Sheffield’s $3M pledge buys more time for baseball complex By Michael Hinman mhinman@lakerlutznews.com
Late-game heroics are something Gary Sheffield became accustomed to during his 21-year professional athletic career. But his plans to build a massive baseball complex in Wesley Chapel is now in the bottom of the ninth, and the retired outfielder is going to need a grand slam to make it a reality. Pasco County commissioners gave Sheffield and business partner James Talton until January to secure enough seed money to help Pasco Sports LLC build a 19-field complex not far from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch area. Commissioners like new chair Ted Schrader was reluctant to give the developers the extra time, that is until Sheffield pledged $3 million of his own money to make sure it happens. “I talked to my bankers, and at the end of the day when all this is said and done, if nobody comes in and does this, I’m going to use $3 million myself to take care of that note,” Sheffield told commissioners. Sheffield and Talton have struggled to get financing for what has become a $34 million project to attract up-and-coming youth baseball players from around the country. One of the biggest sticking points is the land, Sheffield said, which would remain under the county’s control. Not having the more than 100 acres as collateral has made the overall project less attractive to investors. Also complicating matters is the fact that Pasco Sports can only talk to one investor at a time, Sheffield said. Being forced to wait until an investor comes to a decision before Pasco Sports can approach someone else has pushed the project back for months. It also has put the county’s $11 million in
ON THE AGENDA SEND GOVERNMENT NEWS TO MHINMAN@LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
SCHRADER NEW CHAIR OF COMMISSION
Ted Schrader is back in a familiar seat with the Pasco County Commission after being elected chair of the county’s governing body. Schrader, based in District 1 covering large parts of the eastern side of the county, was chair of the commission in the 2012-13 session, and then stepped aside this past year for fellow commissioner Jack Mariano. The chair position typically rotates among the commissioners, leading meetings and representing the board as a whole to the public. Henry Wilson Jr., was in line to become the next chair, but lost his re-election bid to
FILE PHOTO
James Talton, right, shares his plans with business leaders last month to build a 19-diamond baseball complex in the heart of Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch area as his business partner, retired baseball star Gary Sheffield, listens in.
tourist tax money in jeopardy. “It’s a fantastic location and a great concept,” Schrader said during a meeting in Dade City last week.“We just have to make sure that we have the right partner.” Commissioners had hoped to get the proof of financing they requested to give the baseball complex their blessing. However, without initial funding secured, nothing is concrete just yet. Making the situation more difficult now are the holidays. “In the financial world, if you don’t have a deal struck now, you’re not going to get anything done until the end of the year,” Schrader said.“Delaying this to the end of January is something I don’t have a problem with. I am concerned with the money they are going to be obligated to put forward,
that those bills be paid for in an expedited manner when necessary.” Pasco Sports would have until the beginning of December to turn over the necessary paperwork to show proof of financing. From there, the county will review the paperwork so that commissioners can act on it by the time the new year rolls around. Commissioner Jack Mariano was concerned with high interest rates attached to the $3 million seed money — some 20 percent — fearing annual expenses to pay it could climb as high as $600,000. “This was thrown together just to put something in front of us, and it’s very unstable,” he said. Talton, however, assured Mariano that he’s not looking to pull out $3 million up-
Mike Wells Jr. during an open primary in August.That had opened the door to a possible chairmanship by Kathryn Starkey. However, she immediately nominated Schrader for the job Nov. 18 in Dade City, and her motion won unanimous approval. Starkey was elected the vice chair, officially making her a top contender for the position next year. The commission also swore in its two new members, Wells and Mike Moore. Wells will take over District 4 previously served by Wilson, while Moore will represent District 2, which Pat Mulieri served for 20 years.
Saturday before. The Pasco County Tax Collector’s office, however, will also be closed Nov. 29, and not reopen until Dec. 1. The Pasco County libraries, however, will reopen that Saturday. Although parks and recreation centers will be closed Thursday and Friday, parks and beaches will be open both days from dawn to dusk. The shelter at Pasco County Animal Services will be closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, however an animal control officer will be available for emergencies.The shelter will reopen Nov. 29 at noon, and stay open until 6:30 p.m. Buses will not run on Thursday or Friday, but will resume on Nov. 29. The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility as well as the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to both the public and
PASCO THANKSGIVING CLOSINGS
Most Pasco County government offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 27, as well as the Friday afterward on Nov. 28. Most will reopen on Dec. 1, if not the
BLACK FRIDAY SALE 8AM-10AM
BOGO ONE E GET N O Y BU
%
50
* OFF
EVERYTHING
BOGO BUY ONE GET ONE
40
%
OFF*
ALL SHOES
FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY Can not be combined with
any other offer or discount. includes socks, bows & accessories *OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE
813.991.1785
in front of Sam’s Club
27607 27607 SR SR 56 56
Russell Adams Realty, Inc.
Cornerstone Is Now Your Hometown Plumber After eight years of helping families with their A/C and Heating needs, Cornerstone has expanded into plumbing with our quality workmanship and dependable products.
2502 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Corner of Carson Rd. & US 41
949-3603 • www.russelladamsrealty.com “BUSINESS IS HOPPING - LOOKING FOR ENERGIZED AGENTS - 813-949-3600” HOMES FOR SALE LAKE THOMAS CANAL HOME – 1234 square foot concrete block home; dock, boat ramp, and deck. Private island for fishing and sunbathing. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712 PRICE REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE! 3/2 pool home on a corner lot at the top of a hill for only $114,000. Call Faith Garcia today to see this home 813-503-6610 PRICE REDUCED DUPREE LAKES WITH UPSTAIRS RETREAT – Almost new 5/2.5/2 (2546 sq.ft.) on cul-de-sac; granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, ceramic tile. Bonus room with half bathroom upstairs. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712 EXECUTIVE HOME IN SOUTHERN HILLS PLANTATION. $1000 Realtor® bonus. 2 story, golf course frontage, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen, 4 bedrooms + office, 2 MASTER SUITES, 4482 ft2. Call Vernon Taylor 813-300-4677 or Laure Taylor 813-300-4676. SPRING HILL BEAUTY - 2/2/2 Pool home with screen enclosure ideal for entertainment, huge corner lot, sprinkler plus big driveway for 6 cars. Newer Shingles and Central air Con. Price reduced for quick sale!!! Only $84,900. Call Irving Hernandez 813-843-6026 PRIVATE OASIS LAKEFRONT RETREAT – Contemporary style home located on two waterfront sites from the world renowned Dupree Botanical Gardens on Lake Dupree; new roof, kitchen & bathroom, extensive solar panels. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712 LAKE FRONT in Grey Hawk. Gated, 2949 ft2, no CDD, 3/3 with a den, PLUS upstairs bonus/bed room. Formal dining. Community park. Near 54 & Suncoast Call Vernon Taylor 813300-4677 or Laure Taylor 813-300-4676. SKI SIZE LAKE PADGETT ACREAGE – Home and cottage; 3.74 acres on ski sized Lake Padgett, land has possibility to build one or more executive homes. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712 LAKE PADGETT LAKEFRONT HOME – First time on the market! Original owner, 1578 square foot home built in 1970 on .a 61 acre site with 102 feet of lake frontage on Lake Padgett. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712
front, and then start paying back high interest rates. Instead, Pasco Sports would just use money when its needed to help cover initial bills, and are not obligated to use all — or any — of that $3 million. “It’s just an incentive for that person (who offers the money) to step forward, and an incentive for us not to use it,”Talton said.“It’s absolutely normal to have a bridge loan at a high interest rate at the beginning of a project.” The county has looked at Talton’s and Sheffield’s project as one that could bring in thousands of young baseball players and their families each year, and possibly even attract a Major League Baseball team to have spring training there. Talton told members of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce last October that his project could create an estimated 8,000 jobs and a $318 million annual economic impact boost to the county. Even the $11 million Pasco is investing would come back quickly, he said, as the project is estimated to pay the county $9 million in taxes and other costs. Talton had hoped to spend as much as $70 million on the project, tapping into what he described as a $7 billion youth sports industry. However, the project has shrunk a bit as Pasco Sports failed to bring in the big investors it had hoped. Commissioners approved the extension unanimously, delaying a final decision until January. But Schrader added a warning: this is the last extension. Sheffield remains optimistic, just as he did last month when talking to local chamber members. “We can’t predict how big this is going to be,” Sheffield said at the time.“And I think it’s going to be 10 times bigger than what James is putting to paper right now.” commercial haulers on Nov. 27, but will reopen to licensed commercial haulers on Nov. 28.They will full reopen to the public on Nov. 29.
MURMAN NEW CHAIR OF HILLSBOROUGH COMMISSION
Sandra Murman will lead the Hillsborough County Commission for the coming year, after getting the nod from her peers. Al Higginbotham, who won a close race to become one of the new at-large members of the commission, was elected vice chair. Higginbotham returned to the commission, along with Victor Crist and Ken Hagan. Stacey White joins them, representing District 4. Murman, who was vice chair last year, has represented District 1 in Hillsborough since 2010.
How much do you spend on bottled water? $10/wk? $520/yr?
• Never buy bottled water again! • Maintenance-free, no-salt system, 1-tank system • No salt means no soap residue left behind on skin and hair • Parts and labor warrantees
FREE ESTIMATE FOR
Must present coupon. Limited time offer.
Why mess with DIY? We install the right hot water heater & size tank for your family. Our top quality tanks are not available at big box stores! 5 yr tank; 2 yr labor warrantees
$50 Off
CANAL TO LAKE THOMAS - Manufactured home located 1.3 acres; 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Bring the boat and jet skis! Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712 RENTAL HOMES MOVE IN TODAY! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage with a good size fenced in backyard. The yard work will be done for you. 4228 Tarkington Drive, Land O Lakes, 34639. $1250/ month. Contact Phil Tamm at 813-408-1357
HOT WATER HEATER INSTALL Must present coupon. Limited time offer.
Never run out of hot water again!
TIERRA DEL SOL – 3 bedroom plus den, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage on conservation site. $1350/month. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712
Tankless Gas Water Heaters
RENTAL AVAILABLE on beautiful River Rock Drive in Land O'Lakes (quick access to 54 and 41). It's a four bedroom, two bath, home with a large lanai - which has a hot tub. The open floor plan works well for entertaining. Asking $1300 per month. Contact Phil Tamm at 813-408-1357.
• Save 40% on utilities • Rebates up to $675
LAKE LOTS 2 ACRES ON BIG LAKE THOMAS – 200 feet of lake frontage; possibly divisible into two separate lots. Ready to build your own lakefront dream home! Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712
$37 Off
PRICE REDUCED: .86 ACRES ON BIG LAKE THOMAS; Boat ramp and dock, concrete screened pavilion; well and septic; corner lot; some impact fees paid; bring the ski boat! Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712
PLUMBING REPAIRS Must present coupon. Limited time offer.
VACANT PROPERTY 30 ACRES ZONED AC. Located west of I75 & north of Hwy 52. Current use is cattle grazing. Deep well. Contact Vernon Taylor 813-300-4677 MOBILE HOME LOT with septic, well and impact fees in Land O'Lakes for only $28,000! Call Faith Garcia today 813-503-6610! 2.1 Acre Lot on Lake Thomas Road for only $59,000! Call Faith Garcia 813-503-6610 before this one disappears! COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARINE ON BELL LAKE – Highway frontage; Property and marine sales/repair business plus a duplex rental & living quarters; 150 feet of lake frontage on 80 acre ski lake. Call Cody Adams 813-909-0712
INTEREST RATES ARE LOW, HOMES ARE SELLING FAST!
A/C LICENSE #CAC1816647
PLUMBING LIC. #CFC1428982
CornerstonePros.com
813-949-4445 www.LakerLutzNews.com
November 26, 2014
5A