Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pasco County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in parks rec
Orange Belt Trail route through Dade City
The board locked in the trail alignment into Dade City after debating safety near I-75 versus cost; a missing link near St. Leo will be studied for possible acquisition.
Gulf Harbors park assessment
Gulf Harbors homeowners will keep paying $100 a year for ten years to pay back the fund transfer that pays for neighborhood park improvements.
Orange Belt Trail Alignments
The 37-mile trail study was continued to September 9; a bicycle-pedestrian advocate urged approval of the staff-recommended alignments and preserved his right to speak then.
Parks MSTU City Opt-In
The Parks MSTU ordinance was amended so cities can opt in to the taxing unit, setting up future park funding partnerships with municipalities.
Park cabins and camping fees
A $1.5 million plan to build six cabins at a park drew pushback: Commissioners Mariano, Weightman and Starkey suggested cheaper, storm-resilient FEMA surplus trailers and expanding RV hookups instead. Staff will do a cost and ROI analysis and bring options back.
America's 250th anniversary events
The county and its cities are planning a slate of free America's 250th events from May through July 4, including fireworks, a speaker series, and touch-a-truck, plus a resident push for patriotic flags on county intersections.
Matt Call Memorial Fields naming
Commissioner Starkey proposed naming the Starkey Ranch District Park fields after Matt Call, the late developer partner who put together the first P4 park deal in the country. Staff will bring a naming policy back before formal approval.