By Kate Barker

Already approved to add 5,360 new homes to FishHawk Blvd., Lake Hutto developer Pulte Homes is seeking rezoning to Res-4 to allow for even more homes. County planners want more designated facilities for the higher densities.

Pulte Homes, the developer planning Lake Hutto, a 1,129-acre community on FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia, will have to show county planners more details before gaining the approval that will pass the decision to the board of county commissioners (BOCC).

At a recent planning commission meeting, board members deferred their vote on whether to approve the community to the August 8 meeting and asked the developers to supply more information on the impact of the community on surrounding infrastructure.

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By Kate Barker

The construction on FishHawk Blvd. opposite Newsome High School means good news for FishHawk residents. The building quickly growing will soon be an Outback Steakhouse restaurant and a grand opening celebration is planned for August 8.

According to proprietor, Mike Wilson, the FishHawk location of the Australian themed steak house will have a contemporary look and will seat at least 200 people. The restaurant will be approximately 6,300 sq. ft. and will also feature a full bar area and lounge tables and will offer call ahead seating and a full menu available in a curb-side-to-go option.

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By Michelle Caceres

Roughly 3,400 children are pre-registered with the Hillsborough County Early Learning Coalition to attend the state's voluntary Pre-K (VPK) program beginning in August.

CEO for the Early Learning Coalition, Dave McGerald says the formal application process for families is beginning at sites around the county. At registration, parents must bring completed application and photocopy of proof of residency and verification of child's date of birth. At that time a listing of provider profiles will be distributed. If a child is determined eligible he will receive a Certificate of Eligibility to take to the provider.

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By Sharon Still

Steve Rector, South Bay Hospital CEO, says HCA is committed to serving the hospital needs of the south county community.

While St. Joseph's Hospital of Tampa and HCA, a for-profit hospital company based in Tennessee, still believe that the Riverview and south county areas are in need of a hospital, the state agency for Health Care Administration recently rejected both groups plans to erect facilities on Big Bend Rd. between I-75 and U.S. Hwy. 301.

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Steve Rector, South Bay Hospital CEO, says HCA is committed to serving the hospital needs of the south county community .

Business Owners Want Higher Signs
By Lynn Parejko

Matthew Wortman, owner of Zaxby's on S.R. 60 in Valrico, is tired of people not being able to find his restaurant because they are unable to see signs indicating its location. "I have people tell me that they drive up and down state road 60, unable to find my business," states Wortman. "Something needs to be changed."

Wortman voiced his thoughts at a meeting held recently and the board of county commissioners (BOCC) listened, changing the regulation size of signs on S.R. 60 from six to eight feet depending on the location, to a maximum of 15 feet.

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Matthew Wortman, owner of Zaxby's on S.R. 60, wants to see changes made so that his business can be located more easily.