The Laker/Lutz News

Keep Pasco Beautiful

Getting out and cleaning up

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From left: Joanne O’ Ryan, Brooke Gerrity, Hayley O’ Ryan and Shay O’ Ryan were among the many volunteers at the first Keep Pasco Beautiful World Oceans Day. (Courtesy of Kristen King)

The first Keep Pasco Beautiful World Oceans Day cleanup event was hailed a success – with the environment reeling in the biggest benefits, according to a news release.

Pasco County has more than 20 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

In Central Pasco and East Pasco, there are several watersheds that lead to Tampa Bay and various rivers.

Volunteers donated their time in June, at two Pasco County locations: Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday and Cypress Creek Preserve in Land O’ Lakes.

Combing the roadways and shoreline, they removed everything from televisions and sofa cushions to car bumpers and tires.

“Trash along the roadways ends up in the stormwater system, which ultimately leads to the Gulf,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King. “We live in an amazing place, and we all have to do our part to protect it.”

Here are statistics from the event:

  • 1,460 poundsof trash collected
  • 59 volunteers
  • 118 volunteer hourslogged
  • $3,368 cost benefit(Volunteer Time Value)

To volunteer or learn more about Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published July 14, 2021

Keep Pasco Beautiful earns honors

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Pasco County is known statewide, and beyond, for its seagrass and salt marsh coastline, acres of conservation land, and rich natural resources. Keeping the environment in tip-top shape is the goal of Keep Pasco Beautiful, and the group is being honored for those efforts.

Olivia O’Malley, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a trash bag open, as her father, Michael, throws away a decaying trash bag that was found on the side of Parkway Boulevard, during a previous coastal cleanup. (File)

Pasco County announced that the Keep Florida Beautiful network has named Keep Pasco Beautiful as “Affiliate of the Year.” There are more than 40 affiliates in the Florida network.

“We are extremely honored to receive this award,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator Kristen King. “This recognition shows that even in challenging times, our community bands together to protect our environment and create a positive impact.”

Keep Pasco Beautiful was recognized for its Pasco Earth Day Celebration, its Great American Cleanup, and its ongoing social media engagement.

Keep Florida Beautiful also commended Keep Pasco Beautiful for its ongoing, successful community partnerships that benefit both the local community and the organization.

Keep Pasco Beautiful is supported by Pasco County Department of Public Works and Pasco County Solid Waste.

To volunteer or to learn more about the organization, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published June 23, 2021

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

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Volunteers fanned across Pasco County collecting trash during the 2021 Great American Cleanup in early March.

All in all, the 659 volunteers collected 36,920 pounds of trash — from public spaces, roadsides and waterways, according to a county news release.

Zephyrhills High School students volunteer to demonstrate their community pride, during the 2021 Great American Cleanup. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The cleaning crews hit 37 locations — stretching from Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday over to Dade City — and got to work in all sorts of places including Port Richey, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Hudson.

“Between the rainy weather and the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many volunteers would show up this year,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.  “Once again, they came out in full support, proving what a tremendous impact concerned community members can have when given the opportunity.”

The workers logged 1,531 volunteer hours, which translates into a value of $41,643.30, according to the release.

Keep Pasco Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup with corporate funding assistance and a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

The event is a collaboration among the Pasco County Department of Public Works; Pasco County Solid Waste; Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; and Pasco County Environmental Compliance, the release says.

The Great American Cleanup is one of two annual cleanup events in Pasco.

The mission of Keep Pasco Beautiful is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification.

You can find out more and learn how you can be a volunteer by calling 727-834-3611, ext. 1072. Or, you can email .

Published April 14, 2021

Cleanup a success, amid pandemic

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Small teams made for mighty results during this year’s socially distanced version of the annual International Coastal Cleanup, presented by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, according to a Pasco County news release.

Olivia O’Malley, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a trash bag open, as her father, Michael, throws away a decaying trash bag that was found on the side of Parkway Boulevard, during last year’s coastal cleanup. O’Malley and her dad also found a piece of a car bumper. (File)

Volunteers worked throughout Pasco County to pick up nearly 40,000 pounds of trash and litter along roadways, public spaces and waterways.

Here’s a breakdown from the cleanup:

  • 19.52 tons of trash and litter
  • 36 locations in Pasco County
  • 922 volunteers
  • 3,248 volunteer hours logged

“We always strive for a year-over-year increase, but not all success is measured in numbers,” said Kristen King, Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator.

“Even during the pandemic, we had a volunteer turnout that we are extremely grateful for, and we’re consistently welcoming a younger generation who cares about the environment and will ultimately create lasting behavior change,” King said.

The Pasco County Department of Public Works assists with trash pickup from the cleanup, and it manages the Adopt-a-Road program for volunteers who are interested in additional efforts.

For information, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published November 04, 2020

Dade City budget is decreasing in 2020-2021

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The Dade City Commission has adopted the city’s tentative budget for next year, and it represents an 8.2% decrease from this year’s budget.

Commissioners had the first reading of the ordinance and first hearing on the proposed $17,710,000 budget in a virtual meeting on Sept. 10. Commissioners gave first-round approval and will have a second reading and final public hearing before the new budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

Dade City Commissioners on Sept. 10 approved a $17,710,000 budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 7.14 millage rate. It represents a decrease of about $1.58 million, or 8.2% from current budget.

The 2020-2021 budget represents a decrease of $1,576,935 from this year’s budget.

The proposed budget is based on an approved 7.14 millage rate, accessed on the taxable value of property within the city.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Capital outlay and debt service represents about 44% of the budget, anticipated to total $7,825,733. Major capital projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond; Howard Avenue stormwater improvements; installation of the Tank Hill well, storage tower and booster station; Morningside Drive design, acquisition and construction project; construction of the visitors information center; and other various utility, sidewalk and road improvements projects.
  • Personnel costs represent about a third of the budget, totaling $5,807,341 — and an increase of $144,221 from the current budget. That’s a result of funding four new positions, increased health care and workers compensation premiums, 3% cost of living adjustments, years of service increases, reorganization within the police department, increased wages and benefits through the negotiation of the police union contract, and associated retirement.
  • Operating costs make up about 23% of the budget, at $4,076,925. Changes include funding for a website revision, conversion from a part-time IT consultant to a full-time IT manager (staff position), projected increases in solid waste collections, and additions to a utility renewal and replacement fund.

The city organized six budget workshops throughout July, August and September to hammer out the fine details, with the help of new interim finance director Andrew Laflin.

Newly elected Commissioner Knute Nathe said he was “very proud” the town was able to pass the budget without having to raise taxes on residents — maintaining a millage rate that’s been in place the past several years.

Washington Heights residents raise community concerns
Several Washington Heights residents weighed in during the public comment period of the virtual meeting — expressing their disappointment with city leadership, asserting their local neighborhood and subdivision has been neglected in funding and resources.

The Washington Heights community is generally bordered by Gaddis Avenue and Whitehouse Avenue, and includes 10th, 11th and 12th streets, among other areas.

More than a handful of residents spoke up, complaining of flooded streets and stormwater deficiencies; poor road and sidewalk conditions; and, a general lack of code enforcement presence to address trash, debris and parking issues of a slew of nearby rental properties.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

Harriett Craig, who’s lived on 10th Street since 1979, called out commissioners for appropriating “millions and millions of dollars” toward park improvements and other projects in other parts of the city, but overlooking various infrastructure issues of her local neighborhood.

“The city commissioners are here to serve the entire city, not certain parts of it,” Craig said. “I, as a resident of the City of Dade City, feel like our voices are mute when it comes down to expressing what our needs are in the city,”

She continued her point: “If Howard Avenue can be upgraded so homes won’t be flooded, why can’t 10th Street get the same treatment? I don’t understand it.”

Anita Blake, who lives in Oakview Circle adjacent to Washington Heights, also levied harsh words to commissioners: “We can’t even get the road paved, we can’t get the ditches paved. At some point, it’s like, why are we even paying taxes?”

Eunice Penix, a former longtime commissioner who lives on Wilson Street, also shared her dismay with the community seemingly being brushed aside: “I’m kind of upset. It seems to me we have selective code enforcement. …We shouldn’t have to call the city every time something needs to be done when we have workers all over the city riding and looking; they should look to see what’s wrong with the grounds.”

In response to all that, Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told residents she’ll collaborate with department heads to inspect the area and formulate an action plan in coming weeks.

“We care about all the communities in the city,” said Porter, “and it’s good for us to know when there is a problem, if there’s somewhere where we may be falling short, so I do thank you all for being here and letting us know what your concerns are.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez assured Washington Heights will be met with a detailed response and action from city staff, saying she is “very, very disturbed” by residents feeling neglected.

“This is embarrassing, and it should not be the case,” Hernandez said. “It’s our town, everyone pays the same taxes and should be treated the same, so we expect a plan.”

In other city business and happenings:

• Dade City Clerk Angelia Guy has been selected to serve on the Florida League of Cities’ legislative policy committee

• A neighborhood community cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 8 a.m., at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. Volunteers can register at KeepPascoBeautiful.org/coastal-cleanup

• The Mickens Field concession stand/restrooms building is progressing, as the 672-square-foot structure is vertical and bearing a roof. The $89,750 project, at 14318 Canal St., is on track to be complete by the end of October.

Published September 16, 2020

Cleanup volunteers needed

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Volunteers are needed to help with the International Coastal Cleanup in Pasco County.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts are shifting to smaller groups at more sites, to encourage social distancing, according to a Pasco County news release.

Volunteers are encouraged to find a public area in their community that needs to be cleaned, and recruit a small team to assist.

Pasco is again partnering with Keep Pasco Beautiful in the effort to help clean public lands, roads and waterways.

The annual International Coastal Cleanup, presented by the Rotary Club of New Port Richey and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Inc., will take place throughout Pasco on Sept. 19 from 8 .m. too noon.

Anyone who would like to volunteer must register at bit.ly/2020CoastalCleanup.

Face masks, disposable gloves, and trash bags will be provided, as well as Coastal Cleanup face buffs while supplies last.

“We’re thrilled to have the partnership and funding support of Withlacoochee River Electric, the Rotary District 6950 Foundation and our local Rotary Clubs – including West Pasco Sunset, New Port Richey, Trinity and Dade City Sunrise,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.

The purpose is to clean up and track the trash collected.

Since 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup has captured more than 334 million pounds of trash with the efforts of more than 16 million volunteers.

Published September 09, 2020

Collecting litter to help keep Pasco clean

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About 340 volunteers fanned out across Land O’ Lakes to pick up litter and trash along the area’s roads, public lands and waterways.

In their first year volunteering for the Coastal Cleanup event, the Dana family, from Wesley Chapel, work together to pick up trash that was discarded along Collier Parkway, north of Hale Road. From left: 7-year-old Peyton, Cliff, 10-year-old Ethan, and Lydia. (Christine Holtzman)

They were among the thousands who took part in Pasco County, as part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup event on Sept. 21.

Volunteers in Dade City, Lacoochee, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson and Holiday also joined in the efforts that were organized by Pasco County and the not-for-profit environmental organization, Keep Pasco Beautiful.

Those pitching in on the Land O’ Lakes effort met around 8 a.m., at the community center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to pick up gloves, trash bags, safety vests and bottles of water.

Event sponsors paid for the supplies, and volunteers who had registered received a keepsake bag and an event T-shirt.

Some of the volunteers have been helping out for decades, including 84-year-old Gloria Dale, of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, who worked at the registration table. She’s been pitching in for 26 years.

Eleven-year old Olivia O’Malley, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a trash bag open, as her father, Michael, throws away a decaying trash bag that was found on the side of Parkway Boulevard. O’Malley, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 34, and her dad also found a piece of a car bumper earlier in the morning.

Lottie Kelley, another longtime volunteer, has helped for 24 years.

She works for Covanta, one of the event sponsors, and was the Land O’ Lakes site captain.

Helping to keep Pasco clean and green is what makes the event important, Kelley said.

“Litter is very unsightly, and it’s not good for the county,” Kelley said.

Besides being unattractive, roadway trash can be dangerous for wildlife, she said.

“We need to keep the litter off the roadways, so the animals don’t eat it. They can end up being in a terrible situation,” Kelley said.

She said this year’s effort focused on roadways in Land O’ Lakes, including Ehren Cutoff, Collier Parkway, Parkway Boulevard, Hale Road, Bell Lake Road and Carson Drive.

Boy Scout troops 33 and 34, and Cub Scout Pack 33 from Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes,  collected trash along large stretches of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard.

Twelve-year-old Wesley Swank, of Land O’ Lakes, emerges from the bushes with a large Styrofoam cup, that was discarded along Parkway Blvd, near Paw Place. Swank is a member of Boy Scout Troop 33, which is based out of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes.

The troops have been participating in this event for approximately 15 years and, over the years, have picked up all sorts of items, including a glass table, a microwave, beer bottles and even a device that looked like a pipe bomb.

The idea is to remove every piece of trash discarded on the roadways to prevent it from ending up in waterways, and eventually into oceans.

As each piece trash is picked up, it is recorded on sheets, or on a downloadable app provided by the nonprofit organization Ocean Conservancy.

The ocean-advocacy group is on a mission to tackle the greatest global challenges facing the ocean.

By recording the types of trash and the amounts, the group can establish a snapshot and a state-by-state index of the problem of marine debris.

Last year, 1,823 volunteers picked up 11.94 tons of trash throughout Pasco County, according to the Keep Pasco Beautiful website.

Published September 25, 2019

Five-year-old Aliya Goodwin, of Lutz, left, and 9-year-old Caleb MacKenzie, also of Lutz, take a break from picking up trash, and sit on the bumper of an SUV. The kids were volunteering their time by collecting trash along Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes with Cub Scout Pack 33.
Seven-year-old Brendan Pratt, of Land O’ Lakes, left, and his father, Michael, stand on the corner of Parkway Boulevard and Collier Parkway. To stay hydrated, Brendan is drinking water from a hose, that is connected to the backpack full of water that he is wearing.
Cub Scout Pack 33, based out of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Land O’ Lakes, picks up trash along Parkway Boulevard, near the corner of Collier Parkway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A vision with a purpose

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Keep Pasco Beautiful has been named the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Non-Profit for 2018.

The award honors Keep Pasco Beautiful’s continuous efforts to engage the community in litter and waste reduction, while encouraging beautification.

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

“Our organization does amazing things in the community thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and partners who share our vision and passion,” Kristen King, coordinator of Keep Pasco Beautiful,, said in a news release.

“We appreciate the Chamber’s recognition and support,” King added.

Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinates and develops a variety of annual local-level beautification and cleanup events, often with ties to national efforts, including: Coastal Cleanup (led by The Ocean Conservancy), Great American Cleanup, Earth Day, and the Pasco Upcycle and Art Festival.

This year, Keep Pasco Beautiful is promoting the importance of trees while hosting a sapling giveaway in partnership with the Rotary Club of New Port Richey and the City of New Port Richey.

The organization also brightened the landscape at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, planting nine trees with the help of Sunlake Key Club volunteers and Covanta Pasco’s sponsorship.

Keep Pasco Beautiful was founded in 1992 and continues its mission with a small, but dedicated, team.

For information, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published September 5, 2018

Festivities set to honor Earth Day

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Finding ways to celebrate Mother Earth and to recycle, upcycle and preserve its precious resources are the themes of Earth Day celebrations planned around the region.

One of the largest area events planned for Earth Day, known as Earth Day Tampa Bay, got its start as EcoFest at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz.

One shopper can collect 500 bags in a year, according to this depiction of the concept that was seen walking around at last year’s Earth Day Tampa Bay, also known as EcoFest, at Lowry Park.
(Courtesy of Learning Gate Community School)

Now, in its eighth year, the event has become Tampa’s signature Earth Day event, and it has grown into a collaboration between Learning Gate, the University of South Florida Office of Student Affairs and the City of Tampa.

The event is set to take place at the Lowry Park Zoo Bandshell area, at 7525 N. Boulevard, in Tampa, on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Thousands of people typically attend the event to learn the latest in earth-friendly practices and products, and to check out the fun activities offered for kids.

The event celebrates the principles of sustainability: Ecology, Equity and Economy. This year’s sponsors are Tampa Bay Water and Tampa Electric Co.

Planned highlights include a parkour agility course created by a participant in American Ninja Warrior, a kid-friendly Yoga Zone with classes, crafts, games and other fun activities.

Costumed superheroes will be roaming around; bands will be performing, and there will be plenty of chances to pick up some pointers on sustainable living.

Michele Northrup, organizer of the event, has been involved since the beginning.

“It’s going to be exciting this year,” said Northrup, noting “we have over 138 vendors.

“We have sustainability experts … We’ll have hybrid and electric vehicles. We have one vendor … who will demonstrate wind power,” she said.

The Owl Sanctuary will be bringing the beautiful owls that it protects, Northrup said.

There also will be interactive booths and chances for people to purchase everything from local honey to handmade soap to all sorts of other eco-friendly items, she said.

While EcoFest is expected to draw thousands to Lowry Park, Pasco County also is hosting an Earth Day celebration.

The family friendly event will take place at Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive in Spring Hill. It is scheduled for April 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re excited that the event will actually fall on Earth Day this year,” Lottie Kelley, event chair for Earth Day, said in a release. “This year, we’re adding the Suncoast Trail Earth Day Ride and Rick’s Raptor Rescue,” she said.

Other planned activities include:

  • Children’s crafts and education displays
  • An Interactive Water Ventures Learning Lab
  • A Florida native plants sale
  • Pet adoptions
  • A ladybug release
  • Upcycle vendors
  • An appearance by Spike, the 10-foot alligator from Croc Encounters
  • Household hazardous waste collection
  • Electronics recycling
  • A pill take-back program (for unwanted or expired medications)

Concessions will be sold by Mary Giella Elementary School as a PTA fundraiser.

Also, the University of Florida’s IFAS/Extension will offer two workshops: Rain Water Harvesting at 10 a.m., and Composting at 12:30 p.m. Preregistration is required for both workshops. Sign up online at Pasco.IFAS.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml.

To sign up, click on April and scroll down to event 1 of 2.

For more information about the festival, contact Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King at (727) 856-7252 or kking@@pascocountyfl.net.

Published April 29, 2017

Pasco Upcycle Festival is eco-friendly

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Hauling recyclable cans, bottles and paper to the curb is a habit that is second nature to many people who worry about the environment.

But, how about getting creative and upcycling a few items?

Take a pair of jeans and repurpose them as aprons. Or take costume jewelry and fabric scraps, and use them to make bookmarks.

Upcycling is defined as the process of transforming a recyclable item in to a new product of better quality or better environmental value, according to Pasco Upcycle Festival organizers.

Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders. (Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)
Items such as a drawer, forks or wire wisks can be repurposed to make a couch, wall hangers or candle holders.
(Photos courtesy of Keep Pasco Beautiful)

The festival aims to get people as interested in upcycling as they are in recycling.

“What can you do with these items before they ever get to the curb?” asked Kristen King, coordinator for Keep Pasco Beautiful.

The first-time festival will be on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Little Everglades Ranch, at 17951 Hamilton Road in Dade City. About 2,500 people are expected to attend.

There is no admission charge, but there will be a $5 parking fee collected by the venue to offset some of its costs.

As a first time event, there will be no fees collected from vendors. More environmentally friendly vendors are being sought, including those with fresh produce typically sold at farmers’ markets.

The festival will feature numerous upcycle vendors, including makers of pallet furniture and jewelry from recycled household items.

Vendors also will sell items such as homemade soaps and pepper jellies.

Many individual vendors who upcycle as a hobby will offer items including bracelets and pendants from utensils, or aprons made from jeans.

A hands-on demonstration will show children how to make bookmarks from recyclable items around the house.

Food trucks, including Hillbilly Farms and Philou’s Cajun on the Geaux, will be on site.

Bluegrass bands, the Michigan Misfits and Mean Mary, will provide entertainment.

drawer rgb“We are so excited to launch this new event,” King said, in a press release announcing the festival. “It gives us the opportunity to show individuals how they can not only reduce their waste, but also release their creative genius at the same time.”

Nov. 15 is National America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful. Everyone is encouraged to participate in “doing one thing” to recycle and reduce waste.

Event sponsors of Pasco Upcycle Festival are Keep Pasco Beautiful and Pasco County.

Organizers plan to make this festival an annual event.

For more information, email , or call (727) 856-7252.

For more information on Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org. For information on recycling in Pasco County, visit PascoCountyFL.net.

Published November 4, 2015