Shoes & socks Drive continues through Oct. 16
PASCO COUNTY – The Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices collecting footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools through Oct. 16.
Donate new shoes and socks in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices.
“This effort continues to show the incredible generosity of our community,” Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said. “Together, we’re helping students start the school year with confidence and support.”
The campaign has collected over 24,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 pairs of socks since 2016. Social workers distribute the items to Pasco students.
Types of new shoes and socks to consider donating include:
- Children’s shoes in all sizes
- Adult shoes in sizes 10 to 13
- Socks in all sizes / neutral colors
- Closed-toe shoes / no flip-flops
On the web: mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles
Frankfurth assumes post as GFWC President-elect
WASHINGTON, DC – Jolie R. Frankfurth, of Tampa, was recently installed as president-elect of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs at the organization’s 2026 Annual Convention.
Frankfurth will serve on the GFWC Executive Committee, which serves as the governing leadership of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
They set the strategic direction for more than 60,000 members whose work spans education, the arts, environmental conservation, healthy lifestyles and the fight against domestic and sexual violence.
Frankfurth has been a member of GFWC since 1997, serving through GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club and GFWC Woman’s Club of New Tampa. She has held leadership positions at the club, state and regional levels.
Her background in adult education was relied upon to launch the organization’s online Learning Academy in January 2026.
Garden Club preps for plant sale
DADE CITY – The Dade City Garden Club has released details about its upcoming Plants and Treasures Sale.
The sale will include member-cultivated plants, extraordinary treasures and garden crafts from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at 13630 5th St.
Proceeds support the club and its community projects.
On the web: DadeCityGardenClub.com
Carballa chats with animal services leaders
LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa chatted with new leadership within the animal services department during episode 63 of the “Pasco Podcast.”
Gary Herrero, who recently joined the department as director, explained how he’s been working with animals ever since he was a squire at Medieval Times. Herrero has a law enforcement background.
Assistant Director Samantha Blixt, who has been assistant director for three months, has been in the animal services industry for 14 years. The Coast Guard veteran has worked with veterinarians and animal sanctuaries.
Both talked about the importance of maintaining trust with the community.
Watch the conversation at youtube.com/watch?v=dJgWfu99S2Y.
Library system opens new branch
WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County recently held a grand opening for Wesley Chapel Library.
The 13,000-square-foot library offers flexible spaces and amenities including public computers, printers, study rooms, collaborative workspaces, a dedicated children’s area, a multi-purpose room for makerspace activities and programs, a meeting room and convenient drive-up services.
A dedicated art gallery wall highlights local artists as well as an outdoor reading porch and event lawn.
The library is located at 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd.