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Zephyrhills council adopts parks smoking ban, approves industrial annexation and height variance on first readings
Summary
Council unanimously adopted a parks smoking and vaping ban (Ordinance 1494‑24), approved first readings for a 9.98‑acre annexation and comp‑plan amendment for a MyTech manufacturing site (Ordinance 1495‑24 and 1496‑24), and approved a conditional use to exceed height limits for the facility (Resolution 830‑24). The council also approved the annual street resurfacing program.
The Zephyrhills City Council approved several land‑use and municipal measures during its meeting.
Smoking and vaping ban in parks
On second reading the council adopted Ordinance No. 1494‑24 to create section 130.24 of the city code, prohibiting smoking and vaping in city parks and on city property. A council member noted students from the Pasco County School District brought the idea to the city; another member described a vaping‑related battery fire suffered by an acquaintance as a safety concern. The council voted to adopt the ordinance on a unanimous voice vote.
Annexation, rezoning and height variance for MyTech
The council approved on first reading Ordinance No. 1495‑24, annexing approximately 9.98 acres south of Tucker Road into the city and rezoning it to Light Industrial to provide a secondary access for a planned MyTech manufacturing facility. City planner Tommy Lee Hunt told council MyTech — described as a housing and structural component manufacturer making trusses and other materials — is expected to generate roughly 165 jobs.
Council also held the first reading of Ordinance No. 1496‑24, a small‑scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning associated with the annexation; the first reading passed unanimously. Relatedly, Resolution No. 830‑24 was approved on first reading to allow a conditional use to exceed the LI district height limitation, permitting buildings up to 46 feet (the city’s standard LI limit is 30 feet). Staff said the Federal Aviation Administration reviewed the proposal and found no conflicts with the nearby Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.
Streets resurfacing and other administrative approvals
Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc presented the annual street resurfacing plan using a Sumter County piggyback contract to get lower unit prices. The council approved resurfacing projects including Veterans Park parking lot and trail, the police department parking lot and a list of city streets.
Schedule and facilities decisions
Council approved proposed changes to the November and December meeting schedule (rescheduling the Nov. 11 meeting to Nov. 12 and cancelling the Dec. 23 meeting) and reached a consensus to move forward with a modified design option for a new dais medallion.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance 1494‑24 (parks smoking/vaping ban): adopted (second reading). - Ordinance 1495‑24 (annexation/rezoning for MyTech): approved on first reading. - Ordinance 1496‑24 (comp plan amendment/rezoning): approved on first reading. - Resolution 830‑24 (conditional use to exceed LI height to 46 ft): approved on first reading. - Resurfacing program and piggyback contract: approved. - Emergency overtime/hazard pay for management (reimbursable by FEMA): approved.
What it means
The annexation and associated land‑use approvals set the city on a path to host a manufacturing facility the city expects will add jobs, while the adoption of the parks smoking and vaping ban responds to student‑led advocacy and local safety concerns. Most votes were unanimous; staff will return with additional details on implementation and any subsequent readings required by state law or city code.
