The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Task Force meets on vision for State Road 54/56

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A discussion on transportation solutions on the State Road 54/56 corridor will begin anew on Aug. 24, with the second in a series of meetings by the Vision 54/56 Task Force.

The 17-member, volunteer task force had an organizational meeting in April.

The study by the task force members will consider practical solutions to easing congestion, and promoting greater safety and mobility on a corridor that is bursting with new residential and commercial development.

About 100,000 vehicles a day travel through State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection. A task force is reviewing potential road projects to ease congestion. (File)

This is the second phase of a three-part initiative that began in 2016 with a task force that recommended 11 major highway and transit alternatives, as well as a no-build alternative.

Those recommendations will get greater scrutiny in this second phase, with more focus on design and details of potential road projects.

Some options under review include designs for elevated lanes, and redesigns at ground level. Some options include dedicated lanes for buses, and others don’t.

The entire study includes the corridor, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the east to U.S. 19 on the west. However, the focus currently is on two intersections: Little Road and State Road 54 in New Port Richey, and U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

Representatives from Pasco County Planning and Development, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, Florida Department of Transportation and consultants with AECOM are assisting in the study.

A third meeting is planned in 2017, probably in October. At least two additional meetings are planned in 2018, but no dates are scheduled.

For information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

What: Vision 54/56 Phase 2 Task Force meeting
Where: Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Aug. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free, open to the public

Published August 9, 2017

Asturia industrial heading toward development

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As promised, it didn’t take long.

Bureaucratic wheels are turning on a project to build office and industrial space at the master-planned community of Asturia, off State Road 54.

Pasco County commissioners approved a 10-year, $7 million loan to HP Asturia LLC on July 11 to aid in getting the two-phase project started.

Private investment in the project is pegged at about $26 million, according to county records.

HP Asturia and Harrod Properties Inc., plan to build up to 200,000 square feet of office and industrial space at the master-planned community of Asturia. This rendering depicts the façade of one of the proposed buildings. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

On Aug. 1, Pasco County planners and representatives of Aurora Civil Engineering scheduled a pre-application meeting to discuss “Asturia Industrial.” That is a first step before submitting a site plan and other documents for approval from the Pasco County Commission.

“We’re ready to start this afternoon,” said Graham Mavar, in remarks to county commissioners at the July 11 meeting. Mavar is partner in leasing and development with Harrod Properties, which is developing the project.

“We like to self-develop everything,” he said. “We like the risk side so we build speculatively, which a lot of people won’t do.”

Mavar estimated construction would start by the end of the year.

County officials said they anticipate completion in 2018.

The first phase of development includes a total of 107,500 square feet of industrial space. Two buildings are proposed. One is 40,000 square feet, including an 8,000-square-foot mezzanine. The second industrial building would be 54,000 square feet, county records show.

The loan agreement between the county and HP Asturia calls for the design, permitting and construction of the first phase to be completed within 24 months. Tampa-based Harrod Properties Inc., is partnering in the development.

As seen in this aerial, Asturia is a master-planned community in Odessa, off State Road 54. HP Asturia and Harrod Properties Inc., plan to build up to 200,000 square feet of office and industrial space as part of the development. (File)

The second phase of construction proposes a 128,000-square-foot industrial building, with the caution that plans could change. A future retail outparcel also is listed in the pre-application form.

The industrial park is off State Road 54 in Odessa, about 1.5 miles west of Suncoast Parkway.

The county’s loan will aid in design and construction of a northern spine road connecting to Tower Road from State Road 54. Funding is from the Penny for Pasco program.

However, if certain goals, primarily related to job creation, are met the entire loan could be forgiven, essentially becoming a grant. The buildings will be built on speculation, without pre-signed tenants.

County officials project up to 400 new jobs, with total salaries estimated at about $11 million. They also anticipate economic growth from the development to add about $32 million to the county’s gross domestic project annually.

The loan agreement sets up the goals in phases.

Once the new road is open to the public and there is a minimum of 80,000 square feet of industrial/office space, the county will forgive $4 million of the loan. Another $1 million would be forgiven on proof of 5-year leases for the first buildings. Finally, the last $2 million would be forgiven at build-out, with additional leases, and total space of 200,000 square feet.

Published August 9, 2017

Superior Precast to bring 100 jobs to Dade City

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Superior Precast plans to set up shop in Dade City and add about 100 new jobs to the area, according to an announcement from the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The company supplies precast concrete products on behalf of The Reinforced Earth Company for use in major road projects in Florida. Superior Precast is a new supplier for the Florida Department of Transportation.

Superior Precast will move into about 63,000 square feet of industrial space at the Dade City Business Center, off U.S. 301.

The company expects to fill about 100 positions within three years or less. Nearly 30 new hires will be made by September.

Openings include plant manager, quality control manager, office manager, administrative assistant, quality control technician, forklift operators, carpenter, welder and production workers.

These would be full-time positions with benefits. Salaries will be nearly 125 percent of Pasco County’s annual average wage.

In January 2017, the annual wage was about $35,494, so salaries for Superior Precast would be about $44,368, according to data from the Pasco EDC.

CareerSource Pasco-Hernando will assist Superior Precast with recruitment, hiring and training of new employees from in and around Dade City.

Officials with Pasco EDC, Berkshire Hathaway Commercial Division, Pasco County and Dade City partnered to recruit Superior Precast to locate in Dade City.

For information and to apply for a job, visit SuperiorPrecastLlc.com.

Published August 9, 2017

Business Digest 08/09/2017

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Discovery Point Child Care expands
Salim and Andrea Karnaby are taking over as owners of The Discovery Point Child Care Center in Trinity, according to a news release from Trevellino Keller.

It is the second location for the couple who opened their first Discovery Point Child Care Center, at 1812 Crossings Blvd., in Odessa in 2010.

Former owners of the Trinity day care center, Nancy Fields and Cheri Livernois, have retired.

Fields joined the Discovery Point team in 1989 in Snellville, Georgia. She worked in corporate-owned centers before opening her own Discovery Point center in Odessa. Livernois became the center’s director, and later, a co-owner of the day care center, located in the Trinity area, at 2132 Duck Slough Blvd.

Discovery Point has nearly 50 day care centers in the southeast United States, and plans further expansion into Florida in the next year, according to the press release.

For information, visit DiscoveryPointFranchise.com.

Rotary breakfast
The Rotary Club of New Tampa will have its weekly breakfast Aug. 11 at 7:15 a.m., at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Dr. Norin Dollard of the University of South Florida. She will discuss the Kids County Project.

The cost is free for first time guests, and $12 thereafter.

For information, contact Jennifer Cofini at (813) 907-7800, ext. 212 or .

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s August 2017 Happy Hour on Aug. 16 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 for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by Aug. 15.

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

Chamber awards dinner
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce/Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have a joint “Soaring to New Heights Dinner & Awards” banquet Aug. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn-Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz.

The two chambers recently merged their organizations to serve Trinity, Odessa, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

The cost is $60 per person. Corporate tables for eight people are available for $500.

A cocktail hour, with cash bar, will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The dinner and awards begin at 7 p.m.

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

Businesses help Faces of Courage
Pasco Ladies Care, a small business bazaar to benefit Faces of Courage, will be held Aug. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Small businesses run by women will sell items, or provide information, to attendees. The event is free and open to the public.

A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the nonprofit organization, Faces of Courage.

The cost to business participants who sell items will be $10. For others, not selling items, the cost will be $50.

Faces of Courage hosts camps year-round for people with cancers and blood-related illnesses.

For information, email Tiffany Dodge at .

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Kelly Mothershead, of Fitness Transformation Studio & Salon. She will teach a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class. Students will receive an American Heart Association certification card.

The cost is $20 including lunch. Registration is needed, as seating is limited.

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

SCORE workshop
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a workshop on “How to Really Start Your Own Business” Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The free workshop will provide information on how to start a business, key issues of starting a business, insurance, legal requirements and information sources.

SMARTstart workshop
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host a 10-week SMARTstart CO.STARTERS workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs beginning Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The sessions will be on Thursday evenings including a celebratory meeting in the 10th week. Participants will equip seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn ideas into action, and passions into sustainable and thriving endeavors.

The cost is $295 for 10 weeks of instruction and materials.

Participants must register online no later than 4 p.m., Sept. 1.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com.

SMARTstart roundtable
The SMARTstart Entrepreneur Roundtable will meet Aug. 24 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-state venture founders together on a monthly basis for an exchange of information. Groups typically include six members 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 (888) 607-2726.

SCORE grant writing workshop
Pasco-Hernando SCORE Chapter 439 is presenting a workshop on grant writing.

This interactive seminar will explore the truths, the how’s, and the why’s of grant writing. Participants will learn about the key steps in the process of grant writing, matching their needs invariably as not-for-profits with the goals of grantors.

The session will cover many issues regarding grant writing, including:

  • Understanding the application process
  • Finding out who’s eligible
  • Sources of funding
  • Where proposals fail

The session will be Aug. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., at Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

For information, contact Barbara Sweinberg at or (727) 842-4638.

Pasco award and trade show
The Pasco Economic Development Council will have its Annual Awards & Trade Show Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Saddlebrook Resort Grand Pavilion, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation job creation, growth, capital investment and community development.

In evaluating nominees, the Pasco EDC looks at job creation, increased capital investment and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2016 and June 2017.

Industry awards are given in the following categories: small (1-20 employees); medium (21-100 employees); large (101 or more employees); and startup/new within past 24 months.

About 600 community and business leaders attend the annual awards gathering.

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Please RSVP by Aug. 23.

Reservations are $85 per person, or $60 per person for Pasco County staff only.

Sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000, with five benefit levels.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com, call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226, or email .

Microloan program
The Pasco Economic Development Council can help small business owners through its SMARTstart Microloan Fund.

These loans are targeted at small business owners who may not qualify for traditional financing, but who have a sound plan to grow their business. Microloans can be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and other equipment.

Funds can’t be used to buy real estate or to refinance an existing debt.

The microloan fund seeks to increase job opportunities and build the economy. In particular, it can aid business owners who have difficulty accessing credit, such as women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals.

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

Brightwork Crossing under construction on State Road 54

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Brightwork Crossing is a mixed-use development under construction on about 32 acres close to Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Up to 350 apartments, 250,000 square feet of offices, retail and self-storage, and a 150-room hotel can be built. Site plans are on file with Pasco County for a WaWa convenience store, Firestone Complete Auto Care store and Burger King.

A sign along Old State Road 54 marks off the site where construction workers are preparing about 32 acres for residential and commercial development – Brightwork Crossing.
(Kathy Steele)

The site is on the north side of State Road 54, west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, directly behind the Shell gas station and Walgreen’s drugstore.

A handful of cows that once grazed on grass and weeds are gone. Bulldozers and cranes are leveling the ground. A single residence on the property is being torn down.

The complex will go up in the midst of one of Pasco County’s fastest growing areas, at an intersection where State Road 54, State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard meet up. The State Road 56 interchange at Interstate 75 is immediately to the west.

Tampa Premium Outlets on the south side of State Road 56, and Cypress Creek Town Center, on the north side, are at the epicenter of new shops and restaurants. More are on the way, as are offices and hotels.

Tampa-based BW 54 56 Holdings LLC, and Alabama-based Arlington Properties Inc., are partnering on Brightwork Crossing.

Representatives for those companies weren’t available for comment.

The Pasco County Commission approved the development in 2016. The entire site is bordered by Wesley Chapel Boulevard, State Road 54, and the one-lane paved, Old Cypress Creek Road.

At hearings on the matter, traffic concerns became an issue.

The site is bisected by Old State Road 54, a popular cut-through for motorists seeking to avoid traffic jams at the intersection of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 54/56.

Old State Road 54 right of way was part of a land swap between the county, landowners and developers. It gave the county green space for its wildlife corridors network, and also room for a future park-and-ride facility for commuters.

A dead-end portion of the road to the north has been opened, and rebuilt to provide cross access, via Wesley Chapel Boulevard, into the town center. Sierra Properties, the town center’s developers, paid for the roadwork as part of its construction of a town center entrance, off Wesley Chapel.

The county plans to eventually widen Wesley Chapel to a six-lane divided road. And, a diverging diamond interchange is expected to replace the existing interchange at I-75 to ease traffic congestion. Construction is expected to begin in 2018 on the interchange.

Published August 2, 2017

Searching for a superstar in Tampa Bay

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American Idol is a cultural phenomenon.

The reality television show is known for launching major singing careers for Idol winners, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

And, even reaching the top 10 can be life-changing.

Jennifer Hudson, for instance, finished seventh in 2004, but went on to win an Oscar for the movie musical, “Dream Girls,” and remains a superstar.

So, future singing sensations of Tampa Bay — get ready to catch lightning in a bottle.

After 15 years on the Fox network, and a one-year hiatus, American Idol is returning to television on ABC in 2018.

Ryan Seacrest will return as host. Katy Perry is confirmed as one of the Idol judges.

Locally, open auditions for American Idol are scheduled for Aug. 12 at Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. ABC Action News and Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend will host the event.

Winners of the “Tampa Bay Idol” contest will receive a “Front of the Line” ticket that guarantees them a chance to be seen and heard by American Idol producers, during a bus tour stop in Orlando on Aug. 17.

“We’re excited about local talent being able to showcase right here at Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “We may have the next superstar come from Pasco County…the next Carrie Underwood. That’d be awesome.”

Moore, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Gordie Zimmermann, managing partner at Florida Hospital Center Ice, made the announcement at a press conference on July 24.

ABC officials predict as many as 1,000 people could line up for a chance at stardom. Only the first 400 who register online at ABCActionnews.com/Idol will be guaranteed an audition. If there’s time, more auditions may be allowed.

Everyone is urged to preregister for a smoother, faster processing time on the day of the open auditions.

Online registration is set to begin on Aug. 5.

A local panel of celebrity judges will be announced at a later date.

Starting time was estimated to be mid-morning, but had not been determined prior to The Laker/Lutz News’ deadline for publication.

The event offers an opportunity to showcase Florida Hospital Center Ice, which opened the 150,500 square-foot ice rink and sports complex in January.

Auditions will take place in at least two rooms at the facility.

“We’re excited to host,” said Gordie Zimmermann, managing partner with Florida Hospital Center Ice. “We’re really looking forward to the date.”

Zimmermann said there also would be areas for overflow seating, while people wait their turn to sing, and a snack bar.

Pasco’s selection as a site for open auditions came together quickly.

Starkey got a heads-up phone call from ABC Action News officials a few days before the press conference. After a tour of Florida Hospital Center Ice, the matter was settled.

“It’s been a very fun project to work on,” said Starkey. “Tampa Bay Idol is a great way to showcase the talents some of our residents have.”

Starkey said she notified Tampa Premium Outlets and The Shops at Wiregrass, which is an event sponsor, about the coming auditions, urging them “to staff up and get ready.”

Published August 2, 2017

Business Digest 08/02/2017

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Bilirakis honored at chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast Aug. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis who will receive the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the United States Chamber of Commerce. The annual award recognizes members of Congress for their votes on critical pro-business legislation.

Sponsors are Bahrs Propane Gas & AC, and IR Staffing.

The cost is $8 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

The Happy Dough grand opening
The Happy Dough will have a grand opening on Aug. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Tampa Premium Outlets, at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive.

There will be prizes and giveaways every hour including a year of free cookie dough.

The kiosk, which opened on July 25, can be found outside Skechers between Nike and Pacific Sunwear. It is family-owned and operated.

The safe-to-eat cookie dough can be bought to eat raw, baked at home or mixed with another dessert. Special dough treats also are available including gluten-free chocolate chip, Amy’s cookie dough dessert pies, cookie dough sandwiches and cookie dough dip, served with butter pretzels.

Flavors include American chocolate chip, birthday cake, chocolate mint, The Brownie and Rocky Road.

Catering is available by appointment.

For information, visit TheHappyDough.com, or Facebook.com/thehappydough/.

Taco Bell opens soon
Taco Bell is expected to open at Cypress Creek Town Center sometime in August, according to company officials.

The Mexican fast-food restaurant, at 25630 Sierra Center Blvd., is among a handful of new restaurants opening or under construction at the town center, located off State Road 56 across from Tampa Premium Outlets.

Ford’s Garage and Pollo Tropical are already open, and Wendy’s and Taco Bell are next.

Chuy’s Mexican restaurant and Bahama Breeze Island Grille also are potential tenants.

Taco Bell founder, Glen Bell, opened Bell’s Drive-In & Taco Tia in California in 1954. The first Taco Bell, also in California, opened in 1964, according to the website, TacoBell.com.

Common Ground Pitch Breakfast
SMARTstart CO.STARTERS will host the monthly “Common Ground Pitch Breakfast” Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City.

Each month, two people present a five-minute pitch to introduce their business ideas to Pasco County’s local entrepreneurial community. Each pitch is followed by a question-and-answer session, and opportunity for feedback.

The event is free. The SMARTstart programs are supported by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com/events, or call Pasco EDC at (352) 437-4861.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Aug. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided. The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting Aug. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Hillsborough County Deputy Chris Depolis. He will discuss what to do during an active shooter situation.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m. on Aug. 8, 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.

Job search assistance
The Pasco Hernando CareerSource Mobile One unit will be on-site to provide free help in job searches and career assistance, Aug. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Branch Library, at 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The mobile unit is a self-contained resource room on wheels, with 12 computers, satellite Internet and telecommunications, and printing/copying capabilities.

Job seekers can get help with job searches, creating and printing resumes, accessing local and statewide job listings, and finding information about programs provided by CareerSource.

For information, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, or call the library at (813) 780-0064.

Creative World ribbon cutting
Creative World School will have a ribbon cutting Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Primrose Lake Circle, in Tampa Palms community of New Tampa.

The school is enrolling for preschool, child care and day care.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or CreativeWorldSchool.com.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Aug. 15 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr., who represents District 4.

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

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all members and guests, Aug. 15 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 Pete Castellani, chief executive officer of Oasis Pregnancy Centers.

His topic will be “What Pregnancy Centers Offer Across Pasco County.”

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15 if preregistered by Aug. 10. 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 .

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Kelly Mothershead, of Fitness Transformation Studio & Salon. She will teach a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class. Students will receive an American Heart Association certification card.

The cost is $20 including lunch. Registration is needed, as seating is limited.

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

SCORE workshop
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a workshop on “How to Really Start Your Own Business” Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The free workshop will provide information on how to start a business, key issues of starting a business, insurance, legal requirements and information sources.

For information, contact William Gelbach at , or at (727) 842-4638.

Small business mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Salute to Small Business Mixer Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, in the meeting room.

The free mixer is sponsored by Copperstone Executive Suites and The Laker/Lutz News. Sponsorships are available for $50.

For information, call (813) 298-7363, or email .

Neighborhood Notebook seeks suggestions

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Give a community a piece of chalk and chalkboard, and wait — people will write what’s on their minds.

That’s the idea behind the Neighborhood Notebook, a chalkboard that’s intended to invite those passing by to share their ideas about how they want their community to grow.

The chalkboard is being placed at various locations in central Pasco County to seek community input.

Land O’ Lakes resident Sean Serrano reads the Neighborhood Notebook at The Shops at Wiregrass, before adding his own ideas to the chalkboard. (Kathy Steele)

At the moment, the focus area is the Gateway Crossing Market Area bordered by State Road 56 and State Road 54, Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41 and Interstate 75. That includes the communities of Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel.

County officials are hoping to spark a dialogue about the area’s future growth.

What do residents want? Do they want more trails? Safer streets? Better bus service? More restaurants?

Residents were introduced to the Neighborhood Notebook at The Shops at Wiregrass, from July 11 to July 17.

On opposite panels of a hinged chalkboard, two unfinished sentences invite “fill-in-the-blank” moments.

Pasco County employees built the notebook and set it up outside the customer service station at Wiregrass.

The unfinished sentences are: ‘I would like to see’ and ‘I can make it happen.’

“It’s a new, different kind of thing designed to get attention,” said Kris Hughes, the county’s planning and development administrator.

County officials are giving residents opportunities to express ideas about future planning issues in central Pasco County, including land use, design and transit.

Officials got some of those ideas, and, on occasion, naughty graffiti.

That wasn’t unexpected with a display open to the public, said Hughes.

“We all have to deal with what would be juvenile behavior as it arises. We don’t let it stay up there,” Hughes said.

At future notebook exhibits, Hughes said the county might provide maps so that residents can better understand the area being studied.

As of July 17, residents had left ideas that covered a range of topics.

One person wanted to see people “not being idiots.” Another wanted to see someone’s Mom smile. Others advocated for legalizing marijuana, veganism or wanted “no capitalism.”

Expressions of love, punctuated with heart symbols, were plentiful.

One person offered this sweet thought – “Just reminber (reminber scratched out) you’re beautiful.”

The message was accompanied by this admission: “I can’t spell.”

Land O’ Lakes resident Sean Serrano paused to read messages on the notebook.

“It’s like a little glimpse into the community around here,” he said.

One goal with the outdoor notebook is to encourage residents to visit the county’s website to learn more about the “Walk Bike Work Play” initiative.

There’s a virtual notebook, too, so residents can expand on and continue sharing their ideas.

In collaboration with the planning department, the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Vision 54/56 Project also is supporting the initiative.

The MPO is working with a volunteer task force to recommend improvements to transportation and safety along State Road 54 and State Road 56.

No date has been set yet for the Neighborhood Notebook’s next appearance.

But, Hughes said two possible locations are Tampa Premium Outlets, at I-75 and State Road 56, or the Northpointe Village Shopping Center, at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

For information on the initiative and calendar events, visit WalkBikeWorkPlay.com.

Published July 26, 2017

Japanese investment focus of roundtable

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On a map of Florida, more than 18 Japanese-owned companies are pinpointed across the state.

South Florida has the most, with only a handful scattered in central and northeastern cities, including the port city of Jacksonville.

Noticeably blank is Florida’s central west coast, including Pasco County.

“I think there has not been much of a connection,” said Japan’s Consul General Ken Okaniwa. “Maybe there is a need to promote yourselves more.”

Japan’s Consul General Ken Okaniwa, left, spoke at a business roundtable at Saddlebrook Golf Resort & Spa. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce hosted the event. (Courtesy of Stephen John Photography)

Pasco business leaders and county officials will get that chance at the 40th annual Southeast U.S./Japan Joint Meeting from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Representatives from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Tennessee will participate.

“We want to bring it (trade meeting) to Pasco County in a couple of years,” said Okaniwa. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to create more jobs.”

Encouraging dialogue about more Japanese trade, investment and tourism in Florida is one of the functions of the Japanese consulate, located in Miami.

On July 17, Okaniwa met with more than 20 Pasco County business and community leaders for a business roundtable at Saddlebrook Golf Resort & Spa. U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event.

Okaniwa outlined Japan’s economic ties with Florida in a PowerPoint presentation.

  • Japan is the state’s largest investor, with more than $4 billion invested in plants and equipment
  • Japan is Florida’s fourth largest trade partner (combined export and imports)
  • Japan is the largest importer of Florida grapefruit in the world
  • About 278,000 Japanese tourists visit Florida annually, with Disney World the top destination

And, Okaniwa said more than 190 Japanese-owned companies provided about 24,000 jobs in the state, as of 2014.

“The number has been growing,” he added.

Japanese economic and business focus is on six areas, including driverless vehicles, renewable energy, robotics and medical services, especially regenerative medicine.

Okaniwa said Japan investors were involved in “smart city” projects in Orlando and Miami.

Bill Cronin, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, suggested that Okaniwa reach out to Metro Development Group, which is developing in the Connected City corridor in northeastern Pasco. Cronin plans to attend the trade meeting in South Carolina along with others representing Pasco.

Developers with Metro are building a master-planned community with state-of-the-art technology, including fast Internet connections, driverless vehicles, and tele-medicine.

“It’s truly a live, work, play environment,” Cronin said.

Le Meridian-Autonomous is negotiating with Metro to provide driverless buses for the community, said Ed Franco, the company’s chief innovation lead.

The company has sold buses to Disney, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and recently a 300-bus order to Taiwan.

Franco also is chief executive officer of Turin Aviation Group, located at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The company provides aircraft maintenance services and unmanned aerial system drones.

“Pasco County is very innovative,” Bilirakis told Okaniwa, who took notes of questions and ideas raised at the roundtable discussion.

John Yo is interested in developing senior living communities. He is managing director for Good Life EB5 Advisors Inc. His company recently opened two facilities in Georgia.

His wife, Julie Yo, is a ReMax Realtor in Lutz. The couple, who live in New Tampa, would like to find locations in Pasco for future senior-living projects. There is a need here, said John Yo.

“It’s a growing (industry),” he added.

The couple, both South Korean natives, said they would like to see direct flights from Japan to Tampa.

Tampa International Airport doesn’t yet have such flights, but there is a Japanese connection.

On the same day as the roundtable, Gov. Rick Scott and representatives of Mitsubishi attended the delivery of train cars for the airport’s innovative people-mover shuttle.

Bilirakis had one last idea to toss out at the conclusion of the roundtable.

Japan and Pasco should work together to bring Japanese baseball teams to the county for spring training, he said.

Okaniwa quickly jotted that on his pad.

“I’ll look into that,” he said.

For information on Japan and trade, visit Jetro.go.jp/en/invest/.

Published July 26, 2017

Park upgrades planned for 2018

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A proposed 2018 budget, if approved, includes initial funding for a community center at Wesley Chapel District Park. The park also would get upgrades at its basketball courts and baseball fields.

In addition, the budget would provide money for a future district park at the master-planned community of Connerton in Land O’ Lakes.

Young girls learn how to dribble a soccer ball during a 2015 practice at Wesley Chapel District Park. Pasco County’s proposed 2018 budget includes funds to upgrade the park. (File)

A first public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Dade City. The second hearing and vote are planned on Sept. 26. The approved budget would take effect on Oct. 1.

At the Wesley Chapel park, about $2 million would pay for the design and cover for four outdoor basketball courts, and the installation of 12 bleacher canopies for baseball fields. Also, the design for an approximately 4,000-square-foot community center would be completed in 2018.

Construction is scheduled in fiscal year 2019, at a cost of about $1 million.

The Connerton District Park would receive about $2.5 million, as part of a park donation agreement between Pasco and Connerton’s developer. Construction would include athletic fields and other amenities. The park would be donated to the county, but the developer would operate and maintain it, according to county records.

No construction date is available.

Published July 26, 2017