More than 18 months after The Grove teased a new grocery story in an online post, the mystery about which one would be moving into the development may be over.
It appears Super Target is, well, targeting the parcel of land on The Grove’s main property, right across Pink Flamingo Ln. from Cost Plus World Market (see map).
While nothing had been officially announced prior to our deadline (but probably will be shortly after we go to press and before you receive this issue), Target Wesley Chapel-The Grove has applied to the Southwest Florida Management District (aka Swiftmud) for an environmental resource permit (ERP), which is required before any construction can begin. Detailed plans for the construction also have been submitted.
Representatives from The Grove said nothing has been signed with Target, only. that it is one of a number of companies with which it has been negotiating with and it expects to make an announcement soon.
While it may be disappointing to those hoping for a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s to open a store in the space, it’s not that surprising that Super Target, a popular retail-grocery hybrid, was the choice. A pre-application meeting was held with Pasco County planners on Oct. 18 where plans for a 147,000-sq.-ft. retail building, with nearly 500 parking spots, was presented by an unnamed party (most likely Target or The Grove).
Due to the size of the proposed building, it was clear it would not be any of the trendy grocery stores desired by locals, and likely would be a Super Target or Walmart.
There already is, of course, another Super Target in Wesley Chapel, located at the corner of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., although proximity to their other stores doesn’t stop big names like Publix, Walmart or Starbucks. And, considering the future growth planned in the S.R. 54 corridor, it’s not like the area can’t handle a second Target store.
Traffic on Oakley Blvd., however, should be interesting, considering that new apartments and townhomes will soon be completed in the area, and will be adding hundreds of more cars per day to the already-congested road.
The Super Target is the second new grocery store planned for Wesley Chapel. Just a few miles east on S.R. 54, plans have been filed with the county by Publix for a new 60,548-sq.-ft. center, which would be anchored by a 48,848-sq.-ft. grocery store that also will include a 2,100-sq.-ft. liquor store and 9,600 square feet of retail space.
As we’ve previously reported, the new Publix will be located behind the Bank of America, Advance Auto Parts and Starbucks-anchored Pleasant Plaza on S.R. 54.
Most Saddlebrook residents are aware the once-prime development they live in is showing signs of age, and has been badly in need of a refresh for years.
However, what new owners Mast Capital have planned for the resort and surrounding community isn’t quite clear, residents argued on Jan. 5 at a Pasco County Planning Commission meeting in New Port Richey.
While Mast Capital’s plans to redevelop Saddlebrook by changing the county’s comprehensive plan and producing a new Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) managed to pass the planning commission by a 5-2 vote and will eventually require approval by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), most of the 100 or so opponents that showed up to the nearly four-and-a-half hour meeting left scratching their heads.
The issue for most of them was clarity.
What the plans were clear about was adding apartments, townhomes and more than 100,000 sq. ft. of retail and commercial space outside the gates of the resort, on the undeveloped land along S.R. 54. However, the details were murkier regarding what is actually going to happen inside the gates of Saddlebrook, particularly with the renowned golf courses, tennis courts and resort.
“We were very disappointed,” said JoAnn Barbetta, who along with husband Larry formed the Save Saddlebrook Coalition last month. “I was really surprised that they (the Planning Commission) could move forward to recommend something that seems so lacking in detail.”
Eran Landry, the managing director of Mast Capital, told the Planning Commission members that the resort would receive a significant upgrade “and be much more upscale than what it’s been.”
Plans include 5,000 sq. ft. of retail, a new 12,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse, renovated restaurants, new outdoor amenities, improved dorms and additional parking.
Landry mentioned ice cream shops, splash pads and a more family-friendly environment, upgrading the “underwhelming” pool and improving resort rooms “that just aren’t competitive” in today’s market.
But, the plans for the two Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses and driving range (which is currently located near the entrance of the resort and serves as the training center for Saddlebrook’s golf academy) riled opponents.
“We love nature and it hurts my heart when developers come in and mow down every tree to get every dollar out of every inch of land,” resident Jacqueline May said. “That’s why we bought in Saddlebrook.”
While Mast’s original plans to add 60 single-family homes and 100 townhomes over one of the golf courses were scrapped, Landry said the 36 total golf holes would be reconfigured to 27 holes, and the driving range would be relocated.
He did not say who was going to redesign the newly configured golf course, saying Mast was in talks with the late Arnold Palmer’s design company and another golf course designer, and did not say where the driving range would be moved.
Also, there were questions over what would fill any space remaining in the aftermath of reducing the number of holes, and how that would affect home owners who bought their homes for the golf course views.
Jacqueline May, a teacher at Pasco-Hernando State College, held back tears as she told the Planning Commission members that her and her husband’s home was their retirement nest egg, and that they purchased it because of the view and the natural beauty surrounding it.
“We love nature and it hurts my heart when developers come in and mow down every tree to get every dollar out of every inch of land,” she said. “That’s why we bought in Saddlebrook.”
There also was no mention by Landry about whether or not there were any plans for the tennis courts in the same area. Saddlebrook has notably been the training ground for professional tennis stars like Martina Hingis, John Isner, Jennifer Capriati, Jim Courier and many others.
Changes Along S.R. 54
Plans for the two outer parcels were clearer.
Mostly west of the main entrance at Saddlebrook Way on S.R. 54, a 35-acre parcel will include 75,000 sq. ft. of commercial, 465 apartments and 35 townhomes. An additional road, the long-rumored Vision Rd. which is eventually supposed to connect to both Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will be built to accommodate additional traffic in and out of the new development.
Justina Gale of Florida Design Consultants told the Planning Commission this area would become a true mixed-use integrated and multi-story project, with retail on the bottom and offices above it, with the apartments further back off S.R. 54. It will include trails, neighborhood parks, plazas and will “create a sense of place.”
An additional 19-acre parcel further west will include another 25,000 sq. ft. of commercial as well as 120 townhomes.
Opponents cited traffic as a concern — there is only one way in and out of Saddlebrook, which they say will create traffic jams. They also said replacing the green space along the resort’s entrance with apartments and restaurants was incompatible with the nature theme the resort has cultivated for more than 40 years.
“Saddlebrook is a gem and needs to be treated that way,” JoAnn Barbetta said. “Growth and development is a part of our life and I understand that. But, there comes a time when we need to take a pause, step back and ask whether we want to completely alter the character of a beloved, historic community like Saddlebrook.”
The Planning Commission had concerns with the lack of detail in the plans, as well as a few errors and omissions. Chief assistant county attorney David Goldstein, who did not have a vote, questioned whether that lack of detail “would put the Board in a bad spot.”
Planning commission member Jon Moody was the most outspoken against approving the plans. He had originally flagged them when they hadn’t been seen by residents and somehow ended up on a consent agenda, which recommends approval without debate, leading to the Jan. 5 meeting where residents could hear about and finally see the plans and voice their concerns.
“I will tell you I would not feel comfortable today denying this application,” Moody said. “But I would feel more comfortable if it were brought back to us with more detail at a later date.”
Planning Commission chair Charles Grey sympathized with the concerned residents, especially those who fear losing the golf course views they paid a premium for decades ago, but also told them they needed to understand that, “if you don’t do something, your beautiful development is going to die.”
He voted against forwarding the plans to the BCC, but urged the residents to work with Mast.
After some consternation, the Planning Commission moved the plans forward, with a hopeful request that more details are provided will be by Mast Capital in the proposed MPUD before the BCC has its say next month.
It’s been nearly 20 years in the making, but the long-anticipated interchange at I-75 and Overpass Rd. is officially opened.
The Florida Department of Transportation announced Wednesday morning that the project, which began in October 2020, was now open to traffic
The interchange, at the new Exit #282 off I-75, is located halfway between S.R. 54 (Exit 279) and S.R. 52 (Exit 285) and provided drivers in and around Wesley Chapel another option to enter and exit S.R. 75.
The Overpass Rd. Interchange (Photo: FDOT)
According to FDOT, the new interchange will address the projected increase in traffic in the area and “significantly” reduce the volume of traffic on S.R.s 52 and 54.
The diamond-shaped interchange includes a flyover ramp for those traveling west on Overpass Rd. and seeking access onto southbound I-75. It is expected to be a boon for the area, which is growing quickly and already includes Cypress Creek High School on the west side and to the east the Connected City and neighboring Villages of Pasadena Hills projects, which upon completion could add roughly 40,000 homes and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial projects to the area.
The Overpass Interchange project, first studied in 2005, cost $64.6 million. It first received federal approval in 2014 and overcame a roadblock in 2017, when then-Governor and current Senator Rick Scott vetoed $15 million for the project. However, the request was re-inserted into the budget in 2018 and spared another veto, pushing the project forward.
The interchange is only part of the project, which includes the widening of Overpass Rd. from two lanes to four lanes between the interstate and Old Pasco Rd. to the west and six lanes (including two auxiliary lanes) between the interstate and Boyette Rd. to the east.
Also, Blair Dr. has been realigned to connect with Old Pasco Rd., and McKendree Rd. has been realigned to connect with Boyette Rd.
A 10-foot wide sidewalk has been constructed on the north side of Overpass Rd (next to the westbound traffic lanes), and a 6-foot wide sidewalk is open on the south side (next to the eastbound traffic lanes).
Taxes. Death. Stonewood being chosen by our readers as New Tampa’s Favorite Restaurant.
(L.-r.) Tampa Palms location Executive Chef Greg Gonzalez, operating partner Denny Diaz and Corporate Chef Danny Manzur of Stonewood Grill & Tavern invite you to check out what has once again been voted as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa. When new dishes like the amazing Manhattan Strip Steak (below) keep being added to the menu, it’s easy to understand who Stonewood keeps winning. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Despite some changes in operating partners over the years, little else has changed at Stonewood. Since opening in 2002, it has consistently been voted the area’s favorite, even in the face of some tough new challengers like Via Italia and the Grill at Morris Bridge.
This is the sixth straight year Stonewood has topped our survey results, and it has had many other top finishes in the years before that.
Manhattan Strip Steak
It still has a great bar, a superb wine selection and a menu featuring tasty items like cedar plank roasted salmon, sweet tea-brined pork chops, Tuscan chicken and other items you won’t find anywhere else in New Tampa — including the new Manhattan Strip Steak, created by Corporate Chef Danny Manzur, which we got to preview before this thick, tender and juicy strip was added to the regular menu on Jan. 4.
There also are burgers, sandwiches, salads and pastas, as well as crafted bowls featuring poké, Southwest chicken and salmon.
Its steaks are popular — in fact, Stonewood was the only restaurant in our survey to top two categories, thanks to it also winning Favorite Steak in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.
With an upscale atmosphere that suits a family or that is perfect for date night, the Stonewood experience continues to be one enjoyed by many. — JC
2. The Grill at Morris Bridge 3. Via Italia 4. Liang’s Bistro 5. The Fat Rabbit Pub 6. The Brunchery 7. Sushi Café 8. Frammi 9. Fresh Kitchen 10. Lima Peruvian
Joshua Morales was just 7 years old the first time he remembers how different he was from the other kids.
He was at a birthday party with friends, who were all running around and playing and going down a slide. Although he was confined to a wheelchair, Morales managed to pull himself out of his chair to try to go down the slide as well. Some kids laughed and pointed.
“Why are you trying to act like a normal person?,” one of them shouted.
One of the special guests when a ribbon was officially cut at New Tampa’s All-Abilities Park and the park opened to kids just like him on Dec. 21, Joshua shared that story, which he would rather forget.
“But, it stuck to me like glue,” he said.
As one of more than a handful of special guests and dignitaries who received recognition as the All-Abilities Park — located within the boundaries of the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms — opened, Joshua was a shining example of what the park will be all about.
The idea was initiated by District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, whose older brother Juan suffers from mental disabilities. At a final cost of roughly $2 million, the park is expected to be a beacon for children who may not feel they fit in at other parks.
“The park for me is about a basic idea, which is respect, dignity, security and inclusivity,” Viera said, recalling some of the moments he witnessed as a child when his brother wasn’t welcomed at places like a movie theater or a park. “The basic message the City of Tampa has for families like the Viera family is that you are welcome here.”
Others, like Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, State Senator Jay Collins and State Representative and Florida State House minority leader Fentrice Driskell shared the same message before a crowd of about 75 people.
The 10,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art playground has something for anyone with physical, cognitive, sensory and/or neuro diverse disabilities.
There are two small zip lines, one with a large seat to sit in, and two large swings, including one that slides back and forth and is wheelchair accessible.
For three-year-old Petra Farabee, there was plenty to do. Petra steered her wheelchair in between the adults and around the park like a pro, looking for new things to try. She even helped her dad Adam get a good bit of exercise trying to keep up with her.
Petra Farabee enjoys the see-saw at the new All Abilities Park.
Born with spina bifida, Petra was able to enjoy most of what the playground offered, including a see-saw with large seats that allowed her to have a break from her wheelchair (see photo on page 1).
“I think she likes it,” Adam said, smiling.
The park features a number of interactive pieces, like drums, a xylophone and chimes. There also is a learning board in three languages, including braille, a communication board for those who do not verbally communicate, and even a Pulse table tennis game that uses sensors, lights and sounds.
“It’s an amazing park,” Joshua said. “I’ve never seen one like it, and it will be great for kids to make friends and play with people they can relate to.”
The park is equipped with benches and tables and next to each bench is a power station that can be used to charge wheelchairs or other devices, if needed.
A mural (photo above left), by Pep Rally, Inc., a team of St. Petersburg and Tampa artists that focuses on brand identity, murals and installation art — entitled “Wild Florida Parade” — has vibrant colors and offers a tactile experience for low- to no-vision children, with carved grooves. The mural also is designed at a height that makes it wheelchair accessible.
For parents of any child who has experienced a summer day at a Florida playground, the best things about the New Tampa All Abilities Playground might be the safe, rubber surface, the large sails that provide an ample amount of protection from the sun, and a misting station that was built with $15,000 raised by the Rotary Club of New Tampa.
“This is a wonderful, wonderful addition to the New Tampa area, and to the entire city,” said Mayor Castor.
Joshua, now a 17-year-old senior at Sumner High in Ruskin, tried out the zip line and gave it a thumbs-up.
Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at 22 months leading to a spinal cord injury, Joshua has still managed to live a full life. He has played baseball, basketball, sled hockey, wheelchair rugby and has been able to go water skiing, practice jiu-jitsu and write music. He even got to sing one of his original rap songs at the ribbon cutting.
“I would have loved to have a park like this when I was younger,” he said.
For Viera, the ribbon cutting marked the completion of one of his first goals when he was elected in 2018.
Although the initial park plans had to be changed and a new site had to be found following complaints from a nearby neighborhood, the final result is definitely a rousing success..
“It doesn’t matter your disability,” Viera told the excited crowd, “you are welcome here.”
