Complaints have persisted for years about traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. There also have […]
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This Week
Helping people get from place to place, safely
As Pasco County and the municipalities within the county’s borders continue to grow, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization should have a greater voice in planning future roads to ensure safety, while promoting connectivity. The issue came up repeatedly during the Pasco MPO’s Feb. 11 meeting. “I’m wondering if it’s […]
Giving entrepreneurs tools they need to succeed
When guests arrived at SMARTstart @ The Grove last month, they found a space that’s well-equipped to help entrepreneurs launch a new business, and to help existing businesses grow. The business incubator is at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, in the Grove at Wesley Chapel — a shopping, restaurant and entertainment complex that’s in […]
Zephyrhills discussing 911 dispatch
The City of Zephyrhills has proudly operated its own police and dispatch for over a century, dating back to 1914 to be exact. Some of this autonomy could be altered in coming years, however. With technology advancements and rampant growth on the East Pasco town’s doorstep, local leaders are evaluating the existing operating model for […]
No plans to shutter Zephyrhills police department
While Zephyrhills is considering a consolidation of its dispatch services with Pasco County’s emergency dispatch, city officials made it clear that there are no plans to shutter the city’s police department. Last year, the city merged its fire department with Pasco Fire Rescue, as the city’s fire department faced mounting costs and personnel turnover. Elected […]
Local Jewish temple gifted Torah
A local Jewish temple now happily can claim a Torah of its own, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow Tampa Bay area synagogue. Land O’ Lakes-based Congregation Beth Chavarim (“House of Friends”) last month was gifted with an authentic Torah, the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible, from Gulfport’s […]
Save money, get back behind the wheel
If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office. The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March […]
Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing
The theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name. This year — in the time of COVID-19 — special safety precautions were taken. There were signs all […]
Meals on Wheels looks to expand
The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, is accepting applications for its 2021 Meals on Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Expansion Program. Approved applicants can receive financial aid and technical assistance to develop and launch home-delivered meal programs in communities across the eastern United […]
Pasco Planning Commission seeks three volunteers
Pasco County is seeking three volunteers to join the Pasco Planning Commission. Ideal candidates will represent diverse knowledge and expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, real estate, surveying, property management, architecture, construction and other related fields, according to a news release. Planning Commission members review and make recommendations to the Pasco County Commission on […]
Operation Feed Pasco closes, amid success
United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families. The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release. The […]
It’s strawberry (shortcake) season again
It’s that time of year when strawberries take front and center — at U-Pick farms, grocery stores, farmers markets and in the garden. The fruit is easy to find here, because of where we live — we’re just a short drive away from Plant City — the winter strawberry capital of the world. The popularity […]
Photo of the Week
Looking for adventure, they found it at the fair
The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. See more about the fair and more […]
This Week (cont)
Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily
The Pasco County Commission is considering a temporary pause on multifamily development in the central part of the county. The board has directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would prohibit new applications for multifamily to be considered in an area bounded by State Road 54/State Road 56 on the south; State Road 52 on […]
An entertainment venue in downtown Zephyrhills?
Downtown Zephyrhills could get a little louder and livelier in the next year or so — if a proposed project pushes through. The City of Zephyrhills is considering the creation of its own entertainment backyard featuring food trucks, vendor carts, games, live music, public art installations and various seating areas. Picture it as a scaled-down […]
Ash Wednesday events vary, across region
Ash Wednesday observances normally involve Christians flocking to churches to receive ashes on their foreheads — in the sign of a cross, to mark the beginning of Lent, which leads up to Easter. But this year — as the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic — local Ash Wednesday observances were varied. The […]
State testing should not be punitive, board members say
Florida education officials have given school districts additional time to administer the Florida Standards Assessments, known as FSA for short. But, the Pasco County School Board wants to avoid penalizing its teachers, students or schools based on results from the assessments. Board member Alison Crumbley raised the issue during the board’s meeting on Feb. 16. […]
Local Sports
Land O’ Lakes Little League celebrates 50th anniversary
Let the games begin! The start of each Little League season often elicits a heightened level of nostalgia. With spring in the air, youth of all ages and skills partake in America’s favorite pastime, testing their mettle on the mound, at the plate and in the field. Pitches are thrown. Bats are swung. Balls are […]
Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele
When conjuring up an image of a sports talent agent, the mind might wander to a sharp-tongued individual donning an expensive suit, wheeling deals and barking orders from an expensive downtown high-rise in Los Angeles, Miami or New York. Think movies and television shows like “Jerry McGuire,” “Ballers,” and “Arliss.” But, David Walkowiak and Andre […]
Sports – Check This Out
Cypress Creek High coach earns regional honor
Cypress Creek High School athletic director and varsity boys soccer coach Justin Pelliccia was named one of 100 regional winners for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) 2021 Double-Goal Coach Award, according to an announcement by the organization. Nominees are assessed on the extent to which they reflect the model of PCA’s Double-Goal Coach, “whose first […]
Saint Leo acrobatics coach steps down
Saint Leo University acrobatics and tumbling head coach Allie Williams has stepped down from the program, to spend more time with her family after welcoming her first child last year. Williams was hired as the first head coach of the acro and tumbling program in November 2018 — then Saint Leo’s newest and 21st intercollegiate […]
Reasons To Smile
Warm Feet, Happy Hearts
The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes sponsored “Warm Feet, Happy Hearts,” a fundraiser to benefit Fostering Hope Florida. Fostering Hope has served thousands of children in foster care through housing, resources, events, advocacy, mentoring and educational programs, and continues to expand its reach. In addition to much-needed supplies, such as diapers, baby formula and […]
