending his budget, he compares his office to a Third World country. That doesn't go over with commissioners.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 20, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Justifying his request for a 19 percent budget increase, Pasco County Sheriff Bob White on Tuesday compared his department to a Third World country. And when county commissioners seemed unimpressed with that argument and others, he questioned their commitment to public safety.

Commissioner Ted Schrader bristled at that suggestion. Leaning forward in his chair, Schrader pointed out that for five years, the sheriff had gotten almost every item on his budgetary wish list, including 49 new jobs last year.

'I've been low-balling you the last few years,' replied White, whose budget has increased 35 percent since 2002 and now takes up more than half of the county's general operating budget.

'I simply cannot do more patrols if you're going to cut' his proposal, White insisted.

But by the end of Tuesday's session, commissioners had ripped some big chunks from White's request for an $88.7 million budget next year.

* * *

White opened his remarks to commissioners with a request.

'I want you to think of yourselves as the United Nations, and I want you to think of the sheriff's "

Sheriff shifts position on ATVs

He reverses his stance, urging Pasco to opt out of a new state law that allows the vehicles to be used on some public dirt roads.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 5, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - A change in Florida law that would allow all-terrain vehicles on some unpaved roads is prompting Pasco County to examine stiffer standards.

So is a change in Sheriff Bob White.

White sent the County Commission a letter last week asking it to opt out of the new state law loosening restrictions on ATV use.

This position is a reversal of that announced by a spokesman just last month, who told the Times the Sheriff's Office saw no fault with the new law and had no plans to support opting out.

On Oct. 1, state law will change to allow licensed drivers, or minors supervised by them, to ride ATVs on public dirt roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. All public roads are off-limits now, forcing riders to use private land or tracks - or violate the law.

But a clause allows commissioners to have a public hearing and then vote to exempt the county from the new law.

White wrote commissioners that, "Although it might appear on the surface that this law would reduce the workload of local law enforcement ... I believe the opposite would occur.

At Commissioner Pat Mulieri's urging, the County Commission on Aug. 22 told staff and attorneys to begin the opt-out process. Mulieri said this week she wants to see if the county can place more limits on ATV use, too. Most likely, any action will take place after Oct. 1.

In Hernando County, the Sheriff's Office and county officials have begun the process to opt out.

That follows the Aug. 12 death of a 13-year-old girl riding on an ATV driven by her 12-year-old cousin in Hernando. Two weeks later, a Pasco man and a Hernando man were found dead near the wreckage of their ATV in another Hernando crash - part of a string of Tampa Bay area ATV crashes.

"I definitely think the ATVs can be a nuisance, especially with the young children," said Mulieri, who said she has come upon teenagers doing wheelies near her driveway.

Kevin Doll, a spokesman who had previously said the sheriff had no qualms with the law, said Friday that White's new stance resulted from conversations with commissioners and other department members who deal with ATV complaints.

Commission Chairman Steve Simon said Friday he supported opting out, echoing White's arguments.

Commissioner Ted Schrader recently urged a bit of caution, though.

"First of all, I don't really know what the intent of the Legislature was when they were doing this," Schrader said, expressing concern for businesses that could use ATVs for work, such as at orange groves.

"It's not that I am opposed. My concern was if they've got a legitimate reason if they're going down a dirt road."

Two rivals for seat take aim at Mulieri

Job growth, road planning and utilities are key issues as two challengers seek her County Commission spot.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 3, 2006

PORT RICHEY - Two candidates trying to unseat Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri are familiar to her, even though they've never run before.

Realtor Christie Zimmer of Land O'Lakes is the daughter of former commissioner Bonnie Zimmer, whom Mulieri ousted in 1994. Mulieri appointed the younger Zimmer to a local planning group.

Larry DeLucenay, owner of Mad Hatter Utilities, spent most of the 1990s waging a court fight over Pasco County's attempt to take over the service area of his Land O'Lakes company.

Both challengers use their experiences to make their case against Mulieri, 68, a former English professor at Pasco-Hernando Community College who lives in Gowers Corner.

"I don't know of another candidate that has spent close to $1-million litigating Pasco County successfully, and that's not a credit. That's a hell of a way to run a railroad," said DeLucenay, 59, who said his "nuts and bolts" style allows him to ask tough questions others do not.

All voters will get to vote in this three-way Republican contest, because there are no Democrats or other-party candidates in the running. The leading vote-getter Tuesday will win the four-year term, even if he or she doesn't get a majority.

Commissioners are paid $76,000 a year. Besides setting policy on roads, development and county operations, they vote on zoning and spending matters. They must live in the district they represent, but they are elected countywide.

Mulieri has raised $81,500, including a $32,800 burst from Aug. 12 to 31, according to finance reports. Of that final surge, at least $21,000 came from real estate and development interests.

DeLucenay raised $20,400 and Zimmer $17,800.

In this race, District 2 spans from Wesley Chapel to Shady Hills, encompassing rapidly growing central Pasco.

That growth has been the top issue, although Zimmer also has repeatedly criticized Mulieri as being less active than she needs to be. Mulieri says she strongly attends to residents' problems.

But both candidates agree that the county should focus more on job growth to build a workforce that lives and works in Pasco, instead of commuting south.

"I would personally like to see more economic growth," said Zimmer, 44. "I feel that we have more than fulfilled the need for residential growth."

DeLucenay is less certain about the county's growth practices, but says he is concerned about how growth has affected the county's ability to provide services. Case in point, he said, is the county's utility failures. Pasco expanded a plant without permits and discharged waste illegally, prompting up to $1.8-million in state fines. DeLucenay said that's where his hands-on approach comes in.

Zimmer's top interest is improving road planning as part of growth management. As chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the county's Metropolitan Planning Organization, she said she has learned how early communication can help county officials work with the public to plan roads. She also wants the county to put a greater emphasis on recycling, and more efficient services using technology.

Mulieri said she wants to make sure the county enacts its new growth management laws properly. She wants the county to continue to develop business centers to spur job growth. She also wants the county to emphasize housing in the new developments that is affordable for the workforce.

"I don't want to look back, say 20 years from now, and say, I messed up Pasco County," Mulieri said.

Pat Mulieri Deserves Another Term As District 2 County Commissioner

Pat Mulieri Deserves Another Term As District 2 County Commissioner
Skip directly to the full story.

Published: Aug 20, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT
More from this channel:

Search for more information:

TBO.com Site Search | Tribune archive from 1990

Pasco County voters will decide this election season whether two veteran incumbents deserve to keep their county commission seats.

Republican Steve Simon, elected to the District 4 post in 1998, faces Democrat Michael Cox, but that won't be until November. First, Pat Mulieri, also a Republican, faces two challengers in the party primary Sept. 5 in her bid keep the District 2 seat she's occupied since 1994.

Because no other candidates are running in District 2, all voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to cast ballots Sept. 5, and the winner is elected. County commissioners represent geographical districts but are elected countywide. Voters must make sure they mark their ballots even if they don't reside in District 2, which covers central Pasco.

Mulieri, 68, a retired teacher, lives in the Kent Grove community near Spring Hill. Her challengers are Larry DeLucenay, 59, a water and wastewater utility operator who lives in Land O' Lakes, and Christie Zimmer, a 44-year-old Realtor who also lives in Land O' Lakes. Both are seeking office for the first time.

DeLucenay, the owner of Mad Hatter Utility and a former Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, has strong business savvy. He says Pasco needs to streamline the building and development permitting process to meet the needs of that industry. His expertise as a utility chief would be beneficial, especially considering problems detected by state environmental regulators at the county's 10 wastewater treatment facilities that will cost the county at least $1.79 million in sanctions.

DeLucenay also demonstrates an ability to ask tough, detailed questions, and he would demand better accountability in county government - to a fault. His desire to be a "hands on" commissioner who would work with department heads is extremely problematic and troubling.

A county commissioner's job is to set policy and make budgetary and other decisions - not interfere with the day-to-day operations of government. Under Pasco's form of government, the county administrator, his assistants and department heads are responsible for daily operations, not commissioners.

Zimmer, who moved to Land O' Lakes in 1969, has taken a path similar to Mulieri - a grassroots community activist seeking public office. The race also has an interesting twist: Zimmer's mother, Bonnie Zimmer, is a former Pasco County commissioner, and Mulieri, then a first-time candidate, defeated her in 1994.

A Mulieri appointee to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization's Citizens Advisory Committee, Christie Zimmer, who chairs the group, has extensive knowledge of transportation issues and is passionate about them. Pasco needs more east-west routes, she says, adding that environmentally sensitive areas, including Cypress Creek Wellfield, shouldn't be disturbed.

She also is critical of the county's past growth management, correctly noting the county has allowed too much construction without providing necessary infrastructure beforehand. In addition, she proposes revamping the county's recycling program, which residents have complained about for years, in part by evaluating what other counties offer.

Zimmer, who says she would commit to only two terms, is a strong mass transit advocate. She has lobbied hard for more public bus routes, especially much-needed service to central Pasco and a cross-county connection.

Mulieri, who has a doctorate in higher education, retired last year from Pasco-Hernando Community College after 26 years as a professor. She has a strong grassroots following, and it's easy to understand why. She is the most constituent-conscious commissioner, never hesitating to meet with concerned individuals or groups. She has excellent communication skills and is very approachable. These qualities are extremely important, because government and its accompanying red tape can be intimidating and frustrating to residents, especially those facing it for the first time.

Although she isn't the strongest policymaker, she has voted for policies that have changed the county for the better during her tenure. These include placing a moratorium on billboards, which she proposed; protecting trees through a comprehensive ordinance; adopting and increasing impact fees to help offset growth's impact, especially on public schools; and requiring landscaping in developments. More recently, she supported a new comprehensive land-use plan that will protect scenic northeast Pasco from intense development prevalent in many areas.

Mulieri's goals for a fourth term include fully implementing the new land-use plan, paving more dirt roads, adding more county services online and seeing that performance audits are conducted on county departments. In addition, she wants County Administrator John Gallagher to hire a chief assistant.

Mulieri certainly isn't perfect. She has been part of a board that has failed to change development policies that resulted in overcrowded public schools. It is only because of a new state law that a concurrency program is being developed.

Still, Mulieri, based on her experience, skills and voting record, is the best candidate. She has helped make Pasco a better place to live and its government more responsible.

The Tribune endorses Pat Mulieri for Pasco County commissioner, District 2, on Sept. 5.