Highlighting Our Community
By Susan Slater
Candidates, local leaders, elections and community highlighted the EPRC meeting. President Debbie Murray emphasized voter participation and were reminded of several important election dates for the 2026 primary cycle. The voter registration and party affiliation change deadline for the Florida primary is July 20, 2026. The primary election is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with the mandatory early voting period running from August 8 through August 15. The deadline to request that a vote-by-mail ballot be mailed is August 6, 2026.
CLUB AND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Congressman Gus Bilirakis is expected to speak at the next meeting on July 7th. Bring guests.
• The East Pasco Networking Group will feature retired educator and author Madonna Wise, Bob Hatfield, Stacy Hester from Solo Moms, and Tracy Henson of Caterpillar to Butterflies.
• The Hispanic Republican Club meets at Vallarta’s in Land O’ Lakes on the third Monday of each month. Upcoming speakers include Representative Maggard and Brian Corley.
• A Hispanic Heritage Month and America’s 250th independence celebration is planned for October 10 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
• A full mixer is scheduled for September 21, including “Beer and Hymns,” described as an old Lutheran tradition.
Jet and Susie were recognized for their continued support of the club through ‘Community News’ magazine. The monthly club coverage recognizes candidates and reaches readers throughout East Pasco County. The publication prints more than 5,000 copies and distributes them in 55+ communities, local businesses, and outdoor boxes across the region.
Jet also announced a special publication project titled “Echoes of Heritage,” created in conjunction with the 250th birthday of the United States. The keepsake publication will focus on East Pasco County history, family stories, street-name stories, ghost stories, and other local history features. The publication is available in July, free to the public.
Megan Harding, running for school board, has served on the Pasco County School Board for two years, about improvements in school performance, that three former D schools improved to an A rating. Additional school district services and priorities were highlighted, including mental health services, dental care, basic medical services, a clothing closet, and a food pantry. A partnership with AdventHealth was also discussed to create pathways for students. The district is also in the process of creating a financial transparency dashboard.
Molly Anna Ward introduced herself as a candidate for Pasco County School Board District 3. She outlined several priorities, including addressing the school bus crisis through smart, sustainable, non-taxpayer solutions; refocusing schools on fundamentals such as reading, writing, math, true history, civics, critical thinking, and respectful debate; and expanding career and technical education. Ward emphasized that not every student needs a four-year degree, but every student deserves a strong future. Ward noted an endorsement from Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
Paula O’Neil shared personal remarks about her connection with Molly Anna. She recalled knowing Ward from childhood and described fond memories of Ward and her sisters visiting the neighborhood pool. O’Neil also shared that she retired in 2019 and enjoys traveling with her family in her RV. ♥
