Kathy Steele

Hillsborough County needs volunteers

September 7, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Hillsborough County is sending out a call for residents who want to serve their community on citizen advisory boards.

Volunteers are needed to fill positions on these boards: Affordable Housing Advisory Board; Building Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners; Child Care Facilities Advisory Board; Child Care Licensing Hearing Officer; Children’s Services Advisory Board; Council on Aging; Family Child Care Home Advisory Board; Health Care Advisory Board; Health Council of West Central Florida Inc.; Historic Resources Review Board; Historical Advisory Council; Hospital Authority; Land Use Appeals Board; and, Mechanical Board of Adjustment, Appeals & Examiners.

Board members are not paid.

Applicants may apply for more than one board but may only serve on one board at a time, unless specifically approved by the Hillsborough County Commission.

Deadline for applications is Sept. 15.

County commissioners are expected to vote on board appointments at a meeting in October or November.

Applications are available in the reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., or by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at (813) 272-5826.

Applications also can be found on the county’s website, HillsboroughCounty.org by clicking on “Government” and then “Boards and Committees.”

There is an Application Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct Form.

To be eligible for appointment, all applicants must sign, date and complete each form. Additional directions for submission are listed on the questionnaire.

If you apply to a board that requires a background check, a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form also is required.

For information, contact Luann Finley, director of board services, at (813) 272-5826.

Published September 7, 2016

Business Digest 09/07/2016

September 7, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Representatives of the Pasco Economic Development Council, The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and North Tampa Behavioral Health treatment center attended the groundbreaking for an expansion of the Wesley Chapel-based treatment center. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — Representatives of the Pasco Economic Development Council, The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and North Tampa Behavioral Health treatment center attended the groundbreaking for an expansion of the Wesley Chapel-based treatment center.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Health care expansion
The North Tampa Behavioral Health treatment center, at 29910 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, has begun a $10 million expansion. Representatives from the Pasco Economic Development Council, The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and the North Tampa Behavioral Center gathered for the Aug. 22 groundbreaking on the 27,500-square-foot expansion project. The project will add 24 beds to the facility’s current 75-bed capacity, and will result in 50 additional jobs. Construction is expected to take about nine months.

The center treats a range of behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The first phase is for North Tampa Behavioral Health’s C.O.R.E. program, which aids the veteran’s population. The acronym stands for Challenge, Overcome, Restore, Empower.

The Pasco EDC helped expedite the permitting process to get the project started.

Business sponsors needed
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is seeking business sponsors for its Student of the Month program, which has promoted academic excellence and citizenship for more than 20 years.

Area schools choose one student each month from September through May to receive a trophy and T-shirt recognizing the student’s achievement. The name of the sponsoring business is on the T-shirt. Typically, schools invite a representative of the business to visit the school each month and present the award.

The program is growing and needs more sponsors. The chamber also supports other programs as well, including Turnaround Student awards and Peer Mediator teams.

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

Toastmaster class
Zephyrhills Toastmasters will have a class on public speaking on Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver more dynamic presentations.

For information, contact Sam Abrahani at (813) 863-4608 or .

Industry awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its 30th annual Appreciation Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

Nominees for this year’s awards are Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating and A/C, ComPark 75, Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Enterprises LLC, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie’s Hope, Nicopure Labs LLC, Optimum Plumbing LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovations, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement. The annual awards banquet is attended by more than 600 business and community leaders, as well as elected officials.

For information on the event, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

Business seminar
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Pasco Economic Development Council to offer a 10-week business seminar, SMARTstart CO.STARTERS, beginning Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Wesley Chapel chamber, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The Saturday classes will help business owners and entrepreneurs validate their ideas and learn how to turn those ideas into reality. Up to 15 slots are available. Online registration must be completed by Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.

For information, call Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 225; the chamber office at (813) 994-8534; or, visit the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator website at SmartstartPasco.com.

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Sept. 13 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 State Rep. Danny Burgess Jr.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by Sept. 8, or $25 at the door.

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

Beer and networking
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Tap Tasting Tuesday-Networking and Craft Beer on Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, at 13020 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

The event is open to the public. The cost is $25 for appetizers, beer tasting, networking, drawings and prizes.

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

Lunch n learn
SMARTstart Dade City Incubator will have a free Lunch n Learn seminar on Sept. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Incubator, at 37837 Meridian Ave., Suite 309, in Dade City.

Confidex Payroll Solutions will offer tips on payrolls and taxes.

To register, or for information, contact the incubator office at (352) 437-4861, or visit tinyurl.com/htrpvph.

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Sept. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. 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, at ext. 1237.

Happy hour networking
The Watermark at Trinity will have a networking happy hour on Sept. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 1960 Blue Fox Way in Trinity. Stop by after work and meet colleagues in health care, finance, real estate and law.

The Watermark is an assisted living and memory care community owned and operated by Watermark Retirement Communities.

RSVP by Sept. 12 by calling The Watermark at (727) 597-4082. Or, you may contact Jennifer Naster, sales director for The Watermark, at (727) 514-4925, or .

Costco will provide up to 275 jobs

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A February opening is planned

Blame the rainfall, but Costco Wholesale fans will have to enjoy the anticipation a bit longer.

The membership-only warehouse giant is expected to open the doors to the Costco experience in Wesley Chapel in early February.

The fall opening of Costco Wholesale, in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, will be delayed until early February due to rain delays to the construction schedule. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — The fall opening of Costco Wholesale, in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, will be delayed until early February due to rain delays to the construction schedule.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Company officials had hoped for a November opening, but this summer’s rainfall slowed down construction by a few weeks. And, Costco doesn’t open stores in December and January, choosing through the holidays to focus on sales and customer service at existing stores.

However, by November, Costco will begin hiring for about 275 positions. Some slots will be filled with Costco employees transferring from other stores, but most will be new hires, said Hector Mencia, Costco’s general manager in Clearwater.

“We are very excited to come into this area,” said Mencia, who spoke at the Aug. 25 economic briefing luncheon sponsored by The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. “It’s going to be a great location.”

Costco also will be opening a store in Citrus Park in Tampa about the same time. These are the first stores in the Tampa Bay area in about 15 years.

“It shows that the economic status over here is going very well,” said Mencia. “We’ve been trying to get in here for quite a bit in this market.”

Rosina Yeo will be the store’s general manager. She currently is assistant warehouse manager for Costco in Jacksonville.

The 184,000-square-foot warehouse is under construction in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56.
“It will have all the bells and whistles on it,” Mencia said.

Mencia began working at Costco while in college in 1989.

It’s a great place to work and has a low turnover rate among employees, he said.

Entry-level pay for hourly wage earners starts at $13 an hour, rising to $22 an hour on average over time. After six months, employees are eligible for benefits.

Mencia said the opening of an Indiana store attracted about 22,000 applicants.

By November, a storefront will be opened where people can file applications in person.

Memberships to Costco will be available about six weeks before the store’s opening date.

Mencia said on opening day about 2,000 shoppers are expected. Inside and outside the store, employees will be ready to process membership applications.

The store’s retail model is to price low and sell in very high volumes. Shoppers browse aisles filled on average with about 3,800 items, but on a regular basis about 1,500 of those items are rotated out.

“We create the treasure hunt atmosphere,” said Mencia. “They need to buy it then and not wait a week. It will be gone by then.”

In other words, as comedian Rosie O’ Donnell explained in a Costco video, you can walk in with a list but leave with a trampoline and a case of Corn Nuts.

Costco sells nearly everything: wine, clothes, groceries, gas, jewelry, electronics, tires, glasses, hearing aids, vacation packages, cars, home improvement services, hardware, pharmaceuticals, and since 1985, $1.50 hot dogs.

In fiscal year 2015, Costco sold 55 million wieners in a bun. Worldwide shoppers also bought $4.1 billion in produce; $4.2 billion in USDA inspected prime beef; and $888 million in pastries and breads from its bakeries.

Mencia said Costco has about 76.4 million Costco cardholders worldwide.

The wholesale warehouse club is the largest retailer in the world, behind Walmart.

But, its global reach doesn’t keep Costco from connecting locally with area businesses and the community.

Costco plans to join the Wesley Chapel chamber. And, chamber members are ready to pitch in and help as the company prepares for its opening.

“We’ll do anything we can to welcome them with a hug,” said Hope Allen, the chamber’s executive director. “It’s refreshing to hear that they are going to join the local business community, and they understand the importance of chambers.”

Mencia said Costco does a lot of outreach “behind the scenes” locally and worldwide.

For instance, bakery items, including bread, have short shelf lives in order to sell only the freshest. But, these and other food items not sold are donated.

“We give them to nonprofit organizations,” he said. “They pick it up every day.”

The company also donates school backpacks to area schools annually and, in May, collects donations for the Children’s Miracle Network.

About 2.5 million local farmers in Africa supply Costco with cashews. The farms typically are smaller than 2 acres and are family operated.

Costco also supports farmers’ training, donates school kits and provides AIDS awareness education.

In Mexico, a similar program employs fishermen, and in Mozambique, farmers supply vanilla.

“I’m very proud of what we do,” Mencia said.

Published August 31, 2016

Swiss manufacturer will relocate, bring 500 jobs to Pasco

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Mettler Toledo plans to build a new, 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Lutz that will bring as many as 500 jobs to Pasco County.

The company will hire 185 new employees and transfer another 320 jobs from operations in Ithaca, New York, and from 6005 Benjamin Road, in the Town ‘N Country area of Hillsborough County.

Viggo Nielsen, general manager of Mettler Toledo Safeline, (center in blue coat), announced plans for his company to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and bring 500 jobs to Pasco County. Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco Economic Development Council President Bill Cronin, flanking Nielsen, were among nearly 20 local and state officials at the Aug. 23 press conference. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — Viggo Nielsen, general manager of Mettler Toledo Safeline, (center in blue coat), announced plans for his company to build a 250,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and bring 500 jobs to Pasco County. Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco Economic Development Council President Bill Cronin, flanking Nielsen, were among nearly 20 local and state officials at the Aug. 23 press conference.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The announcement was made at an Aug. 23 press conference at the West Pasco County Government Center in New Port Richey. Nearly 20 local and state elected officials and government leaders attended.

Mettler Toledo plans to invest more than $30 million in the project.

The plant will be located within Northpointe Village, off State Road 54 at the Suncoast Parkway.

Securing the manufacturer is seen as a boon for Pasco in its efforts to lure new, diversified industry to the county. It also keeps jobs in the Tampa Bay region. Company officials said they had looked at sites in Georgia and near Orlando.

“It was very important we keep this company in Tampa Bay,” said Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey. “We have available land for this company to expand. We play an important role in that, for the region.”

Indeed, Mettler Toledo Safeline’s general manager, Viggo Nielsen said no other area had suitable sites large enough for a building that will more than double the size of its current facility.

After 15 years of growth as a company, Nielsen said, “We really need more space. This actually is quite a central location and also a very nice place for our customers to come visit.”

Some of Mettler Toledo’s current employees live in Pasco, Nielsen added.

The Switzerland-based manufacturer is a global supplier of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals.

The company’s American headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio.

The new facility will be part of the product inspection division for Mettler Toledo Safeline.

A groundbreaking is anticipated as early as October, with an opening in 2017.

The search for a new location began about a year ago when Mettler Toledo officials contacted Enterprise Florida Inc., the state agency tasked with bringing jobs to Florida.

The Pasco Economic Development Council, the county’s marketing and strategic development partner, was among agencies that responded to inquiries about potential sites for an unidentified manufacturer, later revealed as Mettler Toledo.

“It really is a regional win,” said Bill Cronin, president of Pasco EDC.

Partners in the efforts to attract Mettler Toledo included Pasco EDC, Enterprise Florida, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource and Duke Energy.

Having available land was important, said Cronin, but a skilled labor pool also was essential.

“Workforce is big and the most important asset,” he said. “We also showed that we have an understanding of their business.”

Mettler Toledo is expected to receive monetary incentives, based on job creation. The Pasco County Commission is expected to receive an agreement detailing those incentives in coming weeks.

However, Nielsen said the incentives weren’t the major driver behind the company’s relocation to Pasco.

“It is about value creation in a broader sense,” Nielsen said.

Company officials looked for a pro-business environment and access to a diverse, skilled workforce.

“We will make this place a great place to work,” he said.

Published August 31, 2016

Student loan debt is affecting housing market

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Student loan debt nationally is a staggering $1.3 trillion dollars, or about 10 percent of all outstanding debt.

For seven out of 10 students, repaying student loans can be a nearly insurmountable obstacle that is altering career decisions and delaying the milestone of buying a home.

Nationally, the average student loan debt is about $30,000.

Across Florida, the average is about $25,000.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt. (Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor) — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, wearing an orange dress, along with student leaders and members of the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS, held a press conference to highlight problem of student loan debt.
(Courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor)

At the University of South Florida, about 60 percent of students have an average loan debt of $22,600. At the University of Tampa, about 60 percent of students owe about $34,000.

Unlike most debt, however, students by law are prevented from refinancing those loans.

It is a dilemma that is highlighted in a survey released by the National Association of REALTORS Research Department and American Student Assistance, also known as Salt.

The home ownership rate is falling, and younger generations saddled with student debt are part of the reason, the survey found.

“That (student) debt is thrown into the mix with any other debt they have,” said Jack Rodriguez, a Tampa real estate broker. “It affects the amount of loan they could get. With the ability to refinance into a lower interest rate…they would bring down their payment which would allow them to purchase more house.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Rodriguez and other real estate agents held a press conference on Aug. 22 at the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS to highlight the problem, and show support for a bill on refinancing student loans. They were joined by student leaders from USF, UT and Hillsborough Community College.

“If we really want to make a change, and want to protect our nation’s youth and generations to come, we need to focus on our assets, college affordability and how we’re going to fix this,” said James Scudero, student body president at UT.

Student loan debt is crippling, said Chris Griffin, peer advisor leader for USF New Student Connections.

Food banks can now be found on student campuses, and student homelessness is happening, Griffin said.

“The scary thing is the food banks are used,” said Alec Waid, student body vice president at USF.

The pending bill, known as the Bank on Student Emergency Loan Refinancing Act – has about 170 sponsors. But, efforts to pass the bill have stalled for at least two years.

“It’s something of a partisan issue. It shouldn’t be,” said Castor.

If approved, student graduates could refinance private school loans issued before July 1, 2015.

“A citizen can refinance their car loan, boat loan and their credit card debt,” Castor said. “But, students are not allowed to refinance their student loans. This would be a very good time to do this, because interest rates are very low.”

According to the survey, at least a quarter of all students have a typical loan debt of about $25,000. And, 71 percent of non-homebuyers say student loan debt is delaying the decision to buy a home. In some cases, the delay is about five years.

About 42 percent of students with loan debt delayed moving out of the family home. Millennials born between 1990 and 1998, and who made less than $25,000 in 2015, were most likely to stay at home longer.

But, younger generations aren’t alone in struggling with student debt.

Tampa real estate broker Alma Alexander said her daughter earned a degree in graphic arts in the 1990s and left school owing nearly $35,000. The debt wasn’t paid off until two years ago.

“She worked at paying it when she could,” Alexander said.

Published August 31, 2016

Conservation work yields statewide award

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Kaitlyn Greenough has nurtured a curiosity about nature and love of the outdoors since she was very young.

She also began her lifelong relationship with girl scouting at an early age. As a matter of fact, she was in kindergarten when she became a Daisy scout.

Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016. (Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough) — Kaitlyn Greenough is the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016.
(Photos courtesy of Kaitlyn Greenough)

Her love of nature and of scouting both have shaped her life, and offered her opportunities to get involved in volunteer work in the community.

Greenough recently received accolades for the work she has done, as a Girl Scout and a conservationist, to teach elementary-age children about water conservation.

The 20-year-old spent about 130 hours, over three years, researching and designing a water conservation course in her quest for a Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout.

She taught the course at Crystal Springs Preserve, a 525-acre sanctuary in Pasco County. For years, she attended summer camps at the preserve. She began volunteering there when she was 8.

In July, the Florida Wildlife Federation name Greenough the Youth Conservationist of the Year. The award was bestowed on July 15 in Bradenton.

“It’s the coolest award I’ve ever gotten,” said Greenough, the Zephyrhills High graduate who is now a junior at the University of South Florida.

A few months earlier, Greenough and other area Girl Scouts received their Gold awards from the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

The Gold Award honors extraordinary leadership and community involvement by scouts in ninth through 12th grades.

Greenough also received a lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The young woman treasures the experiences she had through the Girl Scout program.

Kaitlyn Greenough, the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Youth Conservationist of the Year for 2016, taught a class on water conservation at Crystal Springs Preserve.

“It’s about empowering women, and I really like that the exposure is generational,” she said. “You want to have women with power, and give them opportunities to just bond and grow.”

Friends and family sat in the audience at the banquet in Bradenton, as she received the state award from the wildlife federation.

Zephyrhills’ Mayor Gene Whitfield also surprised her with a proclamation from the City of Zephyrhills.

Diane Hines, spokeswoman for the federation, said Greenough imparted her knowledge to young people. “She was able to teach others about the importance of protecting our rare, fresh water springs.”

Located near the city of Zephyrhills, Crystal Springs Preserve allows visitors to step back into old Florida, and enjoy wooded trails, butterfly gardens, a wildlife pavilion and educational programs on preservation of the natural environment.

Crystal Springs is the source for Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water, which is bottled and sold nationwide.

Greenough began researching the springs at the preserve nearly three years ago. She then crafted a course where students could build their own small watersheds in a sandbox. They also toured the preserve and learned about its history, plants and wildlife.

She is working on her studio arts major at USF, but Greenough still thinks about a future with Girl Scouts.

“In the future, I’m definitely going to volunteer,” she said.

Published August 31, 2016

Business Digest 08/31/2016

August 31, 2016 By Kathy Steele

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is expected to open in October, off State Road 56, at Tampa Premium Outlets. B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is expected to open in October, off State Road 56, at Tampa Premium Outlets.
B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

BJ’s plans fall opening
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will open in October, according to an announcement from Simon, a global real estate management company and owner of Tampa Premium Outlets.

BJ’s will join a growing list of restaurants previously opened along State Road 56, in front of the outlet mall, including Chick-fil-A, Culver’s and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Other restaurants coming to the site include Panda Express and Longhorn Steakhouse.

BJ’s menu offers deep-dish pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks and an array of craft beers.

BJ’s Restaurants Inc., currently owns and operates more than 170 restaurants nationwide.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Sept. 2 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, a fashion show with a local store, and time to network.

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 .

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Sept. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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

The cost is $15 for members who register by Sept. 2 and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Sept. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House 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 .

Toastmaster class
Zephyrhills Toastmasters will have a class on public speaking on Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver more dynamic presentations.

For information, contact Sam Abrahani at (813) 863-4608 or .

Industry awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council will hold its 30th annual Appreciation Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

For information on the event, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

For information, call Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 225; the chamber office at (813) 994-8534; or, visit the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator website at SmartstartPasco.com.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be State Rep. Danny Burgess Jr.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by Sept. 8, and $25 at the door.

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

The event is open to the public. The cost is $25 for appetizers, beer tasting, networking, drawings and prizes.

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

Confidex Payroll Solutions will offer tips on payrolls and taxes.

To register, or for information, contact the incubator office at (352) 437-4861, or visit tinyurl.com/htrpvph.

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

Wesley Chapel Boulevard to be six lanes

August 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County now is on a path to widen County Road 54 — also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard — to a six-lane divided road.

The move comes nearly 15 years after the county proposed widening the road from two lanes to four lanes.

The project also will include a multi-use trail on one side and a sidewalk on the other side.

No construction start date is announced, but the road’s design is about 90 percent complete.

Sierra Properties, the developers for Cypress Creek Town Center, are building an entrance into the mall off County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Sierra Properties, the developers for Cypress Creek Town Center, are building an entrance into the mall off County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The Pasco County Commission approved a road re-evaluation study on Aug. 9, which is the next step in what has been a drawn out process.

A 2003 study that looked at future traffic needs anticipated widening the road to four lanes. At the time, data showed that by 2025 slightly more than 20,000 vehicles a day would travel the corridor.

More recent data estimates that the average daily vehicles by 2040 will exceed 52,000.

“(The original study) didn’t capture all of the growth going on in this dynamic part of the county,” said Mike Campo, of Kisinger Campo & Associates. The Tampa-based engineering firm was hired in 2008 to provide design services for the road project.

The extra traffic lanes take into account the explosive growth at an intersection where State Road 54, State Road 56 and County Road 54 meet up. The intersection is just west of the Interstate 75 interchange.

All-around growth is evident at Tampa Premium Outlets, the soon-to-open Florida Hospital Center Ice sports complex and Holiday Inn Express, and the soon-to-rise Cypress Creek Town Center.

A newly announced project, Brightworks Crossing, could add a maximum of 350 apartments, offices, self-storage and a 150-room hotel on vacant land across from a planned entrance into Cypress Creek Town Center.

The mall’s developers currently are building the entrance as part of the initial roadwork to improve County Road 54.

As part of the study, residents weighed in with their opinions at a workshop held in January at Veterans Elementary School. They expressed frustrations with a road that no longer can handle the volume of motorists moving north and south along County Road 54.

Getting in and out of subdivisions, such as Stagecoach and Grand Oaks, means long waits and safety risks, they said.

“We are tired of playing Russian Roulette every time we leave or enter the subdivision (Grand Oaks),” wrote Robert Potts in a written comment from the workshop.

Beyond the mall entrance, the county plans to widen the corridor to six lanes to just north of Magnolia Boulevard. There will be 4-foot bicycle lanes, a median, 5-foot sidewalks on the eastern side, and an 8-foot multi-use trail on the western side.

No additional right of way will be purchased.

The widening will take advantage of rights of way donated to the county from Stagecoach and Grand Oaks subdivisions. Three traffic signals are planned at Stagecoach, at Grand Oaks near Veterans Elementary School, and at Cypress Creek Town Center.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore pressed for a traffic signal at Compark 75, an industrial park off Wesley Chapel Boulevard. Campo and Pasco County engineer Chris Wert said all intersections would be reviewed.

However, because Compark is less than a half-mile from the Grand Oaks signal, it isn’t certain the industrial park could meet distance requirements.

Compark currently is expanding its facilities, and Moore said nearby vacant land could be developed in the future.

“We’re talking basically about an employment center there,” Moore said. “People are going in and out of there on a daily basis.”

Published August 24, 2016

Twin goals: Safe roads and increased tourism

August 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

San Antonio is a destination for many bicycle enthusiasts who want scenic vistas and the rolling hills they can find in rural northeast Pasco County.

On weekends, bicyclists en masse pedal their way across the landscape. For four years in a row, San Antonio has hosted Gran Fondo Florida, one of eight events nationwide in the Gran Fondo National Championship series.

County officials are taking notice of cycling’s growing popularity, and the potential for San Antonio as a tourist hub surrounded by a trail system and destinations that promote the arts, entertainment, food and nature’s beauty.

The scenic landscape in and around San Antonio is popular with bicyclists. The area served as a backdrop in March for Gran Fondo Florida. (File Photo) — The scenic landscape in and around San Antonio is popular with bicyclists. The area served as a backdrop in March for Gran Fondo Florida.
(File Photo)

But, if the foundation is there, a lot of work is still to be done to build a unified vision for everyone who shares the roads – bicyclists, residents and motorists.

The obstacle that most often pops up is where to find the money to make things happen.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey hopes she has started the dialogue. She told 30 or so people who attended an Aug. 11 public meeting in Dade City that money shouldn’t be the focus – at least, for now.

“We’ll never get there if we don’t plan,” she said. “What I’m hoping is we start having a vision and a plan. Then, we’ll get the money. This is just a first step.”

Topics at the meeting ranged from the practical – who to notify about potholes – to the visionary – how to craft a grand plan to promote tourism and safe roads for everyone.

Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization has a consulting firm – AECOM – that soon will conduct a fact-gathering study to identify potential projects.

Input from the meeting on popular routes and trails, as well as safety concerns, will aid the county in defining the “scope of work” needed from AECOM. Consultants also will scout out funding sources, and recommend how to start the process, said James Edwards, transportation planning manager for Pasco MPO.

While some recommendations would focus on long-range plans, Edwards said, “We want to look at the low-hanging fruit. What can we do in the short term?”

The narrowness of many of the rural two-lane roads is a major safety issue. They barely allow two vehicles to pass, and bicyclists have no sidewalks or shoulders to get out of the way of motorists.

Janet Geiger isn’t a bicyclist. But, she said, “I drive (agricultural) trailers where the wheels are outside the lanes. The right of way is there, but the pavement isn’t.”

Josh Thornton, a former professional cyclist, leads community bicycle rides on Saturdays. Of more than 60 miles of roads within the area, he said, “Less than five miles have any shoulders.”

Currently, the county has no plans to widen any roads in the area. But Starkey said, “At the end of the day, we’ve got to figure out how to put shoulders on these roads.”

Tampa resident Steve Brown, who also organizes Saturday rides in San Antonio, said road conditions in some areas have been poor for years. “We know where those spots are,” he said. “We need to know who to call.”

County officials said potholes or other road issues should be reported with the county’s mobile phone application, MyPasco.

Finding ways to improve the roads and accommodate the growing cycling crowd that seeks out northeast Pasco is driving the county’s future tourism plans.

Surrounding counties also are looking for “green dollars” from trails and tourism.

“It’s one of the most asked for things at tourism centers,” said Steve Diez, a transportation planner for Hernando County and chairman of the Good Neighbor Trail Committee. “When they get done with Disney, they want to ride their bikes. They want to see the countryside on two wheels.”

Florida is working on a Coast to Coast trail that will link the state’s east and west coasts. A portion of the trail will go through Pasco and county officials are lobbying for a special loop trail that would come south to Dade City and San Antonio.

Another future trail could follow the former Orange Line railroad tracks, near Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco’s Tourism Manager Ed Caum said the county plans to spend about $1.2 million promoting and marketing the county’s trails and trail-related activities. Another $250,000 will pay for cycling-friendly visitor centers, which will bring together the public and private sectors.

There is potential to transform the former Dade City police station into a bicycle tune-up site that also could offer cyclists craft beers, sandwiches and an opportunity to explore the restaurants and shops in downtown Dade City.

Pasco can look to Pinellas County and the Pinellas Friendship Trail as an example of the economic benefits of trails, said Richard Gehring, Pasco’s strategic policy administrator.

It is a major component in marketing campaigns for homebuilders and area businesses, he said. “People like to advertise how close they are to the trail,” Gehring said. “Everyone is building them into their amenities packages…and seeing that as a really marketable element.”

Not everyone is ready to embrace an influx of more bicyclists, however.

Tensions bubbled up at the meeting revealing a divide that often exists between cyclists and motorists who don’t always agree on who has the right of way.

One area resident said bicycle groups sometimes behave more like road hogs, and don’t get out of the way. Bicyclists at the meeting said most riders are respectful in following the rules of the road, and see aggressive driving as the problem.

Dade City resident Sonya New said she understands the motorist’s frustrations. But, she said, “There’s a lot of hatred for the cyclists out there.”

Florida and the Tampa Bay area annually rank at or near the top in annual bicycle and pedestrian fatalities. Based on federal statistics, Florida, per capita, has the most bicyclist fatalities of any state, with an annual average of 5.7 deaths per million people.

The national average, per capita, is 2.3 deaths per million people.

The consensus at the meeting was for more education on road rules, and safety for cyclists and motorists.

“We can have both. It happens in rural America all over the place,” Starkey said.

Published August 24, 2016

Business Digest 08/24/2016

August 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

International housing sales
A survey by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) found that Florida is in the top tier nationally for home purchases by foreigners, according to a press release from Smith & Associates Real Estate.

From April 2015 to March 2016, residential properties purchased by foreign buyers totaled more than $103 billion in sales, a 3 percent increase over the previous 12-month period. California, Texas, Arizona, New York and Florida accounted for more than half of those sales, with Florida topping the list with 22 percent of all sales, according to the 2016 Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate.

Florida’s year-round warm climate, award-winning beaches and easy access to international airports are attracting foreign buyers, according to the survey.

The top five countries of international buyers in the United States are China, Canada, Mexico, India and the United Kingdom. Their purchases were valued higher than the median price of all U.S. home sales, and most were purchased with cash. Nearly half of the sales were in suburban areas.

The survey found that China exceeded sales from every other country in volume and price, accounting for 14 percent of international real estate activity in the nation.

To promote Tampa Bay on an international level, Smith & Associates Real Estate is partnering with Mayfair International Realty, a global real estate group catering to international buyers.

Job fair
Pasco County’s Department of Emergency Services will host an open-house style job fair on Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 8744 Government Drive, Building A, in New Port Richey.

The county’s 911-call center has 19 positions available.

The county is looking for people who can be calm under pressure, enjoy helping people and want great job benefits.

The 911-center team handles emergency calls on a state-of-the-art computerized dispatch system and determines the appropriate response for each call for service.

Visit YouTube.com to view a Pasco County 911 Call Center Recruitment video.

Applications can be made online or in person at the job fair.

For more information, visit FL-PascoCounty.civicplus.com.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Hector Mencia of Costco Wholesale.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Network luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, 408 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. The theme is relationship building with business neighbors. Order from the IHOP menu. A senior lunch menu will be available to all. Minimum of $5 is required if you do not order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

For information, call TransAmerica at (813) 334-8998, or email Jenn Beaumont at .

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Sept. 2 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, a fashion show with a local store, and time to network.

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 .

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

The cost is $15 for members who register by Sept. 2 and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Breakfast meeting
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Sept. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House 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 .

Toastmaster class
Zephyrhills Toastmasters will have a class on public speaking on Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver more dynamic presentations.

For information, contact Sam Abrahani at (813) 863-4608 or .

For information on the event, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

For information, call Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 225, the chamber office at (813) 994-8534, or visit the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator website at SmartstartPasco.com.