Chairman's Message by James Mathieu Republican Party of Pasco

FIVE CENT A GALLON GAS TAX SUMMARY

Last evening the Board of County Commissioners raised the milage rate. This was not unexpected. Many have been of the opinion that the Five Cent a Gallon Gas tax was just a ruse so the milage increase would go through without much fanfare or objection. Perhaps they are right, but I can assure you, the County Administrator made a full court press for the Gas Tax. I can further assure you that without the efforts of the Republican Party of Pasco you would be paying more at the pump now. And yes, we had help from other conservative groups that objected to the tax.

GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club members recently helped serve food and drink to the 100's of volunteers who worked at the newly completed “Homes for Our Troops” residence of Veteran Marine Cpl. Justin Gaertner in Lutz laying huge truckloads of new sod and other landscaping work. It was very heartwarming to see the many and varied community groups which came out in force to support our veteran. “Homes for Our Troops” provides specially adapted new homes for severely injured veterans.

Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting was held for Candidate Minnie Diaz who is running for Florida State House Representative District 38. The Ribbon Cutting was held at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant at Heritage Harbor, located at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz immediately following the Chambers membership meeting.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce held their monthly General Membership Networking Meeting at Harbor Terrace Restaurant at Heritage Harbor; 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway, Lutz. The Guest Speaker was Representative Richard Corcoran, District 37 Florida House of Representatives.

It was a great turnout this bright and shinning morning in Lutz as friends and family of Karen Elrod Williams, co-founder of the Lutz Patriots. Their group installed a memorial stone in front of the Old Lutz School in thanksgiving of her dedication to our soldiers around the world. The weather was perfect, and it was wonderful to see so many flags waving and hear cars beeping up and down Hwy 41 to say "thanks".

Three Republican candidates are seeking the party’s nomination for the District 36 House seat vacated this summer by current Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano. The district comprises coastal Pasco County, west of Little Road. Only registered Republican are eligible to vote in the primary Sept. 17. Early voting will be permitted Sept. 7 through 14 at the West Pasco Government Center. The winner will face Democrat Amanda Murphy in a special election Oct. 15.

The City of Hope Dinner Dance and Fashion Show was a fun evening for men and women alike! A 3 course meal, fashion show by Sydney Alexander of Basic Black, Comedy by Tara Vire Zimmerman, songs from Dale Miller, a delicious surprise dessert donated by Ghada Jadallah of a Dash of Salt and Pepper, Renea Pillivant Harris' wonderful paper jewelry, a raffle and so much more - all money donated goes towards the construction of the New Dorm in Honduras! Even though the event of the year is over you can still help Jackie Sayles bring joy and hope to Honduras one child at a time by giving to the City of Hope.

The ‘Stomp Out Breast Cancer Shopping Extravaganza’ was a huge success. The volunteers from the Pasco County Clerk of Courts Office were trying to raise funds for their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team, Clerks for a Cure. Paula O’Neil posted, “What a great time and so many supporters. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make sure Diane's event happened. And what wonderful vendors! I brought home some great purchases and two wins on raffles. A good day all in all” said Paula.

Members of the Jay Rosario Wesley Chapel Nissan and the Wesley Chapel Lions Club came out to help support Cathy Bickham in her effort to become the new Honorary Mayor of the Wesley Chapel Chamber and to raise money for the local group, Support Our Troops!

Teamwork is awesome! Thanks so much to Precision Kia of Wesley Chapel for putting in a brand new transmission, Custom Mobility, Inc. for GREATLY discounting the cost of repairing Angelica's lift and the Trinity Rotary for donating funds to cover the cost.

Angelica is an outgoing and vivacious teen with a penchant for talking on the phone, listening to One Direction, and going to the mall. In other words, your typical teen girl! Her favorite show is Criminal Minds and any movie starring Channing Tatum is one she wants to see! She loves Starbucks and hanging out with her friends at the mall, but that had become a little more challenging for the last two years.

Despite challenging weather, The Freedom Festival at the Shops at Wiregrass by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel was a great big success! Over 50 Firecracker Pageant Contestants, Bike Parade and Watermelon Eating Contest celebrated the Land of the Free and Home of The Brave at The Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival and an awesome Grand Finale of Fireworks! Thanks to all that came and supported this great event sponsored by Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel!

The Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with other professionals and Small Business Owners held their Monthly Networking Mixer at the Symphonic Distribution Industry located at 26829 Tanic Drive, Suite 102 in Wesley Chapel. Evolving with The New Music Industry, as major labels struggle to make profits in a digital era, musicians are now able to liberate themselves from the tyranny of “The Major” labels and pursue the independent route.