ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Construction is nearing the end on the first phase of Pasco County Schools $33 million remodel of Zephyrhills High School.

A new building with 17 additional classrooms and administration offices is expected to be complete later this month, but the district's director of construction services said this is only the beginning of the multi-year, multi-phase project.

"They're needed," Mike Gude said of the changes to the 44-year-old school. "The majority…are a lot of the behind-the-scenes things – upgraded mechanical systems, electrical systems, fire protection. There will be some cosmetic-type things, as well."

Gude said demolition of interior space in the main building has taken place, and four phases of construction will move throughout the building in the coming years. Space will be added onto the cafeteria and kitchen, and enhanced safety features including a security fence around the building will be added.

"We will have a single point of entry where one door leads into the school and goes immediately into the administration office. That'll be the only way into the school during the school day," he said. The doors will also have access control.

The changes will create room that will allow the school to add more than 500 additional students.

"They're not crammed in here now. Again, it's more future growth than it is current capacity," said Gude. "There is expected growth in the Zephyrhills area."

The project is funded by Penny for Pasco and expected to be complete in the fall of 2021.