Local Residents Taken In Massive Drug Operation

Lazaro Martin (left) and Heather Short
Lazaro Martin (left) and Heather Short

By Matt Wiley,

A recent, large-scale drug sting operation by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has resulted in more than 50 arrests in just 24 hours, including two Wesley Chapel residents, each charged with dealing in controlled substances.

As part of the PCSO Vice Narcotics Unit’s “Operation: Balderstone,” on September 5, 55 arrests were made across Pasco County, including Lazaro “Lachi” Martin, 23, of the Riverside Crossing community on S.R. 54, and Heather Marie Short, 35, of Quail Hollow, who were arrested after selling prescription pills and other drugs to undercover PCSO deputies.

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Wesley Chapel Business, Auto Burglar Behind Bars

Ramon Junior Rivera
Ramon Junior Rivera

By Matt Wiley

The man behind numerous business and auto burglaries in the Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills areas is behind bars, following his arrest on September 16.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Ramon Junior Rivera, 24, a convicted burglary felon (for burglary and weapons possession) who was released from prison last July, is the man behind at least ten business burglaries stretching from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills and even into Hillsborough County, deputies say.Continue reading

Man Caught With Pants Down Gets DUI

Benjamin Mishoe
Benjamin Mishoe

By Matt Wiley,

After being found with his pants down and under the influence in his vehicle that was parked in the middle of the street, a Wesley Chapel man has been released from the Pasco County jail.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Benjamin Chad Mishoe, 36, of Road Runner Rd. in eastern Wesley Chapel, was arrested at 5:45 a.m. on September 14 when a deputy found him sleeping in the driver’s seat of his running vehicle about half a mile from his home. The arrest report states that, in addition to driving a vehicle with several empty beer bottles, Mishoe’s pants were pulled partially down and that his genitals were exposed.

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Wesley Chapel Woman Wins Big At World Taekwondo Tourney

By Matt Wiley

Wesley Chapel resident Carla Souza with her 1st and 2nd place medals that she won during the American Taekwondo Association's Class AAA World Championships on July 12 in Little Rock, AK.
Wesley Chapel resident Carla Souza with her 1st and 2nd place medals that she won during the American Taekwondo Association’s Class AAA World Championships on July 12 in Little Rock, AK.

Overcoming injuries can be a daunting task. Overcoming an injury and becoming world champion in a sport is another thing altogether.

Lexington Oaks resident Carla Souza, 41, knows this well, after becoming the American Taekwondo Association’s (ATA) Class AAA world champion in combat weapons and finishing second in sparring on July 12 in Little Rock, AK, during the ATA World Championships.Continue reading

Pasco Residents Still On Once-A-Week Watering, Despite ‘Swiftmud’ Change

By Matt Wiley | August 31
Although the heat of the summer is still affecting the Wesley Chapel area (and with it, the usual pattern of afternoon thunderstorms), Pasco County remains on the once-per-day watering system that it utilizes year-round, despite the fact that the Southwest Florida Water Management District (aka “Swiftmud”) recently eased the water restrictions implemented last month.
According to a July 30 release from Swiftmud, the District’s Governing Board voted to let all Phase III water shortage orders — which limited lawn watering to once per week on specific days and determined by address, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. — expire on July 31.