ZephyrHills Clock Plaza Remodel Moves Forward
By Joe Potter
Zephyrhills’ downtown landmark Clock Plaza is set to take on a new life. At the Feb. 23 meeting, the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board—comprising Zephyrhills City Council members—reviewed a proposed remodel that aims to enlarge the plaza’s stage, improve event capabilities, and refresh the surrounding space. Gail Hamilton, the CRA’s director, presented a recommended conceptual drawing of the remodel.
The Clock Plaza sits two blocks east of U.S. Highway 301 in the historic downtown district, and the plans reflect a broader vision for events and community gatherings. A notable change is the removal of a vehicle-parking area at the rear of the plaza. The space will instead be reallocated to accommodate a larger, more versatile stage designed to host bigger crowds and longer events. Hamilton explained that drivers will still have access via an alley to unload and load items for events, preserving critical backstage logistics.
Board member Lance Smith signaled concern about the removal of several trees that currently enhance the plaza’s ambiance, underscoring the balance between modernization and maintaining the site’s character. A key question raised during the discussion was how seating capacity would be affected by post-remodel. “If you can’t have 100 people sitting in there, then you’re wasting time and money,” Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson remarked, emphasizing the importance of practical, usable space for community events.
Plans call for initiating remodeling work about a week after Founder’s Day, which is scheduled for March 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Downtown Historic District. The objective is to complete the project by fall, enabling downtown events to resume with improved facilities. Kimley-Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultants is partnering with the CRA to finalize the design. The firm has a track record with Zephyrhills, contributing to projects like Hercules Park, the city’s first new community park in four decades.
The Clock Plaza remodel fits into a broader strategy to strengthen downtown as a hub for culture, commerce, and community life. By expanding capacity and updating the space while keeping a nod to history, the project aims to attract more events, support local businesses, and bolster the district’s appeal to residents and visitors alike. As the design team refines the plans, residents can anticipate updates from the CRA and the City Council on milestones, public input opportunities, and upcoming construction details. ♥
