Zephyrhills to host Veterans Day parade Nov. 7
ZEPHYRHILLS – Main Street Zephyrhills will host its annual Veterans Day Parade from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 in the downtown historic district along 5th Avenue.
The parade will feature local veterans, community organizations, businesses and other participants honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Zephyrhills was founded in 1910 as a retirement community for Civil War veterans. The city continues to recognize military service through community events and local veterans’ organizations.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the streets downtown for the celebration.
On the web: MainStreetZephyrhills.org
Teen last seen in Oviedo remains missing
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is asking for the public’s help to bring a missing teen home.
Aniyah Breeding, 17, was last seen in Oviedo on Oct. 7. She is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has brown eyes and brown hair.
Authorities believe Aniyah may stay in Seminole County or may travel to the Winter Haven area.
If you have any information about Aniyah or her disappearance, call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650.
Tampa Bay Water receives $10 million state grant
CRYSTAL RIVER – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100 million in grants for 45 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s springs and expanding alternative water supplies.
Tampa Bay Water will receive $10 million to expand its surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day to meet demand.
Since 2019, Florida lawmakers have appropriated $385 million for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program.
On the web: ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
Water management district elects governing board officers
BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has elected officers for the 2026-27 term.
Dustin Rowland was elected treasurer of the governing board. Rowland represents Pasco County and serves as the president and owner of Rowland Truck Lines Inc., Rowland Cattle Company LLC and Dustin Rowland LLC. Rowland was appointed to the governing board in February 2023.
Other elected officers include Jack Bispham (Manatee County), Ashley Bell Barnett (Polk County) and John Hall (Polk County).
The board establishes policies for protecting water resources, reducing flood risks and meeting public water needs. Members are unpaid volunteers appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate.
Pasco County announces November meeting schedule
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners has announced its November public meeting and hearing schedule.
The schedule includes a planning meeting at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in Dade City, a commission meeting at 10 a.m. Nov. 17 in Dade City and a planning meeting at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in New Port Richey.
Meetings are open to the public and broadcast live on Pasco Television and the county’s YouTube channel.
Residents wishing to provide virtual public comments must register by 4 p.m. the day before the meeting. In-person comments are also accepted.
On the web: MyPasco.net.
Man dies following shooting in Hudson
HUDSON – A 29-year-old man has died following a shooting in the Hudson area, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
Deinis Carrillo died from injuries sustained in the shooting, which deputies began investigating Oct. 22 near Joliet Street.
Investigators initially reported that Carrillo appeared to have been shot at an unknown location before driving his vehicle. He was transported for medical treatment.
In an Oct. 26 update, the sheriff’s office confirmed Carrillo’s death and said the shooting was not random.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the shooting, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Pasco Sheriff’s Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488.
Port Richey facilities to get FEMA money
LAKE MARY – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded more than $94 million for 121 projects supporting disaster recovery and mitigation efforts across Florida.
The funding includes more than $15 million through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to reduce damage from future disasters.
Nearly $1 million will support wind-resistance upgrades and backup power at fire stations, including the Port Richey Fire Department and city administration and police department buildings. The improvements are designed to withstand winds up to 151 mph.
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay earns national accreditation
TAMPA – The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has earned its third consecutive four-year accreditation from COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current.
The designation follows a 16-month evaluation of the nonprofit’s administration, management and service delivery practices. The review included documentation of compliance with national standards and interviews with stakeholders.
“The COA process is a deep dive into numerous aspects of our operations,” said Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. “The Crisis Center team works diligently to maintain the rigorous standards set by Social Current for the COA Accreditation. This confirms that we are offering community members the highest level of care and service to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.”
On the web: crisiscenter.com
