PCLS Outreach Services

From the Sun to Pluto - Family-Friendly 5k - February 4, 2012

2012-01-27T16:37:00.000-05:00

Dade City Kumquat Festival - Saturday, January 28

2012-01-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

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.

How to Find Your Local Post Office's Phone Number

2011-12-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

If you have ever tried to find a local phone number for your neighborhood Post Office, you know it can be frustrating. Fortunately, the phone numbers are available on the USPS website, if you know where to look.

First, go to the main USPS website (www.usps.com). Then, click on "Find Locations" on the left side of the screen. This will bring you to a search page where you can type in the ZIP code or city and state you want. A search will bring up a list of post offices in that area. Don't stop here, although you only see the 877 main toll-free number for the USPS. Click on the name of the post office that you want to contact. This will bring up a map of the location and the local phone number.

You can CLICK HERE for a direct link to the Post Office location finder.

Paddling Pasco - January 14, 2012 Excursion

2011-12-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

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.

Pasco County Cold Weather Shelters

2011-11-18T14:26:00.001-05:00

Pasco County Cold Weather Shelters

Apply NOW for Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program

2011-11-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

Applications are being accepted through Friday, November 11 for the Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program. The program provides a holiday food box to adults and a food box and/or Christmas toys to families with children. All applicants must provide the following: a valid driver's license or state-issued ID, a Social Security card for all family members, birth certificates if a child's last name is not the same as the applicant's, guardianship papers if the applicant is a child's appointed guardian, proof of income, and proof of Pasco County residency. For information, call Jean Coulter at (727) 847-6321, ext. 101.

Senior Resource Fair - Friday, October 21

2011-10-20T14:28:00.000-04:00

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.

Business Growth Conference - Thurs., Nov. 3

2011-10-01T10:21:00.004-04:00

2011 Business Growth Conference
Where: Pasco Hernando Community College - NPR Campus
10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654
Date: Thursday, November 3,2011
Time: 8:30 am -4:00 am

Grow and Nurture Your Business

November 3, 2011
8:30 am – 3 pm

Pasco-Hernando Community College
Conference Center
10230 Ridge Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654

The Business Growth Conference will feature workshops designed specifically for small business owners on topics including finance, online media, marketing, technology and more! This one-day conference will also include informative and inspiring speakers and small business resources.

Who should attend:

Community & Civic Leaders
Entrepreneurs
Established Business Owners
Entrepreneur Support Organizations
Business Support Organizations
Economic Development Organizations
Educational Institutions
All who support or are involved in the entrepreneurial community

Speakers Include:

Joe Falanga, MilitaryParts.com
Jody Haneke, Haneke Design
Richard Harris, Digital Lightbridge
Fran Korosec, GrowFL
Sidd Pagidipati, Chamber.com
Chris Paradise, Fowler White Boggs
Steve Quello, Grow FL
Kelley Rexroad, krexconsulting

Break-Out Session Topics Include:

Finance
Importing/Exporting
HR Assistance
Mobile Marketing
Business Plan Help
Social Media

Partnered with:

Sponsors:

Job Fair - Saturday, Oct. 1 - New Port Richey

2011-09-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Senator Fasano and State Representative Corcoran Job Fair
Saturday, Oct 1 11:00a to 2:00p
at Mitchell High School, New Port Richey, FL

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

In keeping with our promise to create jobs and promote economic growth, please join us on Saturday, October 1st for our 1st annual Job Fair hosted by our offices. The time is from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

We except 50 - 60 companies to participate!

For more information, please contact the district office at 727-816-1580.

We hope to see you there!

Career Fair - TOMORROW August 25 - Land O' Lakes

2011-08-24T10:44:00.000-04:00

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

Pasco County Student Health Fair

2011-07-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

Pasco County Student Health Fair

Donate school supplies for kids at Hospice thrift stores - St. Petersburg Times

2011-07-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's time to think about Back to School?! Next time you're at your favorite office supply or big box store, pick up some school supplies to help kids get off on the right foot in school this August. Gulfside Regional Hospice Thrift Shoppes will collect school supplies for the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 15 through Aug. 15 (closed Sundays). Needed supplies include backpacks for younger and older children, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, folders, glue sticks, markers, pencil cases, pencils and scissors. Anyone who donates gets 25 percent off a thrift store purchase. For store information and contact info, click on the link below!

Donate school supplies for kids at Hospice thrift stores - St. Petersburg Times

GreenFiber Paper Recycling

2011-07-07T16:19:00.001-04:00

Green Fiber Paper Program-Web

It's Fireworks Time!

2011-06-29T16:35:00.004-04:00

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.

Discount Medication

2011-05-19T15:17:00.000-04:00

Everything costs more in today's economy. Gas prices continue to skyrocket, grocery bills increase every week and the price of everything else is rising exponentially. We need all the discounts we can get.

NeedyMeds is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 as a resource for people who need help with the cost of medicine. Their website that offers links to pharmaceutical assistance programs and also offers links to manufacturer's coupons for prescription and over-the-counter medications. The free NeedyMeds drug discount card is free and offers up to a 75% discount on prescriptions with no financial, age, or residency restrictions. Visit NeedyMeds.org for more information or to download the discount card.

Diabetes Alert Day - Free Lectures

2011-03-09T17:25:00.000-05:00

FREE DIABETES LECTURES
Wednesday, March 30

Land O' Lakes Library
2818 Collier Parkway
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639

Join University Community Health's Diabetes & Endocrinology Institute for a free presentation about diabetes in recognition of the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Alert Day.

Sessions will be led by Certified Diabetes Educators. Free Diabetes Risk Tests will also be offered to participants.

Overview of Pre-Diabetes & Diabetes: Are You at Risk?

Find out who is at risk, how to prevent diabetes, and what Medicare and most insurances will cover if you have diabetes.
Presented by: Melina Rathbun, RN, CDE
10:00-10:45 a.m.

Supermarket Survival

Learn what to choose from at the supermarket with less sugar, fat, and less cost for the entire family and what to look for on labels.
Presented by: Jodee Meisenhelder, RD, CDE, PhD
11:00-11:45 a.m.

Refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is requested. Please call (813) 929-1214 to register.

Movie in the Park on Friday

2011-02-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

If you live in West Pasco and you're looking for a fun, free event on Friday, February 18, come on over to Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey for a free guitar concert and showing of the classic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

The concert begins at 5:30 and the movie starts at 6:30. In case of bad weather, the events will be held in Peace Hall.

Donations Needed for BookWorks Literacy Program

2011-01-27T13:31:00.000-05:00

Goodwill's BookWorks childhood literacy program's children's book drive starts Feb. 1 and runs through March 15. People in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando and Marion counties are asked to donate new or like-new books for children ages 2 to 5.

Volunteers for Goodwill's BookWorks program read to children at Head Start centers. Each child also gets a book to take home. This book drive will supply the program during the upcoming year. To donate books, attach a note indicating they are "For BookWorks" and drop them off at any Goodwill-Suncoast store or donation site. For store and donation site locations, call 1-888-279-1988, or go to www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

To volunteer as a reader, call Goodwill Community Relations coordinator Jinnie Kerdi at 1-888-279-1988, ext. 1013 or email volunteers@goodwill-suncoast.com.

Free Dentistry Day - February 11, 2011

2011-01-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-15T13:07:00.001-05:00

Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway on Friday for needy families - St. Petersburg Times

2010-12-15T10:55:00.001-05:00

If you are in (or can get to) the Trinity area on Friday, December 17, 2010, the annual Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway is taking place at Generations Christian Church, located at 1540 Little Road. This event provides fresh food for a full holiday dinner for approximately 500 families in need. Sponsored in part by state Sen. Mike Fasano and state Reps John Legg and Richard Corcoran.

What: Holiday Food Giveaway
When: Friday, December 17, 2010 - 10 a.m. until 12 noon
Where: Generations Christian Church, 1540 Little Road, New Port Richey.
Click below or call Sen. Fasano's office at (727) 848-5885 for more details.

Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway on Friday for needy families - St. Petersburg Times

Senior Safety Phone Project

2010-11-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

Old Cell Phones Can Be Lifeline for Seniors

Donate your old cell phones to the Senior Safety Phone Project, which provides seniors in Pinellas and Pasco counties with free emergency cell phones. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco – Pinellas collects donated cell phones, tests and charges the phones, and then distributes them to seniors in the community. For a full list of the donation and distribution sites in Pasco and Pinellas counties, please call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-96ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Free Financial Friday - Nov. 5

2010-10-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

FFF+flyer+(2)

Candlelight Vigil - October 28

2010-10-07T16:54:00.000-04:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join Sunrise of Pasco Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center for the 14th Annual Candlelight Vigil as they come together to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Thursday, October 28, 2010
6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
7050 Gall Blvd.
Zephyrhills, FL 33541

For more information, call Sunrise of Pasco at (352) 567-1681 or visit sunrisepasco.org.

Homebuyer Fair - Saturday, October 2

2010-09-30T14:14:00.001-04:00

If you are in the market for a new house in Pasco County, check out the Homebuyer Fair this Saturday, October 2, at the West Pasco Government Center, located at 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, Florida. The Fair will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will include educational seminars in English and Spanish, as well as the Homebuyer Education Class that is required to receive housing purchase assistance through Pasco County. Several real estate agencies, banks, and other realty concerns will have informational booths set up, and door prizes will be available. For more information, call (727) 834-3445 or click on the link below.

Homebuyer Fair will help families find housing