Digest

Teen accused of selling pot through texting

By TIMES STAFF
Published September 6, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY

Teen accused of selling pot through texting

A 17-year-old student at River Ridge High School is accused of selling marijuana via text message. The teenage boy, whose name is being withheld because of his age, was arrested just after noon Tuesday and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell on school property. According to an arrest report, authorities searched his vehicle and found 10.8 grams of marijuana, rolling papers, an electronic scale and 150 empty plastic baggies. The teen's case was connected with that of two others accused of illegally possessing prescription pills. According to a Pasco sheriff's incident report, one of the text messages went like this: "Yo ... there r 18 of em u will get em Tues." Another one: "Yo find me some of ur friends to buy bud i need to sel wat i have to get beaters s--- tomorow."

PORT RICHEY

Budget hearing tonight at City Hall

The City Council will hold the first of two final budget hearings at 7:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road. The council will vote on officially adopting a tax rate of 3.9 mills. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Two months ago, city officials abruptly cut the tax rate from 4.163 to 3.9 mills, creating a shortfall of about $117,000. After a handful of budget workshops, the council agreed to pull $75,000 from reserves, cut $20,000 from the city manager's salary and make other cuts to cover the shortfall. The second and final budget hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at City Hall.

[Last modified September 5, 2007, 22:23:27]