Tampa ranked among best places to live
Scholaroo, a finance website, has conducted an in-depth analysis of Best Cities to Live In, in 2023, and based on that research, Tampa ranked No. 9.
The analysis involved looking at 47 metrics, organized into eight key indicators of satisfaction and happiness, based on a news release from Scholaroo.
Those key indicators are: crime and safety; affordability; economy, quality of life; healthcare; education; employment and infrastructure.
Florida has two of the top best cities to live in, with Naples topping the list.
For the complete study and methodology, or additional details about 2023 Best Cities to Live In, visit https://scholaroo.com/report/best-cities-to-live/
USDA environmental incentives
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications through its Natural Resources Conservation Service for its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The funding is for fiscal year 2023 through March 2024, using funds provided through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The EQIP-IRA applications must include at least one core Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) conservation practice or activity that directly improves soil carbon, reduces nitrogen losses, or reduces, captures, avoids or sequesters carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous emissions associated with agricultural productions, according to a USDA news release.
Facilitating practices or activities that are needed to implement the core practice may also be included.
Applications for EQIP-IRA will be accepted until March 24, 2023 and are available at local USDA Service Centers and online.
Applicants must have farm records established with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Advance payment options are available for historically underserved producers.
Tax service ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting for American Financial Service and Tax at the chamber’s office, 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A in Lutz. The celebration will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m.
Pulte expands Whispering Pines community
Pulte Homes has acquired an additional 80 acres to expand its Whispering Pines community in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release.
The community is currently under construction, off Lake Patience Road.
About 100 homes will be built on the acreage acquired in early January, the news release says.
At completion, Whispering Pines will have 330 single-family homes. The first phase of the project includes 228 homes.
Pre-sales are ongoing and the community is scheduled to host its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 25, at 20876 Drake Elm Drive.
The sales center and three professionally decorated model homes will be open.
For more information, call 813-547-8725.
Pasco County job fair
Pasco County’s human resources department is holding an in-person job fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 16 at the Pasco County Extension Office in Dade City, 36702 State Road 52.
Managers will be on-site to conduct on-the-spot interviews and applicants are advised to dress for success and bring several copies of their resume.
There are current openings in these categories: correctional officer trainees; utility positions; public works equipment operators; 911 dispatchers; firefighters; engineers; GoPasco bus drives; and field inspectors.
To learn more, visit MyPasco.net.
Greater Pasco Chamber is making a trip Tallahassee
The Greater Pasco Chamber’s public policy committee has invited chamber members to accompany its public policy committee for “Pasco County Day” in Tallahassee. The trip will allow visits with local representatives to advocate for industries and businesses.
The chartered bus is set to depart from New Port Richey at 6:30 a.m. on March 15 and return at 10 p.m. the same day.
Chamber member pricing for the chartered bus ride is $50, with a $10 discount if registered by March 10. Attendees are responsible for their own meals and any other personal costs incurred during the trip.
For more details, call the Greater Pasco Chamber, at 727-842-7651 or visit GreaterPasco.com.
East Pasco Networking Group
Featured speakers at the 7:30 a.m. March 14 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group will be Al Hernandez, a member of the Pasco School Board; Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.; and Melonie Monson, former CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber and a candidate for mayor of Zephyrhills.
The meeting will be IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City.
For more information, call Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491.
Business planning help
If you need help with handling business issues, you may be able to find the support you need through SCORE.org, an organization that provides workshops, a library of resources and business mentors. Visit the organization’s website to find out more about the free help that is available.
