New KFC in Land O’ Lakes
Kentucky Fried Chicken has a new location at 17750 Aprile Drive, in Land O’Lakes, according to a news release. “We are excited to open a new KFC restaurant in Land O’ Lakes to serve the interests of the local community,” Tonya Mangels, vice president of marketing activation, KBP Brands, said in the release. This is KBP Brands’ 21st KFC restaurant in the greater Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg metro area and its 52nd KFC location in Florida. KBP Brands plans to hire 50-plus new team members. Apply at KFC.com/careers.
SCORE.org is redesigned
SCORE.org has redesigned its website, with the aim of creating easy access to its resources. With the new website, users can select the stage their business is in to find training, resources, and mentors for assistance. SCORE.org offers an extensive library of small business how-to resources. It also has 227 chapters across the county, offering local mentors, business resources and events. To check the local website, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
Florida’s unemployment rate
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Dec. 16 that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.6% — the lowest among the nation’s top ten largest states and 1.1 % lower than the national rate.
Hooters gives back
The 11 Tampa Bay area Hooters locations helped spread the joy this holiday season by giving back to local charities.
The restaurant donated to several local organizations including The Arc Tampa Bay, Children’s Cancer Center, Pasco County Foster Adoptive Parent Association, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Metropolitan Ministries and Children With A Vision, according to a news release.
“Our employees like to get involved and make a difference in our community year-round especially during the holiday season. We have many longstanding partnerships with local organizations that help many children and brighten their holiday. Being an active partner in the community is a priority to our company,” HMC Hospitality Group Chief Marketing Officer Denise Williams said, in the release.
EōS Fitness opens
EōS Fitness, a gym chain, has opened a new location in Land O’ Lakes, at 2194 Argosy Drive. This is the company’s sixth location in Florida, according to a news release.
Its offerings support members throughout the entire warmup/workout/recovery cycle, including EōS Smart Strength equipment and The Tank. EōS Smart Strength’s seven-piece equipment line is a uniquely personalized experience using smart technology, empowering members with fitness solutions customized for their goals and needs, taking the guesswork out of strength training.
The Tank is an innovative new recovery space where members can properly recover from their workouts using percussion massagers, compression pants and professional-grade stretch tables.
“We are eager to share our passion for health, fitness and wellness and introduce a comprehensive fitness experience unlike any other to the community of Land O’ Lakes,” Richard Idgar, COO of EōS Fitness, said in the release. “No matter where our members are in their fitness journeys, EōS has something for everyone.”
Kat Brat Studios launch
Kat Brat Studios is hosting its company launch on Jan. 12 at 1 p.m., at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce office, 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A, in Lutz.
A RSVP is required through the chamber’s website. Those attending will have a chance to learn about the company’s aerial drone services, gamification marketing strategies and be introduced to its S.T.E.A.M. Expo 2023. To find out more about the visit, visit KatBratStudios.com, or email .
Chamber orientation
New members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber are invited to attend a new member orientation on Jan. 4 at 8 a.m. Visit the chamber’s website, at NorthTampaBayChamber.com, to register.
Networking Group meeting
Paul Conley, the district executive director of the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA, will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s Jan. 20 breakfast meeting. The group meets at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. Meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, contact Nils Lenz at or call 813-782-9491.
Pasco Fire public information officer hits milestone
Corey Dierdorff, public information officer (PIO) for Pasco County Fire Rescue, has been deemed a Master Public Information Officer, the highest certification awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Corey’s experience, combined with his newfound knowledge from the MPIO course, will benefit the Pasco County community as we continue our efforts to keep the public safe and informed,” Fire Rescue Chief Scott Cassin, said in a Pasco County news release. “His approach to sharing our news is strengthening our relationships with the community and our media partners – and will bolster close relationships for years to come.”
Dierdorff’s experience include public information work in television news and six years as PIO for two Tampa Bay area fire departments. He has served in the joint operations center for several significant events, including natural disasters, the College Football Playoffs in Tampa, Super Bowl LV and the Florida State Fair.
The certification he achieved is held by 137 people across the country.
