June Update from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore

I hope you all had a great May and are looking forward to a great summer with your families now that school is out. As always, I appreciate the Avalon Park Sun for giving me the opportunity to keep you updated on all the amazing things happening in Pasco County.

Vaccine rollout is continuing with all Floridians of age now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please check out the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County’s website at pasco. floridahealth.gov for all the latest information.

I’m thrilled to let you know that Pasco County provided over $21 million dollars in personal assistance, business assistance, and aid to non-profits through CARES Act program in 2020. This included help with mortgage, rent and utility assistance for those hurt financially, PPE reimbursement grants, and more. County staff, Pasco EDC and non-profit agencies worked hard to verify requests for assistance to make sure claims were going to those who genuinely needed help from the financial impact of COVID-19.

On May 4th, the Pasco County Commission approved a temporary moratorium for new multifamily re-zonings in a portion of my district. I am not against apartments in general, but I believe there is an oversaturation in a corridor along State Road 56 between 41 and Bruce B. Downs. This will give County staff the time to research the number of apartments we already have along with entitlements that could be built today without ever coming before the Board. I want to thank my fellow Commissioners for supporting this unanimously at the final hearing in May.

We also had a special visitor to a County Commission meeting in May, the Vince Lombardi Trophy! I was happy to sponsor a resolution recognizing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for winning Super Bowl LV. Bucs COO Brian Ford brought by the Lombardi trophy to receive the resolution.

On May 6th, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast and the Pasco Economic Development Council held for their first joint awards banquet, Team Up for a Stronger Economy. The event sold out in-person with a virtual option available as well. I was honored to present the inaugural Tourist Development Council’s Chairman Choice Award to Congressman Gus Bilirakis for his great work and support of tourism and travel industry. Pictured are Pasco EDC CEO Bill Cronin, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, Congressman Bilirakis, and myself.

Looking ahead to June, Pasco County will host an exciting first-time event! The Tampa Bay Pro Combine Presented by Florida’s Sports Coast will give college basketball players an opportunity to earn an NBA draft slot or other professional contracts. This event was created after the traditional Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia was cancelled again this year. It will bring scouts, media, players and their families to spend money in our community. I am looking forward to seeing this event grow in future years and give Pasco County another signature event!

As always, information changes fast. Please check out Pasco County’s website at MyPasco.net for all the latest information. Remember, we will continue to get through this by working together!

About: Commissioner Mike Moore represents District 2 on the Pasco County Commission. He lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife and three children.