Updated December 22, 2023
Want to learn about what’s going on with local government or other area agencies? Check out the press releases submitted to What’s What NPR throughout the month. Where applicable, links to local news stores are included so you can read more on local issues that are important to you.
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- Multi-use Trail Has Newly Added Amenities
- Orange Trail Update
- Pasco Offices Close for Christmas & News Year’s
- Sandbag Stations Available
- Pasco County Animal Services Waves Adoption Fees
- Pasco County Fire Rescue Inks Contract
- Pasco Provides Opportunities to Participate in Transportation Plan
- Pasco County Commissioners Reorganize Board
- Pasco County Reveals Envision Pasco 2050 Plan
Pasco County Adds New Amenities to Popular Trail Intersection
~~Bikers and trail users see project completed after years in the making~~
Media Release | December 22, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- You asked for improvements – and we listened! Pasco County, Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources is proud to provide bikers and other park enthusiasts a new place to stop and rest while traveling at the intersection of the Suncoast and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Multi-Use Trails.
This popular, remote intersection is about halfway between State Roads 52 and 54 – near the Suncoast Parkway – and connects to the Coast-to-Coast Trail, which stretches across central Florida. See the location on a map by clicking HERE.
New Amenities Include:
- Restroom
- Bike repair station
- Water fountain & bottle refilling station
- Solar charging station
- Wayfinding sign
- Bike racks
- Pavilion
- Informational kiosk
The project – which cost $497,000 – was partially paid for by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program. The program provides financial assistance for the development of recreational trails, trailheads and trailside facilities.
Keep up with the latest Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources news and improvements by following us on Facebook.
Pasco County Narrows Options for Orange Belt Trail
Media Release | December 22, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
- Alternative A Trinity Boulevard to Old Pasco Road
- Alternative B2 Old Pasco Road to CR 579 (Prospect Road)
- Alternative C1 CR 579 (Prospect Road) to Dade City
- Alternative C3 CR 579 (Prospect Road) to the Withlacoochee State Trail
“We’ve spent more than a year evaluating criteria for this project and how it will benefit the people
of Pasco County and outdoor enthusiasts,” said Project Manager Erin Swanson. “Costs, community
support and public input were all factored into our decision.”
Pasco County also considered cultural resources, physical/natural resources, socioeconomic
considerations and qualitative measures.
The four alternatives will be broken down into nine smaller segments and undergo further analysis
before a final vision is presented at a BCC public hearing in the Spring. The community will have
another chance to weigh in on the plans during that public hearing, which will be listed on our
Meeting Agendas webpage.
For information on the Orange Belt Trail, please visit OrangeBeltTrail.com.
DOH Pasco to Close in Observance of Christmas and New Year’s Holidays
December 19, 2023
Christina.Louv-Pickle@flhealth.gov
Pasco County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco)
offices will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023, and Tuesday, December 26, 2023,
in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Additionally, DOH-Pasco offices will be closed on Friday, December 29, 2023, Monday,
January 1, 2024, and Tuesday, January 2, 2024. They will reopen on Wednesday,
January 3, 2024, with regularly scheduled hours.
Holiday Closings
Pasco County Offices to Close for New Year’s
Media Release | December 19, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Some Pasco County Board of Commissioners (BCC) offices will be closed Friday, December 29, 2023, and Monday, January 1, 2024, in observance of New Year’s.
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Offices, Recreation Complexes 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 paratransit) Friday, December 29; however, GoPasco Administrative offices will be closed. GoPasco transportation services and offices will be closed Monday, January 1.
All Pasco County Libraries will be closed Friday, December 29 through Monday, January 1.
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 Adoption Center will be open briefly Saturday, December 30, from noon until 6:30 p.m.
The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public and Pasco County licensed haulers.
BCC government offices will reopen Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Christmas Holiday Closings
Media Release | December 18, 2023
Pasco Media Relations @ Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County Board of Commissioners (BCC) offices will be closed
Monday, December 25, 2023, in observance of Christmas.
Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Offices, Recreation Complexes 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 be closed and will not provide transportation
services (fixed route and paratransit).
All Pasco County Libraries will also be closed Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24.
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 and Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.
BCC government offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 26, 202
Pasco County Sandbag Stations Available
Media Release | December 14, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- In anticipation of heavy rain moving through our area this weekend,
Pasco County Government is reminding you that two sandbag stations are available 24/7 to help
protect property in low-lying areas from potential flooding:
- Magnolia Valley Golf Course
7223 Massachusetts Avenue | New Port Richey - Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn)
30908 Warder Road | San Antonio
Due to the potential for coastal flooding, we’re also opening an additional location on the west side
of the county. This sandbag site will be open from sunrise to sunset, Friday, December 15 through
Sunday, December 17: - Veterans Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Road | Hudson
All sandbag locations are self-serve and open to Pasco County residents. Sand and sandbags will
be restocked daily, weather permitting. Please bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own
sandbags.
For more information about preparing for disasters – including how to sign up for emergency
notifications through Alert Pasco – please visit PascoEmergencyManagement.com.
- Bad weather headed for Tampa Bay isn’t a tropical system. But it might feel like one., Tampa Bay Times, December 14, 2023
- Timeline: Strong storms possible in Tampa Bay this weekend,.WFLA, December 13, 2023
~~‘Mega Merry Adoption’ event part of a national campaign to find homes for pets~~
Media Release | December 8, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Giving animals the opportunity to find a family for the holidays! Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is waiving adoption fees for all available dogs and cats as part of the Mega Merry Adoption event Saturday, December 16, 2023. Petco Love is sponsoring every adoption during this event, so all animals have a chance to find a new home!
WHAT: Mega Merry Adoption Event
WHEN: Saturday, December 16, 2023, from noon – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Pasco Animal Services, Building A (Adoption Center), 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes, FL
“This year, we’re partnering with Petco Love to offer free adoptions to our community just in time for the holidays,” said PCAS Director Mike Shumate. “This is the perfect opportunity to visit us, meet our adoptable pets and find the right companion for your family!”
Pasco County Animal Services is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of animals and people. For more information, including a full list of programs and services, please visit our website at MyPasco.net/PAS.
Pasco County Fire Rescue Inks Major Contract
~~Highlights transformational shift reduction & mental health initiatives for firefighters~~
Media Release | December 8, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- The health and safety of our firefighters – along with competitive wages – took center stage at a recent Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting. We’re proud to announce a landmark, three-year agreement with the Pasco County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4420 that sets a new standard for firefighter work-life balance, healthcare and well-being in the Tampa Bay area. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.
Key Contract Details:
- A three-year agreement ensuring stability and growth
- Competitive wages to attract and retain the best in the industry
- An additional, fourth 24-hour shift rotation to reduce individual annual work hours by 600
- Firefighters will now work 24 hours and have 72 hours off
“This agreement – which includes extremely competitive wages and a transformative shift schedule – marks a significant step in addressing the unique challenges our first responders are facing,” says BCC Chair Ron Oakley. “We’re so pleased to be able to offer this plan for improved safety and quality of life to our firefighters.”
“Having grown up in a family of firefighters and first responders, I saw, firsthand, the work stress of the job,” says Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa. “This agreement is transformational in the fire service and focuses on providing our fire rescue team proper recovery time in their lifesaving roles.”
In another important move, Pasco County Fire Rescue is also announcing a partnership with local mental health professionals specializing in first responder care. This partnership provides our firefighters round-the-clock access to these essential services.
“Occupational stress in first responders is linked to a higher risk of severe mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress,” says Pasco County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4420 President John-Michael Morin. “This partnership is an incredibly valuable resource for the men and women who make so many sacrifices to keep us safe.”
To learn more about Pasco County Fire Rescue, click HERE.
Pasco Provides Opportunities to Participate in Transportation Plan
~~Metropolitan Planning Organization to host public workshops~~
Media Release | December 6, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) wants you to help identify our transportation improvement needs for the coming years. The MPO’s county-wide transportation plan – known as Innovate Pasco 2050 – will analyze the County’s transportation system through extensive data collection and robust public input.
The results will help identify recommended transportation improvement projects to be prioritized for funding, creating a comprehensive blueprint for effective transportation decision-making.
Please join us at one of our open house-style public workshops where you can help shape Pasco’s transportation system needs now and for the future:
WHAT: East Side Open House Workshop WHAT: West Side Open House Workshop
WHERE: UF IFAS Extension Service WHERE: New Port Richey Rec Center
Conference Room Palm Room
15029 14th Street 6630 Van Buren Street
Dade City, FL New Port Richey, FL
WHEN: Tuesday, December 12 WHEN: Wednesday, December 13
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We encourage you, your friends, family and co-workers to all get involved! There are several opportunities – both in-person and online – for you to provide feedback on the plan. Visit [innovatepasco.com]InnovatePasco.com to participate online and to register to receive regular updates.
To learn more about Pasco’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, click HERE. For questions about Innovate Pasco 2050, call 727-847-8140, ext. 8804.
Pasco Board of County Commissioners Reorganizes
~~New Chair/Vice Chair named~~
Media Release | December 5, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- The Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) reorganized at its December 5, 2023, meeting in New Port Richey.
The board elected Ron Oakley to serve as BCC chair and Gary Bradford to serve as BCC vice chair.
“I’m honored to serve as the chair of this commission,” says Oakley. “During my eight years here, we’ve seen tremendous progress and teamwork. I look forward to continuing our excellent work in serving the people of Pasco County.”
The BCC is comprised of the following members:
§ Chair Ron Oakley District 1
§ Commissioner Seth Weightman District 2
§ Commissioner Kathryn Starkey District 3
§ Vice Chair Gary Bradford District 4
§ Commissioner Jack Mariano District 5
Pasco County Commission meetings usually held every other Tuesday alternating between the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.
All BCC meetings are streamed live online and broadcast on Pasco TV.
Pasco County Reveals Envision Pasco 2050 Plan
~~Community-driven vision follows six-month public engagement process~~
Media Release
Pasco County Communications & Media Relations
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Planning for Pasco’s future! Following a six-month process of collaborating with our community, Pasco County’s Planning and Development Department – with the approval of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners – is pleased to release Envision Pasco 2050. This comprehensive plan outlines our community-driven vision for the Pasco’s future, including:
ü Historical Overview of Pasco County
ü Snapshot of Pasco’s Current Conditions
ü Public Engagement Process Summary
ü Community Vision Themes & Vision Statement
ü Strategies to Achieve the Community Vision
ü Pasco 2050 Next Steps
Developed through a series of public engagement processes, including workshops, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, community pop-up events and an interactive project website, Envision Pasco 2050 lays out the framework we’ll be using to update Pasco County’s Comprehensive Plan.
We encourage everyone in our community to stay engaged and help make Pasco’s vision a reality. Bookmark Pasco2050.com, and visit often to provide input on the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
Register HERE to receive regular updates from the Pasco 2050 Project Team.
Read or download the full Envision Pasco 2050 report HERE.
- Pasco officials clear the way for a regional children’s hospital, Laker/Lutz News, 11/28/2023
- Pasco road improvements outlined in tentative five-year plan, Laker/Lutz News, 11/28/2023
- Annexations prompt changes to Pasco election precincts, Laker/Lutz News, 11/28/2023
- Pasco moves to take over new CARES Dade City senior center, Suncoast News, 11/28/2023
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