It’s going to be out with the old and in with the new when it comes to how funds will be raised to maintain roads […]
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This Week
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UPDATE: Pasco Zone for 2024 Regional Bay Scallop Season temporarily closes
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a temporary closure of the recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River, according to a news release. The […]
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More police officers relocating to Florida from other states
(The Center Square) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody welcomed new police officers to the state after they relocated from Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico and New York. “Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we back our blue,” Moody said. “We’ve been spreading the word about all the great […]
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Review finds reporting issues with Florida prisons over use of force incidents
(The Center Square) — An audit of the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) has uncovered several issues related to the use of force, untimely reporting times and information technology access controls. The Florida Auditor General (AG) reviewed incident reporting, maintenance requests, Correctional Officer timekeeping records and the state-operated Institutions Inmate Welfare Trust Fund with the […]
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Decision delayed on invasive species ordinance
By Joe Potter
Pasco County Planning Commission members recently agreed to continue until Aug. 8 a decision on a proposed ordinance addressing invasive species vegetation. The proposed ordinance was presented to the Planning Commission during its July 11 meeting with a recommendation that they approve sending it to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC […]
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Pasco County neighborhoods brighter, thanks to cleanup
By Mary Rathman
Some West Pasco neighborhoods are a whole lot brighter thanks to Pasco County’s Code Compliance, Solid Waste and Public Works teams that joined forces to remove 208 tons of residential garbage and debris, according to a news release. “Thank you to our Pasco County team members and community members for helping make these cleanups so […]
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Accessibility of health care services can be a struggle in Florida, says report
(The Center Square) — A new report says many people in Florida don’t receive needed health care because they lack easy access to adequate services. Florida TaxWatch recently released its report, Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, social determinants of health are […]
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Children enjoy reading to therapy dogs
By Joe Potter
Nearly a dozen children of various ages recently gathered at the New River Branch Library to spend some time reading to therapy dogs. The event is featured once a month at the library in Wesley Chapel. Nancy Horbert is the program manager for the Tampa-based nonprofit organization Highland Canine Connect (HCC), which brings therapy dogs […]
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Audits find financial issues with some Florida charter schools
(The Center Square) — The Florida Auditor General’s office has released two reports that detail significant issues and financial trends in the Sunshine State’s charter schools, charter technical career centers and district school boards. There are 720 charter schools and charter technical career centers operating in Florida, with the majority in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. […]
This Week (cont)
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Review: ‘Despicable Me 4’ is more annoying than fun
How many minions does it take to screw on a lightbulb? The same amount of minions it takes to screw audiences out of 13 bucks at the theater. There are countless yellow henchmen in “Despicable Me 4,” but their imbecile slapstick is more wearisome than wonderful, and you may start to feel worn down by […]
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Florida bases could receive more than $1B in new defense spending bill
(The Center Square) — Florida military bases could receive more than a billion dollars for construction projects if the new 2025 defense budget becomes law. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 13. Before it becomes law, it must pass the Senate and receive President Joe Biden’s signature. Key […]
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Data: Florida’s electricity rates are competitive with neighboring states
(The Center Square) — Data from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) and the federal government show the state’s electricity rates remain competitive with other states. Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL), the largest electricity supplier in the Sunshine State with over 12 million accounts statewide, has the lowest rates of all of Florida’s providers. […]
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Report: Campaign spending in Florida could top $464M
(The Center Square) — Despite no longer being a battleground state, a new report projects spending in Florida will top $464 million for this year’s campaign, one of the largest increases over previous predictions. According to the latest Political Projections Report by AdImpact, Florida has one of the largest projected increases in political spending, almost […]
Local Sports & Rec
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Game changers: how technology is revolutionizing the world of sports
In the modern era, sports are no longer just about natural talent and rigorous training. The integration of advanced technologies is transforming how athletes train, compete and even recover. From wearable tech that monitors performance to virtual reality systems that simulate real-game scenarios, the landscape of sports is undergoing a technological revolution. Here’s a look […]
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy 101: What every student-athlete should know
(Family Features) – You may find it difficult to wrap your mind around the idea of an energetic student-athlete with a cardiac diagnosis. Heart conditions may be more often associated with older individuals, but you might be surprised to learn hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common condition responsible for sudden cardiac death in young athletes. […]
Sports & Rec – Check This Out
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Lutz softball team headed to World Series
The 8u Lutz girls softball all-star team has won its first-ever state championship after winning the state tournament. Following their wins at the district and state tournaments, they are now headed to the World Series, which begins July 24 in Florence, Alabama.
Pasco Stars fundraiser
The Pasco Stars softball team will host a fundraiser at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 8717 Little Road in New Port Richey, to help pay their way to defend their title in the Special Olympics North American Softball Tournament. The tournament will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sept. 6 to Sept. 8. The fundraiser is open to […]
Fire & EMS Museum golf tournament
The 7th Annual Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum Golf Tournament will be held on Sept. 27, at The Eagles Golf Club in Odessa. Participants can play 18 holes of golf, along with activities like raffles and a barbecue lunch. Prizes will be awarded to the first place team, closest to the pin, and longest drive […]
Reasons To Smile
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In service for our veterans
By Mary Rathman
Scouting America, under the direction of Reed Wilson of South Tampa, conducted a day of service at Liberty Manor for Veterans for the purpose of Wilson earning his Eagle Scout award, the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America. Liberty Manor promotes the developmental and social needs of […]