Local News

DADE CITY – Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will once again feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s Annual “Boot Drive” as the charitable giving organization for the month of August.   

All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities.

“The Firefighters Charities of Pasco is deeply appreciative of the continued partnership with the Tax Collector’s Office and Mr. Fasano, now in its fifth year, in support of the MDA Fill the Boot program,” said Lisa Brekke, director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco. “This collaboration significantly aids our efforts in raising substantial funds for this vital cause. Reflecting on this journey, which began in 1954, we recognize a legacy of compassion, resilience and generosity that has positively impacted countless lives. The MDA Fill the Boot program remains a beacon of hope for individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases, demonstrating that united communities can achieve profound and lasting change.”

Fasano said it was an honor to assist Pasco Fire Rescue with the annual MDA Fill the Boot drive. 

 “Over the past several years our staff and a very generous community have come together to support this important organization,” Fasano said. “Memories of the late Jerry Lewis’ efforts on behalf of the MDA, as well as his annual Labor Day telethon that was a staple of so many people’s holiday weekend, are something I recall with fondness.  It is truly a blessing that we can devote an entire month to raising funds to assist in research and treatment for individuals afflicted with this dreaded disease.”

Donations (“filling the boot”) can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County: 

• East Pasco Government Center (Room 100), 14236 6th Street, Dade City.
• West Pasco Government Center (Room 120), 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey.
• Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.
• Land O’ Lakes, 4135 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Land O’Lakes.
• Wesley Chapel, 4610 Pet Lane, C 101, Lutz.

The tax collector’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations can be made online: https://www.govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate Donations may also be mailed to: Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City FL 33526-0276.

Call Lisa Brekke, director of Firefighters Charities of Pasco at 727-366-9622 for more information about Pasco Fire Rescue/ Pasco Firefighters Charities. 

On the web: pascotaxes.com  

National S’mores Day celebrates on Aug. 10 the classic campfire dessert featuring chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. 

The experts at Kampgrounds of America offer fun, easy swaps for unique, elevated reinterpretations of the classic camping treat.

• Rice Krispies Treat S’more: Double the marshmallow goodness by substituting graham crackers with Rice Krispies Treats.
• Peanut Butter Cup S’more: Peanut butter lovers will devour this twist on the classic s’mores recipe. Simply replace the chocolate bar with a peanut butter cup.
• Sweet & Salty S’more: This is a favorite of caramel lovers. Drizzle caramel and flaky sea salt on top of your toasted marshmallow for an unforgettable mixture of sweet and salty.
• Strawberry S’more: If you love chocolate and fruit together, add fresh strawberries. Classic s’mores also taste great with peaches.
• Peppermint Patty S’more: Add a refreshing minty flavor to your favorite fireside treat by swapping out the chocolate with a peppermint patty or Andes Creme de Menthe Thin Mints. You can also substitute graham crackers with Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies.
• No-Chocolate S’more: Use bananas instead of chocolate for lots of gooey goodness.
• The Elvis: Isn’t everything better with bacon? Add banana, bacon and a peanut butter cup to your graham crackers and marshmallow.
• Mississippi Mud Pie: Swap the chocolate bar for chocolate pudding. Top with pecans and a dollop of whipped cream for a down-home creamy treat.

Other easy swaps:

• Replace honey graham crackers with chocolate grahams, cinnamon grahams, chocolate covered grahams, peanut butter sandwich cookies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, coconut cookies, shortbread or pretzels.
• Replace the chocolate bar with white chocolate, caramel-filled chocolate, salted caramel-filled chocolate, peanut butter, jam, almond butter, lemon curd, toasted coconut or hard-frozen ice cream.

Kampgrounds of America is the largest network of privately owned campgrounds with more than 500 locations. 

On the web: KOA.com

As I travel through Pasco County, I’m struck by the number of “Help Wanted” and “We’re Hiring” signs displayed by businesses. Finding and keeping talented employees has become an increasingly difficult challenge for employers. While it’s often possible to hire individuals with the right skills – be it in accounting, welding, sales, customer service or project management, the real hurdle is retention. Skilled workers can be easily lured away by slightly better pay or benefits, making employee turnover a constant and costly concern.

Research from the Association for Talent Development and the Society for Human Resource Management shows that employees are far more likely to stay with organizations that invest in their growth. When people see a clear career path, not just a job, they become more engaged and committed. It allows them to develop a professional identity and feel a stronger connection to their work – and their employer.

However, Gallup’s research over the last decade reveals a troubling trend: employee engagement in the U.S. is steadily declining. Their most recent survey reports that only 34% of American workers are actively engaged in their roles.

So, how can employers boost engagement and loyalty, especially when faced with tightening budgets? In the past, organizations often created in-house training departments or brought in external consultants to deliver broad, one-size-fits-all programs. While well-intentioned, these approaches often missed the mark for many employees.

Today, workforce development is evolving, and three modern approaches are gaining traction:

1. Internal Mentors, Coaches and Trainers

Many organizations are now investing in their own people to train and mentor others. By offering facilitation and coaching training, companies can turn experienced employees into internal experts. These mentors not only help upskill the workforce but also feel valued themselves—deepening their engagement and loyalty. In many ways, they become the organization’s most valuable talent developers.

2. Specialized External Vendors

There’s still an important role for outside training providers. These vendors bring deep expertise in areas like project management, IT, leadership, communication, supervision, and more. When large numbers of employees need specific skills, external trainers can deliver targeted, high-quality instruction that’s difficult to replicate in-house.

3. Training Partnerships

Perhaps the most collaborative approach is the training partnership model, where multiple non-competing organizations pool resources to offer shared development opportunities. A great example in our region is the Pasco County Training Partnership.

Four years ago, the Pasco County Economic Development Commission launched the Executive Success Program in collaboration with E-Assessments, Inc. Over the past three years, more than 20 companies have sent key employees to participate in leadership and communication workshops. Participants come from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality and real estate.

The program continues into 2025-26, with sessions beginning in September at 4&Co’s facility in the Bexley development. These workshops, shaped by client feedback, are designed to strengthen leadership at all levels and ultimately foster a more engaged, resilient workforce.

Pasco County Training Partnership 2025/2026 Schedule

• Sept. 9, Interpersonal Communication*, Full Day
• Oct. 9, Personal Listening*, Half Day
• Nov. 13, Conflict Management*, Full Day
• Dec. 11, Adapting to Change, Half Day
• Jan. 8, 2026, High Performance Work Teams*, Full Day
• Feb. 12, 2026, Facilitative Leadership*, Full Day
• March 12, 2026, Decision Making, Full Day
• April 9, 2026, Managing Your Career, Half Day
• May 7, 2026, Interviewing & Selection of Employees, Full Day

Sessions marked with a * indicate that individual pre-session assessments will be used by participants to enhance the learning outcomes. 

Contact Dr. Stacy Myers at or call him at 865-250-1343 for more information. 

On the web: eassess.net

Stacy C. Myers serves as president of E-Assessments in Land O’ Lakes.

TAMPA – The Glazer Children’s Museum is launching Play for Everyone, a new initiative to ensure all families can experience the joy of play, regardless of income.

Play for Everyone will provide three different free or low-cost options for families to visit the museum on days and times that work for them—instead of only on a few, limited free days during the year.

Starting this fall, Play for Everyone will replace the museum’s Free Tuesday program and reinvest those resources to allow families to visit with an Access Pass, Partner Pass or Public Library Pass any day, at any time. 

The museum expects Play for Everyone to provide even more access to income-limited families, opening doors for tens of thousands of visitors each year.

“Our goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming space for every child,” said Sarah Cole, Glazer Children’s Museum president and CEO. “With Play for Everyone, we’re taking a thoughtful, community-driven approach to access so families can visit when it works best for them, without the barriers of scheduling or cost.”

Effective Oct. 1, the initiative includes a suite of financial access programs, tailored to different needs across the community:

• Access Pass: Families who receive SNAP, EBT, or WIC benefits can sign up for an annual Access Pass in person at the museum. The pass provides $5 museum admission per person, per visit – for up to four people. The pass is valid for 12 months. Guests are welcome to reapply annually.
• Partner Pass: The Museum will work with nonprofit partners to distribute thousands of free admission tickets directly to families they serve. Initial partners include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Children’s Network of Hillsborough, Kennedy Cares Tampa Bay, Mary Lee’s House and Tampa Bay Fashion Foundation.
• Public Library Pass: Through Hillsborough Public Libraries, families can check out a four-person pass just like a library book free of charge. The Public Library Pass is also available at select locations in Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties. 

“Play is powerful. It’s crucial for raising curious, healthy, emotionally aware children in Tampa Bay. Our longstanding community partners know the power of play, and they’ve said, ‘I’m ready to help,’” added Cole. “So many of these organizations already serve families in crisis or transition. By partnering with them, we can get tickets directly into the hands of families that need a little extra support right now.”

Play for Everyone includes other ongoing efforts at the Glazer Children’s Museum to provide access:

• Title One Field Trip Scholarships: The Glazer Children’s Museum will continue to provide free admission for students and chaperones from Title I schools.
• Camp Imagination Scholarships: Up to 10% of spots in Camp Imagination summer camps are reserved each year for scholarship recipients.

The final Free Tuesday will take place on Sept. 2. The Glazer Children’s Museum thanks the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County for their longstanding support in funding the program.

The museum is seeking corporate sponsors, foundations and community advocates to support Play for Everyone. Contributions help underwrite ticket costs, outreach and scholarships to ensure all children can play, learn and thrive. Visit GlazerMuseum.org to learn more or get involved.

GULFPORT – The streets of Gulfport will be filled with live music, food and drink, arts and crafts, and street theater performances during the 25th annual GECKOFEST.

The family-friendly festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 along Beach and Shore boulevards in the heart of downtown Gulfport (3101 Beach Blvd. S.).

The theme for this year’s GECKOFEST is “Still Weird.” Organizers are putting a spotlight on Gulfport’s arts scene and bohemian vibe. 

“We’re a hub for artists, musicians, writers and all kinds of creatives, with streets bursting with colorful, independently owned shops, galleries and boutiques,” event organizer Suzzane King said. “GECKOFEST is a tribute to our beloved gecko mascot and will showcase this artistic and wonderfully quirky spirit.”

Organizers encourage everyone to come dressed in their most imaginative and eccentric attire. There will be a wacky walking parade at 6 p.m. to show off this quirky fashion. 

Immediately following the parade, there will be a birthday celebration for G. Gordon McFly, Gulfport’s newest sculpture, designed by local marine artist, Ray Domingo.

Admission and parking are complimentary with courtesy shuttles available. 

GECKOFEST is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce.   

A portion of proceeds from Gecko World events are donated back to the community each year. This year’s recipients include Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation, Sonia Plotnick Health Fund, St. Pete MAD and CANDL Corps.

On the web: visitgulfportflorida.com

Woman’s club to host Fall Flea Market

LAND O’ LAKES – The Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will use proceeds from its annual Fall Flea Market to benefit the community through its many projects in support of local charitable groups and nonprofits.

The sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Heritage Park Recreation Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 

The club will welcome donations from the community from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Heritage Park Recreation Center. Donations of antiques, art decor, small working appliances, kitchenware, clothing, shoes, children’s toys, books, tools, etc. will be accepted on this day only. All donations must be clean and in working order.  

Call Pamela at 813-838-2974 for details or visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for details. 

Tiger Bay Club to honor former mayors

TAMPA – The Tiger Bay Club of Tampa will honor former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and former Plant City Mayor Rick Lott with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award recognizes exceptional leadership, integrity and long-standing dedication to public service in the Tampa Bay area community. 

“Mayor Iorio and Mayor Lott have each led with vision and purpose, and their leadership has left an indelible mark on the region,” said Debra Bellanti, club president. “We are proud to honor them for their lifetime of service and commitment to our communities. They will join a list of impactful leaders who have earned this honor.”

They will be honored during the ninth annual awards luncheon, presented by Suncoast Tampa Association of Realtors, Dec. 12 at the Hilton Downtown Tampa. A portion of the proceeds will support the club’s newly launched Tiger Bay College Scholarship Program.

On the web: https://tigerbayclub.com/laaevent/

 Castor, Bilirakis want to end zombie campaigns

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) have reintroduced the bipartisan Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain (HEC No) Act. 

The bill would require former lawmakers and ex-candidates to close their campaign accounts within two years, ending so-called “zombie campaigns.” 

Castor cited reports of former members using leftover funds for personal expenses. 

The bill is supported by groups including Public Citizen, End Citizens United and Issue One. 

Castor has introduced similar legislation for four sessions, citing abuses such as ski trips, festivals and winery visits paid with campaign cash.

Tax office wins Sterling Award

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has earned the 2025 Governor’s Sterling Award, Florida’s top honor for organizational performance. 

A new mid-year video highlights major accomplishments, including the launch of smart lockers for private dealers and expanded Saturday License Services to meet growing community needs. 

“Transparency and keeping our community informed about all of the ways our office is making enhancements to better serve the community is a big part of our mission,” Tax Collector Nancy Millan said. “These accomplishments reflect our team’s dedication to innovation and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Hillsborough County residents and businesses.”

LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco County School Board has approved a tentative budget of $2,338,437,781 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, an increase of $53,462,164 over last year.

Superintendent John Legg reiterated to the school board July 29 that the general operating fund has grown from $1,099,842,895 in 2024-25 to $1,138,694,212 in 2025-26 despite a $3.6 million reduction in state funding due to a decline in student enrollment by 638 students.

Legg said $92 million in the budget is set aside for charter schools and $71 million for Florida Empowerment Scholarships (for area private schools). The budget also includes $66,726,372 in categoricals and set asides.

Other drivers include increases in health insurance and retirement rates, utilities, student resource officer contracts and the opening of Skybrooke K-8. 

The proposed capital projects fund is $671,563,602, an increase of $12,172,213 over the 2024-25 budget. 

Legg said major capital projects include construction at Gulf Middle, West Zephyrhills Elementary and the Kirkland Ranch K-8 gym; renovations at Cypress Elementary and Pasco High; and roof construction, HVAC system replacements and infrastructure upgrades at various schools. 

“The 2025-26 budget also reflects fiscal priorities which support student achievement,” Legg said. “Additionally, it’s designed to ensure the smooth delivery of effective school operations by prioritizing the needs of our students and the community.”

The budget includes a millage rate of 6.274 mills, a decrease of 0.057 from the previous year. District leaders say they have limited flexibility in setting millage and point to the state legislature. 

Legg said the owner of a $350,000 home, after the $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,039 in taxes, an $18.53 decrease from last year. 

Legg described the budget as a living document that continuously changes over the course of the year. Budget amendments are submitted to the board to reflect changes. 

“We will continue to prioritize and make the best decisions we can for our students, teachers and staff with the funding that we have,” said Colleen Beaudoin, District 2 representative on the school board. “I am always reminded that the budget is fluid and that I remain committed to prioritizing our students.”

Beaudoin thanked Pasco County voters for passing the Salary Referendum in 2022. 

“Without this funding, it would be increasingly difficult to compete for the best teachers for our students,” she said. “That’s crucial for student success. Our community recognizes the importance and the value of public education.”

Megan Harding, District 5 rep on the school board, said she is also dedicated to ensuring the budget puts kids first. 

The school board set a final public hearing for the budget at 6 p.m. Sept. 9.