Jeff Cannon, freelance contributor for New Port Richey and Land O' Lakes Patch, is a native of Hudson, Florida. His keen interest in local history comes with true sincerity as his family first settled in present day Pasco County, FL in the late 1870s -- not too far from what was to become the Town of Hudson, the subject of his recent book Images of America: Hudson, released in 2009. In the early 1880s his great-great-grandfather helped to establish a small community school and church near today’s Hudson Avenue and Hays Road. His family also shares genealogical connections to many of Pasco and Hernando County pioneer families.

At age 16 Jeff interned with local TV News station WTVT Fox 13 learning many investigative and research techniques as an on-air reporter for a teen talk show. In this capacity he also worked behind the scenes coordinating, researching, and planning for the weekly talk show.

Jeff also served as president of his high school S.A.D.D. club and helped school administration in establishing the county’s first high school Crime Stoppers program.

Today, he is actively involved in his community through historic and cemetery preservation and currently serves as director of the Pasco County Historical Preservation Society, an organization he helped form. He is also the president of the West Elfers Cemetery Preservation Assoc. Inc; vice-president of the Hudson Cemetery Preservation Assoc. Inc.; and vice-chairman of the East Elfers Cemetery Board. He is also a life-time member of the West Pasco Historical Society Inc. and Pioneer Florida Museum Assoc.

Jeff is also a current board member and design committee chairman for the New Port Richey Greater Main Street Program, in addition to being the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Hudson.

Other service includes past member of the Pasco County Historical Preservation Committee, Pasco County Post Disaster Redevelopment Committee, Pasco County Land Development Code Re-Write Committee, and the Pasco County West Market Redevelopment Committee.

In November 2011, through Arcadia Publishing, Jeff released his second local history book titled Then & Now New Port Richey.

Jeff has also submitted research materials to nationally recognized organizations such as Discover Black Florida, University of South Florida Africana Heritage Project, Civil War Florida, and the African-American Historical and Genealogical Society.

When not writing or conducting historical research, Jeff  is busy with speaking engagements and working to bring awareness to historic preservation and the problems plaguing our local cemeteries-- He hopes that his community work will aid and inspire others to explore and preserve Pasco County's rich history.