The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Business Digest 09/27/2017

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Pulte Homes builds at Monroe Commons
Monroe Commons is the newest neighborhood to be built in the Starkey Ranch master-planned community on State Road 54 at Heart Pine Avenue, according to a news release from Pulte Homes.

Pulte Homes will build homes at the new Monroe Commons neighborhood in Starkey Ranch, including its Clearview home design. (Courtesy of Pulte Homes)

Monroe Homes will have 95 home sites, with six home designs in the Park and Garden series built by Pulte Homes.

Pre-sales will begin in October. The grand opening of two models, the Clearview and the Sienna, are scheduled in January.

The six home designs will offer from two to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and range from about 1,900 square feet to 2,400 square feet. Prices will start in the high $200,000s. Each home will have ultra-fast Internet connectivity, and an energy efficiency package.

Home features can be customized, and will include granite counter tops, ceramic tile floors, covered lanais, two-car garages and paver driveways.

Starkey Ranch is a master-planned community on about 2,400 acres north of Tampa, and adjacent to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve. Amenities include a 20-mile trail system, more than 150 acres of parks, two pools, four dog parks, playgrounds, canoes and kayaks for rental, and a community garden.

A kindergarten through eighth grade Pasco County public school also is planned. And, a Publix is expected to open in 2018 in the Starkey Ranch Town Square at State Road 54 and Gunn Highway.

For information, visit Pulte.com/starkeyranch.

Celebrating Excellence in Business
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominees for its 2017 Annual Excellence in Business Award event.

Award winners are chosen by a panel of peers based on their commitment to the advancement of the business community.

Nominees are eligible if they:

  • Are members in good standing for one year
  • Contributed time and service within the current year
  • Do business in the Greater Wesley Chapel/New Tampa, and Trinity and Odessa area
  • Haven’t won an Excellence award in the last five years
  • Show a commitment to social responsibility and exemplify community involvement.

The award categories are small business (0-49 employees); large business (50 or more employees); volunteer of the year; business leader of the year (founder, owner, chief executive officer or president); and new business (less than three years old).

For information, email the chamber at .

SMARTstart roundtable
The SMARTstart Entrepreneur Roundtable will meet Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Entrepreneur Roundtables bring small business owners and early-stage venture founders together on a monthly basis for an exchange of information. Groups typically include six to 10 members from diverse industries, in a confidential setting, to share the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how it affects life at work and home.

Participants have the opportunity to attend two meetings to decide if the roundtable is the right fit for them and their businesses. Thereafter, the annual cost is $150.

Participating in the roundtable is free for SMARTstart business incubator members.

For information, visit SmartstartPasco.com, or call John Walsh at (813) 926-0827, ext. 223.

Encore grand opening
Encore Boutique Consignment will have its grand opening for its new home décor department Sept. 30 at 5132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Suites 106 and 107.

Encore Boutique is expanding into space formerly occupied by a florist.

For information, call the shop at (813) 406-4456.

Help for business damages
Pasco County wants to know about damages to business property to assist in getting resources to make repairs, according to a news release from the county’s Office of Economic Growth.

Please report your interior or exterior damages, including clean-up costs, to either the mobile application, MyPascoapp, or the county website, at PascoCountyFl.net, where you can click on “Report Irma Damage.”

After completing the Pasco County survey on damage, also report damage losses to the State of Florida. If you need financial assistance, the state has activated the Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The business damage survey information will be used to help qualify businesses for the loan program.

The link to use for the state survey is tinyurl.com/yc4bx4tj.

The survey results will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite appropriate disaster relief programs for affected businesses and to aid in determining eligibility for assistance from the bridge loan program. Please choose “Hurricane Irma” from the Event pull-down menu.

The state’s Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free working capital loans intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, insurance payments or federal disaster relief.

The loan program isn’t designed to be the primary source of assistance, which is why eligibility is linked to pursuing other sources. The program provides short-term loans from public funds, not grants. The expectation is that loans will be repaid from receipts from other sources of longer-term recovery assistance.

For information, and an application, visit FloridaDisasterLoan.org.

Federal assistance for businesses
Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center is an online portal for private sector preparation, damage assessments and recovery.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully recovered by insurance.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the small business administration’s secure website. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Oct. 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 1: p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

Guest speaker is Life Coach Laura White who will share basic tools and tips to foster positive communication, connection and relationships with present and future customers.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests.

Please register at Women-n-charge.com.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Residents offer opinions on life in Pasco

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An annual online citizen survey offers a snapshot in time of how Pasco County residents view their quality of life.

And, it turns out that in 2017, about 71 percent of the people living in Pasco considered the quality of life either excellent or good.

The survey did spotlight a few negatives, including a frustration with traffic that makes it hard to get around. On that issue, results showed about a 10 percent decline in their views on “traffic flow” compared to the rating they gave it in 2015.

“Ease of travel by all modes of transportation such as walking, biking, driving or public transportation were rated lower in Pasco County than in communities across the nation,” according to survey’s written conclusions.

But, the news wasn’t all bad on roads.

Pasco Performance Management Director Marc Bellas

There is room for improvement, but about 34 percent of survey responders felt positive about road repairs, compared to only 25 percent in 2016.

That “big jump” is a trend in the right direction that indicates residents are seeing improvements in road repair efforts, said Marc Bellas, the county’s performance manager.

And, the overall quality of government services rose about 9 percent from 2014, according to the survey.

In general, Bellas said, “(Residents) feel more positive about the direction we’re going in.”

Bellas presented the survey results to Pasco County commissioners at their Aug. 29 meeting in New Port Richey.

County officials launched the online survey in mid-April. Residents had until May 31 to participate. Residents also had the opportunity to complete a survey during the Pasco County’s Disaster Expo in April, and later at a county-staffed booth at the Cotee River Seafest in New Port Richey.

About 2,500 residents completed the survey, and also provided written comments.

On average, about 350 communities within Pasco participate in the survey each year.

About 59 percent of the responses in 2017 were from west Pasco; 26 percent from central Pasco; and 15 percent from east Pasco.

Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes generally fell within central Pasco. Zephyrhills and Dade City were in east Pasco. But, there was some overlap as boundary lines were drawn, based on population density and zip codes.

The survey is one of the county’s tools to measure how often residents use government services, and how effectively government meets their needs. Results also can help guide county officials in strategic planning.

The survey provides insights, too, on areas where residents might need more information on projects their government is working on, said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

“Let’s think about how we can get the word out there better, so (residents) know what’s coming,” he said.

Questions were modeled from a national citizen survey, and results compared with national benchmarks. Pasco did its first online survey in 2009.

Safety and the economy were among the most important issues in 2017. These results largely mirrored results from the 2016 survey, though the economy slipped past mobility into second place as an issue of importance.

Comments on the economy were mixed.

Residents said they still see empty buildings, but Bellas said, they also like seeing new businesses “that are of high quality.”

Not counting law enforcement, fire rescue and ambulance service, residents singled out road maintenance, code enforcement, and parks and recreation as top priorities.

While residents see improvements in the quality of road maintenance and code enforcement, those services fall below the national benchmarks.

On a positive note, about 70 percent of survey respondents had positive views of the quality of parks and recreation services. That is an upward trend that exceeded the national benchmark.

Residents appear to place increasing value on those services as important to quality of life, Bellas said.

“Citizens are noting that we’re making a difference,” he added.

For more details about the survey results, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published September 20, 2017

Hurricane Irma leaves behind stories to tell

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A day after Hurricane Irma stormed through Tampa Bay, residents ventured out for ice, gas and cleaning supplies.

Some had a ray of hope that somewhere they would find an open restaurant. They tooled along the busier corridors spying telltale signs of life – cars and the people in them.

Bagging ice
A Twice the Ice machine on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard had a steady line of residents waiting to fill coolers with bags of ice.

Sheila Crawford’s house, off North Dale Mabry Highway at County Line Road, lost power about 6 p.m., as Hurricane Irma swept into Pasco County.

The next day, there was still no power, and no gas to be found for a generator.

She wanted ice and sodas, preferably cold ones. She found the ice, but the drinks were still on her to-do list.

She recalled the “whipping wind and listening to cracking of trees going down. It was scary.”

The day after Hurricane Irma stormed through Pasco County, Harry Perkerson picked up bags of ice at a Twice the Ice machine on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Kathy Steele)

The first thing she wanted to do after being freed from Irma was to find a hot cup of coffee. “Now, I’m just so happy to be out,” she said.

Harry Perkerson also stood in line for ice. He and his wife Shirley lost power sometime early Monday morning.

They had filled a bathtub full of water, bought gas for their generator, and filled their car with gas.

Besides ice, post-Irma, he needed more gas.

Irma took out four “big trees” at their Land O’ Lakes’ home, including two large oak trees.

“It’s a mess,” he said. But, he added, “They didn’t hit the house.”

Next up for the Perkersons? Dining out.

“Have you found anything open yet?” he asked.

To go or not to go
Angela Lynch ended up at home with her mother and her fiancé. As Irma raged outside, Lynch, at times, watched the storm from behind her sliding glass doors.

She didn’t plan to be a spectator.

“I went shopping to leave town,” she said. “We ended up staying.”

News reports said Irma was shifting eastward, so it seemed safe to stay.

With food on hand, she mixed up a “Manwich” meal from hamburger and baked beans. And, she even managed to cook up her mother’s breakfast biscuits on a grill.

Her family and house survived with no damage, but she was waiting for word on how her office in Ruskin fared.

Friends help friends
Kathy Moré and Sandra Randazzo combined forces to deal with Irma. And, on Tuesday they celebrated with margaritas at Ukulele Brand’s in Land O’ Lakes.

Randazzo came to Moré’s house, which lost power Sunday night. They had cooked up a mess of food, including pork chops and potatoes.

They fashioned a safe room in a hallway, with a futon, a cooler, snacks and wine. And, they never used the room.

“I think we got lucky,” said More. “We prepared for the worst and are glad that didn’t happened.”

Her house was still without power on Tuesday, and no sign of when it might be turned back on.

“I feel displaced without my electricity,” Moré said.

Randozzo’s home apparently never lost power.

But, no matter, they felt lucky. Moré planned to donate her trove of leftover canned goods to a local shelter.

Randazzo recalled Hurricane Andrew, from 1992, when she lived in Miami.

“Andrew was worse,” she said. “The howling wind was a hell of a lot worse in Andrew. It was definitely worse, but that was a hurricane 5.”

Share your hurricane stories and photos
We’d love to share your Hurricane Irma experiences and photos with our readers. Please tell us how you weathered Hurricane Irma. Did your home, car or property suffer damage? Did your power go out? Is your power still out? How did you cope without television, telephone or Internet? How did you handle child care, while the schools were closed? Finally, did Irma ruin wedding, proposal or other special plans?

Please send us your stories and photos, if you have any, by Sept. 22. We plan to publish a selection of what we receive in our Sept. 27 issue. Send your submissions to .

Thanks!

Published September 20, 2017

Business community weathers Hurricane Irma

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Hurricane Irma left residents and business owners in northern Hillsborough, east Pasco and central Pasco assessing damage, cleaning up the mess, and, calculating their losses and counting their blessings.

Walgreens drugstore let people know it was open for business after Hurricane Irma’s departure. (B.C. Manion)

For business owners, the focus was on reopening and getting Pasco County’s commercial back in motion.

The effort goes on.

Zephyrhills’ chamber gave shelter
With shelters filled to capacity, The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on Fifth Avenue opened its doors for three families to weather Hurricane Irma.

“They did well in our building,” said Melanie Monson, the chamber’s executive director.

Someone even managed to get some video footage of the storm.

In the aftermath, Monson and chamber staff pitched in to help people in need — including clearing debris and cutting up trees.

“Anything we can do to get people’s lives back, we did,” she said.

Zephyrhills’ businesses generally were luckier, and appeared to suffer less damage than other parts of the county. A few roofs were coming off, and a lot of trees were felled.

Duke Energy estimated that the Zephyrhills area, including its businesses, would have power restored by Sept. 15. Withlacoochee Electric said it might take longer for some of its customers.

The chamber cancelled all events the week of the storm, including its Citizens of the Month awards to area students.

“We’re going to double up for October, and do double the number of students,” Monson said.

Ukulele’s playing its tune again
Bryant Brand, owner of Ukulele Brand’s, reopened the waterside restaurant in Land O’ Lakes on Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. The restaurant lost power for more than 12 hours.

Some food had to be tossed out, but Brand said the restaurant withstood the battering winds. A floating dock still floated, but dipped about a foot-and-a-half underwater.

Brand said he would wait to see if the water drained away, and what kind of damage was done.

Within 30 minutes of the restaurant’s opening, cars began filling the parking lot, and hurricane-weary residents headed for the outdoor tables or the cooler bar inside.

It was business as usual.

The Shops at Wiregrass pitches in to help
Hurricanes have threatened in the past, but Hurricane Irma delivered.

“It was definitely a learning experience for everyone,” said Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass.

With Irma waffling on her direction, Lenners said the decision to close the mall came on Sept. 9, when it appeared obvious the hurricane had west Florida, and Pasco County, in her sights.

Something unexpected happened.

Some residents decided to leave their cars in the mall’s garage for safe keeping.

“Parking in the garage caught us by surprise, but we allowed them to park there to be a good neighbor,” Lenners said.

The mall came through without damage, and mall officials hoped to reopen on the afternoon of Sept. 11. Out of caution, the opening was delayed until Sept. 12, though a few restaurants opened doors sooner.

Yamato’s Japanese Steakhouse and Pincher’s seafood shack on Sept. 11 had long lines of residents eager to put Irma behind them with a hot meal and a cool place to hang out.

“I think we were all stir crazy, and had no power,” Lenners said.

Irma’s timing couldn’t have been worse. She came during a weekend, when shops and restaurants normally look forward to crowds.

“It certainly was a blow,” Lenners said, but noted it was too early to tell the precise impacts.

There already is some rebound, in part, due to schools closing for the week, he noted.

“You did have a lot of families off work because their businesses didn’t have power,” he said. “We’ve started seeing an uptick in traffic on Tuesday (Sept. 12).”

The mall planned to partner with 99.5 QYK radio station on Sept. 15 for a Help Our Community Heal event. The radio station was scheduled to hand out free water and batteries, and provide charging stations for people needing help. Donations also were being collected to aid about 700 linemen who have been restoring power.

Drive-through here and there
Motorists wrapped their cars around McDonald’s at Connerton on Tuesday morning, eager to grab bags full of breakfast foods and hot coffee from the drive-through lane.

Area restaurants that were able to open immediately after Hurricane Irma activated drive-through windows, with limited menus.

Kentucky Fried Chicken on State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes also was among the fast-food chains with lines of cars quickly surrounding the restaurant.

Tampa Premium Outlets is shopper ready
Tampa Premium Outlets reported no problems arising from Hurricane Irma. As of Sept. 12, stores began opening and the outlet mall “is open for business as usual,” said Sarah Rasheid, in a written statement. Rasheid is director of marketing and business development.

“We recognize the devastation our communities are experiencing by Hurricane Irma’s arrival in Florida,” Rasheid said in her statement. “It is heartbreaking when events like these occur, and our thoughts and prayers are with all the families throughout the state.”

Home improvement stores fill needs, before and after
Home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s, were slammed with customers frantic to buy plywood to board up their homes, generators to keep refrigerators running and flashlights to light the dark.

Now that Irma is history, shopping is getting back to normal.

But, there also have been plenty of residents needing cleanup supplies.

Lowe’s, on State Road 54, east of U.S. 41, sent in a small team of employees to get the store ready for its reopening on Sept. 12.

The store shut down about lunchtime on Sept. 9, before Irma struck.

“I’d love to see power returned to the whole area,” said Michael Armstrong, Lowe’s store manager.

Since reopening, Armstrong has seen a mix of customers. Buying is happening across all categories, he added.

People are filling carts with flowers, patio cushions and usual needs of a home. But, he said others are on the hunt for cleaning supplies, rakes, yard clippers and tarps for their roofs.

Those still without power also wanted flashlights, he said.

In the midst of providing area residents with their hurricane needs, Lowe’s, as a company, also had to consider its own employees.

Armstrong said employees had to think of their own safety and their families. Their decisions reflected the dilemmas everyone had. And, he said some opted to evacuate; others stayed.

“We keep a list of associates,” he said. “As soon as the hurricane was over, we started calling everyone. At 9 a.m., yesterday, (Sept. 12) we reached the last one. It’s not just about coming to work. It’s ‘we want to check on you. See how you’re doing’.”

As of Wednesday, Lowe’s was on track for a normal business day.

Dade City ready to rebound
Dade City’s downtown businesses took a hit during Hurricane Irma. But, with power restored, they began opening doors around mid-week to shoppers and diners.

For two days after Irma passed, downtown seemed “very quiet,” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

“I haven’t heard of anything looking major, except for cosmetic stuff and trees down,” he said.

Revenue losses are to be expected, however.

“There’s definitely concern over the whole week,” Moors said. “The major thing is people were safe. It’s just a lot of work to get cleared up.”

It’s early yet, but Moors said some merchants might want to explore hosting a special event to help businesses rebound from Irma.

Published September 20, 2017

Comforting kids through teddy bears

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For the second year, Lowe’s collected huggable teddy bears for a good cause.

Two volunteer deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office stopped by the home improvement store on Sept. 8 to load up about 250 teddy bears.

From left, Douglas O’Connor, Dante Plesce, Don McLachlan, Jan Wyckoff, Michael Armstrong and Tim Huff pose with the donated bears that will be delivered to comfort children when Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies respond to emergency calls. (Kathy Steele)

They scooped the plush animals from a table piled high with bears of all sizes and colors.

The teddy bears are given to sheriff’s deputies who hand them out to children when they respond to emergency calls, including domestic violence situations. It’s a way to ease a child’s stress.

Lowe’s collected the stuffed animals for about a month-and-a-half, filling up a large cardboard box placed at an entrance. The contributions came from customers and employees at the Lowe’s location on State Road 54, east of U.S. 41.

“Everyone donated,” said Lowe’s representative, Don McLachlan. “We had such a great response to it.”

Last year’s teddy bear haul took in about 140 bears. The program got started by employees who wanted to help out the community.

The annual teddy bear drive this year was noticeably larger — up by nearly 110 bears over last year.

“I just feel really good that we’re able to put this together to help the kids,” said McLachlan.

Published September 20, 2017

Business Digest 09/20/2017

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Help for business damages
Pasco County wants to know about damages to business property to assist in getting resources to make repairs, according to a news release from the county’s Office of Economic Growth.

Please report your interior or exterior damages, including clean up costs, to either the mobile application, MyPascoapp, or the county website, at PascoCountyFl.net, where you can click on “Report Irma Damage.”

After completing the Pasco County survey on damage, also report damage losses to the State of Florida. If you need financial assistance, the state has activated the Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The business damage survey information will be used to help qualify businesses for the loan program.

The link to use for the state survey is tinyurl.com/yc4bx4tj.

The survey results will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite appropriate disaster relief programs for affected businesses and to aid in determining eligibility for assistance from the bridge loan program. Please choose “Hurricane Irma” from the Event pull-down menu.

The state’s Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free working capital loans intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, insurance payments or federal disaster relief.

The loan program isn’t designed to be the primary source of assistance, which is why eligibility is linked to pursuing other sources. The program provides short-term loans from public funds, not grants. The expectation is that loans will be repaid from receipts from other sources of longer-term recovery assistance.

For information, and an application, visit FloridaDisasterLoan.org.

Federal assistance for businesses
Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center is an online portal for private sector preparation, damage assessments and recovery.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The loans can be used for loss and damages not fully recovered by insurance.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the small business administration’s secure website. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Nov. 9. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 11, 2018.

Chamber job fair
Congressman Gus Bilirakis, The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Pasco-Hernando State College will host a job fair Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The job fair will be in conference room B-303.

For information, contact the chamber at or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Sept. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speakers will be Cedrick Farrior and Jose Martinez. They will discuss veterans and topics such as small business planning, taxation, and first-time homebuyers.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Registration is required, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Sept. 26 beginning at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn, 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

For information, contact Chairman Nils Lenz at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice-Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.

Realtor Resource Alliance meet-and-greet
Realtor Resource Alliance will host a get-together where you can meet preferred vendors and establish key referral relationships within the real estate industry on Sept. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 33613 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

This is an opportunity to meet a go-to plumber, a home inspector or air-conditioning vendor who can respond in emergencies.

Wine and appetizers will be served.

RSVP to , or call (813) 783-1515.

SCORE marketing workshop
SCORE Pasco-Hernando State College will host a “Back to Work” Shop 360 Degree Marketing in a 27/7/365 World on Sept. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey SMARTstart Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

The workshop will be on how to handle the “Times Square Effect,” when prospects come across 16,000 brands, 4,000 ads and more than 175 emails daily. Find out how to cut through information overload to get your marketing word out.

For information, and to register, contact Sheila Neister at CatalystGetsResults.com, email , or call (727) 842-4638.

Head shot party
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a “Head Shot Party” Sept. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Brookdale Lutz, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz.

Join the party and have your head shot taken for $10 by professional photographer Christina Sallustio.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $25 per vendor.

There will be food, raffle drawings, vendors and a 50/50 drawing.

The cost is $10 to attend.

For information, contact Bethany Mis at ., or visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaChamber.com.

Zephyrhills community awards
The 56th Annual Clearly Zephyrhills Membership Appreciation and Community Awards Banquet will be Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 38750 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is the premier sponsor.

Individual tickets are $50. Group table tickets also are available.

For information, contact The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce at (813) 782-1913, or visit Zephryhillschamber.org.

Economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing on Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Ross Halle, senior vice president of Avalon Park Group. He will discuss architecture and town planning.

The cost is $15 including lunch.

For information, contact the chamber at or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

 

Local bidders could have an advantage in Pasco

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Pasco County commissioners might soon give local vendors an advantage over their competitors when bidding on county government contracts.

Commissioners directed legal staff to amend the county’s purchasing ordinance to create a local preference system for contract bids, during an Aug. 22 workshop in Dade City.

For instance, a local company that offers the second lowest bid could become eligible for a contract by matching the low bid offer from a competitor. The rule would apply only within specific guidelines, based on how wide the gap could be between the bids.

Also, local engineers, architects and other professional service providers could get extra points when ranked by evaluation committees.

Pasco relies on businesses from inside and outside the county, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

But, giving preference to local businesses makes sense, he added. “It’s an economic driver. We owe it to people to keep money here.”

But, there are some caveats on how best to set the rules.

Defining which businesses qualify as local is one issue the ordinance would need to spell out.

“You have lots of franchises,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “A franchisee is really a local owner.”

The ordinance also might address a business’ longevity in Pasco, granting an advantage to companies that have been in Pasco longer.

Supporters say local preferences could increase the money that stays in Pasco, and encourage more local businesses to bid. But, disadvantages include discouraging out-of-county businesses from expanding into Pasco, and higher costs based on less competition.

“I’ve always been in favor of local (preference) if it doesn’t cost our citizens more,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “The devil is in the details.”

A survey by county officials found that Pasco could lose about 15 percent of current out-of-county bidders, if local vendors can match the low bid.

Nearly 400 responses were received from about 2,500 requests for completed surveys, county officials said.

County officials recommended changes in how county staff members are selected to serve on evaluation committees. The goal would be to provide a broader representation from all county departments.

However, there was sharp disagreement over whether to allow county commissioners to sit on these types of committees, specifically for professional services.

Wells and Commissioner Jack Mariano advocated in favor.

Mariano suggested it could be done on a rotating and voluntary basis. “You don’t have to do it, if you don’t want to,” he said.

Moore said commissioners could be pulled into lawsuits when bid awards were disputed.

“I’m not afraid of it,” Mariano said. “It doesn’t scare me whatsoever.”

Starkey and Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley also objected to commissioners doing committee work.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder recommended against it.

“I’m not saying you can’t do it,” he said. “I think it’s a bad idea.”

Commissioners opted against an official role for a member of their board to serve on the committees, though Wells and Mariano might opt to monitor the committee meetings.

Those meetings are open to the public.

Published September 13, 2017

Two museums receive money for special projects

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Two museums will receive a financial boost in Pasco County’s fiscal year 2018 budget.

The Pasco County Commission has agreed to give $25,000 each to the West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library in New Port Richey and the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. The action came at the commission’s Aug. 29 meeting in Dade City.

The infusion of cash to the nonprofits stemmed from a request in July by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City served as a backdrop for a movie called ‘The Terrible Trio.’ Here, actors and students from Florida State University rehearse a scene for the movie, outside the historical Overstreet House at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. (File)

Before granting Oakley’s request, however, his colleagues on the commission wanted details on how the money would be spent.

“They struggle throughout the years to get funding to keep up with our records and history,” Oakley said.

County officials outlined each agency’s plans for the funds. Each agency sent a letter of explanation, as well.

Pioneer Florida Museum & Village wants to relocate a historical log cabin from Lacoochee to add to its collection of historical buildings at the 16-acre site in Dade City.

Museum officials are exploring the costs and suitability of moving the cabin, according to the letter from Melissa Lea, board president, and Stephanie Black, executive director.

“The museum is continually trying to preserve and improve,” the letter states.

Other potential projects could be attic fans and better lighting for the Blanton Packing House, or repairs to other buildings. The main building, with numerous displays and traveling exhibits, needs flooring.

Visitors to the museum already can tour its history center, as well as the Overstreet House, a one-room school house. They also can check out a church from Enterprise, the Trilby depot and a train engine.

West Pasco Historical Society will spend the money to expand storage. The museum is at capacity, according to the letter from Bob Langford, the society’s president.

“In the past few years, we have had to refuse items simply due to the fact that we don’t have room,” he stated.

A second potential project would be to digitize the museum’s collection of weekly newspapers – The New Port Richey Press, The Dade City Banner and The Zephyrhills Colonist/Zephyrhills News.

For more information about both of these organizations, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org and WestPascoHistoricalSociety.org.

Published September 13, 2017

Awards honor visionary leadership, and local businesses

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The late James “Don” Porter received the inaugural Leadership Award from the Pasco Economic Development Council for his visionary role in developing the master-planned community at Wiregrass Ranch.

J.D. Porter, left, holds an award bestowed to his father, the late James ‘Don’ Porter. Also shown are Pasco Economic Development Council President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Cronin and Quinn Porter Miller, Don Porter’s daughter. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Porter’s family accepted the award at the Pasco EDC 31st Annual Awards and Trade Show on Aug. 31 at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa.

The annual event recognizes local businesses, and their owners, for their contributions to Pasco County’s economic development.

The new award singled out Porter for his “passion, strong will, persistence and dedication,” according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

The Porter family sold portions of Wiregrass Ranch to develop The Shops at Wiregrass, and more recently Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. Land donations also were made for the Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch; and, for a future sports complex at Wiregrass.

Pasco County commissioners recently approved a series of agreements that will lead to construction of the complex.

IC, the mascot for Florida Hospital Center Ice made an appearance at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 31st Annual Awards and Trade Show.

There will be a 98,000-square-foot indoor sports facility, outdoor ball fields, an amphitheater and event lawn, trails and a playground. A privately financed Marriott hotel also is planned.

In addition, local businesses received awards in six categories.

Twenty-four businesses were nominated, and scored based on company growth, leadership in current business issues and corporate citizenship.

“We love having the opportunity to honor Pasco companies, and all 24 nominees have had such an important impact on economic development,” said Bill Cronin, in a written statement. Cronin is the Pasco EDC’s president and chief executive officer. “It was difficult for the awards committee to narrow it down, but the seven winners truly deserve this honor.”

The winners for Business of the Year were:

  • Florida Hospital Center Ice: Start-Up
  • Express Employment Professionals: Small business
  • FACTS Engineering LLC: Medium business
  • TRU Simulation and Training Inc.: Large business

In addition, North Tampa Behavioral Health and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point received special contribution awards.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Published September 13, 2017

Business Digest 09/13/2017

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Zephyrhills community awards
The 56th Annual Clearly Zephyrhills Membership Appreciation and Community Awards Banquet is scheduled for Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 38750 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is the premier sponsor.

Individual tickets are $50. Group table tickets also are available.

For information, contact The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce at (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephryhillsChamber.org.

Zephyrhills economic summit
The Inaugural Zephyrhills Economic Summit is set for Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Scotland Yards Golf & Country Club, at 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

The event is sponsored by the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition.

Participants include representatives from the city of Zephyrhills as well as state and county representatives. Members of the medical profession will offer information on private/public partnerships and the MedicalBizWalk results.

The cost is $8 including a continental breakfast and lunch.

RSVP to Melonie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce at , or call (813) 782-1913.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its September 2017 Momentum Thursday Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Fire Marshal Tammy Zurla, who will provide training in Hands Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on Sept. 12, at the discounted rate of $20 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Transformations grand opening
Transformations will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting Sept. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 2441 Myrtle Lane in Wesley Chapel.

Services provided at Transformations are cosmetic surgery and dermatology.

The grand opening is free and will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, door prizes and cosmetic packages.

For information, visit TampaBayTransformations.com.

To RSVP, call (813) 406-4448.

East Pasco fall mixer
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its annual Fall Mixer on Sept. 19, beginning at 6 p.m., at the Village Inn, 5241 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

This is a family event, and it will be “dutch treat.”

Guest speaker will be Terry Luna, director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills.

There will be door prizes and a 50-50 drawing that will benefit the Pregnancy Care Center.

RSVP by Sept. 12 to Nils Lenz, chairman of the East Pasco Networking Group, at (813) 782-9491 or email , or to Vicky Jones, vice chairwoman, at (813) 431-1149, or email to ">.

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon, open to all members and guests, Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Gloria Lowe of Energyhill.

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15 if preregistered by Sept. 14. For non-members, the cost is $20, and they can preregister or pay at the door.

Meetings are in English.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s September 2017 Happy Hour Sept. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Uncle Maddio’s, at 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

The restaurant will offer $1 off any pizza, and a buy-one, get-one free deal for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by Sept. 19.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or email .

Business workshop
SCORE will host a free workshop, “Learn How to Start a New Business Successfully,” Sept. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the SMARTstart business incubator, 37837 Meridian Ave., #309, in Dade City.

Key issues will include starting a business, finding good people, structuring the business, understanding cash flow, finding money, and the business plan.

Space is limited, so register ASAP.

For information, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Sept. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speakers will be Cedrick Farrior and Jose Martinez. They will discuss veterans, and topics such as small business planning, taxation and first-time homebuyers.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Registration is required, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

SMARTstart roundtable
The SMARTstart Entrepreneur Roundtable will meet Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Entrepreneur Roundtables bring small business owners and early-stage venture founders together on a monthly basis for an exchange of information. Groups typically include six to 10 members from diverse industries, in a confidential setting, to share the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how it affects life at work and home.

Participants have the opportunity to attend two meetings to decide if the roundtable is the right fit for them and their businesses. Thereafter, the annual cost is $150.

Participating in the roundtable is free for SMARTstart business incubator members.

For information, visit SmartstartPasco.com, or call John Walsh at (813) 926-0827, ext. 223.

Coldwell Banker Top Realtors
Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential Inc., announced the following Top Realtors for the month of August.

Top listing agent by units is Randal Jenkins; by volume, is Eugena Taylor. Top selling agent by units is Randal Jenkins; by volume, is Kristy Thurber. Top producing agent by units is Tom Wibirt; by volume, is Sean Riordan.