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Pasco Might Raise Lawn Watering Fine To $130

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 20, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Facing one of the worst droughts in memory, the Pasco County Commission will consider raising the fine for first-time lawn watering violations to $130.

At the moment, however, Pasco commissioners will not follow the lead of the Tampa City Council, which voted this week to outlaw the use of standard lawn sprinkler systems effective April 3.

Pasco levies the lowest fine in the area, $30, against people who ignore the county's once-a-week irrigation schedule, according to a memo to commissioners from Chief Assistant County Attorney Kristi A. Wooden.

That fine could increase by $100, however, when commissioners meet for their regular meeting this Tuesday in New Port Richey.

"This is as bad as we've ever seen it," Commissioner Ann Hildebrand said today about drought conditions. "I can do a rain dance, but it's not going to happen."

The summer rainy season could still be about three months away, Hildebrand said. Most weather watchers say the current drought began three years ago.
Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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