Politics & Government

Criminal Courts' Move to Land O' Lakes Progressing

Pasco County Commissioners will discuss financing for a new Land O' Lakes criminal courthouse during their Feb. 5 meeting.

Pasco County might take a baby step forward on plans to build a $28 million criminal courthouse tower in Land O’ Lakes when the commission meets today, Feb. 5.

Commissioners are being asked to approve the formation of a committee to evaluate any incoming proposals to finance the project.

During their Jan. 22 board meeting, commissioners were asked to move ahead with plans to construct a three-story criminal courts tower on the grounds of the Land O’ Lakes jail. The new building would house all criminal court activity in Pasco, effectively shutting down criminal courts in New Port Richey and Dade City.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes is recommending the selection committee include Commission Chairman Ted Schrader, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder, County Administrator John Gallagher, Chief Assistant County Administrator Michele Baker, Budget Director Christopher Dorsey and Craig Dunlap of Dunlap & Associates.

The committee will strictly look at proposals from parties interested in handling financing underwriting services for the project. Requests for proposals, or RFPs, are being prepared for release by the county for both financing and the design/build portion of the project.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In response to the cost of the [rojrect, New Port Richeyu Patch reader Brian said   "Ummm....28 million to trial crimninals. What about just putting up double wide trailer???"

Other items on the commission’s agenda include:

  • A resolution declaring Feb. 11-15 Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pasco County
  • A speed limit revision for Wesley Chapel Boulevard
  • Resolutions setting tax liens on several “slum or blighted” structures throughout the county, mostly in West Pasco

For a complete look at the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting, visit the county’s website.

The commission meeting starts at 10 a.m. at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave. in Dade City.

What do you think about the move to consolidate criminal courts in New Port Richey? Share your thoughts in the comments section.


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