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Zephyrhills Considers Takeover Of U.S. 301 Median Upkeep

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By NICOLA M. WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2007

ZEPHYRHILLS - Like it or not, most people see U.S. 301 - not quaint, palm tree-lined Fifth Avenue - when they pass through this east Pasco County city.

So, city Councilman Clyde Bracknell figures that neon-lit highway should look good.

That's why he wants the city to consider taking over the maintenance and mowing of the medians on the north-south corridor, called Gall Boulevard when it runs through Zephyrhills.

'We spent thousands of dollars downtown and have been trying to make it look better,' Bracknell said. 'Over the last two years, whoever does roadside grass cutting on Gall Boulevard, it looks very neglected. When you drive in town, it looks bad, and when you drive through it, it looks like no one maintains it.'

The city would have to secure permission from the state Department of Transportation before city crews could start manicuring Gall Boulevard's medians. The DOT would give Zephyrhills $2,500 per year to maintain the roadway. City Manager Steve Spina said he plans to contact state transportation officials soon.

Some city workers have expressed reservations about maintaining Gall Boulevard, though, citing safety concerns as well as manpower issues. Like many other Florida municipalities, the city has clamped down on hiring amid budgetary concerns.

Spina said he thinks the plan could work if the city puts landscaping such as decorative brick pavers or plants in the middle of the roadway.

'You could get some low-maintenance and native plants, then it looks nicer,' he said. 'It's low-maintenance and, like I said, everybody's happy.'

To spruce up Gall Boulevard a bit more, Councilman Danny Burgess has suggested installing a decorative entry point on the northern edge of Gall Boulevard. The city has a 'Zephyrhills: City of Pure Water' plaque and decorative landscaping at Gall Boulevard and Fifth Avenue.

The city plans to investigate state beautification grants for both plans, Spina said.

Reporter Nicola M. White can be reached at (813) 779-4613 or nwhite1@tampatrib.com.

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