2nd Annual Day in the Country - Saturday, Nov. 3

Sky Harbor 2nd Annual Day in the Country

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.

Paddling Pasco - Trip #4 - Aripeka to Sunwest Park

The next trip (Trip #4) as part of the Paddling Pasco program is scheduled for Sunday, April 15th from Aripeka (Aripeka Road - Norfleet’s Fish Camp) south to the future Sunwest Park (see location on Google Maps or property appraiser’s website – southernmost blue lakes along the Hudson coast). We will give a first hand look at some of the plans for this project which encompasses restoration of an old lime rock mine.


High tide in this area is at 10:45am, therefore we will be launching between 9:45am and 10am. Please drop boats off at Norfleet’s Fish Camp ($2.50 to launch) no later than 9:15am and park cars at the future Sunwest Park site. Last shuttle will leave the future Sunwest Park site between 9:30am and 9:45am. Trip is scheduled to be about 2 hours on the water.


This trip will cover some shallow water (10 to 12 inches) and areas with rocks and oysters. The coast is nearly all mangroves and inlets and bayous. During the scouting trip, we saw dolphins, lots of bird life and paddled up one creek that was FULL of fish. Once we get to the future park site we may have some time to play in one of the lakes and perhaps allow each other to test out each others boats to see what we might be missing! Also, please consider bringing a chair and lunch (we plan to cook hotdogs) to hang out for a bit after the paddle.

· To register please call with the following information: number of paddlers, provide contact information (email and phone) and how many will need to be shuttled. Please contact the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 727-834-3278 or 813-929-2760.

Other:

· This will not be a difficult trip unless there is a lot of wind.

· Please bring a completed waiver with you on the day of the trip.

· Please be prepared to pay the launch fee ($2.50).

· Consider bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, camera (water proof), snacks and water, water shoes, towel, chair and lunch. We plan to cook some hot-dogs.

· We still have few paddling shirts available for $10.  Please advise us of size when you register. We are out of some of the sizes, but will consider another order if needed. We can order long sleeve also, but cost will go up. Funds go into a donation account to support this program.

· Rentals may be available if there is enough interest by calling Down South Kite and Paddle at 727-771-5484 or Windsong at 727-859-0213. All arrangements must be made with these two outfitters.

Quilt Show - March 9-11, 2012

The West Pasco Quilters' Guild biennial quilt show is happening this weekend at Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson!

Dates: Friday-Sunday, March 9-11, 2012
Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson, FL 34669

This year's theme is "A Kaleidoscope of Colors".  Scheduled events include a live large quilt auction, a silent auction for smaller quilts, door prizes, a boutique, food, lecture & demonstrations, a wall quilt challenge, and several vendors.  For more information visit the West Pasco Quilters' Guild, Inc. website.

It's Fireworks Time!

Judging from the pops and whistles I've started to hear every evening in my neighborhood, it must be getting close to the 4th of July!  This weekend promises to provide all of the parade and fireworks you could ask for, some of which are taking place right here in Pasco County.

Get your holiday weekend started early!  The Family Freedom Fest benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project runs from July 1 through July 4, 3 -11 pm daily at the Fun and Wheels Entertainment Park located at 9227 County Line Road in Spring Hill.  The festival will include music, food, beer, rides, games, a paintball field, batting cages, a 1000-foot go-kart racetrack, miniature golf, blow-ups, water slide, pony rides and food-eating contests. Home fireworks are allowed. Bring blankets and chairs. Ride and game tickets available for purchase. Free admission and parking.  For more information, visit their site at http://www.funandwheels.net.

Port Richey will be hosting a free fireworks display on Monday, July 4.   The show will begin at 9:15 p.m. at Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road.  No alcoholic beverages or personal fireworks are allowed, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For details, call City Hall at (727) 816-1900.

If you live in East Pasco, consider a trip to Dade City's Sparklebration at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.  This much-anticipated annual event happens Monday, July 4, and includes the Miss Sparklebration beauty contest, live music, bounce houses for the kids, your favorite carnival foods, a petting zoo, pony rides, vendors and much more!  The big event, FIREWORKS, begins at 9:15 p.m.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!  For more information and directions to the fairgrounds, click here.

School Supply Drives

In two weeks, Pasco County children will be returning to the classroom.  Unfortunately, not all of them can afford the supplies they need to help them succeed in their studies.  Some area organizations are collecting school supplies for these students in need.  While you are doing your shopping, consider picking up a box of crayons, a pack of notebook paper, or even a backpack and donating it to one of these organizations.

CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center
12417 Clock Tower Pkwy
Hudson, FL
Collecting notebooks, paper, pencils, backpacks, other school supplies for Hudson Elementary and Middle Schools.  Cash donations gratefully accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at the center weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Call (727) 863-6868 for more information.

The Volunteer Way
7820 Congress St.
New Port Richey, FL
Collecting school supplies and backpacks for the 3rd Annual School Bash.  Cash donations gratefully accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at the center between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays.  Donations should be dropped off by August 13th.  Call (727) 815-0433 for more information.

Joining Hands Community Mission
3214 U.S. 19
Holiday, FL
Collecting back to school supplies for families in need.  Donations may be dropped off at the Resource Center Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon or Friday from 10 a.m. until noon.  Call (727) 937-3268 for more information.

Salvation Army Community Center
7745 Ridge Rd.
Port Richey, FL
Collecting back to school supplies for families in need.  Donations needed include backpacks, highlighters, scissors, plastic zip bags, notebooks, index cards, pocket folders, binders, lined filler paper, #2 pencils, colored pens, pencils & markers, graph paper, nonscientific calculators, baby wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer.  Donations may be dropped off weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Community Center on Ridge Road or at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, 8040 Washington St., Port Richey.  Donations are needed on or before August 9.

2010 Pasco County July 4th Fireworks

July 4th celebrations start early in Pasco County!  Get a jump on the festivities this weekend with
Main Street Blast
Sims Park/Orange Lake
Downtown New Port Richey, FL
Saturday, June 26
3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Live music, crafters, kids' games and activities, giant slide, river boat tours, food and drink, and FIREWORKS at approximately 10 p.m.


Hudson celebrates Independence Day on the 3rd of July with
Fun, Family & Fireworks Extravaganza
The Angelus
12413 Hudson Ave.
Hudson, FL
Saturday, July 3
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
$5.00 per carload, live music beginning at 4 p.m., food & drink, kids' games, FIREWORKS at 9:00 p.m.

On the Fourth of July, come on over to the east side of the county for
Sparklebration
Pasco County Fairgrounds
36722 SR 52
Dade City, FL
Sunday, July 4
4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Admission $3.00 (kids 10 & under FREE).  Live music, eating contests, bounce houses, Miss Sparklebration pageant, food & drink, and FIREWORKS at 9:15 p.m.

Pasco Co. Extension Office Upcoming Events

The Pasco County Extension Office offers several free, interesting and educational seminars and events for Pasco County citizens every month.  Upcoming events for June and July include:

Kid Kamp - Ages 8-12
Diggin' in the Dirt
Tuesday, June 29
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
36702 State Road 52
Dade City, FL 33525
Come and explore the dirt world under us and meet the creatures that live there.  See why all dirt is not the same and make some "black gold" of your own.  Plants to take home are included.  Come dressed to get dirty and bring a lunch. $5.00 fee payable with registration.  Registration form can be found here.

Bonsai Basics Seminar
Tuesday, July 6
6:30 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
Hudson Library
8012 Library Rd.
Hudson, FL
Come learn about this ancient art form focusing on plants.

Easter Activities For Everyone!

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the Bunny Trail...

Here are just a few of the exciting events happening this weekend in our area:

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

Free Breakfast at IKEA
IKEA Tampa
1103 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, Florida
Free small breakfast (egg, potatoes, coffee) during breakfast hours Friday, April 2 through Sunday, April 4.

Black Maria Film + Video Festival
Richey Suncoast Theatre
6237 Grand Boulevard
New Port Richey, Florida
(727) 842-6777
Doors open at 7 p.m., screenings begin at 8 p.m. Tickets $4.00
Screenings of 7 award-winning short independent films, selected to be of interest to the local audience and appeal to teens through adults.


SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Jellybean Jamboree
Veteran's Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Road
Hudson, Florida
(727) 861-3033
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Bounce houses, carnival games with prizes, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny!  Bring your Easter baskets!

Huge Easter Egg Hunt
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
6825 Trouble Creek Road
New Port Richey, Florida
(727) 376-7733
9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
50,000 Easter eggs to find!  Also face painting, bounce houses, laser tag, and much more!  Hunt times begin at 10:00 a.m. for 2-3 year olds, and occur every 30 minutes thereafter for each year's age group.

Easter Egg Hunt
Tarpon Springs High School
1411 Gulf Road
Tarpon Springs, Florida
(727) 418-6219
10:30 A.M.
Egg hunt for ages 2-11 with cash prizes in special gold eggs.  Live music, special appearance by the Easter Bunny and more!  Adults will not be allowed on the hunt grounds.

Opportunities for Giving

A couple of Pasco County agencies have set up donation drives.  If you live or work near one of these locations, please consider donating.

Holiday Food Basket Drive/Toys for Tots Drive
Pasco County Sheriff Office
Locations throughout the county
Collecting nonperishable food items, such as instant potatoes and canned vegetables.  Also collecting new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive.
For more information on locations and dates, click here or call the Citizen Support Services Office at 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7736.

Nonperishable Food Drive
Hudson Regional Library
8012 Library Rd.
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-3040
Ongoing food drive benefiting The Volunteer Way.  Nonperishable food item donations can be left in the bin in the library's lobby.

Pasco County Flu Shots

The Pasco County Health Department announces that flu shots are now available. Cost is $25, payable by cash or check.

ADULT FLU SHOTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Dade City Clinic
13941 15th Street
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 521-1450
We strongly recommend you call and make an appointment to avoid a long wait time.
Walk-in: Thursday from 7:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Hudson Clinic
11511 Denton Avenue
Hudson, FL 34667
(727) 861-5661
By Appointment Only.

Land O’Lakes Clinic
4135 Land O’Lakes Blvd.
Land O’Lakes, FL 34639
(813) 558-5173
Walk-in: Monday & Tuesday from 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

New Port Richey Clinic
10841 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 861-5260 Ext. 268
By Appointment Only.

Zephyrhills Clinic
4717 Airport Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
(813) 780-0740
Walk-in: Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Note: Wednesday is the best day)
Appointments can be made.

Fireworks!

If you are looking for Pasco County fireworks displays, look no further!

Sparklebration will be returning to Dade City on July 3rd and 4th. Located at the Pasco County Fairgrounds at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City, FL, this annual event will include The Star-Spangled Spectacular, a night of patriotic music starting at 7:00 p.m. on July 3rd. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show. On July 4th, the gates open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, children 10 and under get in free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Visit their website (linked above) for more information and a complete schedule of events.


On the west side of Pasco County, the Hudson Americana Music Fest will be an all-day celebration on July 4th at the Angelus, located at 12413 Hudson Avenue, Hudson, FL. Advance tickets are available for $5 each at Patriotic Fireworks locations, The Angelus, or Pape Kibos on Hudson Beach. Tickets will also be available for $7 at the gate. The gates will open at 10 a.m. Ten bands are scheduled to perform, starting at 11 a.m. Art, craft and food vendors will also be present.