St. Petersburg Times Online: Pasco County news

White House visit a real stretch

[Times photo: Brendan Fitterer]
An 89-year-old retired postal worker and lifelong balloon sculptor will get to entertain kids on the South Lawn.

Man who saved 12 children named Trooper of the Year
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Andy Maurer is honored for rescuing kids from a burning day care center.

Gas tax may rise a penny or two
Commissioners approve hearings on a 1-cent hike and keep alive a 2-cent plan that would raise funds for road upkeep.

Board to rethink graduation participation policy
Faced with weeping parents and students not graduating Friday, the district says it will discuss the matter next month.

Pasco digest
New elementary school will get familiar name

Dade City promises to keep lid on growth
Happy Hill Road residents unhappy about the annexation of 136 rural acres get assurances from city officials.

County makes late bid to stop annexation
County officials say Dade City's plan would create improper "fingers" of city land. City officials are puzzled by the late resistance.

Court grants defendant's request for speedy trial
DADE CITY -- The attorney appointed to represent murder suspect Luckie Jermaine Barnes told a judge Tuesday he can't be ready for trial by the time Barnes' right to a speedy trial runs out.

Dirt road debacle has commissioners at dead end
By the end of the morning, it was difficult to tell who had taken the most umbrage at a Pasco County Commission meeting in Dade City.

Mustangs impress coach with hitting
Mitchell impresses coach Scott Schmitz with its defensive intensity.

Bulldogs can still run the ball
Zephyrhills will have no problem gaining yards on the ground in the fall.

Four more Wildcats will play college ball
WESLEY CHAPEL -- Four Wesley Chapel players recently committed to play college football, bringing to five the number of players from last year's 10-1 team planning to play at the next level.

Holiday man has all of his steps down
Tony Carico discovered a strong correlation between his ballroom dancing background and tennis.

Police reports
Woman held in fatal cycle wreck

Class notes
School Calendar

Elfers Christian School:
Valedictorian: Carolyn Cooper

Hands-on science is a hands-down winner
NEW PORT RICHEY -- When it comes to teaching science, Debbie Hunnell knows that if you rely on the book, well, the lessons can be downright boring. Then again, if you throw a hands-on activity into the mix -- say dissecting the contents of an owl pellet -- chances are the classroom will be charged with excitement.

Bailiff ejects inmate for behavior
The judge agrees to psychiatric evaluation for a man accused in a 1999 Tommytown slaying.