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.

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!

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

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.

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.

Movie on the Beach - May 11, 2012

Movie+on+the+Beach

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

Paddling Pasco - Trip #3 - Sunday, February 19, 2012

The next Paddling Pasco kayak and canoe trip is now planned for Sunday, February 19th. We will be launching at Oelsner Park again and this time going up river all the way to Grey’s Preserve on Plathe Road. The trip should take between 2.25 to 2.75 hours and we may take a short stop at Sims Park to stretch. First part of the trip we will discuss some history of the area and see a variety of life styles along the river. Once we get to Francis Avenue Park nature tries to take over and we will be viewing a bit of old Florida and hopefully some wildlife.


Itinerary: Drop boats off at Oelsner Park by 8:30 am and drive to Grey’s Preserve and park your vehicle. Last shuttle will leave Grey’s Preserve, going to Oelsner Park at 9 am. We plan to launch by 9:30 am.

To register please call the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 727-834-3278 or 813-929-2760 with the following information: interest and level of commitment, number of paddlers, provide contact # and email, how many will be riding the shuttle (logistics is a big issue if a lot of paddlers register).

Other:

· Please bring a completed waiver with you on the day of the trip and turn it in.

· Look for emails on the Thursday or Friday before the trip for important information, such as cancellation due to severe weather.

· We still have some Paddling Pasco T-shirts with logo on front and logo and map on the back for $10. Please advise if you want one when you register. Funds go into a donation account to support this program.

· Rentals may be available if there is a significant 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.

· Any questions, please let us know.

Paddling Pasco - January 14, 2012 Excursion

Paddling Pasco Blueways Program

Hosted by the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department. This is the second of a series of excursions which will cover the entire coastal Pasco Blueways Trail System from Anclote to Aripeka including the Anclote and Pithlachascotee Rivers.

Date: Saturday January 14, 2012.


Oelsner Park on Miller’s Bayou to Robert K. Rees Memorial Park (AKA Green Key)


We will meet at Oeslner Park at 3 pm to off load boats, then drive to Rees Park and catch shuttle back to Oelsner to launch just before 4pm. Paddle west out the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River and then south to Rees Park as the sun sets. (5:46 pm). Arrive at Green Key at around sunset. Enjoy a small bonfire on the beach for a short time (1/2 hour or so) or load up and head home. The trip is approximately 4 miles and is anticipated to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on the water.

As tide allows (high tide is at 4pm) we will hug the coastline in shallow water. The first portion of the trip is on the Cotee River lined with some expensive Homes, Restaurants, Marinas and docks. Once we head south the shoreline becomes natural with mostly mangroves and the coastline becomes shallow with sand or sea grass bottom depending on the depth of the water. There are several inlets and bayous to explore at a later date. During this paddle there is a good chance to see some coastal wildlife including:

Birds – Bald Eagles, Osprey, Pelicans, White Ibis, Cormorants, Anhinga, Great White Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Sea Gulls, Black Skimmers, Wood Storks, Kingfishers, Night Herons, Snowy Egrets, Black Vultures and Redwing Blackbirds.
Sea Life – Dolphins, Stingrays, Blue Crabs, Horseshoe Crabs, Fiddler Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Conches, Barnacles and Oysters, Sheephead, Red Fish, Mullet, Sharks, Speckled Trout, Pin Fish, Jellyfish and Needle Fish.

All participants will be required to sign a participation agreement and waiver to:

1. Provide own kayak or canoe. Please contact us if a rental is needed.

2. Wear a life jacket/PFD when on the water.

3. Be at least 16 years old or with parent or guardian.

4. Provide own drinks and snacks. No alcoholic beverages.

5. Assume all risks and be solely responsible for their property, safety and well-being. Complete the attached participation waiver and turn it in at the start.

6. Follow the instructions of the trip leaders.

Cost is $2 per vehicle for a park parking pass to support the County Parks and Recreation system. Paddling Pasco Tee Shirts are available for $10.00 to support the County’s Greenways, Trails and Blueways programming however there is a limited # available so please let us know if you are interested.  This money will be collected at start.

For more information and to register for this program, please contact the Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department at 727-834-3278 or 813-929-2760.

If you plan to participate, please contact us and register by providing your name, phone number and email address, so that we can prepare adequately. This is a moderate paddle unless the wind is strong. We will stay in touch as the program comes closer to make adjustments and provide additional information as needed and in case weather becomes an issue.

Senior Resource Fair - Friday, October 21

Free Senior Resource Fair
Friday, October 21, 2011
10 a.m. - noon
Madison Square Special Event Center
4035 Madison St.
New Port Richey, FL

Hosted by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis

More than 15 nonprofit and government agencies will provide numerous free services for seniors, including blood pressure checks, diabetes testing, hearing testing and bone density checks. Information also will be available on nutrition, prescription drug coverage, respite and Alzheimer's care needs, employment information, and veterans' services. For information, call (727) 773-2871.

Career Fair - TOMORROW August 25 - Land O' Lakes

A career fair is being held this Thursday, August 25 from 10 am - 1 pm at the Rasmussen College Land O’ Lakes campus. They are located on SR 54 at the intersection of Sunlake Blvd which is east of the Suncoast Parkway. The actual address is 18600 Fernview Street Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638. Below is a current list of vendors that will be attending:

AFLAC
All Brides 2 Be
Arbonne
Avon
Bayshore Health Services
Best Buy
Boys & Girls Club
Brighthouse
Career Central
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce
Close to my Heart
Eastern Research
Fifth Third Bank
Guardian Ad Litem
HIM Association
Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa/Port Richey
Lowe's
Magnolia Manor Assisted Living
Mary Kay
McDonald's
Northwestern Mutual
Pasco Co. Clerk & Comptroller
Pasco Sheriff
Peninsula Care and Rehab
Pride Placement
Regions Bank
Scentsy Wickless Candles
Spherion Nature Coast
SunTrust Bank
The Homecare Team
Thirty-One Gifts
US Army
Verizon Cellular
Wells Fargo

Please direct any questions you may have to the following Rasmussen College contact:

Alicia M. Coppley
Program Manager
Rasmussen College - Land O' Lakes
813-435-3611 (Direct)
alicia.coppley@rasmussen.edu
www.Rasmussen.edu

Free Dentistry Day - February 11, 2011

Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry will be holding their 10th Annual Dentistry From the Heart event on Friday, February 11, 2011!  This annual event offers free basic dental work for anyone over the age of 18 on a first-come, first served basis and helps hundreds of people a year.  Arriving early is recommended, some people even camp out overnight!

10th Anniversary Event For Dentistry From The Heart!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Monticciolo Family & Sedation Dentistry
4530 Grand Boulevard
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Extractions, fillings and cleanings will be offered at this event.

Coral Reef Seminar - Thursday, January 20, 2011

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.