10.21.25 Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting (Morning Session)

ultimately going to happen. I will wind up locked in a cage in an institution or buried [music] in a pine box deep in the ground. What I can only describe next that happened is divine intervention. Um, I ultimately received a scholarship from the hope shop to get into sober living and I refer to that as divine intervention because the present- day results of that are truly miraculous. Um, today I'm an active member of my community. I give back. I do my best to enrich the world around me on a daily basis. I help other addicts achieve sobriety not because I'm paid to do it because I'm not. It's because it's what I'm called to do. I get to celebrate my mother's golden years with her and she now has a sense of peace that she did not get to feel for over half a decade. In life, we benchmark our years with moments. When we reflect on our years, there are typically a couple of those moments so profound those memories stay with us for a lifetime. Rarely are we fortunate enough to have two of those moments happen in one day. But for me, today is that day. Being here is the second of those moments. The first of those occurred this morning where the for the first time in five years, my seven-year-old little girl, I didn't have a lot of time for tears. Um, got to wake up in her own bed in her own room, in her mother's home. I made her breakfast. I got her ready for school. I packed her lunch and I hung a placard on my rearview for the first time that proudly stated, "I am the mother of this child." I dropped her off at school and I told her I loved her. And if that doesn't speak to the generational impact that an organization like the Hope Shop makes, I don't know what does. There are a lot of great organizations out there and they do amazing things. But I personally have rarely seen one that utterly changes the fabric of our community right in our homes and right in our own backyards until now. So in closing, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for that opportunity. I'd also like to thank each and every member of the Hope Shot organization. My name is Carrie, but thank you for restoring my faith. Thank you, Carrie.

Okay, I um I'm I missed a name. The first speaker was uh is Harvey Reinhardt with Best West Pasco Saratoma. Oh. Um well, we'll do you before we do the resolution. You want to do that one now,

Mike? We're going to do that before the re Okay, come on up. This is a This is kind of a celebration. Okay,

we should bring Marilyn up, too.

Whoever wants to come up for this award is is fine.

My name's Harvey Reinhardt. I live at 14116 Malbury Way in Odessa, Florida, and I'm member treasure secretary of the West Pasco Satoma Club. and we're the uh managing uh club of the Pasco Scallop and Music Fest. So, we want to thank all the sponsorships that we had. We want to thank Jack and his staff for making it all possible for it to happen.

They worked very hard,

extremely hard. And we want to thank those that helped us steps to recovery and the parks and recrecks. And today we want to present uh checks to each of our organizations in the amount of $7,000.

Marilyn,

thank you. [cough and laughter]

Um wait, let's let's do this.

You want to move to receive and file?

Yeah. Okay, let's do that. file.

Second.

All in favor? I um So you have three placards or two?

Two. Three. So

I have one with

Is anyone else here with you?

Is there anyone else here with you?

Uh I don't see

Jack. I definitely think you should go down.

Jack, come on down. And

stay up here.

Kathy Pearson for parks and

Yeah. Let's um let's read off Let's read off who the recipients are each one because I think you only said two.

Yeah. And then um

you have to stand at the

podium.

All right. We have one for the board of commissioners for parks and wrecks for summer camp for the children that can't afford it.

We have a check

$7,000 and we have one for steps to recovery in the amount of $7,000. and our West Pasco Sertoma Club in the amount of $7,000. And I might add that 5250 of that will go to Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation because it's an organization that the club started 41 years ago.

I donate my glasses to you

and we give 75% of whatever fundraisers we have to the organization.

Wonderful. So, first let's Thank you. Um, I'd like to take a photo. Does anyone else want to come down and get in in the photo? And then we'll move on.

Yeah, come on down. This is special. And

we'll Slide [laughter] a little bit every Hi, I'm Marilyn Mius and I'm with Steps to Recovery. We're an or we're an organization that helps veterans, homeless veterans with a disease of addiction. And I cannot sing the praises of the people of Pasco County and the board of county commissioners. We have had our little organization grow from six beds in 2006 to pretty soon it's going to be [clears throat] over 80 beds for people who want to recover from drugs and alcohol. And it's all due to the to again to the residents and to the board of county commissioners that have supported us over the years. Um, and I'm the the building itself is is actually coming along beautifully. It's on Trouble Creek between Grand and Madison. Um, they're expecting it to be completed in the spring. I think they said let's say February, March. I I'm not sure. I trust construction people with when they're going to be done all the time, [laughter] but that's what [clears throat] they're telling us. And it's that building will house 30 veterans and we'll have a support person on on staff there. Um, and we're just thrilled. We also going to do some educational things and um I'm at a loss for what else to say. I know you got a busy day, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You will never know how much you all are appreciated. Every single one of you. Thank you,

Marilyn. Thank you for all the great work you're doing for our community. I mean, it's been so easy to get behind you with all the great stuff you're doing from the get-go. Uh, and I'll tell you, at the Scholar Fest, her team of people that that live in those homes were all out there volunteering and they were phenomenal. Things were coming up. Whatever was needed, they did did a phenomenal job. So, we're so happy what you're doing for our veterans and helping our community a better place. So, thank you. you know, in about two years, we're going to have so many resources, you know, when all these construction projects that are so good that are going on, and we're going to get you some oak trees to replace the ones you had to knock down. [laughter]

Okay. All right. Um, we'll continue now with public comment.

Okay. Thank you. Uh, Peter Crushen and then Corey Corley.

Wait, I think Good morning. My name is Peter Kian and I am a resident of Pathways which is a local uh sober living transitional living. Uh the address is 7306 Walnut.

Um I don't know if you need

youall need it.

You need the address for public.

Okay. Um can you give hope shots address? I don't know if we should give out the addresses.

Yes. C E

C I U N.

That's fine. You don't

We We won't take your address.

Okay, not a problem. Um I came to Pasco County through a uh rehabilitation center, one of your local uh clean rehabilitation and uh I was sent there by my insurance company. I had um gotten about as far down as I was willing to go. I I I'd been I'd been at this place in my life before, but somehow I always had a backup plan and uh I ran out of options. I had uh I lost my Merchant Mariners credentials uh due to failure of a drug screening and uh and I was like, "Oh." And uh I have a 30-year-old son um and uh he happens to work in the insurance industry and he was able to get me uh insurance to get into the Pasco County uh clean recovery here. And uh that's where I very first met the hope shop. uh they had come in they would come in about twice a week uh at that time and uh just saying that they had a pathway to um getting into sober living once you were done with treatment and uh I had never been through the full treatment process. Uh that wasn't my experience. I've been on this I'll be turning 50 uh this Halloween and uh it was always a spin drive with the insurance 14 days 28 days. I went through the entire alphabet soup this time. I went through the residential to the PHP to the IOP and uh the IOP is where really where uh where Pat where um Hope Shop really stepped in because I was antsy at about the two-month turn. I just wanted to get out. I wanted to get back to work. I wanted to, you know, get into sober living and I maintained continuous contact with uh one of the case workers there. um on a daily basis because that's what I was told to do and he was sober. So I did um he was a great asset. He never judged. He never spoke from a position of authority. He was just a listening ear. And when I got to the end, uh he says, "I got you the whole way through. I got you. Don't worry about it." I said, "But I'm not a resident of Florida anymore, even though I was at one time. Don't worry about it. If you're in Florida, you're a resident of the state of Florida. don't worry about it. I'm not resident in Pasco County. Because I was hearing other people get shot down. He's like, "You're doing everything right, Pete. You have nothing to worry about." Um, and then right at the tail end, he goes, "How about a little more treatment?" He said, "I have funding to get you into real recovery, uh, IOP program." And I was not hesitant, but I didn't have any other option. you know, was the best thing that possibly could have happened to me because

I apologize, but you have just a few more. So,

all right, not a problem. Uh, the hope shot has done wonders for me. I'm starting back to school uh uh November 17th and uh at Benet's Career Academy. Um, and they've supported me through the entire way. If it wasn't for them, I don't know where I'd be. Thank you very much.

Well, we're we're uh happy for you.

Thank you very much. I APPRECIATE ALL ONE MORE SIGNED UP. Corey Corley

and you have three minutes. I didn't read my instructions this morning. So,

good morning all. Uh my name is Corey Connley. Um I'm originally from Alabama. I moved down here to Florida. My godmother brought me here um because I was homeless and uh some things happened to where I ended up back out on the street. Um I was living in a tent in the woods, homeless behind a Dollar General with no job, no prospects. I was drinking and using every single day. I was in a very very dark place and I was I was going to commit suicide. I'm not going to lie to y'all. Um but somehow some people found out and they got me into um Bayare North Side in Tampa and um I stayed there for 10 days and a lady there she got in contact apparently with the hope shot and I got in contact with Nathan and if it hadn't been for Nathan and Justin Dave and Thomas and all them there that I wouldn't be standing here talking to y'all today because the hope shot saved my life. I am now clean and sober 95 days. It's the first time I have been consecutively sober this long in almost 25 years and I'm 35 right now. So, I've always done some kind of mindaltering substance because I didn't want to deal with myself. But now it was was all thanks to those fine gentlemen back there. I love them. I would do anything I could to help them. That's why I come and I'm speaking here before y'all right now. And don't really have much else to say. Just that if it wasn't for them, they they they saved my life. That's that's that's all I can say. If it wasn't for them, I I wouldn't be here now. So, thank y'all for your time. And uh Justin, Nate, I love y'all. [laughter]

Corey, thank you for your testimony and God has bigger plans for you.

Thank y'all for your time.

Tear my eyes this morning.

Okay. Is that it? That's signed up.

There's a there's a gentleman named Mason Ace, that wanted to speak. He actually brought a flyer up that we printed up for us. He wanted to speak, but I guess he didn't sign up.

Okay. Uh name and record. Name and address, please.

Uh, my name is uh Anthony Wolfford. I live uh at 13111 Tiller Drive, Hudson, Florida, 34667 Signal Cove. Uh, I'm here today. Um, I'm not much of a speaker. Uh, and I was kind of asked to do this, I guess. Um, back Let's start uh for beginning. That's not right.

Is this your paper here with the

It is. I don't read very I mean I read but not that great

and under pressure it gets harder.

It does. Uh good morning county commissioners. I would like to introduce myself as good citizen. I'm here today to discuss the unlawful operation of red light cameras in our community. As a concerned citizen, I've taken the uh I've taken it upon myself to investigate the permitting and operations of these cameras. I'd like to start by saying I've personally fought through cameras in court and one not once, not twice, but three times. One was because uh the accuser didn't show. There was 25 of us standing there that day, unable to go through our fourth amendment due process and 14th amendment uh to question your accuser. So, they were thrown out, all of them. Um, in front of the other two judges, I legally defended the case and they were thrown out. Um, despite this, I turned in all that information recently to the Newport Richie magistrate. Uh, in the most recent case, uh, he ignored the evidence and found me guilty, even going so far to charge me an additional $100 for exercising my constitutional right of questioning my accuser free of charge. The issue with the cameras are going beyond personal experience. However, the facts are clear. The cameras are operating without valid permits. The expired uh, the permits expired was denied. The the permit extensions were denied September 16th and despite replying yesterday and reapplying yesterday, Monday, October 20 25, the operators have done nothing to update cameras and signage by FDOT standards. In fact, I have photograph evidence that demonstrates the cameras non-compliance, which was provided to me by James Meyer, the FDOT permit signer. This evidence shows the cameras are not operating with

the required standard and yet they continue to issue citations to our citizens. The cameras are not only unlawful, but they also have a negative impact on our community. They're more focused on generating revenue uh than improving safety. They're a burden on our citizens and it's time for them to be removed. I urge you, our elected respons uh representatives, to take action in ensuring that our community is not profiting from unlawful activities. Remove the red light cameras and let's work together to find alternate uh solutions that prioritize public safety, not revenue.

Thank you very much,

madam chairman, if I may.

Yes.

The county commission does not have a red light program. It's only the municipalities that are that have red light cameras.

So, you need to go to the city council meeting, Newport city council meeting. Okay.

Yeah. But this is good practice for you.

Sure.

And you did a good job.

Thank you.

Okay. Is there anyone else here who wishes to speak to the board of county commissioners this morning? And I have a note here that there's no no virtual public comment this morning.

So that's down. Our system is down. Is that why nobody signed up? Oh, no one signed up.

No one signed up.

Oh, on my speech. Okay. All right. Then we are going to move on to resolutions.

Yes. And we're going to we're going to go a little out of order. We're going to do RS4.

Five. RS. Okay. RS5. Resolution 26-19. A resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring the second week of October as case manager appreciation week in Pasco County.

Isn't it perfect shot people here? These guys

whereas

Wow.

Yes.

Keep coming. But you can keep reading.

Okay. Whereas case managers play a pivotal role in ensuring that every resident in Pasco County has access to essential social, health, and community services. And whereas these dedicated professionals excel in coordinating comprehensive care and navigating complex service systems to meet a wide array of individual needs. And whereas through their ex expertise and compassionate approach, case managers connect individuals and families with critical resources, thereby strengthening the community's overall well-being. And whereas case managers foster meaningful relationships and serve as trusted advocates, addressing challenges and empowering residents to achieve greater stability and independence. And whereas their unwavering commitment to service benefits every cit citizen in Pasco County and enhances collaboration among the governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders, creating a robust network of care. And whereas the exemplary efforts of case managers reflect the county's dedication to ensuring that all residents receive timely and effective assistance during both times of crisis and periods of transition. And whereas the sustained excellence of compassionate service of case managers serve as an inspiration to our community and strengthen the overall fabric of Pasco County. And whereas the board of county commissioners of Pasco County recognizes that honoring these professionals reaffirms our commitment to a community built on support, inclusion, and mutual respect. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that the said board hereby declares the second week of October as the case manager appreciation week in Pasco County done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting on this 21st day of October 2025.

All right,

I'll take a motion.

Move second.

All in favor?

I I Commissioner Jagger.

All right. Well, we proudly recognize um the second week as case manager um for your dedication, compassion, your expertise, your unconditional love, the hours you spend with these families, um the the complex situations you guys navigate, the emotional toll it takes on you. You know, when you go home at the end of the day, your job's not done and you're you're it's so heavy that it's hard to let go of that. let go of your day thinking about those people and how you can help them. And I will tell you, I wore purple for domestic violence because I know you guys helped some domestic um violence victims and I did case management for 10 years. And you you never know truly the impact. Like I have kids from 2012 that still call me and say, "Miss Lisa, I need your help. I'm in the hospital. They're not listening to my voice. Can you please come advocate for me?" Like you guys are in the trenches with these these people. You are changing lives and generations to come because you're not only changing their lives, you're changing their children's lives, their parents' lives. I mean, what you guys do is so important and thank you just doesn't cut it. So, thank you for all the endless hours you guys you guys and even I know when you're off of work and you you'll think of something and and and do something, you're always working as a case manager. You never stop working. So truly we can't pay you enough for the hours that you work because you're always working and know that we recognize that. So thank you for all you do.

Commission Mariano,

I just want to say thank you for picking such a great career and all the people you helping. Appreciate it.

Mr. Oak,

yeah, I'd like to thank you for everything you do for each and everyone that you see and and lead to a better life. And you've got a lot of rewards in the fact that you're there for them and help them and get them on in the right where they need to be. So, thank you very much.

Thank you. And likewise, you know, it's important job taking care of everybody else, but remember to take care of yourselves. It's a heavy burden that uh you all probably face every single day. And uh remember, you know, you're no good to to no one if you're not good to yourself. So, thank you for choosing this profession.

And um I'm really happy to see all your faces. I had no idea we had so many, but you know, at the end of the day, we have such great need. You probably need more help, but um and one one man besides you, unless some aren't all here today. Um thank you, we need we need everybody. Um there's three. Okay.

No, I just want to speak.

Oh, sure. [laughter] Um yeah, you know, I have a sister and we heard from some of the hope shot um folks. Um, I have a sister who's battled addiction in Miami and and she's now um got a case manager and she's housed and um she actually used to run a sober home but then she fell back. Um, so I really am very grateful for what you're doing for our citizens and um, and you know the hope shot, one of the gentlemen brought up that he's going to the Benet Academy for training for a job and you know once you get someone housed um, I'm so proud of this county that we we help people then get employment because if you don't have a job, you don't have a reason to get up every day and go, you know, find a way to sustain yourself and your family, you're going to fall right back. So, um we're very grateful for all the work you do and for our our community. I you know, when I first moved here and I see Chuck Grayson back there, um King Healey told me, uh gentleman who's passed away, I think some of you knew him, that this is the most generous county ever. and and I really have lived here 30 years now and I really feel that our citizens really care about our other citizens and our government cares about our other citizens too. So I'm really proud to be from Pasco and thank you for all the work that you do for Pasco County. Um would you like to speak to us please? Actually, I just accolades. You guys have done phenomenal work when it comes to working with the most vulnerable in our society. And I don't think I got enough play last year, but you guys really stepped up when we had so many impacted displaced citizens during the hurricane. So, I'm grateful that we haven't had that this year. But but nevertheless, uh the work you do is is of monumental importance and everything that the board has said is is true. And uh I just Thank you.

So, good morning members of the board. Brian Hoben, director of community services. And I want to first and foremost thank you for that powerful recognition. Um, just so you know, we do have two teams up here today. The Paso County Senior Services lead agency team as well as our human services case managers to honor both of them.

Okay.

And I just like everyone else would just like to take a brief moment to um, you know, address the case managers

today. We honor not just your work, but your unwavering heart for this community. You are the quiet force behind stability, the bridge between crisis and hope, and the reason so many in Pasco County find their way forward. Your ability to navigate complexity with compassion, to advocate fiercely and listen deeply transforms lives every single day. You don't just connect people to services, you connect them to dignity, to possibility, and to a future they may not see without you. This resolution is a public affirmation that your work matters, that you matter, and that Pasco County is stronger because of you. Thank you for being the heart of our service and and that really is to my team. I I really appreciate that.

I I just want to add one thing that compassion fatigue is a real thing and if you ever get it, reach out to your supervisor because you really do need to take a break. because Commissioner Sari or Waitman said, you need to take care of you. And that's one of the things that I learned the hard way that I wasn't taking care of me. So, make sure you take time to do that.

Um yeah, there's so many of you. I'll have Commissioner Joerger come down and um we'll stand up behind. Okay.

Commissioner, do you have your Oh, you got it. Okay.

[laughter]

If some of you could go this way,

I bet you have to squeeze in a little bit.

I was supposed to wear green. just anyone. Yeah, it's perfect. All right. And then just make sure you can see me. So, look through your window. I do have a green jacket in my car.

Okay. What which is the next one?

I have um

Commissioner Oakley, we'll go to RS1.

RS1. Okay. Resolution number 26 021, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, celebrating Veterans Day on November 11th, 2025 in Pasco County. Whereas the services of over 50,000 veterans in Pasco County in protecting our freedom and the hardships endured by their families are recognized by the citizens of our county with the deepest sense of gratitude. And whereas Pasco County continues to look to its veterans as leaders, carrying their patronism and concern for others far beyond the battlefield, participating in local government, community groups, charitable organizations, and voluntary service programs. And whereas across Pasco County, individual veterans, veterans associations, and over 260 veterans employed by Pasco County are helping provide support and advocacy within the veteran community, continuing to make progressive strides in resolving the plight of homeless veterans and fostering and young people a genuine love of our country and a profound sense of personal duty, honor, and civic responsibility. And whereas Pasco County urges all local employers, organized labor, veterans organizations, and other government leaders to support the effort to increase employment opportunities for the men and women who have faithfully served our nation in the military. And whereas to provide ongoing advocacy to the veteran community, Pasco County has established county veteran services offices recognized by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, which serves veterans throughout Pasco County. And whereas a veteran will never leave a fallen comrade behind. And likewise, Pasco County will always look to serve the veteran community through our county veteran services offices. Veteran organizations and events such as Pasco County Standdown, ensuring that Pasco County veterans have the tools they need to transition into a successful civilian life. And whereas Pasco County owes the veterans of this count and this nation a tremendous debt of gratitude for taking the sacred oath to support and defend this nation's constitution and the ideas of liberty and democracy. These patriots represent the best of us and on Veterans Day we honor their service, dedication and valor and are forever grateful for their sacrifices. And whereas Pasco County encourages the citizens to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made sacrifi sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or resident on November 4th through November 11th, 2025. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby calls on all Pasco County citizens to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th, 2025 by flying the American flag, celebrating those veterans who are employed by Pasco County and remembering the sacrifices of all veterans who have made throughout the years to ensure our freedom and our way of life. done and resolved in the regular session with a quorum present and voting on this 21st day of October

2025.

Take approval.

Second.

All in favor?

I.

Mr. Oakley.

Yes.

When u they talking about senior citizens and veterans, I perk up because I happen to be the only one here that was both. So, it's very important. Well, I heard you were a a boot boot camp sergeant. Was that right, Miss Starky?

That's right. That's right. I'm the mother of a

She could have been anyway. [laughter]

I'm the mother of military.

Right. But it means very much to me that uh what you've done in your past and all the veterans all over the country that have made it to where whatever wars we've gone to and battles we've been in, we have come back and uphold freedom for all of the American people. Uh there's nothing better than that. Some actually give their their lives to the cause of us being free and we need to thank them each and every day. not just once a year, but all the time. Fly the American flag and be proud of what it stands for and what you've done for your country. So, we thank you for all all the work there. Is there uh anyone from your group want to speak or

I'll say I'm

Good morning. My name is Dave Gerson. I'm the manager of veteran services. Thank you commissioners uh for this time. Uh we are a very humble group. Uh these veterans do not enjoy the spotlight. So that's why I forced them to stand up here with me. [laughter] Uh they would love nothing more. They're all going to have to be at work. Um but standing behind me is a port a portion of our team. Uh collectively we have over 160 years of military service. Uh not only did they serve their country, but they continue to serve our county. Uh they they serve a life of service and I appreciate them every day for that. Uh without them, I I would not be successful. Um, I am very grateful for the trust and confidence that Paula and Kathy have given me to lead this team. Uh, rightfully so. It's a team of rock stars and I'm I'm just humbled to be a part of it. Uh, we have, uh, recently celebrated the 250th year of some of the services. Uh, the best one coming up on November 10th, the United States Marine Corps. [laughter] Few in the proud. I I'm proud to be one of the few. Uh, but I did want to say thank you for everyone's recognition and the time today to allow us to be recognized. Uh, for those that did serve as well as in the county, something I like to say whenever I speak to folks is that even if you didn't serve, there's not a person in the room that doesn't know someone or isn't related to someone that did serve. So, um, it does affect everyone and I appreciate that recognition. And lastly, um, I just want everybody to recognize these folks. Uh, I am proud to work with them every day. Um, you will never find a more humble group of guys uh that that ever existed and I I'm just really grateful to be here in front of you for that. Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you for your service.

Well, let's have all veterans stand up because we have other veterans here. So, we'd like to honor all our veterans here today.

Look how many we have.

Terry, I did not know you were military. One other thing I'd like to remind everyone, we have uh three veteran offices in Pasco County and they're the best of the best.

Um we're very proud of the action we get out of our three offices here in Pasco County and what they do for our veterans. So I I appreciate that and and thank you for all because we had the World War II memorial there in Dade City which I've been very concerned about. Everybody else worried about a tree. I'm worried about uh uh off World War II memorial that I'm afraid might get damaged one day. So I don't want it I want to protect it. Um also I think we have Vietnam war veteran memorial here in front of front of this facility. So if you don't know that or have never been there, you need to go and travel and read some of the names and and get some of the history from from the walls there that are on those memorials. So,

and you see the flag.

Anybody else like to speak?

Yes. We're gonna have Ces.

Sure.

Yeah. Gentlemen, thank you. You know, it's a choice to serve, right? Something in your heart that leads you to serve and protect the greatest country on the face of the planet. And once that service heart, you know, uh, takes off, I'm glad you guys still stick with it when when you're done with with your service here. You know, it's it's awesome to be a Flidian. uh you know, state of Florida and Pasco County, we're incredibly veteran friendly. Appreciate the service so much that, you know, we try to do the best we can to to want the veterans to choose to live here. And we see it through different, you know, uh tunnel towers, homes for our troops. Veterans are moving here because the level of care that they can receive if they something happened to them while they were in service or, you know, good place to be because of uh you know, the taxation and it's warm all the time. So, I think more and more veterans are going to keep coming to Florida as they have. And so, you guys have a big job ahead of you and and thank you for for serving Pasco County. We're a big county now with a lot going on and we certainly couldn't do all the work that we have to do without your help. So, thank you for being here today.

Thank you, Commissioner.

So, I want to share a little story with you. When my brother and I were kids, my my dad is a veteran. So before we could, I say go anywhere fun, he would take us to battlefields and monuments and read the names on the walls. And as a kid, I remember because there's video, I'm like doing cartwheels like, can we go now? You know, and I never realized the impact, the history lesson that I was getting. And now as a mom, I do the same thing with my kids, which is just amazing. And when they were little, and I'm saying like three years old, they would say, "Thank you for your service to these to these grown men." And they would cry and say, "Thank you." Like just that young children are brought up knowing the sacrifice that you all made for us. It it doesn't go unnoticed. And thank you doesn't even cover it because all of you, you know, just have so many stories and and I pray that you share those stories with people because they need to be heard because you guys are all heroes. So, thank you for everything um you guys do.

Commissioner,

thank you gentlemen. Thank you very much for your service and for what you're doing for our veterans. It's very important to us. Um, starting years ago, we expanded quite a bit the veteran background and backing of them to help them get their benefits. So, what you do is very important. Uh, the commission is looking for different things to do for our veterans. So, I'm going to throw throw a couple of things out there and maybe you guys can think about some ideas and get back with us on, but steps to recovery was here this morning. Uh, they're going to have like 33 beds for our veterans. They're going to have treatments uh facilities that are in there as well. were hoping to grow, help them grow, take care of more veterans. And I'll tell you one thing was startling to me when I talked to Marilyn the couple years ago who started the opioid money was when we were talking about the veterans and how many are homeless. I had my discussion with her was well, I'm told by the coalition that we don't have any homeless veterans. We got them all out of the woods. She goes, Jack, they're still in there. So, I want to say to you that with we got uh community development block grant disaster recovery money coming up. We've got other opportunities to help our veterans. Tunnels for Towers could be another option that we could try to help with. But if you can think of any veterans that are homeless that need to help that we can do something, now's a great time to take a look at it. Um, training programs such as the skills can help them get a job. So, whatever you can do with these people, especially this next year or so, let's really try to work together and get your ideas to like Kathy and uh the team, the DR group, and let's try to find what things we can do to help the veterans. But again, thank you very much for your your service.

And um lastly, me. Um I also want to thank you all. I know it's it can be a very rewarding job and a very tough job. As a matter of fact, just yesterday I was talking with Congressman Billis' office and they said, "If you don't mind, we're we are just about to finish some paperwork for a veteran who's about to be homeless." And I said, "Absolutely. Call me back when you're done. I mean, the need is is great." And um I don't think you guys were able to see how many people stood up around you. So uh it's I I'm just so proud that our county has so many veterans employed and I I tell that to my son-in-law. My son-in-law is a lieutenant colonel on January 31st. He'll be colonel and it's going to happen here in Pasco County. Actually, the general's coming in to do the pinning ceremony because my my grandson has a hockey tournament here. [laughter] and that way his wife and son can can watch the ceremony. But um and he's at the Pentagon at the Joint Chief's office. But um you know, one day he'll be he'll be a veteran. And I both of my um my father, my stepfather, Navy, Coast Guard. Hey, any any Air Force here?

That's it. Okay, let's hear from Okay. Your co your Air Force,

Navy,

Army,

Coast Guard. Oh, co

you know, Coastg Guard Academy is the hardest academy to get into of all themies.

People know that.

Who's Oh. [laughter] Oh, we're gonna Okay. Um, but um we're um you know, when I first was a elected a commissioner, I had no idea we had a veterans office. No idea at all. And um and I'm so proud we have it on all three sides of the county as Commissioner Oakley said. So um obviously that shows the need and um we're very grateful for all you do. We're going to be shining the lights on our government buildings on uh um Veterans Day. We'll be shining them green. Um we're this is something that Nico is pushing all across the United States and we've been doing it for a number of years. So if you happen to drive by here or Dade City, I don't know if there's are we lighting up the utilities building in Land of Lakes. I don't know if we have the green lights there, but let's get them on there if we don't. And u All right. So we will come down and take a picture with you guys. Come on, fun. We should have Thank you so much. mine because I have to change.

Yes, ma'am.

All right, Commissioner Waitman's

Let's roll.

Are you ready?

Yep.

Awesome. Resolution 26-016, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring the month of October 2025 as National Community Planning Month in Pasco County. Whereas the month of October is designated as National Community Planning Month throughout the United States of America in its territories. And whereas the American Planning Association endorses National Community Planning Month as an opportunity to highlight how planning is is essential to the future of building sustainability and equitable communities. Whereas community planning provides an opportunity for all residents to be meaningfully involved in making choices that determine the future of their community. And whereas by the year 2050, the population of Pasco County is projected to grow by 323,000 residents. And whereas Pasco County Planning, Development, and Economic Growth Department has created innovative strategies to build successful, meaningful, and economically strategic places in the county that people can live, work, and play. doing so with major developments like Spirros, connected city, central Pasco Employment Village, the Gateway, Double Branch, and Villages of Pasadena Hills while maintaining more than onethird of the county's total land area as conserved open or green space. And whereas Pasco 2050 is a multi-year initiative to update the Pasco County comprehensive planet plan and gratitude is extended to the community members and stakeholders that have participated in public workshops throughout the summer of 2025 in order for their input to be included in the county's vision for the next 25 years and beyond. And whereas the celebration of n national community planning month gives Pasco County the opportunity to publicly recognize the participation and dedication of the members of the planning commission, contributions of the professional community and regional planners and the passion of the citizen planners in the conjunction with the commitment of the board of county commissioners to improve Pasco County. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that the board hereby declares the month of October 2025 as the National Community Planning Month in Pasco County and calls upon all residents to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special obser uh observance done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of October 2025. Move approve.

Second.

All in favor?

I

I. And this is Commissioner Waitman.

Yes.

A few familiar faces.

But some are missing.

Kind of. Well, we'll see.

All here.

See them this afternoon. Maybe we should have done it at

Yeah.

at 1:30.

No. Uh whether whether it's Pasco County or municipality or anywhere in the state of Florida, the job that the planning team and the planning commissions have is an immense one. And you know, I mean, you know, Chair Gray and planning commission can't thank you guys enough for volunteering your time and uh we know some of those meetings are fairly contentious and to work through, you know, citizen comments and working with staff and together collaborative before the items reach the board level. So, thank you all for for your willingness to serve and and to the planning staff. You know, you guys have a big job, especially in a county like ours, growing every every day and working to vet which projects and and the type of use is beneficial to our county while also, you know, having to to thread that needle on land land use issues and land owner rights in the state of Florida. And so, you know, I'm sure there's some fun days in your job and there's some rather challenging days in your jobs, but thank you. And of course, be remiss working through the comp plan. That's that's such a a huge project and uh thank you for for taking time to go all across this county to engage our citizenry and take their input to help us formulate what our next 25 years uh will potentially look like. So glad you all are here today and uh proud to recognize you chair.

Yep.

Yep. Um well I think we all want to say something David so go ahead commissioner please.

Yep. Um, Chuck, thank you for many, many years of serving on the planning commission. Uh, you've done a great job and, uh, it's it's been run the right way. David, thank you for coming in with your leadership and guidance for what I call the future of Pasco County that stands behind you that uh, means very much to all of us and the job they're doing is is phenomenal and it's getting better and better as we go. So, thank you for that.

Thank you, sir. So, when I think of you guys, your tagline should be planning with a purpose because I I really feel like you guys put a lot of thought. You're thinking ahead of how to make the project better. You're very picky, which I love. Uh you're designing what our county in the future is going to look like, what we don't want, what we do want. And I really see that in things. And you guys also look for quality development. And I I I can't say I I appreciate you guys so much. So, thank you for planning with a purpose.

Thank you,

Commissioner.

Well, I tell you, planning is so important. Thank you guys for picking that career. Um, I want to encourage you in a couple of different ways. The the creativity that you can use to get what you think is the best project that's out there. Um, the strength that you might need to deal with some of these developers because a lot of a lot of these guys are going to come in, they're going to give you the biggest heartburn issues they've got. Put that in front of you. make you think when you take those hard burden issues away, which they don't care about, they're going to try to get get you a different way. You just need to know, especially with land use, you've got a lot of flexibility to make this the best project you can every step of the way. Uh we try to put ordinances forward, working with you to bring them forward, but sometimes they don't still cap capsulate everything we need. You can't you can't write a lot for everything. You can't put an ordinance for everything, but your creativity and trying to get the right stuff done is so critically important. Uh Chuck, thank you for serving for all these years. was you and the planning commission all volunteers. Um I remember when I first got elected at the time the districts had their own appointments for the planning commission. So I hadn't met Chuck at the time so I drove out to Dade City to meet with him and they're appointing him as chairman. I go well I guess he's my appointee [laughter] and you've done done a great job leading every step of the way. Uh David uh you're stepping in with your leadership helping this team go and and and really focus on some great things has been absolutely phenomenal. Uh greatly greatly appreciate everything you're doing. and David Allen. Um what you're what you're doing to help put this great team together and keep it together has been phenomenal. So, keep up the great work, too.

And and I um want to thank you all. Um and I I echo some of my commissioner's words. Stand tough. We we know we know that you are getting uh pushed to go in a direction that maybe we don't want to go here in this county. And we are behind you. We are behind you. And um I and I I'll let you speak too. And um you know, I listen to all the planning commission meetings. I'm they're they're a little shorter right now. I don't know what's going on there. I've even listened to a few of your workshops. Um although there's there is one planning commissioner that does lengthen them a lot. But uh [laughter] Jack, I'm going to go over Roberts of order with you and how much time you're really allowed to speak, right? Um but um and you to the planning commission and I think we just have you here today. Oh my gosh, I am so grateful to those guys. They don't get paid for what they do and and they're giving up billable hours to uh to serve there. I mean, they could it's I'm just really grateful and um and I definitely want you to speak and I definitely want you to say how many years you've been chair and I just appreciate all of you. I think we've come a long way and um I'm real excited for um the ordinances that we have now and the ones that we're strengthening. I think our citizens will really be grateful for the work that this board is doing and what you're doing. So please speak to us both of you, three of you maybe. Terry,

thank you ma'am. Uh David Angel, economic um well planning development and economic growth. Back in February of 24, the board had a special workshop on community planning and it's an opportunity to benchmark what's transpired since that very important moment we had with the board. The board asked us to be more context centric, smarter in the way we approach our planning projects and our development. Also be sensitive to the environment in the community and we've done that. So at that time uh planning consisted of planning department and economic growth. Now the department is quite a bit larger. A week after that workshop uh our county administrator Mr. Carbala said whatever you need to make this happen you're going to be supported. And right now the planning department has many dimensions that were uh not not foreseen at that very important workshop. We have planning services. They they do our long range planning. There's uh there's a special projects team that does the board's projects uh including tree tree prevention, chicken ordinance, um standardization of our our trail system. We have an active transportation planner. We also have development review which was a separate department in February of 24. Now they work with us and there's a major planning check in their engagement as they review the civil design. They make the planning check makes sure that the board's policies and approvals are carried out to the letter. We have also platting. We have performance bonds. We have um we have also engineering inspections. When you put that all together, we're being stronger to the developers, but we're also providing amping up the customer service as well. And our team right today is probably one of the best planning departments in the state of Florida. Uh we have people getting their master's degrees, getting credentialed. Uh we have lunch and learns on a monthly basis for for um for training and development. And it wouldn't be uh all this wouldn't happen unless everybody came together. And planning is just not a department anymore. There's there's parks, recreation, and natural resources. There's public works. There's the transportation engineering department and our utilities folks. We all work together to make Pasco a better place. So, thank you.

Oh, um, you know, I forgot to have Mike speak.

Well, I was just going to add, uh, you know, to that again, thank you, David, for the leadership you've shown to this department. Uh, the the growth in it that I have seen and witnessed since being in this role has been, uh, bar none phenomenal. Mr. Gray, thank you, too. I'll echo the board's thanks of of the planning commission for stepping up and taking it some days and and we really really plan it. and you know into the team. You guys listen, you guys are are visionaries, your implementers, um you know, oftentimes referees and negotiators. So, we just appreciate everything that you do uh to make our county great and beautiful and wonderful and uh we have you to thank for that. So, I appreciate that.

All right, Chuck, you're up. I'm take a picture.

Thank you. I just a few words. mainly I just want to tell you that I'm been honored and and humbled really to be uh involved and associated with this county and in terms of planning and zoning for probably I guess it was 1994 when I got involved and probably chairman since 2000 and uh so uh a lot of water under the dam.

We're going to get a gold watch.

Yeah. Right. Right. But uh it's been it's been interesting and it's been a passion of mine to uh not only protect the uh property rights of people who own property, but also to protect the neighborhoods and to try to put myself in a position where when I see a project come in, the first one of the first things I think about is, is that something I'd want to have near my home? And if it is, then I, you know, I try to support it. But I also want to preserve the opportunity for people who have invested in property and and own property the right to to do what they want to within reason. And uh so I'm very excited to to uh be involved in this and I'm very honored to work with the team of people that are behind me. They do an amazing job and I know they get a lot of people that complain for any number of reasons, but they don't really understand what goes on and what kind of pressures there are and what kind of workloads there are associated with what they do. So, uh, and together with this commission, I think this is maybe one of the greatest commissions we've had in my lifetime. And uh just want to say I appreciate everything that you all do and the support you give us. Um we very much appreciate that and um I look forward to continuing as long as I can long as I'm able to be of of help. So thank you so much and God bless.

Thank you. Um there's a lot of you so we'll stand behind. This is Commissioner Waitman. So Commissioner you go down and up. Thank you all so much. Chuck, thank you for speaking up for the trees because I I'm just really grateful that you did that. It gave me gave me a tipping gave us a tipping point. [laughter] Just like college, guys. Okay, let's do the animal. We're going a little out of order on our um our resolutions. Next, we're going to do RS6.

Lot of resolutions.

I don't have a six.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation.

Is anyone here? Is anyone here for this resolution?

Yes, they're coming.

Okay, they're coming. Thank you. mic, sir.

Resolution number 26-020, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing the week of November 2 through 8, 2025 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County. Whereas National Animal Shelter Appreci Appreciation Week is celebrated each year to recognize the invaluable contributions animal shelters make to the health, safety, care, and welfare of animals in our communities. And whereas animal shelters in our community provide invaluable programs and services such as adoption services, rescue and rehabilitation, veterinary services, education and outreach, volunteer services, foster programs, animal control services, and much more. And whereas there are currently four animal shelters in Pasco County, including Pasco County Animal Service Services, Runaways, Animal Rescue, SPCA, Sunco, and the Humane Society of Pasco County. And whereas in 2024, these shelters work closely with the community and each other to rescue and save over 7,000 dogs, cats, and other small mammals in Pasco County and on are on the track to save even more in 2025. Whereas these four animal shelters work with many incredible members of our community such as animal advocates, volunteers, rescue partners, veterinarians, community leaders, and more to save lives and keep people and pets safe in Pasco County. And whereas National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week provides an opportunity for for [clears throat] the citizens of Pasco County to recognize and thank these compassionate professionals for their deep commitment in to animal welfare and their lasting impact in the community as well as spotlighting the need for more incredible life-saving individuals in this profession. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Florida County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby proclaims November 2nd through 8th, 2025 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County and encourages residents to honor and celebrate the exemplary service and dedication of the animal shelters in Pasco County done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting on this 21st day of October, 2025. approval. Second.

All in favor?

I

I um before before we get on to this, there were a bunch of planners here wearing green for RS three and um I just was going to move that to the end because I have to change to green. So, I hope they can come back. I think Terry's going to get them. I feel bad they left. Okay, this is Commissioner Mariano.

Yes. Well, I want to thank you all. Mike, you do a great job with our shelter and for our private providers as well. the phenomenal job you guys do to help save pets is is is greatly appreciated. U can be a big problem. It's a great opportunity for families to actually get get pets as well. So, what you do is greatly appreciate. I know it's a it's just a it's a tough job, but it's got to be pretty satisfying, too.

Commissioner Oakley.

Yep.

Mike, you keep showing up here in front of us, so things must be going great in your world. So, but uh certainly appreciate all that you do for the animals here in Pasco County and uh you've really done an outstanding job throughout the years that I've been here that I've been able to see and watch it grow and and do the right things for for Pasco County. So, thank you,

Commissioner Weman.

Thank you. Two two meetings in a row. Pretty good. It's Thank you. Thank you for your service to people and animals of our county, all of you all. You know, it's a public public health and safety matter first and foremost, right? And um you know, especially during storm season and out of all the things we have to manage, we're sure glad you're there to help manage that piece of the puzzle for us and for for the residents and giving them calm that, you know, parts of their family have a place to go if they need to and they can they can receive help so they can help think clearly. So, you know, you guys are all your became an intricral part of our great county. So, good to see you again today.

Yes. And u again, thank you so much. Um actually, I was at a community meeting last night in Holiday at TAT and um we talked about you all and um uh they need some a little attention. Apparently, they can't walk outside in their neighborhood. We have some dogs that are people are letting out. My dog gets out. So, I I I was have a little sympathy. If you open the door and you don't block it, sometimes he just shoots out between your legs. But um um grateful for all you do. Uh are all of you county employees or do some of you have your own shelters? What do we Who do we have today?

Yes, that's what I I thought might be going on here today. So, um so we're grateful to all of you because you all you all uh fill a need in the county. And if I could just tack on to that, you know, [clears throat] obviously the public safety that that Commissioner Weightman brought up. We have people that would not evacuate quite literally if if we did not take their pets and and I've visited those those portions of the shelters. That's a lot of work. And so so my thanks to that. And you know, you guys, as Commissioner Mariano mentioned, it's not all, you know, obviously we're in it. We love the animals, but the people aspect of that. I mean, my niece and nephew just paid an adoption fee to adopt a dog. That dog's living his best life now, but my my niece and nephew are are tickled and happy to have another member of the family, too. And so animals, we have that special bond as people with them and just appreciate you guys dedicating your careers to do that and to take care of that in our community. Thank you.

Um, do any of you want to speak to us?

Well, how [laughter] well I I think the ladies should um tell us the name of your shelters. Uh, so I'm Danny and I run the Runaways Animal Rescue in Port Richie. So we are one of only four shelters in Pasco County.

Yeah.

Um, we do have a clinic and we provide TNVR services to the community as well. So that's we do about a thousand cats a year. Yeah. So uh, and we save about a thousand animals annually, dogs, cats, but we also do small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs and anything else that needs a safe place until it finds its forever home.

Wonderful.

She runs a great shelter.

Yeah. All right. Who else is you could if you just want to say the name of your shelter that's fine.

Hi, I'm Candy. I'm from the Humane Society of Pasco County.

Okay. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Hi, I'm Ro. I'm with SPCA Sun Coast in Newport. Thank you.

Anyone else? Okay,

so I'll just finish up here. Mike Shoemay, director of Pasco County Animal Services. And these folks run these nonprofit rescues. They struggle every day.

Um, and they give heart and soul to what they do.

And we take in at our shelter all the strays of the county. We take in all those animals that we that are abandoned, that uh maybe they're too aggressive, um they're bite dogs, things like that. We get them in our shelter, but in order to maintain a save rate of 90%, we rely on them as rescue organizations to take those animals and get them adopted as quickly as they can. And not only them, but we have other rescues as well. But these are our brickandmortar shelters. This is where people come to surrender their own pets sometimes because we're quite frankly full right now and full a lot of the time with strays. So, we don't take owner surreners too often. So, we really appreciate the work that they do and we couldn't do what we do without them. We wouldn't make 90% every month without them. So, I'm very grateful to them and I'm certainly grateful for this board for the recognition. I know been here a couple of times and I receive a lot of praise, but trust me, it's the people that work for me and it's this team behind me that that do a lot of the work and I'm very grateful to them. for your appreciation and your willingness to recognize departments in the county, people, individuals, businesses that do great work for people. Thank you so much for your time.

Okay, we're going to take a quick photo.

Mike, I just want to say a quick word, too. Thank you for the great work you've done. That save 90 was a big program for us many years ago. Uh you've made it happen, which is some people didn't think it would get done. U but you you you've made it happen. Your partnerships with the private sector is phenomenal. the nonprofits and also the team you built uh to make all this happen. So, thank you all your great service really.

Thank you. Appreciate

it. shuffle that way. [laughter]

Can I get one of you?

And then if you could then I'll wait for [laughter] I don't know if it open. [laughter]

He's coming in.

[laughter]

Did you get one? [laughter]

Thank you. [laughter]

Thank you all again. No, not on.

Technically, he was not working.

Okay,

next we have um RS4. Then we're going to do RS3. I have to change my jacket. [laughter]

Is Jonas here?

Yes, he is. And I hope the folks back uh Starky Market are online now watching.

All right. [laughter] Resolution number 26-018, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, congratulating Jonas Goldstein for receiving the Voyager scholarship for public service. Whereas Jonas Goldstein grew up in Pasco County and attended JW Mitchell High School while also working his first job at Starky Market and serving on the Longleaf Architectural Review Committee. And whereas during high school, Jonas received a citizen appreciation award from the Tampa chief of police and student leadership award from commissioner of education Richard Corkran for his work producing 3D printed masks during the early stages of CO 19 pandemic. And whereas Jonas went to on to attend Florida State University where he was elected to student senate as a freshman, reelected as a sophomore and shortly thereafter selected by his fellow senator senators to serve as the senate president proapora. Whereas while in Tallahassee, [clears throat] excuse me, Jonas became increasingly interested in public service, including serving as a research fellow for the city of Tal Tallahassee, serving on the city of Tallahassee's transit advisory committee and environmental board while at the FSU Institute of Governance and Civics and serving as an intern to Florida Tax Watch. And whereas Jonas was admitted to the applied politics and policy learning experience Apple program at FSU, which gave him the opportunity to intern in the office of Senator Ed Hooper and to be selected among thousands of applicants to intern in the White House in the executive office of the president. And whereas Jonas Jonas's commitment to public service was recently recognized by him being the first ever FSU student and one of the only three students from the state of Florida to be awarded the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. And whereas the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is a nonpartisan two-year program created by former former President Barack Obama and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesy to support students who have a passion for helping others experience serving their communities and can demonstrate an expansive view of what is possible through public service. And whereas Jonas was one of less than 5% of the applicants to receive this prestigious scholarship, which awards over $80,000 in scholarship and travel funds to assist students with pursuing a career in public service, designing their own summer voyage to gain exposure to new communities in their chosen field, and networking with experienced leaders in public service. And whereas Jonas intends to utilize the Voyager scholarship to continue his commitment to strengthening infrastructure and expanding access to energy and transportation by leveraging emerging technologies to help communities become more efficient, reliable, and prepared for future challenges. Now therefore it be resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida that said board hereby congratulates Jonas Goldste Goldstein to on receiving

the prestigious Voyager scholarship for public service done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of October 2025.

Approval second.

Second.

All in favor? I don't know if we should do a standing ovation right now.

All right.

I think his parents should be standing up with him. I just want you all to understand who his parents are. So, if they would go up and stand with Jonas, I would appreciate it. [laughter]

And um

uh I'll go la. Uh well, no, I get to go first because it was mine, right?

When I when I saw that Jonas um won this award, you know, I didn't know all of this. Um but I guess I could have predicted it, Jonas, because you know, he worked for us. How old were you when you started working for us?

14. 14. Is that a child labor lawyer? [laughter] Okay, we're not gonna talk about that. But when he was 16, [laughter] amazing, amazing young man. And um boy, we we had him fixing all our it. I mean, we we lost so much when you went away to school. I didn't want you to leave. Um and he ran for office on a C on a CDD board and but then he was not old enough, so he couldn't do it. Um, but I knew we had a rock star with Jonas and uh and it's been so fun to watch you as you um uh go on your journey and gosh, parents, I I just can't imagine how proud you are. But we're so we're so proud, too. And I'm just I'm just so excited to be able to honor you today. So, Commissioner Oakley,

Jonas, um I don't know what to say. You're smarter than anybody I've ever known. [laughter] now know how David gets all his reading done and get everything ready and prepared for our meetings. So, I thought it was just on his own smart. He's got a lot of extra help. So, [laughter] but it's it's really great that you received this award. It's great that you're doing the things you're doing starting at the age you did and move forward. A lot of kids tend to not catch up until later in years. So, uh I always tell them sometimes that children are overrated at times. So, but uh you're done anything and everything that a lot of kids probably won't do until they get to be about 40. So, but uh it's it's really remarkable that you've done what you've done and able to do it. And you must really love it or you wouldn't be doing it the way you're doing it. So, I can tell.

Thank you. Wow. I think I can speak for everybody here that um we look forward to following you on your journey just to see like

President President Jonas.

Yeah. [laughter] I'm like, boy, do we have like the future governor here?

I think so.

Um you're just absolutely amazing and um just congratulations and and keep putting up the good work and I know you you have an amazing support system and of course you have the county. Anyway, we can help you. Um, I just can't wait to see what what the future holds for you. So, congratulations and welld deserved.

Mariano.

Jonas, how old are you now?

20.

right?

That's crazy what what you've accomplished. That's that's just incredible. Um, no surprise, David. From the time he was born, you talked about it with booming pride, but just see your growth has been absolutely phenomenal. So, keep up the great work. whatever we can do to help you here as a commission. Uh, happy to do it. But, uh, good luck to you and congratulations.

Thank you.

All right, Commissioner Weightman. I I know he's not here, but I'm sure you would echo echo our congratulations. We're all going to come down and take a photo. I have two. Is one for David? [laughter]

I actually I want one.

I almost want to put it up at the market. Come on up. [laughter] Thank you.

Ready? test.

No, no, no. I do. [laughter]

I noticed that it's not going to match, but I am gonna be wearing green. Okay. Last one. I have my green jacket. Okay. Anyone coming up? Yep. Thank you. Resolution number 26-017, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring October 2025 as Florida Greenways and Trails Month in Pasco County. Whereas greenways and trails conserve native landscapes and ecosystems, link natural areas with communities, and provide Florida residents and visitors of all ages and abilities with yearround opportunities for free health and fitness activities and a connection with the state's natural, historical, and cultural heritage. And whereas Pasco County completed its greenways, trails, and blueways master plan in 2023, outline outlining a long-term vision for a connected countywide greenway network that enhances quality of life, supports economic development, promotes safe non-motorized transportation, and fosters ecoourism and outdoor recreation. And whereas Pasco County actively supports greenway and trail programs by hosting events and activities that encourage residents and visitors to explore, enjoy, and make use of the county's trail system. And whereas Pasco County is home to nearly 300 miles of paved and unpaved trails and more than 80 miles of designated blueways, including regionally significant facilities such as Sun Coast Trail, Starky Wilderness Trail with Luchi State Trail and Coastal Enclo Trail, many of which form vital links in the statewide sunrail system. And whereas the Starky Trail and Sun Coast Trail are part of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail system with nearly 88% of the trail constructed and will span 253 miles from St. Petersburg to Titusville and play a vital role in the regional trail network. And whereas Pasco County continues to prior prioritize trail development with several capital projects underway including the Orange Belt Trail and the Witluchcci straight uh state trail. And whereas the Orange Belt Trail is proposed multi-use corridor envisioned as a 12 to 14 foot paved trail that will connect Trinity, Odessa, Landanda Lakes, San Antonio, St. Leo, and Dade City. And whereas the W with Luchi State Trail extension will close the gap between the existing Wit Luchi State Trail and the existing Hardy Trail in Date City, strengthening the connecting strengthening and connecting the local and regional trail systems. And whereas Pasco County remains committed to seeking opportunities, partnerships, and investments that expand and enhance greenways, trails, and blueways, ensuring access for present and future generations. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that the said board hereby declares October 2025 as Florida Greenways and Trails Month in Pasco

County and encourages all citizens to enjoy and value the health and benefits and natural resources of the Florida greenways and trails for present as well as future generations. done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of October 2025.

Move approve.

Second.

All in favor?

I.

So, um I wanted this to be last because I had to change to green because I forgot to wear green today. Um but I have to have this in my car. So, uh I am very uh happy to be the sponsor of the greenways and trails um resolution. And you see Commissioner Waitman is wearing green.

So, um you know, [laughter]

I remember

um you know, it just came to my mind while while u she was reading the proclamation that when we're done, we're going to have three trails in this county of state significance. I don't maybe Palkas I know that's a city. I don't remember what county it's in, but I know there are a lot of trail head trails that go out of pka, but that's going to be huge. So, we have to do a little research to see if anyone else will have three trails of regional state significance, but um I'm grateful for all the work you guys are doing. Um it's uh it takes a long time to get these done. Um but our citizens and our community is are going to be such great beneficiaries of this opportunity to get out and recreate safely. and um it will greatly enhance our tourism abilities and uh really really uplift our quality of life. So um thank you all for for your work on this. And I had um I I had Ralph come up because maybe you don't know but Ralph served was Will Weatherford's appointment to the state greenway trails council for how many years?

Five years.

Five.

I was on there before. So, I I first was appointed um by Senator McCay, state or Senate President. Then I stayed on for Governor Bush. I stayed on for Governor Chris and I stayed on um just a little bit for Governor Scott. Uh so, um I loved serving on that council and I wholly believe in the state's mission on its trails um plan and um just really grateful that our state is really going all in on trails. So, um, Commissioner Oakley,

well, I thank you for all that you do, for helping see that everything, all these trails get connected. They always ask me about, well, if you got a trail you're studying or working on, I says, you need to talk to Commissioner Starky [laughter] and she'll take care of whatever your wishes are on that trail. So, long as she's looking after, I don't have to worry about it. But she does a great job in doing just that and I appreciate each and everyone for the work you do and whatever part you fitted in to make it all connect. So very important.

Commissioner Wait.

Thank ma'am. Yeah. You know, hand in hand with planning day, right? What the what our future looks and and how how we enjoy the amenities of our county. And it's not always an easy job to figure out where to land the trail. that right Aaron um thanks for having me tough through these but no it's important you know to work with with all the stakeholders when a trail comes through and and how to make make it successful and um you know so it's uh can be a fun potentially a fun ride if you will but uh pleasure to wear green with you all today and thanks for coming in

Jagger [gasps and sighs]

well I want to thank you guys um when I think of trails I just think of family memories you know just getting the bikes or walking with our kids and they'll say, "I see a turtle." Or and then, you know, we pull over, we look at the turtle. So, I love anything that's free that families can enjoy and be together um enjoying the outside and um I love how much planning goes into the trails. I know recently, Commissioner Starky, we were looking at something and she's like, "Wait, the trail is on this side and there's nothing over here, so it doesn't connect." So, like I always love that you guys are mindful of that because that could easily just go unnoticed and then it goes through and we're like, what were we doing? So, um just thank you guys.

And I I appreciate the trailers. Commissioner Stark, you've been a great leader uh to get a lot of these trails paved, etc. And I'm glad we mentioned ecoourism because I want to talk about that just for a for a moment. There's a lot of opportunities now that we've done change the penny for Pasco and trying to work with our elim projects that are out there. um past few years going up to uh New Hampshire, Maine. Um the off-road experience they have up there, they can go snowmmoiling. They can go ATV riding. Now, we're not going to do much snowmoiling here,

but I think there's a great

work on that.

You work on that.

But I think there's great opportunity. [laughter] But I think there's great opportunity for not only for ATV riding. I mean, those people who like travel, they they stay weekends, they have a fun, the whole family can do it. I think would actually save a lot of our neighborhoods and our sheriff's deputies out there that have to chase these guys down if they've got a place to go. So, as well as having their friends from out of town or across the country coming in to spend time with us, if you have if you can find a way to like make some trails in there, you don't have to pave them. Obviously, just

cut a path through equestrian trails like Giddy Up. We're going to try to do that up the street with uh Tammy and then Nancy Hazel, which she talks about trying to put that on the other side. Give the horses a place to go, which I think we've tried to do. So, I think we can kind of look at all those things and and just keep this thing going. Keep up the good work.

Okay. Who's gonna [clears throat] um

I asked David if he wanted to, but I'll give it I'll give it a shot. So, Keith Wy, director of parks, recreation, natural resources. I will say that takes a lot. You see all the different department representation here. It's not something easy to get done, but uh back in 20 I think it was 2014 2015 when Michelle Baker uh was contemplating merging environmental lands with uh with the parks department back then, this is this is the thought that we were thinking that we would be able to take advantage of planning recreation within the natural resources landscape. And so when you when you're honoring greenways, so I didn't wear green, but I wore a blue tie because it's actually greenways blue ways. So I am the blue saving yourself.

I am the blue way. [laughter] I'm the blue way within the greenways, but uh you and Terry

I had the same vibe.

Yes, we Commissioner Mariana, we we were thinking the same thing. So, uh it's it's very encouraging to see the support by the board. Uh Commissioner Starky, of course, everyone knows that you're a huge trail advocate, but but we all we all see the benefit, you know, in the community and and again, it's not it's not an easy thing to do. So, we have some work to do. We're doing the the 2050 uh update right now with the planning department. They're leading that very well. And we're trying to figure out how we make this PL trail planning, this regional system, how we get it concreted so that we have a we have a clear path, if you will, clear path for trails.

Uh and that way, you know, it'll be a lot easier to implement. But I do appreciate the the support. Again, I mean, I I don't know if anyone wants to talk about all the teams that are represented here, but you know, Sam Bennick is no longer with us from project management. He was huge. I know

he's doing trails in Denver. He's doing trails in Denver. But you have it's just a massive collaboration and I just want the board to really understand how complicated it is from both the planning just the identifying of a system right how you do that to getting it into the into a policy document to then actually requiring it both on private or public land and then designing it and constructing it and oh guess what uh they always like to say oh Keith you maintain it at the very end and I'm like okay well if I'm going to maintain it I want to be a part of the actual planning process But thank you very much for the recognition.

Thank you. All right. So, I'm gonna um come down and do the photo and the rest can stand behind.

Mr. Keith is always need money and he's not here. We can get one. So, we we gave it to a different we gave it to someone else. You weren't here. [laughter]

Okay, we are on to the consent agenda and I have three polls. I have I don't have my glasses with me today. C23, C29, and C-31. Is there anything else that we want to pull from the consent agenda?

I think it was C-51.

Okay. Yeah, you're right.

Chair, just a question for me. So, the re I understand that the reason for pulling 51 there is no similar concern with 50.

I don't believe

what he say.

Yeah, those are just applications.

Okay. Move approval of the consent agenda. Remaining agenda.

All in favor?

I.

Okay. Um C23.

Thank you, chair. Yes. No, this pulled this item just to recognize some of the technology improvements from the from the IT folks and how this is going to save in the long run when we look at reoccurring spending and where we can save and cut from. And um so I just wanted to highlight uh the fiscal discipline that that this part of our team has and let the county administrator or whomever talk to it in a little greater detail.

Good idea.

Yeah. Just real quick, the u the idea here was that to implement a program that you know our IT team went and did some market analysis based on our our current spending habits, right? and and took a look at the current statewide government contract that we're perfectly legal legally um able to take advantage of through a procurement aspect. Uh but decided that going on our own contract would actually save money. And so in fact uh by by not relying on that global contract, we're saving approximately $400 per year uh on on I'm sorry, $400 per computer uh purchase. So with that and that's allowed us to save upwards of over the life of this contract about $2 million or half a million dollars a year which you know when we when we looked at the military going going through the budget hearing was was one of the reasons we were able to give that money back to the taxpayers because we didn't need it because we we've done things to make our our IT department more efficient in terms of how we how we rely on our computers as well as how long we hold on to them. We we also made some changes in terms of our useful life. So rather than cycling computers out every three years, we would decided to cycle them out every four years. And just those subtle efficiency changes uh made a huge impact and we like I said we were able to uh this board was able to I was able to make recommendations the board to cut millage in order to realize those sacred. So we're very proud of the team doing that. And then on the side it's just gravy. They they implemented a uh an employee buyback program uh for computers.

Brilliant.

Which which

and where did that idea come from? I think that came from someone in your office there and allowed

allows our [laughter] allows our employees to incentivizes them really to take care of their equipment because guess what? They can buy it in the end and use it for personal use and that'll probably add another 50 to 60,000 back to the general fund as well. So very proud of our folks for taking efficiency to heart and uh doing good things for our taxpayers.

Thank Mike with that I move approval.

Second.

All in favor? I

All right. C 20

28.

Good morning, members of the board. Jason Mkel, public works director. Um, I tried really hard to put this project into your district, Commissioner Starky in district three. Um, [laughter] but, uh, it's it's actually in Commissioner Jagger's district, the northern uh, Newport Richie outfall. And my staff didn't catch. I said I told them anytime you see Port Richie,

they did catch it.

Someone or maybe you caught it.

I caught it. [laughter]

Yeah. Sorry.

You see Port Richie. That's my bad.

Okay. So that's it. We're just changing the county commission district. Take a motion.

That's it.

Move.

All in favor?

I All right. Thanks, Jason. Okay. And then C31, C-51 is a withdraw.

Yeah. Uh chair and and before that, you know, you know, my angst towards live local, but uh C-51 was vulnerable to live local and it would have doubled down on the exemption and our taxpayer would have been on the hook to potentially pay even more. So, thank you uh Mike and and Chuck and team taking a look at this a little bit further before before making a vote on it.

Okay, so we are now up to the R I think it is going to be Rait R52. No, R60, right?

R 61.

You want to go to 61? Okay. 61.

Good morning, commissioners. Paulo Barcalo, director of support services and also chair of the opioid task force. I am here this morning to present to you our year three project recommendations and we'll get started. So on our first slide, we have here um our list of task force members. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize all of their hard work in reviewing all of those applications to allow us to make recommendations before you today. Um earlier today on your consent agenda, you also confirmed Christine Garrison. Uh she's a social services administrator from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office who will be taking uh the place of Captain Tony Roach, who is retiring from the force. Uh I would like to also extend a thank you to Captain Roach for all of her contributions within the task force and outside of it to advance uh behavioral health in our community. The remaining seats with a single asterisk are those that will be reappointed on January of 2026. And so those will be coming uh before you on a future agenda. So now just a very uh highlevel um quick recap that thanks to your support over $14 million have gone um to different uh community projects uh over 20 of them that have focused on five primary areas primarily on the treatment recovery and prevention and education areas um that are the primary focus for our task force. As a reminder, these have also these efforts have also been recognized at the national and state level through the mental health urgent care center in partnership with Bayare earlier this year. And so that takes us to a quick overview of the funding available for year three. So this year the county was awarded over $1.2 million from the city county fund and over $4.5 million from the regional fund. In addition to that, the opioid task force made the recommendation uh to um roll over 100,000 that were non-allocated from a project in year two uh for a grand total of over $5.7 million to allocate between community and internal projects. You may also recall that about a year ago, the board also authorized for $750,000 to be carved out from the city county fund uh in order to uh fund um county projects that were identified through the um budget process. And so with over $9 million in community asks, the FF uh only recommended 11 out of those 17 original projects that were submitted. And so that brings us to a quick recap of those projects. I just want to remind you that those bold sections under each of those uh projects um are the sections that they meet under the guidelines of the community abatement plan and it's a requirement of the program. So very quickly here we have ACE Opportunities. They are a transitional housing and rapid rehousing program. Uh their target population are adults. Then we have Alliance for Healthy Communities. This is to continue to expand opioid prevention services in our community and deliver opioid specific prevention to adults through their ASAP program and stand through their youthled program in addition to provide family- based

prevention strategies. The third project on the list is Bayare Behavioral Health. Uh this is really phase two of the urgent behavioral health care center that will be expanding to the east side. Uh primarily serving the city of Date City and surrounding areas. Oops. Going back one slide. Next we have Florida Recovery Schools Victory High School which is the only recovery high school in the state of Florida. This will be funding primarily salaries and direct services for about 25 students. Next, we have one community now. Um, and this is really to provide transitional housing support, family reunification, and other wraparound services uh to veterans and non- veterans alike. And they're also hoping to expand to the east side of the community. Then we have Pasco County Corrections. This is one of our internal projects that will be continuing. This is year two um from their county allocation uh to provide incarcerated inmates with medically assistant treatment and other opportunities uh to receive supportive services as related to opioid use disorder. And that brings us to our uh joint uh program within uh fire rescue and our human services team. This is an expansion of the mobile integrated health uh program uh with additional case management support from our human services partners. And then we go on to premier community. This is really to provide staffing cost to the behavioral health uh services location that you authorized on uh year two and their target population are all ages. Then we go on to the hope shot. Uh this is to continue to provide housing support, peer coaching, community- based recovery services at the Always Center in Newport Richie. Next on the list is Van Go's pallet and this is really uh to provide rehabilitation services for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder and substance use disorder through a structured work order program uh with um placements of about six to nine months for entry- level jobs in our community. And last but certainly not least, we have Warrior Wellness, which will serve veterans, first responders, um their spouses or significant others with mental health issues and primary and secondary traumas as related to opioid and substance use disorder. And so that brings us to the official recommended list from the opioid task force. So from left to right uh you'll see the applicant organization, the proposed project name, the full amount requested by each applicant, and then on the next two columns, their partial allocation if applicable between both the city county fund and the regional fund. Uh but I'd like for you to focus on the last column, which is the total recommended allocations for this year. So I'm going to go top to bottom, um naming the applicant organization and the full amount they were awarded. or recommended for award I should say. Bayare behavioral health uh their full allocation uh $697,896 Premier Community Healthcare Group

$33635.50 the Hopshot 961,867 Alliance for Healthy Communities $358,75.50 50. Pasco County Corrections, $1,120. Van Go's uh pallet, $60,000. Ace Opportunities, $53,000. One community now, $97,51.89. Uh the partnership uh project between Fire, Rescue, and Human Services, $1,12,32. Warrior Wellness, $150,000. And last, uh, Florida recovery schools for $100,000. So, after having briefed all board members and leadership and addressing questions and concerns about these projects, uh, before you, uh, are the consensus recommendations of these allocations for each of these projects for year three. Those are on the blue column that you'll see there to the right. And so I'd like to call out only the specific projects that were revised in their allocation recommendation for your consideration today. So we're going to start with the third project down. That would be the hope shot. And we're uh proposing a reduction of the allocation from 961,000 and change to $300,000. The second project Vincent House an increase of the allocation from $60,000 to $100,000. Next, One Community Now, an increase of their allocation from $97,000 and change to $150,000. Next, Warrior Wellness, an increase of their allocation from $150,000 to $200,000. Next, Florida Recovery Schools, an increase of their allocation from $100,000 to $150,000. So these recommended changes effectively amend the proposed allocation for all projects from the opioid task force from 1,36,67621 to 4,567,37 with 32. And if it pleases the board by adopting these changes, uh, you will reinstate the capital contingency in the amount of $469,000 368.889. As you may recall, during year two, the capital contingency was allocated to one of our projects. And so those projects from year one that necessitated that additional capital contingency uh were left without any. For the record, uh there's also a letter that was distributed to you this morning in your packet. This is a request from Steps to Recovery. Um they had made a request to the opioid task force in excess of $437,000. Uh this is again a project from year one. Their original allocation was $3 million and at the time that their request had been made to the opioid task force, which was out of cycle, um there were about $2 million in the bank. uh at this time they're about 50% into their allocation. So they're about $1.5 million into those $3 million. And so the way that we had left it with the opioid task force was that we would uh reconvene with them at the November 3rd meeting and at that time double check again their execution rate and based on

that uh make a recommendation on additional potential funding that they might need. Um, also for the record, the changes to their allocation were triggered due to Davis Bacon requirements because they are a federalized project since they received community development block grant dollars for infrastructure needs for this project.

And so, any questions so far?

Well, I I just want you all to understand since we went through this with AMP skills and I've never been through this with this federal money and and the CDBG, they have to spend it to get it. Not everybody have I mean it's it's really tough. It's a federal requirement. It's not anything we can do but certainly um I don't know if people realize that. We didn't realize that when we got our CDBG grant. So

So as part of this program we do announce that before applicants uh submit their applications that this is a reimbursement based project.

Yeah. And and opportunity I should say.

But do they don't is that the same for the opioid money?

Yes ma'am.

They have to spend it to get it. So, it's a reimbursement based grant. Yes, ma'am.

So, where is steps for recovery getting a million dollars to

So, so they did have some funding available um through the VA. I believe they were also awarded $1.5 million and then they had a little over half a million dollars that had been uh granted through them by CDBG. So, as there's

they can use federal money to offset the other federal.

Yes, ma'am. We don't have the requirement. We don't have the same requirements that CDPG has.

Okay. Well, that's good because that's really hard for some of these some of these people to have to figure out where to get the money. Then you've got to pay your bill and then you get reimbursed.

Okay.

Yeah. I want to make sure you all know that.

Yeah. All right. Yeah.

So, with this 437 and looking at all the difficulties of going through the federal process, um there was no contingency money put in their budget. That's why there's the shortfall as well that can't take the contingency part. Is there anything keeping us from adding this in today or you just want to wait till November to give them the money because they're coming up on March to have this done? I'd like

Right. So, so I think that piece of mind if possible.

Yeah, pardon me, Commissioner. So I think that gives us the flexibility to see where they are in their expenditure rates and as they come in with those expenditures closer to the end of that 1.5 million that they still have in the bank uh then we can start uh making those uh recommendations to authorize additional funding needed.

So does this is there any way we can approve it subject to those things?

Yes. Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah. This would be a specific for that capital contingency expense.

Okay. Okay, we cut her off. So, so what what else do you have?

So, uh last but not least, and and to finalize, I'd like to revisit our internal projects. Uh so, on the top chart, uh you have all of the county funded asks for year three. In gray are those projects that participated in the competitive community application process. And in blue are those uh projects that will be funded through the board approved $750,000 allocation for a total of almost $3 million of services to our community and first responders through the opioid fund. Uh the bottom chart uh release a breakdown of the split allocation between county projects and community projects. uh that breaks to about 5050 for the full allocation that we received for year three in addition of those 100,000 that were rolled over to program funding.

We can make a comment to that too.

Yeah.

You know, when we had the settlement that was going through, um settlement is designed to reimburse you for the expenses you've had to make you whole. All the rules and regulations was scary to me as far as everything going through. But seeing that there were so many good projects that were out there, seeing that we could actually use this to help help offset and cut our citizens taxes down by you doing it, um I've been very comfortable with it from that. So much as it may be 50/50, it is a settlement agreement that was signed into. So there's perfectly good to do it this way to save the taxpayer the money.

But this money is not forever.

That's correct.

And then we're going to have to take over the funding of it. That's just

we have about 15 years left of this funding and it'll be decreasing over time,

right? So

I just I have a comment that just to all our nonprofits, this is not easy like this whole process because there's so many great nonprofits in our community and when you read through every one of them, you're like, how can you not give money to them? How can you not give, you know, it's it's really difficult. So, um, we try our best to to share the share the money and, um, I I just I feel like I could speak for all of us, but it is hard. Oh, yeah. It's very hard. So,

all right. Well, bearing, any other additional comments or questions?

Can you go Can you go back for a second to that last that last paragraph?

So, 5 million a three-year project allocation. your three 50%'s going to the county projects and is that is that a percentage that we're going to keep all the way through or is that going to start wiggling?

So, this is the second year of that $750,000 allocation for county projects. We have the last full year would be next year and I know that we're going to be meeting with leadership to bring back to you a strategy on that end.

Okay. And Commissioner Wman.

Yes. Yes. are going through this. Was this our third round?

This is our third year. Yes, sir.

I thought I thought Paula was one of the county attorneys. [laughter] We were go going through this and I just recently learned that Paula's not one of the county attorneys. [laughter] Um, but just goes to show you she knows all the legal leagues behind Oh, yeah. This this this project.

So, some of these projects were funding brick and brick and mortar. Um, we've heard what's our legislative ask 10 or 12 million to help the judges to help courtroom security. Could we use a portion of this of these funding of this funds to help with the with the facilities for the for the courts? I mean, they're dealing with people who have challenges from these substances and uh they go for them and the judges are obviously going to levy what they levy and lead them down a a path to try to get help. Could this help with a with a funding match for the legislature or could we use a portion of these of these funds to go towards that project? And I say this because we do not have to spend the money, the full amount when we get them every year. We're allowed to hold money back to see if something better comes down the pipeline like the homeless initiative that we have going on. we can save money of each cycle or percentage to invest in a future project or something else. So, it's like there's no mandate to have to spend these funds. And quite frankly, the only only group I'm I'm have total comfort with and spending on is is Pasco County government's initiatives and with our own within our own internal organizations and help offset, you know, the tax base and what we take from taxpayers. But thinking about it and hearing what you know the the 437,000 for for uh the transitional housing, why couldn't we use it with with some retrofitting of our court system to use as a match through the legislative process and maybe we capture five or six million from the legislature instead of asking them for the full 10 or 12 or whatever it is. Can we do that? So the challenge that we have with these funds is that uh they need to be directly related to opioid use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Uh so whether that is a service that is providing education mitigation uh it needs to be directly linked to that

judges and the court system are

so we are currently funding two positions uh for them.

I'm talking brick and mortar.

That would be something that we would have to uh explore a little bit further. Commissioner,

I think we should.

Are you talking about for the renovations for Dade?

E any of them whether it's here or over there just generally like the

for Dade City they uh they have a match already.

I mean if there's if there's improve any any of the where the judges are working in our in our county.

I think the commissioner is asking is can we can we offset right now we're using the court facility fee

to to offset that as our match. We'll have to look into that. You Paul is correct. is a bad term.

Sorry. Oh,

offset would not be you would not be able to offset. You would potentially if an application were submitted to go through the process that we have set up

and you could demonstrate that a percentage

hopefully closer to 100% of a courtroom was

allocated

was to remedy a opioid type issue. The feds might look kind and the settlement may look kindly on that, but you'd have to

there's some guard rails that have been set up that you can't just offset your county budget.

Yeah. I I think you know Yeah. And there's supplanting and there's there's other issues

legally [laughter] like you with scheduling and unfortunately it's a it's an issue, right? And we could probably unfortunately schedule every day with folks who have these types of challenges in a courtroom and that's where we would coordinate with chief judge and others

my opinion.

Okay. Well, that's for next year

next year's discussion. Yeah.

Is there another fund too that the state controls direct?

That's correct. So there's three funds that make up the full opioid settlement. The state, the city, county, and the regional fund. uh we only receive direct uh direct allocation uh through the city fund and regional fund.

Maybe we could maybe we could take a look at the state money and try to get the funds for that.

What are they doing with they pick big projects?

They're they're funding several projects across the state and primarily focusing on treatment and recovery services. Um I know that project core which gave the it was sort of the inception of the mental um healthcare program that we have with fire rescue started as part of that allocation. Um so we can definitely bring that information back to to the board.

Commissioner Joerger has left but you know we were like I think it was us and manatee were ground central for the opioid uh abuses in the state. So hopefully that money is coming to us and to Manatee County in in proportion to how we were affected.

You didn't ask, you don't get.

That's right. We need to look at that. Thank you for kind of raising that. Yes. And you for going to the state.

I We need to explore that.

Yeah. One more one more question. Pasco kids first got money last year. They didn't spend it. They were working with them. So if we need more for them later on, that can just can work for them as well.

Uh that's correct. We're allowing for um them to fully spend their year two. So, we're working on that uh at this time with their team.

Okay.

Yes, sir.

Okay. Next page.

All right. So, that is all I have for you today. So, unless there are any questions, I would like to request your approval for the consensus recommendations uh brought before you um and approval of this project.

Take a bless.

Can you pull up the actual the funding for the consensus.

Yes, sir.

What we are voting on. Okay.

So, Madam Chair,

yeah.

Uh Paul, if I wanted to make the addition to uh steps to recovery for the 437 337, would you rather see that in a separate motion or

it would this? What I would suggest um Commissioner Mariano is to um allocate that towards a capital contingency and as they uh provide us with invoices as needed, then we can make the recommendation to approve those because the letter even though it's stated the 437,000 it might it might be less or it might be more. So that way you have the opportunity to recoup uh the leftover funds and roll those over into program funding or assign them to something else in the future.

Okay. All right. So I'll make a motion for approval with the giving staff direction to take a look at steps for recovery requests coming up um on the capital contingency part of it.

Second.

Okay. Motion seconded. All in favor? I opposed.

Commissioner Jagger, do you want to vote?

Did you vote?

Um What were we sorry?

We're approving the uh

the project funding.

Yes.

Okay.

This

as an I.

I.

Okay. It is uh 12:05. So we

No, no, no. We voted on

on

the contingency. We need to vote on the project list.

That was the motion. That was only for the contingency. There wasn't a motion done for this

project list. It was

Yeah, he he rolled it into one big motion with with

the contingency to it. We're good.

Okay. It's 12:05. Um, let me ask you something. Uh, Mike, the next one, do we need a presentation or can we just vote on it?

Uh, that's the pleasure of the board. We put it, we put it last just simply because we needed it approved in the opioid funding before we asked the board to I don't need an I don't need a presentation. Are we okay to go ahead and

which one? What's this?

This is the regular item.

Contingent on you pro approving funding.

Okay. So, um, let's take a motion on that one. First responders

move approval 62.

Second.

All in favor? I. That way they don't have to come back.

Okay, we're done with that one. Ralph, we'll take you up after uh after our afternoon. We have a short afternoon.

Okay. Send this

and then we'll finish that later.