Free Dental Services - Feb. 8 in TAMPA

For years, hundreds of people in Pasco camped outside Dr. Vincent J. Monticciolo's dentistry office in New Port Richey to take advantage of the one day of the year he offered free dental services. Although Monticciolo has moved his practice to Tampa, he's still hosting the free dental care event — it's just a longer hike for Pasco residents.

The event is Friday, Feb. 8 and registration begins at 7 a.m. Monticciolo Family and Sedation Dentistry is at 8327 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. The volunteer team will only see the first 300 people, so people are urged to arrive early, dress for the weather and bring whatever food or supplies they need for the outdoor wait. Participants will get a free extraction, filling or cleaning.

For information, visit www.DentistryFromtheHeart.org or call the foundation office at (727) 849-2002.

FREE Jeff Corwin Lecture - USF Tampa, Thursday, November 15, 8 p.m.

Jeff Corwin, host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning show “The Jeff Corwin Experience,” will be sharing his animal adventures as well as the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainability with University of South Florida (USF) students, staff, and community. The heavily anticipated lecture, “Tales from the Field with Jeff Corwin,” takes place Thursday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. in the Marshall Student Center Ballroom on the Tampa campus.

Sponsored by the USF Student Affairs’ University Lecture Series (ULS), Corwin’s lecture will feature various live animals, potentially including a cougar, alligator, coati and Burmese python.

While Corwin is best known for his entertaining shows on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and ABC, he is also one of the world’s leading environmental journalists. His passion for conservationism and sustainability attracts audiences from all around the globe. Also an author, his latest book is “100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth’s Most Endangered Species.”

All lectures in the University Lecture Series are free to students, faculty, staff and the public. For more information about the series, the speaker, the seating and attendance policy, or parking, visit http://uls.usf.edu/. For reasonable accommodations, please contact (813) 974-1001 (FL Relay 711).

Other inquiries may be directed to Renee Svec at (813)974-5383 or svec@usf.edu or Lara Wade-Martinez at (813) 974-9060 or larawade@usf.edu.

Paddling Pasco Trip # 8 - Eagle Point Park to Green Key, Saturday, November 3

Paddling Pasco Trip #8, a sunset paddle, is planned for Saturday November 3rd from Eagle Point Park to Robert Rees Memorial Park (AKA Green Key) with a bonfire on the beach at sunset. Boats will need to be dropped off at Eagle Point Park between 3:30 and 4pm and vehicles will need to park at Green Key - a shuttle will return you to your boat for a launch at 4:30pm promptly. The trip is scheduled to be about 2 to 2.5 hours along the mangrove shoreline to include some mangrove tunnels in the park. Sea life and sea birds in this area is abundant and winter sunsets can be spectacular. Eagle Point Park is located at the western end of Trouble Creek Road and Green Key is located at the western end of Green Key Road - both roads are off US 19 in New Port Richey.

Things to consider bringing other than boat, paddle, PFD and whistle:  drinks, snacks, camera, flashlight or head light, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, chair for around the fire and towel. If you want to register for this trip please contact us at fbuckman@pascocountyfl.net or 813-929-2760 with names and contact information including email and phone number. This will allow us to prepare properly. We will ask those attending to read and sign a simple liability waiver on site before we launch. Cost will be $2 for parking.

Paddling Pasco Trip #8 - Upper Withlacoochee River, Sunday, October 28

Paddling Pasco Trip #7 on the upper Withlacoochee River, Sunday October 28, 9am to about 11:30am.

Please meet at the kayak launch on the river in Pasco County’s Withlacoochee River Park. Once we all gather, we will access this launch location and may move to a nearby boat ramp for easier access. A local guide in the area, Marty Warburton, will lead the paddle. The water level is high and there will be river current, but it should be manageable in kayaks. We hope to go up river into the Green Swamp area. Hopefully there will be opportunities to see and take pictures of wildlife and wild lands.

All paddlers will need to wear a PFD while on the river and sign a waiver on site.

This trip will be unlike any of the others done along the coast, although the trip on the upper Cotee River did go through some of Old Florida wild lands. The trip is planned to be approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on the water. If we launch in the park, there will be a $2 fee.

To register or if you have any questions, please contact the Pasco County Parks & Recreation office at 813-929-2760.

Note: The park is hosting a Native American Indian Pow-Wow this weekend, so you might want to stay a bit to take in this event. For more information on this event please contact Withlacoochee River Park at 352-567-0264 or 352-521-4104.

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

Sky Harbor 2nd Annual Day in the Country

Haunted Pasco 2012 - Haunted Houses to Thrill and Chill You!

The Haunted House on 41 
October 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m.;  Oct. 26-27, 7:30-10 p.m.
Land O'Lakes Community Center
5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
Land O' Lakes, FL
Thursday night is Sneak Peek night and admission is free!  Friday & Saturday's admission is $1 per person. Some scenes may be too intense for young children. For information, call (813) 929-1229. Hosted by the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department.

The Angelus 6th Annual Haunted House
12413 Hudson Ave.
Hudson, FL 34669

October 19-21 and 26-31

Hours of Operation:  Fridays & Saturday 6:30pm - 12:00am    

Sundays & Weekdays  6:30pm - 10:00pm
Admission costs vary; check website for details.

Haunted Forest

North Anclote River Nature Park
550 Dixie Hwy
Tarpon Springs, FL
October 19th, 20th & 26th, from 6:30-9:30pm. 
Admission: $5.00 for all ages.
Hike through the haunted trails at the North Anclote River Nature Park, off Old Dixie Highway.  If the hidden terrors don't frighten you, the insects will!   Concessions will be available in the parking lot. 

Horror at the Ridge

9349 Calle Alta Dr.

New Port Richey, FL 34655

October 19-21 and 26-31

Hours of Operation: 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Admission: $2.00 for all ages

Additional items available for purchase: novelties, food & drink

Proceeds benefit River Ridge High School band programs

House of Fright

18701 Shady Hills Rd.

Spring Hill, FL 34610

October 19-21 and 26-31

Fridays & Saturdays from 7pm-1am
Sundays, Monday & Tuesday from 7pm-11pm
Halloween Wednesday from 7pm-1am

Admission costs vary; check website for details.

Halloween Howl
5th Avenue
Downtown Zephyrhills, FL
Saturday, October 27, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Take a hair-raising hayride to the haunted house. Other activities include safe trick-or-treating, costume parade, bounce houses, cake walk, food vendors and live entertainment.

 

2nd Annual CVS Halloween Bash! Sunday, October 21

This Sunday, October 21st, visit your local CVS/pharmacy between 1 and 3 p.m. for their free Halloween bash!  Kids in costume will be able to have their picture taken by CVS staff for a free 5x7 print and will receive a FREE Halloween fun pack, containing Halloween goodies and over $10 in coupons.

To find the closest CVS/pharmacy, check out their Store Locator.

Pasco County Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

Fall is here, even if it doesn't feel like it outside.  Get in the seasonal spirit by visiting one of the many pumpkin patches and fall festivals gearing up around the area!

Fall Festival
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Horsepower for Kids, Inc.
8005 S. Racetrack Rd., Tampa, FL 33635

Admission $10/children, $8/adults. Parking $1 per car. Cash only, please.  Admission includes pony rides, hay rides, train rides, farm animals, face painting, bonfire, games, live music, hot dog and soda. Pumpkins also available for purchase.

Fall Maze
Every Saturday and Sunday thru November 4, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Sweetfields Farm
17250 Benes Roush Rd., Masaryktown, FL 34604
Admission 12 years and older: $8.50, 3-11 years: $4.50, 2 years and under are free.  Admission includes fall maze, hay ride, hay maze, hay play area, picnic area, duck race, spider web maze, treehouse, storyteller, craft, animal visits, and more. Bring extra money for the pumpkin launcher, face painting, pumpkin painting, food and drinks, and U-pick or gathered produce.

Fall Festival
Friday, October 12, 6-8:30 p.m.
Morton Plant Mease Outpatient Center
2102 Trinity Oaks Blvd., Trinity, FL 
Free dinner, health screenings, Ask-A-Doc, face painting, pumpkin painting, Radio Disney, and more! Preregistration required, click here to register online or call (727) 940-2875.

Scarecrow Festival
Saturday, October 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Downtown Dade City
Free admission, bring your own long sleeved shirt and pants and stuff a scarecrow for free, arts and crafts vendors, carnival games (bring money!), pumpkins, pony rides, and bounce houses.


Fall Festival
Saturday, October 13, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Holiday Community Fellowship Church
5144 Sunray Dr., Holiday, FL 34690
Pumpkin patch, activities, games, food, and fun!

Fall Festival of Hope Vendor and Craft Fair
Saturday, October 13, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
HERS Fitness Center
7135 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653
Free doorprizes, free Zumba class at 9:30 a.m., food, and children's crafts

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Grove at Wesley Chapel
Oakley Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Arts and crafts vendors, Battle of the Wings contest, Lil Mr. and Miss Pumpkin Patch contest, pumpkin patch, hay rides, bounce houses, face painting, and more!

Family Fun Festival
Friday, October 19, 4-7 p.m.
Seal Swim School
19509 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Lutz, FL 33548
Pumpkin painting, bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, music, and more.

Pumpkin Patch Bash
Friday, October 19, 6-8 p.m.
Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex
3032 Collier Pkwy
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Come join our Pumpkin Patch Bash where we will have games, candy, hay rides and activities inside and outside. Costumes are encouraged but not required! This event is for ages 10 years old and under. Admission is $1 per person.

Pumpkin Patch and Fall Family Festival and Food Drive
First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey
5901 Indiana Ave., New Port Richey, FL 34652

Pumpkin patch open Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., October 17-27
Fall Family Festival and Food Drive
Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday is Museum Day!

If you're looking for something FREE to do this Saturday (Sept. 29), you may need to look no further than your local museum.  This Saturday marks the Smithsonian Museum Day Live, a program that offers free admission to participating museums and cultural institutions around the country.  For a list of participating museums in Florida, click here.

To request your ticket for free admission for two, fill out the form located here.  The ticket voucher will be sent to your email, and you must print it and show it at your requested museum to be admitted for free.

Which museum will you explore this Saturday?  The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs?  How about the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo?  Drop us a comment and let us know!

Swaptember - Florida Aquarium, MOSI, and Lowry Park Zoo

If you are a member of the Florida Aquarium, MOSI, or Lowry Park Zoo, this is your last week to take advantage of Swaptember!

Swaptember is the program that allows members of these three local attractions to visit the other attractions for free during the month of September - just show your membership card at the ticket office.  For example, we have an annual membership to Lowry Park Zoo.  This past weekend we went to the Florida Aquarium.  We just showed our Zoo membership cards at the Aquarium ticket counter and got free admission!

For more information and details, visit any of their websites:

http://www.flaquarium.org/annual-pass/share-program/swaptember.aspx

http://www.mosi.org/default.aspx

http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/index.html

Free Florida Aquarium Tickets!

Back by popular demand, The Florida Aquarium is offering free admission to Goodwill donors again this fall.

During September, each person who drops off clothing or household items at any Goodwill Industries-Suncoast donation site will receive a coupon good for up to three free tickets to The Florida Aquarium, one for each paid adult ticket. That’s a “BOGO” savings of up to $65.85, just for getting rid of items you no longer need! The coupons are redeemable at The Florida Aquarium until Nov. 30, 2012.

The incentive is intended to boosts donations to Goodwill during a period when they typically drop off, following the back-to-school season.

The partnership between the two nonprofit organizations is a natural, since Goodwill and The Florida Aquarium are linked by their mutual commitment to the environment. Items donated to Goodwill are “repurposed” rather than being relegated to landfills. Donations support Goodwill’s services for people who are disabled, elderly or unemployed.

For the location of the nearest Goodwill donation site, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

About Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast was founded in St. Petersburg, Fla. in 1954, and is one of the largest and most effective Goodwill organizations in the world. Its mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. The organization's successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties, including employment and training services, training centers for people with disabilities, affordable apartment communities, and community corrections programs. Goodwill is consistently ranked among the nonprofits most deserving of support based on the high percentage of revenue allocated to its programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

About The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is a destination for people who truly want to be inches from amazing. From underwater encounters with sea turtles, moray eels or sharks to meeting penguins behind the scenes, aquarium guests have the opportunity to see life from a unique perspective! The Florida Aquarium biologists, divers and educators help with underwater clean-up projects, take animals to underserved children and care for aquatic animals and ecosystems in need. For more information, visit www.flaquarium.org.

From the Sun to Pluto Interactive Exhibit - Ribbon-Cutting Saturday, Sept. 8

CANCELED - Paddling Pasco Trip #6 - Green Key

This trip has been canceled 

due to possible inclement weather. 

 

Paddling Pasco Trip #6

Green Key (Robert Rees Memorial Park) to Eagle Point Park

This trip will start out on Sunday, August 26th with boat drop off at Green Key after 7 am and parking your vehicles at Eagle Point Park. Shuttles will bring you back to the launch point so we can launch at 8 am on the high tide. The last shuttle will leave Eagle Point Park at approximately 7:30 am.

This trip is planned to be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. We plan to paddle from the park east along the shore into the mangrove forests between the Park and Gulf Harbors, then work our way out along Gulf Harbor’s north channel and south around this development to Eagle Point Park. Hopefully we will have some time to explore the park waterways before we exit.

During past scouting trips I have seen mangrove tunnels which were navigable at high tide, many seabirds, and a lot of sea life in the shallow waters. Oysters and rocks will be obstacles to avoid and there will be some locations which may be very shallow in the mangrove forest. I will do another scouting trip at high tide before we go as a group.

All paddlers will need to sign the waiver at the launch location and pay the $2 parking/user fee at Eagle Point Park if you park a vehicle at this location, unless you have an annual pass. There is a nice walking/exercise trail and there are picnic shelters at Eagle Point Park, if you would like to get in a lower body workout or eat an early lunch.

You will need to bring your own boat or rent one from a local vendor. Some potential contacts include Windsong in Pasco, Osprey Bay in Clearwater and Wet Dog Adventures in Oldsmar.

If you have questions or want to register for this trip, please contact us with your name(s), number of paddlers, email and phone number. This will help us with the shuttle logistics and preparation in other ways. Our phone # is 813-929-2760 or 727-834-3278 – email is fbuckman@pascocountyfl.net
If you register, we will be in touch a few days before the trip with further details. Hope you can make it and share the experience with others – Pasco’s coast is beautiful and from the water even more so.

5th Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competition Benefiting The Volunteer Way Food Bank

Pasco County Canstruction 2012

Free Vaccines available for Pasco County school children

School starts for Pasco County children on Monday, August 20.  Are your kids up-to-date on their required vaccinations?  Free children's immunizations are available at the Pasco County Health Department's immunization clinics!  Call to find out immunization times or to schedule an appointment:

10841 Little Road New Port Richey, FL 34654 (727) 861-5250
11611 Denton Avenue Hudson, FL 34667 (727) 861-5661
13941 15th Street Dade City, FL 33525 (352) 521-1450
4135 Land O'Lakes Blvd Land O'Lakes, FL 34639 (813) 558-5173
4717 Airport Road. Zephyrhills, FL 33540 (813) 780-0740.

NOTE: The Pasco County Health Department will be onsite at the County's middle schools to administer the Tdap vaccination free-of-charge during orientation on August 14.

Vaccines available for Pasco County school children

Back-to-School Freebies!

If you are a parent of a school-aged child, you know how expensive August can be.  If you need a little help getting your child's school supplies together, check out one of these events to get free school supplies:




Month of August
Free Back-to-School Haircuts (Kids K-6th Grade)
All JCPenney Salons
Click here to find a salon near you!


Saturday, August 4  11 a.m.-1 p.m.
4th Annual Back to School Bash
Cobb Theatres Grove 16 & Cinebistro
6333 Wesley Grove Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL
Free school supplies, free games, face painting, health screens, free hair cuts

Saturday, August 11 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine's Annual Back to School Fair
Glazer Childrens Museum
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Live entertainment, informative speaker sessions, karaoke, games, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon artist, kids workshops, and a whole bunch of fun! There will be giveaways and prizes given every hour and the first 150 kids will receive a back to school bag with school supplies. Admission is $5 per person (free for museum members).

Sunday, August 19  8:10 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:20 a.m.
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Calvary Chapel Worship Center
6825 Trouble Creek Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
Free backpacks, school supplies, games, prizes, free hair cuts, gently used clothing, and more.  Register onsite the day of or call Olivia Masterson at (727) 376-7733 for more information.

2012 Florida Tax-Free Weekend - THIS Weekend!

 This weekend is Florida's sales tax holiday!  Shop Friday through Sunday for back-to-school supplies and clothing!  A list of tax-exempt items follows. tip2a01-02List

Pasco County Flood Warning Update - July 18

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Warning for Pasco County near the Anclote River at Elfers and Cypress Creek at Worthington Gardens in Zephyrhills. According to the NWS the Anclote flood stage will rise above the minor stage level of 20 feet this evening. The NWS states the river at Cypress Creek at Worthington Gardens will rise two feet (10.1) above the minor flood stage level through Friday.

The County’s Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at 4444 Grand Avenue (Corner of Grand and Trouble Creek Road), New Port Richey is open to assist residents. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. In addition, the Resident Information Center (RIC) is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following questions are frequently asked through the RIC’s information line at (727) 847-8959:

• Where can I go to get sandbags? Sand and bags are available at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center (3032 Collier Pkwy), Warder Road Public Works Facility (30906 Warder Rd., San Antonio, open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and the Public Works Administration building (7536 State St., New Port Richey). The facility is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring a shovel.

• If I have damage from the recent afternoon thunderstorms can I apply for Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) aid? Yes, according to FEMA you may be eligible for assistance. Please register with FEMA at (800) 621-FEMA (3362).

• Is there public transportation to the DRC? Yes, Pasco County Public Transportation Route 18 on Grand Boulevard has a bus stop and it’s located approximately 250 feet from the DRC.

Citizens are encouraged to follow the updated services online at www.pascocountyfl.net. On the site residents can register their damages and receive more information on storm debris collection. In addition, follow updates on Pasco County TV, Brighthouse 622 or Verizon 42, and like us on Facebook at Bringing Opportunities Home.

Seniors! Provide Input About Federal & State Funds for Senior Services

AAAPP Public Hearingpdf

Tropical Storm Debby - Storm Debris Removal Info

Pasco County and/or Grubbs Emergency Services, LLC, will begin picking up storm debris on Monday, July 9, starting in the Hudson area and gradually moving south to Elfers, Holiday and the Trinity area.  Debris pick up will last approximately 4 to 5 weeks, leaving citizens ample time to dispose of items that are water damaged.

Officials ask residents to separate storm-related debris from regular trash and put the debris in the public right of way. Limbs and branches, appliances and construction material such as carpeting should be separated. Residents of gated communities should place debris outside the gates in the public right of way. Hazardous waste should not be taken to the curb.

For information, call the county's Resident Information Center at (727) 847-8959 during weekday business hours.

For general storm-recovery information, visit https://newportrichey.recovers.org/