Pasco commissioners adopt proclamations for October/November events; honor veterans, planners, case managers and community groups

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a package of ceremonial resolutions and recognitions during its October session, adopting proclamations that declare October and November observances and honoring community groups and a local student.

The board adopted the following resolutions by voice vote: Resolution 26-019 declaring a Case Manager Appreciation Week in October; Resolution 26-021 proclaiming Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2025; Resolution 26-016 recognizing October 2025 as National Community Planning Month; Resolution 26-020 proclaiming November 2025 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week; Resolution 26-018 congratulating Jonas Goldstein on receiving the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service; and Resolution 26-017 declaring October 2025 as Florida Greenways and Trails Month.

Commissioners used the votes to offer short remarks and to highlight local programs tied to each proclamation. Brian Hoban, Director of Community Services, told the board that the case managers honored by the resolution are "the quiet force behind stability," and thanked staff for their work coordinating services. Dave Gerson, manager of Pasco County Veteran Services, stood with veteran services staff and noted the county''s three veteran service offices and recent outreach events. The board also recognized local animal-shelter leaders and county animal-services staff; Mike Shoemay, director of Pasco County Animal Services, emphasized partnerships with brick-and-mortar rescues that help the county maintain a high monthly save rate.

The board paused business for presentations earlier in the meeting. Harvey Reinhart of the West Pasco Sertoma Club presented three checks, each for $7,000, to county programs including Parks & Recreation summer camp scholarships, Steps to Recovery and the West Pasco Sertoma Club''s own charitable activities. Marilyn Matias of Steps to Recovery described growth from six beds in 2006 to an expected 80-bed capacity for veterans''rehabilitation services and said the new facility on Trouble Creek is expected to finish construction in late winter.

The resolutions passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters

These proclamations are ceremonial but highlight county priorities and partnerships: veteran services outreach, planning and growth management, social-service case-management support, animal welfare, and investments in trails and greenways that county leaders say support tourism, recreation and nonmotorized transportation.

Votes at a glance (select proclamations)

- RS 26-019: Case Manager Appreciation Week (October 2025) — Approved (voice vote). Speaker: Brian Hoban (Director of Community Services). - RS 26-021: Veterans Day proclamation (Nov. 11, 2025) — Approved (voice vote). Speaker: Dave Gerson (Veteran Services manager). - RS 26-016: National Community Planning Month (October 2025) — Approved (voice vote). Remarks highlighted Pasco 2050 and planning outreach. - RS 26-020: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (November 2025) — Approved (voice vote). Speaker: Mike Shoemay (Animal Services director); named shelters: Runaways Animal Rescue, Humane Society of Pasco County, SPCA Suncoast. - RS 26-018: Congratulating Jonas Goldstein, Voyager Scholarship recipient — Approved (voice vote). Jonas and family recognized at the dais. - RS 26-017: Florida Greenways and Trails Month (October 2025) — Approved (voice vote). Board discussed Orange Belt Trail, Withlacoochee State Trail extension and Suncoast Trail connections.

Ending note

The proclamations were routine and passed without debate. Commissioners and agency directors used the occasion to spotlight community partners and upcoming projects the board said will improve quality of life across Pasco County.