PCLS Blogs

If you haven't checked out the rest of the blog pages that PCLS offers, you should. Our main blog page gives you overviews of what's going on in the library. Other blog pages to check out are reader's advisory (for good books), programs and exhibits (for fun and educational goings-on in the library), teen and youth services (stuff for our younger patrons), and resident information (hurricane season information). Hand in hand with this blog page, is our e-government blogpage. PCLS is one of the the leaders in making "government on the web" accessible to it's patrons. If you can't find something government related on this blog page, you will probably find it on the e-government page. It's a valuable tool.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

Pasco County Cooperative Extension

Each of Florida's sixty-seven counties has cooperative extension offices. Pasco has them on the east and west side of the county. Through the efforts of the Board of County Commissioners, the University of Florida and the United States Department of Agriculture, anyone in the county from a farmer to a gardening enthusiast can seek help and information from trained professionals. You can get information on a myriad of topics such as handling wildlife, getting your child involved in 4H, becoming a master gardener, to the latest in agricultural technology and business. Our county extensions offices are truly a valuable resource in our community. Please see the link under Animal/Pets/Agricultural.

Pasco Parks

Of course, we all know what a gem the libraries are in Pasco County. But did you also know that Pasco is home to a precious plethora of outdoor resources? Yes, Pasco County has some really awesome parks and recreational facilities. From Anclote River Park and Starkey Park in the west to the Land O'Lakes Recreation Center and Withlacoochee River Park in the east, we have some amazing places to hike, boat, bike, swim, play sports or just get outside. So, go ahead and do just that. Enjoy some of the green space Pasco has to offer. You won't be disappointed. Click on the link under "Recreation Resources."

Phone Numbers for Your Local Post Office

If you have ever tried to find a local phone number for your neighborhood Post Office, you know it can be frustrating.  Fortunately, the phone numbers are available on the USPS website, if you know where to look.

First, go to the main USPS website (www.usps.com).  Then, click on "Find Locations" on the left side of the screen.  This will bring you to a search page where you can type in the ZIP code or city and state you want.  A search will bring up a list of post offices in that area.  Don't stop here, although you only see the 877 main toll-free number for the USPS.  Click on the name of the post office that you want to contact.  This will bring up a map of the location and the local phone number.

You can CLICK HERE for a direct link to the Post Office location finder.

Pasco Animal Welfare Society

Did you know that we have a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Pasco County? Yep! We sure do. The Pasco Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), located on Highway 19 just south of SR 52, offers spaying and neutering services for under $110 depending on the type of pet you have and the size. For instance, cats are spayed or neutered for $35. Dog spaying and neuter varies by size. You can view their price list on the their website. The link is to the left. They offer a variety of other services as well. If veterinary services seem out of the question for Fido or Felix, check out PAWS. You might be surprised at how affordable medical help can be for your pet, especially spay/neuter.

Pasco County History

Local history is always a fun topic to investigate. There are a few online resources about the history of Pasco County. Some history can also be found on the various city websites. Check them out on the right of the page.

Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas County

Seniors and caregivers can find a wealth of information through the website of the Area Agency on Aging. Statewide resources can be searched online, or one can call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-861-8111.

For the website, just click on Area Agency on Aging link to the right.

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT)

Our county's own public transportation system is a useful service available to everyone, but two services they offer are especially unique. One is the Paratransit Service.

"Door-to-door advance reservation service is provided throughout the County to those persons unable to access transit service because of a disability or distance from a route. Persons residing within 3/4 mile of a route are required to use transit. However, persons may apply for paratransit when they have a verifiable disability preventing them from transit use" (From the PCPT webpage).

Another service provided through PCPT is the Emergency Ride Home Program through the Bay Area Commuter Services. If you commute at least two days per week through options other than driving, you can qualifty for up to "eight free taxi rides home each year in case of personal illness, family emergency or unexpected overtime" (PCPT webpage).

For more information, visit the PCPT webpage or call PCPT at (727) 834-3322 ** (352) 521-4587 ** (813) 235-6073.

Florida Talking Book Library

If you or someone you know is sight impaired, unable to hold a book, or has a reading disability, the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services of the Florida Division of Blind Services maintains the Talking Book Library. The service is free. All you need to do is fill out an application and have a a medical or social professional certify your disability (see "Frequently Asked Questions" on the Talking Book Library's webpage). Once signed-up, you can go online or call the Library to order braille or talking books. Adaptive equipment is available where applicable. Check out the website. You may discover a great little gem !! Click on the link at the right of the page.

Tampa Bay 511

There's a great website that tracks traffic and transit information. Do you have to commute to work? Tired of getting stuck in traffic? Check out Tampa Bay 511 in the morning before leaving the house. The site is sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Just click on the 511 icon on the right of the blog page or go to www.511tampabay.com

Pasco County 211

If there is one resource that can aid just about everybody in the county, it is Pasco County 211. This information resource is run by the United Way of Pasco County and provides program information for a variety of topics from abuse to education to wildlife. If you need food bank information or G.E.D. resources, you can find some through Pasco County 211. You can access this resource via the web (just click on the United Way link on the left of the page and then click on the icon for Pasco 211), or you can call the United Way (727-845-4357 in West Pasco or 1-877-828-8929 for East and Central Pasco).

Welcome to PCLS Outreach Services Blog Page

This blog page serves as a guide to resources and organizations in or that serve Pasco County. Information covers a multitude of topics from area churches to resources for healthcare. Links to the websites of these resources are provided. As I come across services that I think county residents could benefit from or might be interested in, I will add a link to that particular service. Any suggestions are welcome.