Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Turnout was an estimated 3.2 percent higher than the 2008 Primary.
The Pasco County school district will soon have a new leader. Incumbent Superintendent Heather Fiorentino was unseated by Republican challenger Kurt Browning in today’s primary race. Browning captured 20,022 of the votes cast in the race to Fiorentino’s 8,360. Kenneth Benson had 2,184 votes in his favor. Browning will now face Kat Lambert in the Nov. 6 general election. Despite Fiorentino’s landslide loss to Browning, other Pasco County incumbents fared well with voters. Sheriff Chris Nocco, State Rep. Richard Corcoran, Property Appraiser Mike Wells and incumbent county commissioners all hung on to win a thumbs up from voters. According to the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office’s unofficial results, a total of 49,477 ballots were …
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tuesday’s Primary will reduce the field of Republican candidates.
While big races play out on the national stage, there’s a hotly contested battle going on right here in Pasco County. Who will serve as the next school superintendent is a question on the minds of many. This Tuesday, Aug. 14, voters will narrow the field of Republican hopefuls for the seat. Right now the candidates include embattled Superintendent Heather Fiorentino, former Florida Secretary of State Kurt S. Browning and Kenneth Benson. The Republican winner will face Edward Collins and Kat Lambert in the Nov. 6 General Election. In the Republican race, who is your favorite for Pasco County Schools Superintendent? Just vote in the poll below to let your choice be known.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A retired teacher says for many in the district, "morale is at an all-time low."
The words “intimidation” and “bullying” have become a mantra during the public comment period at recent school board meetings, and today's session was no exception. Board members said they are listening—but in many instances, their hands are tied. Board meeting after board meeting, there have been comments about intimidation and bullying, board chairwoman Joanne Hurley said. “That’s not what this district is about.” But to some, that is what it has become. Barbara Munz, a retired educator who spent 33 years in Pasco County, was among those who addressed the board during the July 3 meeting. Munz retired just over a year ago, she said. And after spending most of her life working in the district, she has developed strong relationships with …
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The 11-year-old Oakstead Elementary student has penned plans for her future.
Ava Caudle, 11, may just be a famous reporter one day. For now, the Oakstead Elementary third-grader is content to create her own newspapers at home. She also writes songs. But that's not all. "I also like just having fun and dancing," Ava said. Patch caught up with Ava at a recent fundraising event for Pasco County Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino, which she attended with her grandparents Peter and Karen Hanzel of Wesley Chapel. Ava mixed and mingled with campaign directors, teachers and Fiorentino herself, flashing a beautiful smile and politely thanking all who complimented her pretty dress. Ava enjoys school, she said. And her teacher? "I love her," Ava said. Ava is "so inspired every day," Karen Hanzel said. Do you have a …
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Supporters in attendance included a lifelong Democrat and a longtime friend who says Fiorentino taught her how to wear sneakers—rhinestone sneakers, that is.
Supporters turned out in droves for Pasco County Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino's campaign kick-off celebration Tuesday at Pappa's Ranch Steahouse. Teachers, administrators, former school board members, county officials and longtime friends mingled, collected ballot petition signatures and pledged their support for Fiorentino's campaign. Sue Beane, a lifelong Democrat, said being there surrounded by Republicans was not the least bit painful. "I never go into things lightly," Beane said. "I'm here because Heather has proven herself to me through the performance of the school district over the past eight years." "And I'm a hard sell," she added. Beane, a behavior specialist at Odessa Elementary, said she has been on the budget …
Monday, February 6, 2012
Anyone interesting in helping out with the campaign is encouraged to attend Tuesday's event.
A campaign kick-off celebration for Pasco County Schools Superintendent Heather Fiorentino will be held Tuesday, and supporters are invited to attend. "Anyone who wants to be a part of ensuring that this team continues its great work is invited to come be a part of her campaign," a press release stated. Donations of time, talent and financial contributions are being sought, according to the press release. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Feb. 7 at Pappas Ranch Steakhouse, 11345 State Road 54 in Odessa. The host committee includes State Senator Mike Fasano, State Representative John Legg and County Commissioner Pat Mulieri. To learn more about Fiorentino, visit her re-election website.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Pasco School District superintendent has announced her bid for reelection.
Pasco County School Superintendent Heather Fiorentino doesn’t scare off easily. After a year of budget cuts, layoffs and union disputes, she still wants to keep her job. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Fiorentino put her paperwork in yesterday to run for a third term as the head of Pasco’s schools. The former school teacher turned state legislator won her first bid for superintendent in 2004. As it stands right now, Fiorentino faces no competition in the Nov. 6 race. There’s still time, however, for candidates to qualify. Meanwhile, two school board members will see their terms run out this year. Chairwoman Joanne Hurley, who represents District 1, has already announced her intentions to seek reelection. She faces competition from Don …
Staci Stephenson
10:32 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
Please check out stephenson4pasco.com. He is a dad and running for school board against the current chair. He is not a career politician, nor an educator. Like Roxie said, do your research. Pascovotes.com, click on the candidate and check their financials. This will tell you who owns their votes. Not just for school board, but county commission and the appraisers office. The incumbents, most are … more ›