Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasco County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in environment with high priority
Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan — wetlands classification and public outreach
Residents worry the draft Pasco 2050 plan adds housing density when earlier public surveys asked for more open space and less density. They want a well-advertised public workshop before anything is approved.
Mandatory street trees and county tree canopy
A sweeping rewrite of Section 802 adds a 20% canopy preservation requirement and preservation incentives. Commissioners want the $3,500-per-acre cap raised or eliminated and fees tied to inflation; final vote February 17.
Sinkhole and aquifer protection on the Kitten Trail site
Dozens of speakers raised fears about aquifer depletion, wells going dry, and flooding — citing Hurricane Milton damage and drought restrictions. The county's own commissioner noted the drought scare is real even as staff defended the project's water permitting.
Rocky Sink flooding and riparian flow
Resident Alan Rose warned that Rocky Sink already flows backwards from upstream development and that new projects will flood Crane's Roost, Bass Lake, Golden Acres and Tanglewood. Commissioners promised to study the Tanglewood spillway and coordinate on drainage.
Sewage dumping in District 5 canals
Commissioner Mariano raised a Facebook report of people dumping raw sewage into a canal in his district at night, likely from RVs. The board directed staff to convene a meeting with the Department of Environmental Protection and consider water quality testing.
Flooding and stormwater in the SR 52 corridor
Longtime neighbors testified water from this property has reached homes during past storms. Staff explained the developer must show post-development runoff doesn't exceed pre-development levels, permitted by the water management district and the county.