Pasco County residents have three chances to weigh in before their county commissioners in November, starting with a planning meeting Thursday, Nov. 5.

That matters directly for Land O' Lakes, Lutz and Odessa, which are unincorporated and governed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The county posted its November public meeting schedule, listing two planning sessions and one full board meeting across Dade City and New Port Richey.

Here is the lineup:

  • Thursday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m. — Planning meeting, Dade City
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. — BCC meeting, Dade City
  • Thursday, Nov. 19, 1:30 p.m. — Planning meeting, New Port Richey

The county cautioned that dates and times could change. Residents should check MyPasco.net for updates before attending.

That is a lighter calendar than October, which had five sessions, including two BCC meetings, two planning meetings and a BCC workshop.

How to participate

Residents can speak from the podium at any meeting. Those who want to join virtually must pre-register by completing the county's online Public Comment Form or calling 727-847-2411 by 4 p.m. the day before each meeting. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected], though the county said emails will not be read aloud or included in official records unless the board authorizes it.

All meetings are streamed live on the county's website, its YouTube channel and Spectrum Channel 643.

Accessibility discussion continues

The schedule comes as commissioners continue to discuss whether their meeting times shut out working residents. The Tampa Bay Times reported that commissioners spent an hour on Sept. 22 weighing options such as earlier start times, evening land-use hearings and a third monthly meeting at a more central location.

Commissioner Seth Weightman, who requested the review, said residents paid by the hour may lose three or four hours of wages just to appear before their elected officials. Chairperson Jack Mariano said daytime hearings can favor residents with more flexible schedules.

No decision was made. County staff will return in December with a narrower set of options and estimates for overtime, technology and potential locations. Meeting agendas are posted on the county's Agendas and Minutes page at pascocountyfl.net.