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Zephyrhills CRA & City Council Meetings (6-8-2026)
Published: Jun 8, 2026
City Boards and Commissions Term Lengths Extended to Four Years
The City Council conducted a second reading and approved an ordinance (No. 1518-26) to align municipal advisory board and commission terms with city council and mayoral terms, increasing terms from three to four years. This change applies to the Municipal Airport Authority, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, and Historic Preservation Board. The ordinance also provides for staggered terms, transition procedures, and codification. Council members clarified that there are no term limits for these positions, meaning individuals can be reappointed indefinitely. The city clerk manages the reappointment process.
Water Moratorium Discussion Highlights Need for Alternative Sources and Capacity Management
The City Council discussed a proposed water moratorium, noting that the current residential moratorium expires in mid-July. Jones Edmonds is scheduled to present findings on alternative water sources, including wells, connections to Pasco County, and other options, at the next meeting. Council members expressed concerns about re-entering a situation with limited water capacity, referencing the two-and-a-half-year process for obtaining water permits. The current queue for development includes projects that have paid impact fees or have agreements for water capacity (Evans Orsy wells, Wire Ranch townhomes). Staff proposed a first-come, first-served system upon lifting the moratorium, requiring a 50% capacity fee deposit to reserve water, with forfeiture after five years if development doesn't proceed. Industrial projects were noted as a focus for future growth and tax revenue, potentially requiring reserved water capacity. Residents with private wells also voiced concerns about decreasing water levels and the impact of increased development on their water supply. Abbott Square is now on a reclaimed water system.
City Council Considers Data Center Moratorium to Study Impacts
The City Council held a public hearing and first reading for an ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on data centers. This moratorium is intended to allow city staff time to study the unique considerations and impacts of data centers, including significant electrical demand, water supply demands for cooling, wastewater generation, storm water management, noise, lighting, and emergency response planning. Existing land development regulations do not specifically address these issues. Similar moratoriums are being considered or have been passed in other Florida communities. The moratorium will provide an opportunity for community input on whether data centers are appropriate for Zephr Hills and how they should be regulated. Laura Strange expressed concerns about the high water usage of data centers, citing that 80% of water is evaporated and cannot be reused, which is a significant concern in a water-scarce area like Zephr Hills. She also raised concerns about electrical demand and potential lightning strike risks.
City Pursues Appeal for Denied FEMA Claims Following Hurricane Milton
The city is appealing FEMA's denial of two claims totaling approximately $748,000 related to debris removal after Hurricane Milton. One claim for debris removal from gated communities ($62,000) has already been appealed, and staff is requesting permission to appeal the second claim for debris removal from city parks and properties ($750,000). The city has already paid $175,000 to Carl Thompson for documentation and submission to FEMA. To pursue the appeal for the park debris, the city is considering hiring the law firm Baker Donaldsonson, which specializes in FEMA claims. The cost for a written appeal is $20,000, with binding arbitration costing an additional $50,000 if the appeal is denied. Staff believes the claims were well-documented and deserve further examination. FEMA had previously denied these claims outright without detailed explanations.
Infrastructure Projects Advance, Traffic Congestion and Park Safety Concerns Addressed
The City Council received an update on various infrastructure projects and "hotspots" identified for improvement. Key projects include Green Slope and Dodry roundabout enhancements, intersection improvements at Pretty Pond and 301, and road repairs on Cicer Road, which is expected to reopen by the end of the week after repairs and inspection. The city is also addressing traffic flow issues at the intersection of Chansy and Copeland, working with property owners to improve access and safety. Concerns were raised about the lack of adequate roads around new developments, particularly the hospital area, leading to traffic congestion. Planning Director Rodney Corvo emphasized that site planning prioritizes connectivity and new bus stops are being installed. A separate issue regarding the lack of shade structures at Hercules Park and teenage loitering/vandalism was also discussed. Staff is exploring options for shade structures (though costly) and increasing park security, including potential "Friends of the Park" initiatives. The city manager provided updates on summer recreation programs and the upcoming Summerfest fireworks on June 27th.
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