Pasco County offices to close for MLK Day
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco Board of County Commissioners offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Offices, Recreation Complex buildings and Community Centers will be closed; however, parks and beaches will remain open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services (fixed-route and demand response); however, GoPasco administrative offices will be closed.
All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.
Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed. An Animal Control Officer will be available for emergencies only.
The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public; however, they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.
BCC government offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Church hosts Tampa March for Life
TAMPA – The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg will host its second annual Tampa March for Life on Jan. 17 to advocate for the protection of life and an end to abortion.
Event highlights include:
- 9 a.m. – Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes and local priests. The Mass is the central worship service of the Catholic faith and its highest form of prayer.
- 10:10 a.m. – The half-mile march begins, escorted by the Tampa Police Department. Participants will follow a diocesan banner and a special float adorned with bright flowers and an image of Mary.
- 11 a.m. – Rally at Perry Harvey Sr. Park featuring music, speakers, games, food trucks and family-friendly activities, along with information about life-affirming resources offered through Catholic Charities, including pregnancy centers and support services for women, children and families.
The event begins at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 509 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, and concludes at Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa.
District aims to reduce risk of wildfires
BROOKSVILLE – Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns now through March on Starkey Wilderness Preserve and Conner Preserve.
Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 300 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:
- Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
- Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
- Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
- Maintaining access for public recreation.
The district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.
