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Barbara Behrendt - Pasco County Reporter
Barbara Behrendt

Pasco County Reporter

The North Suncoast and the Times have been my home since I graduated from the Ohio State University more than 35 years ago. Every day I get to come work for one of the country’s finest newspapers with talented co-workers who share my passion for informing our readers about their community. From the latest development plan near your neighborhood to the newest road project to impact your commute, there is no more relevant journalism than what we do here in Pasco County. I cherish your input, suggestions and story ideas.

  1. Sprawling ranch in Central Pasco slated for future housing and businesses
    Mar. 18• Pasco
    The 4G Ranch in Central Pasco is slated for a land use change that would potentially allow 3,800 residential units along with office and retail space.
  2. New Pasco apartments planned for what was the Gulf View Square Sears store
    Mar. 17• Pasco
    Overgrown vegetation spills into the parking lot outside the former Sears store which remains vacant and in a state of disrepair at Gulfview Square Mall in western Pasco County. The Pasco County Planning Commission approved zoning that would allow it to be turned into a multifamily housing complex.
  3. Pasco won’t get that expanded scalloping season after all
    Mar. 13• Pasco
    A scallop from the first scalloping mini season in Pasco County in 25 years on Friday, July 27, 2018 in New Port Richey, FL.
  5. Pasco residents could see tax increases as county budget talks begin
    Mar. 9• Pasco
    Artist's rendering of the new inmate visitation center, which is part of the Pasco County Detention Center addition. When the expansion opens in 2024, the county expects to need 200 additional officers to keep the jail safe, a big hit on next year's budget.
  6. New Pasco industrial site on Suncoast Parkway gets first OK
    Mar. 6• Pasco
    Pasco County Historic Courthouse
  7. New Pasco County commissioner accused of faking his residency
    Feb. 28• Pasco
    Seth Weightman is a Pasco County commissioner.
  8. Pasco to study possible road across the Cypress Creek Preserve
    Feb. 27• Pasco
    The first phase of the Ridge Road Extension in Pasco County opened a year ago. Additional phases to Sunlake Boulevard and U.S. 41 are coming in the future. Now county transportation planners are looking at running the road east of U.S. 41 to someday connect with Interstate 75 at the newly-opened Overpass Road interchange. But that route raises new environmental concers because that would take it right over the Cypress Creek Preserve and a wellfield that provides the entire region with water.
  9. Construction finally begins on Pasco County jail expansion
    Feb. 27• Pasco
    Artist rendering shows the new inmate visitation center, which is part of the Pasco County Detention Center addition.
  10. Florida lawmaker files bill to rename Hernando road after Rush Limbaugh
    Feb. 22• The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Rush Limbaugh speaks during a ceremony inducting him into the Hall of Famous Missourians on May 14, 2012, in the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Limbaugh died of lung cancer on Feb. 17, 2021.
  11. Pasco park restaurant plans must wait for study of nearby burial mound
    Feb. 22• Pasco
    Artist rendering of the new restaurant planned for the Anclote River Park in Pasco County by Keith Overton.
  12. Pasco commissioners OK new assessment for coastal dredging
    Feb. 22• Pasco
    Pasco County commissioners approved a special assessment which will charge a portion of the cost of dredging coastal canals on residents who benefit.
  13. Pasco considers assessing coastal residents to dredge canals
    Feb. 20• Pasco
    Pasco County will consider an ordinance on Tuesday that will allow special assessments of coastal property owners to pay for dredging canals.
  14. Candidates line up for Pasco city elections
    Feb. 15• Pasco
    The line up of municipal candidates in Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey were set this week for the April 11 city elections. Dade City, San Antonio and St. Leo will not have elections this year.
  15. Transportation officials zero in on plan to unclog US 41/SR 54 intersection
    Feb. 10• Pasco
    The Florida Department of Transportation has zeroed in on their proposal for improving the busy intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 in Pasco County.
  16. Pasco clerk loses funding suit over technology and courthouse costs
    Feb. 10• Pasco
    Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco’s clerk of the circuit court and comptroller, plans to appeal a ruling against her in a lawsuit over technology and courthouse costs.
  17. State road agency will consider U.S. 19 golf cart crossings in New Port Richey
    Feb. 9• Pasco
    State officials approved a golf cart crossing over U.S. 301 several years ago in Sun City Center. Residents of Gulf Harbors and nearby communities hope that the Florida Department of Transportation will do the same for U.S. 19 in New Port Richey soon.
  18. Pasco Commission delays decision on Saddlebrook makeover after lengthy hearing
    Feb. 8• Pasco
    PASCO Wesley Chapel,FL. 12/2/09--PASADDLEBROOK03----Saddlebrook Resort announced this week it is looking to hire as many as 100 new staffers in anticipation of a busy winter season. "Given the dismal economy and job market, we are excited to begin this hiring campaign and are looking forward to speaking with anyone interested in working in a beautiful environment at the finest resort on the west coast of Florida," said Greg Riehle, the resort's General Manager. Positions range from housekeepers to line cooks and restaurant servers and other positions. FRED BELLET STAFF PHOTO for McCOY REQUEST for PASCO
  19. East Pasco’s future might include a public pool
    Feb. 8• Pasco
    Pasco County built the Hercules Aquatic Center in Zephyrhills after voters agreed to tax themselves in 1986 for new parks and libraries. The county shut down the pool in 2011 amid prolonged budget constraints.
  20. Pasco commission to consider new adult business rules after sex trafficking case
    Feb. 7• Pasco
    Newly elected Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman has proposed increasing regulations of adult businesses.
  21. Pasco Republican leader urges county commissioners to end budget dispute
    Jan. 27• Pasco
    Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq., Clerk and Comptroller, attends a Pasco County Commission meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.
  22. Pasco golf cart community just wants to cross the road
    Jan. 27• Pasco
    More than a decade ago, Sun City Center was approved for a golf cart crossing on U.S. 301. Residents of Gulf Harbors have been pushing for a similar crossing on U.S. 19 so they can access downtown New Port Richey but so far, the Florida Department of Transportation has not approved one.
  23. Pasco code officers face threats from homeless
    Jan. 26• Pasco
    Pasco County code enforcement field supervisor Pat Phillips checks on a homeless man in Holiday in 2014. Some interactions between officers and Pasco's homeless have been less cordial in recent meetings.
  24. New Port Richey names former Tarpon Springs chief Robert Kochen as its chief
    Jan. 20• Pasco
    Robert Kochen, who has been selected as the New Port Richey Police Chief, poses for a photograph near the Spring Bayou in Tarpon Springs where he was chief for a decade. [CHRIS URSO | Times (2021)]