About Us
Why The Pasco Communities Network Exists
The Pasco Communities Network began as a Facebook Group we created as a page to help connect residents across the county. We wanted to create a place to share each community's unique needs and challenges, and to support each other as massive development began to roll across Pasco County.
The founding members of the page realized that District 1 residents didn't know the concerns of the other Districts and vice versa. Or, we were finding out too late. This was really apparent during elections. Since all residents vote for all the District Commissioners, we were concerned that a lack of information might mean we were helping to elect a Commissioner or other officials for another District that was not congruent with the needs or desires of that District...all because we just didn't know.
Our founding members were also exhausted running from meeting to meeting to testify to the Planning Commissions, School Boards, City Commissions, and the Board of County Commissioners only to be marginalized or discounted. Since Commission meetings are held at 1:30 on Tuesdays (see more about this with regard to our first lawsuit), we know residents do not have a voice in the process of how Pasco County is being governed. Commissioners at the city and county levels often cite residents' apathy as a reason to continue unbridled development across the county. That is hardly the truth!
In short, we found as we networked with other people, they all felt like we do - we're tired of being ruled and not represented.
While the group began to grow on Facebook, we were also aware not everyone uses Facebook. We post on Nextdoor too, doing our best to alert fellow residents about important issues and how they could help. But we realized it wasn't enough. Communication is an obstacle in such a big county with no local newspaper, county-based radio or TV stations, or other outreach avenues.
One day over lunch, we decided to create The Pasco Communities Network LLC as a non-political, not-for-profit organization to increase information dissemination, encourage multiple types of participation, demand ethical governance, and provide technical assistance and resources for grassroots groups across the county. We believe in some fundamental truths: knowledge is power and together we can do anything.
We decided the best way to create a better communications network was to build it ourselves - by meeting with groups in person, by creating a centralized website of information, and providing alerts via SMS messaging for those who want it.
We also believed the only way for things to change would be to enlist legal assistance in a way that is safe for everyone given how unfriendly current Florida law is to residents. We found a way! Residents can participate in legal action with no personal risk.
As you look around and see the unique qualities of Pasco County that we all love rapidly disappearing, you'll agree we've got to move fast, build this network, and support each other before it's all gone.
Join with us and let's create change...before it's too late!