by Susan Slater
The meeting opened with a prayer by guest Pastor Denise Lay of Community Presbyterian Church. It followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Tim Proctor. Club President Debbie Murray thanked volunteers, recognized veterans for their sacrifices in protecting America’s freedoms, welcomed first-time visitors, and acknowledged the board members whose hard work supports the club’s efforts throughout the year.
Members received updates on local election candidates and upcoming candidate activity. Chris Nocco is seeking the Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Ed Hooper. Jeff Harrington, Chief Deputy and Colonel of policy, and legislative issues from Tallahassee. Pasco is considering a run for Nocco’s current position. Members were reminded that candidates still have until the 20th of the month to qualify, and an updated election chart will be available next month.
Pastor Lay shared the mission of Community Presbyterian Church’s food pantry, which serves free meals every Monday and Friday and provides groceries to hundreds of households each Tuesday. The ministry serves approximately 900 meals each week and helps feed thousands of people each month. The club encouraged members to support the pantry with dry goods and volunteer assistance as a meaningful way to serve the community.
Several candidates and representatives addressed members. Garrett Fry spoke on behalf of Byron Donalds for Governor, emphasizing voter turnout, yard signs, door canvassing, and phone banking. Jonathan Deckard, a Marine Corps veteran running for Pasco County Commission District 4, discussed infrastructure, water concerns, rapid growth, and opposition to AI data centers. Sean O’Flannery, also a Marine Corps veteran and a 29-year educator is running for School Board District 3, spoke about teacher salaries, civics education, reading challenges, technology dependence, and the impact of AI in classrooms.
Michael Pultorak, candidate for House District 54, addressed overdevelopment, affordability, data centers, and the Live Local Act. Randy Maggard also discussed growth, taxes, school choice, data center Federal updates from Gus Bilirakis’ office by Bob Hatfield included stalled legislation in the Senate, the Kids Act, pediatric cancer and Alzheimer’s research, name-image likeness proposals, veteran retirement legislation, voter ID, defense funding, and the possibility of another government shutdown.
The Hispanic Republican Club announced upcoming meetings and an October 10 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes, featuring music, vendors, and volunteers. Members were also reminded of the East Pasco Networking Group meeting, upcoming programs, and the club’s monthly presence in Community News. Debbie closed by urging members to stay informed, involve friends, and focus on grassroots work close to home.♥
