The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Business Digest 08-12-15

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Tampa Premium Outlets
Forever 21, Johnston & Murphy, Starbucks, Sunglass Hut, Tumi, Billabong, Auntie Anne’s, Yankee Candle, Clarks Bostonian and Estee Lauder will be among the 110 retailers opening in October at Tampa Premium Outlets, according to building permit documents filed with Pasco County’s construction services department.

Outlet mall construction
Eclipse Building Corp., based in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, is building three Tampa Premium Outlets’ restaurants – Green Leaf’s, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt and South Philly Steaks and Fries. The company is under contract by franchisee Raitom LLC. Construction on the restaurants is scheduled for completion on Oct. 5. The outlet mall, off State Road 56 at the Interstate 75 interchange, is set to open on Oct. 29.

New photo business
Ron Bowman recently moved from New Hampshire to Lutz where he and his wife, Barbara, are enjoying retirement. But Bowman is using his photography skills to start a new business, “On Location Photography.” He goes outside the studio to meet you at home, your favorite park, the beach or any outdoor location you like. Photos can include family pets, cars, motorcycles or any of your favorite things. Bring props such as musical instruments, sporting equipment or other hobby interests. Photos can be candid, posed or both.

He provides a camera memory card or copies all images to a DVD or memory stick.

Bowman began a part-time wedding photography business in the 1970s and later transitioned to landscapes and back to weddings. An image of Squam Lake was selected to market the 25th anniversary of the movie “On Golden Pond.”

For information call Bowman at (603) 340-7316 or email to .

New members and mixer
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on Aug. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Stage Left, 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz. The venue is on the south side of State Road 54, just east of Oak Grove.

Come and meet the chamber’s newest members. An orientation for new members will be held prior to the mixer from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

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

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Aug. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Quality Inn & Suites, 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union is committed to the financial success of your business. This monthly gathering provides networking and an information-sharing platform for our small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

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

Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on Aug. 13, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

New school location
Metropolitan Technical Career Institute will host a grand opening for its new campus site on Aug. 13 at 12:30 p.m., at 14138 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The institute offers careers in a variety of health-related areas including CNA, phlebotomy, EKG, X-ray and medical assistant. Day, evening and weekend classes, as well as online certification programs, are available. A career counselor will be at the opening to answer questions.

For information, call a student advisor at (352) 293-2474, or visit MetropolitanTechnicalCareerInstitute.com.

Restaurant opening
Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon, at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa. The restaurant will feature authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on Syrian and Lebanese dishes including hummus, falafel, lamb, chicken and vegetarian selections.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or Zaytoun-Grill.com.

Appreciation day
New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center will hold a “Patient Appreciation Day” on Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 2312 Crestover Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The event will start with a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout. Afterward there will be a relaxing stretch and delicious food by O.T.B. restaurant. Existing patients that bring a guest will receive a free adjustment and chair massage. Guests will receive a free consultation, examination and X-rays. The clinic will offer a 15 percent discount on all supplements.

Please RSVP by calling the clinic at (813) 994-6111 or email to www.newtampachiropractor411.com.

Breakfast network
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly Breakfast Meeting on Aug. 18 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., in the conference room at Pasco Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Stacey Nance, general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets.

The cost to chamber members is $15 in advance, with registration online by 3 p.m. on Aug. 14. The cost to non-members and members, at the door is $20.

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

50 and older workshop
Think you’re too old to start a business? The U.S. Small Business Administration and AARP have a message: Think again. The two agencies are partnering to present the “Summer of Entrepreneur Mentoring,” a workshop for entrepreneurs age 50 and older, on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at SMARTstart, at 6345 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey. Entrepreneurs will be matched with business owners and community leaders who can offer advise on how to start a business.

This is a free event hosted by Pasco Hernando SCORE, but registration is required.

For information, call (727) 842-4638, or email Michael Ravens, a SCORE volunteer, at .

 

Retail jobs on the rise

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But more jobs are needed to diversify Pasco’s economy

Heading south on Interstate 275 into Tampa, and points beyond, cars stack up and slow to a crawl as commuters in the morning rush hour out of Pasco County’s bedroom communities hit the brakes.

Motorists going north, mostly zip along at a steady clip.

In the afternoon the traffic flow reverses.

It’s all about where the jobs are and where they aren’t.

The volume of people who commute daily to jobs outside Pasco is about 46 percent, according to county data.

But flipping that trend is the goal of the county’s Planning and Development Department, and its marketing partner, the Pasco County Economic Development Council.

Holiday Inn Express is one hotel ready for construction with an opening in 2016. The hotel is next to Florida Hospital Center Ice, an ice rink and sports complex that is under construction, off State Road 56. Both will be job producers. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Holiday Inn Express is one hotel ready for construction with an opening in 2016. The hotel is next to Florida Hospital Center Ice, an ice rink and sports complex that is under construction, off State Road 56. Both will be job producers.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

There are good signs in the job market especially in retail, but county officials say Pasco needs higher paying jobs and a diverse employer-base to shed its bedroom community status.

And that could take years of steady, patient marketing.

For now, dirt is flying especially along the prime corridors of State Road 56 and State Road 54, around the Interstate 75 interchange.

“The retail is following the rooftops,” said Melanie Kendrick, senior planner for economic development in Pasco.

Tampa Premium Outlets, the centerpiece for Cypress Creek Town Center, is sprouting. It is expected to have more than 110 stores and will provide an estimated 800 jobs.

The Shops at Wiregrass is expanding. And, other retail development, including Mercedes Benz, Buffalo Wild Wings and Dairy Queen, is popping up.

Abutting the outlet mall, the town center also will have more retail including Kohl’s, Costco, Culver’s, Cheddar’s Casual Café, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. Job numbers for this project aren’t available.

More hotels, shops, restaurants and offices are on a waiting list, marked ‘coming soon’ for a site on the north side of State Road 56, also part of Cypress Creek Town Center.

On Oct. 29, Tampa Premium Outlets will be the first to hit the start button.

“This is like a bonus,” said John Hagen, president of the PEDC. “It will definitely raise the amount of money coming into the community. It makes the economic pie bigger.”

People are put to work, the Penny for Pasco program gets fattened with more pennies and Pasco’s image shines brighter in the marketplace.

“It is a destination… It will help people understand that there is a Pasco County,” Hagen said. “This is a place. It has place-making attributes that are important to us. It’s hard for people to think about (Pasco) in terms of a place.”

Retail already has shown it can spark other development.

Pasco-Hernando State College located its Porter Campus at the mall. It currently has a staff of about 60 employees and 100 adjunct faculty members.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, near Wiregrass, added 600 jobs to the economy when it opened nearly three years ago. The hospital is investing $78 million in an expansion at the hospital. And Florida Medical Clinic, just north of Wiregrass, also is expanding in Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

On State Road 54, a new Lowe’s warehouse store opened in April, bringing with it as many as 160 jobs.

Businessman Gordie Zimmerman is building Florida Hospital Center Ice, a sports complex with four ice rinks and a removable pad that can allow for more sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. The 150,000 square foot facility, off State Road 56, can also accommodate non-sports events such as dog shows and graduations.

It is expected to attract national and international sports competitions.

All of these generate more sales tax revenues from people shopping and dining in Pasco.

And, a portion of those Pasco pennies will be dedicated this year to the Jobs and Economic Trust Fund to provide business incentives to locate in Pasco.

County officials have estimated that $45 million to $50 million will flow from the Penny for Pasco program to stimulate economic development.

Hagen recently delivered the PEDC’s third quarter report to the Pasco County Commission. The data showed that to date, 415 jobs had been created through the agency’s efforts in 2015.

On July 24, the PEDC upped that number by 124 jobs with its announcement that Leggett & Platt, a global manufacturing company, plans to open an 80,000-square- foot facility near Spring Hill. The plant will assemble adjustable bed bases. Company officials have pledged to hire locally and contract with suppliers within the Tampa Bay region.

Hagen sees Leggett & Platt taking a position as one of the county’s top employers with room for expansion in future.

On another front, the SMARTstart business incubator program has created 45 jobs. Currently, 13 startup companies are sharing space on-site in Dade City. Another three entrepreneurs are located off-site. “They are all trying to get their businesses off the ground,” Hagen said.

While some of these new businesses may only generate a small number of jobs, there always is potential that one or more could take off with an idea that is “scalable” into a regional or national company, Hagen said.

The county set clear goals in the long-range Economic Development Plan, adopted in 2013.

One target is to add between 160,000 and 185,000 new jobs to the economy over the next decade, said Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator.

That has to be reached by fostering a business-friendly environment where private companies want to invest in Pasco, Hagen said.

“I kind of like to differentiate between creating a business climate and making business deals,” he said. “I think we’re creating a business climate where things can happen.”

One example of private investment that paid off is Compark 75. The business park, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, will expand in 2016 with the addition of a 65,000 square foot building. The existing park, with four buildings, is leased nearly to capacity.

Two new tenants, Streetside Classic Cars and an as yet-unidentified orthodontics company will open there in October.

Hagen would like to see 10 more projects similar to Compark 75.

Over the years, Pasco has evolved from a rural community into a service-based economy that catered to senior retirees and then into the bedroom community for counties such as Hillsborough and Pinellas.

The current building boom is picking up where developers left off before the Great Recession. Predictably, the new development began with housing because that offers reasonably quick turnaround on investment, Hagen said.

But many of these projects have also set aside space for retail, offices and in some cases industrial, Hagen said.

“It’s kind of setting the stage for other development,” he said.

But, it is crucial to Pasco’s economic growth to encourage more business parks. That was one issue identified in a study completed recently by Duke Energy of the large acreage in and around the Zephyrhills airport.

“I don’t mean to sound alarmist,” Hagen said. “I think we’re trying to put some thought into that. We probably need to be more active in acquiring and controlling parcels that would make good industrial parks before they get gobbled into retail.”

Still Hagen isn’t what he describes as a “retail snob.”

Jobs of every kind are needed, he said. “If it puts them to work, then it’s a good thing.”

Tampa Premium Outlets hosts center-wide job fair
What: The grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets is scheduled for October.

Retailers are seeking job applicants for more than 800 open seasonal, part-time, full-time and management positions. The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is the job fair sponsor.

When: Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Tampa USF/Busch Gardens,  3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa

Cost: Free and open to the community. Dress professionally and bring lots of resumes.

Information: Call (813) 909-8716, or visit PremiumOutlets.com/tampa.

Published August 5, 2015

Upper Tampa Bay Trail ties into Suncoast Trail

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Editor’s Note: Due to heavy rain and flooding, Hillsborough County officials had to postpone the opening of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. The ribbon cutting, which had been scheduled for Aug. 7, will be re-scheduled for a later date. Notice of the cancellation was received after the publication deadline for The Laker/Lutz News.

Nature will be an up-close experience for strollers, joggers, skaters and cyclists as they navigate along the newest and most northern segment of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail.

Workers are finishing the landscape at the new trailhead facility for Upper Tampa Bay Trail. There will be restrooms, ample parking and a covered picnic pavilion. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
Workers are finishing the landscape at the new trailhead facility for Upper Tampa Bay Trail. There will be restrooms, ample parking and a covered picnic pavilion.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

Nearly 3 miles of the more than 4-mile trail segment cuts through Brooker Creek Preserve in Hillsborough County, between Lutz Lake Fern Road and Van Dyke Road.

The ribbon cutting for the $5.6 million project will be Aug. 7 at 10 a.m., at the new trailhead facility at 7020 Lutz Lake Fern Road. Funding came from Hillsborough, South West Florida Water Management District (known as Swiftmud), and a federal grant provided by the Florida Department of Transportation.

“It’s going to be a beautiful trail,” said Tina Russo, Hillsborough’s regional planning coordinator. “It’s really awesome. This is such a unique experience being in the preserve.”

It also is a unique design for Hillsborough.

The 12-foot asphalt path, with three concrete boardwalks through wetlands, is the county’s first paved multi-use trail through a preserve.

Construction of the newest, northern segment of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Hillsborough County began in March. When the trail opens on Aug. 7, it will link with Suncoast Trail in Pasco County
Construction of the newest, northern segment of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail in Hillsborough County began in March. When the trail opens on Aug. 7, it will link with Suncoast Trail in Pasco County

The trail also is another link in a master plan to create a regional trail system, and a statewide system.

The trailhead at Lutz Lake can be a starting point south toward Van Dyke or northeast to the Suncoast Trail in Pasco County. The new facility has a covered picnic pavilion, restrooms and ample parking.

Suncoast is a 42-mile trail that runs from Hillsborough through Pasco and to Hernando County.

“I think we’re all looking forward to these types of amenities,” said James Edwards, Pasco’s transportation planning manager.

Construction of the path followed an eco-friendly design with much of the trail at grade level to allow for natural water run-off.

Along the trail there are narrower, unpaved walkways into conservation areas. Russo said bicycle racks would be provided.

She envisions the trail as a two-for-one deal, because it will appeal to local residents who want to enjoy the preserve. But, it will also have regional appeal for hikers and cyclists who enjoy combining Upper Tampa Bay and Suncoast trails for longer distances.

Trails aren’t only for recreation.

Commuters like them as well especially as the systems expand, Russo said.

Plans are under way to extend Suncoast. Hillsborough is hoping to fill in a gap between Van Dyke and a trailhead at Peterson Park that links the Upper Tampa Bay Trail with Town ‘N Country. The nearby Courtney Campbell Trail links Tampa and Clearwater. Eventually the trails through Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco could hit the 100-mile mark, Russo said.

Transportation planning and traffic studies are looking at ways to increase commuting options with park-ride facilities and public transit tied into trails.

“It’s a lot about transit and trails,” she said.

Published August 5, 2015

Garden Montessori Charter School won’t open in 2015

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A unexpected snag in securing a lease means the Garden Montessori Charter School will delay its opening date by at least a year.

The school for students in kindergarten through sixth grade was scheduled to open on Aug. 24 at the Sports and Field Complex, off State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Ella Selover works on a botanical puzzle at Garden Montessori, a private, preschool. The school’s board had hoped to open a public charter school, with free tuition, for kindergarten through sixth grade in 2015. Those plans are now on hold after leasing negotiations fell through. (File Photo)
Ella Selover works on a botanical puzzle at Garden Montessori, a private, preschool. The school’s board had hoped to open a public charter school, with free tuition, for kindergarten through sixth grade in 2015. Those plans are now on hold after leasing negotiations fell through.
(File Photo)

“The difficult decision, made by its Board of Directors, was based on a breakdown in the final negotiations of the lease contract,” according to a statement released by Garden Montessori’s board. “The deciding factors to delay the opening of the school year were based on the need to ensure the future success of the school, faculty and most importantly the children.”

Garden Montessori is one of two Pasco County schools awarded charters for 2015-2016. The other is Plato Academy, which started in Pinellas County, and is in an expansion mode. Its eighth location would have been in Pasco, but district school officials said that also is being delayed.

Darlene Pla-Schantz, Garden Montessori’s associate education director, said the school had enrolled 196 students for 2015-2016.

She said school and district officials are working to answer parents’ questions and help with a smooth start for those students affected by the delay.

The school district had not received Garden Montessori’s enrollment list for the upcoming school term, said Linda Cobbe, Pasco school district’s spokeswoman. So she said the district routinely had assigned all but one of those students to schools in zones where they would have gone last year.

Any placement changes will have to wait until the 20-day enrollment count after the district’s Aug. 24 opening day. “We don’t know where we’ll have seats,” Cobbe said.

The district office has fielded a few calls from parents.

“This is pretty last minute, especially for parents of kindergartners,” Cobbe said. “This is all new to them.”

Garden Montessori’s board has sent a letter to the Pasco school district requesting approval for a “planning year” in 2015-2016. The school board will vote on the request at an upcoming board meeting on a date to be determined.

The school’s charter is in effect for five years, including the requested planning year.

Garden Montessori began in 2009 as a private preschool and kindergarten academy, teaching with the Montessori method. The charter delay doesn’t affect that school’s operations.

One of the Montessori features is a multi-age classroom where students have the same teacher for three years.

Parents had urged the board to pursue a charter so their children could extend their Montessori experience.

The approved charter is for a tuition-free, public kindergarten through sixth grade school. The opening year allowed for up to 270 students. The board planned to begin with kindergarten through second grade, adding a grade each year until the fifth year when enrollment would increase to 540 students.

“This time will be used to define, develop and execute a strategic plan for the immediate and future needs of the community,” according to the statement from Garden Montessori’s board.

Published August 5, 2015

Business Digest 08-05-15

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Tampa Premium Outlets
Haggar Clothing, Perfums4U and Johnny Rockets are the latest retailers to file for building permits with the Pasco County construction services department. The outlet mall is slated for an Oct. 29 opening date, off State Road 56, on Grand Cypress Drive. Simon Property Group expects 110 outlet shops will fill out the 441,000 square foot retail mecca.

New sales manager
Diane L. Fisher is the new sales manager and team leader at the Spring Hill office of Dennis Realty.

Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation’s main office is at 1022 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz. It has been in business since 1973. As a leader in residential real estate and property management in the Tampa Bay market, Dennis Realty also offers in-house title and closing services as well as homeowners’ insurance.

Fisher began her career in Tennessee in 1995, where she became an accomplished and respected top producing Realtor. She brought her award-winning career back to Florida and now serves in a new role at the Spring Hill office. As sales manager and team leader, she offers outstanding leadership skills plus real world experience that she can offer to aspiring new agents and experienced agents who are looking to work with a growing real estate firm.

For information, contact Dennis Realty & Investment Corp., in Lutz, at (813) 949-7444, in Spring Hill at (352) 606-3911, or visit DennisRealty.com.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Randy Surber, chief executive officer and president of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He will provide updates on the emergency department, bone and joint center, wellness center, and plans to start a community garden and Tree of Life.

The cost is $7 for members, and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 278-1913, or email .

Clinic ribbon cutting
Retina Specialists of Tampa will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 26851 Tanic Drive, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. Come and meet the clinic’s physician, Ahmad Bakir Tarabishy, and his staff members.

For information, contact Retina Specialist at (813) 973-3333, or visit RetinaCareTampa.com.

Women-n-Charge luncheon
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Aug. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek County Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. The guest speaker is Linda Inatsuka, a licensed psychologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She will speak on “Moving Past Your Mental Blocks.”

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting) and $18 for all guests (and members paying Wednesday and after). To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com. For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email to .

Networking women
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will meet on Aug. 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the second floor conference room at the Health and Wellness Center, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Marcia Johansson, a nurse practitioner specializing in acute care.

The breakfast sponsor is Mitze Richeson, co–owner of Cypress Creek Chiropractic & Wellness, located at 2304 Crestover Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

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

East Pasco Networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will hold its monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Rose’s Café, at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 997-3903, or email .

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Aug. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at Quality Inn & Suites, 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union is committed to the financial success of your business. This monthly gathering provides networking and an information-sharing platform for our small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

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

Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on Aug. 13, with check-in at 11:00 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420 or email .

New school location
Metropolitan Technical Career Institute will host a grand opening for its new campus site on Aug. 13 at 12:30 p.m., at 14138 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The institute offers careers in a variety of health-related areas including CNA, phlebotomy, EKG, X-ray and medical assistant. Day, evening and weekend classes, as well as online certification programs, are available. A career counselor will be at the opening to answer questions.

For information, call a student advisor at (352) 293-2474, or visit MetropolitanTechnicalCareerInstitute.com.

Coming soon: outlet mall’s job fair

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In a sign that Tampa Premium Outlets is gearing up for its October opening, planning is under way for a job fair to fill approximately 800 positions.

The hiring event is scheduled for Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Embassy Suites, at 3705 Spectrum Blvd., in Tampa.

Tampa Premium Outlets Job Fair will help fill more than 800 jobs. (File Photos)
Tampa Premium Outlets Job Fair will help fill more than 800 jobs.
(File Photos)

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Career Central at Pasco-Hernando State College are event coordinators.

The chamber will invite retailers to a private breakfast before the fair. Members also are helping promote the event.

“It’s so exciting to see this,” said Hope Allen, the chamber’s executive director.

Career Central at Pasco-Hernando State College is preparing for a job fair that’s expected to attract between 1,000 to 2,000 applicants, said Ana Segovia, a business consultant with Career Central.

It proved difficult finding a venue in Pasco large enough to accommodate the event, Segovia said.

“The job fair is really important to us and to our retailers who want to fill all these jobs,” said Les Morris, spokesman for Simon Property Group. “Our motivation is to have a large, centrally located venue that people can get to easily.”

Work is heading into the home stretch at the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets.
Work is heading into the home stretch at the soon-to-open
Tampa Premium Outlets.

Retailers are beginning to send in job descriptions with positions expected in retail, management, security, maintenance and food preparation.

Segovia said fliers and social media are among the various ways the word will be spread about the job fair.

In other news, developers of the outlet mall have released the first official list of stores set to open on Oct. 29.

In a July 22 news release, 14 stores are identified, out of more than 110 stores expected to open at the center.

Stores identified by the mall so far are Adidas, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach, Cole Haan, Disney Store Outlet, Ecco, Express Factory Outlet, Fossil, Gap Factory Outlet, Hartstrings, Nike Factory Store, Puma and Samsonite.

Saks OFF 5th was announced previously as the mall’s anchor.

More announcements are anticipated in coming weeks from Simon, the global real estate company that is building the mall, off State Road 56, at the Interstate 75 interchange.

While store announcements are trickling out, nearly 80 stores have applied with Pasco County for building permits and have been identified in media reports in recent weeks.

Among the newest ones – not included in the news release – are Forever 21, Kitchen Collection, The Cosmetic Company, PacSun, Tillys, Guess, Motherhood Maternity, the Luggage Factory, The Limited and Aldo Shoes.

For information about the job fair, call Career Central at (352) 200-3020.

Published July 29, 2015

Compark 75 plans expansion in 2016

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Compark 75 is growing again.

The industrial park, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, will add a new 65,000-square-foot building to four buildings that are already leased almost to capacity.

The permitting process for the new structure is under way, with construction set for 2016.

Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016. (File Photo)
Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016.
(File Photo)

No tenant has signed on yet, but that’s typical for an industrial park that, from the start, has proved that location and the right market conditions will produce results.

“All of our tenants have come after the building was built,” said Heidi Tuttle-Beisner of Commercial Asset Partners Realty, an agent for the property. “They feel confident in the level of activity.”

In October, Compark 75 will welcome two new tenants.

Streetside Classics Cars specializes in the consignment, purchase and sale of classic and collectible cars. Compark 75 is its fourth showroom. Other locations are in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.

An orthodontics distribution company also will relocate from Tampa into about 41,000 square feet of space at Compark 75.

The company name has not been announced, but Tuttle-Beisner said, “It’s a high-end, incredible company.”

The office park is strategically located next to Interstate 75 about halfway between the State Road 54 and State Road 56 interchanges.

Suncoast Parkway is 12 miles to the west. The Tampa North Aero Park is along the park’s northern boundary.

A $15 million expansion of Compark 75 broke ground in 2014. It was the first major investment in commercial office construction in Pasco County since the recession.

Ross Kirk, owner of KVR Development LLC, handles the development and design of the park. Larry Morgan, president of HR Pasco LLP, owns the park.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

The 165-acre site is zoned light industrial and can accommodate warehouse, manufacturing and office uses. About 105 acres is wetlands, which will not be developed.

“It will remain the greenest industrial park in the Tampa Bay area,” she said.

Among tenants at the park are the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office and the U.S. Geological Survey Florida Water Science Center.

Nearly two years ago, J.T.D. Enterprises relocated from Michigan to Compark 75. The company manufactures tubular fabrications and assemblies used in products such as golf ball retrievers and flagpoles. Its products also are applicable to defense technologies.

Companies attracted to Compark 75 generally are looking to expand in locations that offer easy access to the interstate system, and they find that in Pasco, Tuttle-Beisner said.

The area’s attractiveness also is being helped by retail development along the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridors.

The Shops at Wiregrass and the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets are adding amenities and jobs to the area. But Tuttle-Beisner noted: “All the jobs can’t be retail.”

Compark 75 is helping diversify Pasco’s economy by bringing manufacturing and distribution companies into the mix.

“There is nothing else out there like this,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

Published July 29, 2015

Higher property taxes appear likely in Pasco County

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Pasco County commissioners have agreed to advertise a tax hike that could fully pay for salary increases for Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s deputies.

The increased revenues might also pay for a few other items on a wish list suggested by commissioners, including new fire rescue vehicles, additional code enforcement officers, and more money for libraries.

But the increased tax rate will not become final until commissioners approve the approximately $1.3 billion budget in September, and they can always roll the proposed rate back.

However, commissioners, at the July 21 meeting in New Port Richey, had to approve a tentative millage rate that can be advertised in trim notices sent to property owners.

The vote came before a standing-room-only crowd.

The board has adopted rate of 9.4, which is about half a mill higher than the current rate of 8.9.

For a $150,000 house, with taxable value of $100,000, the increase would mean about $36 a year in additional property tax.

Between now and September there will be workshops and public hearings where commissioners might get an earful from unhappy taxpayers.

Or, they could be greeted with cheers from Nocco and others who say the pay increase is critical to public safety.

“It’s just hard for Republicans to raise taxes. We know we’re going to get hammered,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.  But she said, “I’m not here for a career. I’m here to do what’s best for the county. I’m willing. If we don’t invest in our county, how can we possibly expect anyone else to?”

The crowd packing the commission’s meeting room included deputies, first responders and their family members.

They made it clear, as they have at other commission meetings, that they will not be satisfied with anything less than a full funding of Sheriff Chris Nocco’s requested budget increase of $6.5 million.

Kathleen Stevenson, the wife of a Pasco County deputy, told commissioners she never knows each day if her husband will come home safely.

“I want to say what an impact you can make today by putting yourselves in our shoes,” she said. “How much value do they (deputies) have for you? If you think things are improving in this county, you have blinders on.”

The sheriff’s total budget would be about $104 million for 2016, if fully funded. The increase is largely for salary and benefits to jump-start a three-year plan to make Pasco competitive in hiring and retaining deputies. The increase also includes funds for the jail’s new camera security system and maintenance of the department’s helicopter unit.

The sheriff’s department lost 44 deputies last year, many of them choosing to take higher paying jobs in Tampa. Nocco said he expects to lose about 60 deputies by the end of the year.

Pasco ranks 55 out of all 67 counties in Florida in per capita funding for law enforcement, and dead last among Tampa Bay area counties including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus and Hernando, according to data provided by the sheriff’s department. That data also shows the department’s current budget is the lowest among counties with similar or smaller populations.

For example, Pasco’s 2015 law enforcement budget of about $98 million is significantly lower than Pinellas’ budget of nearly $249 million, even though Pinellas has about 61,000 fewer residents.

“It pains me that political leaders in this county have not made public safety funding a priority that gets us out of last place,” said Gary Bradford, a retired Tampa police detective who is a member of the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. “I’m ashamed of it. We have to start. We have to start now.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano drew a round of applause when he suggested a higher millage rate than the one eventually adopted.

“We need to make a move,” he said. “We’ve got a chance for a giant leap in this area. I don’t think anyone here wants to be at the bottom of any pile.”

Mariano also championed an end to parking fees at county parks, saying it is time for the county to stop pushing off decisions from year to year.

County officials estimate the annual revenues from parking fees are about $341,000.

But Mariano said, “Our tax base is only going to grow. It’s going to get better.”

Commission chairman Ted Schrader took the opposite view.

“It’s not really going to get better,” Schrader said. “It’s going to get worse.”

Schrader asked Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes to highlight the crisis that could confront county officials in the next years.

The problem, Grimes said, is that recurring revenues aren’t keeping pace with recurring expenses.

Ending parking fees would be a deal breaker for Schrader who said there was a fairness issue in ending those fees while also increasing the annual storm water fee by $10. He also said the county can’t afford, at least in 2016, to increase library funding to its 2008, pre-recession level.

One source of funding that could help offset or reduce a tax increase is a one-time payout of about $7.4 million from BP Oil. Pasco County commissioners recently agreed to accept the funds as settlement against the oil giant for damages related to the 2010 oil spill at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, off the shores of Louisiana.

The funds probably will be received within three months.

Five Gulf States, including Florida, sued BP for its losses, including tourist-related dollars. The state received more than $3.2 billion from more than $18.7 billion in total from BP. Louisiana received the largest settlement of about $6.8 million but Florida received the highest payout for its total economic losses, pegged at about $2 billion.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore suggested giving $2 million of the county’s share to fund the sheriff’s requested budget.

“That will get him one step closer to the volume of raises he needs to keep people here,” Moore said.

He also supported a budget that funds four additional code enforcement officers. “People are concerned about the image and appearance of the county,” he said. “What’s going to take care of that? Code enforcement.”

Commissioner Mike Wells restated his previous desire to give pay increases to every county employee, possibly with the BP settlement.

“It’s all about raises,” he said. “We have to take care of everybody.”

Published July 29, 2015

Soccer team is golden

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With American flags waving, the Land O’ Lakes High School Unified Special Olympics Soccer team boarded a school bus in their first part of their journey to Los Angeles and the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

Hopes are high for a 12-member team that is the sole representative of the United States in unified soccer.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team pauses for a final group photo before they leave for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)
The Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team pauses for a final group photo before they leave for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

“It will be beautiful if they bring home the gold,” said Marie Lambert. But win or lose, she said, “That whole team, I’m so proud of them.”

Lambert’s 19-year-old grandson, Andrew Ahearn, plays fullback for a team with seven Special Olympics athletes, who are intellectually disabled, and five partner players. He has played on the team since its inception nearly eight years ago.

“Soccer is his love,” said his mother, Adelle Ahearn.

In addition to Ahearn, team members are Christopher Hale, Kyle Lufcy, Hassan Shehab, Ordray Smith, Rufus Smith-Jones, Joseph Tramel III, Samantha Frahm, Thomas Guglielmello, Cameron Hilgenberg, Haley Eckel and Kyle Townsend. Vicky King is head coach. Phyllis Crain and Meghan McLean are assistant coaches.

About 40 friends, family members and school faculty members waved flags and cheered as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team headed to the airport on the first leg of their trip to Los Angeles.
About 40 friends, family members and school faculty members waved flags and cheered as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team headed to the airport on the first leg of their trip to Los Angeles.

Lambert and Ahearn joined about 40 friends, family members and Land O’ Lakes High School faculty for an impassioned and patriotic send off on July 20. They lined the covered walkway outside the school, cheering and slapping high-fives as the team boarded the bus on their way to the airport and the world stage in Los Angeles.

The Special Olympics event will host more than 6,500 athletes from 165 countries from July 25 through Aug. 2, according to its website.

It is billed as the largest event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics. About 2,000 coaches and 30,000 volunteers will participate.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are among the honorary hosts of the world games. Michelle Obama is expected to attend the Opening Ceremony.

Marie Lambert, left, and her daughter, Adelle Ahearn, will be in Los Angeles to cheer Ahearn’s son, Andrew Ahearn, who is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team. With them are 4-year-old Ava Jo Ahearn, and 9-year-old Inez Ahearn.
Marie Lambert, left, and her daughter, Adelle Ahearn, will be in Los Angeles to cheer Ahearn’s son, Andrew Ahearn, who is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team. With them are 4-year-old Ava Jo Ahearn, and 9-year-old Inez Ahearn.

About 80,000 spectators are anticipated daily at more than 20 venues in and around Los Angeles, including the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Southern California.

Lambert and Ahearn will be in the stands along with 9-year-old Inez Ahearn. But for those who can’t make the trip, they can stay glued to ESPN for live coverage. Updates and photos also will be shared at Instagram.com/usaunifiedsoccer and at Twitter.com/pascophotos.

Latanja Timmons will be watching her nephew, Rufus Smith-Jones, on all of the above.

He will be a standout, with a blond Mohawk streak through his hair.

“He wanted to be sure we could find him,” said Timmons, who is the athlete’s aunt and legal guardian. “It’s unbelievable. We are so excited for him and the team. This has afforded him opportunities that he would never have had.”

For the 14-year-old soccer player, simply competing on the field with his teammates is what matters.

Team member Samantha Frahm leads the way as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team is given a patriotic send-off to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Team member Samantha Frahm leads the way as the Land O’ Lakes High School Special Olympics Unified Soccer team is given a patriotic send-off to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

“I don’t just stay home doing nothing,” Smith-Jones said. “Hallelujah!”

Special education teacher Geri Perchard came to the send-off, holding up a sign, reading “Good Luck,” spelled out in red, white, and blue. Many on the team are in her class and serve as peers to other students.

“It’s so exciting,” she said. “They’ve been practicing and sending pictures, and watching themselves on television.”

The team won the honor of representing the United States nearly a year ago after bringing home a gold medal in state competition, and being selected by Special Olympics Florida. Since then fundraising events, including a Breakfast of Champions, has helped collect an estimated $40,000 needed to pay for the trip.

Lambert and Ahearn helped with one event sponsored by the AmVets, Post 4. The Land O’ Lakes Moose Lodge, Pasco County firefighters and others also contributed.

Credit for dedication and hard work goes to the team, said their head coach, Vicky King.

“It’s not me,” she said. “It’s all about them. It’s probably the best thing that will happen in their lives.”

Valerie Lundin, Pasco’s co-director of Special Olympics, offered some parting advice for a team facing a few intense days of practice and hard play.

“Don’t forget the fun part of it.”

Published July 29, 2015

Business Digest 7-29-15

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Staffing company branches out
Victoria Henrich recently bought the Tampa-based office site owned by Agility HR Group, a Jacksonville-based national staffing firm. She is rebranding her business as 5-Star Staffing Solutions, and is launching satellite offices in Wesley Chapel, Trinity and St. Petersburg. She will have 15 employees.

In 2011 Agility HR Group expanded to Tampa Bay by hiring back Henrich, who had left the company to raise her family. She lives in Wesley Chapel with her husband and five children.

Her company, 5-Star Staffing Solutions, specializes in recording online interviews with staffing candidates.

The videos, along with additional candidate background information, are packaged for easy desktop evaluation by prospective employers.

The client base includes call centers, accounting and finance, office administration, sales, mortgage and title, property management, leasing and legal. Staffing needs can be temporary, temporary to permanent or direct placement.

For information contact Henrich at her office at (813) 379-2529, on her cell at (813) 549-9109, or email .

Finance fair
Saint Leo University will host a free Finance Fair on July 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the university’s campus, 33701 State Road 52. The university, the Small Business Administration and the Small Business Development Center are the event’s organizers.

Participants will learn about topics such as small business loans, lines of credit, cash management services, bill pay, wealth management, gift cards and loyalty programs.

For information and to register, email .

Breakfast network
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place July 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Commons at Pretty Pond, at 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills. A continental breakfast is provided. Please RSVP.

The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically. For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Three ribbon cuttings
Come to a social mixer and three ribbon cuttings on July 30 at Copperstone Executive Suites, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The mixer begins at 6 p.m.; the ribbon cutting is at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy refreshments and a meet-and-greet at Copperstone’s Salute to Small Business Networking Mixer and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring Karen Bonanno DeHaas, a gem and jewelry appraiser; James Willis of The Willis Agency; and Gary Beauchaine of G-Man Lawn Care.

For information, call Copperstone at (813) 298-7363.

Happy hour mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a “happy hour” social mixer on Final Friday, July 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Stage Left, 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz. Bring your business card and get to know your fellow chamber members at this free event.

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

Barbershop grand opening
VIP Elite Barbershop will host its grand opening on Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 20309 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Live Oaks Plaza next to Bruster’s Ice Cream. Enjoy wine and hor d’oeuvres. There also will be door prizes, music, photos and business vendors.

For information, contact VIP Elite Barbershop at (908) 487-3249, or visit VIPeliteBarbershop.com.

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly Breakfast Meeting on Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., in the conference room at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Stacey Nance, general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets.

The cost to chamber members is $15 in advance, with registration online by 3 p.m. on July 31. The cost to non-members, and members, at the door is $20.

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

Assisted living ribbon cutting
Legacy at Highwoods Preserve will host its ribbon cutting on Aug. 4 from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 18600 Highwoods Preserve Parkway, near New Tampa in West Meadows. The assisted living facility is the first of its kind in New Tampa with upscale living quarters for more than 80 seniors.

For information, contact Legacy at (813) 375-9858, visit LegacyAtHighwoodPreserves.com, or email .

Wednesday Morning networking
The Wednesday Morning Networking group will meet Aug. 5 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family B-B-Q, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second commercial. The $7 cost includes breakfast. Sponsorships are available.

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

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Randy Surber, chief executive officer and president of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He will provide updates on the emergency department, bone and joint center, wellness center, and plans to start a community garden and Tree of Life.

The cost is $7 for members, and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 278-1913, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Retina Specialists of Tampa will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 26851 Tanic Drive, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. Come and meet the clinic’s physician, Ahmad Bakir Tarabishy, and his staff members.

For information, contact Retina Specialist at (813) 973-3333, or visit RetinaCareTampa.com.

Women-n-Charge luncheon
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Aug. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek County Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. The guest speaker is Linda Inatsuka, a licensed psychologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She will speak on “Moving Past Your Mental Blocks.”

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting) and $18 for all guests (and members paying Wednesday and after). To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com. For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email to .

Networking women
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will meet on Aug. 7 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the second floor conference room at the Health and Wellness Center, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. The guest speaker will be Marcia Johansson, a nurse practitioner specializing in acute care.

The breakfast sponsor is Mitze Richeson, co–owner of Cypress Creek Chiropractic & Wellness, located at 2304 Crestover Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

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

Housing professionals training
Pasco County Community Development now offers lenders and real estate agents the ability to register online for its annual Training for Housing Professionals class. For information, contact the Community Development Division at (727) 834-3445.