This post was created on 03/03/2021.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano announced that his office is accepting entries in a month -long essay contest.  The competition began February 8, and will end March 12, at 5 p.m.  The essay contest is for Pasco County’s high school students (Grades 9-12).  Students of Pasco’s public/ charter, private, parochial, non-public and home schools are all welcome to participate.

In 500 words or less students will answer the question: “When unexpected events occur such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted.  Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”

Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office.  Entries will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his/ her response to the question as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.

The student who writes the winning entry will receive a $300 gift card.

Students in public/ charter schools are asked to submit their essays to their principal, who will forward them to the tax collector’s office.  Students in private, parochial, non-public or home schools may send their essays directly to Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL  33526.  Entries may also be delivered to our office in New Port Richey at 4720 U.S. Highway 19, New Port Richey 34652 c/o Greg Giordano.  Additionally, entries will be accepted via email at ggiordano@pascotaxes.com. If there are any questions about the contest please contact Giordano at 727-847-8179.

Tax Collector Mike Fasano encourages family members, neighbors and friends of eligible students to tell Pasco high school students about the contest.  Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 12.  Each entry should include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.  The winner of the essay contest will be notified by telephone no later than April 9.  The winning entrant will also be announced via a media release after the winner has been notified.