Clone of 02/25/2022 Town Newsletter

TOWN UPDATES

       02/25/22

03/07/22 Candidate Forum

Two residents have qualified for Seat Five. Town Hall will be hosting a Candidate Forum.

The forum is scheduled for 6:30 PM. Candidates and attendees are encouraged to come between 6:00 and 6:30 for conversation and dinner from On Q Smokehouse*.

Resident questions can be emailed to the Clerk in advance or asked at the forum.

*Meals will be provided for residents and property owners who RSVP to the Clerk by 12 PM on 03/04/22.

04/12/22 Municipal Election

Seats One, Three, and Five are up for election. Donna DeWitt, O.S.B. is running unopposed for Seat One. James Hallett, O.S.B. is running unopposed for Seat Three. Two candidates have qualified for Seat Five: William E. Hamilton and Susan J. Lashlee.

How to Vote

(copied from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website pascovotes.gov)

There are three ways to vote in Pasco County:

1. Vote Early

A qualified voter may vote in person at various locations throughout Pasco County.  For dates and times, see the Early Voting Schedule. The voter must present both picture and signature identification. A valid Florida driver license or identification card will meet those requirements.

2. Vote by Mail

To avoid lines and vote from the convenience of your home, you may request a Vote-by-Mail ballot.  Call the elections' office at 800-851-8754, or use our online request form at least ten (10) days prior to the election for your ballot. Requests must include the voter’s date of birth, address, last 4 digits of SSN or the voter's Florida Driver License number/Florida ID number.  Be sure to call early enough so there is time for you to receive your ballot and return it by mail.

3. Vote at your Precinct

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Remember to bring your photo and signature identification when you go to vote.

It is a felony to vote in a precinct in which you do not reside. If your address has changed, please contact the Supervisor of Elections' office at 800-851-8754 so your address can be updated or complete an online voter registration application.

Food Collection

The Clerk’s Office is collecting food for the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, which is located at St. Anthony Church. Those interested in helping support this community service can drop off unopened, unexpired food at Town Hall. This is the perfect use for those BOGO items that aren’t always needed but end up in the cupboard anyway.

The St. Vincent De Paul food pantry helps feed those in need. They served 598 people last month; 9,218 pounds of food was distributed to 214 households. It is open to all Pasco County residents (including students with school IDs) on Saturdays between 8 AM and 11 AM.

Sheriff’s Update

Vehicle Safety Tips: We have had a number of vehicle crashes within the St. Leo Town limits throughout the year.

What can happen if you get into a collision with loose objects in the car? Unrestrained items can become projectiles due to the force of an auto collision. This throws you and your passengers forward and backwards, and does the same thing with anything else in your car that can move. This turns loose items into projectiles that can easily hit you and your passengers and cause injury.

According to Safety Research and Strategies, loose objects in cars are responsible for approximately 13,000 injuries each year. What are the dangers of loose objects in vehicles? When a car stops suddenly in a crash, objects inside keep moving and impact at up to 20 times the force of gravity. A one-liter water bottle can carry the force of a 44-pound object.

To lessen the chance of a loose object causing an injury in a vehicle crash:

- Practice good housekeeping by removing any trash and unnecessary items from your vehicle.

- Place items in the trunk or cargo area instead of putting items in the cab of the vehicle.

- Tie down or secure any remaining items properly.

Town Trivia – Did you know…?

- In 1975, a Town Proclamation was issued declaring June 13-15 as Tootsie Roll Days.

- Commissioner Donna DeWitt, O.S.B. is an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and watches every game possible.

- The Saint Leo Abbey Church is historically referred to as “the church that orange juice built.”

- Last year, Saint Leo University was the 11th largest employer in Pasco County with 951 employees.

Next Commission Meeting:

Monday, March 14 at 7 PM

Town Hall Team

Rebecca Merwin – Assistant Town Clerk

Luke D’Ambrosio – Intern

Andrea Calvert – Town Clerk

Maintenance Position – open. See Town website or contact Clerk’s Office for details.