New Port Richey cyclist to ride in Pan-Mass Challenge for cancer research
Barry Davis of New Port Richey will join thousands of riders in this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge, a two-day bike-a-thon across Massachusetts that raises money for cancer research and care.
The event runs Aug. 1-2 and benefits the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Organizers hope to raise more than $79 million, and for the 20th straight year, every rider-raised dollar will go directly to the hospital.
Davis will be among more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers from 47 states and 12 countries. Riders tackle routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles.
Since its founding in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the institute’s largest single donor.
To support Davis’ ride, visit profile.pmc.org/BD0003. To register or learn more, go to pmc.org.
Zephyrhills site to host World Skydiving Day jumps July 11
ZEPHYRHILLS — Thrill-seekers can chase a world record without leaving the area next month.
The third annual World Skydiving Day takes place Saturday, July 11, and Skydive City Z-Hills in Zephyrhills will be among the sites taking part. The global event invites first-timers and seasoned jumpers to log skydives, with each jump counting toward the worldwide total.
Organizers are aiming to top the record set in 2024, when participants completed 30,351 jumps across 51 countries in a single day. Last year, 334 people jumped at the Zephyrhills site.
Skydivers can jump as many times as they want, and those who take part can order a certificate marking the day. To be counted, participants must submit proof of their jump at worldskydivingday.com.
A list of other participating United States Parachute Association sites is available at the same website.
Pasco extends extreme water shortage order through Oct. 1
Pasco County residents will remain under tight watering limits through the fall after a regional water agency extended an emergency order.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board is keeping the Modified Phase 3 “Extreme” water shortage in place through Oct. 1, citing drought conditions and ongoing shortages.
Under the order, homes may water just once a week on an assigned day, regardless of water source. Residents can confirm their day at mypas.co/SaveWater.
Watering with potable, well or surface water is allowed only between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight. Reclaimed water may be used between midnight and 8 a.m. Homeowners associations may not require more watering than the rules allow.
“Irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner’s water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money,” said Sandra Anderson, customer information and services director for Pasco County Utilities.
Residents can request a free irrigation system check through UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County and may qualify for rebates on toilets or sprinkler upgrades. More information is at the county utilities website.
Pasco tax collector’s offices collecting donations for students in need
Pasco County’s five tax collector offices will accept donations throughout July for a school district program that helps students facing economic hardship.
The Pasco County School District’s ABC, or Assist, Believe and Care, program provides financial help to students and families when money troubles get in the way of learning. Donations go into a fund teachers can tap when they spot a need, such as food, clothes or school supplies. Many participating schools run a store where students can pick up necessities at no cost.
In past years, the tax collector’s offices have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the program.
“Many Pasco families are experiencing financial pressures that impact them in ways that friends and neighbors may not be aware of,” Tax Collector Mike Fasano said. “The assistance provided by the ABC Program helps students get back on track and stay on track with their studies.”
Cash donations can be made at any of the five offices or mailed to Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Donations are also accepted online at govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.
For more information, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit pascotaxes.com.
New Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge seeks members, cuts application fee to $1
WESLEY CHAPEL — The newest Elks Lodge in Florida is open in Wesley Chapel and looking for members willing to roll up their sleeves for the community.
Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge No. 2893 draws members from Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa and nearby areas. The lodge offers community service projects, support for veterans and military families, youth programs and social events.
For more than 150 years, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has backed veterans, youth, scholarships, first responders and charitable causes across the country.
To draw new members, the lodge is cutting its application fee from $25 to $1 for the month of July.
Residents can learn more at a social night July 21 at Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, where they can meet members and hear about the lodge’s work.
For more information, search “Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge” on Facebook.
Student achievements
• Evelyn Wooley of Odessa earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
• Evan Blitzer of Wesley Chapel earned a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Off-duty federal agent saves child from drowning in Pasco pool
An off-duty federal agent pulled a 6-year-old from a Pasco County swimming pool last month and performed CPR until the child came to, the Department of Homeland Security said.
Gregory Simmonds jumped into the pool May 16 and removed the unconscious child from the water, according to the agency. The child is expected to fully recover, DHS said in a social media post.
The agency praised Simmonds in the post, calling his quick thinking and decisive action a display of the courage and selflessness of its law enforcement officers.