ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — It seems like everywhere drivers go in the Tampa Bay area, traffic is inevitable. But some residents in quieter rural areas say driving for them has become a nightmare.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Zephyrhills is asking residents for their input on the city's mobility plan

  • As more people move to Zephyrhills and its surrounding areas, traffic on roads has become increasingly busier
  • Residents say that once quiet neighborhoods have turned into a flurry of traffic activity and construction
  • The city is still asking for public feedback on their mobility plan and for locals to get involved

Some residents say a recent influx in traffic activity has caused concern among homeowners. The issue has caused some to speak with local leaders about ways to improve the way they get around.

At a busy intersection off of Eiland Boulevard, cars zoom past Richard Lynch as he waits for his turn to go.

“It’s kind of scary when you’re trying to pull out and make a left turn out of here, because traffic is going 55 miles an hour both ways,” he said. “It’s urban versus suburban, basically. So now we’re kind of dealing with the suburban issues.”

Lynch has been living in the area with his wife for nine months — he said they were attracted by its rural charm.

“We’re familiar with the area and we always like the small-town feel of it,” he said.

But thanks to the construction of new homes, Lynch said what was once a quiet neighborhood has quickly turned into a flurry of traffic activity. 

“There are major roads now dumping off on our streets, and all of these houses are going up and there’s no roads for them,” he said. “There’s no way to move these people effectively, and it’s only going to get worse. That’s something that needs to be addressed.”

The issue has been brought to the attention of the city and Planning Director Todd Vandenberg, who is playing a role in the city’s ongoing mobility plan.

“We’re partnering and collaborating with local folks, county folks, state folks, and with a couple of consultants to come up with a mobility plan,” he said. “We’re identifying existing conditions, looking at what we’re experiencing now from a traffic standpoint and then coming up with recommendations and strategies of where and how we can deal with traffic.”

Zephyrhills was recently approved for a grant from the state for road infrastructure and received $75,000 for their mobility plan. Vandenberg said the funds are a big boost for the project, but the timeline for completion is still vague.

“Especially on a state or federal highway, there are additional standards that have to be met, which involves taking some more time to get that project completed versus a local road where we don’t have some of those same standards that we have to deal with,” he said.

And timing, as Lynch said, is key. With more and more homes going up, he believes a plan for traffic will be necessary.

“They need something faster and more solutions out there,” Lynch said. “And that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The city is still asking for public feedback on their mobility plan. Residents can get involved online by visiting the Innovate Pasco 2050 website.