Driver dies on U.S. 41 in Land O'Lakes after veering into oncoming traffic

LAND O'LAKES

Man killed after veering into traffic

A 28-year-old man died in a collision Tuesday afternoon after authorities say his car crossed into oncoming traffic on U.S. 41.

James Overton Alston IV was driving north on U.S. 41 about 2:50 p.m. when he veered into the southbound lane near McCarthy Drive, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.

Pamela J. Allen, 32, saw Alston in her path and swerved to try to avoid him, FHP said. But the front driver's side of Alston's 1987 Cadillac hit Allen's Nissan.

Alston, of Lutz, was pronounced dead at the scene. Allen, of Land O'Lakes, was treated for minor injuries at Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and the FHP has determined that alcohol was not involved.

The crash remains under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to call Trooper J.M. Hollis or Cpl. Kenneth Ratcliff at (727) 841-4181.

DADE CITY

Taxable property values drop $3.9B

Taxable property values in Pasco County dropped by $3.9-billion, a roughly 14.6 percent decrease from the current year, according to the final figures issued Monday by Property Appraiser Mike Wells.

Those figures are in line with preliminary values Wells released in late May.

County commissioners will use these figures as they come up with a budget and millage rate for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. If commissioners were to keep the same millage rate, the loss in property values would translate into a roughly $23-million revenue loss, county budget director Mike Nurrenbrock has said.

With other revenue reductions, the total deficit is about $35.7-million.