School zones are everyone’s responsibility
Roads, sidewalks and pathways experience more traffic during the school year and require additional caution. Keeping students, families and schools protected is everyone’s responsibility, according to a Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) news release.
The PSO shares these tips to keep school zones, where students travel to and from school, safe:
- Eliminate distractions when driving, such as phones.
- Take time to learn school bus stop laws to know how to properly obey their lights and signs.
- Follow posted speed limits, which are reduced in school zones, and obey all traffic laws and directions.
- Pedestrians and bike riders must follow the rules of the road, including obeying safety signals and crossing at crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians to cross.
It is important to slow down and pay attention no matter how you travel, to help keep students, families, neighborhoods and communities safe.
Homeschool Morning
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium, 1722 N. Pinellas Ave., in Tarpon Springs, will host a Homeschool Morning: Backyard Florida Adventure on Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. The event will feature hands-on activities and live animals. The cost is $10 per person (ages 2 and older); $5 per annual passholder (includes day pass admission). For information, visit Tarpon Springs Aquarium on Facebook.
Student achievement
Colin Frederick Gaynor, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business.
YEA! Awards
Hillsborough County has opened nominations for its Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) now through 9 a.m., Sept. 18.
Nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of these categories:
- Leadership — demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as sports, academics or the arts
- Success Despite Difficult Odds — overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and make a positive impact on others
- Volunteer or Community Service — allocating discretionary time to help others or complete a project that has improved the community
Students honored show initiative, innovation, and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity. This can be demonstrated in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation, or other areas.
Submissions will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women.
The YEA! Awards will be presented by the Board of County Commissioners in June.
Nomination forms can be found online at HCFLGov.net/YEA.
Performing Arts Series
Tickets are now on sale for the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation Inc.’s 2023-2024 Performing Arts Series. All shows are at 7 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey. The concert line-up includes:
- Dec. 1, The Atlantic City Boys
- Jan. 19, She Will Rock You!
- Feb. 23, The Olivia Show
- March 15, The Beatle Maniacs
- April 5, The Majesty of Rock
Tickets are $30 to $35. Season tickets are automatically discounted 15%. Groups of 10 or more can use code 15OFF. To purchase tickets, visit Tix.com/ticket-sales/phsc/1015. For information, contact Jen Ferguson at 727-816-3431 or .
Shoes & Socks Drive
The eighth annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools.
“It’s not just about providing a new pair of shoes and socks to each child in need,” said Paula Baracaldo, Pasco County support services director, in a news release. “It’s about giving them a sense of dignity and security. It’s about enabling Pasco County schoolchildren to focus on things other than basic needs,” said Baracaldo.
The types of new shoes and socks that are needed include:
- Children’s shoe sizes 9 and up
- Adult shoes in all sizes
- Socks in all sizes/neutral colors
- Closed-toe shoes only/no flip-flops
Donations can be dropped off in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector offices (visit PascoTaxes.com). All new shoes and socks will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October.
Grant applications open
Applications are now open for the 2023 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. McDonald’s owner/operators across Florida, southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina will select educators, nonprofit organizations, and the like, who represent programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students, as recipients of a grant.
This year, 27 Golden Grants will be awarded in the following amounts based on creativity and hands-on application of projects:
- Three grants in the amount of $10,000
- Seven grants, $5,000
- 12 grants, $2,500
- Five grants, $1,000
Qualifying activities include arts programs, education initiatives, mentorship and empowerment programs, after-school programs, community service, sports activities, and technology.
To apply, visit GoldenGrantsFl.com through Sept. 15. Winners will be announced on Oct. 12.
School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2023-2024 School Fishing Club Program is now open for registration.
This annual educational program focuses on teaching youth anglers about best fishing practices to help ensure the future of fishing in Florida.
To register, club sponsors need to apply for a Florida R3 Fishing Grant, which is funded by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Coastal Conservation Association, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
The grant will award up to 50 school fishing clubs or teams $500 each to assist with club expenses, such as the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for participants.
The grant application period is open until Sept. 15, but grant funding is not required to participate in the fishing club program.
To be considered for the grant, school fishing clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent.
Each participating club will be provided with program curriculum and educational materials. The curriculum consists of lessons and activities on ethical angling, conservation, Florida’s aquatic habitats, basic fishing gear, and general fishing concepts, applicable to both fresh and saltwater fishing.
Additionally, at least one conservation project activity must be completed each school year and is an opportunity for clubs to earn points for a chance to win prizes.
Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC, by scrolling down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.” The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 15.
