Pasco Coronavirus Update: What You Need To Know

PASCO COUNTY, FL — A 64-year-old Pasco County man diagnosed with coronavirus died on Saturday, April 25. This is the fourth person in Pasco County to die after being diagnosed with the coronavirus, according to the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. However, the state coronavirus website is reporting a fifth death.

Those who previously died include an 82-year-old woman, a 67-year-old resident and a 71-year-old woman.

As of Monday, April 27, 237 people tested positive for the coronavirus in Pasco County with 51 residents hospitalized.

They range in age from 1 to 94 with a median age of 48. About 48 percent infected are male and 52 percent female.

People were positive cases of coronavirus are from these towns:

• 41 from Wesley Chapel
• 40 from Lake O' Lakes
• 34 from Dade City
• 29 from New Port Richey
• 25 from Zephyrhills
• 14 from Holiday
• 13 from Hudson
• 13 from Port Richey
• 4 from Spring Hill
• 4 from Trinity
• 3 from San Antonio
• 3 from Lutz
• 1 Unknown
• 1 from Innovation

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To check which cities those who test positive for the coronavirus live in, click here.

For information on symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you think you've contracted the virus, visit the Department of Health Pasco County website.

Comfort Station Opened

A Comfort Station for unsheltered homeless residents is now available on U.S. 19 in Port Richey.

The Comfort Station has two portable toilets (one is handicapped-accessible), one hand-washing station and electric outlets to charge phones.

The Pasco County Community Development Department, the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, the Pasco County Continuum of Care and Ace Opportunities worked together to provide residents with this much-needed space.

The Comfort Station is located at 8317 U.S. 19, on the west side of the road just south of Ridge Road. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"With limited options for food, public restrooms and showers, our unsheltered homeless neighbors need safe offerings to meet basic hygiene needs," said Pasco County Community Development Director Marcy Esbjerg. "Not everyone has a home in which to quarantine, so we are pleased to offer a Comfort Station to clean up and charge up each day."

Curbing Hunger Drive

This Saturday, May 2, the county will host a food drive at 16400 State Road 54 E. at the southwest corner S.R. 54 and the Veterans Expressway from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Then, on May 9 the county will be at Sam’s Club of Wesley Chapel at 27727 State Road 56 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The county is seeking nonperishable items such as canned goods, rice, pasta and instant potatoes; as well as healthy snacks such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, cereal and granola bars. The county will be practicing social distancing, so just place your donated items in a box or bag, and place it in your trunk. Pop open your trunk when you arrive and someone will remove it.

You can also make a monetary donation. Go to www.PascoEducationFoundation.org and click on Donate Now! Specify that your donation is for the Pasco Curbing Hunger Drive. All of the proceeds will go to feed needy families in Pasco County.

Checks can be made payable to:
Pasco Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1248
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

For those needing food, One Community Now has sites throughout the county where residents can pick up food.

Each location below will provide a free meal for each person in the family, a grocery bag of foods and Pack-A-Sack program for children. Residents can go to the meal site closest to them once a week. If you do not have transportation, call 727-858-6117 to arrange delivery.

• Tuesday:

Volunteer Way, 8061 Congress St., Port Richey

Meals served 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday:

Holiday Lake Estates Civic Center, 3624 Atlantis Drive, Holiday

Meals served 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 5901 Indiana Ave., New Port Richey

Meals served 5 to 6 p.m.

• Thursday:

Joining Hands Mission Church / Asbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Road, New Port Richey

Meals served 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• Saturday:

Joining Hands Mission Church / Asbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Road

New Port Richey

Meals served 5 to 6 p.m.

Unemployment Applications Available At Libraries

In an effort to assist residents during these challenging times, Pasco County Libraries will offer printed Florida unemployment benefit application forms for pick-up outside the entrance of five branch locations throughout the county beginning Friday, April 17.

The libraries are otherwise closed to the public. Forms are available outside the following locations:

• Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson
• Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey
• South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile Stretch Road, Holiday
• Land O' Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes
• Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

Once completed, you can mail the application to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at the address listed on the form.

If you're unable to visit a library in person and would like to request a blank application form by mail, contact virtualservices@pascolibraries.org or through the "Ask A Librarian" feature at www.pascolibraries.org.

Facilities Closed During Safer-At-Home Order

Residents are reminded that the following Pasco County buildings and properties are closed until further notice:

• Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
• Guardian Ad Litem Office West
• Guardian Ad Litem Office East
• Elderly Nutrition East, 13853 15th St., Dade City
• Elderly Nutrition Central, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O' Lakes
• Elderly Nutrition West, 8600 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
• All Pasco County Libraries (closed until April 30)

Limited Park Reopening

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources reopened select parks April 22 to allow essential recreation activities outlined in Florida's Safer-At-Home Order such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing and running.

Federal and state social distancing/gathering guidelines remain in place. Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted, and social distancing of six feet is necessary to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Note: Restrooms remain closed unless noted, so plan accordingly.

Limited access openings include:

• Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City
• Aripeka Sandhills Preserve, Hudson
• Boy Scout Preserve, New Port Richey
• Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Spring Hill
• Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
• Key Vista Nature Park, Holiday
• Lake Lisa Park, Port Richey
• Pasco Palms Preserve, New Port Richey
• Upper Pithlachascotee Preserve, Spring Hill
• Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson.

The following public boat ramps remain open:

• Anclote River Park, Holiday (restroom access)
• Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson
• Moon Lake Park, New Port Richey
• Middle Lake, Dade City
• Eagle Point Park, (kayak and canoe) New Port Richey

The Suncoast Trail, Starkey Boulevard Trail and Starkey Gap Trail also remain open.

To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all recreation complexes and community centers, all events, activities, youth and adult sports leagues, special event reservations, pavilions, camp/RV grounds, cabin rentals, field reservations and any other reservations remain closed until further notice.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources reopened Sunwest Park to existing annual pass holders only beginning April 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The restricted opening allows for essential recreation activities outlined in Florida's Safer-At-Home order such as walking, biking, hiking, running or swimming. Federal and state social distancing/gathering guidelines remain in place.

Vehicle arrival only is permitted. There is no walk-in access. Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted.

Amenities are limited to essential activities to reduce the risk of exposure. No lifeguards will be on duty.

Pasco County Parks will continue to monitor state recommendations as to when Sunwest Park can open to additional park guests.

Click here for more information.

Animal Services

Animal Services is not accepting owner-surrendered animals; intakes will be scheduled for a later date.

• In-person pet licensing sales are suspended until further notice.
• Pet Licensing is available online: secure.pascocountyfl.net/petlicensing.

Public Transportation (PCPT)

PCPT is suspending all fares until further notice. Fare-free ridership assists customers who might be experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus.

Additionally, PCPT is limiting the number of riders allowed on each bus to 10 to 15 riders at a time. To accommodate this change, PCPT will increase the number of buses on the busiest routes by reassigning them from under-used routes, resulting in a temporary suspension of service on Routes 18, 25, 31 & 41.

To see a complete list of PCPT route, schedule and other operational changes, click here.

Senior Services

All Pasco County Senior Centers are closed, and all senior programs, activities, classes and meetings are cancelled until further notice. Call 727-834-3340 with any questions.

Human Services

Pasco County Human Services offices are closed to the public; however, staff is providing services remotely via email and by phone. Call 727-834-3297 with any questions.

Purchasing

Until further notice, vendors must submit their bids and documents via email before (or on) the day and time required for bids that require a physical bid submission. Be prepared to provide the original documents upon request. All required documents still have to be submitted or the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

Pasco County Utilities (PCU)

PCU Customer Service Centers in Land O' Lakes and New Port Richey are closed to walk-in customers until further notice. The Dade City location remains open.

PCU is encouraging customers to take advantage of the online and pay-by-phone options. The Land O' Lakes and New Port Richey locations also have drive-thrus as an alternative to coming into the Customer Service Center.
For more information about Utilities Services & Support, click here.

Pasco County Solid Waste

Starting April 25, the West Pasco Resource Recovery Facility, East Pasco Transfer Station and standalone recyclables drop-off locations will reopen for residential waste and recycling disposal. This change restores services that previously limited residential trash drop-offs on April 4.

Please practice smart social distancing on-site – remain in your vehicle at the scale house unless prompted for payment and stay at least 6 feet away from employees and other visitors while unloading. Remember, team members do not assist with unloading items.

For more information about Pasco County’s Solid Waste Facilities and standard pricing, click here.

Pasco County Public Works

The Pasco County Public Works Office at 4454 Grand Blvd. in New Port Richey is closed until further notice; however, residents can call 727-834-3611 during regular business hours.

Misdemeanor Probation

Misdemeanor Probation offices are closed but residents can conduct appointments by mail and phone at 727-834-3300 in New Port Richey and 352-521-4250 in Dade City.
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller

Pasco County Clerk

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's Office is encouraging the use of online and telephone resources to resolve issues, pay fines, check on public records, track court events and other services. To see a full list of services available remotely, click here.

Pasco County Tax Collector

The tax collector's five offices are temporarily closed to lobby traffic. The countywide tax collector's call center will continue to operate. Click here for more information.

Pasco County Property Appraiser

All Property Appraiser's offices are closed to the public until further notice. Employees are working remotely, and online services are available by clicking here.

Pasco County Schools Information

Pasco County Schools are continuing to provide meals for students. Parents are asked to fill out this form so food services can prepare.

A list of feeding sites can be found here.

At Gov. Ron DeSantis' direction, Pasco County schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Students will continue onlearn lessons.

Pasco County Schools created an instructional video for students having trouble with the Microsoft Stream videos not playing in MyLearning.

Virtual Plant Clinics

Following a popular launch, UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is expanding its Virtual Plant Clinic offerings to five days a week.

Meet virtually with a Pasco Master Gardener volunteer Monday through Friday for help with lawn or garden issues, weed and pest control tips and more – all from home.

Plant clinics will take place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

During the specified times, visit bit.ly/pascoplantclinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or bit.ly/plantclinicTueThur on Tuesday and Thursday for a Zoom video conference.

You can also email virtualpcpasco@gmail.com. UF/IFAS Pasco County extension agents are always available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for phone consultations, as well, at 352-518-0156.

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