[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6338308,"mediaKeyId","2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855","parentId",2270374,"title","Pasco EDC reports jobs, capital gains; commissioners debate \"Live Local\" tax-exemption effects","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3733000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855&start=3733&end=3733","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855/thumbnail_3733000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6338308/Pasco-County/Florida/Pasco-EDC-reports-jobs-capital-gains-commissioners-debate-Live-Local-tax-exemption-effects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338308-e343b33ce2225c094b04719af2e625d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193670&Signature=biE6t8F0zqp7GlykIoV5bmhYit9P-Kf-2k5VF9LPigH~8XMUHmMexgP6KQbOiFiElrKwsol2ZJof8Vkd9fTkl6yGvYA2l6Wov-h4m2~EbZE4i06382Om~h03Or4TXLBN8jdTdrBzSm5dzM4wsqPMWvO2V~2UHma3Ik~trBt6-sPAI8jIjwNE67Smz7oC-Fx8KguiiCCewSzQicXS9WumByMs6h4lrNWDKLPZrYUlR3M-OF7z~d-htm7Ss~exwY5qpIY9QjTcWl16dxxFWC6EQlWpW2DtQPw5owm6RAv9hAXG6bi-Ij1uPRa~5dXtJw9jiNGgxdxdUBxqX2TihXkGHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pasco County, FL","date","2025-02-12T05:11:11Z","article","Bill Cronin of the Pasco Economic Development Council presented the EDC’s Q4 report for last fiscal year and the Q1 report for the current fiscal year at the Feb. 11 Pasco County commission meeting, and commissioners used the presentation to press state-level concerns about housing tax exemptions.

Results and projects: Cronin said the EDC ended the year with 14 “wins” (new or expanding companies), 1,182 new jobs and $360 million in capital investment, exceeding a $250 million capital goal. He said advanced manufacturing remained the largest sector, with life sciences rising to 19% of recruitment activity. Cronin highlighted the Double Branch Ranch ready site (spec buildings coming) and an Amazon Robotics facility that broke ground on State Road 52. He said earned-media value for the prior year was about $2.5 million and that early Q1 media value had already exceeded $3 million because of a high-profile food incubator vendor.

Trade and workforce: The EDC hosted a Vancouver trade mission, partnered with Global Tampa Bay and organized a Mexico City trip scheduled for later in February. Workforce programs — including CareerSource referrals and the EDC’s Workforce Connect tool and Smart Start incubators — were described as central to recruitment and retention.

Live Local and state bills: Commissioners pressed Cronin and county staff about the Live Local tax-exemption program and a new bill (filed as House Bill 409 by Representative Caruso) that would allow adaptive reuse of office and hotel buildings to multifamily residential with tax exemptions. County staff said Pasco and local taxing authorities have opted out of the Live Local tax exemption for the current year and plan to do so again; staff also cautioned that permanently blocking multifamily approvals could erode the inventory that enables the county to argue for future opt-outs.

Why it matters: commissioners said they worry the state exemptions encourage conversions that bypass local land-use priorities and noted Pasco’s actual housing gaps — county staff said the greatest deficit is for rental units below 50% of area median income and for owner-occupied units priced below about $300,000. The board discussed strategies including targeted incentives and continued lobbying for legislative fixes.

Ending: The EDC report was received; commissioners asked staff to continue monitoring state legislation and to coordinate with the county’s lobbying efforts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2.11.25 Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting (Morning Session)","oneSentenceSummary","Bill Cronin of the Pasco Economic Development Council reported fiscal-year results including 14 wins, 1,182 new jobs and $360 million in capital investment; commissioners questioned state 'Live Local' tax exemptions and a new adaptive-reuse bill affecting local land‑use control.","taxTitle","Pasco County, Florida","taxId",12581,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6338313,"Commission approves donation of fire pumper to 5 A High School fire-science program; board names 2024 star award winners",677,2457000,3134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855&start=2457&end=3134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855/thumbnail_2457000.jpg","/articles/6338313/Pasco-County/Florida/Commission-approves-donation-of-fire-pumper-to-5-A-High-School-fire-science-program-board-names-2024-star-award-winners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338313-67361253241159151f6d6ec196688682/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193670&Signature=hTMJ6LgCg5LlSreSCoGi-mrHv7Gcg2iYS2kzCopV9cOcNDevbtnPyIVmsykPd4EHMSKE7IKvoFyCjy2d1mLcfqV8NiZHwIX6icaUDcUfWwsRQMlWy-QKeggI2oxqi90BGJKzN3~xquBo3WKoY6nJHgBLL2w~Kn23hhgZyGEWaZxqEow-eiD62kYMzqr44wPEohYQ~~xMRuuy7~TKTX3xyEj-4hsLETXIJBOwN8L0fSeG1driYsk1GzAztN6NxZY5~MOothtJzX4ICZS1buY2ttf3vzVunrK1ZDSNYl3CmcY8W3SfhtO05StHRtiTU6tMViygyemoeqmN8gL9EC2mYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 approved a resolution to donate an E1 Typhoon fire pumper to the 5 A High School fire science program and adopted a separate resolution naming the county’s 2024 star-performer and star-leader award recipients.

The donation resolution states the county’s intent to support fire-science education and workforce development by providing a decommissioned fire apparatus to the high-school training program. Fire Chief Ryan Gwen and Lieutenant Steve Smith, 5 A High School’s fire-science instructor, spoke in support of the resolution; Lieutenant Smith said the engine will enable students to practice pump operations, hose evolutions and vehicle familiarization that cannot be replicated with a hydrant alone.

“We want to extend our deepest appreciation…this is more than just a vehicle. It’s a transformative gift that will profoundly impact our students’ education and future careers,” Lieutenant Steve Smith said.

The board also passed Resolution No. 25117 recognizing the county’s 2024 star-performer and star-leader recipients and commending all staff for response during the back-to-back 2024 hurricanes. Both resolutions were moved and seconded on the floor and approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 205116 (donation of E1 Typhoon pumper to 5 A High School): Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote). No roll-call tally was recorded in the public record during the meeting.
- Resolution 25117 (2024 star performer/leader/team of the year): Motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Ending: County and school officials framed the pumper donation as an investment in local emergency-services workforce development; Lieutenant Smith introduced students who described hands-on training benefits.","The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution donating a Typhoon fire pumper to the 5 A High School fire science program and adopted a resolution commending 2024 star performers and leaders; both measures passed on voice votes during the Feb. 11 meeting.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6338318,"Betmar Acres residents ask county to review non-ad-valorem assessments they say violate Florida Statute 193",264,1188000,1452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855&start=1188&end=1452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855/thumbnail_1188000.jpg","/articles/6338318/Pasco-County/Florida/Betmar-Acres-residents-ask-county-to-review-non-ad-valorem-assessments-they-say-violate-Florida-Statute-193","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338318-e8e45293ff4f17d3b1cb83169da2522c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193670&Signature=nwdxgDAiEpC0c0fhrqFjlrATqiHFaU3WvaGJxSifl4TZQKf1e9mGJUX6vGDx-hEiAk3bN~ALMjDynZEaC2F-yms5WmTDXU2npp6flNLiJ7w8U7P2ZIS9PaOpecmCpR8gazzGyoFhYh~NB7LUjYy8XcRK25fU-Y2UFUEoTLaD1dbexxPNm4Xz-UvC4bfpYFzogB3HkrBw7YTFcSAs6k0oA0UWRTr9WKRtmwsuicWT7htIs3CWO75BD8khdYYkS2z-Ko42yeH5aWhZNGnwMqWN9BP~~H2K73edgwjFIkmxBluRDlW9bTNB3XZflEpQjFPqgV5xL~~H2X22JTVYUx8uuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives for Betmar Acres Club Inc., a mobile-home park in Zephyrhills, asked the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 to review non-ad-valorem special assessments the group says are being charged in violation of Florida Statute 193.

Tom Grama, representing Betmar Acres Club Inc., said the park has been paying non-ad-valorem special assessments for years and that the property appraiser’s office, led by Mike Wells, is charging those fees in a way the park believes conflicts with state law. Grama and other speakers cited an opinion by Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist from February 2024 and argued the assessments should be prorated across individual lots rather than being placed on the common-area parcel or on the corporation.

“We've been paying this for years...the county is entitled to its money. They're just charging the wrong parties,” Grama said. The group asked the board to place the matter on the March agenda for additional discussion and an opinion.

County response: a commissioner said the county attorney’s office would review the materials and reach out to the park’s representatives to set a meeting. The board made no immediate legal ruling and did not direct litigation.

Ending: County staff agreed to review the documentation and have the county attorney contact park representatives to arrange a meeting before the requested March agenda item.","Representatives of Betmar Acres Mobile Home Park told the commission the Pasco County Property Appraiser is charging non-ad-valorem special assessments to common-area parcels and asked to be placed on the March agenda; county staff said the county attorney will review.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6338322,"Beacon Woods HOA says developer ignored approved construction route; county staff to meet with residents",355,656000,1011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855&start=656&end=1011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855/thumbnail_656000.jpg","/articles/6338322/Pasco-County/Florida/Beacon-Woods-HOA-says-developer-ignored-approved-construction-route-county-staff-to-meet-with-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338322-27e0e17b352d311dede5f49504196fa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193670&Signature=dQv9kJP6hsJJvRi4XJFZrJy6V8no4oSKQufdmZJzMEeWFSOpovUmAToa~9DEPoy3KQGVh6P-qqyPRt914lbIM5Zflq-MQRLmfH4H5BfeJJnJ~dhQEhb27k7bsTZ7L-8DczCOlp1FLZPXkwgAilSLKz3y-T0OKJOCOd91kgbuzdxTmU8KuCpJqb25Xz3W9qaQw9lDEuDxJ5cV-GU9So8mwuZq~PQAm-h~cIUCcOMjEzGrOTLo~aR-vdiKcAimigNowYpyxA7iKhdPRg4~sqeDU2d9bGlg6gTdXSMJ5txtyWA0lBKb-OSk3oBNSZbnXiA0~7sDxj0x54o0opup9zTuaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maureen Gontaric, president of the Estates and Reserves of Beacon Woods Homeowners Association, told Pasco County commissioners on Feb. 11 that contractors working on the Beacon Park development used an entrance through the HOA’s streets rather than the approved Aqua Clara access, causing extensive truck traffic, property damage and environmental concerns.

Gontaric said the permitted plans and a 2022 mass-grading permit required construction traffic to use Aqua Clara Drive as the access point. She said the developer and contractors instead used Tennyson and Poe, citing a route that is nearly a mile longer and that has subjected the neighborhood to more than 180 dump-truck trips during the December 2024 holidays. She said county staff member David Ingle issued a notice on Dec. 23, 2024, that the only haul route allowed under the mass-grading permit is Aqua Clara and that the county later sent a cease-and-desist to the builder.

Why it matters: the HOA said repeated use of the neighborhood as a construction route has caused road damage, diesel leaks, noise ordinance violations, overnight alarms and at least three properties with damage. The HOA asked the board what enforcement steps the county will take and why county staff and the developer have not strictly followed the approved routing.

County response: commissioners and staff indicated they would meet with HOA representatives. The clerk identified David Allen and David Engle as county staff available to meet directly with Gontaric and neighborhood members after the meeting. No enforcement action was announced during the meeting; staff offered to review the mass-grading permit conditions and to meet on site.

Ending: Gontaric said the community will provide a written presentation to county staff. County staff committed to follow up and to review the permit language cited on Dec. 23, 2024.","Beacon Woods homeowners said construction for the Beacon Park development used an unauthorized entrance through their neighborhood, causing damage, noise and environmental concerns; county staff agreed to meet with HOA leadership for follow-up.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6338328,"Pasco residents press county for immediate and long-term fixes after Hurricane Milton flooding",2266,184000,2450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855&start=184&end=2450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270374-1edf8c450d75dd32bc2bfbab46867855/thumbnail_184000.jpg","/articles/6338328/Pasco-County/Florida/Pasco-residents-press-county-for-immediate-and-long-term-fixes-after-Hurricane-Milton-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6338328-9f7e72eadfeddc150d27fd32fde0dddc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193670&Signature=Yf7oPZOzJx4MlvXflY8D7NDSsK1g6uzMt9xPRiNwLcQlISa830jA5t5i7M1UdPVPxWcyuOcj7vL49kKRMW41IlQbDGSWQ0bvT3XOVfauFMbJN~8q~SADqdNKe5tBom0B6N18LUmA9WVT~OE5WzFIdh3AYvXz-XRSFySrvZcKZKf6gD3TYY5TgnqV2Fujr3EzxRGXAATkFuFtcnldU~u8NbNG9ECJqXr02T1GPrEqcaCQLd9ZUClIROyy4KDsgKtXrW47XF-73KwxoicSEyxfbhK6IFidLco0A0GPG4lDk1HeZoYqHT-NshGPGBePYrst5Dsht66mXB6YZNcNQBTOtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Pasco County residents told the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 that stormwater from Hurricane Milton and earlier development has repeatedly trapped homes and blocked emergency access in parts of Dade City and Hickory Hills.

The most urgent accounts came from Kimberly Barnes of 36653 Palm Street, Dade City, who said her house was surrounded by water during the Oct. 10, 2024 storm and that the only way they left the house that morning was by canoe. Barnes said the development Heritage Hills, annexed by the city of Dade City, placed a retention pond and a “pop-off” drain in a location she said saturated the neighborhood and that she has not received a clear answer in two years about who is responsible for maintenance.

“The drain still sits over the fence line of this development with dead trees and it’s unmaintained. I am still waiting for answers after 2 years of who is responsible for this and why it’s allowed to be placed there,” Barnes said during the public-comment period.

Why it matters: residents said the flooding created safety and access problems — some properties have been effectively inaccessible for months — and they pressed the county to report a clear short-term fix while studying longer-term drainage and pump improvements.

Other speakers from Hickory Hills and Moore Drive described repeated flooding going back to 1998 and 2004 and said recent storms have again overtopped yards and roadways. Patrick Knight, who said he built a retirement home in Hickory Hills, asked what steps the county is taking to “purge” floodwaters and to prevent future flooding from nearby development such as Tara Woods and Morningside Drive construction. Victor Lemus (spoke as Victor Lemus/Loomis in the record) told the board that his access road has been impassable for four months and called the condition a public-safety hazard for emergency vehicles.

Residents also questioned the role of nearby pumping and of developers in moving stormwater. Donna DeLeo said she believes pumps installed by Lennar Homes — and later stopped at the county’s direction — temporarily moved water onto her property and that she later developed a leg infection she attributes to contaminated water. Several speakers cited prior mitigation steps taken by the county, such as temporary pumps and culvert work after the 2004 floods, and said more permanent channel- and culvert-level fixes are still needed.

What county officials said: Commissioners and staff did not take formal action during the public-comment period. Chairman Starkey (not present for roll call but listening) and Commissioner Oakley said county teams are actively working on short-term responses while also evaluating longer-term drainage solutions. At the meeting the clerk identified Bradford from Public Works; Oakley and other staff urged affected residents to meet with Public Works staff on site. A county official told the audience that teams were “out there looking at it today” and pledged follow-up for specific properties.

No formal vote or ordinance came from the comments; county staff said they will continue site inspections and follow up with residents who provided addresses.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the scale of complaints and asked staff to continue on-the-ground assessments and to report back with recommended short-term measures and a plan for longer-term drainage improvements.","Residents from Dade City, Hickory Hills and surrounding areas told the Pasco County Commission on Feb. 11 that flooded roads, blocked access and unmaintained drainage contributed to property damage after Hurricane Milton and earlier storms; county staff said teams are investigating short-term and long-term responses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pasco EDC reports jobs, capital gains; commissioners debate "Live Local" tax-exemption effects

Commission approves donation of fire pumper to 5 A High School fire-science program; board names 2024 star award winners

Betmar Acres residents ask county to review non-ad-valorem assessments they say violate Florida Statute 193

Beacon Woods HOA says developer ignored approved construction route; county staff to meet with residents

Pasco residents press county for immediate and long-term fixes after Hurricane Milton flooding