Summer Lunch Bus in Holiday!

Gulfside Elementary School, working with the Pasco School District, is running its Summer Lunch Bus Program, which will continue weekdays until Aug. 10.
Children ages 18 and younger in the Gulfside Elementary area in Holiday have access to a free lunch weekdays during summer vacation. Volunteers prepare lunches at the school and then take them out into the neighborhood to distribute them at specified times and locations.
The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m.: Holiday Lakes West Civic Center, 2728 Holiday Lake Drive.

• 11:20 a.m.: Holiday Lakes Estates Civic Center, 3628 Atlantis Drive.

• 11:45 a.m.: Westin Oaks Apartments, 1251 Westin Oaks Drive, off Alt. 19.

• 12:20 p.m.: Corner of Roselawn Drive and Lange Road.

• 12:45 p.m.: Corner of Orange Drive and Bonita Road.

No ID or registration required.

4th of July Fireworks!

Independence Day is fast approaching and we have your best fireworks-viewing options right here in Pasco County!

Join the crowds for an early Independence Day celebration at Main Street Blast on Saturday, June 30 in downtown New Port Richey!

Or, if you're in the northern part of the county, visit the Angelus's 4th Annual  Family, Fun, & Fireworks Extravaganza - $10 per carload, proceeds benefit The Angelus.










Tuesday, July 3 brings a Freedom Festival to the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club at Wesley Chapel, this celebration will include discounts at mall retailers, a bicycle parade, and a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. For more information and for competition signup sheets, visit http://www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/event/freedom-festival/2145398795.

On Wednesday, July 4, come on over to Dade City for Sparklebration!  Tickets are $5.00, kids 12 and under are admitted free.  Gates open at 4 p.m. and bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.!  For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the website at http://www.pascocountyfair.com/sparklebration.htm.

Also on Wednesday, July 4, Celebrate Port Richey is planning a fireworks show at Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road. The fireworks will go off after sundown, but get there early to find parking and a good view of Miller's Bayou.  This event has been canceled.

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco Information Sessions

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco will hold three information sessions for those interested in applying for a home. Staff members will be available from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on June 27, July 12 and July 31 at the Habitat office at 15017 U.S. 301 (at the corner of Lock Street, across from the Dade City Business Center) to answer questions and meet prospective home owners. Financial advisers often suggest deferring home ownership until buyers can make a down payment of at least 20 percent, but Habitat for Humanity allows people to complete volunteer hours instead of providing money for a down payment. Habitat houses are then sold to qualifying families with a no-profit, interest-free mortgage. Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco plans to build 20 houses during the next year in Dade City, Lacoochee, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Land O'Lakes. For information visit www.habitatpasco.org or call (352) 567-1444.

Free & Reduced-Cost Lunches

Happy First Day of Summer!  While we are in the dog days of summer, don't forget to apply for the free or reduced-cost school meals program - the first day to apply online is July 1 on the Pasco County School District's website at www.pasco.k12.fl.us/free_reduced.

Families who qualify must reapply every year for assistance.  If you do not want to apply online, paper applications will be available at any Pasco County school cafeteria, administrative offices, and at school orientations starting August 1.

Regular student meal prices for the 2012-2013 school year will be $1.25 for breakfast, $2 for lunch for elementary students; $1.40 for breakfast, $2.50 to $3 for lunch for secondary students. Students who qualify for reduced meals will pay 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Household size and income criteria determine whether students qualify for the program.  If your family doesn't currently qualify for assistance but income or household size factors change during the school year, you can apply at any time during the school year.

For more information telephone Nicole Westmoreland at (813) 794-2438 or email her at nwestmor@pasco.k12.fl.us.