Updated May 24, 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 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
- NPR Summer Reading Challenge, May 22, 2024
- Pasco County Libraries Summer Reading Challenge, May 20 2024
- Crews to Begin Paving Work on Trouble Creek Road, May 13, 2024
- Pasco Reclaimed Water Customers Asked to follow new schedule, May 10, 2024
- Pasco County Waiving Adoption Fees at Mega Adoption Event, May 10, 2024
- Summer Haul Pass for Students, May 3, 2024
- Retired War Dog Laid to Rest, May 2, 2024
- 4-H Summer Camps, May 2, 2024
- Open Position on Pasco County Tourist Development Council
Pasco County Offices to Close for Memorial Day
Media Release | May 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of Memorial Day.
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 be closed.
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; however, they’ll be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers.
All government offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
New Port Richey Public Library Encourages Members to “Celebrate a Century” with Reading Challenge
Media Release | May 22, 2024
New Port Richey Public Library
The New Port Richey Public Library is thrilled to announce the launch of this year’s Summer Library Challenge, Celebrate a Century! In honor of the city’s upcoming centennial, the challenge will celebrate New Port Richey’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future.
“The centennial celebration is a perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future,” said Jessica Meredith, New Port Richey Public Library’s Youth Education Librarian. “The Summer Library Challenge not only encourages reading but also fosters a deeper connection with our city’s unique heritage. Let’s make this centennial celebration one for the books!”
The Summer Library Challenge is open to all ages. Registration began on May 13th, with the Challenge officially kicking off on June 1st. Individuals can register by downloading the Beanstack app or by visiting nprlibrary.beanstack.org.
As part of the challenge, participants will be asked to set personal reading goals and track their progress. They can earn badges by reaching their goals, and by engaging in various activities throughout the city. These activities are designed to highlight significant aspects of New Port Richey’s history and culture, with stops at places like the Hacienda Hotel and Richey Suncoast Theatre. At the end of the summer, participants are eligible to win amazing prizes, including tickets to the Tampa Bay Comic Convention, Apple AirPods, and more!
Our summer kicks off on Saturday, June 1st with Touch-a-Truck. Attendees will be able to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and more at this annual event. Face painting and other activities will also be available inside the Library. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate our city’s centennial!
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.
Crews to Begin Paving Work on Trouble Creek Road
~~ Construction work begins May 20, 2024; expect delays ~~
Media Release | May 13, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- An alert for drivers who use Trouble Creek Road between Rowan Road and Weasel Drive in Pasco County. A pavement rehabilitation project is set to begin on May 20, 2024 – and could cause delays.
Crews will resurface the existing roadway and add new pavement markings. Expect single-lane closures with message boards directing traffic. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work is expected to take about one month to complete.
Click here for a map of the area: mypas.co/TroubleCreek
Asphalt Paving Systems is the contractor for this Pasco County Public Works project.
Pasco Reclaimed Water Customers Asked to Follow New Schedule
Dry Conditions Impacting Reclaimed Water Use
Media Release | May 10, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Help you and your community save water! As western Florida’s
drought conditions continue, Pasco County Utilities urges reclaimed water customers to voluntarily
limit watering to once a week. We encourage you to follow the newly implemented irrigation
schedule for reclaimed water irrigation customers.
“The lack of rainfall is straining Pasco’s reclaimed water supply and conservation is key to
maximizing our supply,” says Pasco County Utilities Director David Allen. “By switching to oncea-week irrigation, more reclaimed water customers will be able to irrigate and maintain their
landscapes, as well.”
Beginning May 15, 2024, and until further notice, you should reset your irrigation controllers to the
new one-day-per-week watering schedule. It’s important to water only between Midnight and 8
a.m., only on your new designated day and only once on that day.
New Reclaimed Water Schedule
If your house number ends in: Water on this day only:
0-1 Monday
2-3 Tuesday
4-5 Wednesday
6-7 Thursday
8-9 Friday
Mixed address or no address Friday
Year-round irrigation for potable, well and surface water customers remains in place in Pasco
County between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Anyone needing assistance with resetting their irrigation controller should email
SaveH2O@MyPasco.net. Additional tips for outdoor water conservation and efficiency are
available at bit.ly/PascoLawn. Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco
County Utilities services.
Pasco County Waiving Adoption Fees at Mega Adoption Event
~~Animal Services partners with state shelters for FREE event May 17 to 19~~
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Hundreds of dogs are looking for a ‘furever’ home – and you can help make that happen! Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is partnering with eight other shelters from around Florida for a Mega Adoption Event – Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. The three-day event will feature hundreds of free, adoptable dogs!
WHAT: Mega Adoption Event
WHEN: May 17, 18 & 19
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds
Grimes Family Agricultural Center
Plant City
“We’re thrilled to be returning to such an exciting event,” says PCAS Director Mike Shumate. “This is a great opportunity to meet our adoptable pets from the Tampa Bay region and beyond – and to find the perfect companion for your family!”
Adoption fees are waived for all available dogs. All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with their new families. Free adoption fees are thanks to the generous support from Team Godwin Foundation, Hillsborough Pet Resources Foundation, Friends of Animals Services (PCAS and Orange County Animal Services) and the Florida Strawberry Festival.
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 Students: Ride All Summer Long for $20
~~Summer Haul Pass provides unlimited bus rides~~
Media Release | May 3, 2024
Pasco Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Spend the summer hanging out with friends at the beach, coffee shop or mall – and don’t spend a lot of money getting there. Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer for just $20! This special student rate runs from June 1 – August 31.
Find Summer Haul Passes at these locations:
- GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Boulevard, New Port Richey.
- Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller at East/West Pasco Gov’t Centers
- New Port Richey Public Library, Main St., New Port Richey
- Pasco County Libraries
For more information about the student Summer Haul Pass or GoPasco bus routes and schedules, please visit: GoPasco.com.
RETIRED WAR DOG/SERVICE DOG LAID TO REST MAY 3, 2024
Submitted by Chris Ventura, May 2, 2024
A memorial service was held Friday, May 3, 2024, to honor K-9 Shadow Read’s service with the U.S. Marine Corps as a bomb-sniffing dog. Shadow also worked as a service companion for eight years for fallen two-time Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Timothy Jay Read who passed away last year from service-related illness.
Shadow, 16 was laid to rest after a long battle with cancer. She served six years with the U.S. Marine Corps where she completed five tours of duty in Afghanistan as a bomb-sniffing dog. Shadow saved countless lives during her service with the Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Timothy Jay Read adopted Shadow in 2015 after meeting her during his recovery. Tim, Shadow and Tim’s wife Anh Read traveled the world together and enjoyed many adventures. Anh has been caring for Shadow since Tim passed away on March 16, 2023. Tim was 33 years old when he passed. Ironically, Tim’s memorial service was held on May 4, 2023, one day short of a year that Shadow is being laid to rest.
Family friend Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera was scheduled to attend the service along with several local Purple Heart recipients and firefighters/paramedics from Pasco County Fire Rescue. Following a private service at the Read home, Pasco County Fire Rescue Engine 13 ceremoniously transported Shadow to Faithful Friends Pet Cremation in Zephyrhills.
Pasco County 4-H Program Hosts Summer Day Camps
~~Sign up now to explore 4-H opportunities through fun, hands-on experiences~~
Media Release | May 2, 2024
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Now is the perfect time to enroll your child in all kinds of fun activities to keep them active this summer! Join Pasco County Cooperative Extension for our Summer Day Camps throughout June and July 2024, hosted by Pasco 4-H! The program is designed to explore science, art, cooking, gardening, animals and a whole lot more!
Pasco 4-H Summer Day Camps for kids ages 5-18 will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on selected dates in June and July at various locations.
Summer Day Camps Activities Include:
- Arts & Crafts
- Cooking
- Horse Back Riding
- Science Experiments
The cost for each camp ranges from $25 to $35 per child. Spots are limited. Register at tinyurl.com/Pasco4-HSummerCamp2024 For more information, please call 352.518.0156.
Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists people in Pasco County by developing and delivering practical, educational programs in environmental horticulture; sustainable agriculture; 4‑H and youth development; and family and consumer sciences. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, visit our website, or call us at 352.518.0156.
Open Position on Pasco County Tourist Development Council
Applications Accepted through
May 15, 2024
~~Florida’s Sports Coast seeks tourism professional to join advisory council~~
Media Release | April 29
Pasco Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization, Florida’s Sports Coast, is seeking a hotel/motel industry professional to be the newest member to serve on the Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Applications are being accepted online through May 15, 2024: pasco.rja.revize.com/forms/7182
The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco Board of County Commissioners, made up of elected officials and tourism industry professionals, who provide recommendations to the staff of Florida’s Sports Coast on exciting promotional/partnership proposals, marketing opportunities and oversight of tourism tax expenditures – also known as the “Bed Tax.”
“We continue to move Florida’s Sports Coast into the next chapter of the brand, and we look forward to finding a council member who’s committed to the development and future of Pasco County as a destination,” says Executive Director Adam Thomas.
Position Details:
- TDC members serve staggered, four-year terms.
- Positions are voluntary, with no financial compensation.
- The TDC typically meets monthly – alternating between New Port Richey and Dade City. Applicants must live and be registered to vote in Pasco County
For more information about the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, including members and the 2024 meeting schedule, click HERE.
