[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6184622,"mediaKeyId","5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28","parentId",5087142,"title","Zephyrhills hires disaster-recovery specialist to pursue FEMA reimbursements; city expects approvals soon","audioSeconds",223,"startMs",9668000,"endMs",9891000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28&start=9668&end=9891","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28/thumbnail_9668000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6184622/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Zephyrhills-hires-disaster-recovery-specialist-to-pursue-FEMA-reimbursements-city-expects-approvals-soon","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184622-5c1b42f15fa39f4ddb4763dc88313f06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205761&Signature=b5wieRpXNW4beNoBP3mtBPslX91QBnYzLLNoCsXBszU-apypi~pz80gUS4YvRo1ZDM2a-mfk~w3VwlAE4iobSQ05UkQJ8jQqhBfajzExglPCA~~PIEdkjsvL7I29OPXQR75rH2I7cxmdR0O7kzB2STOEEOSqSz0W2K6VFUBuyMOPEpPq0DUwoQkx88MRWyhzxo2o2W2R6COTTuvCxm1VeOjD3daMeY29dD8yrc-LyMtnJNV~3QHrAgRqId4VpCEs-YkUmzIefCq~SbqCJF4u8b5QB5aOVE0pBP5knBM0nsUiHauVeu9V14lBSKUAJIAOJlwFBtCZQwtHle0on8Y-2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Zephyrhills, FL","date","2025-06-26T16:57:24Z","article","Zephyrhills on June 6 authorized continued engagement with Carlisle Thompson, a disaster‑recovery firm, to pursue FEMA public‑assistance reimbursements after the consultant told the council it had submitted roughly $3.8 million in projects and expects at least one approval soon.

Stephen Bryce, a principal with Carlisle Thompson, said the firm has submitted five priority projects and that one project — a documentation‑heavy piece tied to storm‑related sewage removal (\"pump and haul\") and other small infrastructure repairs — is close to approval. \"We anticipate it being paid to the city within the next 60 days,\" Bryce told the council.

Why it matters: FEMA reimbursement can offset local repair and emergency‑response costs after declared disasters. Carlisle Thompson told council that, because FEMA review times and state audits vary, some reimbursements (especially large, complex claims) can take months to close even after approval.

Bryce explained work remains on roughly 19 projects and about 40 facilities that require documentation and reconciliation. He told the council Carlisle Thompson tracks hours weekly and monitors evolving FEMA requirements, and the firm asked the city to authorize an amended agreement to cover additional work related to complex project closeouts and audits.

Council approved the engagement. Staff and the consultant said the next months will include reconciliation of documentation for the major pump‑and‑haul project and processing smaller claims for lift‑station repairs, fencing and related items. Carlisle Thompson noted that FEMA changes, staffing turnover and extra auditing steps at the state level have increased administrative workload, which the council acknowledged as part of the reason the city needs specialist assistance.

What’s next: Carlisle Thompson will continue submissions and work with city staff to finalize outstanding claims; staff anticipates some reimbursements will come in within weeks for approved projects, while larger claim closeouts may take longer and require additional documentation and state review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zephyrhills CRA & City Council Meeting (6-23-2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The city approved expanded authority for Carlisle Thompson to continue FEMA public‑assistance work after the consultant reported $3.8M in submitted damage claims and anticipated a near-term approval that could yield reimbursement within 60 days for one project.","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},6184626,"Zephyrhills council extends moratorium on medical marijuana treatment centers amid local proposal",513,5875000,6388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28&start=5875&end=6388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28/thumbnail_5875000.jpg","/articles/6184626/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Zephyrhills-council-extends-moratorium-on-medical-marijuana-treatment-centers-amid-local-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184626-48d0e917b53183805d63139c877c9512/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205761&Signature=GnM-5MB6bc7JgQg9hNzAYGNny8krgTFrPWQ3~U7QSiPDePGk7ih0FCpNumCS5JdVNvNLg26rdUkfw64QNWNSbAHUnLjnXzQR4p-jWhJYbGT05LZFxW~gFxqw4YohKkJfGMWqcXp5wOrG8bLbDWnLx-R12I3QrSG8i7pZIeSrTJjCXmOgGFfhTv8LDlO7MALPMXPz0yx5MVIkd7oBZF1BtS8E5G0PdQMnYGr3~ugTFwXDikgSvgkZGyEOZ0CRDbogI00RnD5pQlJJ~4c7rHk1fea3nFovt~DDWCYXbwQdUioBB2e878dNFTuA43qjmXuJcyTCRoRvAgmcai-GD4Qkmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zephyrhills City Council on June 6 adopted, on first reading, a temporary moratorium on new medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs) for up to 12 months, after hearing from GoodSense, a company proposing a large cultivation and processing campus in the city's industrial area.

Jasmine Johnson, CEO of GoodSense, described the company's approach as research-driven and medically focused: \"We are a medicinal and clinically led company,\" Johnson said, noting partnerships the company seeks with universities and clinical researchers. Dr. Anthony Hall, a neurologic surgeon on the project's medical team, told the council the firm wants to grow strains for clinical trials and medicinal uses rather than recreational products.

Why it matters: the council must balance potential economic benefits — including jobs and capital investment — against water-consumption concerns, industrial-corridor land-use goals and community image. GoodSense said it plans phased development and modern water‑recycling systems; company representatives estimated, at full build-out, large operational water needs but said they would implement closed-loop capture and reuse systems to reduce net withdrawal.

Council debate was robust. Councilmember Kenneth Burgess said the proposal did not fit his vision for the industrial corridor and told the company: \"I would not support this in any manner of speaking because of... what it is for our community.\" Police Chief Derek Brewer noted security and crime‑risk questions the city has faced historically with marijuana businesses elsewhere and urged council to weigh those operational risks.

Proponents noted job creation and local ownership. GoodSense representatives said a full build-out could create well‑paid technical and managerial jobs; the company also emphasized regulatory compliance and discreet operations. Company staff described phased construction (starting with roughly 15,000 square feet) and a multi‑year expansion target; they estimated staffing levels that would rise with facility size and presented rough labor and water-use metrics for council consideration.

The council voted 4–1 on the first reading to place a 12‑month moratorium on new treatment center permit applications while staff develops local regulations and land‑use guidance. City staff said they will return with recommended land‑development code amendments that could either allow limited cultivation/processing with conditions or restrict MMTC activity in certain zones. The moratorium does not deny future applications; it pauses new applications while the city drafts site‑specific standards and evaluates water and public‑safety impacts.

What’s next: planning staff will draft recommended code language and potential regulatory controls, and will present those options to council for further action. The moratorium is time‑limited and can be modified or lifted if council adopts a regulatory framework that addresses water, security and compatibility concerns.","The City Council approved a temporary moratorium (first reading) on new medical marijuana treatment centers after a developer presented plans for a large cultivation and processing operation. Council debate centered on water use, zoning/industrial corridor fit, jobs and reputational concerns; the measure passed 4–1.",{"_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},6184631,"Zephyrhills presents parks master plan phase 2; board asks staff for cost estimates and accessibility upgrades",382,2011000,2393000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28&start=2011&end=2393","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28/thumbnail_2011000.jpg","/articles/6184631/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Zephyrhills-presents-parks-master-plan-phase-2-board-asks-staff-for-cost-estimates-and-accessibility-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184631-e78b9edb2126ace7865db2b1b50ceb9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205761&Signature=Scv1q-l4ltz0FNhx2e2ratX9gJgZB-v6tulDoy7SvCrwEeIVLDLCrT9J-TuoisPteSp27duwfCdVa1MonwDveI3wMVSoqtJPKwfSyvot5E8zBZozzpiisIZ-Y8YFdus13Xf79U3ZLxPsUF6ypHGL2bmfhKogaOjFzXrstwocVf-7HTdDOWKSdMY0H1LIF9lmgZF7kPTpP6ipxB08nD~Kp2JqzFpaamLMEESqkLfSpErYmfWmA4ycvjB~zm3T52oVwTsnxHmvu7sbn9xJYj9d2hBSHB1tj~dA4W6dLAHrS41pshnwO2sMLVKOzUDq9Kss~PtGlu521CqaWnt~rBFKfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on June 6 walked the council and CRA board through a draft Phase 2 Parks & Recreation Master Plan that outlines equipment replacement, shaded play structures, accessibility upgrades and a proposal to hire a parks programming position.

Gail Hamilton, CRA/City staff member presenting the draft, said the plan recommends that neighborhood parks be within a 10-minute walk and that typical neighborhood park parcels be at least 2 acres. \"It also calls for hiring a park person that does programming, that would go to Zephyr Park or Hercules Park on a Saturday and take equipment and get the kids engaged,\" Hamilton said.

Why it matters: the plan sets a 10–20 year vision for city parks, identifies equipment needs at sites including Hercules Park, Zephyr Park, Gunnar Park, Veteran's Park, Depot Park and Shepherd's Park, and prioritizes shade, seating, tree plantings and accessibility. Staff noted that some parks — notably Hercules Park — were recently improved but need updated scoring in the plan's assessment.

The plan recommends shade over playground equipment, dog waterers and bag stations at multiple parks, storage at plazas and improved electrical and lighting for events. Rep Services (a playground equipment vendor referenced by staff) provided conceptual layouts and 3D sketches for several neighborhood parks; staff emphasized these were concept illustrations and asked the board for feedback on materials and color palettes.

Public works director Shane LeBlanc provided technical background on the existing restroom at Clock Plaza and on site elevations for sewer fall; for parks, staff noted playground surfacing, concrete pads and warranty considerations for municipal equipment. Board members repeatedly asked staff to plan for ADA access ramps and ramps to playground equipment and to favor products that are durable and easy for public works to maintain after vandalism.

Funding and timing: staff said the CRA owns a downtown corner lot (38214 Fifth Avenue) and that the city advanced to the second round of a CDBG grant competition for stormwater enhancements and park development; staff said they had applied for $10.1 million in that round. Kim Horn (consultant) is at 30% construction documents for Zephyr Park and staff expects to return to present those schematics once stormwater adjustments are finalized.

Next steps: staff will return with equipment cost estimates, updated park scoring for recently completed projects, refined site drawings where required and a proposed schedule for hiring a parks programming position. Board members asked staff to include the library and school gymnasiums as community recreation assets in future drafts and to coordinate depot parking and median/entrance sign projects with CRA downtown improvements.","City staff presented the draft Phase 2 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, including possible park equipment replacements, shaded structures, and a proposed parks programming position. The board asked staff for cost estimates, ADA accessibility work, and to coordinate related CRA projects and grant applications.",{"_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},6184636,"Zephyrhills CRA directs workshop, asks designer to narrow Clock Plaza redesign options",476,286000,762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28&start=286&end=762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5087142-53906c3c2da8deaad932d8e8d3eddb28/thumbnail_286000.jpg","/articles/6184636/Zephyrhills-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Zephyrhills-CRA-directs-workshop-asks-designer-to-narrow-Clock-Plaza-redesign-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6184636-a847ba73019480dff0e2248cbd506454/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205761&Signature=FaaPsl4pmI3ROhX3Ijj2k8cUFV51X5NMoAKY2jk9NxzjHjhrz6qqGKo9v-JWLtiG-41ChjJZyM7gVhWGBEQtqCa8-KS6f7pizYiJOqOKuB3vjnSBt1bOOlfQFI8aLNq0rABZOjYaZkgPmgp7PbCEt6yAkvlQlSLcl~tfPD0QbOmzNPvSe5o7deAfI0hzotOgezw3BoY0P8DVYsHL6ibAanc9jglb9HCW9-BBYaikhYCwUeS8FFCsVyqDxHFOvyTE7TrT30NplcxCJfK2~tcN9ccVDC2NMKFpkW53PYgB131LwclbvIXVGjMreWcE-v4A32WRcQOTpOJoynTDg2gOHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency on June 6 asked staff and its design consultant to return with a revised proposal for the Clock Plaza redesign and to schedule a public workshop so the board can set a preferred direction before construction documents are produced.

Gail Hamilton, a city/CRA staff member who presented the project, said Clock Plaza is a compact site and that redesign work must balance daily public use with a stage and parade functions: \"we have been talking about this for a couple of years,\" Hamilton said. She told the board staff intends to bring the construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) into the project early so cost implications are understood from the start.

Why it matters: the plaza is the downtown gathering spot and the city wants a single design it can use for regular events, parades and a new nearby theater. Board members pressed staff to avoid paying for multiple, costly concept packages and to answer where a permanent stage, storage and accessible parking should be located.

Board discussion centered on three practical tradeoffs: keep the existing public restrooms and design around them; remove and relocate restrooms as part of a full-site rebuild; or adopt a limited redesign that refurbishes key elements and adds storage and electrical improvements. Hamilton told the board the contract before them would produce concept planning and a community meeting; she confirmed a $1 million project budget already exists for the plaza redesign and said the design contract in the packet was limited to conceptual work and early engineering.

Public works director Shane LeBlanc supplied a technical constraint: he said the existing restroom building was sited to obtain sewer fall and had been constructed around 2005, which could limit relocation options. The board repeatedly raised accessibility and equipment‑storage needs; Hamilton and LeBlanc both stressed that early contractor input would help identify staging, staging access and accessible parking solutions.

After debate about how many concepts were needed, board members coalesced around asking GAI Community Solutions Group — the consultant with an existing contract — to revise its scope to present a smaller set of deliverables and to hold one structured workshop that would include staff and invited downtown stakeholders. The revised scope was to include one preferred concept and then move into construction documents, rather than paying for multiple fully developed concept packages.

The board asked staff to coordinate schedules with GAI and to set a workshop date quickly so the project can move through design and procurement rather than slip into the next fiscal year. Hamilton also said staff will analyze a nearby parcel behind the brewery as potential storage/parking to support plaza operations.

What’s next: staff will return with the revised proposal from GAI, a recommended workshop date and cost comparisons showing the design-only and full-rebuild options before the CRA approves a final scope and the design contract moves to construction documents.","The Community Redevelopment Agency asked staff and GAI Community Solutions Group to return with a revised proposal that includes a single public workshop and fewer concept designs, after weeks of discussion over bathrooms, stage location, parking and budget for a planned Clock Plaza overhaul.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Zephyrhills hires disaster-recovery specialist to pursue FEMA reimbursements; city expects approvals soon

Zephyrhills council extends moratorium on medical marijuana treatment centers amid local proposal

Zephyrhills presents parks master plan phase 2; board asks staff for cost estimates and accessibility upgrades

Zephyrhills CRA directs workshop, asks designer to narrow Clock Plaza redesign options