Six years later, services and projects recall 9/11

An event Tuesday in Sims Park is one of several that remember victims and honor rescuers.

By CAMILLE C. SPENCER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 10, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - What began as a way to pay respects to Sept. 11 victims has snowballed into a cause for Pasco schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino.

Six years after Fiorentino organized the first Sept. 11 memorial at Sims Park, the event continues to draw thousands.

This year, the memorial will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the park.

Attendees can hear patriotic music by the Richey Concert band and chorus groups from local schools. A local soldier will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp will be the keynote speaker.

Although it's been six years since the terrorist attacks on American soil, Fiorentino said the memorial's attendance has remained consistent.

"That's one of the reasons we've continued this," she said. "We think it's an important thing that we never forget."

Those who attend are also encouraged to donate items like lip balm and deodorant for Operation Shoebox, which sends personal care items to troops overseas.

In addition to the memorial at Sims Park, a few other events are being held in honor of 9/11:

- Seven Springs Middle School will honor local first responders on Tuesday at the school's first football game half-time show. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m.

The school's band will perform patriotic songs and present plaques to members of the Pasco County Fire Department, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol and local members of the military.

- Wiregrass Ranch High School students have created a 9/11 Memorial Art Installation titled "We Remember" in the commons area at the school, 2909 Mansfield Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Students, faculty and school district officials may view it from 7:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Tuesday. Parents and members of the community may view it during the school's open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17.

- Pasco-Hernando Community College will host a memorial service and celebration of the Constitution from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Dade City campus, 36727 Blanton Road, at the main flagpole and Room A240.

The service will include a flag ceremony by the college's cadets and a speech by Maj. Royce Decker of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

- Garden Delights Cafe in Dade City is offering free Cuban sandwiches to all police officers, members of the military, paramedics and firefighters starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, as long as supplies last. The cafe is at 14227 Seventh St. in downtown Dade City.

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at cspencer@sptimes.com or 727 869-6229.

[Last modified September 9, 2007, 19:58:58]