Times staff
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Editor's note: The following is a recap of the week's news events, in the words of the newsmakers.
"He'll likely wake up many, many nights with that vision, that noise, that dream. We've got a long road ahead."
Larry Dalla Betta of Trinity, regarding his son, Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Gaertner, left, 21, who lost both of his legs to an explosion in Afghanistan.
"I'ma get on there and crank it up. I don't know about doing no work, but I can sure crank that sucker up."
Charlie Daniels, left, the country music legend, as he accepted a $30,000 tractor for the Angelus in Hudson. Gulf Coast Tractor & Equipment of Land O'Lakes donated the tractor. Daniels was in town for his 20th annual fundraising concert for the Angelus, a home for severely disabled people.
"He's at least been trying to do something. Given the economy, I'm sure it hasn't been comfortable for him. I would just like to see the thing fashioned into some form that isn't an eyesore."
New Port Richey Deputy Mayor Rob Marlowe, commenting on developer Ken McGurn's announcement that a huge construction crane will show up Monday morning to begin work on the long-dormant Main Street Landing project.
"I believe they don't want the project. They keep punting."
State Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it is no longer reviewing Pasco's application to extend Ridge Road to U.S. 41.
"We're just farm people with some acreage in the country. They aren't going to listen to us."
Donald Swihart, a 37-year resident of the Highlands subdivision in Hudson, where Ja-Mar hopes to get approval for a 499-unit RV park.
"The deputies are just doing their jobs, but we're not calling them."
Rick Buckman, the county's parks director, after deputies began handing out $20 tickets at Key Vista Park to people who failed to pay the new $2 parking fee.
"This is a real change. It's a reality that is hitting us now."
School Board chairwoman Joanne Hurley, after the Pasco public school population dropped by 96 students — the first dip in enrollment since 1986.