(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law several measures on Friday intended to protect and support law enforcement officers. Senate Bill […]
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This Week
Pasco mourns loss of commissioner
The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has announced the passing of Pasco County Commissioner Vice Chair Gary Bradford. Bradford passed away on April 21 with his wife, family and friends by his side. Bradford served the county with dedication and passion since he was elected in 2022. A few months after joining the county, he […]
Expo aims to help residents prepare for year-round disasters
By Mary Rathman
Pasco County Emergency Management will host the 2024 Disaster Expo on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. The expo’s goal is to help prepare residents not only for hurricanes, but for other potential disasters, including tornadoes, flooding and wildfires that can happen […]
DeSantis signs education reform bill into law
(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an education reform bill into law that will have long-reaching implications for the state’s education system. House Bill 1285 does several things, including addressing school districts with “Turn-Around” status, repeals the Florida College System’s employment equity and accountability program, and requires the State Board of Education […]
Rezoning clears way for development of large subdivision
By Joe Potter
A zoning amendment approved by Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on April 10 makes it possible for a large subdivision to be developed within the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH) after other requirements are met. Plans call for 796 dwelling units and 75,000 square feet of non-residential use to be developed on 101 […]
Enjoy summer camp at a local YMCA
As the weather turns warm, and the end of the school year gets that much closer, so does the thought of keeping children busy and off their devices. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is here to help with your family’s summer camp plans. We offer campers the opportunity to try something new while they build […]
Tunnel to Towers breaks ground on amenity center
By Mary Rathman
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which has been providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children since 9/11, broke ground on April 15 for the Let Us Do Good Village Amenity Center in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release. The Village is a first-of-its-kind community made up […]
Two changes you may notice at your next dentist appointment
Practices in oral and overall health care continually advance to keep you well. Here are two changes affecting dental care you might notice at your next visit. 1. Updated recommendations for dental X-rays. In the past, when your dentist took X-rays of your teeth, you probably wore a leaded apron or thyroid collar. That may […]
This Week (cont)
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 […]
Local Sports & Rec
Report: Rays’ stadium, development district to exceed initial cost estimates
(The Center Square) — A new report shows that a new Tampa Rays stadium could cost taxpayers far more than initially thought. The new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays would include the development of 65 acres in the historic Gas Plant District that surrounds the field, which would offer affordable housing, shopping and entertainment […]
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 […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out
USF’s new stadium
The University of South Florida will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new on–campus stadium during the university’s Homecoming Week, Oct. 14 to Oct. 19, according to a news release. The university has selected Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company, and DuCon LLC to oversee the construction. The new stadium is expected to open […]
Tennis and pickleball courts to be resurfaced
The city of Temple Terrace has passed a resolution to spend $71,000 to resurface the public tennis courts at 10901 Richlyne St. All six courts will be resurfaced for tennis, while three will additionally have lines for pickleball, according to a news release. The resurfacing is expected to begin sometime later this month or in […]
Reasons To Smile
Decades of ‘planting’ seeds of hope
By Mary Rathman
Longtime GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member Elaine Pittman, aka The Plant Lady, once again has donated $500 to Christian Social Services (CSS) in Land O’ Lakes, an organization that provides goods and services to the area’s unhoused and food insecure population. For decades, Pittman has raised funds by propagating, potting and selling plants […]