The dream of Starkey Ranch becoming what Pasco County officials call a “premier facility” is becoming a reality.
The county commission just agreed to spend over $7 million on the $14-million project, but it could be nearby residents who end up footing half the bill.
A grassy expanse now lines State Road 54 in Pasco County, but it won't be there for too much longer. The idea is to turn it all into a top-notch park that includes 14 sports fields, a recreational park, landscaping and amenities.
Along with developer funds, Pasco Commissioners decided to spend some of its money and to explore asking taxpayers for it too. Commissioners are looking at something called a municipal service taxing district. Residents within five miles of the project would have to pay $41 a year over a 10 year period.
Not all residents are on board with the idea.
“How can they ask the residents to pay for that?” said Pasco County resident Gay Gagnon. “That doesn't seem fair.”
Others, like Marcy DeToy, say it's worth it for the children.
“This generation they need more activity and it’s good for socializing in a constructive, healthy way,” she said.
Similar to the Starkey Ranch project, Veterans Park in Hudson was paid for through taxes. However it was the entire county that chipped in, not just the surrounding area.
Sal Porto comes to Veterans Park everyday with his grandson and has been bringing his grandchildren here for the past decade.
“It’s done us a lot of good, took care of my three grandchildren,” he said.
He says a community tax was worth every memory.
“I think it was and I think a lot of other people would say the same thing, they got the baseball fields, they got the soccer fields, what more could you ask for,” Porto said.
Commissioners are expected to view the proposed maps of the taxing district at their Nov. 5 meeting.