Updated Oct. 18, 2023
So here’s a section for local news that comes from the source – local organizations, government entities and such that submit media releases about what they are doing, announcing promoting in the local community. Some of this news might or might not make it into your local newspaper. Readers are encouraged to take it a step further – perhaps check out what area news outlets are reporting on. When appropriate, links will be included to take you there.
Media releases are listed by date. Scroll down to see what’s going on throughout the month of October.
Pasco Fire Rescue Hosts Occupational Health Breakfast/Golf Event
~~Networking event/discussion to focus on cancer risks in firefighters~~
Media Release | Oct. 18, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
Calling all healthcare providers! Pasco County Fire Rescue Occupational Health is hosting a community networking breakfast and golf outing October 27, 2023, for area healthcare providers to raise awareness about cancer risks in firefighters. We invite you to attend this free, fun, informational event to help improve firefighter safety and health:
WHAT: Occupational Health Educational Networking Breakfast-N-Golf
WHERE: The Groves Golf & Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle, Land O’ Lakes
WHEN: From 8 – 10 a.m. Friday, October 27
Ø Informational presentations by the University of Miami | Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on occupational exposures related to firefighting, risk reduction strategies for both occupational and lifestyle prevention and cancer screening best practices.
Ø Open discussion and collaboration among Pasco County Fire Rescue and area primary care providers
Ø Golf tee time the following breakfast
Ø Click here or scan the QR code by October 25 to RSVP.
Ø More info: jarodriguez@mypasco.net | 813.929.2750 x2728
Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup Event a Huge Success
~~Annual countywide event prevents trash from entering waterways~~
Media Release | October 16, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
PASCO COUNTY, FL —- Our community pulls through once again – showing its unwavering commitment to protecting Pasco County’s environment! More than 1,500 volunteers participated in the annual Keep Pasco Beautiful cleanup event in September, picking up more than 18 tons of trash and litter along roadways, public spaces and waterways!
By the numbers:
§ 18.52 tons of trash and litter collected
- 79 locations in Pasco County
- 1,564 volunteers
- 4,885 volunteer hours logged
§ $155,344.59 cost benefit
(Volunteer Time Value value)
“It’s estimated 80 percent of the trash in our waters originates from land,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Ligia Buchala. “That means we prevented 18.52 tons of trash from traveling through rivers and stormwater systems into the Gulf of Mexico, which is remarkable!”
The Pasco County Department of Public Works plays an important role in picking up trash for the event, which is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy. The worldwide event has collected more than 350 million pounds of trash with help from around 17 million volunteers since 1986.
For more information about Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit: keeppascobeautiful.org
Keep Pasco Beautiful Hosts ‘Trick or Treat Downtown NPR’
~~Event brings the community together for festive fun~~
Media Release | Oct. 11, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
It’s the spookiest time of year! Celebrate Halloween with Keep Pasco Beautiful at the annual Trick or Treat Downtown NPR. This free event provides an opportunity for children to dress up and trick-or-treat in a safe, walkable environment. Local businesses will hand out candy, and Keep Pasco Beautiful will give away reusable bags while supplies last!
Event Details:
WHEN: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
TIME: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown New Port Richey
“This event has always been for children and families to have a great time, meet their neighbors and create lasting memories in the place they call home,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Ligia Buchala. “The more people connect with their home – the more they care for it, which helps our efforts in keeping Pasco County beautiful.”
This event is a partnership between Keep Pasco Beautiful, Pasco County Long Range Planning, the City of New Port Richey, McPherson & Thomas, P.A. and Covanta Pasco.
For more information about Keep Pasco Beautiful, visit: keeppascobeautiful.org.
Pasco County Celebrates ‘National Community Planning Month’
~~October campaign highlights community participation & essential planning initiatives~~
Media Release | Oct. 6, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
Planning plays an important role in improving and growing our communities – and Pasco County’s Planning and Development Department (PDD), the Office of Economic Growth, and the Community Development Department are proud to participate in National Community Planning Month! Celebrated every October, this year’s campaign focuses on how planners across many disciplines are leading the way in our communities – working on everything from economic development and transportation planning – to reinventing what our communities look like post-pandemic.
National Community Planning Month Highlights:
Ø Showcase how planning is essential for building sustainable and equitable communities
Ø Publicly recognize the participation of the Planning Commission, the professional community & regional planners, and citizen planners in partnership with the Pasco Board of County Commissioners to improve our communities
Ø Encourage community members to recognize and participate in this national celebration
Between 1970 and 2020, Pasco County’s population grew by 639%. Thanks to comprehensive planning, PDD created innovative strategies to build successful and economically strategic places where people can live, work and play – while maintaining more than 20% of Pasco’s total land area as conserved open or green space. PDD works to implement the community’s vision for the future by creating opportunities for neighbors to partner on projects, such as the Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update.
To learn more about Pasco’s Planning and Development Department follow our Development Services Facebook page: facebook.com/PascoDevServices
County Offices to Close for Staff Development Day
Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) offices will be closed Monday, October 9, 2023, for a Staff Development Day. County departments will be performing staff development activities focused on improving services for our communities and neighbors.
All Pasco County Libraries will be closed.
Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) will provide regular transportation services. GoPasco Administrative offices will be closed.
The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ Offices, Recreation Complexes and Community Centers will be closed; however, the parks and beaches will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.
The 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 return to regular hours Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Green Industry Best Management Practices Training
~~Pre-registration required for November 16 class~~
Media Release | Oct. 5, 2023|
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
A great learning opportunity for landscaping professionals! The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering Green Industry Best Management Practices Training on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office in Dade City.
This program is designed for landscape professionals who apply pesticides and fertilizers commercially.
WHAT: Green Industry Best Management Practices Training
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023
WHERE: UF/IFAS Pasco Extension Office, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City, FL
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required here: mypas.co/pascogibmpnov23.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 photo ID and a pre-paid ticket for admission. Sorry, no refunds once tickets are purchased. Lunch will not be provided.
The Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service assists Pasco County residents 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: Mypasco.net or call us at 352.518.0156.
Pasco County Opioid Task Force Seeking New Member
Support Services Accepting Applications for Volunteer Position
Media Release | Oct. 4, 2023
Pasco County Media Relations & Communications
Help make a difference in our community! The Pasco County Opioid Task Force is seeking applications from experts and citizens to fill one vacancy. Pasco County Opioid Task Force is a non-paid, volunteer advisory board that recommends expenditures of opioid funds and identifies strategies currently being utilized to respond to the opioid epidemic in Pasco County.
Requirements to apply include the following:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Live or regularly conduct business in Pasco
County - Be a subject matter expert in public health
or addiction - Be employed by a provider of opioid-related services in Pasco County
If you meet the criteria and would like to join the Opioid Task Force, please apply at:
mypas.co/AdvisoryApplication
To learn more about the Opioid Task Force, please visit: mypas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees
Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Symposium and Innovation Center Grand Opening
Media Advisory | Oct. 3, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
Aaron Ellerman, Public Information Officer
727-816-3259, ellerma@phsc.edu
PHSC Entrepreneurship Innovation Center grand opening and Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Symposium. The event kicks off National Veterans Small Business Week (10/31/23 – 11/4/23) and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guest speakers, vendors, and community resources.
Date: 3:30 – 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27
Location: PHSC North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34601
Contact Information Aaron Ellerman, Public Information Officer, 727-816-3259, ellerma@phsc.ed
PHSC Hosts NASA Eclipse Ambassador Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Media Advisory | Oct. 3, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
Aaron Ellerman, Public Information Officer
727-816-3259, ellerma@phsc.edu
The community is welcome to attend an unforgettable solar eclipse experience hosted by our PHSC-certified NASA Solar Eclipse Ambassadors! Enjoy free pizza and refreshments. The first 200 attendees will receive free eclipse glasses!
Activities Include: Watching the solar eclipse, Solar telescope observations, Creating your own pinhole viewer, Learning about eclipse safety, DIY galaxy cookies and more!
Date: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat. Oct. 14, at the PHSC West Campus 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey.
For other eclipse-watching opportunities check out the Stepping Outdoors Calendar below
LIFE Summit
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges
Media Advisory | Oct. 3, 2023
Pasco Hernando State College
Aaron Ellerman, Public Information Officer
727-816-3259, ellerma@phsc.edu
Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we delve into the realm of thought-provoking discussion panels, rejuvenate your spirit with mindfulness sessions, find solace and connection through faith support, and unlock a world of possibilities. This event is your gateway to inspiration, self-discovery, and meaningful connections.
Date: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wed. Oct. 11
Location – PHSC Spring Hill Campus Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center, Address: 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill.
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