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Zephyrhills CRA approves Eighth Street, Oakside Cemetery streetscape with Wharton Smith under GMP
Summary
The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 27 approved streetscape improvements for Eighth Street and Oakside Cemetery, awarding the project to Wharton Smith under a guaranteed maximum price.
The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 27 approved streetscape improvements for Eighth Street and Oakside Cemetery, awarding the project to Wharton Smith as a construction manager at risk under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP).
CRA Director Gail (as identified in the meeting) described the work as focused on replacing a planter terrace above the road with a wider raised sidewalk for a seating terrace next to Vintage Chicks, adding a decorative retaining wall, a stainless-steel railing, new benches, tree lighting and pedestrian landscaping while keeping the widened sidewalk within the existing curb line. Johnny Santos of Wharton Smith and John Silling (pre-construction) joined staff to explain the contractor proposal and recent value engineering measures that reduced costs.
Why it matters: The project is intended to improve pedestrian circulation, add seating and strengthen connections between Clock Plaza, Fifth Avenue, City Hall and the library, part of the CRA's broader downtown revitalization work.
Key details: Staff said the city removed Fifth Avenue from this contract because the state will not transfer that portion of roadway until it completes its improvements (contracted through April 2026). The work approved covers Eighth Street and improvements adjacent to Oakside Cemetery. Silling said cost savings were achieved by specifying an alternate light manufacturer, applying brick veneer to the retaining wall, and using a stainless-steel cable rail; staff also flagged owner-direct purchase of fencing, benches and light globes as a cost-control option. Staff told the board the GMP is within the CRA budget and that allowances and contingencies are itemized in the GMP; any unused allowances revert to the owner.
Process and timing: Construction will begin with demolition next month; staff said sequencing will be coordinated with Sixth Avenue work to avoid concurrent lane closures. A motion to approve the agenda item carried without recorded opposition.
What the board approved: The CRA moved and approved item 1.4 (Eighth Street in Oakside Cemetery streetscape improvements). The motion passed following discussion of design, safety and costs.
Supporting voices: Finance director Ted Beeson and project representatives from Wharton Smith answered technical and budget questions during the presentation, and council/CRA members asked about bench consistency, sightlines and materials. "It is a guaranteed maximum price," a project representative explained during cost questions.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate construction sequencing with public works and Wharton Smith and execute the GMP; staff also will use the allowance/contingency process to obtain council approvals if specific allowances are needed during construction.
