The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 02/21/2024

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Chris Dunning is Pasco’s Principal of the Year (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Principal of the Year named
Pasco County Schools has recognized Chris Dunning, principal of Wendell Krinn Technical High School, as its Principal of the Year.

Dunning has been an educator in Pasco County for more than 30 years. He started his career as an elementary school teacher and advanced to elementary assistant principal and then principal.

The honoree also spent time as the district’s chief negotiator in the Office for Employee Relations. He also was selected to open Paul R. Smith Middle School, where he led the team to become the highest-scoring Title I School in the district.

He then moved on to Seven Springs Middle School and also achieved the highest-scoring school in the district.

Dunning currently leads Wendell Krinn Technical, the district’s first magnet high school that has been recognized as a Demonstration Magnet School and provides opportunities for students in 14 career areas.

Throughout his professional life, Dunning has been an active volunteer in the community, has coached at the YMCA and was a leader of a cub scout pack. He also has served on multiple chamber boards as chairman and has been a member of multiple rotaries.

Dunning and his wife, Jeannie, are first responders in the foster care system and have hosted almost 40 children in the past three years.

Sunlake car wash fundraiser
The Sunlake High School boys and girls tennis teams will host a car wash on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 7-Eleven, at the corner of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes. All proceeds will benefit the two teams.

College & Career Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its fourth annual Virtual College and Career Fair on Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to provide information to middle and high school families as they plan for college entrance and/or careers after high school. Each session will have a live presentation accessible through the online event platform, Sched, with representatives from college, career and the Armed Forces.

Resources: ACT/SAT Support; College Admissions Process; Collegiate Athletics; Financial Aid, Bright Futures, and Scholarships; Naviance-College, Career & Life Readiness Resource; Resources for Students with Disabilities; International Universities

Participating colleges: University of South Florida; Florida Polytechnic; Florida Gulf Coast University; Pasco-Hernando State College; Florida A&M University; University of Central Florida; Grand Canyon University; Saint Leo University; Florida International University; Rasmussen University; University of Florida

Career information: Cross Air Ocean Flight School; AdventHealth; Human Resources and Educator Quality, Pasco County Schools; Marchman Technical College; Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

Armed Forces: United States Coast Guard; United States Air Force

To register to attend, visit https://collegeandcareerfair2024.sched.com/.

For additional support, email .

Books to ‘snuggle’ with
AdventHealth Heart of Florida accepted a donation of 720 new books titled “Snuggle” from the nonprofit Early Learning Coalition of Polk County. The book features loving and encouraging messages parents can read to their children. Reading to newborns offers an opportunity for bonding, provides babies with the building blocks for language, and gives them the tools for forming lifelong social and emotional skills.

University graduates
The University of Tampa honored 1,105 degree-seeking candidates at the school’s 157th commencement last December. Area students receiving degrees include:

  • Mackenzie Allen, Lutz: Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology
  • Sharron Canham, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Economics
  • Annael Julien, Lutz: Master of Business Administration in Business Administration
  • Joshua Luther, Odessa: Master of Business Administration in Business Administration
  • Aaron Molloy, Lutz: Master of Science in Marketing
  • Amy Waly Ndiaye, Lutz: Master of Science in Finance
  • Lindsey Reed, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
  • Daniel Riley, Odessa: Master of Arts in Professional Communication
  • Denis Sapogov, Lutz: Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Joseph Vardakis, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Marketing

The Georgia Institute of Technology presented degrees to approximately 6,300 undergraduate and graduate students during the school’s 265th commencement last December. Area students receiving degrees include:

  • Robert Bebeau, Lutz
  • Daniel Crane, Lutz

Student selected for Carnegie Hall
Cole Colhouer, a student at Land O’ Lakes High School (LOLHS), has been selected for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Cole will perform the French horn with the Honors Symphony Orchestra. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from around the world, according to a news release from Cheryl Colhouer.

Colhouer has studied music for seven years and is a member of the LOLHS Wind Ensemble, All County Band, Bay Area Youth Winds and the Universal Show Band. He has received dozens of awards and recognitions. 

The student auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review of the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the group is a result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in a student’s application and audition recording.

The Honors Performance Series, presented by WorldStrides, was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world-renowned venues.

To learn more, visit HonorsPerformance.org or WorldStrides.com.

Conservation poster contest
Hillsborough County kindergarten through 12th grade students are encouraged to enter the 2024 Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest, sponsored by Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.

Students who enter the contest must create an original idea for a poster depicting water conservation in slogan and/or drawing form. Each submission will be judged on the message, creativity, originality and artistic ability. The poster must be drawn on 8.5-inch by 11-inch white paper, vertically or horizontally. Students can use crayons, paint, colored pencils or markers. No highlighters, photos or computer graphics are allowed.

The contest has five age divisions. Each school will select one winner from each division for submission to the local level. A first-, second- and third-place local winner will be chosen for each division. The first-place local winners will advance to the statewide level.

The deadline for submissions is March 1. For more information, visit .

For additional details and list of prizes, visit HCFL.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/water-and-sewer/drop-savers-poster-contest.

Scholarship applications
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is now accepting applications for the Florida Supervisor of Elections (FSE) Scholarship.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science, public administration, business administration or journalism/mass communication major and be at least a junior in college.

Students must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida and have at least a C average or above for the previous year. Additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information can be found at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2024 FSE Scholarship Application under the Noteworthy tab on the homepage. Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration.

Applications are due by March 8.

Scholarship opportunity
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida.

Students also must be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date.

Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Students who apply must be either a political science, public/business administration, or journalism/mass communications major.

The application deadline is March 8. To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship, or email .

Clothing swap aims to help those less fortunate

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The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club will host a free clothing swap on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in the front activity room.

(Courtesy of GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club)

The event began in 2018 and has become a standing activity in the community.

The swap gives individuals an opportunity to go through their closets and purge items that are still in great shape, but no longer wanted. Participants bring their clothes to the event and can look through the donations brought in by others to take something ‘new to you’ home. No money is exchanged.

Clothes and shoes of all shapes and sizes can be donated. Used socks and underwear will not be accepted.

All items left behind will be distributed to local charities such as Sunrise of Pasco, the Cinderella Project, local homeless support charities, and Title 1 schools.

Most needed items are formal wear for high school proms, winter wear of all sizes, and throw blankets.

In 2023, the Pasco Juniors hosted three swaps and collected more than 2,000 pieces of clothing, as well as shoes and other household items.

For information, visit Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors.

Published February 14, 2024

Community Challenge grant program open

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AARP Florida invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, which funds quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more, according to the AARP website. Other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative that supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

The Community Challenge accepts applications across these three different grant opportunities:

Capacity-building microgrants: Pair with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and efforts for improving pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and for implementing safe, accessible home modifications.

Demonstration grants: Focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and housing choice design competitions.

Flagship grants: Support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity; equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year, community resilience; and digital connections.

Grants range from several hundred dollars for small short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects.

All projects must be consistent with the AARP mission to serve the needs of people age 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. The application deadline is at 5 p.m., on March 6.

All projects must be completed by Dec. 15.

To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

Published February 14, 2024

Buddy is a real trooper

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Buddy is 9 years old and the best little puppy in the world, according to his owner. This fluffy canine has had cataract surgery in one eye and also has diabetes — he has to have two vaccines a day. Buddy lives with Donna Guillaume, in Spring Hill, and makes her very happy every day.

Poised and ready for lunch

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Joanne and Gilbert Dionne, of Dade City, spotted several boat-tailed grackles at the Frank Howard Beach Park in Tarpon Springs. The birds eagerly watched the Dionnes as they ate lunch. The boat-tailed grackle gets its name from the way it holds its tail in flight — the tail feathers form a V shape, like the keel of a boat.

Health News 02/14/2024

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Hospital leaders convene
AdventHealth hospital leaders convened last month in Tallahassee for FHA Hospital Days at the Florida Capitol, with a mission to advocate for legislative priorities that will shape the future of health care in the region, according to a news release.

From left: Ryan Quattlebaum, Mike Murrill and Jason Dunkel from AdventHealth attend FHA Hospital Days in Tallahassee to advocate for legislative health care priorities. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

In a united effort, Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Wauchula and AdventHealth Lake Placid; Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas; and Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, all took part.

These leaders in meetings with influential lawmakers addressed key issues including: Support for rural hospitals, graduate medical education (GME) funding and expansion, health care workforce initiatives, and enhancing hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery.

AdventHealth is advocating for the Rural Hospital Improvement Grant, a $10 million appropriation that will continue to help hospitals in underserved areas across the state.

AdventHealth also supports an additional $170 million allocated for the funding and expansion of GME programs, which will help train and retain the next generation of doctors.

With 27 accredited training programs and a projection of 152 graduates annually, AdventHealth’s GME programs are working to help meet the increasing demand of Florida’s growing and aging population.

Additionally, the AdventHealth leaders spoke one-on-one with lawmakers about the importance of a $152 million appropriation to enhance hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery through Florida’s Live Healthy health care package.

Fast Track Urgent Care opens
The newest clinic of TGH (Tampa General Hospital) Urgent Care powered by Fast Track has opened its doors at 22945 State Road 54 in Lutz, near Collier Parkway. The clinic has five exam rooms and will offer high-quality urgent care services for patients ages 3 months and older, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, according to a news release.

Common illnesses and injuries that can be treated at the new facility include: cough; sore throat; ear infections; eye problems; colds and fevers; skin rashes; simple fractures; nausea and other stomach issues; urinary tract infections; school and sports physicals; and lab testing and diagnostic procedures.

Occupational health services also are available and include pre-employment screenings, employment physicals and assessments for workers’ compensation injuries.

Since partnering with Fast Track Urgent Care in June 2019, Tampa General has doubled its number of urgent care access points within the community. There are now 19 TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track clinics in the Tampa Bay area.

(Courtesy of Martin Bahl/St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Raising awareness for healthy hearts
February is American Heart Month and Feb. 2 was National Wear Red Day. Team members at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz wore red to signify the hospital’s commitment to stamp out cardiovascular and heart disease, the leading cause of death among Americans, especially women. Team members stood in the shape of a heart and formed the heart shape with their hands and fingers, too, in recognition of healthy hearts. 

Saint Leo nursing partnership
Saint Leo University and AdventHealth have created a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), which will provide nurse-mentors at AdventHealth Zephyrhills for the university’s nursing students, according to a news release.

Leaders from both institutions believe this collaboration will be beneficial not only to the participants, but also to the patients and residents of the surrounding community.

In the DEU model, AdventHealth nurses will serve as preceptors/mentors for the students, providing a personalized learning experience between the nurses and the nursing students.

The first cohort of nursing students, along with the nurse mentors, faculty and hospital leadership on Jan. 30 met for a luncheon at which time the students and nurses got to know each other for a future “match.”

“This collaboration with Saint Leo University is not only shaping the future of health care but also addressing the need for skilled nurses in our community,” said Gwen Alonso, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Zephyrhills, in the release.

“Together, we are cultivating a generation of compassionate and highly trained health care professionals who will make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community,” said Alonso.

Chalk Talk 02/14/2024

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(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Grant to help expand education
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) was granted $1,630,000 in funding through the Florida Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (CAP Grant). The funds come from the more than $35 million allocated to Florida school districts and state colleges for the creation or expansion of semiconductor-related instructional programs for students, according to a news release.

The grant will be used to purchase equipment for the PHSC manufacturing lab currently being constructed at the Wilton Simpson Technical College and to update PHSC’s welding lab with a state-of-the-art filtration system.

The state college offers a wide array of Workforce and Career and Technical Education programs including information technology, welding, digital media and more.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training.

Pasco Schools receives grant
Pasco County Schools has received a $57,500 grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, according to a news release.

The contribution will bolster Pasco Schools’ ongoing Magnet Schools Recruitment, Retention, and Community Engagement efforts, showcasing the diverse and innovative programs available to its students, the release said.

The magnet schools offer a wide array of programs, including Cambridge, International Baccalaureate (IB), STEM/STEAM, Fire Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Fine Arts.

Many of Pasco’s magnet programs are situated in communities that face economic challenges, and while those schools have been successfully funded, there is an ongoing need to enhance the student experience.

The Suncoast grant will support initiatives impacting students, including student recruitment, retention, field trips and celebratory events.

Student achievements

  • Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Colin Anna, Odessa: Dean’s List, State University of New York-Cortland
  • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University
  • Jackson Behuniak, Lutz: Dean’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Michael Clifford, Lutz: Dean’s List, Anderson University
  • Aidan Edward Bitter, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University
  • Landon Carter, Lutz: Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing, Valdosta State University
  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Lamama Delphine, Land O’ Lakes: Associate in Arts-Liberal Arts & Sciences, Minnesota State Community and Technical College
  • Jaelyn Evans, Odessa: President’s List, Mississippi College
  • Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Graydon Horn, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Olivia Jablonski, Odessa: Dean’s List, Samford University
  • Danielle Kanas, Lutz: President’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Katherine Kirkwood: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University
  • Mykayla Christine King, Lutz: Dean’s List, Mars Hill University
  • Alexandria Nabors, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Jackson Preacher, Lutz: cadet Gold Star, Dean’s List, The Citadel
  • Joshua Stephens, Lutz: Dean’s List, Anderson University
    • Christiana Till, Odessa: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama
  • Allison Trask, Lutz: Dean’s List, Harding University
  • Sydney Turpin, Lutz: Dean’s List, The University of Alabama

New general counsel
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) has announced the hiring of Jonathan Squires as general counsel for the college. He joined HCC on Jan. 29 from Seminole State College of Florida where he served as associate general counsel.

Squires brings 15 years of experience to the position, including extensive knowledge in the state college system, according to a news release.

He is recognized by the Florida Bar as a board certified specialist in education law — a designation currently held by less than 50 lawyers in the state.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve HCC, its faculty, staff and students. The Florida College System has the power to change lives, and I look forward to joining the college’s leadership team and help HCC continue to transform lives by providing open access to exceptional teaching and learning environments,” said Squires in the release.

The community college serves more than 43,000 students annually at its five campuses throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit HCCfl.edu.

Staff changes at PHSC
Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., began his presidency at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) on Feb. 1, serving as the fifth president in the school’s 51-year history.

Jesse Pisors
Timothy L. Beard

After nearly 17 years at PHSC, Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., retired on Jan. 31. Beard also served as the institution’s president since 2015.

During Beard’s tenure as president, PHSC added 25 new academic programs and three sports; received the Florida Governor’s Award for Top College for Performance Based Funding increase; awarded the college’s first bachelor’s degree in business supervision and management and nursing, with annually top-performing License Nursing (LPN) and Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) programs; was selected by WalletHub as the No. 1 college in the country for Return on Education Investment (ROEI); received more than $200 million in funding and grant opportunities; and received numerous other accolades and accomplishments.

Pisors’ first major task will be to set the institution’s new strategic plan.

Stanley M. Giannet

“I’ve had the opportunity during the past month working alongside Dr. Beard to observe PHSC’s operations and meet with the incredible students, faculty, staff and community members who have provided valuable feedback, which I will incorporate during the development of the institution’s strategic plan and vision for the institution through the upcoming years,” said Pisors in a news release.

Also retiring is Stanley M. Giannet, Ph.D., PHSC executive vice president, chief academic officer (CAO) and college provost, after serving at PHSC for 31 years in numerous faculty and administrative capacities.

Giannet was instrumental in establishing PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, where he served as founding provost.

Gerene Thompson, Ph.D., assistant vice president and dean of arts and sciences, will serve as interim CAO while the search for Giannet’s successor is underway.

Victory High enrollment
Victory High School in Pasco County is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 year. The nonprofit, private school is for teens in recovery from substance-use disorders or co-occurring disorders.

Students can earn their diploma away from the pressures and temptations of traditional high school. Academics are delivered in a safe, healing-centered environment, and all staff and volunteers are trained in trauma responsive services and mental health first aid, according to Victory’s website. Scholarships are accepted at the school.

To refer a student, visit www.refertovictory.com.

For information, visit https://www.floridarecoveryschoolsoftampabay.com/schools/,  call 813-444-7766, or email .

Spectrum Scholars
Charter Communications Inc., has opened applications for Spectrum Scholars, the company’s annual scholarship program for underrepresented college students with financial need. Each of the rising college juniors selected for the 2024-2025 program will receive a $20,000 scholarship, a Charter mentor and the opportunity for a paid internship with the company.

In its fourth year, Charter has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships through Spectrum Scholars, but the benefits for students of participating in the program extend far beyond financial assistance.

The selected students for the new class of scholars will have the opportunity to complete the two-year professional development program, designed to introduce them to new career paths and expand their networks, with the potential for full-time employment with Charter post-graduation. Students also get unique access to networking and professional development opportunities including the Scholars Summit, a three-day event hosted at Charter’s corporate headquarters in Stamford.

Fifteen students will be selected for the 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars class.

For more information on how to apply, as well as program eligibility and selection criteria, visit https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/SpectrumScholarsApp2024.

The deadline for applications is March 1. Winners will be announced in May and scholarships will be awarded in August.

Scholarship applications
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is now accepting applications for the Florida Supervisor of Elections (FSE) Scholarship. The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science, public administration, business administration or journalism/mass communication major and be at least a junior in college.

Students must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida and have at least a C average or above for the previous year. Additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information can be found at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2024 FSE Scholarship Application under the Noteworthy tab on the homepage.

Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration. Applications are due by March 8.

Scholarship opportunity
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as full-time students in a senior college or university in Florida.

Students also must be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date. Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Students who apply must be either a political science, public/business administration, or journalism/mass communications major.

The application deadline is March 8. To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship, or email .

Recognizing female athletes

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Around the country, Feb. 7 is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, recognized by schools, organizations and teams during the first week of February. Athletics play an important role in female lives, no only by establishing a routine for a healthy, active lifestyle, but sports build confidence, leadership skills and the ability to work with a team. The Laker/Lutz News gives a shout out to all female athletes and their strength of accomplishment, no matter what sport they take part in.

 

Kiosk makes vehicle registration renewals more convenient

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has announced Pasco County’s first-ever, self-serve kiosk for processing vehicle registration renewals, according to a news release.

The kiosk, inside the Publix Supermarket at Collier Commons, 2121 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, is at the entrance near the customer service counter and the pharmacy. It is located there to make transactions safe and secure. It will be available to the public during store hours.

“It is our hope that for those interested in using this service that the kiosk will prove to be an easy and efficient way to complete this necessary task in a quick and convenient manner,” said Fasano in the release.

“It is exciting that this new service may save our customers time, gasoline and potentially the inconvenience of traveling far to one of our full-service locations,” said Fasano.

Vehicle registration renewals are the only transaction the kiosk currently is designed to complete. To renew a vehicle registration at the kiosk, customers must bring the PIN from the registration renewal notice or license plate number and first registrant’s date of birth. Registrations in a business name can only be renewed with the PIN since there is not a date of birth linked to the record.

Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano stands beside a new operational kiosk inside Publix on Collier Parkway. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

These registrations are not eligible to be renewed at the kiosk:

  • Registrations renewals that require an address change
  • Registration renewals that replace a license plate
  • Registration renewals that have insurance, driver license or toll suspensions
  • Vessel (boat) registration renewals
  • Mobile home registration renewals
  • Heavy trucks that require a Florida Certificate of Insurance or IRS Heavy Vehicle Use Tax 2290
  • Personalized plate registrations
  • Parking permit or placard renewals
  • National Guard license plate renewals
  • Autonomous vehicles
  • Government vehicles
  • IRP Registrations

The new registration and decal will be printed at the kiosk. If there is a driver license stop, toll stop or insurance stop, or if the kiosk is unable to process the transaction, the customer will receive a message.

Accepted forms of payment include American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa — debit/credit cards only.

The kiosk does charge a 2.3% fee for the use of a credit card and a $3.95 flat fee for the kiosk renewal.

For customer kiosk questions or problems, call 1-833-939-1572.

Published February 07, 2024

How to recycle without curbside pickup

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Pasco County wants to remind residents that it does not pick up trash and recycling, but it does have eight licensed trash haulers that do pick up trash and recycling and take it to the county facilities.

(Stock Photo)

For those who do not have curbside recycling pickup, the county recommends using one of these drop-off locations:

  • East Pasco Recycling Center, 9626 Handcart Road, in Dade City. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional materials are accepted. Call 352-521-0500 for more information.
  • Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, in Holiday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
  • Senior Services Center, 6801 Wisteria Loop, in Land O’ Lakes. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • West Pasco Recycling Center, 14606 Hays Road, in Spring Hill. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Additional materials are accepted. For a complete list of accepted items, visit PascoCountyFl.net/183/Household-Hazardous-Waste. Call 727-857-2780 for more information.

There are items that Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling will not accept and these include: Styrofoam, glass, plastic bags/wraps, milk/juice cartons, and bottle caps, coffee pods, straws and other items that are smaller than a fist.

Fun fact: Aluminum can be recycled infinitely without degrading. It is possible for a recycled aluminum can to go through the entire recycling process and be back onto a store shelf in as little as 90 days.

Call Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling 727-856-4539, email , or visit its Facebook page, for additional questions or concerns.

Published February 07, 2024