Global Turf Equipment becomes Bobcat dealer
SAN ANTONIO – Global Turf Equipment has added Bobcat Company turf and grounds maintenance equipment to its lineup.
The Tampa Bay-area dealer now offers sales and service for Bobcat compact tractors, mowers, utility vehicles and loaders. The addition of Bobcat expands its lineup of new and pre-owned turf equipment.
Global Turf Equipment’s core customers include golf courses, sports turf managers, municipal grounds crews, commercial landscapers, resorts, schools and universities. It also serves independent contractors and large landscape companies looking for quality ground maintenance equipment and reliable service.
On the web: globalturfequipment.com
Post office to reissue a popular stamp
TAMPA – The U.S. Postal Service has launched the Stamp Encore Contest to mark its 250th anniversary and prepare for America’s 250th in 2026.
The public is invited to vote for one of 25 popular past stamp panes to be reprinted in the 2026 stamp program. Voting is open through Sept. 30 at stampsforever.com/vote, where participants can vote online or by mail. The winning design will be announced in May 2026 at the Boston World Expo.
Choices include Batman (2015), Bugs Bunny (1997), Disney Villains (2017), Mister Rogers (2018), Peanuts (2001), Star Trek (2016) and Wonder Woman (2016).
New Port Richey to celebrate companies
NEW PORT RICHEY – The City of New Port Richey will celebrate 20 businesses named gold, silver or bronze winners in the Tampa Bay Times 2025 Best of the Best People’s Choice Awards.
The free event starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 in Sims Park, 5547 Main St. Tampa Bay Times CEO Conan Gallaty will give a keynote before the awards.
“In New Port Richey, we’ve seen firsthand how local businesses can transform a downtown and energize the community,” City Manager Debbie Manns said. “I am so proud of the passion and commitment our local businesses bring to our city every day.”
Companies to be recognized include: Astro Cycles, Axe Hole NPR, Dented Keg Ale Works, Downtown Hair Lounge, Family Benefit Services, FIT365, Fitzgerald’s Irish Tavern, Gone Juicing’s Wellhouse & Refillery Café, Grand Fresh Market, Grandma Sally’s, Highway 19 Tire, Home Instead, Kazu’s Sushi, Krafts by Kathleen, MADE – Artisan Hall, Richey Suncoast Theatre, Roman Plumbing and Air, Thai Bistro, The Social NPR, The White Heron Tea & Gifts.
State announces lower auto insurance rates
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced a statewide drop in auto insurance rates for 2025.
The top five auto insurance groups—covering 78% of the market—are reporting an average 6.5% decrease, compared to a 4.3% increase in 2024 and a 31.7% spike in 2023.
Florida also now has the lowest personal auto liability loss ratio in the nation at 53.3%. Officials attribute the improvements to legislative reforms supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“When the top insurers in the state are cutting rates by up to 11.5%, that’s not just a statistic, it’s money back in the pockets of Florida residents,” Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said.
Credit Union wins award for innovation
TAMPA – USF Credit Union has won the 2025 Digital Growth Award from the World Council of Credit Unions.
The honor, announced at WOCCU’s global conference in Sweden, highlighted two tools: Flex Pay, a Buy Now, Pay Later option, and Plan Your Purchase, which helps members budget for expenses.
USF says it is the first credit union in Florida to offer a Buy Now, Pay Later product. Its first use helped a parent pay for summer camp.
Fire chief retires, successor named
PINELLAS PARK – Pinellas Park Fire Chief Brett Schlatterer will retire Aug. 23 after 29 years with the city. Schlatterer joined the department in 1996 and became chief in 2018.
Division Chief of EMS Andrew Hughes will be promoted to fire chief. Hughes has served since 2012 and led initiatives such as the countywide Computer Aid Dispatch platform and the department’s Peer Support Team during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hughes, a Pinellas Park native, said he’s honored to lead and build on Schlatterer’s legacy.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social.
- Members ming during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at FloridaCentral Credit Union, 17502 Dona Michelle Drive, Tampa. Register in advance.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange and women’s programming.
- Members networking during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at SpringHill Suites Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $12. Register in advance.
- Stacey Capagrosso, of the Pasco Education Foundation, speaks during the Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.
- The chamber holds its Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Aug. 14 at Florida Cracker, 14139 7th St., Dade City. Entry costs $15. Register in advance.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 15 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 19 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
