Source: St. Petersburg Times
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/10/29/Pasco/Pasco_s_first_mosque_.shtml
On October 29, 2003 the St. Petersburg Times reported that "about 100 to 150 people participate in functions at the Islamic Center of New Port Richey each week, and leaders estimate about 1,000 Muslims live in the Pasco, southern Hernando and north Pinellas areas alone. Within a year, members of the Islamic Center hope to erect the county's first mosque... The New Port Richey group was one of 50 area religious centers targeted for destruction by Seminole podiatrist Robert Jay Goldstein last year. Goldstein was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in a federal prison for activities relating to the plan. 'We live in the modern day,' said Dr. Abdur Rahim, a cardiologist who moved with his family to Pasco County in 1983. 'It can become a target for hate crimes... I think this is a place for self-reflection and not a place to focus our hatred.' Rahim said he hopes the mosque will serve as a focal point for education and understanding of Islam, not suspicion, fear or hate."