Residents, Businesses Take County Under Wing

Pasco County commissioners make important policy decisions at every meeting, but part of their regular business doesn't get nearly enough fanfare - and that's the donations to county government by generous businesses and residents.

This week's meeting is a prime example. Commissioners are accepting donations from, and offering gratitude for, gifts including:

$500 from Zephyrhills lawyer Drew Ben Hudgins for programs at James Irvin Civic Center.

Two animal waste stations, valued at $1,000, for the Land O' Lakes Recreation Center dog park, courtesy of the Pasco Florida Kennel Club.

$1,000 from the Zephyrhills Wal-Mart for upcoming events at Withlacoochee River Park.

Two four-row bleachers worth $3,000 donated by Country Sales of Dade City for use at John S. Burks Memorial Park.

$100 for programs at James Irvin Civic Center, donated by Jarrett Ford of Dade City.

Pasco residents, businesses and organizations exhibit such good will all the time to enhance county facilities, programs and services, and all taxpayers owe them a great deal of thanks. The donations take a bit of pressure off the taxpayers who pay the bills and show that many people care deeply about their county.

The donations can be small - food for animals at the county shelter in Land O' Lakes or drinks for a park event, for example - and they can be large and creative. For instance, a few months ago the Friends of the Regency Park Library paid $11,000 for a custom-designed entrance to the children's section of the library.

People and businesses routinely give money, equipment and other items for specific programs and services. But the donations aren't always for a particular cause. One resident, for example, gave Animal Services $200 this year as a way of saying thanks for division workers helping an injured stray dog.

These are just a few examples of the kindness of county residents and businesses. The gifts add up, helping make the county a better place to live and play.

While it's always good to contribute to charitable causes, county programs and services are good places, too. It's all about people partnering with their government, a partnership that takes on added importance with state-mandated budget cuts.