HART board reelects Luis Viera
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board reelected Councilman Luis Viera as chairman, Commissioner Michael Owen as vice chair and director Melanie Williams as secretary of the transit authority’s board of directors for 2024.
“This is such a pivotal time for HART and for the board to continue to stand with the people that we serve and with our amazing workers,” Viera said, in a HART news release.
Viera has been on the HART board since February 2020 and has served on the Tampa City Council since 2016.
The HART board is responsible for setting policy and making decisions for the transit authority on matters ranging from system operations, service planning, fare structure, finance, and customer service. It is made up of 14 volunteers who are appointed to represent Hillsborough County (seven seats), the City of Tampa (four seats), State of Florida (two seats) and City of Temple Terrace (one seat).
Officers of the HART board (chair, vice chair and secretary) are elected annually.
For more information about HART service, visit GoHART.org.
County department relocates
Pasco County Building Construction Services (BCS) has relocated to just down the street from its former site in New Port Richey.
Operations began at the new location, 8661 Citizens Drive, Suite 100, on Jan. 16. The office is in what is known as the former Social Security building.
The new first-floor suites offer more space and convenience for our growing permitting and inspections teams who are processing permits faster than ever.
“Relocating to the Citizens Center will centralize operations and increase collaboration with our team members,” Roy Mazur, assistant county administrator of development services, said in a news release. “We’re looking forward to having Building Inspections and Central Permitting under one roof to improve efficiency, create more training opportunities and offer a one-stop shop to our customers.”
The new space is expected to offer shorter wait times for customers and to provide collaborative spaces for staff training and meetings. Those needing services in Central Pasco can continue to visit the full-service office in Land O’ Lakes. Those requiring services in East Pasco can visit the Dade City office.
Visit MyPas.co/PascoBCS for office locations.
GROW Pasco
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide array of business topics at Grow Pasco, which is set for March 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 12338 Priory Circle, in San Antonio. Grow Pasco features 15 breakout sessions, led by some of the best business minds in the area. Go to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website to find out more about the topics, the speakers and how to register. The Pasco EDC’s website is PascoEDC.com.
Pasco Corrections is hiring
Pasco County Corrections is hiring corrections officers and corrections officer trainees, and will have an in-person career fair on Jan. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be at the Pasco County Corrections facility, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Corrections leadership will be conducting on-the-spot interviews.
Broadband grant funding available
FloridaCommerce has announced that more than $13 million in broadband grant funding is available through the Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program to connect communities with digital devices.
The program connects communities in need of broadband internet access with funds for devices and equipment for digital workforce, education and health care opportunities — like applying for a job, securing a degree, and attending a telehealth appointment, according to a state news release.
Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations and community action agencies serving high-poverty areas. Funding through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program expands broadband access by making computers, laptops, tablets and routers available for loan through local community centers like libraries and schools and equips Multi-Purpose Community Facilities with the devices necessary to ensure full connectivity throughout the facility.
Eligible entities are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, at FloridaJobs.org/Broadband.
To date, more than $226 million has been awarded for 88 strategic projects in 53 Florida counties for broadband internet expansion that will impact more than 250,000 unserved and underserved businesses and homes through the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program.
