(The Center Square) — Legislation signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday will make it easier for the state to purchase land for […]
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This Week
Dade City’s ‘crown jewel’ shines brightly
By Joe Potter
With hundreds of people involved and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, a renovated Touchton Park in Dade City officially opened on April 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The conclusion of the two-year project was celebrated with remarks from dignitaries and a reception afterwards at the Dade City Garden Club. “This is truly a blessing […]
Public input session seeks feedback
By Mary Rathman
Pasco County’s Department of Public Works is launching a major project to update its Stormwater Master Plan, which will identify stormwater areas of concern, as well as strategies and projects to help reduce flooding and improve drainage across unincorporated areas in Pasco County. An Eastside Public Input Session is scheduled for April 23 from 6 […]
State to penalize those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl
(The Center Square) — Penalties are set to increase in the Sunshine State for those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl, after new legislation was signed Monday. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate bills 718 and 66. The first creates a second-degree felony for any adult individual who recklessly exposes first responders to fentanyl that […]
Practice Earth Day, every day
By Mary Rathman
Since the first observance of Earth Day in 1970, the designation has grown into the largest civic observance in the world, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) website. The day is an opportunity to think about how lives are impacting the environment. This Earth Day, April 22, join the DEP to recognize […]
Large employment project gains initial approval
By Joe Potter
A rezoning request for property within Pasco County’s I-75 Interstate Employment Area gained initial approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission during its April 4 meeting. The approximately 745-acre site is located north of State Road 52 and west of Interstate 75. It is currently zoned for agricultural, single family/mobile homes and general commercial purposes. […]
Juvenile Choice Program opens to ages 11 to 17
By Mary Rathman
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced its Juvenile Choice Program is now open to anyone ages 11 to 17, according to a news release. The program is geared toward mentoring youth by highlighting the real consequences of bad decisions and encouraging kids to make strides toward a positive future, the release says. Youth in […]
Closing the STEM skills gap to create new possibilities for kids
Over the next decade, it’s projected that nearly 3.5 million manufacturing and STEM-related jobs will be available, yet 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to a skills gap, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advocates are addressing systemic educational barriers that impact student success in order to fill this skills […]
This Week (cont)
New Florida law increases penalties for organized retail theft, porch piracy
(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a measure designed to combat organized retail theft and porch piracy. DeSantis signed House Bill 549, which lowers the threshold value for third-degree felony theft. The governor added that retail theft results in skyrocketing customer prices because businesses need to recoup their losses. […]
What every mom and soon-to-be-mom needs to know about their heart
Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not […]
State board approves premium reimbursement formula to help insurers
(The Center Square) — The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) Advisory Council has approved a new premium reimbursement formula that will help alleviate the burden on insurance companies operating in Florida. The FHCF operates under the State Board of Administration and is a tax-exempt state trust fund that reimburses a portion of hurricane losses to […]
Local Sports & Rec
Local athlete shines for Para Track and Field team
Danielle Kanas, a standout thrower representing the University of Alabama’s inaugural Para Track and Field team, clinched the prestigious 2024 National Championship in the Javelin F46 category for USA Para Track and Field. She did it while beating her previous personal best throw of 27.59 meters. “The championship was an important step towards making it […]
Anglers reel in Saltwater state catch records
By Mary Rathman
Two Catch a Florida Memory anglers had a record-setting spring, reeling in three new Saltwater State Records this year, so far. In January, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries Management launched three new Saltwater State Records Categories: Adult and Youth Length categories for catch and release records and a […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out
G2 Community Youth Foundation Golf Tournament
The G2 Community Youth Foundation will host its 1st Annual Golf Tournament on April 26, at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in New Port Richey. Check-in will be at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. The G2 Community Youth Foundation’s mission is to provide children in Pasco and […]
Annual Freedom Run in Pasco
The 8th Annual Freedom Run, The Race Against Poverty, is scheduled for May 4, at Wesley Chapel District Park at 7321 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel. The event features a 5k/10k run aimed at raising awareness about extreme poverty and funding housing projects for families in need, according to a release. Previous Freedom Runs have contributed […]
Reasons To Smile
Brightening someone’s day
By Mary Rathman
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club handcrafted Easter favors for recipients of the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Darryln Caudill, right, delivered 200 bunnies to MOW Executive Director Steve King for distribution to the elderly, disabled and shut-ins. The woman’s club also hosted a kickoff luncheon to raise funds for the American […]