State House District 38 candidate Danny Burgess invited friends and supporters to a “Wine & Cheese Meet & Greet” at the Seven Oaks Clubhouse, located at 2910 Sports Core Circle in Wesley Chapel. Burgess, who served as mayor of Zephyrhills, is running as a Republican to succeed term-limited House Speaker Will Weatherford in House District 38, which covers Pasco County and Dade City, Lacoochee, San Antonio and Crystal Springs. Prior to becoming Zephyrhills mayor, Burgess served as First Lieutenant in the United States Army, as well as performing as Judge Advocate General. He currently practices at law at Johnson, Auvil, Pratico & Chane.

Residents had an opportunity to meet and greet Pasco County Commissioner candidate Mike Moore at Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant. A longtime resident of the Tampa Bay area, Mike was born in St. Petersburg, raised in Winter Haven, earned an Associate of Arts in Mass Communications from Polk Community College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television from the University of Central Florida. A native Floridian, Mike is an avid fisherman and enjoys playing golf, spending quality time with family and friends and volunteering in the community. He is an active member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary, Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, and Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, serves as President of the Wesley Chapel Republican Club and is a volunteer baseball, football and soccer coach at WCAA. Mike, and his wife, Lauren, reside in Seven Oaks with their three children, Aubrey, Aiden and Amberlee.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce members came out early to the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, located at 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio, for a great breakfast buffet and to network with fellow Chamber members and have a chance to listen to an Guest Speaker, Congressman Gus Bilirakis 12th District, Florida and Podium Sponsor, Dr. Paul R. Albear, MD, of Albear Plastic Surgery. Bilirakis grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, but calls nearby Palm Harbor home. He was the grandson of Greek immigrants. His grandfather owned a local bakery where Bilirakis worked from a young age. He attended Tampa Bay area public schools and continued to work in his grandfather's bakery while growing up. Bilirakis graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. He then attended the University of Florida, where he graduated in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He received his law degree from the Stetson University College of Law in 1989.

The West Pasco Republican Club gave Pasco County Republicans an opportunity to meet and greet the 2014 Republican candidates and to hear them speak about themselves and answer questions from the audience. It was intended to be an informal event and not a debate format. The West Pasco Republican Club were extremely grateful that the majority of the 2014 candidates kindly agreed to take time out of their hectic schedules and were willing to join or send their representatives for this event at Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club, located 11345 Robert Trent Jones Parkway and enjoy their wonderful breakfast and become better acquainted with the candidates as well.

Friends and supporters of the Mike Moore for County Commissioner Campaign held a Fundraiser at Prime Bar Restaurant in The Shops at Wiregrass. Moore said “Thanks to all of you who came out for our fundraiser”. “The turnout was amazing and I'm humbled by your support and it was great to see so many new faces along with familiar ones” said Moore. It was announced earlier that Governor Scott has appointed Moore to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. “I look forward to representing Pasco County while we coordinate planning for the Region's future” said Moore.

Mary Lynn and Gary Gorsline, owners of Copperstone Executive Suites, along with Sandy and Steve Graves, Walter and Cynthia Price and Lorraine Lane held an informational meet & greet meeting and fundraiser for Henry Wilson. Commissioner Henry Wilson gave a short speech and then responded to questions from residence of Pasco County from subjects ranging from the budget and roads to safety and growth.

The Republican Club of Central Pasco's February meeting featured refreshments and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Special guest, Representative and future Speaker of the Florida House, Richard Corcoran. Representative Corcoran reviewed the highlights of the 2014 session and state of Affordable Care Act in Florida. The event was held at the Copperstone Executive Suites located at 3632 Land O Lakes Boulevard. For more information about having your next meeting at Copperstone Executive Suites call (813) 996-3011.

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.

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.