The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect the progress of some Pasco County initiatives, but at least one is moving forward as scheduled — a $128 million expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, off U.S. 41 at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Project design is slated to begin sometime in May, with construction slated to begin in December 2021 and continue through … [Read more...]
Advocating to reduce homelessness
November 20, 2019 By
When it comes to community service and advocacy, more can always be done in Pasco County. That was the general message put forth by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells, at a Nov. 12 East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. There’s all sorts of resources for seniors, veterans and children and families, Wells said. But, he is advocating greater collaboration between … [Read more...]
Sheriff’s Office adds innovative fitness program
March 27, 2019 By
The Land O’ Lakes Detention Center has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness facility equipped with top-of-the-line resistance machines, exercise bikes, ski machines, adjustable weights, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, battling ropes, medicine balls and more. Known as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Resilience Center, it’s the initial phase of the agency’s newly formed Human … [Read more...]
Pasco readies for big building program
March 13, 2019 By
Voter approval of four general obligation bond issues in November has set the stage for a major building program in Pasco County. The bond revenues will go to expand the Pasco County Detention Center; to update and expand fire rescue facilities; to upgrade libraries; and, to spruce up and improve park and recreational facilities. Pasco County staff members briefed commissioners on the timing … [Read more...]
Forensics research center expected to break new ground
October 3, 2018 By
Construction is now underway in Land O’ Lakes on a forensics and training facility that will offer a collaborative resource for universities, forensic scientists and law enforcement. Ground was broken during a Sept. 19 ceremony for the K9 Tactical Center/Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics, or F.I.R.S.T for short. The complex will be next to the Adam Kennedy … [Read more...]
State lawmaker offers overview of past legislative session
September 12, 2018 By
This past legislative session — and money flowing into Pasco County from the state’s record $88.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2019 — was the topic du jour for State Rep. Danny Burgess, during a recent appearance at a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting. Burgess, who represents the House District 38 seat covering east Pasco and portions of central Pasco, highlighted a number of local … [Read more...]
Pasco tax revenues are up this year
July 3, 2018 By
Rising property values in Pasco County could provide about $11 million in increased revenues. That’s a bigger windfall than the $10.5 million initially projected. That extra cash – about $650,000 - would play a key role in helping to close a $3.3 million gap in funding requests for 2019 from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Pasco County expected to receive final revenue data by July 1 … [Read more...]
Bond referendums will be on 2018 ballot
June 27, 2018 By
Pasco County’s jail in Land O’ Lakes is overcrowded. Fire rescue needs new and refurbished stations. And, the upkeep and repairs for parks and libraries are years behind schedule. Annual budgets, however, barely scratch the surface on the costs to fix these deficiencies. So, Pasco County commissioners are hoping voters will approve four general obligation bond referendums in … [Read more...]
Deadline approaching for county budget
June 13, 2018 By
Crunch time is approaching for Pasco County’s 2019 budget. On June 5, Pasco County commissioners got a look at a draft budget as part of their review process. Crucial dates are coming up, including a July 10 deadline to set the millage rate, which determines how much homeowners will pay in taxes. No increase in millage is expected. However, some will pay higher tax bills because of … [Read more...]
Budget talks look at next two years
May 9, 2018 By
As the Pasco County Commission contemplates the county’s budget for fiscal year 2019, it’s also thinking about the budget for 2020. Commissioners are looking ahead, because they know that a referendum on the November ballot could have a sizable impact on the county’s budget. Voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether to expand homestead exemptions by $25,000. If the referendum passes, Pasco County … [Read more...]
