B.C. Manion

Business Digest 12/19/2018

December 19, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Workforce Development manager joins EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has hired Turner Arbour as its workforce development manager, to run the new Pasco Pipeline Program.

Arbour is a long-time Pasco resident, who holds a degree from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a Bachelor of Science in Global Business, according to a news release from Pasco EDC.

Arbour has been working with small businesses since 2010.

“I am very excited about Turner’s experience in Pasco County, and I think he is the right pick for this new and very important program” Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said, in the release.

The Pasco Pipeline Program is a three-year pilot program unanimously funded by the Pasco County Commission, with the board’s unanimous support.

The program will spearhead the development of a talent pipeline for employers and job seekers in Pasco County in order to align the supply and demand of talent, and advance the county’s ability to compete for economic development.

Central Pasco restaurants
Diners now have a couple of new choices along State Road 54 in Central Pasco.

First Watch, a restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch has opened a new location at 23865 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit FirstWatch.com.

Keke’s Breakfast Café, 22592 State Road 54, Suite 510, in Lutz, is a local chain serving American breakfasts and comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating. Open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit Kekes.com.

Business Development week event
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is a sponsor of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Development Week. A series of events will be held at various locations within Pasco County, from Jan. 14 through Jan. 18.

The state college will host events on Jan. 15 at its West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Conference Room R151:

Using Emotional Intelligence… Intelligently: 8 a.m. 9:15 a.m. This free session will focus on how emotional intelligence can prepare you for success in business. This includes a light continental breakfast.
Five Dysfunctions of a Team: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This free session focuses on causes of low morale and poor teamwork, and how to change course.
Successful Women in Business Luncheon Panel: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Cost is $12, register at WestPasco.com by Jan. 9). Speakers for this panel include Suzanne Legg, CEO, Day Spring Academy; Sharon Hayes, CEO, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; and Sero Sigh, owner/president, Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living.

To learn more or to view a full schedule of events, visit WestPasco.com. For information on Pasco-Hernando State College programs, visit PHSC.edu.

Goodwill job fair in Wesley Chapel
Goodwill is recruiting for full-time and part-time sales and processing positions for its Goodwill Superstore in Wesley Chapel, and is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to attract applicants.

The store, at 2390 Willow Oak Drive, is located off State Road 56, east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an online application at SBSGoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome and applications are available at the store.

For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

Pasco mobility fee update
The Pasco County Commission has updated its mobility fee rate schedule, with some new categories and some reductions in specific categories.

Mobility fees are one-time impact fees on new development projects that help fund necessary transportation systems such as sidewalks, bus stops, and roads.

For complete details on the updated ordinance, visit: bit.ly/MobilityFees.

Pasco County offers impact fee calculator
The Pasco County Department of Development Services is now offering an online impact fee calculator to provide easily accessible information on the estimated impact fees for residential property. Impact fees are charged for new construction. To access the online calculator, go to the Impact Calculator Link, bit.ly/PascoIFC, and then enter your parcel ID and click submit.

Pasco has new process for school choice program

December 13, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools adopted a new approach this year for its school choice program.

Now, the district has separate time frames for submission of secondary and elementary school choice applications.

People gathered at various booths at the Pasco Pathways Expo at Wesley Chapel High School, to learn more about Pasco County Schools’ educational options. (B.C. Manion)

Also, all school choice options including International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, STEM, Collegiate High School and Wendell Krinn Technical High School have been combined into one time frame for secondary schools.

And, the school choice options for elementary schools, including International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge and STEAM also have been combined into one time frame.

The application window already has opened for choice applications for middle and high school students in Pasco County Schools, with a deadline of Dec. 14 for those applications. The parent acceptance period for those students is Feb. 5 through Feb. 15.

The choice application period for elementary school students will be Jan. 8 through Jan. 18. The parent acceptance period for those students will be Feb. 20 through March 1.

To help families understand the new process and their options, the district had two choice expos.

Parents streamed into an expo on Nov. 29 at Wesley Chapel High School, accompanied by children of all ages to check out their school choice options.

At various locations on campus, parents and their children could attend presentations on school choice programs, and in the school’s gym, they could stop by tables to talk to school representatives about programs being offered at their school.

A similar expo was held on Nov. 26 at J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey.

The east-side and west-side events, both billed as the Pasco Pathways Expo, were intended to be a convenient way to learn about the district’s programs and the application process.

Information about various programs available, how to make application and answers to frequently asked questions also are available on the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us. (Look for the rotating banner at the top of the landing page labeled Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice, and click on the Learn More link below it).

Published December 12, 2018

This crowd was bullish on East Pasco’s prospects

December 12, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Speakers at the recent “Discover Dade City” symposium cast a spotlight on East Pasco’s development opportunities.

The event, held in the conference center at the East Pasco campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, focused on ongoing projects, as well as those on the drawing board and future prospects.

Dewey Mitchell, the keynote speaker at ‘Discover Dade City’ said that as Dade City grows, its biggest challenge will be to preserve its authentic charm. (B.C. Manion)

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Greater Tampa Realtors and Central Pasco Association of Realtors (which merged with the Pinellas Realtor organization), hosted the inaugural event on Nov. 29.

Larry Guilford, who moderated the two panels of speakers, said “so many things are already happening in Dade City, and so much more is going to happen.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said since becoming mayor in 2012, she has tried “to make sure that Dade City has a seat at the table.”

The city continues to look at ways to enhance its quality of life, through such amenities as recreational trails, a bike hub and a splash park, Hernandez said.

It also wants to find ways to repurpose its old buildings, and to explore a Farm-to-Table initiative, she said.

As the city grows, it wants to be sure it plans appropriately, Hernandez added, so it can preserve the “quaint authentic nature of Dade City that you won’t find anywhere else.”

New roads to progress
State Rep. Danny Burgess talked about the extension of State Road 56, which now ends at Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, but is being extended to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The road will create a new east-west artery that will help ease congestion and promote economic growth. Burgess said, “That will open up so many opportunities.”

David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, said it looks like the State Road 56 extension could be completed as early as next spring, or at least by summer.

The transportation leader talked about a number of other projects that will have a significant impact in East Pasco.

The biggest investment involves projects on State Road 52, starting at the Suncoast Parkway, with stretches being widened all of the way over to U.S. 301, he said.

“This summer, in June, we’re going to let over $150 million in state projects just on State Road 52,” he said. “Widening to six lanes the portion between the Suncoast (Parkway) and (U.S.) 41; some other projects between (U.S.) 41 and the interstate (I-75); and, the realignment (of State Road) 52 all of the way out.”

The state also is studying whether State Road 56 could be further extended from U.S. 301 over to State Road 39 to create another corridor leading to Interstate 4.

Another big project, referred to as the Diverging Diamond, is expected to begin construction in early 2019.

Aimed at reducing congestion at State Road 56 and I-75, the project is expected to make traffic in that area more challenging during construction.

The planned construction of an I-75 interchange at Overpass Road also is expected to provide a significant improvement to transportation in East Pasco.

Preparing future workforce
On the education front, Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, said a new technical high school expected to open in 2022 on Old Handcart Road will expand opportunities for students, while helping to boost Pasco’s economy.

The school will serve students from the Dade City, Zephyrhills and greater Wesley Chapel areas.

The goal is to build a school that helps students to develop skills that are needed by employers, which will benefit the school’s graduates and companies seeking to fulfill workforce needs.

The district is doing its homework now, to ensure that the school is equipped to offer relevant programs, Browning said.

“We don’t want to build a building and then figure out what programs we’re going to teach,” the superintendent said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley addressed the need for local government to pick up the pace with regards to permit approvals.

“That’s the worst part of government — how slow it moves,” Oakley said.

He pledged: “Pasco County is not going to hold up the builders and others who want to do things the right way. We’re going to make it so it’s more streamlined for them to get those permits.

“There’s nothing wrong with controlled growth,” Oakley said.

Opportunities for all
Another panel talked about investments being made in East Pasco.

Jason Newmyer, administrator for Florida Hospital Dade City, said next year will be a transformative year at the hospital, as a $22 million makeover begins.

Michael Lawson, director of operations for Metro Development Group, talked about Connected City, which is intended to be a place where there will be opportunities for everyone, ranging from large companies to small entrepreneurs.

“We’re going to create this environment that will promote this growth,” Lawson said, noting the 50-year plan for Connected City calls for the development of 10 million square feet of nonresidential and 40,000 residential units.

Connected City is in a corridor covering about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County. It borders Interstate 75, State Road 52, and Curley and Overpass roads.

Some things are already happening.

Epperson, a community in Connected City, became the first community in North America to open a manmade turquoise lagoon, known under the trademarked name, Crystal Lagoon.

“Crystal Lagoon has been a game-changer for the industry. We were proud to be the first in the U.S. We’ll see these deployed all over the country, but that’s just one element (of Connected City). There are going to be so many more.

“I look at Connected City as basically being an iPhone with unlimited ability to put Apps on it,” Lawson said.

Dewey Mitchell, co-owner of Capstone Tropical Holdings Inc., was the symposium’s keynote speaker.

Agreeing with other speakers on the agenda, Mitchell said there’s no doubt East Pasco is poised for growth. He also touched on an issue raised by Dade City Mayor Hernandez.

“I think the biggest issue for Dade City going forward — as all things happen, and they are going to happen — is keeping the charm the city has currently. I think that’s going to be the biggest issue.

“I kind of like to look at the city of Dunedin. They’ve done a really good job of merging the old city with newer development.

“It’s a pleasant place to be. There’s restaurants and shops. It’s lively. They have a bike path through.

“It sounds easy, but it’s not,” he said.

“At the risk of being offensive to someone, take St. Pete Beach. They messed it up,” he said, and now, “they’re struggling to get back what they once had.

“They just didn’t do it right. Dunedin did,” Mitchell said.

The symposium’s aim was to raise awareness of development opportunities in the East Pasco area, and provide networking opportunities for developers, brokers and property owners, according to John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Saint Leo University was the presenting sponsor, assisted by Pasco-Hernando State College, First National Bank of Pasco, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Properties Group, Florida Hospital Dade City/Zephyrhills, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, the City of Dade City and The Laker/Lutz News.

Published December 12, 2018

Business Digest 12/12/2018

December 12, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Networking Group mixer
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its Christmas Mixer on Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m., at the IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Keynote speakers will be Chris and Tammi Dester, and Pastor Scott Lindner. Those attending are encouraged to bring family members, and everyone pays for their own meals. Please RSVP to the group chair, Nils Lenz, at (813) 782-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

Dade City Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have a business meeting Dec. 18 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at The Edwinola, 14235 Edwinola Way in Dade City. The Edwinola is sponsoring the breakfast. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Anyone wishing to attend must RSVP. For more information, visit DadeCityChamber.org, or call (352) 567-3769.

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
The Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes are set to meet Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

This is a networking group for local business women in Land O’ Lakes. It is focused on helping members to grow professionally and to foster friendships.

The group’s mission is to bring together entrepreneurs and business women with distinct mindsets.

The group plans to meet at least once a month for lunch at Pizza Villa in order to create stronger bonds with each other and to have a nice time as professional friends.

Tampa Premium holiday sale
Tampa Premium Outlets is having a special sale featuring exclusive offers and deals aimed at putting shoppers in the holiday spirit.

The once-a-year shopping event will take place from Dec. 14 through Dec. 24, with VIP Shopper Club members receiving exclusive early access from Dec. 7 through Dec. 13.

“During this season of giving, our goal is to make shopping easier and more engaging with the Premium Outlets gift guide, packed with inspiration, expert picks and the best savings our sought-after brands have to offer,” said Rhonda Clark, director of marketing and business development at Tampa Premium Outlets. “The guide will make it simple for our guests to give to those they love, while perhaps even saving a little extra to spend on themselves this season.”

For more information, visit PremiumOutlets.com/tampa.

Shops at Wiregrass adds tenants
The Shops at Wiregrass is adding, or has added, some new and some seasonal tenants, and also is completing renovations as its celebrates its 10th anniversary. New and/or seasonal offerings include:

Hickory Farms
Laser Bob’s
Lizard Thicket
lululemon seasonal popup
Ornament Shoppe
Snowie
Sportulas
Synthetic Ice Concepts: (Skating through Jan. 6)
Go! Calendars & Games
Clean Juice
Galaxy Christmas Trees & Fireworks
Porte Noir

These shops have done a bit of refreshing:

Bath and Body Works
Victoria’s Secret

For more information about the Shops at Wiregrass, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

Dade City Jewelry welcomes U-Haul
Dade City Jewelry, 38220 Howard Ave., in Dade City, has become a neighborhood U-Haul dealer, offering U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies for the Dade City community.

Wells Fargo supports small businesses
The Wells Fargo Foundation has made a donation of $20,000 toward the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s microloan fund to help small business growth in Pasco County.

“Working with small business owners is one of the most important things we do at Wells Fargo,” Wells Fargo District Manager J. Bradley Smith said, in a release from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.” Our communities need small businesses to succeed financially, grow and add jobs. This is why our team partners with organizations like the Pasco Economic Development Council, because of all it does to help more small businesses start, grow and succeed.”
To date there have been 46 microloans awarded to local businesses with an average loan of $29,026.
“These loans are for companies that cannot obtain traditional bank financing and have nowhere else to turn,” said Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said, in the release.

Microloan Program applicants must be for-profit companies located in Pasco County, and borrowers must show they have the experience and resources to be successful business operators. Proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, but not to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt.

For more information, call the Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, or visit SmartStartPasco.com.

Hotel ribbon cutting
SpringHill Suites Tampa North, had a ribbon cutting on Dec. 6 at 16615 Corporate Run in Land O’ Lakes.

WCI offers new luxury lakefront homes
WCI Communities is building a 105-home community in Lutz surrounding Lake Mary Lou, which straddles Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The new Monterey Grand Waterside offers tranquil views of the lake and wetlands.

Prices will start in the $300s for the smaller homesites in the Pasco County portion, called The Arbors. On the gated Hillsborough County side, The Estates, the homes will start in the $500s.

Monterey Grand Waterside is located at 19605 Autumn Pines Court, near the Veterans Expressway and North Dale Mabry Highway.

For more information on WCI’s homes in Monterey Grand Waterside, visit WatersideWCI.com, or call (877) 205-1328.

Updated mobility fees proposed in Pasco

December 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is expected to take final action on an update to the county’s mobility fees at its Dec. 11 meeting.

Commissioners are expected to approve several changes, which include adding new categories and reducing some fees.

Mobility fees are based on the transportation impacts caused by new development, which is typically expressed in the number of trips the development generates.

These fees are one-time charges to new construction.

The update calls for reducing fees in these categories: High-rise condominiums; age-restricted communities; congregate care facilities; college/university in suburban/rural areas; churches in suburban areas; hospitals; and hardware/paint stores (but not big box stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot).

The update also introduces five new land uses: Non-veterinary kennel; breakfast/lunch only restaurant; fast-casual restaurant; ice-skating arena; and active/passive warehouse.

The update also calls for reducing the fee for residential development in rural areas on lots of 5 acres or more.

Currently, the mobility fee for a new single-family home is $9,800 in the rural district; $8,570 in the suburban district; and, $5,835 in the urban district.

Under the proposed rate schedule, a new single-family home built on 5 acres or more in the rural district would pay the same fee as the same-size home built in the suburban district, which is $8,570. Those built on smaller lots in the rural district would continue to pay $9,800.

Besides changing specific categories, there’s also a proposal to update the mobility fee schedule every five years, instead of approximately every three years, as has been the practice.

Lengthening the time between updates, coupled with an increasing number of permit applications, would allow the county to reduce the permit administration fee from $392 per permit to $136 per permit.

The update also proposed additional incentives to spur development along U.S. 19.

During a previous workshop, commissioners talked about dropping discount rates for market-rate apartments in the urban district and removing discounts for mini-warehouses.

Now, commissioners appear likely to move ahead on the mobility fee package, but to have staff take a deeper look at the issue of market-rate apartments and mini-warehouses.

They want staff to look at those issues, both in term of mobility fees and zoning. That process could take months to complete.

Commissioner Mike Moore was unsuccessful in persuading his colleagues to drop the incentive for high-end apartments.

He makes no secret of his opposition to what he views as an oversaturation of apartment development along State Road 54/State Road 56.

Besides taking up space that would be better left for other types of development that creates jobs, Moore said he’s concerned about potential long-term consequences of too much apartment development.

Moore said he’s not talking about dropping the incentive for apartments that have already been approved.

“There are quite a few entitlements currently out there already. I understand that some people have already budgeted for their project and increasing the fees at this time could have a negative impact. I get it. They’d be grandfathered in,” Moore said.

But, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey offered a different perspective.

“I think multifamily serves an important need in our community,” Starkey said.

“It’s not whether I like them or not. Do I think there’s a use in the community for people who can’t afford a house in a gated community? Yes, I do.

“I think the market will dictate whether these get built or not,” she said.

She also noted that when the extension of State Road 56 is completed between Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, there likely will be demand for apartments there.

“I would think that some of that community might like some nice, new apartments,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Wells said he supported the planning commission’s recommendation on the mobility fee update.

Wells also agreed with Starkey: “The market decides.”

Land use attorney Clarke Hobby, who served on the county’s mobility fees committee, noted the committee did not discuss whether the fees should be changed for apartments or mini-warehouses.

That discussion came up during a board workshop on the issue, after the mobility fee committee completed its work.

“We didn’t know this was an issue,” Hobby said, adding that’s a significant issue to address without getting the mobility fee committee’s input.

Hobby also pointed out that the county has expressed a desire to prevent urban sprawl.

“Now, you’re just saying you want suburban sprawl in the urban service area, if we go down that route,” Hobby said.

Commissioners didn’t take any action during the first public hearing on the updated fee schedule held on Nov. 27, but based on their discussion, it appears likely they will approve the updated mobility fee schedule at the Dec. 11 public hearing.

Published December 5, 2018

Plantation Palms drainage project approved

December 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Plantation Palms and Pasco County have agreed to a deal that will result in a $2.99 million drainage project — which will be paid for by residents in the Central Pasco community through the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU).

As part of the deal, the county will stabilize the north ditch, with a project that’s approximately 1,700 feet long.

Plans have been prepared by the county’s consultant — Coastal Design Consultants — at the county’s expense, and the estimated cost for the project, including a 10 percent contingency, is $2,986,000.

The construction costs will be covered through annual payments on property tax bills of the residences of the 821 members of Plantation Palms Homeowners Association Inc.

The project will be paid for over a period of 30 years, with an interest rate set at 3 percent, which results in an annual payment per member of $195.32, according to county documents.

However, the document also notes that the assessments will be finalized before September 2019.

The county also notes that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has said his office will waive the normal 2 percent administrative cost for projects of this type.

The homeowners association owns the ditch, but needs the county’s help to fund the project.

The bids are already out, advertised and will be closed on Dec. 14.

The county attempted to obtain funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the project, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Hammond, president of the Plantation Palms Homeowners Association, said “The HOA board unanimously supports an MSBU being formed, as do a majority of our homeowners.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was pleased to see the issue resolved.

He praised the county’s staff and the HOA for working out a solution.

Moore said the county should continue to seek assistance on costs form SWFMD.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “I think we should continue to go after that SWFMD funding, or FEMA funding, whatever it would be.”

The board voted 5-0 to support the project and the creation of the MSBU to pay for construction.

Published December 5, 2018

Business Digest 12/05/2018

December 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Nye Commons ribbon cutting
A ribbon cutting took place Nov. 28 at Nye Commons, 4839 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, for numerous businesses. They are:

OTB: Only the Best restaurant
Board & Brush: Wood décor projects, with beer and wine selections
Allure Spa & Nails: A designer, full-service nail salon
Color & Co: Luxury boutique, full-service hair salon
Keystone Title Agency: Third location in Tampa Bay
Great Florida Insurance: Beau Barry Multiple Agency Owner
Nye Commercial Advisors: Full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm.

Memory Lane Cottage open house
Memory Lane Cottage, at 5175 Cypress Preserve in Tampa, is hosting a “Celebrating the Holidays” open house on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will feature tours, food and beverages. Those visiting can meet the management team of the memory care facility, which offers a luxury setting. To RSVP: Call (813) 632-1270.

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
The Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes are set to meet Dec. 20, at 11 a.m., at Pizza Villa, at 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

This is a networking group for local business women in Land O’ Lakes. It is focused on helping members to grow professionally and to foster friendships.

The group’s mission is to bring together entrepreneurs and business women with distinct mindsets.

The group plans to meet at least once a month for lunch at Pizza Villa in order to create stronger bonds with each other and to have a nice time as professional friends.

Small Business Saturday success
Communities across the country came together to celebrate the ninth annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Total reported spending among U.S. consumers who said they shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on the day reached a record high of an estimated $17.8 billion, according to data released today from the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey from American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Urban Land Institute study
The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement with the Urban Land Institute to conduct a two-day technical assistance panel to assess the best market uses for the Overpass Business Park. The cost of the study is $20,000.

The study involves a parcel of approximately 100 acres at 7529 Old Pasco Road in Zephyrhills.

The property has been designated for a business park with targeted industrial and office development entitlements, which are expected to create 8,400 jobs, with total annual salaries exceeding $212 million.

Pasco EDC activity report
The Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC) has issued its final fiscal year 2017/2018 activity report. It shows:

576 new jobs were created (short of the goal of 1,000)
$95.6 million in capital was invested, exceeding the target of $90 million
Nine microloans were approved, out of 14 applications submitted in 2018, bringing the total to 46
79 classes and events were held, attracting 558 participants

The report has many more details and can be obtained from the Pasco EDC Nov. 26 Monday Cup O’ News, available under the Media Center link on the Pasco EDC’s website, PascoEdc.com.

Allied Universal hiring event
Allied Universal, a leading facility services company and the largest security force in North America, is having a hiring event in Tampa on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the company’s branch office at 4200 West Cypress St., Suite 550.

Qualified candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

Have a high school diploma or equivalency
Be at least 18 (or 21 for positions that require driving)
Successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation and pre-employment drug/alcohol test
• Display exceptional customer service and communication skills

Company benefits include medical and dental coverage, life insurance, 401(k) and bonus plans, holidays and more. Allied Universal is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.

Learn more about Allied Universal career opportunities at https://jobs.aus.com/.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast meeting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its monthly breakfast meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for visitors. Cash, check and debit/credit are accepted. For more information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913.

Need help launching your business?
The Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) is a countywide partnership to help small and growing businesses find the guidance, assistance and resources they need to grow and prosper. No matter what challenges your business is facing, the network connects small business owners and entrepreneurs to professionals who can offer the help they need to grow, including consulting, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects. To find out more, visit PascoEnterprise.com/pen-partners.

Looking for a business mentor?
Pasco-Hernando Score is a good source of information regarding possible mentors to help you as build your small business. Find out more by visiting PascoHernando.score.org.

International business increasing in Pasco

November 28, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County has been making strides in the arena of international trade, and Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey provided a briefing on the topic at a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

In introducing Starkey, Hope Allen, president/CEO of the North Tampa Chamber said: “Kathryn Starkey is a huge advocate of Pasco County.

This rendering shows the future campus for TouchPoint Medical Inc. (File)

“It’s wonderful that Pasco now has a seat at the table, now on the global level, and it’s because of her work and the work of Pasco Economic Development Council, making Pasco part of the conversation.

“She is involved in developing international trade, with a focus on Europe and South America,” Allen said.

Starkey has a pulse on what’s happening locally, and also nationally, on the international trade scene.

She is chair of the International Economic Development Task Force at the National Association of Counties (NACCO). She also was nominated by the White House and NACCO to serve on a committee that looks over trade agreements and makes recommendations. She is among four commissioners who represent the voice of local government, she said.

She’s still undergoing her FBI background check, so at this point, she can participate in calls, but can’t read the information.

Starkey said her introduction to manufacturing came in 2004, when she was on the Pasco County School Board and she made a visit to a training program offered in Okaloosa public schools.

“What they had done was they interviewed their business community, and then they figured out how to start programs in their school system that taught the high school kids how to enter into that workforce when they graduated,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey

Because of her interest, Starkey traveled to Germany five times — to see for herself and to show others how the Germans do their system of apprenticeship training.

“It was really important to go and see how the world’s premiere training program works.

“If you don’t see it, you can’t understand it. They have the gold standard in manufacturing,” she said.

“What we have done here in Pasco County, Hernando and Pinellas County, is that we’ve set up a training and manufacturing program based on the European model of apprenticeship training,” Starkey added, referring to a program called AmSkills.

“We take high school students and we take students who have graduated, and we take adults who need retraining, and we take them through the process here and we get them very knowledgeable about manufacturing, training and jobs, and then we help them get meaningful jobs here in the community,” she said.

Over time, Pasco County Schools also has established several career academies. It also opened Wendell Krinn Technical High School this year, on the former Ridgewood High campus.

Mettler Toledo opened its 270,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Northpointe Village, off State Road 54.

In partnership with Marchman Technical College, Wendell Krinn provides students access to 14 different technical education programs, including auto collision/repair, biomedical sciences, commercial art, computer systems, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, digital cinema, electricity, HVAC, marine service, robotics, and welding.

Pasco’s workforce development is helping to attract international companies, Starkey said.

She also has been involved with Pasco EDC in trade missions to help local companies find foreign markets, and has helped host events to teach local companies how to grow their business in other parts of the world.

Pasco’s outreach efforts, its workforce development and its willingness to offer incentives to attract companies offering high-wage jobs has resulted in international companies setting up shop in the county.

Some of those companies include:

TouchPoint Medical Inc., a global supplier of technology-based health care delivery systems, will bring 116 new high-paying jobs to Pasco County. Company officials plan to relocate their headquarters to prime vacant land in Land O’ Lakes. They will build an approximately 125,000-square-foot facility, including a parking lot, on the northwest corner of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54. The site is part of the South Branch Ranch property. The facility is expected to open in late 2019.
Mettler Toledo: Mettler Toledo opened its 270,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Northpointe Village in April. The Swiss-based company is a global supplier of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals.
TRU Simulation: TRU Simulation + Training celebrated the opening of a $30 million expansion of its Pilot Training Center in Lutz in February 2017. The facility opened in a 15,000-square-foot facility at 1827 Northpointe Parkway, off State Road 54 at Suncoast Parkway. TRU Simulation has contracts with companies such as King Air, Boeing and Cessna.

Starkey noted that it’s not enough to get international companies interested in Pasco, it’s also important to treat them well after they arrive, and to continue to form relationships.

Taking a page out of book she read about how the international community developed in North Carolina, Starkey makes it a point to take CEOs of international companies to visit assets around Tampa Bay.

It’s a great way for the CEOs to get to know each other and also for them to develop a deeper understanding of Tampa Bay’s strengths, Starkey said.

“I am trying to take really good care of your CEOs here, and they are spreading the word to their friends back overseas, or to their business friends, that Pasco County is a great place to do business,” Starkey said. “We want them to feel very welcome.”

Revised December 5, 2018

Pasco sets its legislative priorities

November 28, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has identified a list of priorities it would like the Pasco County legislative delegation to support.

The delegation is scheduled to have its annual public meeting on Dec. 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pasco County School Board’s campus, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The session allows members of the public and various interest groups to address the delegation before the beginning of the 2019 Legislative Session.

Among the priority items on the Pasco County Commission’s list are a redevelopment plan for Land O’ Lakes, a pedestrian/bicycle overpass at the Starkey Gap Trail, widening a segment of State Road 52 to four lanes; and improvements to the Zephyr Creek watershed.

Commissioners are seeking $1.5 million in state money to support a Land O’ Lakes redevelopment plan.

Calling U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, “the primary spine in the Land O’ Lakes community,” the county is seeking the state’s help in coming up with a plan to spur new uses along the road, according to a pamphlet outlining commissioners’ priorities.

The federal highway is a major north-south connector within the region, linking Brooksville in Hernando County to employment centers in Hillsborough County, the county says, in a document outlining its priorities for consideration by the Pasco County legislative delegation, which will be meeting in December.

“This highly travelled route is marked by a suburban development pattern, which has immense untapped potential for creating new jobs and transit-supportive communities,” the document adds.

To that end, the county is seeking state assistance to study the area’s redevelopment potential, identify opportunities for land assembly and encourage catalysts that could result in local employment centers that are served by multiple transportation options.

If completed, the redevelopment plan would:

Identify large-scale redevelopment implementation strategies
Include an area-level evaluation of land assembly
Include conceptual design layouts for identified prime catalyst site, such as Transit Centers or Transit-Oriented Developments and their associate development programs
Provide evaluations of needed regulatory changes, incentives and other needed mechanisms to facilitate implementation.

The priority list also identifies the need for a bicycle/pedestrian overpass at the Starkey Trail (Starkey Gap) trail at State Road 54. That project, estimated at $4 million, would provide a safe, grade-separated crossing, across the six-lane highway.

The last unfinished segment of the trail, south of State Road 54, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. It is part of the statewide Coast to Coast Trail network.

Another priority — which carries a price tag of $73.9 million — requests to widen State Road 52, from U.S. 41 to Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. The design is completed and the right of way for the project is partially funded. The project needs an additional $9.7 million to acquire the additional right of way needed for the project. The estimated construction cost is $64.2 million, which is not funded.

The Zephyr Creek watershed project, estimated at a cost of $5.1 million, seeks to alleviate flooding. The improvements would reduce expected flood levels, which would result in reclassifying 59 structures as lying above the FEMA floodplain.

Published November 28, 2018

Business Digest 11/28/2018

November 28, 2018 By B.C. Manion

From left: Steve Hickman, president of the First National Bank of Pasco; Ian Anderson, market president & publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal; and John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

Pasco County’s prospects are bright
Ian Anderson, market president and publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, talked about Pasco County’s prospects recently during The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce November Business Breakfast at Scotland Yards, according to a chamber news release.

Anderson talked about the impact of population influx to the Tampa Bay market, as this area is growing, while many northern markets are losing population and tax base. Pasco County is especially well-poised for managed growth and development with our proximity to Tampa, the beaches, the Tampa International Airport and employment centers, according to the chamber’s release.

The First National Bank of Pasco sponsored the event.

The Dade City chamber has monthly business breakfasts the third Tuesday of each month, featuring knowledgeable speakers. The breakfast also provides opportunities for networking and business leads.

For additional information, contact John Moors, executive director of the chamber, at or (352) 567-3769.

Do business with Pasco County Schools
If you’re interested in doing business with Pasco County Schools, visit the school district’s Vendors page, which provides helpful information and resources regarding working with the district. The district welcomes the opportunity to have business relationships with interested merchants. Visit the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, then visit the purchasing department to find out more.

Lunch and learn about the Pasco EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has a Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series, which is an open invitation for anyone interested in hearing more about the Pasco EDC and programs and services it offers. Bring a lunch and find out what Pasco EDC does. The next session is Dec. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco EDC headquarters, 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 101, in Lutz. The meeting is free. Register on the Pasco EDC website, PascoEDC.Com, and click the Events tab.

North Tampa Bay Chamber annual meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will have its 2018 annual meeting at its monthly breakfast business meeting Dec. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $15. Please RSVP and pay in advance, as space is limited.

The breakfast will recognize the accomplishments of the chamber and its members during 2018. It also will include a look at the chamber’s vision for its future and the future of the community. The ambassador of the year will be named and the chamber will thank its board members and ambassadors. The gavel also will be passed from the outgoing board chair to the incoming chair for 2019.

To find out more, visit the chamber’s website, NorthTampaBayChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Hillsborough County Commission names officers
The Hillsborough County Commission has named Commissioner Lesley “Les” Miller Jr., as its chairman, and Commissioner Pat Kemp as its vice chairwoman during its annual organizational meeting. Commissioner Stacy R. White will serve as chaplain, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.

The organizational meeting followed the swearing-in ceremony for the two returning commissioners, White and Ken Hagan, and the two new members of the board, Mariella Smith and Kimberly Overman.