Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Effective for pascocountyrising.com and @pascocountyrising
ON THIS PAGE
1. Overview
Pasco County Rising ("we," "us," "our," or "Pasco County Rising") is a citizen journalism and community storytelling platform covering local news, development, history, and construction across Pasco County, Florida, published at pascocountyrising.com and on social media as @pascocountyrising.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit our website or interact with our social media accounts, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using our site, you agree to the practices described here.
2. Information We Collect
Information you give us directly
Contact form submissions (name, email address, message content)
Newsletter or mailing list sign-ups (name, email address)
Story tips, corrections, or community submissions (name, email, photos, or written accounts you choose to share — including historical photo submissions)
Comments you post on our articles or social media
Advertising inquiries (business name, contact details)
Information collected automatically
Device and browser information (IP address, browser type, device type, operating system)
Usage data (pages visited, time on page, referring site, general location derived from IP)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 4)
Information from third parties
Publicly available information referenced in our reporting (e.g., public records, government filings, permit applications)
Data from social media platforms when you interact with our posts (subject to that platform's own privacy policy)
3. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
Publish and improve our news coverage and community content
Respond to inquiries, tips, and submissions
Send newsletters or updates to subscribers who opt in
Understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it
Sell and manage advertising placements
Comply with legal obligations and protect against fraud or misuse
4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons or pixel tags) to recognize your browser, remember preferences, and analyze site traffic. This may include analytics tools such as [Google Analytics / other].
You can set your browser to refuse cookies, though some parts of the site may not function properly without them. Where required by law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies.
5. Advertising
Pasco County Rising sells advertising, including display units and day-sponsorship packages tied to our content calendar. We may work with advertising partners who use cookies or similar technologies to measure ad performance. We do not sell your personal information to advertisers. Advertisers do not have access to your individual contact information unless you directly provide it to them (for example, by clicking through to their site and submitting a form there).
6. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share information:
With service providers who help us operate the site (e.g., hosting, email delivery, analytics)
When required by law, subpoena, or legal process
To protect the rights, property, or safety of Pasco County Rising, our readers, or the public
In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of our assets
7. Reader Submissions & Tips
When you submit a story tip, historical photo, or community account, you agree that we may review, edit, and publish that content (with attribution as agreed) as part of our reporting. If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, let us know when you submit — we will make reasonable efforts to protect your identity as a source, consistent with standard journalistic practice, though we cannot guarantee anonymity in all circumstances (e.g., if compelled by law).
8. Comments & Social Media
If we enable comments on our site or you interact with us on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), those platforms have their own privacy policies governing the information collected there. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party platforms.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy — for example, contact form messages and tips are kept for our editorial records, and mailing list information is kept until you unsubscribe.
10. Your Choices & Rights
You may unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time using the link in any email we send.
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information you've provided to us by contacting us (see Section 13).
If you are a Florida resident, you may have additional rights under the Florida Digital Bill of Rights or other applicable state law, depending on our size and data practices. Contact us with questions about your rights.
11. Children's Privacy
Our site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.
12. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect the information we collect, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact Us
Questions about this Privacy Policy or your information? Reach us at:
Pasco County Rising
Email: pascocountyrising@gmail.com
Website: pascocountyrising.com
Social: @pascocountyrising