City adopts new motto: Pasco's Gateway to the gulf

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 13, 2008

PORT RICHEY

So long, Little City by the River. Port Richey is now "Pasco's Gateway to the Gulf." City Council approved the new motto Tuesday evening and earmarked $100,000 for new signs showcasing the slogan on city roads and parks.

The Citizens Advisory Committee recommended the change last month while discussing new signs for the city. Council member Dale Massad, a member of the committee, threw out the new slogan.

Committee members say the motto will help the city inch closer to finding a theme for redeveloping its waterfront.

HUDSON

Water advisory issued for Strickland Beach

Health officials issued a water advisory this week for Robert J. Strickland Beach, better known as Hudson Beach, after finding high levels of bacteria in the water.

The fecal bacteria can cause disease, infections or rashes, so the Pasco County Health Department urges people to stay out of the water.

A similar advisory remains in effect at Brasher Park Beach in Port Richey, although another advisory was lifted at the Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey after the latest tests showed lower bacteria counts.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Get your boat blessed at yacht club Sunday

The 36th Blessing of the Fleet is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Sunday at Gulf Harbors Yacht Club, 3928 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey.

Any boat is welcome. Boaters should monitor Channel 68 for instructions. The Gulf High School Color Guard will present the colors and the Gulf High School Band will play the national anthem and taps in memory of those who lost their lives in combat.

Commodore Tony Majka will begin ceremonies at 1 p.m.

There will be a dinner about 5 p.m. Dinner donation: $9.99 to $12.99. Reservations required.

Call (727) 849-4559 and leave your name and phone number on voice mail. Spectators can view the blessing from the seawall of the yacht club.

For information, call Assistant Fleet Capt. Alice Conway at (727) 372-2416 or Fleet Capt. Joe Hecker at (813) 996-9594.

ZEPHYRHILLS

Reclaimed water to be used for irrigation

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and the city of Zephyrhills are funding a $120,000 project to provide about 8,000 gallons of reclaimed water daily to irrigate landscaping on city streets.

The project would build 6,000 feet of reclaimed water transmission lines and would offset 6,000 gallons per day of potable water.

Swiftmud's Hillsborough River Basin Board is contributing $50,000 and the state Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund is contributing $20,000. Construction begins in December and is expected to be complete by January 2011.

[Last modified March 12, 2008, 22:04:55]