Digest

In the know

By TIMES STAFF
Published August 16, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY

Matriarch remains in intensive care

Dorothy Mitchell, the matriarch of one of Pasco County's most influential families, was in a coma Wednesday at Bayfront Medical Center's intensive care unit, more than a week after a car accident at her home. Mrs. Mitchell, 78, was backing her car out of her garage Aug. 5 when the car accelerated rapidly and slammed into a tree. The impact also broke both of her arms. Her son, Dewey Mitchell, said the family knows what happened but not how it happened. "It looked like a drag strip in reverse," said Mr. Mitchell. "We're optimistic that she's going to come out of it. The indications are that she will. We just don't know when. She's getting a little better every day." Mrs. Mitchell served 20 years on the Pasco School Board, retiring in 1998. She also has been active in the arts community, and is known for her philanthropy and civic activity.

COUNTYWIDE

Program helps pay for school meals

Free and reduced-price lunch applications are now available for Pasco County students whose families fall below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Those who qualify must complete a free and reduced-price meal application for the upcoming school year, even if they were eligible during the last school year. Last year's meal eligibility status will expire Sept. 1. Those who do not reapply will be required to pay full price for all meals or bring a lunch from home until a new 2007-08 application is received and approved. For information, call Nicole Westmoreland at (727) 774-2439.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Handful of fees could increase

You might pay more for an overdue library book or returned check if the City Council approves a proposed slate of higher fees. At a work session Tuesday evening, the council endorsed a handful of higher fees, including raising charges for overdue materials from the New Port Richey Library from 15 to 25 cents per day. But the council rejected most of the other increases - including hiking rezoning petitions from $750 to $1,000 and garage sale permits from $2 to $5 - proposed by administrators, who are trying to cover costs amid state-mandated tax cuts. Higher fees are unpopular among residents and the extra revenue wouldn't be enough to justify raising the price, council members said.

Get answers about sinkhole coverage

If you're still wondering how the upcoming changes in homeowners insurance sinkhole coverage affect you, you're not alone. Having Affordable Coverage and the Florida Consumer Action Network are holding a workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday to explain the changes. The workshop will include panel discussions of homeowners and experts on sinkholes, insurance and legal issues. It will be held at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave. Seating is limited and by reservation. To reserve a space, call HAC at (727) 967-8220 from 9 a.m. 5 p.m. today and Friday.

[Last modified August 16, 2007, 07:52:18]