Pasco County is pursuing a vision that’s aimed at giving people more opportunities to grow their own food, to learn the ins and outs of gardening, and to bring young and old together for a variety of activities. A celebration was held recently at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to unveil a new “Food for All” mural and to offer tours of a new community garden. Dr. … [Read more...]
Transition made easier, with a little love
February 5, 2020 By
When Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano first learned about the Luggage of Love program, he committed to helping meet its goal of providing displaced children and families with new and/or gently used suitcases. Luggage of Love is a coordinated effort in Pasco County by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Pasco County Extension Office. In … [Read more...]
Commercial kitchen incubator to open in East Pasco
July 10, 2019 By
An incubator commercial kitchen is expected to begin operating in September at 15029 14th St., in Dade City. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Pasco Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pasco County and the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., with assistance from Welbilt. Welbilt, a … [Read more...]
Workshop sheds light on cottage food industry
May 8, 2019 By
A workshop focused on the ins and outs of operating a cottage food industry drew a crowd — and offered practical information to those attending the session. The daylong event was presented by the Pasco County Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences branch in Dade City. The workshop consisted of sessions regarding the … [Read more...]
Class provides advice on healthy cooking
September 19, 2018 By
Shari Bresin understands the challenge of finding the time to prepare healthy foods, while having a busy schedule. Bresin, the Family and Consumer Science agent for the Pasco County Extension Office, said she can relate to that challenge. “I know what it’s like to be on the go,” Bresin said. A class she’s now teaching at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, aims to help … [Read more...]
An ‘unsung hero’ seeks to help others to grow tasty food
March 28, 2018 By
When a crowd gathered in January to celebrate the dedication of the Watson Park Community Garden in Dade City, there was a man standing quietly in the background — as the festivities progressed. That man, Brightman Logan, played a vital role in providing the support to help make the garden happen, Whitney C. Elmore, who leads the Pasco County Extension Office, told the crowd — characterizing … [Read more...]
These gardeners are breaking new ground, in more ways than one
January 31, 2018 By
Community gardens are not a new concept, but the Watson Park Community Garden in Dade City has a new twist. This garden is the first of its kind in Florida, and the people behind it hope it will become a model for others to follow. At a ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 26, children from Cox Elementary School were among the first to get their hands dirty in the … [Read more...]
Partnerships may yield ‘community farm’ at Moore-Mickens
August 2, 2017 By
Efforts have begun to lay the groundwork for a “community farm” on the property now under the supervision of the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center and Vocational Center Inc. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, said she has been talking to the Moore-Mickens nonprofit about the possibility of establishing the farm, which would involve the help of several other … [Read more...]
Pasco gives boost to community gardening
June 14, 2017 By
Pasco County could soon be the first in the state with a countywide ordinance to permit residents to grow community gardens. The proposed ordinance also would be the first countywide ordinance of its kind for Pasco. At a June 6 Pasco County Commission meeting in Dade City, county staff members explained what a community garden is and how it would operate. Commissioners are scheduled … [Read more...]
Pasco County projects axed by Gov. Scott
June 7, 2017 By
Gov. Rick Scott signed an $83 billion budget for 2018 and used his veto pen to slash nearly $22 million earmarked for Pasco County projects. In total Scott struck out nearly $410 million from local projects across Florida. Pasco lost about $15 million for a new interchange to connect Overpass Road with Interstate 75, and $4.3 million for the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Education … [Read more...]
