If you’re looking for something to do during the month of May and want to learn a little more about Pasco County's history, we have got a deal for you.

Events are spread from one side of the county to the other.

This week, we highlight some of the numerous events planned around the county in May 2012 that showcase local history.

• 2012 Pasco Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service

When: Friday, May 4, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 918 Meridian Avenue, Dade City

Cost: FREE to the public

What: Pasco County Sheriff’s Office presents the 2012 Fallen Officers Memorial Service to remember the sacrifice of fallen law enforcement officers. Officers being memorialized include John Mecklenburg, (a Hernando County deputy who died in Pasco) Constable Arthur Fleece Crenshaw, Sheriff’s Deputy William Henry Nix, Constable John Herbert McCabe, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James “Brad” Crooks, and Sheriff’s Captain Charles “Bo” Harrison. To read more about this annual event, please read my article Fallen But Not Forgotten.

• West Pasco Historical Society Regular Meeting

When: Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 1 p.m.

Where: Rao Musunuru Museum and Library

Cost: FREE to the public

What: During their regular meeting, the West Pasco Historical Society always offers a special program. This month they will present Many Faces of Old Glory: the Shot Heard Round the World, a video presentation of the history of how our national flag came about. A portion of the meeting will also include the installation of this year’s new officers and board of trustees. For more information, please visit http://westpascohistoricalsociety.org/

• Pioneer Florida Museum Hummingbird Festival

When: Saturday, May 19, 2012

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road,
Dade City

Cost: Adult- $6/ Seniors 55 & Over - $5

Student (Ages 6-18) $2

Children 5 and under - FREE!

What: According to the Pioneer Florida Museum website, museum staff has been busy this spring, planting. The museum staff has been especially busy planting gardens to attract hummingbirds and butterflies for their annual Hummingbird Festival. With the recent rains everything is growing great! They report seeing many, many butterflies and even elusive little birds every day. Visitors to the museum will also get a chance to learn more about our local history while touring the numerous historic buildings on site. For more information, please visit http://www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org/

• Sixth Annual West Eflers Cemetery Memorial Day Service

When: Monday, May 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: West Elfers Cemetery, behind Sun Toyota at State Road 54 and U.S. 19

Cost: FREE to the public

What: The West Elfers Cemetery Preservation Association, Inc. will honor our veterans with their presentation of the Sixth Annual West Elfers Cemetery Memorial Day Service. This year’s special service will be presented by master of ceremonies Thomas B. Dobies and to properly honor of our veterans, Father Gerard E. Powers, 4^th Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, will present colors. Services will conclude with a special wreath laying ceremony to specifically honor the sacrifices of one Pasco pioneer veteran at rest in the cemetery and whose services will also be highlighted during our poignant services. Dignitaries in attendance will include State Sen. Mike Fasano, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, School Superintendant Heather Fiorentino, and others. For more information, please email westelferscemetery@gmail.com

If you or your organization knows of an upcoming historically related event, please let us know in the comments section or by emailing to Jeff Cannon at info@pascocemeteries.org.

For full disclosure, Jeff Cannon is a lifetime member of the Pioneer Florida Museum and West Pasco Historical Society, and currently serves as the President of the West Elfers Cemetery Preservation Assoc. Inc.