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Prostitution sting results in eight arrests

 
Published March 29, 2013

NEW PORT RICHEY

Prostitution sting results in eight arrests

Police and deputies arrested eight women Wednesday during an undercover prostitution sting along U.S. 19. The New Port Richey Police Department conducted the operation with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office's vice and narcotics unit from 1 to 9 p.m. Five of the arrests were in the city limits. The women were charged with misdemeanors. All but two, who had other warrants charges, were released on their own recognizance by Thursday afternoon. Sheriff Chris Nocco said they will likely turn back to the streets again soon, which opens the question: Why arrest them in the first place? Sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll explained that the deputies' job is to enforce the law and make arrests where appropriate. "It would not reflect well on law enforcement if we turned a blind eye to criminal activity that is occurring in our community," he said, "regardless of the penalty." Doll said that several people involved in prostitution often are found with drugs. On undercover stings like this, the Sheriff's Office makes drug arrests. One of the women arrested in the sting was found with cocaine, a report states. "They have to know we're out there watching," Doll said. "We're out there making arrests. There's lawbreaking going on out there."

HUDSON

Democratic women invite you to show

The Democratic Women's Club of Pasco County invites the community to an outing at the Show Palace Dinner Theater for a 1 p.m. April 28 production of Doo Wop Dreams: The Golden Oldies Musical. The cost to dine with the group is $50, which includes complete buffet and show. To purchase tickets, call (727) 372 9321 or email jkeener14@msn.com before April 14.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Help children by enjoying a laugh

The New Port Richey Church of the Nazarene will host a Comedy Night at 7 p.m. May 4 to raise money for a weeklong children's summer camp. Several rising star comedians are donating their time, so 100 percent of the ticket sales will go toward sponsoring children to attend the summer camp. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Event will be held at the church, 5342 Avery Road. For information or tickets, email nprnazarene@gmail.com or call (727) 849-3998.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Seafood, blues fest needs volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help with the Cotee River Seafood & Blues Festival, which is scheduled for April 26-28 in downtown New Port Richey. The three-day festival, organized by Greater New Port Richey Main Street, will include performances by the Michael Allman Band, Willy Lomax and Sean Brown, and Sarasota Slim. To lend a hand, contact volunteer coordinator Cheri Cline Evangelista at cheri cline.cc@gmail.com. For information on the event, visit nprmainstreet.com or call (727) 842-8066.

LUTZ

Hospice organizing pet loss support

Gulfside Regional Hospice is starting a new pet loss support group to meet every other week, beginning April 5. Meetings will be from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Lutz Thrift Shoppe, 1930 Land O'Lakes Blvd. For information, call (727) 457-7722.