Government & Politics

Local government meetings, elections, policy and civic updates

Zephyrhills Sets Monday Hearing on Property Tax Rate and New $85 Stormwater Fee

The City Council meets Monday to formally adopt its FY2027 tax rate, a rollback of 6.2375 mills, and hear public comment on a new $85 annual stormwater assessment.

Sep 123 min read

Government & Politics

Zephyrhills Sets Sept. 14 Hearing on New $85 Stormwater Fee for Homeowners

A new stormwater utility charge will show up on November tax bills for every Zephyrhills property owner, and the City Council wants to hear from residents before the rate is locked in.

Sep 23 min read

Government & Politics

Council Locks In New Zephyrhills Water, Sewer and Trash Rates; Higher Bills Start Nov. 1

The Zephyrhills City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1527-26 and Ordinance No. 1528-26 at its Aug. 10 hearing, rewriting the city's utility and sanitation rate schedules. The water and sewer change takes effect Nov. 1.

Aug 114 min read

Government & Politics

Zephyrhills Council Takes Up 6.25 Mills, a $135.9 Million Budget and New Trash Rates Monday

The city wants to hold its property tax rate flat at 6.25 mills for next year, a number that still gets advertised as a tax increase. Sanitation and water rate ordinances are on the same night's agenda.

Aug 94 min read

Government & Politics

Water, Sewer and Trash Rates Head to Council Aug. 10 as Zephyrhills Sets Public Hearing

The Zephyrhills City Council will take up two utility rate ordinances at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at City Hall. New water, sewer and reclaimed rates would take effect on or after Nov. 1, with sanitation charges rewritten at the same meeting.

Aug 34 min read

Government & Politics

Zephyrhills Sets Sept. 14 Hearing on Stormwater Fee; $118 a Year Still on the Table

The city has created a stormwater utility and an assessment that will ride on property tax bills, but council tabled the rate after one member said $118 a year would hurt families. The final hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Jul 314 min read

Government & Politics

Pasco Commissioners Cast Final Vote Tuesday on a One-Year Data Center Freeze — What It Means Around Zephyrhills

Pasco County commissioners meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Dade City to decide whether to halt large-scale data center approvals countywide for a year. Residents can weigh in before the vote becomes final.

Jul 134 min read

Government & Politics

Two Rivers' Nearly 4,000 Homes and a 35-Acre Surf Park Clear Pasco Planning Commission — Despite a Room Full of "No"

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of sweeping changes to the Two Rivers development on Wesley Chapel's eastern edge — thousands of homes, hotels and a surf park — over residents' warnings about traffic, flooding and water. County commissioners get the final say.

Jul 124 min read

Government & Politics

Two Rivers Megaproject at Zephyrhills' Doorstep Clears Key Hurdle — 4,000 Homes, 2,500 Apartments and a Surf Park

Pasco County planners voted Thursday to recommend approval of the massive Two Rivers development along the SR-56 corridor, sending one of the county's largest-ever projects — and its questions about traffic, flooding and water — to county commissioners for a final vote.

Jul 104 min read

Government & Politics

Zephyrhills Hits Pause on Data Centers as Final Vote Looms June 22

The City Council unanimously backed a one-year moratorium on data-center permits, rezonings and site plans — giving Zephyrhills time to write rules before any project arrives. A final vote is set for June 22.

Jun 214 min read

Government & Politics

Zephyrhills Council to Vote Monday on Dedicated Stormwater Fee

A proposed stormwater assessment up for a vote June 22 would fund drainage projects, maintenance and staffing — and could land on November tax bills.

Jun 213 min read