Pasco News

01/09/2026

IMPERSONATING OFFICER ARREST: A man is in custody after allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer by activating red and blue emergency-style lights on his vehicle to stop drivers in Hillsborough County, after first being spotted by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

On January 7, 2026, Pasco County deputies alerted Hillsborough County authorities about a suspicious black Chevy Equinox that was traveling into Hillsborough County while using red and blue lights. One driver believed they were being stopped by a real police officer and pulled over.

At 1:21 p.m., deputies located the vehicle near Dale Mabry Highway and Ehrlich Road and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, 28-year-old Gamal Said, later admitted he used the lights to try to get to work faster.

Said was arrested and charged with Unlawful Use of Blue Light, Impersonating a Public Officer, and two out-of-county warrants for probation violations related to burglary.

Anyone who believes they may have been pulled over by this suspect is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

01/09/2026

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Pasco County Professional Firefighters Local 4420 has announced the launch of the Jason Tucker Memorial Scholarship, a new program created to honor the life, service, and lasting legacy of Firefighter Jason C. Tucker.

The scholarship is designed to support individuals pursuing a career in the fire service who demonstrate strong character, community involvement, and a commitment to serving others — values that defined Tucker’s 19-year career with Pasco County Fire Rescue. Tucker was named Employee of the Year in 2022, and was widely respected for his leadership, work ethic, and dedication to the community.

One of Tucker’s most enduring messages, “Own your attitude,” now serves as the guiding principle behind the scholarship.

The Jason Tucker Memorial Scholarship will award up to $7,500 to help cover tuition, fees, books, and related expenses for applicants who plan to attend an approved Fire Academy program.

Applications must be submitted online by March 31, 2026. Eligibility requirements and full application instructions are available below. 👇

“Jason Tucker represented everything this profession stands for — commitment, compassion, and pride in serving others,” said Dixon Phillips, President of Pasco County Professional Firefighters Local 4420.
“This scholarship is about more than financial support; it’s about passing on the values Jason lived by every day.”

01/08/2026

SERIOUS CRASH: Expect lane blockage and delays due to a serious traffic crash on US-41 and Alabama Road. - Spring Hill. (Pasco County)

01/08/2026

BAAAAH-REAKING NEWS: Got goats? Someone in Zephyrhills is missing a few four-legged escape artists.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Unit rounded up four wandering goats who were caught hoofing it around Apricot Tree Court on January 8 around 3:35 p.m. Apparently, they decided it was a good day to go sightseeing.

If these mischievous munchers belong to you, prove they’re yours and call the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7 and reference case number 26000805 to bring your herd back home.

01/08/2026

Stop by Cancun Beach Bar and Grill located on the water in Port Richey.

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💥HAPPY HOUR 3PM - 6PM🚗FIND US IN DOORDASH🚗

🌊 Waterfront views🍹Cocktails + good vibes📍5330 Treadway Dr, Port Richey, FL

01/07/2026

PLANE INCIDENT: A small aircraft incident was reported Wednesday afternoon after a plane was unable to stop at the end of a runway in the Hidden Lake Estates community.

According to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 4:09 p.m., an aircraft occupied by an adult male pilot was attempting to land at the Hidden Lake Estates airstrip when it failed to come to a complete stop at the end of the runway. The aircraft continued past the runway and entered a retention area beyond the paved surface.

Emergency responders were notified and arrived on scene to assess the situation. No injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that there is no threat to public safety as a result of the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be leading the investigation into what caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway. No further details about the aircraft or the pilot have been released at this time.

01/07/2026

ALERT: Crash in Pasco County on I-75 North, beyond Overpass Rd. All lanes closed.

01/07/2026

OVERNIGHT FIRE: Pasco Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire overnight in the 32000 block of Colwell Ct in Dade City.

Firefighters arrived on scene around 3:00am to find a single-story home with heavy fire showing from the garage. Crews quickly went to work and brought the fire under control.

✅ No injuries reported.

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01/06/2026

WEATHER : Warm weather with foggy mornings will continue through Saturday. The warmest day is Friday where we could be near record breaking with highs in the mid 80's.

01/06/2026

CRIME NEWS: Woman Arrested After Armed Carjacking in Holiday, Attempted Carjacking in New Port Richey

01/06/2026

It’s TACO TUESDAY at Cancun Beach Bar and Grill in Port Richey ! $2.50 tacos and $5 margaritas!

01/06/2026

FATAL CRASH: A 52-year-old Holiday man died after troopers say a 16-year-old driver turned left into the path of a Honda motorcycle Monday.