Grand reopening
Florida-based Everglades Equipment Group is hosting a grand reopening on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2240 Success Drive, in Odessa. The event will feature the company’s renovated showroom, introduce the community to its new leadership team, and offer free lunch from Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, fun activities and giveaways to attendees.
“The grand reopening event is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the Odessa community and share our story,” Eric Anderson, Everglades Odessa site manager, said in a news release.
Community members are encouraged to learn more about the event and RSVP at Odessa.EFE1963.com.
Resolving workplace conflict
Learn to understand the dynamics of conflict and develop skills to find a peaceful resolution. The free webinar, scheduled for March 30 from noon to 1 p.m., will be presented by Jackie Eden, director of career services for Pasco-Hernando State College. To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its brochure exchange in New Port Richey on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gill Dawg Tiki Bar & Grill, 5419 Treadway Drive. Registration is free for chamber members and $10 for non-members. If you are not a member and would like to attend, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for a one-time free entry.
Marine conservation support
Duke Energy has added $100,000 to Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida to support fisheries, water quality and research, according to a news release.
The recent donation was announced on March 3 at CCA Florida’s Manatee County Chapter Banquet and Auction.
The funds will add to a previous $150,000 contribution from Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation to support CCA Florida’s efforts to bring new reef systems to the Gulf of Mexico and to test new approaches to clean up fish kills after red tide, the news release says.
Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce breakfast is set for April 7 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. The featured speaker will be Dr. Joseph Derbyshire, a board-certified ear, nose and throat and facial plastic surgeon. Event entry is $10.
Volunteer board seats
The City of Zephyrhills is seeking volunteers to serve on its Historic Preservation Board (two openings), its Planning Commission (two openings) and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (one opening).
To access applications, visit tinyurl.com/3sfa5549.
Mission-driven leadership
Saint Leo University is hosting a free event featuring Nick DeMarinis, vice president of sales at WeWork and a former LinkedIn executive.
The Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose program will take place on March 29 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Saint Leo University’s Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms and online via Zoom.
Registration is required online at SaintLeo.edu/mdl to attend the event at the school, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, or via Zoom.
Masks will be required by all individuals while indoors. This guidance is required regardless of whether the individual is vaccinated.
Results from Pigz in Z’Hills
More than 4,000 people turned out for the two-day Pigz in Z’Hills Festival on March 4 and March 5 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.
Fifty-six teams from Florida competed in the 2022 State BBQ Championship. Professional and backyard teams competed for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.
The winners were:
- Professional division: Accutech BBQ of Sarasota, under head cook John Fries: Grand Champion of the 2022 State Barbecue Championship; Hot Wachula’s of Bartow, led by Matt Barber; Reserve Champion.
- Backyard division: Matty B’s of Plant City, under Matt Bowers, first place; Sloppy Hogs, of Naples, under Todd Bender, second place.
Local teams with top-level finishes were Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts, under Kevin Bahr, fourth overall, second in pork; Daryl Coleman of Coleman’s BBQ, first place in ribs and fifth, overall; and Dr. Rick Moore of Smoke Show, first in brisket.
In the Kidz grilling contest, Devin Brown placed first; Aryana Coleman came in second; and, Daniella Gutierrez took third.
