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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Stuff the Backpack Drive looking for donations

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The First National Bank of Pasco has announced the launch of its 15th annual Stuff the Backpack Drive. The initiative, Banking on Education, aims to collect school supplies for students in Pasco County schools, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

(Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels)

“Our annual Stuff the Backpack Drive is a cherished tradition that underscores our commitment to the community,” said Jim Esry, president and CEO of First National Bank of Pasco, in a news release.

“Every year we see the incredible generosity of our neighbors, and we are hopeful that this year we will reach our goal of 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies,” said Esry.

The bank encourages community members to participate by donating school supplies or making monetary contributions at any of its four branches in Pasco County: 13315 U.S. 301, Dade City; 4518 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills; 37215 State Road 54, Zephyrhills; and 23613 State Road 54, Lutz.

Items needed include: backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, folders, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, highlighters, liquid soap, paper, pencils and erasers, pencil boxes, pens, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks, tissues, wired earbuds and Ziploc bags.

Monetary donations will be used to buy additional supplies. Collected items will be distributed to participating Pasco County schools.

All donations are being accepted until July 25.

For additional information, contact Jody Grenville, corporate secretary, at 352-521-7251 or .

Published July 17, 2024

Pasco water shortage order extended

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Pasco County Utilities urges everyone to conserve water and follow watering guidelines, as western Florida’s drought conditions continue.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is extending its current modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through Sept. 1, which limits lawn watering to once per week, according to a news release.

(Hamed Taha/Unsplash)

“Even with recent rains in Pasco County, our regional conditions remain dryer than normal,” said Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson, in the release.

“Low reservoir levels coupled with lower-than-normal rainfall makes it vital to rely on irrigation guidelines as a resource for a healthy landscape. Efficient watering and proper plants and plant placement have proven that landscapes can thrive on once-a-week watering,” said Anderson.

These are some helpful tips on efficient landscape irrigation:

• Know your watering day. Visit bit.ly/PascoWatering.

• Stick to your watering schedule. Turf becomes drought tolerant. More is not better.

• Ensure your irrigation system is operating properly and efficiently.

• Email if you need assistance setting your irrigation controller.

• Minimize water loss from evaporation by watering only during the allowable time frame.

To find more tips for outdoor and indoor water conservation and efficiency, visit bit.ly/PascoLawn and bit.ly/PascoIndoor.

To report watering violations in your area, call 727-847-2411, or use the online reporting form at bit.ly/Water-Misuse.

Published July 17, 2024

Better Business Bureau offers tips for safe online shopping in July

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The annual sales of big-name retailers often take place in July. More deals are great for consumers and more people out shopping is great for businesses large and small. Just be careful. Don’t get so caught up in the excitement that you fall for phishing scams, misleading advertisements and look-alike websites. 

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips for online shopping during July:

  • Research the seller or retailer. Before you buy, check customer reviews of the product(s) you’re interested in purchasing and do some research on the retailer. Be sure you can find contact information for the seller. Look up the retailer on BBB.org to see if they are BBB Accredited and check out their profile to read customer reviews. 
  • Watch for email and text phishing attempts that appear to come from a popular retailer. Phishing increases during busy shopping days. These messages may claim you have a gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with delivery. Know what you’ve opted in and out of before you click. When making many purchases, track your purchase, where it’s from and any tracking numbers. Watch out for fake package delivery text messages and don’t click on any links that you receive that seem suspicious. 
  • Watch out for social media ads. You may come across lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. But looking more closely at the URL, you’ll notice that the domain name is slightly different (i.e., Instead of Popularstore.com, the URL might be PopvlarStore.com or PopularStoreOnline.com). Ensure websites use the correct business name spelling and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers. Also, trust your gut when evaluating deals. If a company claims to sell the hottest item of the year at a super low price, it’s probably untrue. 
  • Beware of look-alike websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, search for contact information and read online reviews. 
  • Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer. Photos can be stolen from other websites, so don’t believe what you see. If logos or other images on the website appear blurry, take that as a red flag for a scam. 
  • Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “HTTPS” in the URL (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “HTTP.” It is not secure. 
  • Be careful when purchasing sought-after products. If something is sold out everywhere, don’t be tempted by a seemingly great deal. Scammers often trick shoppers by offering the most popular products at low prices. 
  • Pay with a credit card. It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card. If any shady charges pop up later, you can contest them through your credit card company. Be very wary of any retailer that asks you to pay by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards or other non-traditional payment methods. These are red flags for scams.

Published July 17, 2024

The harsh truth about complaining

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Is complaining an effective strategy for solving problems? Will complaining improve your situation? Do others enjoy listening to you complain? The answer to all three questions is no. Then why do people complain?

He or she may be looking for sympathy, assistance, support or just letting off steam. There are also people who are habitual whiners who are never satisfied or content.

In the case of sympathy, there is an erroneous assumption that if enough people feel sorry for them, it will somehow improve the complainer’s situation. All that will be accomplished is that others will grow tired of their moaning and give them a wide berth. Everyone has their own problems and very few people want to spend their discretionary time listening to the tales of woe of others.

Sympathy seekers tend to dwell on their problems rather than seeking solutions. When potential solutions are presented, they invariably find fault with and summarily dismiss them. These complainers seek attention and monopolize conversations. They look for opportunities to show how their plight is worse than everyone else’s.

Spending time with sympathy seekers can be draining. They are consumed with their own situation and show little or no interest in other people. Regardless of how good you may feel, a gripe session with a sympathy seeker will depress your mood.

Some complainers are looking for assistance in solving a problem. In this case they are interested in advice that will lead to a solution. The danger here is that they will indiscriminately seek guidance from anyone. In their attempt to overcome an obstacle, they will try virtually any remedy offered without considering the qualifications of the source.

Following bad advice can exacerbate a problem. Advice seekers that jump from one bad suggestion to another will become frustrated as they fail to solve their problem. The result is the erroneous conclusion that their situation has no solution.

Complainers in search of advice must be very selective in whom they approach. Only those who have successfully solved similar problems or who have appropriate expertise should be sought out. When the right person is identified, they should be asked for advice directly rather than complaining to them.

Perhaps a complainer is looking for support. They may be overwhelmed by unexpected events or overloaded with responsibilities. This type of complainer is likely looking for help rather than advice. If you are so inclined, offer to lend a hand.

Even when they are helped out, some complainers always wind up in another crisis situation. Helping them out again will only improve their situation temporarily. Without a change in strategy, they will soon become immersed in another crisis.

Complainers who are incessant whiners find fault with virtually everything. They complain about their lives, other people’s lives, the weather, politics, religion, society, etc. Everything they comment on is flawed. All of life is tainted. Their glass is always half empty and probably leaking. These people are not happy unless they are unhappy.

Whiners will never be satisfied. They don’t want sympathy, solutions or help. They just want to complain. These people will never change and their minds are closed to new ideas. Your only option is to limit exposure to their griping.

Complaining is unproductive and destructive. If you have problems, find solutions. If you need help, ask. Occasional complaining to seek understanding or let off steam is OK. But don’t make it a way of life or a topic of every conversation.

Bryan Golden is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Contact Bryan at or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2024 Bryan Golden

Published July 17, 2024

Camp activities for an at-home summer camp experience

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Recreating the magic of summer camp at home can be a fun and rewarding adventure. Central to the camp experience are the diverse activities that keep kids engaged, learning and having fun. Here’s a guide to help you plan a variety of camp activities that will make your at-home summer camp unforgettable.

1. Arts and Crafts
Creative projects are a staple of summer camps. Here are some ideas:

  • Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Provide white t-shirts and a variety of dye colors. Let kids create their own unique designs.
  • Friendship Bracelets: Use colorful threads and beads to teach kids how to make bracelets they can exchange.
  • Nature Collages: Collect leaves, flowers and twigs from the yard to create beautiful nature-inspired artwork.
  • Rock Painting: Find smooth stones and use paint to decorate them with fun designs, animals or positive messages.
(Aja Koska/Getty Images)

2. Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor activities are essential for a camp-like experience. Consider these:

  • Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for kids to find around the yard or neighborhood. Include nature items like acorns, feathers and flowers.
  • Obstacle Course: Set up a course with cones, ropes and hula hoops for kids to navigate. Time them to see who completes it the fastest.
  • Nature Hike: Explore a local trail or park, teaching kids about the different plants and animals you encounter.
  • Water Balloon Fight: Cool off with a classic water balloon battle. Set rules and boundaries to ensure everyone has fun safely.

3. Sports and Games
Physical activities keep kids active and entertained. Try these classic camp games:

  • Capture the Flag: Divide into teams and try to capture the other team’s flag while protecting your own.
  • Relay Races: Organize different relay races, such as sack races, three-legged races and spoon-and-egg races.
  • Volleyball or Badminton: Set up a net in the yard and have friendly matches.
  • Kickball: A fun, low-equipment game that can be played in the backyard or at a local park.

4. STEM Projects
Incorporate educational fun with science, technology, engineering and math activities:

  • Science Experiments: Conduct simple experiments like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, or make slime.
  • Model Rockets: Build and launch model rockets, teaching kids about the principles of flight and physics.
  • Bug Safari: Equip kids with magnifying glasses and jars to explore and learn about insects in the yard.
  • Solar Oven: Make a solar oven out of a pizza box and use it to cook s’mores or melt cheese on mini-pizzas.

5. Cooking Classes
Teach kids valuable kitchen skills with fun cooking projects:

  • Campfire Cooking: If you have a safe outdoor space, cook hot dogs, s’mores or foil packet meals over a fire pit.
  • Homemade Ice Cream: Use simple ingredients and a bit of shaking to make delicious ice cream in a bag.
  • Pizza Making: Set up a pizza station with various toppings and let kids create their own personal pizzas.
  • Baking: Have a baking day where kids can help make cookies, brownies or cupcakes.

6. Performing Arts
Encourage creativity and confidence through performing arts activities:

  • Talent Show: Host a talent show where kids can sing, dance, perform magic tricks or showcase any other talent.
  • Theater Games: Play improvisational games like charades or have kids create and act out their own short plays.
  • Dance Party: Organize a dance party with different themes or styles of music.
  • Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine or use a karaoke app for a fun sing-along session.

7. Reading and Storytelling
Incorporate quiet time and foster a love for reading:

  • Campfire Stories: Gather around a (real or pretend) campfire and take turns telling stories or reading from a favorite book.
  • Reading Nook: Create a cozy reading area with blankets and pillows where kids can relax and read.
  • Book Club: Choose a book to read together and discuss it over snacks.

8. Themed Days
Add variety and excitement with themed days:

  • Superhero Day: Dress up as favorite superheroes, create comic strips and play themed games.
  • Wild West Day: Wear cowboy hats, learn to line dance and play horseshoes.
  • Space Exploration Day: Make cardboard rockets, learn about the solar system and have a stargazing night.
  • Pirate Day: Dress as pirates, create treasure maps and have a treasure hunt.

9. Team Building and Group Activities
Foster teamwork and cooperation with group activities:

  • Group Art Projects: Collaborate on a large mural or group painting.
  • Building Challenges: Use building blocks or recycled materials to construct structures together.
  • Cooperative Games: Play games that require teamwork, such as building a human pyramid or creating a group sculpture.

Creating a summer camp experience at home can be as enriching and exciting as going to an actual camp. With a mix of creative, physical, educational and themed activities, you can ensure your kids have a memorable and fun-filled summer right in your backyard.

Published July 10, 2024

Bug boom predicted for Florida summer

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Meteorologists across the board are warning of extreme weather during the summer across most of the continental United States, according to a news release.

While natural events such as heatwaves, storms, floods and tornadoes are some of the more devastating impacts of extreme weather, the increase in bug activity is often overlooked. Although bugs generally do not cause the same devastating impacts as extreme weather events, they can become a severe annoyance and getting rid of them can become quite costly for homeowners.

The Pest Dude recently analyzed predicted summer temperatures and rainfall data for 2024 from Climate.gov to determine which pests are more likely to be problem in each state, the release says.

Snails and slugs are among the bug population that is expected to increase during Florida’s extreme summer weather. (Invisible Power/Pexels)

Florida’s warmer summer combined with more rainfall is likely to lead to an increase in activity in the state for mosquitoes, termites, ants, fleas, ticks, aphids, ladybugs, snails, slugs, gnats and moths.

Zachary Smith of The Pest Dude breaks down how each of these bugs can best be treated:

  • Mosquitoes — use insect repellents; eliminate standing water; mosquito nets and screens; treat yard
  • Ants — use baits and traps; seal entry points; maintain clean surfaces
  • Termites — get regular inspections; install termite barriers; get professional treatments
  • Aphids — use insecticidal soaps or oils; encourage natural predators; monitor regularly
  • Fleas — use flea preventatives; vacuum frequently; wash pet bedding; install yard fencing for flea-carrying wildlife
  • Ticks — use tick repellants; trim vegetation; do regular tick checks; treat yard
  • Gnats — use gnat traps; reduce moisture; ensure proper outdoor drainage
  • Ladybugs — seal entry points; vacuum; provide ladybug houses/shelter
  • Snails — reduce moisture; set up barriers; handpick from plants/garden areas
  • Slugs — use slug baits; create barriers; handpick from plants/garden areas
  • Moths — use moth traps; properly store clothing/pantry items; clean regularly

For more information on why specific bugs will be on the increase and detailed treatments to use, visit https://pestdude.com/bugs-boom/.

Published July 10, 2024

State to spend $14.5B on transportation needs in new budget

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis touted billions in funding for transportation relief and easing growing congestion on the roads in this year’s budget in a news conference on June 27.

For this current year’s budget which went into effect on July 1, $14.5 billion was appropriated for 946 different transportation projects across the state. This includes more than $5 billion to maintain and construct new highways, resulting in 140 new lane miles.

(Florida Department of Transportation/Facebook)

“We also have $1.8 billion to resurface roadways and to fill potholes, we’ve done almost $25 billion and resurfaced over 12,000 miles of roadway since I’ve been governor,” DeSantis said.

Bridge repairs and replacements were allocated $382 million, which will repair 72 bridges and replace another 15. The state will also spend $1.4 billion to support intermodal improvements, divided among transit and freight rail ($960.6 million), airports ($334.2 million) and seaports ($109.6 million).

“Our economy has grown 22%, the nation as a whole since 2019, has grown half that much — it’s 11%,” DeSantis said. “So, we’ve doubled the national average in economic growth over the last five and a half years.”

DeSantis said that managing Florida’s budget responsibly has been a priority. Despite major tax relief and increased spending for infrastructure and education, the state’s budget has been maintained at a reasonable level and even reduced since last year.

“You look at Florida, we’re number one for new business formations and have been for quite some time,” DeSantis said. “We’re the third largest state, so obviously we should have more business formations than a state like Rhode Island…but we have more business formations than California, which is twice the population of Florida.”

DeSantis said that private sector growth in Florida has grown by 2.2% over the past 12 months, while the national rate was 1.6%. The Sunshine State’s labor force also grew twice as fast as the nation, and the crime rate is at a 50-year low, according to DeSantis.

“That provides opportunities but also provides challenges,” DeSantis said. “The reality is, when you lead the nation in net-in migration year after year…that requires there to be the supporting infrastructure to be able to handle that.”

DeSantis said one of his administration’s main focuses has been accelerating infrastructure projects by using increased funding to complete them, sometimes 10 years ahead of schedule.

“Since I became governor in 2019, we’ve invested nearly $70 billion to improve transportation infrastructure in the state of Florida, and our main focus has been on reducing congestion,” DeSantis said. “We wanna have good roads…but we’re in a situation where there’s a lot of growth, so we have to accommodate for that.”

Published July 10, 2024

Tampa Electric provides meals through Feeding Tampa Bay

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Tampa Electric has answered the auctioneer’s call 35 times this year to purchase hogs for hungry families. The financial investment goes to 4-H students who raised the hogs, according to a news release.

Purchasing hogs from a 4-H auction supports local businesses and local youth. (Courtesy of Jessie Werner/Red Hills Strategies)

The impact of the investment reaches beyond the auction block though.

Every time Tampa Electric purchases a hog from a 4-H auction, it supports local businesses to process the hog and donate the meat to Feeding Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that provides food assistance to 10 counties across West Central Florida.

“We’re grateful for their generous contribution and ongoing support. It’s donors like Tampa Electric that make it possible for us to put meals on the tables of those we serve,” said Rhonda Gindlesberger, chief operating officer at Feeding Tampa Bay, in the release.

Traditionally, food pantries offer shelf staples, but with Feeding Tampa Bay’s operation, it is able to offer fresh, locally raised foods that are high in protein and nutrients.

In 2024, Tampa Electric selected and purchased 35 hogs at 4-H auctions, given the added benefit of supporting youth in the region.

When 4-H youths sell their livestock at auction, they can use the dollars earned to support their families, expand their agricultural operations or save for college expenses.

Published July 10, 2024

DeSantis vetoes bills, including one that would’ve regulated vacation rentals

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a number of bills from the 2024 legislative session, including one that would have mandated changes to vacation rentals.

Senate Bill 280 would have required vacation rental advertising platforms to collect and remit specific taxes while adding regulations for lodging and food establishments. DeSantis said in his veto message this would create more red tape for locals and prevent local governments from enacting existing ordinances or passing any new local measures.

SB 62 would’ve provided that individuals classified as residents for tuition purposes may not lose their resident status solely because they have been incarcerated in a correctional facility in Florida. DeSantis said the state should “not reward criminal activity by providing inmates with the same benefits as law-abiding citizens.”

(Panama City Beach-Government/Facebook)

SB 494 would’ve waived both the graduate record examination and the grade management admission test for service members applying for admission into graduate programs at state institutions that require the examinations. DeSantis said standardized tests are a necessary component of the admissions process, adding he does not see how dropping the examinations would benefit the institutions or the students.

House Bill 821 would’ve revised the maximum stormwater management user fees for residential, agricultural and commercial parcels of land in the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District in Brevard County. DeSantis vetoed the bill due to the likelihood that taxpayers would pay higher fees.

HB 473 would’ve provided broad liability protections for state and local governments and private companies that only comply with minimum cybersecurity standards in the event of a cyberattack or data breach. DeSantis said the bill would result in less data security because it incentivizes entities to do the minimum to protect consumer data.

SB 1078 would’ve exempted insurance agents, agencies and service representatives from submitting cellular telephone numbers to the Department of Financial Services as part of the licensure process. DeSantis said Florida’s insurance market is becoming increasingly competitive and he does not see how the bill would serve the public interest.

HB 165 would’ve granted the Florida Department of Health (DOH) authority to close beaches, waterways and swimming pools. DeSantis said the DOH should not have the power to supersede local jurisdictions.

HB 133 would’ve provided a period of time when convictions for crimes may not be grounds for denial of licensure as a barber or cosmetologist. DeSantis said it prohibits the licensing board from accessing an applicant’s criminal history and added there may be a good reason for the board to have such information before approval.

Published July 10, 2024

Water quality reports available to the public

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In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires community water systems to each year publish information about their water, including its sources, how it is treated, and compliance with regulations.

Hillsborough County has released its 2023 annual water quality reports, which are available to the public, according to a news release.

(Pixabay/Pexels)

The reports explain Hillsborough County’s drinking water quality testing results, offer information on local water resources, and outline the county’s continued investment in the local water infrastructure.

Hillsborough County Public Utilities operates 10 community public drinking water systems and each system has its own report.

The county’s Water Resources provides more than 78 million gallons of drinking water per day on an annual average basis to 715,883 people.

In 2023, a county team collected approximately 7,739 water samples and performed 33,200 tests on the drinking water.

The website, HCFL.gov/WaterQualityReports, includes an interactive map that allows viewers to type their address and locate the report that pertains to their residence or business.

Printed copies of the reports can be obtained by calling 813-246-3146.

All customers will receive notice of the available water quality reports through either their mailed bill or e-bill.

For more about Hillsborough County’s water and wastewater services, visit HCFL.gov/Water.

Published July 10, 2024