The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Volunteer openings available on economics committee

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Pasco County’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC) is seeking volunteers to oversee the use of the JEOC Trust Fund portion of the Penny for Pasco surtax proceeds, according to a county news release.

Members of the volunteer board are responsible for ensuring that Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth.

The committee is made up of nine members, representing expertise from each of the following areas: finance/banking, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing and other private industries.

The committee meets at least quarterly and presents an annual update to the Pasco County Commission.

Terms are one year or two years, depending upon the industry.

Pasco County voters first passed the Penny for Pasco local government infrastructure surtax in 2004 to pay for county, city and school district improvements. The JEOCTF portion, adopted in 2015, is estimated to generate over $60 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy.

Applications for the JEOC openings are being accepted online through June 9 at bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.

Published May 18, 2022

St. Leo chooses new mayor

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The Town of St. Leo chose Vincent “Mike” D’Ambrosio as its new mayor during its annual May reorganization meeting, on May 9.

D’Ambrosio is director of safety and emergency management at Saint Leo University. He also is the assistant pastor at The Rock Church in Brooksville.

(Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

A native of Citrus County, he has been employed at the university since 2008, and has lived in the Town of St. Leo for three years. He was appointed to the Town Commission in June of 2020.

He and his wife, Heidi, have three children: son Vincent “Dakota,” daughter Ryleigh Buchanan, and son Luke.

In other action, commissioners chose to retain James Hallett, O.S.B., as Mayor Pro Tem. Brother James became a Town Commissioner in April 2000. He is originally from Newton Falls, Ohio, where he lived with his family before joining the U.S. Army.

Hallett served three years in the military, including one year in Korea.

After leaving the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Kent State University, followed by a Master of Arts in accounting from Youngstown State University.

Hallett moved to Saint Leo Abbey in 1988. He is active in monastery life and is the manager of the Saint Leo Abbey gift shop.

The meeting also marked the return of William Hamilton, who was elected to fill Commission Seat Five in April.

Hamilton previously served on the Town Commission for eight years, including three as mayor.

Commissioner Hamilton is from St. Leo and is continuing a family history of service. His father served as a commissioner and as mayor, during the 1980s.

Hamilton and  his wife, Barbara, have four children.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking applicants for Florida’s Supreme Court

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The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) is seeking applicants for the Florida Supreme Court, according to a news release.

The nominating commission is looking for qualified applicants to create the vacancy being created by the retirement of Justice Alan Lawson, which is effective Aug. 31.

The judicial application may be obtained from the Governor’s Judicial Nominations online at tinyurl.com/2p88v7b3.

Applicants must submit: (1) an original electronic copy of the application (including all attachments) in pdf format; and (2) a redacted electronic copy of the application (including all attachments), which excludes all material that is exempt or confidential under applicable public records laws, also in pdf format. Both the original and redacted electronic applications must be submitted electronically to all Commission members at their email addresses below before 5 p.m., on May 27.

The JNC strongly prefers the submission of applications in a searchable (i.e., non-scanned) pdf format.

The JNC will determine which applicants to interview. Those selected will be contacted to confirm the time, date and location of the interview.

The anticipated interview date is June 11, and if needed, June 12. The interviews are expected to take place in Tampa.

The members currently serving on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission include:

Chair Fred Karlinsky, Weston, 

Vice Chair Jesse M. Panuccio, Palm Beach Gardens, 

Cynthia G. Angelos, Port St. Lucie, 

Daniel Nordby, Tallahassee, 

Hala A. Sandridge, Tampa, 

Heather Stearns, Tallahassee, 

Jeanne T. Tate, Tampa, 

Harout Samra, Coral Gables, 

Tim Cerio, Tallahassee, 

Published May 18, 2022

School pay raise vote to go on August ballot

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The Pasco County School Board has voted to ask the Pasco County Commission to place a referendum for school district employee pay raises on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

Initially, the school board had voted to seek to have the question placed on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. But during its May 3 meeting, the board voted to amend its original request.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd suggested the switch, in background materials contained in the board’s agenda packet.

He explained the rationale for the change this way: “I am making this recommendation for two reasons: This will eliminate any confusion between the salary referendum and the local infrastructure surtax (Penny for Pasco) that will be on the general election ballot.

“Additionally, nonpartisan school board races are being held during the August primary and the salary referendum fits well with the school board races.”

There was pushback on the request during the public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

Some parents were skeptical about the shift from the general election to the primary.

One said fewer voters participate in primary elections and thus, the vote will not be truly representative of the community, as a whole.

Another said that rather than raising taxes, there needs to be greater scrutiny in how the district spends its money.

Speakers said they support better pay for district personnel, but not through the referendum.

A representative for a group called Lift Up Pasco said the group is made up of volunteers who support the referendum and will be working to support its passage. They said the additional source of funding will improve education, and thus, will enhance the community, as a whole.

The referendum question asks voters to approve up to a maximum of 1 mil in funding to be designated for improving pay for teachers, bus drivers and other district personnel, except for administrators.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil,  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

There also is a requirement for “annual reporting to Pasco County taxpayers for transparency of the use of these funds.”

The board’s vote to pursue up to a full mil, followed persistent requests by Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), urging the board to seek the ballot initiative. The union has pledged to give its full support to efforts to secure passage of the referendum.

Board members have said the request is necessary in order for Pasco to recruit, retain and reward district personnel.

They also noted the district is losing personnel to nearby districts that offer better pay. It also is losing staff to burnout, resulting from a combination of additional stress from fatigue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of district workers.

The shortage of bus drivers prompted the district to change its school ending and starting times for the second semester this year. And, the shortage also was cited by the district as one of the reasons it has decided to end courtesy bus rides, beginning next school year, for sixth- through 12th-graders living within 2 miles of school.

Board members said action is needed because the district is losing too many employees to other districts, or to industry jobs.

In a video released after the board’s action, Superintendent Kurt Browning said the additional source of money is needed.

“For too long, we have struggled to remain competitive with other school districts in the area,” Browning said, in the video.

In other pay-related news
The union and district instructional bargaining teams have reached a tentative agreement for the 2021-2022.

Under that agreement, teachers will receive a one-time lump sum supplement equal to 4% of their salary, and the base teacher salary will be raised to $45,200 in accordance with state statute, according to information posted on the union’s website.

The union and district also have agreed to return to the bargaining table immediately after the ratification of the 2021-2022 contract to begin negotiating additional salary improvements for 2022-2023.

The union and district also have reached a tentative agreement for school-related personnel for the 2021-2022 school year.

The union and district agreed to the 4% supplement for school-related personnel and also agreed to a guaranteed minimum for all school-related personnel.

Also, the parties will immediately open the 2022-2023 contract year to begin to bargain additional recurring raises to deal with compression as the district moves toward the minimum $15 per hour minimum requirement, beginning in October 2022, according to the union’s website.

Published May 11, 2022

Work continues at State Road 56/I-75

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A new Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) traffic pattern has been established at the State Road 56/Interstate 75 interchange, but work continues to provide the kind of relief from congestion during peak traffic periods.

State Road 56 was closed down entirely for a portion of a weekend and when it reopened on May 1, there were new ways to travel through the State Road 56/I-75 interchange.

Traffic blurs by scurrying workers early on May 1, as crews from Superior Construction Co. prepare to open the roadways of the Diverging Diamond Interchange, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. (Fred Bellet)

But motorists continue to face wait times, now that State 56 has reopened.

In an update released from the District Seven Office of the Florida Department of Transportation, officials acknowledged: “During peak driving hours, significant traffic congestion has occurred for some traffic movements.

“After any major traffic change, adjustments are typically needed during the first few weeks of operation. We have been making traffic signal adjustments each day this week to improve the traffic flow, particularly during peak afternoon/evening hours on the northbound Interstate 275/Interstate 75 exit ramp to State Road 56.

“Other changes will also be made to improve the operation of the new DDI area; including adding another thru-lane in each direction as we progress towards the final configuration of the area.”

Work on the new traffic configuration at the interchange is expected to be completed by this summer.

The DDI was chosen because of its ability to handle heavy left-turn volumes, such as the westbound to southbound movement from State Road 56 to I-75.

The expected benefits for the interchange are an increase in capacity and pedestrian safety, while reducing vehicle delays and crashes. These benefits will be achieved by an increased number of lanes, improved pedestrian facilities, more efficient signal timings and reduced vehicle conflict points, according to FDOT.

Before State Road 56 could be reopened, workers clear unnecessary signs and traffic barrels along the eastbound lane of the road.

During the Pasco County Commission’s May 3 meeting, Commissioner Mike Moore mentioned the reopening and thanked former Speakers of the House Will Weatherford and Richard Corcoran for their work in securing funding for that improvement years before it was initially slated for funding.

Without them, Moore said, it could have been 2028 before improvement was completed. Now, completion is just months away.

The project initially was expected to be completed before the holidays, but that didn’t happen because the original contractor was found to be in default by FDOT and a replacement contractor was brought in to finish the work.

That work is ongoing, and while the work is being done, there will be land closures to accommodate the construction.

As of May 1, all lanes and ramps are open at the State Road 56/I-75 Diverging Diamond Interchange that will open in this phase of construction, according to FDOT.

Two thru-lanes are open in each direction of State Road 56 over I-75, plus there are dedicated lanes to enter northbound and southbound I-75. All ramp movements are open and available to enter and exit I-75.

Here’s a list of scheduled lane closures.

  • I-275 (Exit 59) /I-75 (Exit 275) northbound exit ramps to westbound State Road 56: All traffic to be directed onto eastbound State Road 56, then will U-turn at Cypress Ridge Boulevard onto westbound State Road 56: Through May 13, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • I-75 southbound exit ramp to State Road 56: Lane shifts, through May 13, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • State Road 56, from Grand Cypress Drive to Cypress Ridge Boulevard: Lane closures: through May 14, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Eastbound State Road 56 left turn onto entrance ramp to northbound I-75, U-turn at Cypress Ridge Boulevard and use westbound State Road 56 access to ramp: through May 14, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • State Road 56 westbound turn lanes to southbound I-75 ramp: Lane closures, through May 14, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Motorists are reminded that this is a construction work zone, so to use care when traveling through the area and to keep an eye out for construction crews.

To stay abreast of the latest information about this project, visit tinyurl.com/2s5pa7w6.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco readies for Suncoast Parkway Trail overpasses

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Pasco County continues to lay the groundwork for overpasses on the Suncoast Parkway, at State Road 52 and at State Road 54.

The Pasco County Commission on May 3 adopted an amendment to a Locally Funded Agreement between the county and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the planned bicycle/pedestrian overpass at Suncoast Trail, over State Road 52.

Board members approved the amendment for $216,447, as part of the board’s consent agenda — meaning it was approved as part of a bundle of items, without discussion.

This trio of cyclists, led by Tom Spock, completes a ride on the Suncoast Parkway Trail, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Land O’ Lakes man is accompanied by Michael Russell and Leslie Spock. Plans call for installing overpasses at State Road 54 and at State Road 52, giving cyclists safe access to the trail. (File)

At its Feb. 3 meeting, the board approved a lump sum for the design and construction of the overpass, and the agreement calls for FDOT to be responsible for preparing the design plans, advertising, and letting the construction contract, to include utility coordination, permitting and the Construction Engineering Inspection for the project.

In the agreement, the county is responsible for the completion of all required survey, geotechnical exploration, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE).

Since then, it has been decided that the FDOT would be responsible for completing the work the county was going to do, since FDOT already has consultants in place to perform the necessary work.

The total estimated project cost is slightly under $10 million, which the county has provided.

It now will furnish the additional funds, by May 27, for geotechnical exploration, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and survey activities associated with this project.

The design, including geotechnical work, is slated to begin this year and be completed by 2023, Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

In another action, the county board approved amending an agreement with the FDOT for work associated with the planned overpass at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Trail. That agreement increased the county’s contribution by $190,007.

That action also was on the board’s consent agenda.

Like the work for the other overpass, this agreement covers expenses for work that FDOT will now do, instead of the county, relating to geotechnical exploration, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and survey activities associated with this project.

The design work on the State Road 54 overpass is expected to be completed in 2023 and the construction is expected to be completed in 2024.

Published May 11, 2022

Lutz Guv’na race is all about fun — and money

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The Guv’na is back.

The race for Lutz Guv’na, that is.

The campaign is a community tradition that was put on a two-year pause because of the pandemic.

That meant that current Guv’na Amy Lancaster became the first one-term Guv’na to serve beyond a single year.

From left, 2022 Lutz Guv’na candidates Atlas Cortecero, Stacee Campbell and David Penzer share a laugh, while making their outrageous campaign promises during the Lutz Guv’na debate on April 30 at the Old Lutz School House. (Mike Camunas)

Lancaster is eager to join others, to turn her sash over to whomever can claim the honorary title.

“I think that everyone is just ready to get back to it — it’s part of the community; its tradition!” said Stephanie Ensor, who serves on the Lutz Guv’na committee.

Ensor knows how it feels to hold the title.

She won it in 2010.

“It means a lot to a lot of people, and to the candidates, who do it to raise money for charities, nonprofits and the community,” Ensor said.

The whole process — the campaigns, the debates, the speeches and promises — is all tongue-in-cheek, mocking the real-life politics that often flood the news cycle. Even though it’s been going on since the 1950s, it’s only been more historically tracked since 1991 when the Lutz Civic Association took over. Each campaign season, which begins May 1, candidates raise several thousand dollars for about 20 Lutz nonprofit beneficiaries.

The campaign season culminates when the candidate who has raised the most money is announced and awarded a “sash” during the annual Lutz Fourth of July festivities.

The announcement takes place following the community’s annual parade. The Guv’na is sworn-in on the stage of the train depot building, at Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41.

“Couldn’t do it without the parade,” Ensor said. “People are so glad to get back out, to be able to contribute and, of course, celebrate it all with the parade. And let me tell you, we did not have to hunt to find candidates.”

This year’s contest features candidates Stacee Campbell, Atlas Cortecero and David Penzer. Whomever is crowned Guv’na gets to earmark 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice.

“It’s been a crazy couple of years, so it’s great to do anything again, plus raise money for good causes,” said Penzer, wearing an American Flag shirt. “Let’s have some fun with it!”

“It’s so great to be able to do this again and raise money for local nonprofits,” Campbell said. “That’s what being Guv’na is all about!”

“It was frustrating not to be able to fundraise and raise money for charities,” Cortecero added. “It’s so good to be able to do this again.”

As for these candidates’ false promises and ridiculous rhetoric, they were able to put that on full display during the annual debate held on April 30 at the Old Lutz School House.

Over-the-top and somewhat topical questions were passed around to the crowd — friends, family and members of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club.

The questions are designed to elicit humorous responses and spoof actual politics.

There’s a talent portion, too, and this year’s included a cow patty toss — to see which candidate could fling the dried-out patty the farthest.

Donations and monetary prizes are awarded during the debate.

After the debate, the candidates raise campaign funds by having raffles, car washes, lunches or other events.

They can also “panhandle” in the parade, in a final push to cash in for the sash.

“Like real politics, the candidates will make promises they don’t intend to keep and they will tell other lies, as well,” said Guv’na Committee’s Marion Smith, who has been involved with this event for 20 years.

“Quite a few years ago, a candidate who was an Elvis impersonator was asked who he would make his assistant Guv’na. He named his mother and spoke fondly of her, just like the real Elvis would have responded!” Smith said.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Stacee Campbell
Bio: Campbell has been a Lutz resident since 2009 when her family moved to Florida from Indiana. She took right to the small town, especially because of close proximity to Tampa and the beaches. In 2014, Campbell opened Mascot Universe, which is a school spirit wear store that lets kids and parents try on apparel specially made for their schools. Not wanting to stop there, Campbell also opened Lutz Scoops, the small ice cream shop in the Lutz Lake Crossing Shopping Plaza.
Campaign Slogan: Make life in Lutz sweet!
Quotable: “It’s so nice to see people back out in the community and enjoying things, but I also do want that sash!”

Atlas Cortecero
Bio: Born and raised in São Paulo/Brazil with a Spanish/Portuguese family, Cortecero says it’s been a dream to live in America since childhood. He’s the lead singer in a country-rock band and a music producer. He also holds a degree in social work based on nonprofit organizations and office administration. As an entrepreneur, he and his wife, Michele Northrup (The Saucy Queen), sell a line of gourmet hot sauces locally.
Campaign Slogan: Keep Lutz saucy!
Quotable: “My beautiful wife was Guv’na in 2007, and I plan to bring home the sash once again.”

David Penzer
Bio: As a 20-year Lutz resident and a local Re/Max Capital Realty realtor, Penzer has been heavily involved in the community in many aspects. He’s been chairman of the Heritage Harbor Community Development District, and he and his wife have worked for years with the Lutz Chiefs and Steinbrenner Warrior sports organizations. Beyond that, Penzer also has been a longtime wrestling announcer. He worked a decade as ring announcer for World Championship Wrestling and worked with wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper and Jimmy Hart. He’s now the part-time ring announcer for Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
Campaign Slogan: Free mortgages for everyone in Lutz!
Quotable: “As a wrestling announcer, I’ll moderate a match between my opponents, while I take the sash!”

Past Lutz Guv’nas
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Definite
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Incorrenti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco approves nearly $442,000 to promote tourism

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a professional services agreement with Giant Noise LLC, to promote Florida’s Sports Coast.

The agreement is for $441,666.67, according to materials in the county board’s May 3 agenda packet.

The vote came without discussion, as part of a bundle of votes in the board’s consent agenda.

The agreement includes $41,666.67 in fiscal year 2022; $100,000, in fiscal year 2023; $100,000 in fiscal year 2024; $100,000.00 in fiscal year  2025; and, $100,000 in fiscal year 2026.

The agreement became effective immediately, with up to four automatic renewals, under the terms of the approved agreement.

In other action, the county board:

  • Confirmed the appointment of Patrick Arotin as the county’s code compliance director. The position is a new one. The Code Compliance Department will encompass Code Enforcement, High Return Enforcement Task Force, Minimum Standards, and Unlicensed Contractors. The position will oversee administrative functions such as the department’s budget preparation

and management, contract management, general business operations and helping

to deliver service through innovative strategies, continuous process improvement, and focusing on performance excellence and customer service.

  • Appointed members to the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking. Those appointees are: Robert Tedeschi, Ken Kilian, Jessica Mitch, Kelly Sinn, Toby Caroline, Liana Dean, Rosanne Smithwick, Alan Wilkett, Paul Friedlander, Lisa Rapp McCall and Kristen Bracy.
  • Approved a transfer of $281,056 from the general fund reserves to the Supervisor of Elections for expenses related to mailing voter information cards to registered voters. The funds cover mailing costs related to redistricting.
  • Approved the award of a task order to Bandes Construction Company Inc., to provide construction services for the resource recovery facility administration building in Spring Hill. The amount is not to exceed $2,792,200.00 in fiscal year 2022.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco firefighters continue pressing for improved response times

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Representatives for firefighters and emergency medical responders are continuing to press  Pasco’s elected leaders and county administration to devote more resources to decrease emergency response times.

The emergency personnel has been taking advantage of the public comments portion of the Pasco County Commission’s meetings to keep the spotlight on the issue.

During the board’s May 3 meeting, Sabrina Koebler, representing Local 4420, focused on “the extreme deficit of stations.”

Fire Station 13 is in Wesley Chapel, off Old Pasco Road. When it opened in spring of 2019, it was the second largest station in Pasco County. (File)

“I know this isn’t new information,” said Koebler, a captain firefighter at Pasco Fire Rescue. “After all, a couple of years ago, the citizens approved a $147 million bond for the county, $70 million of which was to go to new stations.”

That funding includes five new stations, four rebuilt stations and a training center, she said.

“The stations that we are building are taking an excessive amount of time — longer than anticipated,” she said. “Reportedly, the stations under construction were delayed, supposedly for building material availability.”

Plus, she said the county is building just one station at a time — a pace that’s too slow to keep up with Pasco’s rapid growth.

More stations are needed to reduce the size of the zones that each station serves.

“We are not able to navigate heavy traffic and poor traffic conditions with the current infrastructure, easily and quickly,” she said.

She cited an instance when she was on a call in Holiday and the crew had to wait for an ambulance to arrive from Land O’ Lakes.

It is 17 miles away and it takes as long as 35 minutes to travel that distance during heavy traffic, she said.

“Neighborhoods are being completed at a faster rate than stations are being completed. This is going to cause a problem, obviously,” Koebler said.

“We need stations and we need them quicker than once every 18 months.

“New stations will help alleviate the response times that we’ve continually addressed.

“New stations will continue to alleviate crew burnout, which is becoming an issue,” she added.

“And, new stations will help with our unit utilization, which is something we’ve also discussed.”

She asked why developers aren’t forced to provide fire stations to serve the new subdivisions that are springing up in the county.

“Why we don’t require that is beyond me,” she said.

“Families and children will be moving into these homes. We do not want the headline that a 2 year old, who was not able to breathe, had to wait 18 minutes.

“I don’t want that on my conscience and neither do our guys. Don’t make our firefighters live with that. Don’t make our citizens regret moving here.

“We’re obligated to provide the resources for public safety and that’s what we’re asking that you do. Just help us.

“To us, this is real life. It’s not a news story,” Koebler said.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco is offering rental assistance

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Pasco County is partnering with local nonprofit agencies to help pay bills for renters, according to a county news release.

The Pasco County Commission has announced additional opportunities through its Helping with Emergency Assistance Relief for Tenants (H.E.A.R.T) 2.0 program.

The county’s Community Development department is working with the local nonprofits on this initiative.

The Pasco H.E.A.R.T. 2.0 program can pay up to 18 months of bills for qualifying renters.

Bills that are eligible for payment include rent, water and electric bills.

To qualify, your household must be at or below 80% of the area median income. You also must have a past due rent/utility bill.

You also must prove Pasco residency and have experienced a COVID-19 economic impact.

Pasco County received funding for this program through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Applications are being accepted online 24/7 through May 31.

To apply, visit bit.ly/PascoHEART.

For more information about the program or application process, call Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411.

Published May 11, 2022