Local agency officials recently addressed an array of issues facing homeless veterans, before members of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, at a session in New Port Richey. U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, chairman of the subcommittee, and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, ranking member of the committee, listened to suggestions on reducing veteran homelessness … [Read more...]
Fort De Soto Park: A recreation destination
June 22, 2017 By
The Tampa Bay area has all sorts of places to escape and feel like you’re on vacation without having to drive very far or fly off somewhere. And, when you get company from afar, there’s always someplace wonderful like Fort De Soto Park to take them. Here, all in one place, are a world-class beach, views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, two fishing piers, boat launches, a historic … [Read more...]
Commuters could get a faster ride
April 27, 2016 By
Pasco County commuters understand the frustration of gridlock, as they head to and from work every day. Florida Department of Transportation officials believe the proposed construction of a project known as the Tampa Bay Express could make life easier for motorists traveling from St. Petersburg in Pinellas County to Wesley Chapel in Pasco County. Nearly 50 miles of new toll lanes would be … [Read more...]
Pasco wants a say in path of recreational trail
September 9, 2015 By
The Florida Department of Transportation is studying the proposed path for the South Sumter Connector Trail, a segment needed to close a gap in the planned 275-mile Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Connector Trail. Two routes are being considered for the connector, but just one passes through Pasco County. Most of both possible routes is in Sumter County, but the stakes are high for communities in Pasco, … [Read more...]
Pasco and Hillsborough counties are partners in growth
March 11, 2015 By
The explosion of new development in Pasco and Hillsborough counties is good news for governments that count on robust tax revenues to balance budgets. But, the rooftop subdivisions and shopping malls sprouting along busy highways that link these two prospering counties bring new challenges that likely will require a regional approach to solve. Transportation, including public transit, is among … [Read more...]
MPO keeps elevated toll road on long-range county plan
December 17, 2014 By
Pasco County's 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan is on its way to both federal and state authorities, highlighting the county's plan for roads, transit and sidewalks over the next 25 years. And one transportation feature that made the cut? Elevation roads along the State Road 54/56 corridor. A group of residents successfully fought a proposed private elevated toll road that would've stretched … [Read more...]
In Print: Something funny happening at Beef’s?
November 19, 2014 By
Football and hockey might be the first thing that comes to people's minds when they think of Beef O'Brady's. But comedy? That might be something new. Yet, the Beef's at 7040 Land O' Lakes Blvd., is welcoming comedians to the sports-themed restaurant once a month. And coming up Nov. 21 is a teacher-turned-jokester from Pinellas County, Mike Rivera. "There's nobody else who has a comedy … [Read more...]
Election Day is here! And so is everything you need to know
November 4, 2014 By
Today is Election Day where Florida will elect a governor, an attorney general, a chief financial officer and an agriculture commissioner among others. Locally, however, voters will have to decide on representatives in Tallahassee, as well as who will represent their interests on the county commission. In last week's print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, we offered an election primer, which you … [Read more...]
Homeless veterans given chance at Stand Down event
October 22, 2014 By
Pasco County Stand Down is set for Oct. 24-26 at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson. The grassroots, community-based intervention program helps the nation's estimated 67,000 homeless veterans manage life on the streets. The national program began in San Diego in 1988, and has since spread to include more than 200 similar events nationwide. The local Stand Down supports homeless and at-risk … [Read more...]
Pasco launches sports tourism survey
October 1, 2014 By
Pasco County residents waiting for that chance to have a voice in tourism can do it now through a new survey offered by The Sports Facilities Advisory. The survey is designed to help the advisory group develop a set of recommendations to the development of a sports tourism industry in the county. The goal will be to bring youth, amateur sports tournaments and events to the county by expanding … [Read more...]
