Comments sent to me by a Lutz Resident
"In comparing the email that you received from the Gates' Executive Director, as compared with the traffic counts stated in their submission, I find some inconsistencies.
If in fact, the main Key Access Point (main entrance) will be off of Hwy. 41, then why do their projected counts show otherwise?
I still maintain that the projected traffic on Sunset Lane, combined with the recent 60% increase in student load at the Lutz Learning Center, will create an unsustainable "choke point" on Sunset which has already been determined by the County as being unable to be widened or appreciably modified. I already witness near accidents at this point on Sunset on a regular basis.
Since the daycare has increased their number of students (and associated traffic), it is not unusual at all for parents to park in my driveway (a dedicated easement for ingress and egress) and to park on the side of Sunset Lane, right where the Gates' driveway is proposed.
This is a recipe for disaster."
If anyone else has comments on the issue please email me at dbanghart@yahoo.com
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Gates High School - Proposed Conditions
Yesterday, proposed conditions were added to the zoning document site. These conditions were sent to the county by Kevin Mineer of Genesis Group. They are apparently the result of various meetings with the Lutz community.
Lake Commiston
No clearing or development (hardscape, sidewalk or stormwater ponds) within 150 feet of the existing Lake Commiston shoreline. This will preserve the important natural buffer and maintain water quality within Lake Commiston. This will also preserve gopher tortoises and gopher tortoise habitat (Gopher Gardens), which can be used for environmental educational purposes.
Maintain the upland and wetland fringe along Lake Commiston. Only unimproved trails and access to the lake for educational purposes should be allowed within this buffer.
No direct outfall to Lake Commiston from stormwater facilities unless required by stormwater regulations. All stormwater ponds, swales and other features shall drain to the interior of the site and toward Sunset Lane. This includes all stormwater from buildings, sidewalks, parking, gardens, barns, pastures and other agrarian features. Treated stormwater may be returned to Lake Commiston, as necessary to maintain hydrological balance, through the natural wetland “treatment train” and cypress swamp system located in the northeastern aspect of the property.
No internal combustion engines on Lake Commiston; battery, sail or manual power only. Lake Commiston is to be used for environmental (limnology) instruction only, no power regattas. Investigate the possibility of conducting water quality sampling (Hillsborough County Lakewatch participation) in the schools environmental curriculum and post results and analysis to school website.
Minimize the number and amount of water dependent facilities, such as boats, docks and boardwalks on Lake Commiston.
Project Site
Preserve gopher tortoises and their habitat on site to the maximum extent practicable. These areas are principally located along the sandhill immediately south of Lake Commiston and at the north end of the Sunset Manor subdivision. Many gopher tortoises are found within the xeric habitats on site. They are commonly associated with the dry, sandy soils of the site (mapped as Zolfo fine sand). Gopher tortoises also occupy the more mesic transitional areas of the site as well.
Maximize tree preservation on the entire property. Develop an ecological management/restoration plan to re‐introduce native sandhill species, including longleaf pine, to the site.
Investigate the dedication, in perpetual conservation easement (to Hillsborough County or the State of Florida), all upland and wetland buffers preserved on the property.
Exclude walls, fencing and other barriers to wildlife, to the maximum extent practicable, from the entire site. Maximize the use of vegetative buffers, using native plant species, to isolate school operations and facilities from the adjacent neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
Wastewater
Investigate additional wastewater treatment alternatives to septic tanks which may include Dr. Yeh’s experimental NEWgenerator treatment system and try to reduce the effects of a septic field on the property to the maximum extent possible.
Water
Investigate co‐usage of Sunset Manor potable water source to minimize groundwater impacts. If this is not feasible, investigate co‐usage of potable water source with Lutz Elementary School, which is connected to a municipal potable water supply from Crystal Lakes Manor. Minimize groundwater withdrawal on the property to the maximum extent practical.
Traffic
Provide an east bound right‐turn‐lane at the entrance to the school along Sunset Lane. Provide a west bound right‐turn‐lane at the entrance to the school along Sunset Lane.
Stagger commencement and dismissal times for grades within the proposed school as well as Lutz Elementary School.
Site Access
Increase buffers to 100 feet between access roads/school facilities and the existing residential properties. Maintain existing native vegetation within these natural buffers. Include additional planting of native vegetation as necessary to maximize buffer density (opacity).
Minimize the use of asphalt, typical concrete pavement or gravel on the proposed access road. Use pervious road materials, such as concrete pavers, stabilized earth or other pervious materials (perhaps pervious concrete) to the maximum extent practical to minimize wetland and environmental impacts and reduce the size of stormwater treatment facilities.
Access roads shall be buffered to the maximum extent practicable with native vegetation.
Facility Operations
Impose controls and limitations on students driving to school. Enforce parking and driving restrictions, and impose penalties for parking on adjacent streets.
Code required exterior lighting (as well as nighttime interior illumination) shall be minimized to the extent practicable. Minimize nighttime activities (e.g., three evening a month), with activities terminating at 11:00 p.m.
Provide adequate security of the facility and the neighboring community.
All landscaping shall consist of vegetation native to west central Florida.
The community garden shall be sited as to minimize impacts to the natural environment. Gardening standards and practices should minimize the amount of chemical addition for fertilization and pest control.
Any barns or other agricultural facilities anticipated to generate nutrient‐rich waste shall be properly sited to minimize impacts to surface water, ground water and existing adjacent wetland systems. Ecological reuse of animal waste in gardens and planting areas, as appropriate, should be investigated.
Stagger commencement and dismissal times for grades within the proposed school as well as Lutz Elementary School.
Lake Commiston
No clearing or development (hardscape, sidewalk or stormwater ponds) within 150 feet of the existing Lake Commiston shoreline. This will preserve the important natural buffer and maintain water quality within Lake Commiston. This will also preserve gopher tortoises and gopher tortoise habitat (Gopher Gardens), which can be used for environmental educational purposes.
Maintain the upland and wetland fringe along Lake Commiston. Only unimproved trails and access to the lake for educational purposes should be allowed within this buffer.
No direct outfall to Lake Commiston from stormwater facilities unless required by stormwater regulations. All stormwater ponds, swales and other features shall drain to the interior of the site and toward Sunset Lane. This includes all stormwater from buildings, sidewalks, parking, gardens, barns, pastures and other agrarian features. Treated stormwater may be returned to Lake Commiston, as necessary to maintain hydrological balance, through the natural wetland “treatment train” and cypress swamp system located in the northeastern aspect of the property.
No internal combustion engines on Lake Commiston; battery, sail or manual power only. Lake Commiston is to be used for environmental (limnology) instruction only, no power regattas. Investigate the possibility of conducting water quality sampling (Hillsborough County Lakewatch participation) in the schools environmental curriculum and post results and analysis to school website.
Minimize the number and amount of water dependent facilities, such as boats, docks and boardwalks on Lake Commiston.
Project Site
Preserve gopher tortoises and their habitat on site to the maximum extent practicable. These areas are principally located along the sandhill immediately south of Lake Commiston and at the north end of the Sunset Manor subdivision. Many gopher tortoises are found within the xeric habitats on site. They are commonly associated with the dry, sandy soils of the site (mapped as Zolfo fine sand). Gopher tortoises also occupy the more mesic transitional areas of the site as well.
Maximize tree preservation on the entire property. Develop an ecological management/restoration plan to re‐introduce native sandhill species, including longleaf pine, to the site.
Investigate the dedication, in perpetual conservation easement (to Hillsborough County or the State of Florida), all upland and wetland buffers preserved on the property.
Exclude walls, fencing and other barriers to wildlife, to the maximum extent practicable, from the entire site. Maximize the use of vegetative buffers, using native plant species, to isolate school operations and facilities from the adjacent neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
Wastewater
Investigate additional wastewater treatment alternatives to septic tanks which may include Dr. Yeh’s experimental NEWgenerator treatment system and try to reduce the effects of a septic field on the property to the maximum extent possible.
Water
Investigate co‐usage of Sunset Manor potable water source to minimize groundwater impacts. If this is not feasible, investigate co‐usage of potable water source with Lutz Elementary School, which is connected to a municipal potable water supply from Crystal Lakes Manor. Minimize groundwater withdrawal on the property to the maximum extent practical.
Traffic
Provide an east bound right‐turn‐lane at the entrance to the school along Sunset Lane. Provide a west bound right‐turn‐lane at the entrance to the school along Sunset Lane.
Stagger commencement and dismissal times for grades within the proposed school as well as Lutz Elementary School.
Site Access
Increase buffers to 100 feet between access roads/school facilities and the existing residential properties. Maintain existing native vegetation within these natural buffers. Include additional planting of native vegetation as necessary to maximize buffer density (opacity).
Minimize the use of asphalt, typical concrete pavement or gravel on the proposed access road. Use pervious road materials, such as concrete pavers, stabilized earth or other pervious materials (perhaps pervious concrete) to the maximum extent practical to minimize wetland and environmental impacts and reduce the size of stormwater treatment facilities.
Access roads shall be buffered to the maximum extent practicable with native vegetation.
Facility Operations
Impose controls and limitations on students driving to school. Enforce parking and driving restrictions, and impose penalties for parking on adjacent streets.
Code required exterior lighting (as well as nighttime interior illumination) shall be minimized to the extent practicable. Minimize nighttime activities (e.g., three evening a month), with activities terminating at 11:00 p.m.
Provide adequate security of the facility and the neighboring community.
All landscaping shall consist of vegetation native to west central Florida.
The community garden shall be sited as to minimize impacts to the natural environment. Gardening standards and practices should minimize the amount of chemical addition for fertilization and pest control.
Any barns or other agricultural facilities anticipated to generate nutrient‐rich waste shall be properly sited to minimize impacts to surface water, ground water and existing adjacent wetland systems. Ecological reuse of animal waste in gardens and planting areas, as appropriate, should be investigated.
Stagger commencement and dismissal times for grades within the proposed school as well as Lutz Elementary School.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Gates High School Traffic Study
The traffic study has been posted to Hillsborough County Zoning site
It is 112 pages long. However the important elements are in the first 18 pages
Gates High School Traffic Study
It is 112 pages long. However the important elements are in the first 18 pages
Gates High School Traffic Study
Gates High School - Re-submission of Application
Learning Gate /Gates High School have resubmitted their application. The new file number is 12-0429. The Next hearing will be May 14, 2012 at 6PM.
The Applicants Representative are Kevin Mineer / Genesis Group and Angel E.Mendez / Imperium Development.
Something I did not notice before was the Written Statement for the Special Permit
Gates HS Resubmittal Statement Document PDF
The Applicants Representative are Kevin Mineer / Genesis Group and Angel E.Mendez / Imperium Development.
Something I did not notice before was the Written Statement for the Special Permit
Gates HS Resubmittal Statement Document PDF
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Lutzian on Jeopardy
Sonia Saraiya of Lutz appeared on tonight's Jeopardy.
Jeremy Rasmussen
**Update 3-14-2012**
You have to read Sonia's tweets while she watched herself on the show. https://twitter.com/#!/soniasaraiya
Interesting insights from a Jeopardy player.
**2nd Update 3-14/2012**
Thanks the comments by Anonymous we know that has been at least one other Lutztonian / Lutzian / Lutzite / Lutz??? on Jeopardy back on 1/8/2007
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Learning Gate / Gates High School application withdrawn
From the zoning site "The application has been withdrawn by the staff in accordance with Land Development Code Section 10.03.02.C.2.as the application is out of order to be heard and cannot be continued beyond the March 19 hearing."
The mentioned Code Section is:
"Continuance(s) of the public hearing shall be permitted in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth below. However, in no case shall the public hearing be continued to a hearing date that is more than six months after the originally scheduled hearing date. If a public hearing is not held on the application within the required time frame, the application shall be withdrawn from processing by the Zoning Administrator. The hearing time frame shall not apply to an application that is associated with either an application to amend the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, an application for a new Development of Regional Impact (DRI), an application to amend an existing DRI or any application that has been reopened or remanded for further hearing."
What does this mean? I suspect Learning Gate / Gates High School will refile the application and start the process over again.
The mentioned Code Section is:
"Continuance(s) of the public hearing shall be permitted in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth below. However, in no case shall the public hearing be continued to a hearing date that is more than six months after the originally scheduled hearing date. If a public hearing is not held on the application within the required time frame, the application shall be withdrawn from processing by the Zoning Administrator. The hearing time frame shall not apply to an application that is associated with either an application to amend the Hillsborough County Comprehensive Plan, an application for a new Development of Regional Impact (DRI), an application to amend an existing DRI or any application that has been reopened or remanded for further hearing."
What does this mean? I suspect Learning Gate / Gates High School will refile the application and start the process over again.
The traffic study has been uploaded. I am looking at it trying to understand what it means and will post it when I do.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Yard Sale Season
GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club is kicking off Yard Sale season with its annual flea market Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 Highway 41 North.
Spring Flea Market At Keystone Park
Also coming up is the:
Spring Flea Market At Keystone Park
17928 Gunn Highway in Odessa - April 28, 2012 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Want to sell your wares? Space is only $25
Contact Keystone Park to reserve a space. R.S.V.P. by April 20, 2012 to (813)264-3819
Finally Windemere Subdivision (Swan Lake off Sunset between Hanna and Livingston is having neighborhood wide yard sales May 5, 2012 8AM till ??
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Gates High School Zoning Hearing - Who, What, Where
Here is some information about whom you can contact to share your opinion, what to say, and where to go regarding the zoning hearing on the Gates High School (aka Learning Gate Community School - high school) - SU 11-0731.
Who to contact:
To let Zoning be aware of your opinion on the hearing you can use the contact form, or email Isabelle A. Albert (alberti@hillsboroughcounty.org) - Senior Planner - Planning and Zoning Services Division -813.276.8396. I recommend cc'ing David Croft (dcroft@hillsboroughcounty.org) Make sure you include SU 11-0731 in all emails / correspondence.
Here is some information when the hearing is finally held:
Date/Time: March 19, 2012 6:00PM
What to say:
Prepare in advance what you want to say. Write it down and keep it under 3 minutes. Practice it a few times. Research. The more you know in advance what the issues are the better you can address them. I've tried to put the information out in my prior posts. If there is something you want to know email me and I will see about locating the information,
It might help to watch a hearing on Hillsborough TV in advance. Brighthouse Networks Channel 622 or Verizon Fios Channel 22 or via Live Webcast. Here is the Programmming Schedule. Or you could watch a video on demand. There are no specific zoning hearings on the on demand service, but any of the Land Use Hearings could substitute. By watching a hearing you will get a general idea on how things flow, and what the room looks like and what other citizens are like presenting.
When presenting I recommend facts and stories and not simply emotion. It's not good enough that you support or oppose event, but why. When you watch a hearing on TV put yourself in place of those on the board and see which presenters might sway you. You don't have to be a hypnotic preacher to make a good case. You are not expected to be a professional presenter. Simply tell the board members how this will affect you.
There will be other cases heard before the hearing board so you will wait.
Where to go:
It's more fun to carpool and go in groups. Ggive you self time to park and walk to the building.
The zoning hearings are held at the Hillsborough County Center Building at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL in the County board room on the 2nd floor. From I-275 take the Jefferson Street exit. Note that there are many one way streets so if you are unfamiliar with Downtown Tampa, study the map carefully. There are two entrances to the building.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Parking
There is metered parking along the streets, as well as hourly parking in the Pierce Street garage and private parking lots in the area. The metered spots are using new solar-powered pay stations that will make visiting downtown much easier. The pay stations accept nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar coins as well as Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards. The entrance to the Pierce Street garage is on Jackson Street; the exit is onto Pierce Street
Prior Posts:
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-next-hearing-march-19.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-response-by-executive.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/learning-gate-new-high-school-update.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2011/12/learning-gate-community-school.html
Who to contact:
To let Zoning be aware of your opinion on the hearing you can use the contact form, or email Isabelle A. Albert (alberti@hillsboroughcounty.org) - Senior Planner - Planning and Zoning Services Division -813.276.8396. I recommend cc'ing David Croft (dcroft@hillsboroughcounty.org) Make sure you include SU 11-0731 in all emails / correspondence.
Here is some information when the hearing is finally held:
Date/Time: March 19, 2012 6:00PM
What to say:
Prepare in advance what you want to say. Write it down and keep it under 3 minutes. Practice it a few times. Research. The more you know in advance what the issues are the better you can address them. I've tried to put the information out in my prior posts. If there is something you want to know email me and I will see about locating the information,
It might help to watch a hearing on Hillsborough TV in advance. Brighthouse Networks Channel 622 or Verizon Fios Channel 22 or via Live Webcast. Here is the Programmming Schedule. Or you could watch a video on demand. There are no specific zoning hearings on the on demand service, but any of the Land Use Hearings could substitute. By watching a hearing you will get a general idea on how things flow, and what the room looks like and what other citizens are like presenting.
When presenting I recommend facts and stories and not simply emotion. It's not good enough that you support or oppose event, but why. When you watch a hearing on TV put yourself in place of those on the board and see which presenters might sway you. You don't have to be a hypnotic preacher to make a good case. You are not expected to be a professional presenter. Simply tell the board members how this will affect you.
There will be other cases heard before the hearing board so you will wait.
Where to go:
It's more fun to carpool and go in groups. Ggive you self time to park and walk to the building.
The zoning hearings are held at the Hillsborough County Center Building at 601 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL in the County board room on the 2nd floor. From I-275 take the Jefferson Street exit. Note that there are many one way streets so if you are unfamiliar with Downtown Tampa, study the map carefully. There are two entrances to the building.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Parking
There is metered parking along the streets, as well as hourly parking in the Pierce Street garage and private parking lots in the area. The metered spots are using new solar-powered pay stations that will make visiting downtown much easier. The pay stations accept nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollar coins as well as Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards. The entrance to the Pierce Street garage is on Jackson Street; the exit is onto Pierce Street
Prior Posts:
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-next-hearing-march-19.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/gates-high-school-response-by-executive.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2012/02/learning-gate-new-high-school-update.html
http://wordfromlutz.blogspot.com/2011/12/learning-gate-community-school.html
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Winter in Lutz
This is why we live in Lutz. It may be 45 degrees in New Jersey but we have have blooming azaleas and bumblebees.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Gates High School - Next Hearing March 19, 2012
The next hearing for the Gates High School will be on March 19, 2012.
Here is how you can research the source documents for the school yourself.
Go to the PGM Store http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/resources/onlineservices/pgmstore/
Click on the link Enter Store http://pgm.hillsboroughcounty.org:8080/optix-web-71/Logon.jsp
A PGM Optix log On screen will appear.
Log on using:
Userid: public
Password: public
The Optix Screen list comes up.
Here is how you can research the source documents for the school yourself.
Go to the PGM Store http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/resources/onlineservices/pgmstore/
Click on the link Enter Store http://pgm.hillsboroughcounty.org:8080/optix-web-71/Logon.jsp
A PGM Optix log On screen will appear.
Log on using:
Userid: public
Password: public
The Optix Screen list comes up.
Click on the Query button after
Document Repository
Enter 11-0731 in the Tracking Number field
Click on open
Find the folder you want to look at and click on it. Application, Agency Comments, and Party of Records all have documents of interest.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
John's Butcher Shop
You work or live in Lutz and want a change from your usual lunch meal. Or you've been to the Lutz Dog Park and you've worked up an appetite watching your dog run around.
Where to do to get something to eat? John's Butcher Shop - literally located next to the large dog area. Aside from serving up a good deal on meat with the $100 Family Pack, they also have food you can eat immediately. Sweet tea and soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs,corns dogs, quesadillas, tuna sandwiches, cubans, grilled chicken sandwiches, stuffed potato balls, devil crabs, chef salad and lots more including ice cream. Although you can't eat in the dog park, the Veteran's Park has benches, or the Lutz Depot has a great covered place to sit and eat, or you can wander on down to the nature trail and eat at the picnic tables there.
Located at 102 1st Ave SW, Lutz Fl 33549 (Off US 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road)
Phone (813) 909-9746
Hours Tues to Sat 9AM to 6PM
History of the business in the Lutz Community News.
cross posted in Lutz Dog Park News
Where to do to get something to eat? John's Butcher Shop - literally located next to the large dog area. Aside from serving up a good deal on meat with the $100 Family Pack, they also have food you can eat immediately. Sweet tea and soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs,corns dogs, quesadillas, tuna sandwiches, cubans, grilled chicken sandwiches, stuffed potato balls, devil crabs, chef salad and lots more including ice cream. Although you can't eat in the dog park, the Veteran's Park has benches, or the Lutz Depot has a great covered place to sit and eat, or you can wander on down to the nature trail and eat at the picnic tables there.
Located at 102 1st Ave SW, Lutz Fl 33549 (Off US 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road)
Phone (813) 909-9746
Hours Tues to Sat 9AM to 6PM
History of the business in the Lutz Community News.
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| Food to Go Items |
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| Ready to Cook Items |
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Gates High School - Response by the Executive Director
(Prior posts on the subject Learning Gate new High School update, and Learning Gate Community School Apparently Plans for High School at US 41 and Sunset)
I emailed Learning Gate / Gates High School asking sharing concerns about the traffic. I received the following excerpted reply from Patti Girard - Executive Director:
"We have been working with the residents that are adjacent to the property and have been working out many issues. Traffic being the main one. . . . . As it stands right now the primary entrance and exit of the school will be off of 41. The traffic studies that we have done shows a high volume of cars between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:15. The road off of Sunset will be used by only the staff, deliveries, emergency vehicles and possibly 12th grade students who drive. The total amount of students will be 1,000 but that growth will happen over 10 years. See attachment.(editors note 10 Year Growth Projection - see below) So the first year we are on the property the maximum number of students who might drive is 25 if we assume all 11th graders can and will drive.. (WE require our students to carpool). The following year those 11th graders will be in 12th grade.again max. 25. We have agreed to put in a right deceleration lane at Sunset and 41 as well as a left turn lane at Sunset. We are staggering starting and dismissal times in order to help with the traffic load. The DOT has approved the following times.
12th grade-8:15-3:45
10th and 11th grade-8:30-4:00
8th and 9th grade-8:45-4:15
6th and 7th grade 9:00-4:30.
We have explored the option of fixing the intersection at Sunset and 41 but our hands are tied because of the lack of easements. Only the county can come in and take what it needs in order to improve the intersection.
I have also attached a draft site plan (editors note Conceptual Site Plan - see below). You will notice that our structures are small and spaced out to avoid impact of the environment.. . . . "
Attachments
10 Year Projection 6-12
Conceptual Site Plan 1-20-12
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Learning Gate New High School update
As noted in the Lutz Community news, the hearing for the Learning Gate High School (Gates High School) was postponed to 2/20/11 at 6PM at the County Center. So far is apparently still on.
Interestingly the FDOT noted on 2/3/12 that "Our office met with the Transportation and Land Development Review Section at the County Center planning offices yesterday afternoon. We had asked for a transportation analysis that supported the subject application to understand the transportation impacts that could possibly affect proposed access along US Highway 41. County transportation staff advised us that a transportation analysis had not been provided as of yesterday afternoon. Therefore, since a transportation analysis has not been provided we cannot support the prospect of additional access until such time as we receive and review a transportation analysis which identifies the type of access requested along US 41 and the impacts generated by the maximum entitlement requested by the subject application."
Apparently there is a committee of neighboring affected neighbors. They are come up with a document for the county on the issue.
FW_ Proposed Learning Gate GATES Middle and Hig...
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
New Lutz Dog Park website
I've created a new website for the Lutz Dog Park, to show you what the park looks like, the amenities and nearby dog businesses including recommended dog and cat trainers. http://lutzdogpark.weebly.com
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A Long Winter's Night 2011
Florida folks behave strangely this time of year. We hang fake icicles from eaves, despite being thrilled to live in a climate that doesn’t have real ones. We drag a tree inside, and get urges to dress in red and green. Sometimes, we really get carried away… like last year when we bought that adorable elf hat at the pet store…
Scott offered the cap for Hobbit to smell. “Look at this elf hat we got you. Isn’t it cool?”
“Elf hat? What’s an elf?” Hobbit sniffed. “You want to put it where? No, this is definitely not cool.”
“Get it off of me. Quick… it swallowed my ears!”
“It’s off. Calm down. I’ll take you for a piggy back ride to make up for it,” Scott cooed.
“I’m calm. I’m cool. I wasn’t rattled.” Hobbit blusters. “A piggy back ride you say?” He climbed on Scott’s back. “Is this all there is to this ride? It’s sorta lame, don’t ya think?”
“Well, I can raise up a little. How’s this?” Scott asked.
“Ho hum. Bor-r-i-i-n-g.” Hobbit yawned.
“How about now? You’re almost as tall as the angel, although referring to you and an angel in the same breath is laughable,” Scott muttered.
“Y-you-you can pu-u-t me down now,” Hobbit sputtered.
(Yes, Virginia, Jack Russells do show fear, but Hobbit asks that you keep that to yourself.)
“Let’s settle down for an old fashioned Christmas tale,” Scott said. ” That’s good pooches. Ready? ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house …”
“Dad?”
“Yes, Hobbit.”
“Is this a long story?”
“No, now be still. ‘Twas the night before Christmas…”
“Ahem, Dad?”
“What is it now, Hobbit?”
“Is it scary?”
“No, it is not. Is that all?”
“Does it have Scrooge in it? I heard he’s bad news.”
“No, Scrooge is not in it. It’s about a jolly old elf,” Scott growled.
“Elf, you say? Is that the same elf that wears the dorky hat?” Hobbit smirked.
“No, it’s a bigger elf! Now, do you want to hear this story or not? Your sister left ten minutes ago.”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t have a coronary. I’m listening.”
“Good. ‘Twas the night before Christmas
and all through the house; not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” Scott continued.
and all through the house; not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” Scott continued.
“Mouse?” Hobbit jumped up, hackles raised. He darted from corner to corner with his nose jammed to the floor. “Let me at it! Where is it? I don’t see it. Dad, are you yanking my chain?”
Scott sighed and called it a night.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
2011 Christmas in Lutz, Florida
Video of Christmas lights/displays in various locations in Lutz, Florida
Video on a train at a display in the Old Lutz Schoolhouse Christmas display
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Learning Gate Community School Apparently Plans for High School at US 41 and Sunset
**12/12/11 Update - per site plans there will be one entrance on US 41 and another on Sunset across from Lutz Learning Center, next to Nye Park. **
Next hearing is January 23, 2012 at 6:00PM at County Government Center Zoning # 11-0731 From a news story in the Laker http://cnewspubs.com/wp/?p=5371 I suspect they "will seek a charter to begin a high school and plans to construct a new building for seventh- through 12th-graders." Here is a link to a St. Pete Times article.
On their website is the following http://www.learninggate.org/report%20to%20parents%20on%20GATES.pdf
Here is their application with the county with details.
Here is their application with the county with details.
Here is the site plan showing details of entrances.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Mutt Report
My wife Susan and I are collaborating on a new blog about dogs called The Mutt Report. The new venue will be entertaining and informative. There's a page for you to post your recommendations for dog products, places, and services; a page to post events and classes; and a themed photo page to post your pooch's picture. This week we introduce ourselves and later in the week, we'll explain what you can expect on the blog. We'd like it to be an interactive space where readers gather and share. We hope to build enough of an audience to justify regular columns by experts. So, please stop by and visit TheMuttReport.com
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Lutz Places to Eat - Breakfast
Now that we have been here for a while, we have settled into some favorite places to eat.
For breakfast you have to eat at the Breakfast Nook. This is one of the best breakfast places I have eaten at for a very long time. Good food and reasonable prices with a nice atmosphere. For those who smoke there is outdoor seating. One thing I like to do with restaurants is to see if they make good sausage gravy with biscuits and Breakfast Nook makes it great. Located in the Tropical Village Plaza on Hwy 41,between County Line Road and Hwy 54. 1532 Land O Lakes Blvd Lutz, FL 33549 Phone: 813-948-4041.
For breakfast you have to eat at the Breakfast Nook. This is one of the best breakfast places I have eaten at for a very long time. Good food and reasonable prices with a nice atmosphere. For those who smoke there is outdoor seating. One thing I like to do with restaurants is to see if they make good sausage gravy with biscuits and Breakfast Nook makes it great. Located in the Tropical Village Plaza on Hwy 41,between County Line Road and Hwy 54. 1532 Land O Lakes Blvd Lutz, FL 33549 Phone: 813-948-4041.
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