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.

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.

5th of July Fireworks!

Dade City has rescheduled its Sparklebration fireworks display to TONIGHT, Thursday, July 5, since last night's fireworks were abruptly interrupted due to a staff member's injury shortly after they began.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is FREE!  Food and entertainment will be available. The fireworks will begin at 9:15.

Mothers Day Weekend Happenings

21st Annual Mothers Day Powwow
May 11-13, 2012
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL 33525
$3 donation to enter, children 12 and younger are FREE!  Gates open at 9:00 AM daily.  Food, fun, Native American music and dancing, and much more!

Many Bay Area attractions and restaurants are offering freebies for moms on Mothers Day weekend!  Highlights include free admission for mom at Lowry Park Zoo, the Florida Aquarium, and MOSI.  Click on the link below for all the details:
Freebies for Moms

Pasco County Area Egg Hunts and Springtime Fun!

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

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 7


Publix Easter Egg Hunt
Publix - Apex
16560 N. Nebraska Ave. (U.S. 41)
Lutz, FL
(813) 264-5590
7:00 a.m.
For all of those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed bunnies, here is an egg hunt to set your alarms for!

5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Hugh Embry Library
14215 Fourth St.
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-3576
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Pre-Kindergarten and elementary school children are invited to join in a Spring egg hunt (NOTE: children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver). See how many candy-filled eggs you can find, sing songs, and get a balloon from Silly Sam. The hunt starts at 10 a.m. Don’t forget to bring your Easter basket! 

Easter Eggstravaganza
New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center
6630 Van Buren Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
(727) 841-4560
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FREE Admission
Bunny Splash
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
$3 per person
Egg hunts, games, candy, and visit the Easter Bunny at both events.

Easter Eggstravaganza
Tarpon Springs Sports Complex
150 Jasmine Ave.
Tarpon Springs, FL
(727) 942-5628
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FREE Admission
Egg hunts, pony rides, coloring contests, visits with the Easter Bunny, and more!

Jellybean Jamboree
Land O' Lakes Community Center
5104 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
Land O' Lakes, FL
(813) 929-1229
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
$1 per person admission
Candy scrambles for different age groups, unlimited train rides, and refreshments.
 
Little Sunshine Spring Festival
Little Sunshine Preschool
9316 Little Rd.
New Port Richey, FL
(727) 868-9100
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
FREE Admission
Food, crafts, games, raffles, face painting, school supply drive, Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts, & more! Proceeds benefit the Foundation for Early Learning in Pasco and Hernando Counties. 

It's County Fair Time Again!

If you haven't had the chance (or the gas money) to make it to the Florida State Fair, then next week is your chance to enjoy all things deep fried and/or thrill ride right here in Pasco County. The 65th annual Pasco County Fair starts up Monday, February 20, 2012 at the county fairgrounds in Dade City and runs through Sunday, February 26.

Gate admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-12. Children 5 years old and younger are FREE! Unlimited ride wristbands will be available daily as well - discounted advance sale wristbands are available at participating Pasco County Walgreens locations through tomorrow, February 19.

As always, there will be deep fried food, livestock barns, and entertainment (racing pigs, anyone?). For more information, including a schedule of events and a listing of performers, visit the Pasco County Fair's website.

Salvation Army begins free lunch program in Dade City - Tampa Bay Times

Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? The Salvation Army has started a Brown Bag Lunch program at their Dade City service center. They are currently providing the free lunch once a week, but may expand the program to daily, if they receive enough support. The lunch consists of a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water.

Donations of food or money can be brought to the Salvation Army service center at 14445 Seventh St. in Dade City. Organizer Dennis Klinger said he needs fruit for the lunches most. For more information, click on the link below.

Salvation Army begins free lunch program in Dade City - Tampa Bay Times

Dade City Kumquat Festival - Saturday, January 28

If you want something fun and family-friendly to do this weekend, check out Dade City's annual Kumquat Festival, Saturday, January 28, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in historic downtown Dade City. 

Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival™ , held the last Saturday in January each year, has become extremely popular for its homegrown, family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can listen to local entertainment, get their face painted, look at antique cars, and shop for arts and crafts. There are also 5k and 10k races/walks and a recipe contest where you can invent or re-invent your favorite dishes using kumquats. Participants recipes will be published in our Kumquat Festival™ Cookbook, available for sale at the festival. Our BBQ Dinner and Kumquat Growers' Open House are part of the festivities that round out our Kumquat Festival™ month in January.

For more information please call the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at 352-567-3769 or visit the Kumquat Festival 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.

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.

Fall Fun in Pasco County!

We're beginning to get some relief from summer's heat and humidity, so why not enjoy our Florida Fall with a weekend activity with the family?  Several festivals and events happen in the area in October.  Here are just a few:

Saturday, October 3
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1st Annual Hummingbird (& Beyond) Festival
Pioneer Florida Museum & Village
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0262 or www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org
Plant sales, hummingbird & butterfly gardens, arts & crafts, children's activities and more!

Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11
29th Annual Spooks 'N' Scoots
Sertoma Youth Ranch
85 Myers Rd.
Dade City, FL
(813) 626-0589 or www.abateflorida.com
Live bands, games, children's activities, food & drinks and more.

Saturday, October 10
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Scarecrow Festival
Meridian Ave & 6th Street
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0284 or www.dadecitymainstreet.org
Kids come downtown and make your own scarecrow!  Scarecrows are available for 50 cents or $1, but supplies are limited, so go early and bring your own scarecrow clothes!  Carnival activities and more.

Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11
Silver Hawk Native American Flute Gathering
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL
(352) 567-0264
Enjoy Native American flute music, arts & crafts and Native food.

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.