Chamber to study potential Wesley Chapel incorporation
WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to fund an independent economic impact study regarding incorporation of Wesley Chapel.
Executive Director Hope Kennedy and board chair Angelique Lenox emailed a note March 13 to stakeholders explaining the effort.
“Many in the business community have asked the Chamber to lead efforts in exploring the possibility of incorporation,” they wrote. “The Chamber is neither for nor against incorporation. However, as the leading business organization representing Wesley Chapel, we are well-positioned to facilitate the necessary studies to ensure everyone has the facts and data needed to make an informed decision.”
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation will raise the money for the study. Donations will be capped to ensure the study remains impartial.
“This study is the first step in a long process,” they wrote. “Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so that, when the time comes, Wesley Chapel’s citizens can vote with full knowledge of the potential benefits and challenges of incorporation.”
Forbes puts Tampa on a fun list
TAMPA – Tampa is getting national recognition as one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and other communities are probably green with envy.
Forbes highlighted the city in a new report, ranking it among the top destinations in the U.S. for the holiday.
The ranking, based on data from WalletHub, compared 200 major cities using 15 key metrics, including the number of Irish pubs and restaurants per capita and affordability of three-star hotels on St. Patrick’s Day.
Tampa ranked No. 21 and stands out as the only major Florida city to color its river green, earning it the title of the “Nation’s Sunniest St. Patty’s Day Celebration.”
“Tampa has everything you love about St. Patrick’s Day, minus the winter chill,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Forget shivering by a green river – in Tampa, you can trade winter coats for flipflops and enjoy a festive waterfront celebration under the sun.”
County has new spokesperson
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government has added Public Information Officer Amanda Hunter to its Media Relations & Communications team.
She will serve as the official spokesperson/media contact for county government.
Hunter previously worked with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber meets for networking and a grand opening in the week ahead.
- Chamber President Hope Kennedy leads a new member orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 26 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the opening of Tiny Tots Playtown from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 24412 State Road 54, Lutz. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m.
- Members network in a relaxed setting during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. March 28 at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco Chamber happenings
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a Medical Roundtable, ribbon cutting, brochure exchange and more in the days ahead.
- Members hold a ribbon cutting at Any Lab Test Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 1310 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting is at noon. Register in advance.
- Members exchange company literature during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 27 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Registration is free for members and $10 for others. Food costs $15. Register in advance.
- The Young Professionals Group meets for its monthly Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 28 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Company, 5738 Main St., New Port Richey.
- Reps from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic, and Good Samaritan Clinic speak during the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. April 3 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. Register in advance.
