News
Window on Pasco, June 30
TBO.com
Published: June 30, 2012
WESLEY CHAPEL - Gasoline prices fall below $3Published: June 30, 2012
After a spike of about 75 cents in gasoline prices this year, some West Pasco stations were selling gas for as low as $2.97 per gallon of regular unleaded Thursday.
The last time local gasoline prices were below the $3 threshold was January 2011, more than 18 months ago.
Gas prices here peaked around $3.85 a gallon in April, before tumbling because of the faltering economy and other factors.
Body floating in floodwaters identified
A man's body was found floating Wednesday in Anclote River floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Debby, Pasco Sheriff's Office reported.
On Thursday, authorities identified the man as David Glenn Huntley, a white male, 46, a transient who most recently was staying at 3826 Galt St., New Port Richey
The body was spotted in an area at 3850 Elfers Parkway, which runs along the river and is in an area that was evacuated Tuesday because of flooding.
Foul play is not suspected, officials said, but Huntley's death is still under investigation.
Weather cooperates for Main Street Blast
After the drenching last weekend from Tropical Storm Debby, weather conditions appear very favorable for Main Street Blast in downtown New Port Richey today, Saturday.
Fireworks will light up the night sky at the conclusion of the annual event.
Greater New Port Richey Main Street is planning a full slate of activities for the Independence Day festival, which will take place from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. in Sims Park.
The 2012 patriotic celebration, in its 14th year, will likely draw 10,000 to 12,000 spectators, according to Beth Louise Fregger, the Main Street executive director.
SPCA official takes post with PACE
After more than three years, Gail Armstrong is leaving as executive director of SPCA Suncoast to take a post with PACE Center for Girls.
Armstrong's last day with the animal shelter at 7734 Congress St. is today. The SPCA board hasn't chosen a replacement yet.
Armstrong will become an education director for the Hudson-based PACE Center. The institution helps troubled teen girls turn around their lives.
River Ridge's LiCalsi wins 2nd national title
Alexis LiCalsi won her second national weightlifting title Sunday in Dearborn, Mich.
The River Ridge High senior won the 63-kilogram (135-pound) title in the USA Weightlifting School Age competition. She won the girls 16- and 17-year-old class.
LiCalsi had a 69 kilogram(151.8 pounds) snatch and an 86 kilogram (190 pounds) clean and jerk.
LiCalsi won her first national title last year in Georgia.
"I think it's great,'' said River Ridge girls weightlifting coach Mike DeGennaro.
"I am just grateful that I could come here to lift, and that Coach DeGennaro; my mom, Kathy; and my twin sister, Amber, were there to watch," LiCalsi said.
Pasco officials rescind evacuation order
Pasco County officials decided Wednesday afternoon to close the shelter at Chasco Elementary as residents began returning home.
If the 12 evacuees at Chasco could not get to their homes because of flooding, then they were taken to Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, in Hudson.
Pasco County rescinded the mandatory evacuation order for residents and businesses affected by flooding between the Anclote and Pithlachascotee Rivers.
S.R. 54 was reopened, but traffic trouble spots Thursday still included eastbound Ridge Road at U.S. 19.
Meanwhile, Pasco officials have asked the state to assist in a Joint Damage Assessment to determine if the county is eligible for federal damage assistance.
Residents who still need assistance should call the Resident Information Center at (727) 847-8959.
Bilirakis plans outreach meeting
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, will hold his monthly community outreach meeting 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road.
Constituents are invited to raise any issues, concerns, or requests with Bilirakis' staff. For more information, contact Bilirakis' district office at (727) 773-2871 or go online to www.bilirakis.house.gov.
Scammers follow in storms' wake
When disaster strikes, so do scammers, officials warn in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby.
Pasco Sheriff's Office leaders said Thursday residents should beware of potential rip-offs. Downed trees, roof damage and standing water all are things crooks promise to clean up, but don't, according to law enforcement and consumer groups in Pasco and other counties.
Some red flags are:
Governor speaks at Republican dinner
Gov. Rick Scott will deliver the keynote address at the Pasco Republican party's 2012 Reagan Day Dinner on Friday. This is the first time a sitting governor has given the featured speech at the event.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush once gave the keynote, "but that was after he left office," Bunting said.
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