The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Gas station proposed at Overpass and Boyette

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A rezoning is being sought to allow a gas station at the southeast corner of the intersection at Overpass and Boyette roads, in Wesley Chapel.

Creighton Companies LLC is the applicant for the request.

The 4.9-acre site currently consists of 1.84 acres zoned as part of a master-planned development and 3.06 acres zoned for agricultural uses.

The rezoning request calls for a new master-planned zoning that would accommodate development of a 4,650-square-foot convenience store with 16 vehicle fueling positions and ancillary car wash, and 10,000 square feet of general commercial/retail.

The project site would have a right-in only connect to Boyette Road, a full access connection to Boyette Road, and an existing right-in, right-out connection to Overpass Road, shared with the adjacent Kids R Kids day care facility.

The buildout of the convenience store and fueling station is anticipated within approximately one year, according to the agenda packet.

The requested change was prompted by recent development approvals, including Overpass Business Park and the planned interchange at Overpass Road and I-75, which is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2023, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

A companion request also has been filed to change the land use map from a designation allowing residential to one that permits commercial uses. The planning board and county planners also have recommended approval of that request.

These requests now will go to the  Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning issues.

Published May 26, 2021

A simple suitcase, a measure of dignity

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Office collects donations of gently-used luggage, suitcases, and other travel-related bags throughout the year, to donate to a program called Luggage of Love.

Elizabeth Urquiola is program coordinator for the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension Luggage of Love program. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

The items are used to equip displaced children and families in need, who are identified through the program, which is operated by the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension Office, according to a news release.

The children who receive the luggage are those who often must travel with caseworkers into foster care, or are otherwise removed from their homes due to emergency situations, historically have had to use plastic garbage bags to carry their clothing and personal belongings.

The luggage adds a sense of dignity to a child who very likely could be experiencing of the most traumatic events in his or her young life.

In some cases, the luggage is given to single mothers and their children — who are escaping domestic violence situations.

The staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office continues to respond to the call for help.

“Thank you so very much for the donations we have received in the past,”  Elizabeth Urquiola, program coordinator for the Luggage of Love program, said in the release.

“We can’t thank our community enough for the amazing generosity. We need to keep our closets full because children and mothers may be in need at any time. Please help spread the love to our displaced children in Pasco County through our Luggage of Love program. Your donations will always be put to good use,” said Urquiola.

The supply of suitable suitcases is currently low and the demand continues to grow.

Tax Collector Mike Fasano said that donations of everything from suitcases to duffle bags and backpacks are the lifeblood of this charity.

“If you have not given before and have some unused luggage you could donate, please reach out to our office. We will work with you in any way that we can to help get the luggage into the hands of those most in need,” Fasano said, in the release.

To help, or find out more, reach out to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or to Urquiola at 352-521-1254, ext. 5325.

Luggage donations may be dropped off at any of the five tax collector offices in the county.

Visit PascoTaxes.com, for office locations and hours of operation.

Published May 26, 2021

County board takes action on land use issues

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a $1.5 million contract for renovations at Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

Commissioners selected Blackwater Construction Services LLC to do the work, out of nine responses received.

In other action, at the board’s May 18 meeting, commissioners:

  • Approved a rezoning to allow Cypress Ridge Professional Office Center on a 9.1-acre site on the west side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, north of State Road 54/State Road 56
  • Approved a rezoning to allow a light industrial park district on a 5-acre site in East Central Pasco County, on the west side of Old Lakeland Highway, north of Townsend Road
  • Forwarded a land use request for state review involving a proposal to allow a mixed-use development on a 35-acre site at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41. Once the state review is done, it will come back for a final vote by the county board, which is scheduled for July 6. A companion rezoning also must be approved before the development could proceed.

The proposed development would include retail, as well as a number of other uses that could include office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

Board members also continued:

  • A rezoning request by Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about ½-mile east of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes, for a residential subdivision on 75.15 acres.
  • Continued to a date uncertain a request by Kiddie Campus University Inc., for a rezoning to allow a general commercial use at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive. County commissioners recently rejected a request to change the land use designation on the land from a residential designation to one that would allow commercial use. Area residents strenuously objected to the proposal because the potential buyer of the site wanted to build a gas station there. Neighbors said they don’t oppose the use of the site for a non-residential use, but they want one that is less intense, such as a professional office development.

Published May 26, 2021

Memorial remembers Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other area law enforcement agencies, on May 14 honored the life and sacrifice of law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty, as well as those who died of natural causes on the way to or from their jobs, during National Police Week.

A riderless horse, with boots facing backward in the stirrups, is a traditional part of a ceremony held each year to remember law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. PSO volunteer Mary Findlay, the horse’s owner, walks on the horse’s left. In the forefront is Hernando County Deputy Tony Musto. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

The event was held on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, according to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page. Fallen officers were honored throughout the day on the agency’s social media sites.

The sheriff’s office was joined at the memorial event by Dade City Police, Zephyrhills Police, New Port Richey Police, the Florida Highway Patrol and Tarpon Springs Police.

A number of community leaders and elected leaders were in attendance, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, State Sen. Danny Burgess and Pasco County NAACP President Clyde Carter, who offered the invocation for the event, according to the Facebook post.

Patriotism was on full display at the annual Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The event also featured significant traditions, including the appearance of a riderless horse and a gun salute.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also recognized the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers by sharing information about those contributions in a news release.

“According to Officer Down Memorial, there have been 124 police officers killed in the line of duty since January of this year,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

“Tragically, two of them have been my constituents: Deputy Michael Magli of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen of the Tampa Police Department. I went to the funeral services of these two heroes, and shared the anguish of their grieving families and colleagues. These fallen heroes leave behind a distinguished legacy of service and sacrifice that deserves to be honored,” Bilirakis added.

The congressman also said that while some are calling to “defund the police,” he advocates increasing support for them.

Published May 26, 2021

A gun salute typically occurs during the solemn event.

Social worker addresses rising youth mental illness

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As efforts continue to lessen stigma and discrimination regarding mental illness — the challenges have become even greater during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even so, there are ways to strengthen awareness and improve access to treatment and counseling for troubled youth and adults, according to Sativa Fisher, a social worker for the Hernando County School District.

Fisher was a featured guest speaker during an April 27 virtual social services event hosted by Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center.

Hernando County School District social worker Sativa Fisher (Courtesy of Mary McCoy, Saint Leo University)

Her talk was part of a speaker series for students and prospective students interested in “helping careers.”

Topics for the free online series were selected with the goal of having broad appeal to those interested in social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services.

Fisher’s presentation focused on her work, the prevalence of youth mental health issues and the function of social workers in the public school setting.

The social worker emphasized just how “widely underestimated” mental illness is in the United States, particularly among teens and high school students.

She cited these statistics and figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey:

  • 19% of students nationwide considered suicide
  • 16% of students nationwide made a suicide plan
  • 9% of students nationwide attempted suicide
  • Notable risk factors for suicide ideation include being a non-Hispanic, Black female who identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Fisher also shared various findings from Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit to address the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting overall mental health of all:

  • 9.2% of United States youth ages 12 to 17 cope with severe major depression
  • The state prevalence of youthwith severemajor depressive episodes ranges from 6% in Mississippi to 13.2% in Nevada (Florida stands at 10%).
  • The number of youth experiencing major depressive episodes increased by 121,000 from 2018 to 2019.

The social worker pointed to an “alarming” finding in her research cited from Mental Health America — youth experiencing major depressive episodes continue to go untreated.

Even among states with greatest access for youth, almost 50% of youth still do not receive the mental health services they need, according to the organization’s reports, Fisher said.

“It’s interesting how much of an issue mental health is, and how undertreated it is, even within our society today,” said Fisher, who obtained her bachelor of social work from Saint Leo University and her master of social work from University of South Florida.

Fisher also shared her thoughts about potential contributing factors regarding why suicide ideations and major depression have become so prevalent among American youth in recent years.

“We have many kids who have access to social media and are learning a lot more than they used to, and that’s become evident between both in elementary and middle school, and the things that they’re exposed to, they don’t know, developmentally, how to deal with it,” she said.

The pandemic hasn’t helped, either.

Fisher referenced data showing about 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health this past year, up from about 25%, pre-COVID.

Parents and caregivers are struggling “with everything that comes with being in this pandemic that we all have experienced,” she said.

The rising levels of stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety has all but “rubbed off” on children, Fisher said.

“I’ve heard more stories of families having friction, more arguments,” Fisher said. “(Students) just feel more anxious…and that shows up in their schoolwork, that shows up in their peer relationships, with their adult relationships.”

Social work delivers rewarding responsibilities
Fisher is one of 13 social workers in the Hernando County School District.

She started working this past school year, amid the pandemic.

Besides her educational background, Fisher joined the district equipped with real-world experience — having worked in internships in a hospital pediatric unit and residential program for adolescent girls.

Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center has an ongoing virtual social services speaker series focusing on social work, education, criminal justice, psychology, and human services. An April 27 seminar focused on substance abuse and mental health issues among youth in public schools. (File)

In her role, Fisher assists kids, families and the community at large. She strives to “make a difference in someone’s life.”

She also described the duties of a school social worker, which includes making referrals, doing evaluations and completing behavior assessments. It also involves problem-solving through multi-tiered system of supports, counseling, teen parenting education, substance abuse education and more.

“It’s so much,” quipped Fisher, who also has started completing the supervision requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

She detailed how school social work has evolved from focusing on attendance and truancy issues to being more involved with students who have mental health and behavioral issues.

Today’s school social worker reaches out to parents of students who are undergoing major behavioral issues, gathers information on their home life, and offers potential solutions and sources of help.

Fisher put it like this: “Sometimes, parents don’t even know the resources available to them, so if they have a student who’s having major behavior issues and they don’t understand why, maybe we’ll talk a little bit about that. Some kids require a little bit more structure than other kids. Some kids require to be spoken to a little bit differently. Every child is different…”

School systems play an important role in helping bridge the mental health gap, she said.

“Many people will say, ‘Oh, it’s on the parents,’” Fisher said.

But, parents don’t always know about services and because school attendance is mandatory until age 16, school districts are in a good position to observe students who have mental health needs and can help direct families to resources, she said.

One of the satisfactions of her job is seeing a student make positive changes during the course of a school year, Fisher said.

“It’s not anything that I necessarily do, it’s the choices that they make. I just give them the information and the platform to express and explore,” the social worker said. “I have a couple of kids right now that I’ve been working with for several months, and they’ve turned their grades around, they’ve turned their peer relationships around, and that, I think, is the most rewarding.”

Published May 26, 2021

David Lambert’s contributions attract attention

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The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes at its May 18 meeting to thank David Lambert for his many efforts through the years to improve the quality of life in Pasco County.

Lambert, who has worked 27 years for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), has played a leadership role on numerous boards and has been an advocate for increasing mental health services, according to a resolution adopted by the board.

David Lambert was honored during the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 board meeting. Lambert received a standing ovation for all of the work he has done to serve on boards to help others, particularly those struggling with the challenge of mental illness. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He has been heavily involved in efforts to expand mental health services in Pasco and Hernando County through the “Recovery through Work” program known as Vincent House Pinellas, Vincent House Pasco, and Vincent Academy of the Nature Coast, according to the resolution.

Vincent House Pasco, in partnership with Pasco County’s Community Development department recently received the National Community Development Association 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award. The project was cited as an “exemplary and innovative use of Community Development Block Grant funds,” the resolution says.

Vincent House Pasco joins Vincent House Hernando and Pinellas in delivering hope, providing individuals with mental illness the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to increase self-worth and to become productive citizens, the resolution notes.

The honor also highlights Lambert’s work with numerous government and community leaders over the years to help create opportunities for others.

Lambert serves as president of Van Gogh’s Palette covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, which offers needed services to those living with mental illness.

He’s worked with WREC CEO Billy Brown and the WREC staff to improve mental health services throughout the Tampa Bay region, the resolution says.

He’s also worked diligently with Van Gogh’s Palette co-founders Elliott and Dianne Steele; founding board member and retired Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger; State Senate President Wilton Simpson; the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pasco County Commission, the resolution says.

Lambert began his career at the WREC 27 years ago, as a meter reader. Over the years, he has worked as a lineman and journeyman, before moving into his current role in which he oversees five departments, including member and community relations, government affairs, purchasing, safety and human resources, the resolution says.

In his professional role, Lambert has worked closely with local, state and federal officials —  fostering the goals and objectives of the WREC’s commitment to its members in its five-county service territory and the community, at large.

He’s held board roles in such organizations as the Pasco County Housing Authority, Pasco-Hernando Career Source Board and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Besides being honored by the county board, Lambert was honored by Summer Blevins, a member of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ staff.

“I am just here to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of David Lambert, and his countless contributions to our community, and to leave an extension of remarks that have been entered into the official Congressional Record on his behalf,” Blevins said, leaving a binder containing those remarks on the county’s board’s podium for Lambert to pick up.

Lambert was then invited to the podium to offer some remarks.

He responded first, by expressing gratitude.

“Thank you, and I’m very humbled by this proclamation.”

Then, he shared the accolades.

“A lot of credit goes to a lot of people who really have stepped up and done a lot of things. No one does anything by themselves, and you all were instrumental in bringing Vincent House to Pasco, and your leadership was unbelievable.”

He specifically named County Administrator Dan Biles, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, and County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Senate President Wilton Simpson for leaving no stones unturned.

“And, for that, you’re going to save thousands of lives,” Lambert said.

“Mental health is a big issue within our communities and, nationally, and we certainly need to focus on that a lot more. I’m just greatly appreciative,” he said.

His gratitude also extends to family, the WREC and for the people of Vincent House.

The people of Vincent House, he said, “prove to me every day, that just because you have a disability — a mental illness or something — you can lead a full and productive life, given the tools and resources, if you have them.”

Published May 26, 2021

New resource launched for mental health

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Hillsborough County understands the mental challenges, as well as the stress, tension and anxiety that the coronavirus pandemic presents and is offering simple resources through a new Mindful Mondays program, to help promote the different ways to make mental health a priority, according to a news release.

To participate, residents can visit HCFLGov.net/MindfulMondays, to learn about unique programs and initiatives, and to read helpful articles.
Through Mindful Mondays, residents will have access to a variety of free resources to help them find balance in their day-to-day lives.
Mindful Mondays offers virtual health classes focused on mental health and exercises to reduce stress. There will be short videos to find “Moments of Zen,” and relaxing nature tours.

Content also will include mental health tips from community partners, along with ways county programs and initiatives can help residents manage stress.
Mindful Mondays kicked off for Mental Health Awareness Month, but will continue to offer resources and content throughout the year to support residents in making mental health a priority. Content will be updated on a monthly basis.

Published May 26, 2021

What’s for dinner? How about some fruit?

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Most of us think of dinner as a hot meal.

It’s a meal that typically includes a meat or a plant-based protein; some kind of grain protein, such as spaghetti, rice or quinoa; a vegetable, and perhaps a dairy — if you add cheese or drink a glass of milk.

When it comes to fruit, on the other hand, that is more easily pictured as morning food, or snack.

Mango salsa is an easy way to add fruit to your day. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

Fruit is an easy go-to snack. It requires little or no prep work, aside from peeling it, or rinsing it and perhaps slicing it, if desired.

You have probably taken advantage of this convenience — by grabbing an apple, peach, banana, or pear, while dashing out the door.

But if you are familiar with the MyPlate image, you’ll know that about a quarter of your plate should consist of fruit.

While MyPlate provides a visual guide to help you remember food groups and visualize the portions, some of us don’t get an adequate amount of fruit throughout the day.

If you go to the MyPlate meal planner (MyPlate.gov/myplate-plan), it will give you an estimated amount of how many calories you should consume per day, based on your age, gender, and physical activity levels.

It will then give you a breakdown of how many servings of the five food groups you should get to attain this calorie level.

For most adults, both men and women, the fruit group ranges from 1.5-2 cups per day, depending on age and physical activity level.

If you eat three meals and one snack per day, for example, you’ll want to incorporate fruit as much as you can to reach the recommended cups.

And remember, fresh, frozen, canned, preserved and dried all count toward consumption. (The same goes with vegetables).

So, what counts as a cup?

One medium grapefruit (about 4-inch diameter), one small apple (about 2 ¼-inch diameter), about 8 large strawberries, or 2 halves of canned peaches.

You may be reaching the recommended amount and not even realize it.

Others, however, struggle on most days to get enough fruit in their diet.

Most of us find ourselves eating fruit during breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert — but you can also incorporate fruit in various dishes at dinnertime, too.

Some ideas — that don’t include pineapple pizza — are presented here:

  • Throw in chopped apples, sliced strawberries, tangerine segments or sliced kiwi into your salad.
  • Pair seafood — such as fish tacos, shrimp or grilled white fish — with mango salsa.
  • Slice avocado, which counts as a fruit, to top a burger, fajitas, salads, or even thinly sliced on sushi rolls.
  • Use citrus in chilled soups, such as lime soup or lemon-parsley soup (These are especially refreshing on a hot summer day).
  • Make meat and fruit kabobs by alternating chunks of meat, as well as sliced peaches, and chunks of mango and pineapple on a skewer to grill. Another variation is pink grapefruit and pork kabobs. (Note: If using wooden skewers be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using, to prevent them from burning.)
  • Create a grilled cheese sandwich using cheese, shredded chicken breast and pieces of pineapple between two buttered slices of bread.
  • Grill watermelon wedges (triangles) and then flavor them with sweet and salty seasoning, such as sugar, salt, lime zest and red pepper flakes. Grill marks should appear after 2 minutes to 3 minutes on each side.
  • Sweeten a traditional tuna salad by adding apple pieces.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe
This mango salsa recipe is from Colorado State University Extension’s Eating Smart • Being Active curriculum.

Enjoy it on top of seafood, or as a side dish.

Mango salsa:
Makes: 8 servings (2 tablespoons per serving)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1 mango, diced (or 1 cup thawed frozen chunks)
1 Tablespoon minced onion (or red onion)
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
¼ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons lime juice

Directions

  • Wash fresh mango and cilantro.
  • Collect, prepare and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.
  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Enjoy!

  • Be sure to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Also, this should be consumed within three days to five days after preparation.
  • Peach, papaya or avocado may be substituted for mango.

Published May 26, 2021

Dade City put its heart, in art

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If you enjoy outdoor public art displays, then you may find a new one in Dade City quite appealing.

Ryah Taggerty, of Valrico, came up with a stunning collage of 20 symbols representing what Dade City is all about. Her heart is located on the Hardy Trail at Florida Avenue. (Fred Bellet)

The display, unveiled during a “Take Heart” free event held May 15, features large 3D metal hearts — built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando State College and  painted by local artists.

Although the event took place at Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City, the hearts, with their varying themes — are posted in downtown Dade City parks and along the Hardy Trail.

The public art exhibition was coordinated by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a nonprofit organization that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses.

Local businesses and donors help to support the efforts.

Three-year-old Briella Navarro, of Dade City, works on an artistic beaded bracelet at the booth set up in Agnes Lamb Park by the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee. The little girl was there with her mom, Patricia Navarro, and her 4-year-old sister, Galilea Navarro. Charlotte Lewis, representing the Boys & Girls Club provided information about the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program.

During the event, people could compete for prizes by visiting each of the hearts and taking selfies with it, could enjoy music provided by a DJ, could grab a bite to eat and could chat with the artists.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather conditions.

The heart signs also feature QR codes, directing people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 26, 2021

Along the 301 Bypass at Meridian Ave., Sandy Mann’s ‘heart-work’ sits high above the railings in front of the Heritage Museum. Dan Mitchell, lower right, of San Antonio, leads the way to the heart, where he and some family members took a selfie.
Sixteen-year-old Jessenia Mahamud and her mom, Linda Mahamud, were the first to see all of the hearts in Dade City — winning the heart-seekers challenge. The Dade City residents received a certificate and gift cards from local businesses.
On the Hardy Trail at Howard Avenue, artist Raeyn Smith’s heart — featuring kumquats — draws a crowd to take selfies with it. This new piece of public art is quite a contrast from the nearby signs.
Artist Russ Taylor, of Dade City, was standing near his work on the north end of Agnes Lamb Park. The iconic Edwinola served as a backdrop, as Taylor fielded questions about his work, which he titled ‘When Nobody’s Watching.’
Four-year-old King Michael Wells, of Brooksville, compares his newly made bracelet with one his 7-year-old cousin, A.J. Isaza-Cruz, was making under the Boys & Girls Club tent at Agnes Lamb Park. They were there with their grandfather, Nelson Cruz, of Dade City.
Artist Mark Hannah’s heart, at its Church Street location, is a patriotic salute for all those who have served, or are serving.
On the Hardy Trail at Howard Avenue, artist Raeyn Smith’s heart — featuring kumquats — draws a crowd to take selfies with it. This new piece of public art is quite a contrast from the nearby signs.

Pasco government’s Memorial Day closings

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The Pasco County government offices will be closed on May 31 in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen on June 1.

The county’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers will be closed May 31, but parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk, according to a county news release.

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) will be closed, and bus and paratransit services will not run on May 31.

Pasco County Libraries will be closed May 31.

The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed May 31, and an animal control officer only will be available for emergencies.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public on May 31, but will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices also will be closed, May 29 through May 31. The offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on June 1, for normal business, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

Published May 26, 2021