The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Business Digest 12/21/2016

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Video training
Pasco County libraries are partnering with Lynda.com – an online platform owned by Linkedin – to provide full access to the company’s video library.

More than 4,000 video courses, taught by industry experts, are available. The courses explain Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and Publisher; and, the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat. Also available are courses on computer programming, photography skills, online marketing, business management and more.

Lynda.com offers various paid subscriptions, but Pasco library patrons can access the courses for free by going online and using their library cards to create a profile.

To sign up, visit Lynda.com/portal/sip?=pascolibraries.org.

For information, also visit PascoLibraries.org.

Job fair
The Hilton Garden Inn, 2155 Northpointe Blvd., in Lutz, will host a job fair on Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotel is expected to open in February.

Positions available include: bartender, servers, maintenance supervisor, executive housekeeper, housekeeping, chef, shuttle driver-houseman, front desk, sales and catering manager, and banquet captain set-up.

For information, visit TampaSuncoastParkway.HGI.com.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a “Cup of Joe” and a “No Agenda” mixer on Dec. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the law firm of Lucas/Magazine, at 2533 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

This mixer takes place the last Wednesday of each month.

For information, call Elayne Bassinger at (813) 495-2336, or visit Lucas/Magazine.com.

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

Guest speaker will be Stephanie Stevens. Her presentation will be “My Silent Partner-Identity Theft Protection.”

The cost for members is $15 and $18 for non-members.

Please register at Women-n-charge.com.

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

Spreading peanut butter and good cheer
The Tampa Bay Builders Association is spreading good cheer and peanut butter for a good cause. The association’s Sales and Marketing Council has set a holiday challenge to build 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the association’s downtown headquarters, 512 E. Kennedy Blvd. Volunteers will work in shifts on Dec. 21.

The sandwiches are being made to support the nonprofit GRAB Tomorrow – PB&J for Tampa Bay.

The builder’s association’s Sales and Marketing Council received the National Home Builder’s Gold Award for charity work it has done earlier this year.

For information, visit TBBA.net.

Ribbon cutting
Go Craft Yourself will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 10311 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite A, in Tampa.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Jan. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3627 W. Humphrey St., in Tampa.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on Jan. 10, 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.

Economic forecast luncheon
The Pasco Economic Development Corporation has scheduled its 2017 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The luncheon will feature Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo, who will give a presentation of the regional economy and his forecast for the year.

Vitner regularly meets with business leaders throughout the country, as well as overseas. He is expected to discuss potential impacts on Pasco County and Florida — from changes in local and national leadership.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Pasco-Hernando SCORE seeks volunteers
The Pasco-Hernando chapter of SCORE, which is short for Service Corps of Retired Executives, is seeking volunteers to help guide local entrepreneurs start and manage new businesses.

The organization specifically is seeking individuals with expertise in these fields:

  • Commercial Lender: A retired banker with experience in business loans, equipment loans, lines of credit, working capital loans and SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) guidelines.
  • Social Media Coordinator: Someone who demonstrates a strong working knowledge of social media and website optimization.
  • Nonprofit Mentor: Someone with prior nonprofit expertise with existing and start-up organizations.

SCORE — founded in 1964 — is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and has 300-plus chapters with more than 13,000 volunteers throughout the United States.

The mentoring program offers a chance for retired professionals to connect with fellow business owners and pass along their knowledge and experiences to the next generation of entrepreneurs in the community.

It also enables entrepreneurs to have a greater opportunity for success in their venture, as they benefit from their mentors.

For information about volunteer opportunities or SCORE training sessions, visit PascoHernando.Score.org.

Naming contest
The City of Zephyrhills needs a name for its new festival venue in time for the annual Pigz in Z’hills BBQ & Blues Festival on Jan. 21.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is launching a naming contest for the event site, which features a 20-by-40-foot stage, and 50 spaces equipped with water and electric outlets. There also is additional space for free-standing vendors, car shows, business expos and children’s activities.

Deadline for name submissions is Jan 6. The name may reflect the purpose, locations and history of the site. However, double entendres won’t be considered. Also, the name shouldn’t focus only on barbecue.

The venue is located at 5200 Airport Road, and will be operated by the city, which contributed $30,000 to its construction. Florida Hospital donated $30,000 to build a permanent stage.

The site will host a variety of events and fundraisers organized by nonprofit organizations such as the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills, Thomas Promise Foundation, Ride for Hospice, and Paulie Palooza.

Other potential events could be the renewal of the Zephyrhills Celtic Festival and a balloon fest.

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

Overpass Road could be widened

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Residents can review a proposal for improvements to Overpass Road at a public hearing on Dec. 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills, 7900 Fort King Road in Zephyrhills.

Pasco County, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will host the event. Maps and related documents will be available for review.

There will be a formal presentation at 6 p.m., as well as opportunities, before and after, to offer comments and ask questions about the project.

Final approval for the project is expected by spring 2017.

Overpass Road currently is an east/west, two-lane road from Old Pasco Road to slightly less than a mile east of Boyette Road, where it ends.

The approximately nine-mile project would expand Overpass to a minimum of four lanes from Old Pasco Road eastward to U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills. A redesign would realign Overpass and connect it with Kossik Road.

In addition, a new interchange would be built to connect Overpass with Interstate 75.

“We need another exit,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “It’s that simple.”

Moore and other members of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization received an update on the project during an MPO meeting on Dec. 8 in Dade City.

The interchange is the only portion of the project to have any funding. Construction costs for the interchange are about $64 million, but the county currently has about $32 million available.

Moore said about $15 million in state funding should be pursued to help make up the shortfall. And, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said federal funding also should be sought for road projects in light of President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to support infrastructure improvements nationwide.

Published December 14, 2016

Costco primed for February opening

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Costco Wholesale is heading toward a Feb. 8 opening of its new location in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56 in Lutz.

But, motorists can expect to fill up their vehicles at Costco gas pumps as early as Jan. 11.

Applications to the membership-only warehouse giant will be available on Jan. 10. Eighty to 90 positions are expected to be filled in coming weeks, according to Rosina Yeo, the general manager for the new merchandise warehouse, at 2225 Grand Cypress Drive.

Construction is in the final stages on the Costco Wholesale warehouse in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

While those are the expected dates, they are tentative depending on construction, Yeo said, but she noted work on the 186,000 square-foot warehouse is in its final stages.

Landscaping will begin soon, and the parking lot is expected to be finished within the next two weeks, she said.

Yeo transferred from a Jacksonville Costco where she was assistant general manager. She worked for about two months at the Costco Wholesale in Brandon while waiting to relocate to the new store.

Yeo said shoppers in Brandon frequently asked about the opening date for the new store, and about jobs.

About 200 jobs will be filled in total, Yeo said, with about half from company-wide transfers and half from new hires.

Applications can be made online at Costco.com by clicking on the link for employment. Site visitors can type in their zip code to find details on available jobs and how to apply.

The first warehouse site with the Costco name opened in Seattle in 1983. The company later merged with Price Club, which had gotten its start in 1976 in San Diego.

The warehouse giant sells an eclectic mix of merchandise, including wine, clothes, gas, jewelry, electronics, tires, glasses, hearing aids, vacation packages, cars, home improvement services, hardware and pharmaceuticals.

Costco’s operating philosophy is to price low and sell in very high volumes. Shoppers also expect many items to rotate out weekly, giving them what Costco calls a “treasure hunt” experience for surprising and unexpected products showing up on store shelves.

 

Published December 14, 2016

Ron Oakley sworn in as Pasco County Commissioner

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Ron Oakley brings more than 50 years of business experience and a passion for public service to his new job as Pasco County District 1 commissioner.

Oakley was sworn into office on Nov. 29.

He replaced former Commissioner Ted Schrader who decided not to seek re-election and instead made an unsuccessful bid for property appraiser.

Ron Oakley received congratulations from Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano and Mary Lecznar, senior executive assistant for the Pasco County Board of Commissioners. Oakley was sworn in on Nov. 29 as commissioner for District 1.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Though this is the first time Oakley has served as an elected official, he’s not new to public service.

He was appointed to serve on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s board, and served as treasurer, vice chairman and chairman.

It was while serving on that board, Oakley said that he began “loving public service.”

Oakley, 71, is chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee. He also sponsors the annual John Anderson Benefit Concert in Dade City, with proceeds aiding local charities.

Oakley views elected office as a new way of serving, and he takes it seriously.

Before and after the election, he frequently could be found in the audience at commission meetings, listening and observing.

“I did that as preparation,” he said. “I’m very, very honored to be elected commissioner of District 1 and to serve the people of Pasco County.”

Oakley grew up in Dade City and worked in the family’s businesses, including cattle ranching, citrus growing and a truck transport business for liquid food products.
He sees his business experience as a plus in dealing with the county’s budgets.

Ron Oakley settled into his new office after being sworn in as Pasco County commissioner for District 1.

“I’m going to focus on everything as it comes up and try to do my best to come up with solutions,” Oakley said. “I’ll keep taxes down and be frugal with your money. It’s got to be used in the proper way.”

High on his list of priorities is road maintenance.

The county is about 13 years behind in addressing crumbling roads, he said. “It didn’t happen in one year or four years, but you have to start somewhere, and money is an issue.”

Expanding some two lanes roads to four lanes, and creating greater connectivity between east and west Pasco is important, Oakley added.

He supports extending Ridge Road, but also shares in the county’s frustrations over waiting years on a decision from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding permits for the project.

The 8-mile extension would provide an evacuation route during hurricanes or other emergencies, and would give the county another east-west connecting route.

The Connected City project also is on the commission’s agenda. In 2015 state legislators approved a 10-year pilot program which will focus on development of communities and new jobs utilizing cutting edge technology, including gigabit Internet speeds.

Ron Oakley took the oath of office as Pasco County District 1 commissioner from Matt Maggard, a Zephyrhills attorney and Oakley’s nephew.

Pasco County and Metro Development Group are partnering on initial projects within the boundaries of the Connected City. The total area covers about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco, bordered by Interstate 75, State Road 52, Overpass Road and Curley Road.

Some residents within the Connected City have raised concerns that future developments will harm the rural character of their neighborhood.

Oakley said he supports the Connected City but, “I want to be very aware of what I’m voting on, make sure I study the issues.”

Flooding problems, which affects much of western Pasco, also need solutions. Oakley said he believes his service on Swiftmud’s board gives him a useful background in tackling the
matter.

The commission also faces tough decisions on solid waste, in particular the funding of an estimated $190 million expansion of waste-to-energy facility at Shady Hills. The facility burns trash to produce renewable energy.

Ultimately, everything comes back to the budget, and a conservative approach to what can be done, he said.

“We have budgetary restraints,” Oakley said. “Money is an issue.”

Published December 14, 2016

It’s beauty by design at Bella Home Market

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Bella Home Market — a new shop situated in Lutz — owes a lot to mother and daughter relationships.

Jennifer Wagner, owner of Bella Home Market, and her daughter, Sophia Wagner, the store’s assistant manager, are partners in a new Lutz store.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Growing up in Wisconsin, Jennifer Wagner soaked up her mother’s do-it-yourself approach to interior design. She took on home remodeling projects and did them with style.

“I got my taste and flair from her,” said Wagner.

Now, she and her daughter, Sophia Wagner, are putting their talents together at Bella Home Market, a shop that brims with

eye-catching home décor and artwork for any room in the house.

Bella’s vibe is eclectic, from vintage chic to brand new.

The shop is a treasure trove for gifts, candles, soaps and scents, and also is a dealer for the Dixie Belle Chalk Paint brand.

The shop opened in June at Tropical Village Plaza, 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., next to The Breakfast Nook.

Jennifer Wagner opened the shop after years of encouragement from her friends to take the plunge into retail.

Bella Home Market has gifts as well as paintings, sculptures and other home accessories.
(Courtesy of Jennifer Wagner)

She has a background in homebuilding, but also experience in staging homes — for family and friends — to make them more appealing to potential buyers.

“They told me ‘you have a knack for this’,” she said.

Her friend and founder of the Dixie Belle Paint Company, Suzanne Fulford, alerted Wagner to the vacant storefront at Tropical Village. The paint company is across the way at 1641 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

She immediately liked the “small town feel” of the plaza, with shops clustered around a courtyard.

“It was perfect,” Jennifer Wagner said. “I love this center.”

She brought her daughter, Sophia, into the venture as assistant manager.

Sophia Wagner is a sophomore at the University of South Florida, working toward a mass communications degree. Future plans might include film school or news broadcasting.

A table display at Bella Home Market is filled with eye catching colorful treasures for home decorating and gifts.
(Courtesy of Jennifer Wagner)

She took off a semester to help her mother open the store, but will be a full-time student again next year.

But, in her spare time, she will still be working at Bella Home Market.

One goal for the new year is to increase painting classes – featuring Dixie Belle Chalk Paint. Crafting enthusiasts can learn techniques to give furniture or other items a shabby chic look.

Bringing in new items to the shop is a year-round adventure.

Mother and daughter go on buying trips to Dallas, Atlanta and North Carolina, with an eye for one-of-a-kind items.

Tables, shelves and wall space are filled with mirrors, candle holders, railroad lanterns, jumbo-size Edison light bulbs, delicate metal butterflies, and replicas of farm tractors made from nuts, screws and bolts.

Among their finds also are paintings and sculptures by fair trade artists in places such as Haiti. But, national artists, including metal and 3-D vision sculptor Travis Burford, and local artist, Jessica Marcus, are represented, too.

“You support the community,” said Jennifer Wagner. But, she has another wish for the new year.

“I want to find more local artists.”

Holiday hours for the store in December are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To find out more, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published December 14, 2016

Commissioners study up on medical marijuana

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A 22-year-old patient with debilitating seizures proved to Dr. Ron Aung-Din that medical marijuana is a useful, plant-based treatment for a wide array of illnesses.

The active ingredients in the marijuana plant – known as cannabinoids – significantly reduced his patient’s seizures.

“That was the beginning of my era of enlightenment,” said Aung-Din, a neurologist in Sarasota.

Aung-Din was among a panel of experts to share his experiences with medical marijuana with Pasco County commissioners during a two-hour workshop on Dec. 6 in Dade City.

Other speakers were Megan Stone, owner of The High Road Design Studio in Arizona; Chris Dunn, owner of Global Operations for Covered 6; Mark Janotti, an architect who designs dispensaries; Kim Rivers, chief executive officer of Trulieve, which was the first to open a Florida dispensary; and Ben Atkins, operations manager of Trulieve.

Stone, Dunn and Rivers participated via phone calls.

County commissioners are grappling with how to implement local regulations on medical marijuana.

Voters statewide overwhelmingly approved a Nov. 8 referendum to expand an existing medical marijuana program. Currently, a low-level form of medical marijuana, known as Charlotte’s web, is available to some patients with seizure disorders or late-stage cancer.

Within six months, the Florida Department of Health is expected to issue regulations that will allow treatment for more illnesses, and also allow more potent strains.

County commissioners were scheduled to have public hearings, and final votes, on three ordinances related to medical marijuana on Dec. 13, before The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline.

They would restrict dispensaries to industrially zoned districts; set operating regulations for dispensaries; and, extend by one year an existing moratorium on the cultivation, production and dispensing of cannabis, the product used to make medical marijuana.

The current moratorium expires Dec. 31.

The workshop was part of ongoing efforts by commissioners to be schooled on all aspects of the medical marijuana industry.

There is a lot of misinformation about the subject, Aung-Din said.

Until 1937 when marijuana became illegal, the neurologist said, “Cannabis was very much part of traditional American medicine.”

The difference now, he said, is that “people are not getting their needs met (with traditional medicine).”

Stone offered commissioners insight into how dispensaries are operated. Her company has designed dispensaries including The Healing Center in San Diego and Minerva Canna Group in Albuquerque.

The Healing Center is a small storefront inside a medical building. Minerva Canna Group is one of several retail shops.

Their designs are upscale, sophisticated and professional.

“People are just dispensing medicine,” Stone said. “There is none of the drug culture element. We are serving all demographics. The shelves are not lined with joints.”

Stone said employees at these dispensaries typically would earn $13, $14 or $15 an hour.

That seemed like a high wage to Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“They are not going to pay $15 an hour for those jobs in Florida,” he said.

Dunn gave commissioners perspective on security at dispensaries. He is a former undercover narcotics officer.

“The cash is always an issue,” he said.

Because marijuana is illegal under federal law, most banks don’t want to run afoul of federal regulations and won’t open accounts or make loans to people working in the marijuana industry.

That means most dispensaries operate with cash-only, which raises concerns for some about robberies and increased crime.

But, Dunn said, “The biggest problem is mainly internal theft.”

Nine out of 10 times, theft comes from inside the business, he added.

Trulieve was the first company to open dispensaries in Florida with one each in Tallahassee and Clearwater. The first medical marijuana delivery went to a resident of Hudson.

Rivers said she anticipated Trulieve would open five additional locations in the next months. Medical marijuana is available in capsules, tinctures (in liquid form), oral syringes and two types of vaporizers.

A topical specifically for skin cancer patients might be added in the future, she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey had concerns about people illegally obtaining identification cards to receive medical marijuana. She recounted stories from two people who visited California who said they were approached by strangers selling medical marijuana cards.

Atkins said Florida law makes it unlikely that could happen. The program is strictly regulated through the state’s electronic registry. Besides the doctor, only the dispensary and police officers can access the registry, he said.

Dosages expire after 45 days. Currently there are about 200 doctors who have qualified to approve medical marijuana, Atkins said.

“We don’t see that growing very much,” he added.

However, county commissioners expressed concerns about how to limit the number of dispensaries in Pasco.

“I’d hate to see these just everywhere,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

Published December 14, 2016

Business Digest 12/14/2016

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Staff members, managing partner B. A. Arnot (in purple shirt) and dignitaries gathered outside Longhorn Steakhouse on Nov. 14 for a ribbon cutting.
(Courtesy of Longhorn Steakhouse)

Grand opening
Longhorn Steakhouse had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Nov. 14 for its new restaurant, located in front of Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz. The steakhouse, located at 2648 Creek Grass Way, is the newest eatery among several recent arrivals including Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-a, Culver’s and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

The approximately 5,700-square-foot restaurant seats about 200 guests. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The restaurant participates in Longhorn’s Harvest Program and donates unused, wholesome foods on a weekly basis to area charities or food banks.

For information, visit LonghornSteakhouse.com.

Trade mission
A group of 36 local business leaders flew to the Dominican Republic on Dec. 5 for a multi-day sales mission, hosted by the Tampa Bay Export Alliance, according to a press release from the Tampa Bay Export Alliance.

For the first time, staff members of the Pasco Economic Development Council, including President Bill Cronin, were among those participating in the TBEA mission.

The TBEA has hosted several missions including recent trips to Costa Rica and Canada. The alliance began in partnership with the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, and Pinellas County Economic Development.

“The Tampa Bay region is stronger when we all work together, and I am confident the partnership between Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough will boost international trade, attract foreign investment and create opportunities for our workplace throughout the great region,” said Cronin, in a written statement from the press release.

The export mission to the Dominican Republic is sponsored by Tampa International Airport, Port Tampa Bay and Enterprise Florida.

During the visit, delegates received a commercial briefing and a “Doing Business in the Caribbean” briefing from the U.S. Embassy officials.

Thirteen companies will participate in the Gold Key Program, facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service, which provides one-on-one meetings with companies located in the Dominican Republic.

For information, visit TampaBayExportAlliance.com.

Ribbon cutting
Happy Feet Plus will have a ribbon cutting on Dec. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The free event will have beverages, light refreshments and prize drawings.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Dec. 15 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 Bilal Saleh, principal partner in E-nor and a mobile industry expert. Saleh will discuss “online market optimization,” and provide tips on improving online exposure and focusing on your target audience.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Please RSVP, as seating is limited.

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

Ribbon cutting
Coldwell Banker, F. I. Grey & Sons, Residential Inc., will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 24620 State Road 54 in Lutz.

There will be a drawing for prizes.

For information, email The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at , or call (813) 994-8534.

Job fair
The Hilton Garden Inn, 2155 Northpointe Blvd., in Lutz, will host a job fair on Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotel is expected to open in February. Positions available include: bartender, servers, maintenance supervisor, executive housekeeper, housekeeping, chef, shuttle driver-houseman, front desk, sales and catering manager, and banquet captain set-up.

For information, visit TampaSuncoastParkway.HGI.com.

Pasco-Hernando SCORE seeks volunteers
The Pasco-Hernando chapter of SCORE, which is short for Service Corps of Retired Executives, is seeking volunteers to help guide local entrepreneurs start and manage new businesses.

The organization specifically is seeking individuals with expertise in these fields:

  • Commercial Lender: A retired banker with experience in business loans, equipment loans, lines of credit, working capital loans and SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) guidelines.
  • Social Media Coordinator: Someone who demonstrates a strong working knowledge of social media and website optimization.
  • Nonprofit Mentor: Someone with prior nonprofit expertise with existing and start-up organizations.

SCORE — founded in 1964 — is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and has 300-plus chapters with more than 13,000 volunteers throughout the United States.

The mentoring program offers a chance for retired professionals to connect with fellow business owners and pass along their knowledge and experiences to the next generation of entrepreneurs in the community.

It also enables entrepreneurs to have a greater opportunity for success in their venture, as they benefit from their mentors.

For information about volunteer opportunities or SCORE training sessions, visit PascoHernando.Score.org.

Pasco drops idea of animal abuse registry

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By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners are poised to approve a new ordinance meant to make it harder for people to adopt or buy animals if they have been convicted of animal abuse.
But, if approved, the new regulations won’t be as tough as an early draft of the ordinance that would have created an animal abuser registry.
County commissioners got a preview of the weakened ordinance on Nov. 29 at the commissioners’ meeting in Dade City.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the matter at a public hearing on Jan. 10 at 1:30 p.m., also in Dade City.
“This provides an additional way we can protect and keep animals out of the hands of people convicted of certain animal violations,” said Kristi Sims, an assistant county attorney.
If approved, the ordinance would take effect March 1.
It would ban anyone from knowingly “transferring” an animal to an animal abuser.
Pasco County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Paula O’Neill has offered to post a link to her website, with local conviction data, as a resource to the public.
Individuals, retailers or organizations that sell or adopt animals must document that they checked the link to confirm that a potential owner isn’t a convicted animal abuser. Records would be maintained for five years and would be subject to examination upon request.
County staff members told commissioners there would be problems in creating a local registry in part because information on statewide animal abuse convictions isn’t publicly available. Also, they said clerical and IT capabilities to handle a registry aren’t available.
While some jurisdictions, including Hillsborough County, have approved registries, Pasco County staff members determined that the best option would be a statewide registry. However, in 2012, a bill in the Florida legislature to create such a registry failed.
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said a sponsor for a new registry bill is being sought for the upcoming legislative session.
“I think this is still a good solution,” he said of the website link. “Ultimately we’d like to use a statewide database. We need to be involved in the process. I’m comfortable with this.”

Revised on Dec. 9, 2016 to correct previous version.

New rules ahead for dispensing medical marijuana

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Voters statewide overwhelmingly said they want more people with debilitating illnesses to receive the benefits of medical marijuana.

But, approval of the constitutional amendment in the Nov. 8 general election is only a first step in expanding an existing, but limited, medical marijuana program.

State lawmakers and health department officials will have a say in what comes next.

TitleIn the interim, Pasco County commissioners are considering local zoning rules to restrict dispensaries to industrially zoned areas of the county. They also are considering a one-year extension on a moratorium that bans the cultivation, processing and dispensing of cannabis, which is used to produce medical marijuana.

The current moratorium expires on Dec. 31.

“This moratorium is to keep things from popping up outside of what you’re already proposing, until the legislature acts next year,” said Kristi Sims, an assistant county attorney.

According to the newly approved constitutional amendment, the Florida Department of Health has six months to issue guidelines for expanding the state’s current program.

However, lawmakers during the 2017 legislative session could put their imprint on the process as well.

Currently, a low level form of medical marijuana, known as Charlotte’s web, is legal in Florida for patients with certain seizure disorders. Terminally ill patients can qualify for stronger potencies of medical marijuana.

Based on state law, to date, only six dispensaries are licensed to distribute medical marijuana.

New state rules would allow more illnesses to be treated with medical marijuana, and more potent forms of medical marijuana as well. The number of dispensaries also is expected to grow.

On Nov. 29, Pasco County commissioners reviewed a proposed ordinance establishing rules of operation for dispensaries. In addition to locations within industrial zones, dispensaries would be at least 1,000 feet from establishments such as schools, day care centers, churches, pharmacies and drug treatment facilities. They could be no closer than 500 feet from a residence. And, a one-mile distance would be required between each dispensary.

Public hearings, and votes by county commissioners, on the moratorium and zoning regulations will be on Dec. 13 at 1:30 p.m., at the historic Pasco County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published December 7, 2016

Business Digest 12/07/2016

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Busch Gardens partners with ice rink
Busch Gardens and Florida Hospital Center Ice are partners in a multi-year agreement for Busch Gardens to be the exclusive sponsor of the main National Hockey League-size rink at the new sports complex under construction in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release from Florida Hospital Center Ice.

“As Busch Gardens Tampa is one of the top theme parks in the world, and is synonymous with family fun and entertainment, we thought they were a natural partner for our new facility,” said Gordie Zimmermann, in a written statement from the press release.

Zimmermann is Florida Hospital Center Ice’s managing partner.

Florida Hospital Center Ice is billed as the largest sports facility in the southeastern United States. It is under construction at the Interstate 75 and State Road 56 interchange. When completed by the end of the year, the facility will be about 150,000 square feet and have four ice rinks, plus a mini rink.

In addition to the center ice logo, Busch Gardens also will be branded on all four rink dasher boards, and have digital advertising throughout the facility. This includes the main National Hockey League video walls.

The theme park also will have concourse signage in the form of a seasonal wall sign and a fixed sign/kiosk in the main lobby.

Other advertising sponsors include Florida Hospital, Tampa Bay Lightning, Bright House Networks, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida and Buffalo Wild Wings.

New restaurant
Union 72 Barbecue had a grand opening on Veterans Day weekend at The Shops at Wiregrass, at 2000 Piazza Ave., Suite 150, next to The Brass Tap.

The new eatery is a chef-inspired barbecue restaurant with an updated take on sauces, rubs and pairings to please barbecue aficionados. It is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Owners Jeff Martin and Bharat Chhabria joined with Pitmaster Geoff Zukosky to deliver a new dining choice at the outdoor mall in Wesley Chapel.

Menu items include slow-cooked meats, such as “The Ribs,” which are cooked Memphis-style and marinated in a house-made rub. Other dishes include “The Conquistador” sandwich filled with a Spanish-spiced slow-smoked pork, pulled, and topped with chimichurri, caramelized onions and a fried egg.

Union72 offers take-outs, and beginning in December, catering and online ordering.

Martin is the founder of The Brass Tap. Chhabria owns several Brass Tap franchises.

Retirement seminar
Primerica and MetLife will host a free seminar on retirement planning on Dec. 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 6:55 p.m., at Wisteria Plaza, 6739 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Guest speaker will be Emily Schultz of MetLife.

Seating is limited.

RSVP by calling (813) 929-7722.

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Dec. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 W. Humphrey St., in Tampa.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at  by 5 p.m., on Dec. 6, 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.

Software workshop
CareerSource Pasco Hernando and Access Computer Training LLC will host a free Microsoft Word Workshop on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 15000 Citrus Country Drive in Dade City.

Workshops are fully equipped with computers and Microsoft Office. Seats are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information, call Access Computer Training at (855) 953-2764, or visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com/events.

Ribbon cutting
Happy Feet Plus will have a ribbon cutting on Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The free event will have beverages, light refreshments and prize drawings.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Dec. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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.

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

Veterans find jobs
CareerSource Pasco Hernando and Pasco-Hernando State College assisted nearly 20 veterans and their families on Nov. 10 at Paychecks for Patriots, a job fair that brought local employers together with local veterans.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida National Guard and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs also partnered with CareerSource Florida at similar Paychecks for Patriots’ job fairs statewide during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 7 to Nov.11.

More than 1,700 military and veteran candidates and their family members who participated in past events have gained employment as a result of relationships formed during Paychecks for Patriots.

Locally, CareerSource Pasco Hernando matched veterans with employers who can use the skills, knowledge and attributes gained by veterans during military service.

For information on events and companies that participated in the hiring fairs, visit Paychecks for Patriots at FloridaJobs.org/paychecksforpatriots.

Veterans or their family members interested in pursuing Florida career opportunities who were unable to attend a Paychecks for Patriots job fair can view and apply for available positions online at EmployFlorida.com. Also, a special employment portal for Florida veterans is available at Veterans.employflorida.com. There are positions and resources geared toward veterans.