Budget plan increases property tax rate
If the budget is approved as proposed, the owner of a $100,000 house with a homestead exemption would pay an additional $78.45 in taxes.

Saint Leo may see revenues double
The town plans a 2.97-mill tax rate -- below last year's 3 mills -- as the Lake Jovita project adds to the tax base.

Fifth housing project drawn to parkway
A developer wants to build about 400 single-family homes and 400 apartments on 273 acres along State Road 54.

Builders group loses director
Hired in June 1999, Margo Darlington resigns from her job at the Pasco Building Association.

Woman accused of torturing, killing pet cats
Police say she poured boiling water on them, threw one against the side of her house and used a hammer and screwdriver as weapons.

Bike race, car show praised
Dade City commissioners say they support two new downtown events, but a final decision on the race awaits the police and fire chiefs' approval.

Man's shooting trial begins
He shot a female acquaintance in the face and left her for dead, authorities say. He has pleaded not guilty.

Pulling double duty
Stacy Bishop is being counted on to help two teams win out-of-state soccer tournaments.

W. Pasco seniors advance to District 12 final
The West Pasco senior all-star team scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat Palm Harbor 8-7 on Monday and is now just one victory away from winning its third District 12 championship in five years.

County athletes clean up in Gainesville
Pasco County brought home more than its share of medals from this past weekend's 2000 Sunshine State Games in Gainesville.

Dade City claims 2nd straight title
DADE CITY -- Manager Danny Filley watched his Dade City senior baseball all-stars commit error after error as his team's lead slipped away in a 4-2 loss to Pinecrest in the District 4 tournament on July 5, and he thought to himself:

Customers may get refund on utility rates
Aloha Utilities could be required to refund its customers as much as $270,431 for water and sewer rates paid in 1999.

Review of official produces complaint
A Port Richey employee's letter of protest after she was questioned by police indicates a delayed building project is a focus of the investigation of the acting mayor.