Schrader new chair of commission
Ted Schrader is back in a familiar seat with the Pasco County Commission after being elected chair of the county’s governing body.
Schrader, based in District 1 covering large parts of the eastern side of the county, was chair of the commission in the 2012-13 session, and then stepped aside this past year for fellow commissioner Jack Mariano.
The chair position typically rotates among the commissioners, leading meetings and representing the board as a whole to the public.
Henry Wilson Jr., was in line to become the next chair, but lost his re-election bid to Mike Wells Jr. during an open primary in August. That had opened the door to a possible chairmanship by Kathryn Starkey. However, she immediately nominated Schrader for the job Nov. 18 in Dade City, and her motion won unanimous approval.
Starkey was elected the vice chair, officially making her a top contender for the position next year.
The commission also swore in its two new members, Wells and Mike Moore. Wells will take over District 4 previously served by Wilson, while Moore will represent District 2, which Pat Mulieri served for 20 years.
Pasco Thanksgiving closings
Most Pasco County government offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 27, as well as the Friday afterward on Nov. 28. Most will reopen on Dec. 1, if not the Saturday before.
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s office, however, will also be closed Nov. 29, and not reopen until Dec. 1. The Pasco County libraries, however, will reopen that Saturday.
Although parks and recreation centers will be closed Thursday and Friday, parks and beaches will be open both days from dawn to dusk.
The shelter at Pasco County Animal Services will be closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, however an animal control officer will be available for emergencies. The shelter will reopen Nov. 29 at noon, and stay open until 6:30 p.m.
Buses will not run on Thursday or Friday, but will resume on Nov. 29.
The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility as well as the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to both the public and commercial haulers on Nov. 27, but will reopen to licensed commercial haulers on Nov. 28. They will full reopen to the public on Nov. 29.
Murman new chair of Hillsborough commission
Sandra Murman will lead the Hillsborough County Commission for the coming year, after getting the nod from her peers. Al Higginbotham, who won a close race to become one of the new at-large members of the commission, was elected vice chair.
Higginbotham returned to the commission, along with Victor Crist and Ken Hagan. Stacey White joins them, representing District 4.
Murman, who was vice chair last year, has represented District 1 in Hillsborough since 2010.
