Drive along nearly any major Pasco County artery and you are likely to be backed up in traffic — during rush hour. At the same […]
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This Week
State road projects in Pasco approach $290 million
During a recent transportation Zoom briefing with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Thibault, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, provided an overview of projects that are in various stages of progress in Pasco County. Here’s a recap of information from his PowerPoint presentation and of his comments, project by project. Diverging […]
Activity increasing, as COVID-19 restrictions relax
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order lifting all local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses. As a result, Hillsborough County, Pasco County and the city of Tampa have dropped their mask requirements. The order, however, does not apply to school districts — and both Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools […]
Pasco EDC touts diversified economy, startups
As Pasco County businesses and individuals look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is continuing to provide wide-ranging resources and guidance. Pasco EDC representatives Mike Bishop and Dan Mitchell were on hand during a Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last month at Lake Jovita Golf […]
Pasco County commissioner addresses measured growth, development
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is well aware of the influx of countless new residents to the area he oversees. After all, Moore was quick to acknowledge the county he oversees is one of the fastest-growing in the state, if not the entire nation, during a speaking engagement last month for the East Pasco Networking […]
Montessori education uses a sensorial approach to learning
The Lutz Montessori School, which officially opens on June 1, will provide a sensorial-based approach to education for children ages 2 through 6. Initially, the school will offer a series of weeklong summer camps, each featuring a different theme that combines learning and fun. The school will begin its academic year in the fall, following […]
Speed limit reduced on Mentmore Boulevard
Following a speed study on Mentmore Boulevard, the speed limit is being lowered on the road — from Bexley Village Drive to State Road 54 — from 40 mph to 30 mph. The Pasco County Commission approved the change on May 4. The Florida Department of Transportation’s Speed Zoning Manual allows for the application of […]
Deadline soon for advisory committee applicants
Pasco County is seeking 13 people to serve as policy advisors on the new Northeast Pasco Rural Advisory Committee, according to a county news release. The board is encouraging property owners, business owners and land use attorneys to apply. Committee members will evaluate policies and regulations related to the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District, […]
Pasco commissioners get a closeup look at Lombardi trophy
Brian Ford, the chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made a visit to the Pasco County Commission meeting on May 4, to thank the board for honoring the organization for being Super Bowl champions. Commissioner Mike Moore read a resolution, which the board had approved at its April 20, meeting. In part, the […]
County board relaxes COVD-19 rules
The Pasco County Commission has changed its rules and is now allowing a limited number of members of the public to attend its meetings in person. The board voted on May 4 to allow up to 18 people from the public to be in the board’s chambers during meetings at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse […]
Art exhibit reveal planned for Dade City
When these artworks are unveiled — they, quite literally — will bring some heart to downtown Dade City. The public art exhibition is being organized by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a 501c3 nonprofit that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city. The showcase planned for May 15, […]
Photo of the Week
Newest K9 additions
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has two new additions to its K9 crew — bloodhound puppies named Hemi and Shelby. Both Hemi and Shelby are 3-month-old littermates that were born in Kentucky. In about 10 months, this pair will help locate missing people, including those who have wandered from home, as single-purpose tracking K9s, according to […]
This Week (cont)
Environmental committee appointments approved
The Pasco County Commission has approved the following reappointments to the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition Committee: A one-year reappointment of Patty Fesmire A two-year reappointment of Janie Howie A three-year reappointment of Josh McCart A three-year reappointment of Mona Neville The committee consists of 11 volunteer members, according to background materials in the board’s agenda […]
Leaders tour new research center site
Leaders from Moffitt Cancer Center, Lennar, and Metro Development Group recently toured the Central Pasco site that is planned to become home to a massive research and innovation district — as well as to one of the West Central Florida region’s newest live-work-play communities. As plans for the new Angeline mixed-use community continue to take […]
Federal help sought for sewer project
The City of Zephyrhills is pursuing federal dollars to help pay for a new master lift station located in the vicinity of Otis Allen Road and 23rd Street. The project — yet to be designed — calls for a new duplex master lift station with provisions to be upgraded to a triplex station when needed; […]
Local Sports
Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty selected in NFL Draft
Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty soon will live out his lifelong dream of becoming a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). The local athlete was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round with the 97th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, on April 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. The […]
Strides on the track and in the classroom
Cypress Creek High School senior Ashleigh Lacey will graduate as her school’s valedictorian, with a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA (and 4.6 weighted). Armed with an Associate of Arts degree and Bright Futures scholarship, the accomplished student soon will attend University of South Florida’s (USF) Judy Genshaft Honors College with plans to attend medical school and […]
Sports – Check This Out
HCC athletic director earns regional Coach of the Year honor
Sarah Summerfield, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Athletic Director and tennis head coach, was selected as the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State/National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 8 Women’s Coach of the Year. Under Summerfield and assistant coach Chris Nyholm, the Lady Hawks completed an undefeated season 6-0 and became the NJCAA Region […]
Saint Leo softball hits record
Saint Leo University fifth-year senior infielder Kacie Kelly recently set the Lions softball program’s all-time career hits record — when she picked up her 270th career hit (and counting) on a bunt single on April 30 in a road game against Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. The 5-foot-3 left-handed hitter had started the day […]
Reasons To Smile
Avalon Applauds
CONGRATULATIONS to Kyla Booker for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Booker is a senior at Cypress Creek High School (CCHS) and has made a tremendous impact during her time there. For example, Booker was class president her freshman, sophomore and junior year. “For me it was about building leadership skills and pushing myself […]
