July 2017 - Pasco County [PDF]

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Jul 1, 2017 - press conference on May 31st to discuss how Pasco County residents can ... connected. Available for. iOS and. Android. 360 NEWSLETTER ... The push is on to get Pasco County recycling numbers way ... Businesses or citizens affected can call the Pasco County Customer Service line at 727.847.2411.
360 NEWSLETTER JULY 2017

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

Hurricane season underway: June 1st to Nov 30th Pasco County Administrator urges residents to prepare and stay informed

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Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles and Emergency Services Director Kevin Guthrie held a joint press conference on May 31st to discuss how Pasco County residents can prepare for the 2017 hurricane season. Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles talked about the first 30 days of his administration, and urged residents to stay informed during hurricane season by downloading the MyPasco Mobile App.

Click on the video above to view the full press conference.

“We are kicking off our campaign for Alert Pasco–a mass communication tool that you can sign up for on the MyPasco App,” said Kevin Guthrie. “This will allow you to get emergency notifications and severe weather alerts.”

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Guthrie talked about how you can prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, urging neighbors to stock up on supplies, get Flood Insurance, and review the 2017 Disaster Planning Guide (click image at right).

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For more information about hurricane preparations and how to stay informed about Pasco County, click here: http://bit.ly/2sevZzZ

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Public Safety Branch leadership changes Kevin Guthrie named Assistant Co. Admin. for Public Safety

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to name Kevin Guthrie Assistant County Administrator for the Public Safety Branch, effective June 12, 2017. This vote was based on the recommendation of County Administrator Dan Biles and was passed by the board during the June 6, 2017 regular BOCC meeting in Dade City.

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JULY 2017

Pasco County Utilities: Scam Alert Information to help protect customers from scammers

Pasco County Utilities is receiving complaints from customers who are being targeted by door-to-door scammers – demanding payment for services and threatening to immediately disconnect their water supply. Pasco County Utilities team members never go door-to-door to collect payment. “Informing Pasco County citizens and neighbors of scam tactics is the best defense in helping them to not fall victim to these types of scams,” said Pasco County Utilities Customer Service Administrator Sandra Anderson. “We encourage our customers to contact us if they ever have questions or concerns about their utility account.” The following is a list of warning signs and reminders to protect customers: Red Flags: • Someone asking for payment at your home • Pressure to make an immediate payment, usually within the hour • Aggressive or abusive language or demeanor Remember: • Pasco County team members do not collect payments at customers’ homes. • Pasco County team members will not pressure customers to make payments; only inform them a payment is due. • Payment requests will never result in same day disconnection.

Pasco County at your fingertips. Get the MyPasco App and stay connected. Available for iOS and Android.

Pasco County Utilities offers the following billing/payment options: • Payment by Phone: 1.844.450.3704 • Payment by Mail: P.O. Box 2139, New Port Richey, FL. 34656-2139 • Payment Online: https://pascoeasypay.pascocountyfl.net/ • Automatic Bank Draft: http://bit.ly/2rjzFCt • In person: Any Utilities Customer Service Center in Pasco County • Customers with delinquent accounts will receive advance disconnection notifications. • Customers who suspect or experience fraud, or who feel threatened, should contact local authorities and the Pasco County Utilities phone number listed on their bill.

Spotlight on Recycling Community Paper Recycling Program

The push is on to get Pasco County recycling numbers way up. Odds are you’re already paying for the service – you just need to use it!

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Learn more about Pasco County’s paper recycling program. You can recycle newspaper, cardboard, and other paper in our residential recycling program. Click here for more info.

360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

JULY 2017

Pasco County announces USA Flea Market closure Numerous code violations force shutdown

The USA Flea Market, at U.S. 19 and SR 52 in Hudson, was closed by Pasco County officials on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, after a lengthy investigation turned up hundreds of local and state building, fire, and electrical code violations. These violations posed a significant threat to life and safety.

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Pasco County is taking a new, proactive approach to code enforcement and public safety is our main priority. This is one of the first major actions Pasco County is taking under its new High Return Enforcement approach, which is a collaborative effort among several departments and agencies. Pasco County reached an Click to view the press conference announcing the closure of the USA Flea Market. agreement with the owner of the USA Flea Market on June 21, 2017. The owner agreed to demolish all buildings on the property by September 1, 2017. The agreement allows the owner the option of exploring possible future construction of a new, open-air flea market. Pasco County is dedicated to working with the affected vendors to help them secure other, safer places to do business. Businesses or citizens affected can call the Pasco County Customer Service line at 727.847.2411.

Beware of Unlicensed Contractors! Find out how you can protect yourself! Click to Learn

Click to view the video footage the County took of the code violations that led to the flea market shutdown.

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360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

JULY 2017

Groundbreaking Ceremony for new Fire Rescue Station 12

New, state-of-the-art Fire Station will serve Holiday area

Pasco County Fire Rescue held an official groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 for the new Fire Station 12, located at 4693 Mile Stretch Drive, Holiday, Florida. Speakers included Pasco County Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano, and Pasco County Fire Chief Scott Cassin. “This new station is going to be a huge asset to the Fire Rescue team and to the neighbors who live in the Holiday area,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “These improvements will help fire crews attend to the needs of the community in a more effective way.” “We are very excited about the future of this facility as it becomes Pasco County’s newest fire station,” said Fire Chief Scott Cassin. “The new Fire Rescue Station 12 will be more than 1,100 square feet larger than the old station and is being built on a significantly larger piece of property. This state-of -the-art firehouse is a much-needed addition to an area that’s seeing an ever-growing call volume.” The new Fire Station 12 will be an 8,110 square foot, stateof-the-art facility, housing nine firefighters per shift. The three-bay station will hold an engine, rescue truck, tanker truck and brush truck – with room for an additional rescue unit, if needed. The existing station, located just down the street at 4602 Mile Stretch Drive, was built in 1971. It is 6,916 square feet and houses five personnel per shift. The existing station has two bays, housing a rescue truck and engine. The new Fire Station 12 will be outfitted with advanced hot water and air systems, a workout area for fire crews, kitchen and bedroom areas and additional storage for crew members on shift. Firefighters will also have custom, air-conditioned gear lockers and an extractor for advanced gear cleaning. To read the full article, please click here.

Pasco Co. Fire Station 39 reopens after bat infestation

Bat colony causes safety concerns; station back open after temporary closing

Pasco County Fire Rescue temporarily closed Fire Station 39 on Friday, June 9, 2017, located at 11630 County Line Road, in Hudson, Florida due to a bat colony inhabiting the building. The station reopened on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

All bats have been removed and proactive measures have been taken to ensure that the bats will not enter back into the living quarters through any of the pre-existing openings that have now been sealed. Bats had been living on the property for several years and efforts to keep them away from the building were ongoing. In early June, several bats were found inside the building, creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions. The station was cleaned and disinfected and all ceiling tiles that were affected have been replaced. Pasco Fire Rescue has also empowered the station commanders to keep the bay doors shut in order to deter any bats from entering the bay area.

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360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

JULY 2017

Gulf Coast Highway to get median makeover

Dump the Pump Day celebrated by PCPT

Pasco County Engineering Services is beginning the median landscape design work for the unincorporated areas of the Gulf Coast Highway (U.S. 19) in Pasco County. The project spans a 20 mile corridor and includes 9.4 miles of sodded and concrete medians and will be paid for, in part, through a $1,000,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The Pasco County Public Transportation Department (PCPT) joined public transportation systems nationwide to take part in the 12th annual National Dump the Pump Day. To celebrate, PCPT offered free rides on all regular bus routes on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

$1M grant kicks-off U.S. 19 landscape project

12th Annual ‘Dump the Pump’ Day

National Dump the Pump Day encourages everyone to use public transportation to get where they need to go, instead of driving a car. Public transportation is a convenient and safe travel option that can help you save money.

The design project is an opportunity for Pasco County to enhance areas along the Gulf Coast Highway, furthering the beautification initiatives in the Harbors West Market Redevelopment Plan developed by the Planning and Development Department.

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a two-person household can save over $9,000 a year by downsizing to one car and using public transportation. By using public transportation, APTA also says we can reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline a year and reduce carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons a year.

The median design work will encompass the entire length of the corridor; however, the FDOT funding will only cover one-third of the total construction cost, which is estimated at $3,500,000. This first phase of the project will include construction and plantings along primary and secondary gateways on the corridor. Primary gateways extend from the Pinellas County line to Flora Avenue and from Krysher Lane to the Hernando County line. The secondary gateways extend from Flora Avenue to north of S.R. 54 and south of Race Track Road to Krysher Lane.

To learn more about Pasco County Public Transportation, including bus routes, transportation news and schedules visit the PCPT website at: http://www.ridepcpt.com.

The project consultant is Ayres Associates; Terra Tectonics Design Group is a sub-consultant. Project design is underway and Phase 1 construction is expected to begin in early summer, 2018. To learn more about Pasco County Engineering Services, click here: http://bit.ly/2rKgqmi.

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Video Spotlight Love fishing? Pasco County has some of the best flats fishing in Florida! Check out the Johnson Invitational Flats Fishing Tournament on the Cotee River with Commissioner Mike Wells. Click below to view video.

360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

Pasco County receives Distinguished Budget Award

JULY 2017

Highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners’ Office of Management and Budget was honored with the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its FY 2017 budget. This award, which Pasco County last received in 1989, is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. “This award is a significant achievement for Pasco County,” said Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles. “One of the things that attracted me to Pasco County is its record of excellence in governing, and this award confirms this organization’s commitment to providing our neighbors with the best possible service.” A panel of independent reviewers examined Pasco County’s annual budget document. In order to receive the budget award, the County had to satisfy nationally-recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: • A policy document • A financial plan • An operations guide • A communications device Budget documents must be rated proficient in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Each organization that submits a budget document receives reviewer comments and suggestions for possible improvements. For that reason, more than 1,600 organizations participate in the GFOA’s Budget Award Program. The most recent award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients pioneer efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. To learn more about the Pasco County Office of Management and Budget, click here: http://bit.ly/2rUAhLI. For more information about the Government Finance Officers Association, click here: www.gfoa.org.

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360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

‘Navigation Center’ stakeholder meetings held in June Public meetings to discuss plans for homeless resource facility

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners hosted two public stakeholder meetings to discuss plans for a new homeless ‘Navigation Center’ at 8239 Youth Lane in Port Richey.

JULY 2017 PASCO ANIMAL SERVICES

Pet Adoption CENTER

Call Pasco County Animal Services Department to Adopt: LAND O’ LAKES • 813-929-1212 NEW PORT RICHEY • 727-834-3216 DADE CITY • 352-521-5194

The meetings were held at the West Pasco Government Center Board Room in New Port Richey, Florida on June 7 and June 14, 2017.

Click to visit the Pasco Animal Services Website

The Navigation Center will provide resources for homeless citizens out of two buildings at the Port Richey site, including assistance with jobs, housing, basic necessities, substance abuse and mental health issues.

See the newest pets available on Pasco TV at 7:30 am, 7:30 pm, and 11:30 pm. Frontier ch 42 Spectrum ch 643

Click here to see the Pasco County Navigation Center Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/2qcXMDf.

Some of the pets awaiting forever homes!

The Navigation Center is a partnership among several community agencies, including the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, the United Way of Pasco, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Pasco County Housing Authority.

Cathy Pearson, Assistant County Administrator for Public Services, is interviewed by Greg Smithwick of So Local Pasco about the new homeless Navigation Center. Click above to view video.

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Blossom • 35379462

Emma • 33789992

Tony • 33469049

Elfeba • 34792001

Scarlett • 35425462

Virginia • 35610612

360 NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of Pasco County Government

JULY 2017

Pasco County is honored with 4 National Achievement Awards National Association of Counties (NACo) recognizes Pasco County’s Achievements

Pasco County is honored with four (4) National Association of Counties (NACo) 2017 Achievement Awards. Nationally, awards are given in 18 categories reflecting the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.

Pasco County Government received honors for projects that include: • Using Customer Data to Improve Performance • Proactive Program Planning • Degree Alternative Program • Leadership Development Program “Counties overcome complex challenges, provide essential services and constantly do more with less,” said NACo President Bryan Desloge. “We applaud these Achievement Award-winning counties for outstanding efforts to improve residents’ quality of life.” “We are honored that NACo is recognizing Pasco County with four National Achievement awards,” said Dr. Marc Bellas, Organizational P e r f o r m a n c e Management Director. Leadership Development Program “This validates the work Class of 2017 we have been doing to reinvent local government, as we push back against the way it’s always been done and innovate everywhere possible. The goal is to more positively impact the lives of our citizens with more efficient and effective programs and services.” The awards will be handed out at the 2017 NACo Achievement Awards Luncheon on July 23, 2017 at NACo’s Annual Conference and Exposition in Franklin County (Columbus), Ohio. To read the full story, click here.

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Contact Pasco County: 727.847.2411 352.523.2411 813.996.2411 www.pascocountyfl.net

The Pasco 360 Newsletter is a collaborative effort from the following: • County Administrator: Dan Biles • Editor & Writer: Doug Tobin • Editor, Writer & Videographer: Tambrey Laine • Design & Layout Editor: Bob Harrison • Communications Intern: Katherine Welch

Your Opinion Matters to Us! Send us your questions or comments Click to email [email protected]