Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco has added another leadership responsibility to his plate —an advisory role with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Pasco Sheriff is one of seven new members named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) by acting secretary Chad Wolf. The announcement came from the federal agency last month. The HSAC is a Department of Homeland Security … [Read more...]
Chambers adapt to new circumstances
May 19, 2020 By
Small businesses are struggling to reopen amid the uncertainties wrought by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Chambers of commerce are right there with them on the front line. They are dealing with staff layoffs in some cases. They've been working from home. They have fewer resources. And, even as chambers begin reopening their offices, the priority is the economic … [Read more...]
Teen’s health struggle makes her a national voice
July 24, 2019 By
When Mark and Kelly Dees of Land O’ Lakes decided to name their unborn daughter Hope, it was a sign of their unwavering optimism despite devastating news. What was supposed to be an exciting reveal of their baby’s gender, soon became a moment of sadness after Hope was diagnosed with congenital heart defects. “We were told by the first doctor that she wouldn’t live to see her first … [Read more...]
Funding moves Morningside extension forward
July 10, 2019 By
A $5 million allocation from the state is bringing the extension of Morningside Drive — to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road in Dade City — a step closer to becoming reality. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval of the allocation in this year’s budget came as reassuring news to Dade City and Pasco County. Officials believe the extension will yield numerous benefits. “We’re anticipating it … [Read more...]
Pasco projects in new state budget
May 22, 2019 By
Florida’s $91.5 billion budget, approved by the Florida Legislature, includes funding for just two of the projects that Pasco County requested. Legislators approved $1 million for the Land O’ Lakes U.S. 41 beautification project, and $1 million to improve the waterfront at Miller’s Bayou. Dade City received $5 million for the extension of Morningside Drive. While legislators approved the … [Read more...]
Making a difference through book donations
May 22, 2019 By
Book by book, a local teen is trying to do his part to make a difference in the community. As an avid reader himself, 13-year-old Vance Tomasi understands the value of having a broad range of books to choose from. After seeing his younger brother improve his reading during Hillsborough County Public School's annual Summer Reading Camp, Tomasi saw the value of that even more so. At the … [Read more...]
Bicycle association honors Kathryn Starkey’s tenacity, service
May 1, 2019 By
Becky Afonso, executive director of the Florida Bicycle Association, recently honored Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey as its 2018 Elected Official Champion of the Year. Afonso highlighted Starkey’s tenacity and public service during the Pasco County Commission’s April 23 meeting. The association executive reminded commissioners that the Tri-County Trail connection won the 2014 … [Read more...]
State grant supports Pasco business park
January 30, 2019 By
Pasco County has announced the receipt of a $3 million state grant to support the development of the Overpass Business Park. The business park is intended to promote economic development in Pasco County. The county received a grant for $3,088,580 from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, according to a news release from the county. The grant will support the creation of the Overpass … [Read more...]
DeSantis wants Burgess to lead state’s veterans affairs
December 26, 2018 By
Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis has announced his recommendation of state Rep. Danny Burgess to serve as the state’s next executive director of Florida's Department of Veterans Affairs. If his appointment is confirmed, Burgess will have to resign from his District 38 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. “It’s bittersweet,” Burgess said, noting the appointment “is completely unexpected … [Read more...]
Construction begins to link recreational trails
November 7, 2018 By
Pasco County’s engineering services had an event on Oct. 30 to celebrate the construction of the new Starkey Gap Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that will link the Starkey and Suncoast Trails in Pasco County to the Pinellas Trail. Construction of the new multi-use 2.4 mile-trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. Once the segment is finished, it will provide connectivity to a … [Read more...]
