Kathy Steele

Economic recovery slow, but steady

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The national economy is recovering from one of the worst downturns in the nation’s history, but it is a recovery that is just “muddling along,” according to Sean Snaith, director of the Institute of Economic Competitiveness at the University of Central Florida.

“It was the worst recession since the Great Depression,” he said. “The recovery is also historical. It’s historically weak.”

The good news for Florida and for Pasco County is that they are seeing better growth than the nation as a whole.

On the plus side for Pasco, people are moving into the county.

Tim Fredritz, account executive at Dex Imaging Co., expects new business opportunities to emerge in Pasco County. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Tim Fredritz, account executive at Dex Imaging Co., expects new business opportunities to emerge in Pasco County.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“More people brings more economic activity,” said Snaith, who was a guest speaker at the Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council on Feb. 5 at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club.

“People and employment growth will continue. We see some momentum. There’s a lot of construction activity on the way.”

Florida’s growth is outpacing the nation, he said. Florida’s growth rate is about 4 percent, compared to a national rate of 2 percent.

The state also posted good numbers for job creation in the last quarter of 2015, and that likely will continue.

“That’s our launching pad,” Snaith said. “We still have momentum on our side.”

He is especially bullish on the Interstate 4 corridor, which he described as the “bread basket for growth.”

According to Snaith, the recession ended in 2012. But, Craig Weber, general manager of Crown Community Development,

saw signs of recovery in the Wesley Chapel area of Pasco as early as 2010. Signs continue to be good, he said.

Crown is the developer of Seven Oaks and Watergrass.

“Sales of lots are really strong,” Weber said.

Interstate 75, State Road 56, the widening of State Road 54 and The Shops at Wiregrass led the way.

More development has followed, including Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center. “All of this makes it the new center for Tampa Bay growth,” Weber said.

Locally, businesses are benefiting from the area’s growth as well, said Tim Fredritz, account executive at Dex Imaging Co.

The national chain has 25 offices in Florida, including one in Hudson. The company had healthy growth even during the bad economy, Fredritz said. “People always need copiers.”

But, new businesses in Pasco, including Wesley Chapel, mean new opportunities, he said.

There are caution signs, Snaith warned.

Global economies are slowing, notably in China. Brazil could be headed into its worst recession in 100 years. Greece has 25 percent unemployment overall, with youth unemployment at 50 percent.

One in eight Canadians come to Florida each year, but Snaith said the Canadian dollar has fallen in value against U.S. currency.

“That’s going to change behavior and how they spend when they are here,” Snaith said

There also is the potential for a national recession, though not on the scale of the last one.

“Don’t go into your panic room,” Snaith said. “Generally speaking, you’re in a region that’s growing faster than the state and generally faster than the nation. This is a pretty good place to be.”

Published February 10, 2016

New cinema coming to Wiregrass Ranch development

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A new cinema and grocery store are in the offing for the next phase of development on the former Wiregrass Ranch.

A preliminary site plan shows a 1,050-seat movie house and a 30,000-square-foot grocery store, according to county records.

Plans also show three, four-story buildings containing about 250 apartments. And, the development also includes shops and restaurants.

Forest City Enterprises, the developers of The Shops at Wiregrass, and NRP Group are partnering on the project on about 34 acres of the former Wiregrass Ranch property in Wesley Chapel, off State Road 56. The new development, located next to The Shops at Wiregrass, will be linked to the mall, with shared access points for motorists and pedestrians.

A dine-in cinema is a possibility, though no tenant announcements have been made.

“We wanted to do something we thought would be complementary to the property next door – The Shops at Wiregrass,” said Abbas Hasan, manager of planning and development for the Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises.

“It really adds to the experience of the area, providing customers with extra options than restaurants and shopping.”

A construction start date is on hold until a permit is received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An application was submitted in September.

“That’s kind of driving the entire schedule,” Hasan said.

In the meantime, details such as parking, landscaping, and the design and look of the new development are proceeding.

“All these things take time, so we’re trying to work on these items now,” he said. “Whatever we can move ahead, we will.”

The overall project includes apartments, seven garages, a clubhouse, a dog park, pool and fitness area. About 120,000 square feet is set aside for retail and/or restaurants including the cinema and grocery store.

Published February 10, 2016

He calls cats purr-fect companions

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The license plate on his car reads “BigCats.”

But, when it comes to cats, Denny Mitchell doesn’t care whether they’re big, small or medium. He loves them all.

And, he wants to persuade others that they should love the furry felines, too.

Denny Mitchell is a devoted cat aficionado who sings the praises of cats – literally – at his musical tribute show, “All About Cats.” (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Denny Mitchell is a devoted cat aficionado who sings the praises of cats – literally – at his musical tribute show, “All About Cats.”
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

While dogs may be a man’s best friend, the way Mitchell sees it: “Cats are our best companions.”

Two years ago, Mitchell took his passion for cats on the road.

He educates and entertains audiences, generally from age 8 and older, at libraries, senior centers and civic groups with his musical tribute “All About Cats.”

On Feb. 27 at 2 p.m., he will bring his musical show to the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

The Friends of the Lutz Branch Library is sponsoring the event, which has free admission.

Mitchell, owner of Meowser Productions, spent more than a year composing music and lyrics, and crafting a slide and video show to cover the history and habits of cats.

He brings his keyboard and sound system. A robotic, white-furred cat, named Tallulah, also accompanies him – arriving in a pink cat carrier.

Tallulah rests regally atop a purple pillow, where she purrs, meows and washes her face with slow paw swipes.

“She sets the mood,” Mitchell explained.

He sprinkles his performance with humor and original songs — though sometimes he also sings “Memory,” the show-stopping tune from the musical “Cats.”

Mitchell researches his facts.

Among his nuggets are:

Cats date back 35 million years.
The Egyptian word for cat is mao, meaning “to see.” In ancient Egypt people were fascinated by a cat’s eyes.
Cats, per pound, are 12 times stronger than humans.
Adult cats have 244 bones; humans, 206.
A cat’s field of vision is about 200 degrees.

Mitchell, who grew up on Long Island, New York, shared his mother’s love for cats.

Tallulah is a robotic cat that purrs and meows as it rests on a purple pillow, when Denny Mitchell begins his musical tribute to cats, “All About Cats.”

On Christmas Eve, when he was 5, the family heard a plaintive meowing.

“We opened the front door, and there was the tiniest little black kitten all by himself,” Mitchell said.

Clancy, as he was named, had found a home.

It’s a cliché story, he said, but it’s true.

Cats have freedom of choice, he said. “They pick us. We don’t pick them.”

Mitchell is a self-described ailurophile, that is, cat lover.

He is passionate about helping nonprofits that find homes for abandoned cats and that help feral cats living on the streets.

He volunteers as a tour guide at Big Cat Rescue, an animal sanctuary in Citrus Park, near Tampa. The organization rescues and houses exotic cats, including lions, tigers, bobcats and cougars.

A foster program at Big Cat Rescue temporarily houses kittens until they are ready for adoption. The program is in partnership with Humane Society Tampa Bay.

Mitchell became a volunteer at Big Cat Rescue after taking a tour there about 15 years ago.

A few years ago, while he was giving a tour, a promoter on the tour commented on Mitchell’s wit and humor. The promoter suggested that Mitchell put together a show.

So, Mitchell did.

“The mission is to inform, raise money for nonprofits and hopefully pay my expenses — though that is secondary,” Mitchell said.

Kittens can be viewed on live cam as they play at the Kitten Cabana at Big Cat Rescue. (Courtesy of Denny Mitchell) — Kittens can be viewed on live cam as they play at the Kitten Cabana at Big Cat Rescue.
(Courtesy of Denny Mitchell)

While it wasn’t his college major, music has been one of Mitchell’s chief interests for years.

He has written lyrics and performed music, and for more than three decades, he has played piano and sang at church, often as a soloist.

He’s constantly doing volunteer work with cats.

Mitchell has given donations to that group and others, including Humane Society Tampa Bay and Humane Society of Pinellas. Both agencies have trap, neuter, vaccinate and return programs for feral cats, as well as offering foster care and adoptions for domesticated cats.

“This is how you break the breeding cycle,” said Mitchell. “It’s a harsh life (for feral cats).”

Mitchell lives in Seffner with his wife, who also volunteered for 13 years at Big Cat Rescue. She now spends most of her time operating a boarding stable for horses.

“We are very much animal people,” Mitchell said.

And, of course, they have cats.

“I told my wife I thought we should have two. So, we have five,” he said.

Want to know more?
You can see live cams of Big Cat Rescue’s kitten rescue operation by going to Explore.org/bigcatrescue.
You can also visit Denny Mitchell’s website, MeowserProductions.com, to find links to area nonprofits and about adoption events.

Published February 10, 2016

Costco Wholesale wants giant sign

February 10, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A planning oversight committee gave tentative approval to a large display sign for Costco Wholesale, slated to open next to Tampa Premium Outlets.

It takes the membership warehouse chain a step closer to permitting and construction. Company officials have not announced an opening date.

Costco received approval in January for the sale of beer, wine and liquor.

The approximately 153,000-square-foot warehouse building will have a separate liquor store of about 2,100 square feet.

Architect Doug Brookbank, principal at MG2 Global, represented the company at the Jan. 25 hearing at the county’s Development Review Committee. Committee members review recommendations from the county’s planning department.

The Pasco County Commission will have the final say.

Costco officials asked to increase the sign’s size from about 600 square feet to about 1,700 square feet.

In return for the larger sign, the company would forego installing nine smaller signs that met county requirements.

If the larger sign were approved, the overall sign space would be reduced by 35 percent.

“We believe this is not unreasonable considering the size of the structure (warehouse) itself,” said Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning manager.

Costco would join a cluster of new retail either already opened or under construction, off State Road 56 at Interstate 75.

Tampa Premium Outlets opened in October with nearly a 100 outlet stores including Nike, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger and Fossil.

Culver’s restaurant and Cheddar’s Casual Café are under construction. Chick-Fil-A, Kohl’s, Panda Express, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse also are planned as part of Cypress Creek Town Center.

Published February 10, 2016

Craft beers are In the Loop in Land O’ Lakes

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Cooking home brewed beer started as a hobby five years ago, with three friends in Land O’ Lakes meeting up in a garage on Cherbourg Loop.

All anyone had to say was – “See you at the loop.”

And, the next few hours were devoted to brewing beer.

The compliments rolled in.

Mark Pizzurro, Joe Traina and Peter Abreut anticipate opening their craft brewery in Land O’ Lakes in spring. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — Mark Pizzurro, Joe Traina and Peter Abreut anticipate opening their craft brewery in Land O’ Lakes in spring.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

“We had a lot of people like our beers,” said Peter Abreut. “That made us think we could really start something.”

By spring, a garage hobby will become In the Loop Brewing with an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room, and nearly 7,000 square feet for an outdoor beer garden.

The brewery, tap and tasting room will open first, with the beer garden opening later on.

Abreut and partners, Mark Pizzurro and Joe Traina, are busy renovating a former residence at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The two-story house is next door to a building that houses Interior Elegance and Abreut’s gym, Crossfit En Fuego.

The upstairs can be rented for private parties or special events such as birthdays, weddings and office parties.

“We’re trying to keep the house as is,” Pizzurro said. “It has its own character.”

A former single-family home on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard is being renovated for a tap and tasting room. In the Loop Brewing will be next door to Interior Elegance and Crossfit En Fuego.

A shed on the property will be converted into the brewery.

An outdoor patio, decks, an inside/outside serving window and landscaping will complement the beer garden.

Noise will be kept at a minimum, Traina said, with low-level background music for the beer garden.

“It’s very community oriented,” he said. “That’s our goal.

Everything is coming into place.

In the Loop Brewing already has a fan base with nearly 900 likes on Facebook from beer enthusiasts who identify as “loopers.”

A Portland-based company is delivering brewing equipment. The Pasco County Commission, in January, approved the brewery’s beer and wine licenses. A federal license to brew beer is expected soon.

“I’m excited about this. This is a great day for Land O’ Lakes,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “This is great for the area’s development. This is also tourism for the county if you think about it.”

An In the Loop growler sits on a table on the patio of a former residence that is being renovated as a tap and tasting room for In the Loop Brewing.

Three years ago Big Storm Brewing, located in Odessa, was Pasco’s only craft brewery.

“For years you’d seen nothing of this kind of thing,” Traina said.

Pasco now is seeing a burst of new breweries.

The vacant ClassB screen-printing business in downtown Zephyrhills will soon open as Zephyrhills Brewing Co. Pasco County commissioners also approved a beer and wine license for Rebel Dog Brewing Co., in New Port Richey.

According to 2014 data from the Brewers Association, Florida ranked ninth nationally in numbers of craft breweries, with 111 locations. The state held the fifth spot in production at 1.1 million barrels of craft beer.

But, Traina said the trend for more breweries isn’t about competition, but camaraderie. “The whole culture of the (brewing) community is to be tight- knit,” he said. “It’s so diverse.”

Pizzurro is head brewer among the partners. In addition to home brewing, he served as an intern at Big Storm for about a year.

In the Loop’s beer selections so far include an IPA, American pale ale, a Vienna lager and farmhouse ale.

It is a true partnership, however.

Everyone can contribute on beer recipes.

Abreut is skilled in marketing; Traina in sales.

“We all bring something to the table,” Traina said.

And, they take pride in bringing a unique experience to Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s helping revitalize this area,” said Abreut. “That’s what we want to do.”

More information about In the Loop Brewing can be found on their Facebook page.

Published February 3, 2016

Amici Pizza plans stand-alone location

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Owners of Amici Pizza & Deli are planning to build a new stand-alone restaurant, with additional retail space, on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The new restaurant is a short distance from the existing Amici restaurant in Grand Oaks Square, at Wesley Chapel and Pet Lane.

Andrea and Josephine Mannino, are heading toward a construction start of Amici Plaza in spring with an opening likely by the end of 2016.

Pasco County records show a conceptual plan with about 3,000 square feet for the restaurant, and about 1,800 square feet for retail.

“We’d like to have our own building and a bigger kitchen,” said Andrea Mannino.

No decisions have been made on the additional retail space, he said.

The site is located at the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, which is also known as County Road 54.

Pasco County is moving forward with acquisition of right-of-way along County Road 54 to prepare for the expansion of the two-lane road into a four-lane road at the junction of State Road 56 and State Road 54 to Progress Parkway.

The road design also would allow for future expansion to six lanes.

County records show that construction on the $46 million project would begin in fall 2018 and would be completed in fall 2019.

To accommodate the placement of the restaurant and plaza, the Manninos’ requested the county reduce by 9 feet the amount of land acquired for the road project, and also requested a reduction in building setbacks.

The county’s Development Review Committee has recommended approval to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final say. Commissioners are scheduled to consider the request on Feb. 9.

At the same meeting, commissioners also will consider the restaurant’s request for a beer and wine license.

Construction of Amici Plaza will adopt “low impact development principles,” said Stuart Artman, director of engineering projects for Moody Engineering, Inc.

Instead of an open-air storm water pond, the site would have an underground storage vault to capture and disperse rainwater. That can decrease potential flooding problems, and provides more area for amenities such as a sidewalk around the restaurant that is separate from the public sidewalk built along the roadway.

The site also places parking spaces to the side and rear of the restaurant, another “smart growth” trend in development.

“It makes for a more compact and walkable site, which the county is encouraging,” said Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein.

Published February 3, 2016

Scenic vistas are in U.S. 301 vision plan

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Between Zephyrhills and Dade City, a ribbon of asphalt connects two cities with distinct characteristics.

At either end, U.S. 301 is a gateway into two versions of small town America.

Between those places, motorists are treated to scenic vistas, rolling hills and wooded valleys.

“Anyone who drives it understands the uniqueness,” said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

But, there are pressures building along U.S. 301, as developers make room for new subdivisions, shops and offices.

The Florida Department of Transportation will complete resurfacing of U.S. 301 in 2016, and also build a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the roadway. (File Photo) — The Florida Department of Transportation will complete resurfacing of U.S. 301 in 2016, and also build a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the roadway.
(File Photo)

The test is how to make room for growth, but also preserve the character of two cities and the state highway in between.

Edwards and Randy Mejeur, associate principal with AECOM, presented a long-range strategic vision plan on Jan. 25 for development along U.S. 301, from Kossik Road to the U.S. 98 bypass.

The plan emerged from three public workshops that gathered input from area residents, developers and business owners.

Pasco MPO funded the vision efforts. Representatives of Zephyrhills, Dade City and the Florida Department of Transportation participated.

“We think we’ve packaged a consensus out there,” Edwards said. “There really was no foundation. I think we’ve built the foundation.”

Mejeur said the workshops were heavily attended.

About 72 percent who participated either approved or strongly approved the proposed vision. About 11 percent either opposed or strongly opposed the plan and 18 percent was neutral.

Highlights of the vision plan are:

To maintain four lanes, with a trail system
To build reverse frontage roads, parallel to U.S. 301, but for use by local traffic
To have a minimum number of traffic signals and median cuts
To support development, but to have landscaping, buffering, and preservation of hills and vistas
To create unique gateways for Zephyrhills and Dade City

“They didn’t want to see Zephyrhills and Dade City all mashed up,” Mejeur said. “They wanted to keep distinct looks.”

And, they didn’t want the highway to be lined with strip malls.

Trail connections were priorities, too, Mejeur said.

“If we can preserve the character while accommodating traffic, I think that would be great,” said Zephyrhills Councilman Lance Smith.

Councilman Charlie Proctor had concerns about right-of-way purchases.

Edwards said, “We would see it as a friendly buy and not a condemnation. It is possible to come to terms.”

The state transportation department began resurfacing U.S. 301 in 2015, from Kossik Road to Bougainvillea Avenue, near the U.S. 98 bypass. The approximately six-mile road project also includes construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use trail paralleling the highway. Completion of the project is expected in the spring.

The new trail eventually is slated to link with Hardy Trail in Dade City.

Mejeur said a bicycle and pedestrian analysis for the area should be done “to look at how movement occurs, so that they continue to occur in a safe way.”

Next steps include the Pasco planning organization partnering with the state transportation department on a realignment study for U.S. 98 and Clinton Avenue. There is no funding as yet for the realignment, but other road projects to extend Clinton and to realign State Road 52 are in design phase.

The Dade City Council is expected to receive a similar presentation on the U.S. 301 vision plan soon.

Published February 3, 2016

Efforts on to modernize water billing

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Water customers in Zephyrhills could soon get a new billing system, with state-of-the art, cloud-based technology that can monitor for leaks and spikes in water usage.

The Zephyrhills City Council gave the green light to negotiate a contract with Fathom, an Arizona-based company serving 150 public water systems with more than four million meters.

City officials believe the new system can provide more accuracy and consistency in meter readings and billings.

Dripping faucet, low angle view

Confidence in the city’s billing system has eroded in recent years because of inaccurate meter readings, broken meters, leaks that went undiscovered and other problems.

Residential and commercial customers have reported incorrect billing, including a $100,000 error in the Zephyrhills bottled water account.

“We have a large lack of confidence with a lot of our customers,” Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina told council members at the Jan. 25 meeting.

With Fathom’s new technology, Spina said, “We anticipate more accurate readings on our meters. We feel pretty confident in recommending it to you.”

If the contract is approved on Feb. 8, city officials will move forward with plans to buy 6,000 new meters for about $120,000.

The contract with Fathom would be for five years, with two opportunities for five-year extensions.

It would take about a year to transition from the current system to Fathom’s system.

Fathom would handle billing and provide access to a 24-hour call center in Phoenix or Atlanta, or both. There also would be Internet and mobile access to services, including payments through bank accounts, mail, telephone applications and credit card.

In-person customer service also would be available.

Current staffing at the city could decrease from about five employees to two employees, but no layoffs would occur, city officials said.

Instead, some employees could be transferred to other city positions.

The city’s 12,000 water customers get their drinking water supply from the Floridan aquifer.

Multiple public wells are permitted largely within the Hillsborough River Groundwater Basin.

The new system is expected to save as much as $1.6 million during a 15-year period, according to Fathom’s projections.

Because of startup costs, the city would likely break even the first year.

Projections show current revenue losses of about $800,000 annually would decrease over time to about $35,000.

Losses generally result from water loss from undetected leaks, incorrect accounts and write-offs of unpaid bills.

Fathom’s system reads meters 120 times a month to detect leaks, stoppages and other water-flow issues.

The overall cost savings projection seemed high to some council members, but negotiations with Fathom were supported unanimously.

“I think it’s going to bring benefits to the city to give this a shot,” said City Council Attorney Joe Poblick. “I believe we’re going to save money.”

All agreed that something must be done to replace the existing system.

“The current system evidently is failing us now,” said Councilman Lance Smith. “We need to make a change now. I like the technology.”

Everything is moving toward mobile devices and cloud technology, Smith added.

Councilman Alan Knight said the city should monitor the results, quarterly or monthly, to make sure of the new system’s efficiencies. “I want some accountability,” he said.

Published February 3, 2016

Festival offers face-painting, food and fun

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Thousands headed to Dade City on Jan. 30 to the 19th annual Kumquat Festival.

Thousands flocked to Dade City to enjoy the activities and displays at the annual Kumquat Festival. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — Thousands flocked to Dade City to enjoy the activities and displays at the annual Kumquat Festival.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The traffic coming off Interstate 75 was moving slow, as cars stacked up on the way to the festival.

The fairground’s lot filled quickly, with lines of festival-goers waiting to be shuttled to the event in historic downtown Dade City.

Even as late as 2:30 p.m., people were still arriving and forming lines at the shuttle stop, gearing up for an afternoon of music, shopping and kumquat pie.

They also had a chance to sample kumquat salsa, check out a car show, grab a bite to eat and enjoy many other activities.

An army of volunteers help to ensure that the event — which attracts people from the Tampa Bay region and beyond — runs smoothly.

For many people, the event is their first introduction to downtown Dade City.

Lanette Sharp, 8, of Spring Hill is a walking work of art.

More than 400 vendors set up booths with arts and crafts, handmade quilts, knitted caps of alpaca, locally harvested honey, soaps and jewelry.

Local antique shops, restaurants and delis saw a steady stream of people as well. Miss Pasco County walked past Lunch on Limoges where guests inside dined on pecan chicken and crab cakes.

Outside Dade City’s historic courthouse, downhome country musicians entertained a toe-tapping crowd resting in fold-out chairs.

More lines formed at the Kumquat Growers tent for free samples of everything kumquat – jams, jellies, marmalade, chutney, and vinaigrette.

Kumquat pie and kumquat ice cream were favorites. Some people walked back to their cars hugging planters with kumquat trees to plant in their yards.

And, another festival in celebration of the sweet and tangy citrus fruit put Dade City and St. Joseph in the spotlight, again.

Published February 3, 2016

Miss Kumquat Festival Kathleen Switzer shows off her climbing skills in the children's games area of the Kumquat Festival. — Miss Kumquat Festival Kathleen Switzer shows off her climbing skills in the children’s games area of the Kumquat Festival.

Bartenders at the open air drinks and T-shirt sales of Kokopelli’s Restaurant. Kelsey LaBarbera, left, of Odessa and Michelle Jenkins, of Tampa, staffed the counter with Sue Queen, Kokopelli owner.

Business Digest 02/03/2016

February 3, 2016 By Kathy Steele

New management
Beef O’ Brady’s on U.S. 41 at Sunset Lane, in Lutz, is under new management. New managing owner Greg Gilbert brings more than 20 years of franchise experience to the Lutz community, including service at T.G.I. Friday’s and Ruby Tuesday’s. Gilbert’s team is committed to customer satisfaction and top quality in food, beverage and service. Plans also are under way to increase community involvement by supporting and sponsoring local sports leagues and school teams.

The restaurant is accepting pre-order “To Go” requests for Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.

For information, call (813) 909-2300, or visit BeefOBradys.com/Lutz.

Monthly breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast Feb. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Casio Jones, wellness director for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He will explain why “Age is Limitless.”

The cost is $7 for members and guests.

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

Grand opening
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of CREATION Health Wellness Center on Feb. 4 from noon to 2 p.m., at 38233 Daughtery Road, Zephyrhills. There also will be a joint Florida Hospital Community Open House. Come tour the facilities, meet the staff, and have light refreshments. There also will be door prizes. Check out the fitness room, smoothie bar, and education room with kitchen.

For information, visit FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills/events.

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic will host a ribbon cutting on Feb. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Blvd., off the south side of State Road 54, in Lutz.

For information, call (813) 909-1644, or visit AprileChiropractic.com.

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Feb. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. Come share talents, build relationships and share resources with other women in business. The guest speaker will be international singer and songwriter Thanecha Anderson, who will talk about “Overcoming all Odds to Change the World.”

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

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.
For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Feb. 9 at 8 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker is Carol Scheckler, president of the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email .

Centra Care ribbon cutting
Centra Care Florida Hospital Urgent Care will host a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon, at 1127 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Light refreshments and lunch will be served.

For information, email .

Ribbon cutting for CPA
FMA Fox, Martukovich & Associates CPA will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m., at 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway, on the west side of Dale Mabry, south of the apex, in Lutz.

For information, call Amanda at (727) 530-0036.

Catholic Business Network
The Catholic Business Network of Tampa Bay meets every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., in Rosary Hall, Rooms 5 and 6, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The network is a nonprofit membership organization for local business people who want to incorporate their faith into the workplace, and network with other Catholics to foster personal and business relationships. All faiths are welcome.

For information, visit CBNtampa.org.

Jobs event
A Career Expo will help match top technology graduates with local companies in a two-day event on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 hosted by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The expo will be at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and will feature career center directors from more than 45 of the nation’s top universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, Cornell, Notre Dame, Purdue, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida.

Career center directors and local business professionals will participate in receptions, breakfasts, luncheons and individual meetings to discuss talent needs.

The Corridor Council encourages the attendance of businesses within a 23-county region including Hillsborough, Pasco and surrounding counties.

The event kicks off on Feb. 25 with keynote speaker Bill Johnson, the chief executive officer of Enterprise Florida.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is an economic development initiative of UCF, USF and UF. Its mission is to encourage innovation and expand the high tech industry through partnerships that support research, marketing, work force and entrepreneurship. More than 25 local and regional economic development organizations, state and community colleges, and 12 CareerSource boards participate.

Registrations are available for companies to participate. For information, email Owen Wentworth at .

A full list of attending universities, the Career Expo schedule, and other details are available at FloridaHighTech.com/career/career-expo-2016.