Carey King-Agin is Pasco County’s Ace Ventura. She doesn’t have large hair, colorful shirts or act like Jim Carrey, but she can bring a smile […]
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This Week
Dayspring Academy breaks ground on Angeline Campus
Here they grow again. Dayspring Academy, with its five other locations in Port Richey, once again is expanding — this time coming to Central Pasco. The charter school broke ground on Sept. 14 on its PreK-5 Angeline Campus in northern Land O’ Lakes. The school will be operating in a partnership with Pasco County Schools […]
Health officer’s contributions praised by Pasco County Commission
When the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting everything down, Mike Napier and his team were ramping up. The recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County led efforts during the pandemic, building on partnerships the health department had already established within the community, to help prevent the spread of COVID and to respond […]
Lutz Church of God gains approval for Land O’ Lakes location
The Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and School Road. The planning board approved the request, with conditions. Planning board […]
A rocket blast on the bay
Be prepared to get blasted — with speed and sprays of water. That’s what you can expect on board Bay Rocket — one of the newest attractions at the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. The 2,800-horsepower speedboat, outfitted with dozens of passenger seats, docks outside the Tampa Convention Center. It takes passengers who dare to board […]
Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget
Pasco County Schools’ budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is just slightly under $2 billion. The Pasco County School Board adopted the budget during its second public hearing, held Sept. 11. Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview of the budget for the board and public. The actual 2023-2024 budget amount is $1,996,021,940, […]
Pasco Schools helps in response to Hurricane Idalia
Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia. Locally, the district set up and operated five hurricane shelters, to enable Pasco residents who were potentially in harm’s way to leave their homes and to safely wait out the storm. “I cannot begin to thank our team, our staff, enough for […]
More actions needed for traffic safety, Watergrass residents say
Watergrass residents are continuing to push Pasco County to make more road improvements to reduce safety concerns in their area. Some residents appeared before the Pasco County Commission, during the public comment section of the Sept. 5 board meeting, urging the board to take action. The Watergrass area has been dealing with increased traffic since […]
National bicycle route will be running through Pasco County
The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has approved a proposed bicycle route through Pasco County to be part of the U.S Bicycle Route System. The countywide transportation planning agency has agreed to a route proposed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which is working to expand the national bike route system. […]
Billy Brown’s positive impacts in Pasco lauded by county board
During a career that spanned 67 years, Billy E. Brown left his mark on the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative where he worked, and on countless lives in Pasco County. His achievements were honored on Sept. 5 by the Pasco County Commission, which passed a resolution detailing his many accomplishments. Brown is a lifelong resident of […]
This Week (cont)
NHTSA cautions on teen drivers’ immaturity
While summer is a popular time for teens to get driver’s licenses, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes — mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills and lack of experience. On average, eight teens die each day from motor vehicle injuries, according […]
Pasco Utilities rates to increase
Pasco County Utilities customers will be paying higher water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills, effective Oct. 1, according to a county news release. The average residential customer, using 6,000 gallons of water and sewer each month, will see a billing increase of $2.47 — going from the current charge of $83.68 to a new charge […]
Pasco’s Senior Services expands programs
Pasco County Senior Services (PCSS) has been named the new lead agency for Community Care for the Elderly in Pasco County, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release. The transition comes on the heels of a vote by the Area Agency on Aging board of directors. Currently, PCSS administers the Home Delivered Meals program […]
Meal planning for power outages when a big storm comes through
The Tampa Bay region emerged relatively unscathed by Hurricane Idalia, as its path veered off to the north of us. Of course, some areas suffered damage — but it wasn’t the catastrophic disaster here that it could have been. Still, hundreds of thousands of people across Florida lost power. In fact, any time the electricity […]
Pasco needs to address invasive species, county board member says
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants the county board to create an ordinance aimed at reducing the spread of invasive species. She raised the issue during the county board’s Sept. 5 meeting. She suggested the ordinance she’s recommending should describe what should be done when invasive species are discovered on land that is being developed. […]
Local Sports
Wildcats on course for a great season
If there’s one thing the Wildcats are trying to avoid, it’s a sophomore slump. With four of the team’s top five golfers being sophomores, it would be beneficial to the whole team for them to all play well and reach for their lofty goals. They want to lower their scores, grab some medals and, of […]
There’s no catching these Seahawks
The Seahawks can fly. On the course, on the track, on the road — every year they soar to the state tournament as Pasco County’s most dominant cross-country team for nearly a decade. Even as Sunlake loses arguably its greatest runner to graduation, both the boys and girls cross-country teams have circled a date with […]
Sports – Check This Out
Adaptive Sports Fair coming
Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel, will host an Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Fair on Oct. 8 from noon to 4 p.m., providing an exclusive look at sports programs in Pasco County available for youth and adults. There will be stations on sports including tumbling and trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, swimming, […]
Golf tournament
The Tampa Housing Authority will host its 15th annual golf tournament on Oct. 20 at 8 a.m., at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. Cost is $320 per golfer or $1,200 for a foursome. Tampa Housing Authority (THA) offers comprehensive programs and services to educate, elevate and empower youth while engaging with parents and […]
Stomp Out Suicide
Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department will host its Stomp Out Suicide 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Trail Run on Oct. 7 at 8 a.m., at Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City. Cost is $45 for the 10K; $40 for the 5K and 1 Mile combo; $30 for the 5K […]
Reasons To Smile
Loud and proud
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were out in force for their annual commemoration of 9/11, to wave flags along the highway. The club was loudly acknowledged by 18-wheeler air horns, and trucks and vehicles of every sort sounding their horns and giving the ‘thumbs up’ signal. The women also delivered gift […]
