A Pasco County woman has made it her mission to help victims of domestic violence.

Dee Cooper-Rooney survived it herself, and is now getting ready to take off; she's paddling from Flagler Beach to the state of Maine in her kayak. That's about 1,500 miles total.

Dee is doing...more it in hopes of raising money, awareness and making a difference in the lives of others.

The money Dee will raise will go to Sunrise of Pasco battered women's shelter.

You can follow Dee's progress and make donations on her website, The Sunshine Paddle.

Port Richey, Florida -- The precautionary boil water notice issued on May 10 due to a water main break has been lifted.
The city's Utility Department announced Tuesday the 500 customers affected by the Brown Acres water main break can go back to using their water and that it is now safe to drink. 
If you have any questions you can call the Utility Department at (727)816-1900 ext. 2.

 
The Citrus, Hernando and Pasco County Offices of Tourism Development are promoting the Nature Coast the old fashioned way, by word-of-mouth.
A week-long trip from May 19-26, called the “Nature Coast” FAM Tour, is designed for outdoor/travel writers to experience some of Florida’s...more best attractions.
The six journalists, who have been published in many notable publications including Alaska Airlines, Southern Living, and Gonomad.com among others, will travel from as far away as California, Oregon and Massachusetts. 
“This media tour will help promote all of the great outdoor adventures, accommodations and dining experiences we have here on the Nature Coast,” explained Marla Chancey, Tourism Director for Citrus County. “Partnering with Pasco and Hernando just makes sense because we share so many of the same outdoor opportunities.”
The Nature Coast FAM Tour highlights attractions such as:Weeki Wachee Springs State Park home of the mermaidsCrystal River  to swim

Pasco County, Florida - Two people were arrested Sunday after over 4,000 prescription pills were found in their car during a traffic stop. 
The sheriff's office says the traffic stop was initiated based on probable cause to arrest both 38-year-old Damiana Alvarado and...more Ramon Aguilar-Hernandez and to seize their silver 2007 Honda 4D vehicle. The two were returning from South Florida at the time with the pills.
Over 3,000 Oxycodone pills and 1,400 Alprazolam pills, worth an approximate street value for this seizure of just under $70,000, were found during a search of the car.
The sheriff's office says, based on their 5-month investigation into the pair, they believe the majority of the pills were to be sold and consumed in west Pasco County.
Both are being charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance and Possession with the Intent to Distribute.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- A body was found inside a car burning in the woods in the Moon Lake area early Sunday morning.

Even hours after detectives and firefighters left the scene, a rectangular section of charred soil marked where the vehicle was set on fire sometime before 2...more a.m.

"There were four or five gunshots, six or seven booms," says Jennifer Land, who lives near the wooded area around Helena Street and Joyner Avenue. "I woke up to my friends knocking on my door telling me to call 911, that the woods were on fire."

Communication among firefighters and detectives on-scene revealed that the body found inside may have been that of a young man. Neighbors say the car looked to be fairly new.

At this point, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office isn't releasing much information. Detectives are still working to figure out the identity of the body.

HUDSON, Fla. -- Pasco County authorities are searching for a vehicle involved in a deadly hit-and-run Saturday night.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup truck was traveling north on U.S. Highway 19 at Saltwater Blvd. in Hudson when a man on a bicycle tried to cross...more directly in front of it. The pickup tried to avoid hitting the man, but troopers says the bicyclist collided with the right side of a trailer being towed by the pickup and was thrown from his bike.

A second vehicle, a 1999 Chevy S-10, then struck the bicyclist, identified as 32-year-old Robert Allen House, while he lay in the road. He died at the scene.

The driver of the pickup took off. Troopers describe it as tan or champagne colored, with a 15-feet long flatbed utility trailer with wood paneling.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact the FHP at 813-631-4020.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is investigating what it is calling a suspicious death at Starkey Park.

Deputies say a man was found near a picnic table at the park. It is not known at this time if the man's death was a suicide.

 
Pasco County, Florida -- On May 5, Pasco County put into service the first of five brand new Freightliner medium duty Rescue units built by Wheeled Coach.
The first one, R-17, serves Vets Village, Seven Springs, part of the Trinity and surrounding areas of New Port...more Richey.
According to the county, all five Advanced Life Support ambulances replacing existing Rescue Units should be on the road by the beginning of June. The county says the medium duty chassis Rescue Units have proven themselves to be very durable, easy to maintain, and able to carry all the equipment needed to serve the citizens of the county with the best care possible.
Even with all the abuses of a busy EMS system, these new vehicles should serve citizens both as frontline units, and reserve units for close to 10 years.

Port Richey, Florida -- Gulf View Square Mall has announced that Crown Diamond Jewelers is now a part of their retail stores.
The jewelry retailer opened its doors on May 1. The 1,148 square foot store can be found inside the North Entrance, next to Lenscrafters.
Spencer's Gifts is...more also expanding and relocating right now at the mall. Slated to open in its new location on June 1, the store will offer shoppers entertainment, excitement and fun in a larger space. 
The new 2,542 square-foot store will offer unique products inspired by humor. Spencer’s Gifts will be located in the main mall corridor, next to Finish Line.

TAMPA, Florida (AP) - The former mayor of Port Richey has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government by hiding money from the Internal Revenue Service.

Court officials say Richard Rober and his wife, Averill, pleaded guilty Thursday at the federal courthouse in Tampa. In a...more hearing before U.S. Magistrate Thomas McCoun the couple acknowledged the facts outlined in a criminal complaint against them are true.

The Tampa Bay Times reports the Robers diverted more than $239,000 from the water testing and treatment company they used to own into another account at SunTrust Bank.

The scheme came to light during a 2009 lawsuit brought against them by Florida Utility Group, which bought the property from them. Authorities say they used the money on family finances, a Hummer and boat repairs.

New Port Richey, Florida - If you're looking for some good fun for your children, a local church is offering some Fun Friday activity.
The event is at Fellowship Baptist Church and Academy starting Friday, May 11 at 7 p.m.
The location is 5940 Massachutsetts Ave. in New Port...more Richey.
If you or anyone you know is in the 7th grade or at least 13 years old is now officially invited to the church on Friday evenings.
There will be games, snacks, and fun.
The event is free!

New Port Richey, Florida-- Port Richey Police Department reports a six-inch water main break in the Brown Acres East neighborhood. 

Approximately 500 homes are without water. 

Water service will be restored as soon as possible, but a boil water notice will be issued upon restoration. 

10 News will continue with updates as they become available.

Port Richey, Florida - Get ready for some fun on the water!
The Salt Springs Classic Kayak Race & Fun Paddle is coming up soon.  The event is a 5 and a half mile open-water and river course.
In year's past, it has been called the "Nature Coast's premier kayak competition."
The...more paddling begins at 9 a.m. sharp on May 12.
Registration fees:
$15 for kayak singles race
$25 for tandem race ($12.50 per person)
$10 per person for fun paddle

The entry fee includes transportation after the race back to the launch point to retrieve your vehicle.
Each person will also receive a souvenir "Salt Springs Classic" cap for taking part.
Pre-registration for the race is highly recommended. Use the button above to make your advance reservation and pay the entry fee with PayPal or a credit card.
Paddlers who do not pre-register should allow extra time on the morning of the race and must pay the registration fee in cash.
Sign-in will begin at 8:00 AM

New Port Richey, Florida -- Are you a natural poet?

Do you have a goal of sharing your work with others?

Here's your chance! There is an official open mic night every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.

The event is free and goes from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Progress...more Energy Art Gallery, 6231 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey.

The next one will be held on Friday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to read or just sit back and listen!