U.S. 19 construction affecting business in Pasco County

Businesses along U.S. 19 in Pasco County normally generate about $6 billion in sales revenue, but that number has been impacted since construction on the road began two years ago.

“It’s definitely impacting our business,” said Rick Spinner, general manager of Catches Waterfront Grille. 

Spinner oversees two restaurants on U.S. 19 and says that since the road construction project began, he’s noticed a drop in customers.

To dine at one of his restaurants, you would have to make a long U-turn instead of just turning at the entrance, where it’s now closed.

“Every one of my staff members, it’s impacting them as well,” Spinner said.

Construction stretches for the entire length of U.S. 19 in Pasco County. Contractor DAB Constructors is repaving the roadway, adding pavement to make the right turn lanes continuous, repairing sidewalks or building new ones and adding bike lanes in certain areas.

The work, which the FDOT divides into two projects, is estimated to cost about $46 million.

Over the past year, Spinner had to let go of 15 members of his staff as a result of the 35 percent drop in his business.

It’s why the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce is now urging the Florida Department of Transportation to finish the project this year instead of next.

 “It’s taking so darn long, and it just doesn’t seem like anything is getting done,” said Chip Wichmanowski, president of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

FDOT officials say a lot is actually being done, and the reason behind the time extension is due to contractors incorporating median changes requested by cities, businesses and citizens along the corridor.

And even though FDOT has 740 days to finish the project, those days don’t include the 21 holidays and 37 weather day delays.

The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce is also now voicing its concerns with the project on social media.

The organization has started a "Complete U.S. 19 Now" Facebook page. The organization also plans to meet with the FDOT as well as some senators and congressmen representatives on Monday to discuss the issue further.