Civil Municipal - May 2024

“We have to follow regulations with Southwest Florida Water Management District, so our pumping capacity is limited based on drawdowns of the aquifer,” he recounts.“Our pumping capacity currently is at 3.3 million gallons per day, we’re hoping to increase that to almost 4.5 million, to be able to supply the water demands of our new residents and future growth.” Recognizing the limitations of groundwater extraction, the city is actively exploring various alternative options to be proactive and secure a water supply for years to come. With the fast pace of growth in the community and the prevalence of multiple-vehicle households, Zephyrhills is also tackling traffic congestion challenges. Poe says the issue is evident on US State Highway 301, as well as on county and local roads, leading to traffic backups that aren’t ideal for residents and commuters. To address this, Zephyrhills is collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOT), as well as Pasco County, to explore potential solutions. These may include widening roads, optimizing traffic light sequencing, and implementing various intersection improvements such as roundabouts. FOSTERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Along with a burgeoning population, Zephyrhills is seeing significant economic growth fueled by the arrival of major employers like Bauducco, a cookie- manufacturing company, set to create hundreds of jobs. “They are a new company coming in, and they’re hoping to create up to 600 jobs and construct 425,000 square feet of industrial manufacturing, warehousing,” Poe elaborates.“To be able to add 600 jobs to the Zephyrhills community is huge. We’ve not seen a large employer like that come into the community in a long time.” The city is also home to Zephyrhills Bottled Water, a major employer that has been in the community since 1964. Other key job sources in the region PROUDLY SUPPORTING FLORIDA COMMUNITIES © 2024BlueTritonBrands, Inc. LEARN MORE 173 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 ZEPHYRHI LLS, FL