Pasco Fire Rescue launches new shift
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue officially launching its new D‑Shift.
This new shift allows crews to move from the long-standing 24‑hours‑on, 48‑hours‑off rotation to a 24‑hours‑on, 72‑hours‑off schedule. That extra day off gives firefighters more time to recharge, spend time with their families and return to the job ready to respond at their best.
“We’re proud to be among the pioneers moving in this direction,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “Providing this benefit to our men and women aims to reduce fatigue, strengthen work-life balance and support the kind of readiness the community depends on.”
The move places Pasco County Fire Rescue among the first fire departments in the Tampa Bay region and one of only a handful in Florida to adopt the 24/72 model.
The idea took shape in 2023 through a collaborative effort between county commissioners and Pasco County Firefighters IAFF Local 4420. Since then, Pasco County Fire Rescue has brought on more than 100 new employees, promoted dozens of team members and invested in new equipment to make the transition possible.
Rescue Pets of Florida hosts Neuter Your Ex fundraiser
TAMPA BAY – Rescue Pets of Florida is bringing back the popular Neuter Your Ex fundraiser.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, the nonprofit is offering to name a community cat after a donor’s ex before spaying or neutering them, in exchange for a $20 donation. They’ll also give the exes a special shout out on their social media page with hilarious photos.
The nonprofit encourages the community to have fun with the fundraiser and use the names of grumpy bosses, cantankerous neighbors or annoying siblings instead of romantic partners.
And the best part? Every dollar donated goes toward the support of the rescue and its trap-neuter-return programs, which aim to spay and neuter cats in the community to stop overpopulation and reduce suffering.
District declares modified phase II water shortage
BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Jan. 27 to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.
This action requires all residents, including those on private wells, in several cities and counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions from Feb. 8 to July 1.
The district received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total.
Water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.
On the web: WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or WaterMatters.org/Water101
Live Oak Theatre presents Winter Ball Fundraiser
BROOKSVILLE – Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory invites the public to “Once Upon a Time,” an evening of dining, dancing and entertainment.
The event raises money for the installation of a fence to keep students and patrons safe.
The fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the ballroom of the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd. The suggested donation is $85 per person.
Buy a ticket, sponsor the event or make a donation by reaching out to , call the box office at 352-593-0027 or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-once-upon-a-time-gala.
On the web: facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre
GFWC Woman’s Club organizes golf fundraiser
SAN ANTONIO – The GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club invites the community to hit the links for a great cause on Feb. 28 at the newly renovated Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive.
The event takes on a mixed team scramble format. Mulligans and extra putts are available.
Highlights include:
- Unique contests such as a Hit the Bottle putting contest.
- Big prizes such as cash for first-, second- and third-place teams, plus Closest to the Pin and Closest to the Line for men and women.
- High value drawings such as a two-night stay at the Sunset Chateau on Treasure Island or a date night that includes a $100 gift card to a restaurant from Parks Lincoln.
- Entry includes a BBQ buffet lunch.
Pick up a registration form at the pro shop or email . Make checks to GFWC TampaBay Woman’s Club (P.O. Box 604, San Antonio, FL 33576).
Proceeds support charities including the Veteran’s Depot, Joshua House and Sunrise Domestic Violence Center.
Organizers are also looking for hole sponsors and prize donations.
Students make honor lists
Several area students made honor lists at universities across America:
- Grace Schmitzer, of Odessa, made the president’s list at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Students must have a 4.0 GPA.
- Isaiah Fudge, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois. Students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA.
- Royce Porter, of Odessa, made the dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA.
- Nicholas Wolfgang, of New Port Richey, made the dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA.
- Arin Basu, of Lutz, Florida, made the dean’s list at University at Buffalo’s in Buffalo, New York.
Quick Hits
- The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Jan. 16 that tickets for Forrest Frank’s headline performance on March 6 have sold out. The festival takes place from Feb. 26 to March 8 at 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City.
