Two local organizations honored
By JOE POTTER
Microtel Inn & Suites Zephyrhills and the Pasco-Hernando State (PHSC) College Baseball Team were both honored during the July 14th meeting of the Zephyrhills City Council.
Microtel Inn & Suites earned Wyndham’s “Best Of” and “Hero” awards recognizing them for their incredible service to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) evacuees in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Those hurricanes severely impacted Pasco County on September 27 and October 7, 2024, respectively.
A Proclamation issued by Zephyrhills said among other things that Neil Patel and his dedicated team opened their doors to FEMA evacuees from mid-October to mid-January, providing not only shelter but a sense of belonging – serving a catered Thanksgiving meal for over 110 guests and partnering with local churches to host a Christmas celebration.
PHSC’s Baseball Team was honored for capturing the 2025 NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series Championship in Enid, Oklahoma by defeating the No. 2 seed, Pearl River Community College, by a score of 11-7 on May 31, 2025. This was the first national title in PHSC’s athletic history.
In other business on July 14th the Council:
Approved the second reading of a moratorium that affects changes requested for residential properties for properties that are over one acre. It will be effective until July 13, 2026.
It continues restrictions on accepting new residential development for annexations, land use modifications, rezoning, Major Planned Unit Development amendments, conditional uses or variances for those properties until July 13, 2026.
The purpose of the proposed moratorium is to give the City more time to try to be granted a Water Use Expansion Permit that is being sought from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Approved the second reading of a moratorium on the opening of any new Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers not to exceed 12 months. It will be effective through July 22, 2026.
It is an extension of a 12-month moratorium adopted by Council on July 22, 2024.
It was adopted because City staff believes an adequate number of medical marijuana treatment centers exist within the boundaries of the city. The moratorium is also intended to allow City staff additional time to review possible regulations permitted under an applicable Florida statute.
Approved on the first reading an ordinance for the annexation of 13.72 acres of property owned by CCC Properties that is located on Chancey Road and which is in a County enclave. The second reading and adoption is scheduled for July 28.
The purpose of the proposed annexation is to enhance local infrastructure and economic opportunities, particularly with plans for light industrial zoning in the area.
Approved on the first reading an ordinance, which among other things, would align the future land use and zoning designations of the property owned by CCC Properties. The purpose of this ordinance, which is also scheduled for a second reading on July 28, is to foster economic growth through strategic land use.
Approved the first reading of an ordinance that proposes regulations for the keeping of backyard chickens. This ordinance, which is also scheduled for a second reading on July 28, is being considered because of a growing trend towards urban agriculture in the community.
Meanwhile, Gregory Varence Jr. was administered the oath of office as a new member of the Zephyrhills Police Department by ZPD Chief Derek Brewer.
