Updated July 26, 2024
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. Mind you, these are press releases sent by their public relations people, so you might want to follow up to see if any other news organizations are writing or reporting further. Also included when applicable are links to local news stories produced by area outlets with NO paywall and some, such as The Tampa Bay Times, that have a paywall and a minimum of free articles so you can read more on local issues that are important to you.
Quick Search
- Pasco County Animal Services Accepting Dogs Again
- Don’t Miss the Fall Pasco Citizens Academy
- Pasco County Cleanups Remove 208 Tons of Trash from Local Neighborhoods
- County Approves New Way to Pay for Paving Roads
- Watering Shortage Order Extended for Two Months
- Pasco County Lifts Emergency Burn Ban
- Fourth of July Closings
- Pasco County Offers Water Quality and Lake Management Support
- Scallop Season Kicks Off July 10, 2024
- Green Industries Best Management Practices Training
- Pasco Animal Services Suspends Dog Operations
- Pasco County Under Emergency Burn Ban
Pasco County Animal Services Accepting Dogs Again
~~Intake was suspended due to flu outbreak; services again available~~
Media Release | July 23, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
LAND O’ LAKES, FL —- Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is once again allowing dogadoptions, intakes, surgeries and rescue transfers following a brief closure due to the presence of Canine Influenza at our Land O’ Lakes facility. The highly contagious virus causes respiratory disease in dogs. Normal operations are again underway.
“The health and safety of the animals in our care, as well as people and pets in our community, is always our top priority,” said PCAS Director Mike Shumate. “We’re grateful to once again provide our high-quality services to our customers.”
We’re continuing to take the following steps to care for all PCAS dogs:
- Increased Cleaning Protocols
- Supportive Care
- Contact with Infectious Disease Experts
Canine Influenza is difficult to control in kennels, and the virus is likely present in our community. We encourage all our community members to ensure their pets are up to date on vaccines. If your pet is showing symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and coughing, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Last Call! Don’t Miss the Fall Pasco Citizens Academy
~~Apply online through July 31st~~
Media Release | July 17, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Time’s running out! Don’t miss your chance to dive into Pasco County and get a behind-the-scenes look at how our local government operates.
Applications are OPEN for the Pasco Citizens Academy – a program that’s both educational and entertaining, designed to give you the inside scoop on all the services Pasco County offers! The Pasco Citizens Academy begins August 7, 2024, and includes 11 sessions, with a graduation ceremony in October.
Applications are being accepted through July 31, 2024: mypas.co/CitzAcademy
“This is truly a hands-on, interactive opportunity to learn how local government works and to share ideas about how to better serve our communities,” says Program Manager Tony Stillo. “You’ll be able to meet elected officials, spend time connecting with the people who work for the county and get a real feel for what it’s like to make decisions that impact everyone who lives, works or visits Pasco County.”
To learn more about our amazing Citizens Academy, check out our latest episode of Pasco Podcast where County Administrator Mike Carballa chats with two recent Citizens Academy graduates.
For more information, visit: mypas.co/Citizens_Academy.
Pasco County Cleanups Successful at Removing 208 Tons of Trash
~~Three events help clean up various locations~~
Media Release | July 11, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Many West Pasco neighborhoods are looking a whole lot brighter thanks to Pasco County’s Code Compliance, Solid Waste and Public Works teams joining forces to remove 208 tons of residential garbage and debris!
By the numbers:
Ø Commission District 3: 38.8 tons
Ø Commission District 4: 132.4 tons
Ø Commission District 5: 36.8 tons
Total: 208 tons
“Thank you to our Pasco County team members and community members for helping make these cleanups so successful,” says Commissioner Jack Mariano. “This is a great example of how working together makes our community a better place.”
“Our annual cleanups make a big difference in the county we call home,” adds Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “It’s great to see what Pasco can accomplish in working toward a safer, cleaner environment.”
Need to report trash or debris in your neighborhood? Here’s how:
- Click Illegal Dumping on the MyPasco App
- E-mail: RIDPasco@mypasco.net
- Call: 727.847.2411
- Submit a request online: Illegal Dumping
To learn more about Code Compliance’s efforts to keep our county clean and beautiful, visit our website at mypas.co/CodeCompliance.
Pasco County Approves Better Way to Pay for Paving
~~New road tax will provide fair, stable funding for road improvements~~
Media Release | July 10, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- The Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is pleased to be moving forward with a better way to pay for road paving and maintenance. The board recently approved a new countywide road tax, effectively replacing the outdated road maintenance program that placed the tax burden for road paving solely on property owners living along the road being paved.
“This new, modern system of paying for road improvements was a long time coming,” says Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chair Ron Oakley. “Pasco County is a growing, vibrant community, and ensuring a fair way to provide long-term funding for paving projects is key to evaluating and maintaining our road system.”
Property owners in unincorporated Pasco County will see the new Road Rehabilitation Services Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) reflected on their annual property tax bills beginning in November 2024. For properties with a tax value of $100,000.00, the paving tax is expected to be $51.84 for 2025, pending the BCC’s adoption of the final budget later this year.
With the new road tax, the county will expand its paving program – using science-based criteria to evaluate all eligible county-maintained roads and determine their condition and priority for repaving. This process will not only allow the county to keep up with road maintenance but will help our roads last longer and avoid costly repairs.
Pasco County is no longer billing property owners in the middle of paving projects under the old Residential Paving Assessment program (PVAS), which required property owners to petition the county to pave their road.
To watch county leaders announce Pasco’s new paving program, click here.
For more information, please visit: MyPasco.net/RoadsFunding or contact Pasco County Customer Service at 727.847.2411.
Watering Shortage Order Extended for Two Months
~~Irrigation guidelines are important during dry conditions~~
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- As western Florida’s drought conditions continue, Pasco County Utilities urges everyone to conserve water and follow watering guidelines. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is extending its current modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through September 1, 2024, which limits lawn watering to once per week.
“Even with recent rains in Pasco County, our regional conditions remain dryer than normal,” says Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson. “Low reservoir levels coupled with lower-than-normal rainfall makes it vital to rely on irrigation guidelines as a resource for a healthy landscape. Efficient watering and proper plants and plant placement have proven that landscapes can thrive on once-a-week watering.”
Helpful tips on efficient landscape irrigation include:
- Know your watering day by visiting bit.ly/PascoWatering
- Stick to your watering schedule. Turf becomes drought tolerant. More is not better
- Ensure your irrigation system is operating properly and efficiently
- Email SaveH2O@MyPasco.net if you need assistance setting your irrigation controller
- Minimize water loss from evaporation by watering only during the allowable timeframe
More tips for outdoor and indoor water conservation and efficiency are available at bit.ly/PascoLawn and bit.ly/PascoIndoor. Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco County Utilities services. To report watering violations in your area please call 727.847.2411 or use the online reporting form at bit.ly/Water-Misuse.
Pasco County Lifts Emergency Burn Ban
~~Open burning can resume; fire officials urge safety~~
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Recent rains have helped lower the drought conditions, allowing Pasco County to lift the Emergency Burn Ban for all areas of the county today, Thursday, June 27, 2024 – effective immediately.
While drought conditions improve, it’s important to remember the county is still drier than normal. Pasco County Fire Rescue urges everyone to prioritize safety while burning outdoors. Proper measures and precautions should be taken to protect people from fire danger.
Everyone living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County may resume outdoor burning, including:
- Open burning
- Campfires/bonfires
- Burning yard waste
Anyone planning to conduct an open burn should comply with all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements.
For outdoor burning rules and safety tips, please visit mypas.co/OutdoorBurning or contact Pasco Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction Division at 813.929.2750.
Pasco County Offers Water Quality and Lake Management Support
~~ Public Works partners with UF’s Florida LAKEWATCH to monitor lake quality ~~
Media Release | June 21, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- If you’re concerned about the quality of Florida’s freshwater lakes and their future, Pasco County and Florida LAKEWATCH would like your help!
Pasco County’s Department of Public Works is partnering with Florida LAKEWATCH, a citizen volunteer lake monitoring program to help in the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers and springs through monthly monitoring activities.
Florida LAKEWATCH is coordinated through the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and UF/IFAS.
Pasco County residents who live on natural lakes may be eligible for FREE water quality and lake management support through water quality testing.
Florida LAKEWATCH will train eligible residents to collect water samples and analyze them at no cost. Participants will have access to the latest lake management data and technical assistance from experts and more.
“By working with Florida LAKEWATCH, residents can learn the best way to keep their lakes healthy,” said Public Works Environmental Division Manager Jonah Mick. “Healthy lakes are an important part of keeping water clean for everyone.”
Space is limited and participants must have access to a boat. To determine eligibility, residents should email their name and address to jmick@mypasco.net.
For more information, please visit Pasco County Public Works or call 727-834-3611.
Florida’s Sports Coast Kicks off 2024 Scallop Season
~~Scallop season extended to 40 days~~
Media Release | June 18, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Florida’s Sports Coast is thrilled to welcome the return of the highly anticipated, extended, 2024 Bay Scallop Season! This year’s season kicks off July 10 and continues through Sunday, August 18 – marking a tremendous 40-day season. Florida’s Sports Coast, the official Tourism Office for Pasco County, encourages locals and visitors to participate in this adventurous, fun experience.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the return of the Bay Scallop Season,” says Executive Director Adam Thomas. “Our destination is proud to offer such a unique and multigenerational experience, and we’re really looking forward to seeing both residents and visitors out on the water, enjoying the expanded 40-day season.”
Whether you call Pasco County home or just enjoy visiting, Florida’s Sports Coast offers experienced local guides and charter companies to help you make the most of scalloping season.
Scalloping Regulations & Safety Tips:
- Collect scallops by hand or with a dip net
- Daily bag limit: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint shucked per person
- Daily boat limit: 10 gallons in shell or 1/2-gallon shucked meat
- Display a diver-down flag while in the water
For more information about the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s scalloping regulations, click HERE. Visit flsportscoast.com/scalloping for tips on how your family can enjoy Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.
Green Industries Best Management Practices Training
~~Pre-registration required for July 9 class~~
Media Release | June 18, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- It’s a great leap for landscaping professionals! The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension is offering Green Industries Best Management Practices Training Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at New Port Richey Public Library.
This program is designed for landscape professionals who apply fertilizers commercially.
WHAT: Green Industries Best Management Practices Training
WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: New Port Richey Public Library
5939 Main Street
New Port Richey
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by Sunday, July 7, by clicking here: mypas.co/JulyGIBMP
The cost for training is $30 for Green Industry Professionals. The cost for Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Government and City of New Port Richey employees is $20. All participants must have a government issued photo ID and a pre-paid ticket for admission. Sorry, no refunds once tickets are purchased. Lunch will not be provided.
Pasco Animal Services Suspends Dog Operations at Least 4 Weeks Due to Respiratory Virus
Media Release | June 5, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
LAND O’ LAKES, FL —- Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is suspending dog adoptions,
intakes, surgeries and rescue transfers for at least the next four weeks at our Land O’ Lakes shelter
due to the presence of Canine Influenza – a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory disease
in dogs. Normal operations are expected to resume when veterinarians determine the environment
is safe for pets.
“The health and safety of the animals in our care, as well as people and pets in our community, is
and will always be our top priority,” said PCAS Director Mike Shumate. “We realize this
suspension of services is an inconvenience for our customers, and we appreciate your
understanding.”
We’re taking the following steps to care for all PCAS dogs:
Ongoing Testing
Supportive Care
Contact with Recent Adopters/Rescues
Canine Influenza is difficult to control in kennels, and the virus is likely present in our community.
If your pet is showing symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and coughing, please
contact your veterinarian immediately.
PCAS cat operations are NOT affected, including:
Adoptions
Intakes
Surgeries
Rescue Transfers
Pet licensing and owner-requested euthanasia needs also remain open. If you find a lost pet during
this time, we encourage you to visit MyPasco.Net/PAS for tips on how to find the owner.
Pasco County Under Emergency Burn Ban
~~Extended dry conditions and lack of rain increase fire risk~~
Media Release | May 31, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County is under an Emergency Burn Ban for all areas of the county. Pasco County is experiencing extremely dry conditions due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, resulting in an increased risk of brush fires. The mandatory burn ban is effective immediately and will not expire until conditions improve.
Everyone living in unincorporated areas of Pasco County is prohibited from setting fires or causing fires, including:
- Open burning
- Campfires/bonfires
- Burning yard waste/garbage
Please remember that simple actions, like tossing a lit cigarette into the grass, can easily ignite brush fires that can quickly spread out of control – putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses.
Outdoor cooking in grills or smokers that can contain the fire, flame and heat is acceptable. Pasco Fire Rescue encourages you to make sure the coals in your grill are extinguished when you’re done cooking.
Any resident planning to conduct an open burn must comply with all Florida Forest Service permitting requirements. The permit process ensures any potential risk is appropriately assessed and mitigated.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our community. Pasco County will notify the community when conditions are safe enough to resume opening burning.
To report a Burn Ban violation, please call our Pasco County Emergency Communications Center at 727.847.8102.
Pasco County Libraries Launches Summer Reading Challenge
~~Readers of all ages record how much time they read to earn fun prizes~~
Media Release | May 20, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
Adventure begins at Pasco County Libraries! We invite you to embark on an epic literary journey that fills your summer with special performers, binge-worthy books, prizes and an enthusiastic community spirit.
WHAT: Summer Reading Challenge
WHEN: Now through July 31, 2024
WHERE: Beanstack app and here: bit.ly/PascoSRC2024
To qualify, you must enter 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstackapp.
When you complete the challenge, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card in your age group, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes will be up for grabs at all our library branches, so get started today!
To learn more about the challenge, events and Beanstack, visit bit.ly/PascoSRC2024.
For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, e-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit: pascolibraries.org.
American Lung Association Recognizes Pasco County Fire Rescue with Top Fundraising Award
Pasco’s fire department raises nearly $10,000 for lung health at the 19th
annual Fight For Air Climb Tampa
Media Release | May 13, 2024
American Lung Association
At an award ceremony on Wednesday, May 8 representatives from the American Lung Association in Florida presented Pasco County Fire Rescue with the Top Fundraising Firefighter Company Trophy. The award recognizes the firefighter company that raises the most funds during the Fight For Air Climb Tampa, the Lung Association’s premier stair-climbing fundraiser. This is the first time Pasco County received the top fundraising honor.
“We are incredibly grateful for Pasco County Fire Rescue’s support and dedication to lung health and our
community,” said Beth Ash, chair of the Lung Association’s Gulf Coast Florida Board and operations
manager, of Corporate Accounts, at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Thanks to the efforts of these everyday heroes, we can help build a future with clean air and healthy lungs for all. This award is well deserved.
Congratulations!”
“As firefighters and first responders, it’s our duty to save lives and protect our community,” said Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Tony Perez. “Our team’s participation in the Fight For Air Climb Tampa is an extension of that commitment, and I’m proud so many of our firefighters heeded the call.”
Pasco County Fire Rescue competed against 13 other Tampa Bay area firefighter teams in the firefighter
division of the Lung Association’s 19th annual Fight For Air Climb Tampa, held on April 6. Twenty-five team members climbed in full turnout gear to the top of Bank of America Plaza, Tampa’s second-tallest skyscraper.
The Pasco County team raised nearly $10,000 to support the Lung Association’s lifesaving research,
programming and advocacy for the more than 2.7 million people in Florida living with lung disease.
“Lung health and air quality are especially important for firefighters and first responders—the nature of our work puts us at a higher risk for developing lung disease,” added Chief Perez. “The Lung Association’s work is critical to us, our families and our community.”
The Fight For Air Climb Tampa brought together more than 600 participants to raise more than $171,000 for the Lung Association’s mission.
