Kathy Steele

Business Digest 10/05/2016

October 5, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Members of the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club and representatives of Bandes Construction Company celebrated the groundbreaking for remodeling the community’s banquet facility. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club) — Members of the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club and representatives of Bandes Construction Company celebrated the groundbreaking for remodeling the community’s banquet facility.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club)

Remodeled country club
Construction is underway on a $1.2 million remodeling project at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio, according to an email from Gary Farley, president of the Tampa Bay Community Association.

Members of the age 55 and older community approved the project in April.

Bandes Construction Company Inc., is remodeling the banquet facility, restaurant, kitchen, bar and pub, and a new golf pro shop. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. However, 2017 bookings for the banquet facility are being accepted now.

For information, call (352) 588-0059.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Oct. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

Guest speaker is Madonna Jervis Wise, who will discuss her latest book, “Wesley Chapel: Images of America.” Also, checks for $1,000 each will be presented to A Kid’s Place and Hope Children’s Home.

The cost is $15 for members, and $18 for all guests. Please register at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

County job fair
Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman, in partnership with CareerSource Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Community College, will host a County Job Fair on Oct. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the HCC Dale Mabry Campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., across from Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa.

More than 50 employers and vendors participated in last year’s fair, including companies such as Coca-Cola, Amazon and Hillsborough County Schools.

The fair is free and open to the public.

For information, contact Astrid Mosterd at CareerSource Tampa Bay at (813) 397-2090 or .

Wiregrass job fair
The Shops at Wiregrass will have a Fall Mall-Wide Job Fair on Oct. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at participating stores at the regional shopping mall, at 28211 Paseo Drive, in Wesley Chapel.

Dress professionally and bring resumes for this one-day opportunity for full- and part-time jobs.

Store employers have individual requirements on such issues as minimum age and experience, so see stores for details.

Job fair participants will be able to fill out applications in-person and speak with store managers. Job seekers may visit Guest Services the day of the event for a list of participating stores.

The Shops at Wiregrass hosts two job fairs annually. However, job opportunities are year-round, and available at Guest Services in Center court.

For information, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Oct. 11 at 7:30 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker is Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey.

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

SMARTstart workshop
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host a 10-week SMARTstart CO.STARTERS workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs beginning Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Incubator, at 37837 Meridian Drive in Dade City.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce are partners with the Pasco EDC.

The sessions will be on Tuesday evenings. Participants will build the foundation of a business week-by-week, sharing concepts with fellow entrepreneurs to uncover potential obstacles and find practical solutions.

The Pasco County Commission is helping to fund this program through the Penny for Pasco program.

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

Up to 15 slots are available. Participants must register online no later than Oct. 7 at 4 p.m.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com.

Membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a membership meeting on Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Paul Tash, chairman and chief executive officer of the Times Publishing Co.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by Oct. 6, or $25 at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Oct. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., in the boardroom of the Student Community Center at Saint Leo University, 37701 State Road 52 in St. Leo. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business.

This 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.

Hyatt Place to be at Cypress Creek Town Center

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Construction on Hyatt Place Hotel & Conference Center is expected to begin in early 2017, according to a news release from the project’s development team.

Impact Properties Inc., Sierra Properties and the Hyatt Hotels Corporation are partnering on the 130-room hotel and conference center on the northern side of State Road 56, across from Tampa Premium Outlets.

Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel is expected to have a ground-breaking in early 2017 at the Cypress Creek Town Center. (Courtesy of Impact Properties Inc.) — Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel is expected to have a ground-breaking in early 2017 at the Cypress Creek Town Center.
(Courtesy of Impact Properties Inc.)

Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel will be the first Hyatt hotel in Pasco County and the first hotel within the more than 500 acres currently under development at the Cypress Creek Town Center.

According to Hyatt’s website, Hyatt Place guests are “mid- to upper-income Gen X travelers who expect modern conveniences and product design to accommodate their multi-tasking, 24/7 lifestyle.”

Hyatt Place will have 130 rooms, with areas for sleep, work and play, as well as sofa sleepers as an extra feature.

There will be free Wi-Fi, a round-the-clock “Gallery Menu” with freshly prepared meals any time of day. Free hot breakfasts also will be available daily.

A Coffee to Cocktails Bar will feature specialty coffees, premium beers, wines and cocktails.

The conference center will have about 6,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with state-of-the-art technology.

A 24-hour fitness center will feature cardio equipment with LDC screens and free ear buds.

The mixed-use Cypress Creek Town Center is a showcase for growth in the State Road 56 area, located at the Interstate 75 interchange and the juncture of State Road 56 and State Road 54.

The center is approved for up to 2 million square feet of retail, hotel, apartments and offices.

Along with hotel construction, the first phase of development will include 230 upscale apartments and 10 new restaurants and shops, according to the press release.

In front of the outlet mall, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chick-fil-A and Culver’s have opened within past months. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse are under construction.

As part of Cypress Creek Town Center, Ford’s Garage, Pollo Tropical, Wendy’s and Taco Bell are awaiting permits.

Publshed September 28, 2016

Lutz company plans $30 million expansion

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

TRU Simulation + Training has announced a nearly $30 million expansion of its Pilot Training Center in Lutz, along with the addition of 100 new jobs.

TRU Simulation + Training will expand and add 100 jobs over the next four years. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — TRU Simulation + Training will expand and add 100 jobs over the next four years.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The new jobs will evolve over four years as TRU Simulation + Training expands its ProFlight Pilot Training programs. Construction will add about 30,000 square feet for classrooms, flight training devices and four new full flight simulators.

The company, with headquarters in Goose Greek, South Carolina, provides flight-training solutions, technical support, and customer service for commercial and military markets.

The expansion will be completed by November.

The Pasco Economic Development Council worked with Pasco County staff members on the site planning and permitting process.

This is the second expansion for TRU Simulation + Training.

In 2015, the company converted 15,000 square feet of existing space for training center operations. The company manufactures flight simulators and is an FAA-certified Part 142 OEM-supported pilot training center for aviation products from Textron, the parent corporation of TRU Simulation + Training.

Published September 28, 2016

Sports complex proposals under scrutiny

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Two proposals for a Wiregrass Ranch sports complex passed muster with an evaluation committee searching for the right concept to maximize sports tourism in Pasco County.

These proposals serve up a buffet line of amenities including large, indoor gymnasiums with multiple playing courts, an amphitheater, a hotel or two, lighted turf fields and some outdoor ball fields.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is excited about the prospect of a new sports complex in Wiregrass Ranch. (File Photo) — Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is excited about the prospect of a new sports complex in Wiregrass Ranch.
(File Photo)

Finalists were Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Management and RADD Sports, in partnership with Mainsail Development Group and Municipal Acquisitions LLC. Four companies had submitted proposals.

The committee met Sept. 12 and will meet again before either deciding on their recommendation to the Pasco County Commission, or requesting more information.

“I’m definitely excited about this,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The array of indoor sports that will be available, in addition to the traditional baseball fields, is especially important, he said. “Pasco’s recreational baseball is becoming too saturated,” Moore said. And, whichever proposal is chosen, Moore said, “This is something we don’t have in our market.”

In September 2015 a study from Chicago-based Johnson Consulting Co., suggested that Pasco should focus on building a large indoor gymnasium for sports and activities such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading and martial arts. While a few outdoor playing fields also should be built, the study found that indoor, all-year-round sports complexes would give Pasco a more competitive edge in the evolving sports tourism industry.

Sports Facilities Management envisions a 92,000-square-foot facility with six basketball courts, or 12 volleyball courts. The Pasco County Sportsplex also would provide areas for parties, children’s play areas, and flex space for a café, kitchen, restrooms, offices and a lobby.

The complex would serve as a community sports and recreation destination, as well as hosting regional sports tournaments and special events from the southeastern United States.

At a cost of about $16.5 million, the company would create what is described as a “play and stay” destination for family friendly sporting events.

Other sports parks developed by Sports Facilities Management include Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Bo Jackson’s Elite Sports in Hilliard, Ohio; and, Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Company officials estimate that the facility would generate more than 30,000 hotel room nights from visitors outside of Pasco County within the first year. In five years, hotel room nights would increase to 40,000.

The direct economic benefit in the first year would be about $4 million. By year five, it would be $24 million, and by year 10, it would be $50 million.

The company provided letters of intent from four tournament organizers interested in using the facility as of 2018.

RADD Sports, in partnership with Mainsail Development Group and Municipal Acquisitions LCC, proposes in its first phase to build an approximately 98,000-square-foot facility, a Marriott hotel with a minimum of 100 rooms, an amphitheater, sports turf fields that could double as an event lawn, a fitness center, trails and playgrounds. Initial costs would be about $14 million.

Eight basketball courts also could accommodate volleyball, dance, cheerleading and other competitive sports, as well as local, regional and national tournaments.

About 36 events would be held annually at the amphitheater, with about $1 million being pumped into the local economy from visitors outside Pasco.

In a second phase of development, a second hotel could be built, as well as five baseball fields and an indoor baseball academy.

The Marriott hotel would cost about $15 million to build.

A 30-year management agreement would be negotiated between Pasco County and Municipal Acquisitions.

Mainsail is the developer of the Epicurean Hotel in south Tampa. RADD Sports built the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex in Newberry.

The evaluation committee reviewed, but rejected, proposals from Land O’ Lakes-based USCA (Ultimate Sports Complex Athletics) and Holladay Properties of South Bend, Indiana.

USCA’s proposal included up to 100,000 square feet for indoor sports and training in three buildings, an indoor go-cart track, a sports bar and bowling alleys.

Holladay submitted an offer to partner with Pasco County in a master plan for about 225 acres of the proposed site at Wiregrass with an indoor sports facility, as well as residential and commercial space. The real estate investment company didn’t propose to manage the sports facility.

Published September 28, 2016

Medical marijuana may mean big money in Pasco

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The local debate on how to regulate medical marijuana in Pasco County remains unsettled.

But, two Tampa land use attorneys recently briefed county commissioners on the legal difficulties they face, and the vast sums of money at stake as the medical marijuana industry expands.

County commissioners also received a recommendation from the county’s legal staff on limiting medical marijuana in Pasco to industrial districts, with conditions.

Title The potential use of some industrial properties for medical marijuana dispensaries didn’t go over well with Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

“I don’t want to take any more industrial off the books,” he said.

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

A Nov. 8 statewide referendum, if approved, would open the door to more dispensaries statewide, while also increasing the number of illnesses that can be treated with medical marijuana.

The law currently allows only five sites, geographically dispersed across the state.

There is money to be made in this budding industry.

A Miami-Dade County study recently estimated that each eligible patient would spend up to $3,600 a year on medical marijuana.

Data from the Florida Department of Health predicted that by 2017 there would be about 450,000 patients statewide. That would translate to about $1.3 billion in medical marijuana sales, according to attorney Gina Grimes of Hill Ward Henderson.

Pro-industry data suggests the number of patients could be as many as 700,000, Grimes added.

She and Morris Massey, of the same law firm, gave a presentation on medical marijuana to county commissioners on Sept. 20 at a public workshop in New Port Richey.

“We’re not here to advocate either in support of or against marijuana,” said Grimes.

The data laid out for county commissioners offered an overview of their zoning options in deciding how many dispensaries to permit, where to locate them and what conditions to apply, such as hours of operation and distance from schools, churches and day care centers.

Some restrictions — aimed at reducing loitering — prompted a query from Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey.

“Are you saying people who are really sick go loitering outside these buildings?” she said. “Is this unfounded hysteria or based in factual experience?”

Grimes said there was a bit of both.

“People have a lot of concerns,” she said. “People have a fear of the unknown. Not knowing, they want to make sure none of these things occur. I think that’s where the regulations are coming from.”

On the financial side, the economic impact to state and local governments goes beyond a head count on patients. There will be permanent jobs in the industry, construction jobs to build cultivation facilities and dispensaries. Consultants, attorneys and accountants also will be hired.

There will be security jobs and businesses that supply cultivation sites with fertilizer, pots, containers and other materials. The county’s utility tax revenues could get a boost from facilities that use high levels of energy to grow cannabis.

And, as a tourist destination, Florida could benefit from accepting visitors’ out-of-state medical cards for medical marijuana purchases.

Grimes said Florida is predicted to rank second in the country for such sales, potentially reaping $2 billion to $3 billion annually by 2025.

“The economic impact of medical marijuana could grow exponentially when you consider our tourist industry,” she said.

Some cities and counties already have made choices in how to deal with medical marijuana.

The City of Cocoa Beach, for example, would allow dispensaries in general commercial zones with conditions, such as 1,000-foot distance from schools. Hillsborough County would allow them in all districts with retail uses, as long as they meet state regulations on operations.

A significant issue for county commissioners is whether to hold public hearings on each application or to process applications administratively.

With a favorable vote on Nov. 8, Grimes said Pasco could find as many as 100 applicants or more lining up for permits.

A Quinnipiac University poll in May found 80 percent of Florida’s voters support expanding medical marijuana uses.

County commissioners recently extended a moratorium on the growth, manufacturer and production of cannabis – from which medical marijuana is derived – until Dec. 31, to allow time to craft regulations in the event the referendum passes.

Because of the confusion of how the state will proceed, Grimes and Massey suggested that the county consider another, shorter extension of the moratorium.

It could take months for the state’s Department of Health to issue its regulations, if the referendum is approved. Legislators also could weigh-in during their 2017 session.

But, Grimes said, “At that point in time, I think you’ll be better able to adopt regulations that take into account facts you know exist.”

County commissioners praised the attorneys’ presentation, but expressed disappointment that the workshop was limited to a legal review.

“I’m frustrated right now,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells also said he expected greater participation. “I just think we all can be educated,” he said.

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said staff would need more guidance on the matter, if commissioners wanted a workshop on the advantages and disadvantages.

“Pros and cons (of medical marijuana) are not what is in the purview of the board,” she said. Rather, the issue will be decided by the state’s voters.

Though public workshops don’t typically allow public comment, county commissioners waived the rule. They also said another workshop might be needed.

A handful of people spoke in favor of medical marijuana. No one spoke in opposition.

Garyn Angel, owner of a botanical extraction company known as Magical Butter, said plant-based medicine is healthier than manufactured pills.

“There should not be a stigma to getting medicine that works for you, especially from low-level THC. This will not get you high. Let’s make people healthy naturally.”

Published September 28, 2016

A new fire station is coming to New Tampa

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Residents of New Tampa will get a new fire station in 2017, amid a boom in development and population growth.

Other proposed capital improvement projects include upgrading playground equipment at New Tampa Recreation Center and installing CCTV cameras along Cross Creek Boulevard to help regulate traffic signals and ease congestion.

“The growth here has been tremendous,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione. “Having the fire station will bring comfort to a lot of people that they will have a rescue unit nearby.”

The city paid about $1.3 million in 2008 for 2.2 acres of land at County Line Road and Trout Creek Drive anticipating construction on Fire Station No. 23.

But, budget cutbacks during the recession delayed several construction projects citywide.

The station, at 20777 Trout Creek Drive, will cost about $4.7 million. A construction schedule is not yet available.

Another proposed fire station for New Tampa isn’t included in the 2017 budget, but does have design funds for 2019.

Fire Station No. 24 in the K-Bar Ranch area, off Morris Bridge Road, will be built “as growth continues to occur,” according to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who presented a nearly $906 million budget to the Tampa City Council in July.

Council members approved the budget on Sept. 21. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

About 2 acres within a proposed 54-acre park in the K-Bar Ranch development are planned for Fire Station No. 24.

Montelione worked with M/I Homes, and Hillsborough County’s parks and recreation department, to secure the land.

A mix-up between Pasco and Hillsborough County dispatchers about a 911 call in 2015 drew attention to the need for a station serving New Tampa’s K-Bar Ranch area.

Hillsborough will develop the park, while the City of Tampa will build the fire station, Montelione said.

Upgrades to playground equipment at New Tampa’s recreation complex also won approval in the final budget. However, area residents still are waiting for an expansion of the existing gymnasium, which has earned a reputation for its high quality, competitive gymnastics program.

At least twice in the past five years, funds were withheld, including last year. “I was very upset,” said Montelione.

Instead, the budget re-routed capital improvement dollars to other projects, such as the recently completed restoration of the historical Cuscaden swimming pool in V.M. Ybor.

Another disappointment this year was lack of funding for New Tampa Nature Park, off Donna Michelle Parkway. More than five years ago, the park’s design included water fountains, restrooms and shaded hospitality areas.

“There’s no funds to service this park,” said Montelione during a public hearing on the budget. “It’s not even on anybody’s radar.”

Montelione lobbied for the park, as well as additional funds overall for Tampa Fire Rescue for equipment and training.

Published September 28, 2016

Business Digest 09/28/2016

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a free mixer on Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 2316 Via Bella Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Sponsors are Terra Bella and K Hovnanian Homes.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 909-2722, email , or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Computer workshop
CareerSource Pasco Hernando and Access Computer Training LLC will have a Word workshop on Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus Country Drive, third floor, in Dade City.

Fully equipped computers and Microsoft Office will be provided for this free workshop.

Seats are limited and class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Business breakfast
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Oct. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Bright House Network Enterprise Solutions is the sponsor.

The cost is $15 for members who register by Sept. 30 and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Oct. 5 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost for members and $10 for non-members includes breakfast.

For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 or .

Business expo
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have a “Get Down to Business Expo & Lunch” on Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort in the Royal Palm Ballroom, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, in Wesley Chapel.

The exhibit hall will be open from 11 a.m. to noon, and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch and a keynote presentation will be at noon.

Keynote speaker is Jayne Jenkins, an executive coach and strengths coach.

General admission to the event is $50, which includes the exhibit hall, keynote speaker and lunch. A VIP ticket, which costs $80, also includes a personal assessment and a ticket to a VIP meet and greet. Tables also are available for $1,000.

For information, contact the chamber office at (813) 994-8534 or .

The cost is $15 for members, and $18 for all guests. Please register at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

More than 50 employers and vendors participated in last year’s fair, including companies such as Coca-Cola, Amazon and Hillsborough County Schools.

The fair is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Astrid Mosterd at CareerSource Tampa Bay at (813) 397-2090 or .

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Paul Tash, chairman and chief executive officer of the Times Publishing Co.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by Oct. 6, or $25 at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Spooky Tails: All treats, no tricks for K-9s

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Gail Cooper loves dogs.

She is quick to share photos of her favorite four-legged members of the family.

More than 10 years ago, her doggie love and a photo swap session with a friend produced a spur-of-the-moment idea for a Halloween party for dogs.

Spooky Tails is an annual Halloween party and pet costume contest to benefit Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, especially its retired dogs. (Courtesy of Parwick Kennels) — Spooky Tails is an annual Halloween party and pet costume contest to benefit Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, especially its retired dogs.
(Courtesy of Parwick Kennels)

Cooper quickly gave the party – dubbed Spooky Tails – a community purpose. She made the event a fundraiser for the Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit.

The 10th annual Spooky Tails will take place Oct. 8 at Cooper’s Parwick Kennels at 22129 Carson Drive in Land O’ Lakes. Co-sponsor of the Halloween party and pet costume contest is Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano.

From noon to 4 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy an afternoon of food, music, games and prizes.

“It’s a good family event,” Cooper said.

Parking is available across the street from Parwick Kennels. Golf carts will ferry individuals, families and their dogs to the party site.

Texas Roadhouse and Uptown Pizza are the food vendors. Other vendors will have displays and booths, with dog and pet items for sale.

Participating businesses and community agencies include Busy Bee Crafts, Lutz Animal Hospital, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Ierna’s Heating and Cooling, and Pet City.

Past events have collected money to buy a Bite Suit to help train K-9 dogs or other training equipment. This year, donations will go toward the retirement fund which helps to pay for medical care for the dogs. The event also will honor the memories of K-9 Sam, K-9 Pete and K-9 Bud.

Texas Roadhouse and Benedetto’s also are hosting special events where people can meet a retired K-9.

On Sept. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the K-9 will be at Texas Roadhouse at 26409 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel. On Sept. 29, at the same hours, a K-9 will be at Benedetto’s, at 21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center, off State Road 54.

The number of dog retirees is increasing each year, and so is the need to provide financial support for these dogs, said Cooper.

Many of the vendors are dedicated, repeat supporters of Spooky Tails. There have been instances where a vendor changed a vacation day to be sure and make the party, Cooper said.

“It’s a community event where everybody steps forward and helps.”

Entry fees for the costume contest are $10 per animal or $20 for three animals. All pets in the contest or attending the event must be on a leash.

Display booths for Spooky Tails are still available, and more sponsors are needed.

For information, call Cooper at (813) 480-0811.

Published September 28, 2016

Raymond James closes land deal

September 21, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Raymond James Financial has purchased land from the Porter family, moving a step closer to building an office complex in Wesley Chapel.

The satellite campus could yield hundreds of new jobs for Pasco County.

The Fortune 500 financial company, with headquarters in St. Petersburg, could build as much as 1 million square feet of offices on about 65 acres near State Road 56 at Mansfield Boulevard, east of The Shops at Wiregrass.

J.D. Porter, an owner of Wiregrass Ranch, always knew that Raymond James Financial eventually would move forward with plans to build a satellite campus in Pasco County, across from Pasco-Hernando State College. The financial company bought about 65 acres for the project on Sept. 15. (File Photo) — J.D. Porter, an owner of Wiregrass Ranch, always knew that Raymond James Financial eventually would move forward with plans to build a satellite campus in Pasco County, across from Pasco-Hernando State College. The financial company bought about 65 acres for the project on Sept. 15.
(File Photo)

The land purchase had been anticipated since July, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a permit for the project.

Over the years, there have been naysayers who never thought the project would get off the ground after the recession scuttled the project in 2011.

But, J.D. Porter, an owner of Wiregrass Ranch, never doubted that Raymond James believed in the project, and in Pasco.

In fact, Porter said, “Pasco County is in the best situation. It is a place that is built and made to grow in a big way. This really sets it up for leadership to take the bull by the horns. I feel a lot of people will follow suit.”

Nearly six years ago, the Pasco County Commission offered up about $10 million in roadwork and tax break incentives to lure Raymond James to the county. Raymond James had a target goal of bringing up to 750 new jobs to the county.

But by 2014, company officials said they would delay plans for up to five years. The land purchase is a project restart.

“Obviously, we don’t know when the project will go vertical,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “It will take some time. But, I think it’s going to be a trigger for other development. It’s going to be a draw and bring a lot of attention to our area.”

Wiregrass Ranch already is seeing new growth.

Forest City Enterprises plans to add more retail and residential next to The Shops at Wiregrass.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, which opened in 2012, is already deep into an expansion, adding three floors and nearly 112,000 square feet of medical space.

Porter said patience paid off with Raymond James. Company officials, county staff and Will Weatherford, who was then Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, worked to make the project happen.

“This was truly a team effort to get the deal done,” Porter said.

Now Raymond James is arriving in the midst of a post-recession boom for Pasco County and Tampa Bay.

“This is great for the region (of Tampa Bay),” Porter said.

Published September 21, 2016

Commission on Status of Women approved

September 21, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco County Commissioners has approved an ordinance to establish a Commission on the Status of Women.

Pasco County commissioners agreed to establish a Commission on the Status of Women. Following the vote, several women who worked to have the commission approved marked the occasion with a photo. From left, in front row, Stefanie Pontlitz, Minnie Diaz, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Rosie Paulsen, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker, Shawn Roetschke, and Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, of the Pasco County Circuit Court. Back row, Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson and Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Pasco County commissioners agreed to establish a Commission on the Status of Women. Following the vote, several women who worked to have the commission approved marked the occasion with a photo. From left, in front row, Stefanie Pontlitz, Minnie Diaz, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Rosie Paulsen, Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker, Shawn Roetschke, and Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, of the Pasco County Circuit Court. Back row, Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson and Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

It also has approved a resolution naming 10 organizations that will participate in the 15-member commission.

Rosie Paulsen, president-elect of the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, described the commission’s creation as “a historic moment” during the public comment portion of the county commission’s Sept. 13 meeting.

Paulsen hopes the women’s commission will create a Pasco County Women’s Hall of Fame. “We need one here,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted a recent study showing that women still receive unequal pay for the same work done by men.

“So, get ready,” Starkey declared.

The range of topics is wide open, but similar women’s commissions have addressed equal pay for women, affordable housing, women’s health care, and human trafficking.

Starkey and attorney Michele Hintson began a conversation about establishing the commission about two years ago. Since then, several other women have joined in the discussion.

Rosie Paulsen, president-elect of the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, spoke to Pasco County commissioners about the need for a Commission on the Status of Women and a local Women’s Hall of Fame.

Nearly two decades ago, the Pasco County Commission approved a women’s commission, but there is little known about what happened after that.

The new ordinance and resolution are updates of those past efforts.

The Pasco County Commission’s five members each will appoint one member to the women’s commission.

The designated organizations also will nominate members that must then be approved by the county commissioners.

Each member will serve three-year terms, but can serve no more than eight years.

The following organizations will nominate commission members:

African American Club of Pasco County Inc.
Hispanic Professional Women’s Association Inc.
Metropolitan Ministries
Pasco Economic Development Council
Pasco-Hernando State College
Premier Community Healthcare Group Inc.
Saint Leo University
Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.
United Way of Pasco County Inc.
Women Lawyers of Pasco Inc.

Published September 21, 2016