Dade City CRA approves TECO alleyway lighting; Seventh Street merchants urge careful construction timing

The Community Redevelopment Agency of Dade City voted 5-0 to approve TECO lighting for the alleyway adjacent to Olio's (Olio's) building, authorizing a 20-year lease to add six pole receptacles and two decorative archway fixtures and to support string lighting throughout the alleyway.

The decision came after brief public comment from downtown merchants who said construction timing and access could damage foot-traffic–dependent businesses on Seventh Street. "Shutting down the street specifically in the busy season ... would have a detrimental effect on a number of the businesses' economy," said Jeff Lane, owner of Dade City Brewhouse. Russ Taylor, co-owner of an art gallery near the brewery, added: "Timing for that is really important ... if we start tearing up the street during the busy time of year, which is pretty much November through April, it will kill us."

Staff described the proposal as the final piece needed to start construction in the alleyway next to the Olio's building. The package approved by the CRA calls for two historic-style archways featuring the Dade City emblem at the alley entrances and six poles within the alley to suspend string lights and provide electrical receptacles for seasonal decorations. The city staff said conduit for the lighting will be installed before brick pavers and French drains; Teco will return later to install the fixtures, after which benches, trash cans and planters will be placed.

Staff provided the lease pricing to the board: six pole receptacles would cost $42.52 each (totaling $255.13 per month under the 20-year lease), and two archway fixtures would be $74.50 each (totaling $148.99 per month). City staff said the monthly expense will be funded through the Sewer Utility Fund and noted the city could pay the lease up front or include it in the annual budget. Staff also said the CRA's Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC) approved the design at its April meeting.

Commissioners asked for additional drawings and confirmation of sequencing. Staff confirmed the city would own the fixtures after the 20-year lease term ends. The CRA approved the minutes of its April 8, 2025 meeting earlier in the session (roll call 5-0) and later approved the lighting item by roll call vote, 5-0.

Merchants who testified made clear they support downtown improvements but urged the CRA to schedule any full street closures outside the city’s busy season to avoid harming retail and hospitality businesses that rely on walk-in customers. The CRA indicated staff will follow through on design drawings and sequencing before construction begins.