Sheriff's Office aiming to help inmate addicts

LAND O'LAKES

Sheriff's Office aiming to help inmate addicts

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has started a support group for people in jail struggling with drug addiction and hopes to set up a network of other groups in the community to refer people to when they leave jail. The public is invited to attend a meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road. Celebrate Recovery, the program recently launched in the Pasco jail, is a national program much like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Sheriff Chris Nocco said he hopes to have the community collaborate in helping people recover from drug addiction. The Sheriff's Office is also looking for volunteers to help lead Celebrate Recovery programs inside the detention facility. Call 1-800-854-2862, ext. 7791 for information.

COUNTYWIDE

Have your say on the 2013 budget

County officials are launching their annual citizen feedback campaign as they begin early preparations for a 2013 budget that could have a $6 million shortfall. Last month a national survey firm mailed 1,200 surveys to a random sample of residents on behalf of the county. Officials also have an online survey that people can fill out at bringingopportunitieshome.com. The county will also hold three public meetings to gather input on the budget and other issues. Meetings will be from 7 to 9 p.m. March 22 at the Land O'Lakes Community Center; March 27 at the historic courthouse in Dade City; and March 29 at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Get a preview of monster trucks

What weighs 10,000 pounds and purrs like a kitten? A monster truck, of course. You can check out one of the 12-foot-tall trucks from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Dairy Queen at 9200 Little Road. Dairy Queen is a sponsor of the 2012 Monster Jam event slated for Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, where the four-wheeled behemoths will soar over — and through — cars, vans, boats, buses and motor homes. Discount coupons for the event will be available, while supplies last, at area Dairy Queens. For information visit monsterjamonline.com.

NEW PORT RICHEY

Church to host chicken dinner

The Social Committee at Our Lady Queen of Peace has planned a roasted chicken dinner for 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in the parish hall at the church, 5340 High St. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. The cost is $5. For information, call (727) 849-7521.

Correction

Shellie Leonard was arrested on charges she burglarized her neighbor's house. Due to incorrect information provided by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, an article Saturday gave the wrong reason for why the victim was not at home.