Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive reaches milestone
NEW PORT RICHEY – The 10th annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway with Pasco County Government and Constitutional offices collecting new footwear through Oct. 17 for Pasco County Schools students.
The 10 for 10 Challenge invites everyone to donate 10 pairs of shoes or socks in honor of the drive’s 10-year milestone. Collection boxes are located at Pasco County Government offices as well as the Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices.
“This milestone is a testament to the heart of our community,” said Kathryn Starkey, chair of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. “Together, we’ve helped countless children take their first steps toward success.”
More than 22,000 pairs of shoes and 53,000 pairs of socks have been donated since the drive began.
Types of new shoes and socks to consider donating include:
- Children’s shoes/sizes 9 and up.
- Adult shoes in all sizes.
- Socks in all sizes / neutral colors.
- Closed-toe shoes / no flipflops.
Donations will be delivered to Pasco County Schools during the Solebration Ceremony at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 at Wendell Krinn Technical High School. Visit mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles for details.
Pasco Fire Rescue launches Fire Marine 1
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Fire Rescue has introduced Fire Marine 1, an emergency response vessel designed to protect and serve Gulf waters like never before.
“Fire Marine 1 represents our unwavering commitment to protecting every corner of Pasco County, land and sea,” Fire Chief Ryan Guynn said. “With this new vessel, our team can respond faster, smarter and safer to emergencies on the water.”
Built for speed, strength and versatility, Fire Marine 1 boosts the department’s ability to handle a wide range of water-based emergencies, from fires to urgent medical rescues.
The vessel is staffed by a certified boat operator and two deck hands – all trained in Advanced Life Support.
On the web: mypas.co/FireRescue
Nonprofit hosting Stand Up for Moms fundraiser
ZEPHYRHILLS – The Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills is planning its annual fundraising banquet, which will include inspirational stories, client testimony, a buffet-style dinner and entertainment by comedian Mike G. Williams.
Stand Up for Moms – A Night of Laughter & Love will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 13515 N. U.S. 301, Thonotosassa.
“We invite everyone to come and laugh, celebrate and stand with us in empowering women and families,” said Peter Castellani, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center. “This banquet is a powerful reminder that hope,
help and healing are possible, thanks to our generous community of supporters.”
Proceeds from the banquet will go toward expanding services, such as free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound mobile bus, education, counseling and resources to women and families facing unplanned and planned pregnancies.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.pcczhills.com/legacy to learn more or register.
Temporary closure of Pasco Zone for scallop season
TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Aug. 6 a temporary closure of recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone.
This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River.
This precautionary measure is due to the detection of saxitoxin and Pyrodinium bahamense at levels exceeding the safety thresholds established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, according to the FWC. The Pasco Zone may reopen for scallop harvesting once tests show levels have decreased to safe limits.
Scallop harvesting is currently suspended in the Pasco Zone. However, the area is still open for other recreational activities including fishing, boating and swimming. All other scallop harvest zones continue to operate as usual.
On the web: MyFWC.com/Scallops
Cators introduces Ethics in Energy Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) reintroduced legislation to prohibit utility companies from using ratepayer dollars to fund political activities, including the use of “dark money” to fund “ghost candidates” and undermine public trust.
“Electric bills should pay for electricity – not political tricks to hijack elections, mislead voters and steal elections,” said Rep. Castor. “Florida families are tired of being taken advantage of by big utility companies that continue to raise rates while using their hard-earned dollars to bankroll deceitful political activities and block access to cleaner, cheaper energy. It’s time for Congress to stand up for customers, stop this abuse and secure our elections from corporate manipulation.”
