LGBTQ Group Adopt Pasco Road Once Maintained By Ku Klux Klan

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- It's a dramatic example of how quickly societal norms can change. Twenty-five years ago, the Ku Klux Klan adopted a 1-mile stretch of Moon Lake Road In New Port Richey under the county's adopt-a-road cleanup program.

Today, that same section of road has been adopted by the LGBTQ nonprofit group, Pasco Pride.

Although Pasco Pride President Nina Borders said she was not aware of the Ku Klux Klan connection when her group adopted the road, the irony hasn't escaped her.

While the notorious hate group's visibility is fading, groups like Pasco Pride, which preach tolerance and inclusion, are gaining momentum.

"We've grown as a community and as an organization." said Borders. "We've given people hope that love does trump hate."

Even back in 1993, the Ku Klux Klan's adoption of the road didn't sit well with residents, especially after a county sign was posted that read: "Adopt-A-Road, Pasco County: Knights of the Ku Klux Klan."

But, legally, the county couldn't prevent the Klan from adopting a road as long as it met the minimum requirement to clean up trash along the road four times a year.

At that time, two KKK were active in the Hudson and Moon Lake areas of Pasco County, Ku Klos Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and the Knights of the White Disciples, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The Klan has been less visible in recent years, although it did launch a membership drive in 2017, circulating fliers throughout one neighborhood in Hudson. According to the law center, as of 2018, there were only four active KKK groups in the state.

Now the road that once contained a Ku Klux Klan adopt-a-road sign will feature a Pasco Pride sign.

"We're trying to show the people that might not believe in our organization or us that we're great people; we're doing great things and we really take pride in our community," said Borders. "The best way to celebrate is to give back."

Members of Pasco Pride will participate in a safety training session on July 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Zenfini Tea, 3501 Universal Plaza, New Port Richey, hosted by Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator Kristen King.

Pasco Pride plans to clean trash along the road four times a year.

Founded in February 2018, Pasco Pride hosted its first Pasco Pride Festival last fall. It plans to host its second festival Oct. 1-6. In the meantime, members are preparing to participate in the St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, one of the largest Pride events in the country.