A historic New Port Richey family, considered one of Pasco County’s original pioneers, is concerned about potentially losing part of their property to a proposed road extension. Richard and Judy Osteen, who settled the land nearly 80 years ago, recently showed Tampa Bay 28 their property, which includes an old magnolia tree and a sugar cane field used for syrup production. The proposed project involves extending Osteen Road through the family’s land and near neighboring homes to connect Massachusetts Avenue and Orchid Lake Road. Local residents like Lauren Lanterman and John Bebe express worries about increased traffic, potential loss of trees, and insufficient communication from county officials regarding the plans. Pasco County officials state that the design alternatives aim to improve roadway connectivity, pedestrian access, safety, and emergency routing while evaluating future connections to Little Road. The Transportation Engineering Department will present its recommendations to county commissioners at a future date after considering various options for connecting the missing road segment.
Key Points:
- The Osteen family settled the land nearly 80 years ago and is considered one of Pasco County’s original pioneer families.
- The proposed road extension would run through the Osteen property and near the home of Lauren Lanterman.
- Pasco County officials evaluated options for connecting a missing segment of Osteen Road between Massachusetts Avenue and Orchid Lake Road to improve connectivity, pedestrian access, safety, and emergency routing.
- Richard and Judy Osteen recently gave a tour of their property showing an old magnolia tree and a sugar cane field they harvest to make syrup.
- The Transportation Engineering Department will present its recommendations to county commissioners at a future date.
