Farmers Market could begin in february

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 28, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY

Remember that plan for a downtown farmers market? It could happen as soon as February, though organizers are still trying to contact local farmers and growers who are interested in selling their products, said Judy DeBella Thomas, executive director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street. Organizers haven't yet nailed down the day of the week - that will depend on vendors' availability - or the exact placedowntown. "Definitely," she said, "it will happen." Thomas says she's looking for Pasco farmers, whether they have a few acres or "are growing arugula in their back yard." For information, contact Main Street at 727 842-8066 or judy@nprmainstreet.com

COUNTYWIDE

PetSmart kicks in to neuter pit bulls

The Coalition for Animal Welfare/West Central Florida, Pasco County Animal Services and the Friends of the Pasco County Library System received a $10,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to spay or neuter 200 pit bullterriers and to educate citizens about pet adoption. It's part of local efforts to promote responsible pet adoption and ownership in conjunction with the 14th annual Spay Day USA on Feb. 26. The grant allows for Pasco and Hernando residents who spay or neuter their pit bulls at one of four low-cost clinics to receive $40 off the cost of the surgery. The average price is $80, but larger pit bulls may cost more. The clinics include Pasco Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 11720 U.S. 19, Port Richey, (727) 819-1910; and Spay Pasco, 32347 State Road 52, San Antonio, (352) 588-2132.

United Way, AARP provide tax help

As tax season gets in full swing, the United Way and AARP are once again teaming up to offer free tax help for low- to moderate-income residents. The goal is to help families reap the benefits of tax credits they may have missed out on, such as the earned income tax credit for people with lower incomes. Volunteers will prepare taxes at 10 sites across the county from Tuesday to April 15. The income threshold is $46,000 for one person, $52,000 for two people and up to $70,000 per household, according to the United Way. Last year, the program helped file 5,015 paper and electronic tax returns in Pasco. To make an appointment at one of the county's 10 free tax sites, call 211, the county's help line.

[Last modified January 27, 2008, 23:05:24]