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Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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government shutdown

County and United Way help during shutdown

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County and United Way of Pasco have stepped up to help keep some local nonprofit agencies operating during the federal government shutdown.

The Pasco County Commission approved a $400,000 temporary loan to help the agencies in danger of ceasing operations during the federal government shutdown, due to funding shortages.

The county is loaning the money to United Way, which will act as an intermediary — lending the money to the agencies in need, which will reimburse the United Way, which, in turn, will repay the county’s loan.

Chuck Anderson, director of United Way, told commissioners: “The federal government shutdown has had a huge impact on agencies, individuals, a lot of people.

“A survey was done of our agencies, two in particular who are in danger of not being able to continue their programs if they do not receive some type of interim funding between now and the first of the upcoming month,” he said.

The funds must be repaid within 60 days of the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.

Anderson thanked commissioners for stepping in to help.

“There are so many people who would go unserved without this support, so thank you on their behalf,” Anderson said.

Published January 30, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Chuck Anderson, government shutdown, Pasco County, Pasco County Commission, United Way of Pasco

Local groups help federal workers

January 23, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Organizations around the region are stepping up to help, as workers and their families struggle during the nation’s longest partial federal government shutdown.

The help has come in various forms.

“The key is to take off some of the pressure from these folks (so they can) worry less about where their food is coming from,” explained Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector of Pasco County.

Adele Richoll packs paper bags with food at Father and Son Love Ministries on Jan. 18. Her organization is one of many that are providing help to federal workers who have been furloughed, or are working without pay, during the partial federal government shutdown. (Brian Fernandes)

The federal government partially shut down on Dec. 22, in the midst of a budget battle between President Donald Trump and members of congress, over funding for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Over the past weekend, Trump offered a deal that would include money for the border wall, while granting some immigrants protection for three years. But, Democrats were not moved by Trump’s offer.

The impasse affects about 800,000 federal employees, including some who are not working during the shutdown, and others who are working without pay.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one group of federal employees who are working without pay.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano was inspired to specifically help those troops.

The five branches of the county’s tax office intends to distribute donations to the troops and their families.

“Mr. Fasano supports our men and women in uniform,” Giordano said. “He wanted to do something to show that this community is behind those individuals.”

On Day 1 of collections, Tom Kliebert was at the tax collector’s office to offer support.

“I’m always looking for things I can do to help out the military,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I really appreciate what they do to protect our country.”

The Wesley Chapel resident went directly to the grocery store to purchase donations when he learned online about the tax collector’s effort.

Debby Palmer, also of Wesley Chapel, received the notification through email and also wanted to help.

“I feel like I’ve been very blessed in my life, so I try to contribute where I can,” she said.

She brought in four bags of groceries to her local tax office.

Tom Kliebert wasted no time buying and donating food to his local tax office in Wesley Chapel. His contribution is one of many that will go toward members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. (Courtesy of Greg Giordano)

he tax collector’s five branches began collecting donations on Jan. 16 and accumulated more than $2,300 in cash, 91 bags of groceries and more than a dozen gift cards within the first two days. (For addresses of branches, go to PascoTaxes.com).

“Obviously this has touched a nerve in the community,” Giordano said. He characterized the community’s generosity as being “incredible.”

Father and Son Love Ministries, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz, also is offering a helping hand.

Pastor C.J. Johns heads the Lutz church, which has opened its doors to federal workers and their families every Friday.

Church staff and volunteers, from noon to 3 p.m. on Fridays, will give out bagged lunches, plus supplies of food for a week, for those requesting it.

The church also understands that some families won’t be able to afford to drive to the church, so it is willing to deliver food boxes to homes if they provide 48 hours’ notice, the pastor said.

Before the shutdown, the church was already operating a food drive and now has prepared for a larger turnout.

“We’re committed to helping our community,” Johns said. “It’s a need that has risen, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help ease the turmoil.”

Publix has supported the church’s efforts, Johns said, noting the grocery chain recently donated surplus items from the holidays.

Besides providing food, the church also offers free clothing and personal hygiene items.

It also understands that children need relief, too, so the church will make toys, birthday cakes and cupcakes available, the pastor said.

The church plans to keep the drive open 30 days after the government reopens to help workers get back on their feet.

Restored Hope, at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, also is committed to assisting federal workers for as long as necessary.

The nonprofit organization welcomes workers to stop by its center on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Federal employees are asked to bring identification or their last pay stub to verify their status.

The organization’s pantry room is filled with nonperishable items and clothing.

Many items were leftover donations given by Metropolitan Ministries over the holidays, said Doreen Kennard, bookkeeper of Restored Hope.

Knowing there was surplus in storage, she thought: “Perfect timing, we’ll offer it to the government employees.”

Kennard added that the organization will do what it can to help workers pay past due bills.

During the federal government shutdown, Pasco County Utilities also is working to help federal employees, who are also PCU customers, develop an action plan to ensure continuation of services.

Pasco County Utilities will waive late fees and provide extensions for utility bills due by any federal employee who is on furlough or is required to work without compensation, as long as supporting documentation is provided.

Customers in need of assistance should call (813) 235-6012 during regular business hours.

Other acts of kindness can be seen throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Tampa Bay Salvage, at 37832 Meridian Ave., in Dade City, is accepting donations of food and personal hygiene items at its Dade City and Palm Harbor offices.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering pet food to support furloughed workers who have pets. The donations are available on weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Verification is required.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is connecting federal employees of Tampa International Airport with community resources.

Feeding Tampa Bay also has set up a food bank for TSA workers, and TECO is offering payment extensions on electric bills.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will also offer a day of relaxation with one free admission to federal workers.

These organizations are providing help to federal workers who are either off the job, or not being paid during the partial federal government shutdown:

  • Pasco County Tax Collector Offices (Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey); Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Restored Hope, 13703 17th St., Dade City; Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (352) 437-4815.
  • Father and Son Love Ministries, 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz; Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Call (813) 846- 9993.
  • Tampa Bay Salvage, 37832 Meridian Ave., Dade City; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (352) 437-5231.
  • The Florida Aquarium is offering one free admission to federal workers with identification.
  • Pasco County Utilities will help customers that are federal employees who are not receiving pay, or are furloughed, to ensure continuation of services. Documentation is needed. Those needing assistance should call (813) 235-6012.

Published January 23, 2019

Filed Under: Top Story Tagged With: 17th Street, C.J. Johns, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Dade City, Debby Palmer, Donald Trump, Doreen Kennard, Father and Son Love Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, Foggy Ridge Parkway, government shutdown, Greg Giordano, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Lutz, Meridian Avenue, Metropolitan Ministries, Mike Fasano, Pasco County Utilities, Restored Hope, Tampa Bay Salvage, Tampa International Airport, TECO, Tom Kliebert, U.S. Coast Guard, Wesley Chapel

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01/23/2021 – Adult craft

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual craft at home for adults on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Participants can learn to make fireworks in a jar. To view the video, visit Facebook.com/cplib. … [Read More...] about 01/23/2021 – Adult craft

01/23/2021 – Dumpling soup

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present “Cook-a-Book: Soup” on Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. This month the book, “Dumpling Soup” by Jama Kim Rattigan will be featured. Participants can hear the story and then learn to make a kid-friendly dumpling soup. For information and to see the presentation, visit Facebook.com/regencyparklibrary. … [Read More...] about 01/23/2021 – Dumpling soup

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01/25/2021 – Fizzy bath bomb

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