[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6305760,"mediaKeyId","2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf","parentId",2443808,"title","Hercules Park updates, Founders Day schedule change and safety plan top Feb. 24 agenda","audioSeconds",2976,"startMs",1859000,"endMs",4835000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf&start=1859&end=4835","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf/thumbnail_1859000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6305760/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Hercules-Park-updates-Founders-Day-schedule-change-and-safety-plan-top-Feb-24-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305760-52a22cc1418ca85616bf44ee00daf63f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437986&Signature=LejnqyALLIQ3fswtaR5dHf~SpNZvIxtiPIbwpFWSx7olhkL9ruXppdrDyqHEFsKQkQt9mkAoJfO6fkFq5~upcpwnZxSzticESbMU-jN2Wv2Mqic54-7Wix~uatYluJ2smE41t~z2C6qCC~mL07CDfk9jbIuXabuwKmGdS2awQBSQcWy-AI1-TzXTWpxLmsPW0ACdXiA09Jv9O21YTV14YihZqFJvIdxSkBtZ6lFcOXuy-QDcBRnQujn4WlpcRPOw4daXN0L9og8l1ueQhLTd8mTTzP5b7G63XUwlBGeFpy8mJ7rC4whbu7DoWfl7KeCczV9gMDdUStkeXG~uha9~5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Zephyrhills, FL","date","2025-02-28T13:13:33.02Z","article","City staff updated commissioners and council on Hercules Park improvements, downtown Main Street activity and a newly drafted safety plan at the Feb. 24 meetings.

Hercules Park: Gail (CRA/parks staff) and other staff told the board the Hercules Park grand opening was well attended and that staff will add cameras, lights and screening plantings to address sight-line and neighbor concerns. Staff reported tree loss from a recent storm and said an arborist will return to prune and assess trees; staff also said they are pricing a small disc‑golf layout in a treed area and ordering additional trash receptacles and bag dispensers.

Staff also said pavilion numbering and an online reservation system will be implemented so residents can reserve pavilions and staff can reduce phone traffic. Commissioners asked staff to prepare signage and online booking information and to consider a first‑come, first‑serve policy with online reservations available to reduce conflicts.

Founders Day and Main Street: Main Street staff announced the Founders Day parade time will move from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. after feedback from vendors and participants. Main Street staff also reported low parade sign-ups (11 currently) and urged broad community promotion; they said the event program will include a car show, art show and 5K and noted competition from other regional events. Main Street also reported increased social‑media engagement and ongoing work with interns to boost promotion.

Food trucks and infrastructure: Staff said Hercules Park includes bollards equipped with electric power so food trucks can plug in rather than run noisy generators. Designated food-truck parking behind the park is planned to reduce disruption on the park’s front edge near commercial properties.

Safety plan / CPTED: At the Council meeting the city police chief presented a safety plan that incorporates CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles. Sergeant John Olsen has completed CPTED certification and the department will begin quarterly CPTED reviews of parks and public spaces. The plan calls for logging observations, recommending lighting and sight-line changes, targeted enforcement of leash and litter laws, and more patrol visibility. Staff noted some lighting infrastructure was deferred during park construction but that conduit and bollards were installed so the city can add equipment later.

Public comments: Residents who used or inspected the park praised the design and attendance but raised concerns about screening near 301 and a chain-link fence area near the 301 entrance that staff said may be in DOT right-of-way. A community member urged more volunteer-driven cleanups, and staff said the city has a community cleanup planned in March.

Ending: Staff said they will return with specific proposals for additional lighting, pavilion signage and reservation procedures, and with cost estimates for disc golf and screening plantings. Police will share CPTED reports with staff and council as the quarterly reviews proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zephyrhills CRA & City Council Meetings (2-25-2025)","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reported continued high use at the new Hercules Park, plans for additional cameras, landscaping and disc golf, and a change to Founders Day parade time; the police department presented a CPTED-based safety plan for parks.","taxTitle","Zephyrhills City, Pasco County, Florida","taxId",12582,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305765,"Council approves first reading of rezoning for 8.5-acre parcel on 301; conditional-use height decision to follow",1205,3497000,4702000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf&start=3497&end=4702","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf/thumbnail_3497000.jpg","/articles/6305765/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Council-approves-first-reading-of-rezoning-for-85-acre-parcel-on-301-conditional-use-height-decision-to-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305765-24e40d84e3fa5fc1849b7f2549313e7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437986&Signature=hwzUXBUfVsGkkg8UHNp9UrBacVd~LyDC0zeiMAYuHWpgyQXPhRBhXynnBMl2ufHIQeJNOdm7p7YcG-9zq4ijFD9q16ypf9~x4vTA-jSdFeKevnhsXWngxzpC0pOcreQ3pI8sGiLZM0dzHCIB~hmdwboWYxx3mGHuEBrxWKo4GxF8vQgeRPkPEAR8sKHwGefWCDRmlA788Ya8gmAGIHyUn4Wm1rHaBfL68bint0RbRSQ4Z1~OxZ88tLthpEpytQDJk94dFiwJI1UB-JysdVEqblf6E0u1cLX8prJm1m8MPvOBYrvkUHmvF0CAnzdLLroJj1oDXwpyqRIzJ9TDDv7H1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zephyrhills City Council on Feb. 24 approved first reading of Ordinance 1498-25, which rezones approximately 8.52 acres along 301 from R‑4 multifamily residential to C‑1 neighborhood commercial. The applicant and planning staff said the rezoning would allow a mixed-use buildout including two hotels on the parcel.

Todd Vandenberg, the city’s planning director, told council the rezoning is tied to a larger visioning effort for the corridor north of Caustic Road and that staff and the planning commission had recommended moving forward with a future land-use category and a PUD-style approach for the broader area. He said the next council meeting will include a conditional-use resolution related to building height for the proposed hotels and that staff is preparing draft conditions for council review.

Why it matters: The rezoning clears the way for commercial uses along a stretch of 301 that planning staff and the applicant say is suitable for mixed commercial and hospitality development, and it will allow utility and access improvements tied to future redevelopment.

Public comment and neighbors: The applicant and property owners near the site spoke in favor. One nearby property owner, Michael Bremer, asked for a summary of the proposal and confirmed the planned access road would align near his property. Miss Phyllis Purvis, who said her family owns multiple parcels in the planning area, told council the owners she represents are generally supportive but said some parcels may not be offered for sale immediately.

Council action: Councilman Steven Spina moved approval of the ordinance on first reading. The motion passed on the first reading by a 4–0 vote. Council and staff agreed the conditional‑use resolution with height conditions will be presented for adoption at the next meeting; staff said it would circulate draft conditions to council prior to the second reading so members can provide feedback.

What’s next: The conditional-use resolution to allow building height above the standard code limit will be considered at the next council meeting. Staff and the applicant are drafting conditions — including design, connectivity and use restrictions — that the council may require before approving any taller structures.","The City Council passed first reading of Ordinance 1498-25 to rezone about 8.52 acres near 301 from multifamily to neighborhood commercial; council and staff said a related conditional-use resolution to allow additional height will come at the next meeting with proposed conditions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305770,"City Council approves payment toward South Avenue extension; members debate utility and reimbursement options",375,3071000,3446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf&start=3071&end=3446","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf/thumbnail_3071000.jpg","/articles/6305770/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/City-Council-approves-payment-toward-South-Avenue-extension-members-debate-utility-and-reimbursement-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305770-7e20dfa4f6d0cbd1b3eddb9161697d4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437986&Signature=S-2gzDsmEaWPHRLLtSgrd2JUInSmRgLyeHCH-wBR3y5Sb1R8eNYNNGpMCGQQIVlbFiCQMDQ4jV5o3KH-HRE~AsRr~15HLPj38l~HlIqZpY1NzWvDbxtTOAR6CJc7eB9Gn1RI6Q2rTKL6FUCQZ-7mURI3Lncek93SJYo0R8h1fhmenLFGqGZIoh4~lDzWeM4bK8f8t45LBCETdy8QikzSCEqGTGnJlklVHxLt2quGIXMetd50iRSRDu4VYrNHufZky5~~Z-4UWs7WxifLfa9pAMfUSbSQGIUH8GRLr9yxNC1chVOMzXiKSbGUT7eIzzh2JNDZbOPF0nmAPT7Fj0NhOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zephyrhills City Council on Feb. 24 approved a motion to supply city funds toward the South Avenue extension project that will provide access to the former National Guard site and open utility service to nearby industrial parcels.

What the council approved: Council discussed a request to pay roughly $935,600 from transportation impact fees toward the local portion of a multi‑million-dollar project. Council members said the Florida Department of Transportation is funding about $1.9 million of the construction through a state appropriation; the full project cost increased since the appropriation was requested and the city faces a local share for utility extensions and right-of-way expenses.

Why it matters: The extension includes road construction plus water and sewer lines to serve properties north of the Armory. Council members said the utility work will enable future industrial development but also removes some property from the tax roll because the National Guard parcel had been non-taxable while it was a government facility.

Discussion highlights: Councilman Matthew Maggard and others asked whether the city can pursue additional state reimbursement or require future developers who connect to the new utilities to reimburse the city. City staff said some funding already went to design and right-of-way—about $500,000 was spent earlier (roughly $105,000 on design and about $400,000 for right-of-way)—and that contingency and inflation drove the increased construction cost. Staff said the utilities portion of the work is the bulk of the city’s remaining share, and that options include value engineering, using contingency, and exploring utility‑fund participation.

Vote and outcome: After discussion, Councilman William Poe moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed with a recorded vote of 3–1. One council member opposed. Council instructed staff to pursue possible reimbursements, look for value‑engineering opportunities and evaluate whether future developments tying to the extension could contribute to the cost.

Next steps: Staff will seek an extension from DOT for the contract timeline, pursue potential reimbursement discussions with state legislators, and explore funding alternatives from utility or development fees. Council asked staff to return with details on possible developer reimbursement mechanisms, and to continue negotiating with the contractor to reduce cost where feasible.

Ending: Council directed staff to keep pursuing state funding and to present follow-up options; staff said some contingency funds and potential utility‑fund contributions could lower the city’s immediate payment obligation.","The City Council voted 3–1 to pay part of the remaining cost for the South Avenue extension to provide access to the former National Guard site, while members discussed seeking additional state reimbursement and possible developer contributions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305775,"CRA approves commercial grant for new downtown pizza and ice-cream shop",194,1661000,1855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf&start=1661&end=1855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf/thumbnail_1661000.jpg","/articles/6305775/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/CRA-approves-commercial-grant-for-new-downtown-pizza-and-ice-cream-shop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305775-3fd78e5e10722b9abddef09668c1aee0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437986&Signature=WyR-8XF0GJMqt0EouEjvzerFFDYYPkEsiiqhMEma9FaK8gSjUhZ9nV55Ie2O8ZqYoKUlGSoVwT5Avy9w1PI3g~WcG709Te1ZqpdKZUJentkpLIc~~zYX8NRKlYiJ6C4fyjD8~A9q9QBrnoDjpAOc8zQJV0TD4OqDdplQoGWIxCAk2y5TrQH78IUnDHQi4ANV6DDdd-DF0Iw-oKHz1l2vLYXIDsWO~xePLcxNt6WBKlfEraXO9SnAtC5jL430X~Cpoo2qR0fj9EdW2jNEmjVfxEo1mEdd7kj8UJuGjpS7ERbFxHsY4ASkFQxpTdu9qJWX~kVWBAA3ECRddBpMYdJgEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency voted to approve a commercial-improvement grant on Feb. 24 for a new eatery at 38426 (referred to in the packet) that will operate as pizza, ice cream and coffee.

Miss Hamilton, presenting the application, said the contractor’s estimates were detailed and that the work will include plumbing, electrical, a pizza oven and roof work caused by a rooftop HVAC penetration. She told the board the estimate met the CRA program requirements and that the hood and exhaust included in the build would remain with the building.

Why it matters: The project will add an additional downtown food service option, which CRA staff said could lift neighboring businesses by generating foot traffic.

The applicant’s representative, Mr. Torres, and CRA staff confirmed the kitchen will be a compact pizza operation with limited seating inside. Staff noted the grant covers required roof work because the construction will put openings in the roof for HVAC and venting.

The CRA moved to approve the grant after the presentation; a commissioner said the estimate was “very detailed.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Ending: Staff will process the permit and coordinate building inspections as the tenant’s build-out proceeds. The hood and ventilation equipment will stay with the structure as part of the grant scope.","The CRA approved a commercial-improvement grant to support a combined pizza, ice cream and coffee eatery downtown; staff said the project included a ventilation hood and roof work tied to the tenant build-out.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305780,"Zephyrhills CRA approves commercial-improvement grant for 5131 Veil Boulevard with conditions",1511,127000,1638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf&start=127&end=1638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2443808-35dca804fd2c94799d340417e9ea05bf/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6305780/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Zephyrhills-CRA-approves-commercial-improvement-grant-for-5131-Veil-Boulevard-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305780-d5e6d9f1a437151a9e517e721cdebf86/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437986&Signature=KuAEtg2vMa76R2~RUOo-74JhWrgEwp0j-xUZ9rzIPvC7jpobYVuSTVwQ~z4~Ivgu8fJ~Buk2Vr1Cu-ERJBUESQ8Syj3srTI89ADd53CePMQDTWh~d-uV1wD66oCwrTS3ClSdO~8gyEOPtfd6a2NPbsynl47ZKXESTE8LadW2Wzaw2b9R5IQ65x3GxUKXR1a9ojH6NFn1YW9ZEYLg-ygJolOvx74gQekMYEbZsAmTrsvtrWuyczUmDizpM3JeeE3gX3yen~OtI74~XvK8bSGIGo6j8-vyNZxo7OF-pbaosMlRO1a4i3rl451-MbeeFUkNl5jLMalYWYCm8wHIoqEOtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency on Feb. 24 approved a commercial-improvement grant for renovations at 5131 Veil Boulevard, the property owner and applicant said the work is intended to make the building more commercially viable.

CRA staff presented the application and drawings for an outdoor seating area, an enclosed sunroom and interior work that staff said would increase the property’s value. The applicant, identified in the meeting as Mr. Amoretti, told commissioners the project would total about $90,000 including a $77,000 estimate in the packet plus $20,000 for the patio.

Why it matters: CRA commercial-improvement grants are intended to raise the value and marketability of downtown commercial buildings. Commissioners focused on design details they said are necessary for staff to verify that the work meets local standards before the CRA pays grant funds.

Commissioners asked for more specifics about materials and construction. Commissioner Lance Smith said he wanted a drawing and a line-item estimate for the proposed patio and canopy to ensure the city, staff and the CRA understand what is being built. Miss Hamilton, CRA staff, repeatedly told the board the contractor’s estimate was in the packet and that the project meets grant requirements, but commissioners pressed for additional material specifications and a clearer scope for the patio roof and columns.

Staff and the applicant agreed on two controls before disbursement: the applicant will submit a revised materials list and a rendering showing the selected design (columns, roof material, and the finished facing), and the building official will review and approve structural and permitting details. Miss Hamilton said staff will withhold payment until work is complete and staff signs off.

The CRA voted to approve the grant with the condition that the applicant provide the materials list and revised figures and work with the building official on permitting and structural submittals. The board’s motion to approve was seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What happens next: The applicant will provide the requested documentation to Gail in CRA staff, and the project must pass building‑department review and a final staff inspection before the CRA issues payment.

Quotes (verbatim as on the record): “The grant also, involves the interior improvements, but most of it is on the exterior,” Miss Hamilton said while presenting the design. “They are putting $77,000 worth of improvements into the building to make it more commercially viable.” Mr. Amoretti told the board, “The main thing is just to prevent, you know, cars and people feel safe…because there's something behind.”

Ending: Staff will circulate the requested materials to the CRA file and work with the building official on permitting. Commissioners said they expect staff to verify final construction against the approved materials list before any CRA payment is made.","The City of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency approved a commercial improvement grant for renovations at 5131 Veil Boulevard, requiring the applicant to provide a materials list and obtain building official sign-off before payment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hercules Park updates, Founders Day schedule change and safety plan top Feb. 24 agenda

Council approves first reading of rezoning for 8.5-acre parcel on 301; conditional-use height decision to follow

City Council approves payment toward South Avenue extension; members debate utility and reimbursement options

CRA approves commercial grant for new downtown pizza and ice-cream shop

Zephyrhills CRA approves commercial-improvement grant for 5131 Veil Boulevard with conditions