Three new Dade City officers were sworn in March 10
By Joe Potter
Three new officers were sworn in during the City Commissioners’ regular meeting on March 10, expanding the local police presence. Chief Ann Starling administered the oath to Officer Ghost, a K-9 who will specialize in detecting narcotics. Ghost will work alongside Officer Hayden Garafolo, who was recognized for earning a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University in 2025. The other two recruits are Officers Austin Deliberti and Jonathan Samelton, both recent graduates of the Florida Law Enforcement Academy at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Dade City campus. The pair will serve as patrol officers in the community.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, commissioners adopted a Resolution establishing and assessing liens processing fees. Effective within 60 to 90 days, the new schedule will inform lien and title companies of the City’s fees for future requests. The city processes numerous lien searches related to property transactions, refinancing, and title work; the new fees aim to cover staff time and the City’s processing costs. The proposed rates are: $25 for standard processing, $50 for 48-hour expedited service, and $100 for 24-hour expedited service.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) presented its fiscal year 2024-2025 report, covering activity through Sept. 30, 2025. Highlights included: - The start of design and construction on a pedestrian alley linking 7th Street and 8th Street parking areas, enhancing central downtown connectivity. - Identification of two potential alleys on the former Madill Avenue site to improve pedestrian access from 8th Street parking to 7th Street. - Reimbursement grants totaling $7,933 to two business owners for improvements such as parking upgrades and awnings, against a project cost of $15,866. - Approval of a Residential Exterior Paint Grant program, offering up to $5,000 for eligible homes in the redevelopment area to spur reinvestment and curb blight.
These steps reflect the CRA’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown district, support local commerce, and improve residential and public space quality in Dade City.
