A bus tour through Pasco County connected the dots, and highlighted both new development, and notable educational institutions, such as Saint Leo University.
The Central Pasco Association of REALTORS sponsored the tour to offer professionals in real estate and area residents an up-close look at what’s happening in Pasco. The bus tour on June 7 was the first, but CPAR officers say they plan for more in future.
(Kathy Steele)
“We’re looking to introduce people, to say, the (Florida Hospital Center Ice) rink,” said Jack Buckley, who is chairman of the CPAR committee that organized the tour. “Not everyone knows it’s here. We want to make them aware of activities in the area.”
About 60 people boarded the bus at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway. The all-day tour visited nine locations, including stops at Florida Hospital Center Ice, Saint Leo, and the historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.
Other locations were the master-planned communities of Bexley by Newland Communities, Epperson and Mirada; the Dade City Business Center; the business park, Compark 75; and Tampa Premium Outlets.
A lunch break at Florida Hospital Center Ice included a tour of the ice rink facility, off State Road 54.
The CPAR bus tour also was about forging closer ties between Central Pasco and Dade City business and chamber of commerce communities.
Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez arranged a police-escorted drive through downtown Dade City, and touted its historic, small town charm.
“This is my little piece of heaven that I call home,” the mayor said.
The real estate organization will be supporting Dade City officials for “Discover Dade City,” an economic summit on Sept. 27 at the Pasco-Hernando State College.
“We’re feeding off one another, so residents and businesses get the benefits from our associations,” said Buckley.
The tour offered opportunities for networking, and getting to know new people, said Hernandez. “I’m excited about that.”
Jo Easton, a certified residential specialist, said the tour provided new experiences in getting to know not only about new development but well-established places such as Saint Leo.
She had driven by the university many times, but the tour was her first visit to the campus.
Florida Hospital Center Ice was new to her, too.
“This is really helpful to us,” Easton said.
John McCabe, a vice president and Small Business Administration lender with CBC National Bank, was also glad to get to know the area better.
“You see these places driving by, but to do a deep dive, it’s terrific,” he said. “I think the tour is a great thing.”
McCabe works out of Tampa but services the Tampa Bay area including Pasco.
For more information, visit CPARFl.com.
Published June 13, 2018
