1905 Family of Restaurants supports Habitat home
TAMPA – Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough presented a new home to Denaye Ward and her two children, providing relief after rising rent costs consumed more than half her income.
The home at 2913 E. 28th Ave. was made possible through volunteers and support from the 1905 Family of Restaurants, led by restaurateur Richard Gonzmart.
“Strong communities are built when we invest in people who are working to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Gonzmart said. “I’m proud to support this effort that strengthens families and makes them feel more connected to where they live.”
Habitat homeowners contribute “sweat equity” by helping build their homes and receive affordable mortgages.
“I am very grateful for each volunteer who has dedicated their time, skills and energy to help build my home,” Ward said.
City of Zephyrhills has job openings
ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is inviting qualified candidates to apply for vacancies across various departments.
Opportunities are available for candidates with diverse backgrounds, including administrative, technical, public safety, and skilled trades.
City of Zephyrhills job openings include: chief plant operator (wastewater), code support specialist, GIS technician/community planner, heavy equipment operator, human resources assistant, patrol officer, planning director, records clerk (police), sanitation driver, sanitation superintendent, sanitation worker, SCADA specialist and utilities service worker (wastewater).
All positions are open until filled and offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits, along with opportunities for career advancement within a growing municipal organization.
Interested applicants are encouraged to view full job descriptions and submit applications at zephyrhills.gov/jobs.aspx
Applications may also be submitted in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 8th St., Second Floor, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
Questions regarding applications and the hiring process may be directed to City of Zephyrhills Human Resources Department via email at or phone at 813-780-0012.
Tickets available for Florida SBDC luncheon
TAMPA – The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida will host its fourth annual Business Awards Luncheon on May 13 at the USF Marshall Center.
The event will recognize SBDC and U.S. Small Business Administration award winners for 2025, along with outstanding SBDC team members. Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. and include networking, exhibitor booths, lunch and a keynote address by Jay Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Haddy.
“As we gather again to honor the remarkable achievements of our region’s small businesses, I am reminded of the resilience, creativity, and determination that define our entrepreneurial community,” Regional Director Carl Hadden said.
The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $99. More information is available at https://events.blackthorn.io/6g3Q8Wa7/5a1eVOCHQNN.
Real estate firm recognizes agents
TAMPA – Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties announced that local agents were honored by the national franchise organization, Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc., for outstanding real estate performance in 2025.
The following agents earned recognition for reaching specified levels of real estate production in gross commission income or units closed in 2025:
- Chairman’s Club: Alvin Satram and Walter Southard
- Executive Club: Dillon Abernathey
- Sales Achievement Certificate: Sergio Duran and Claudia Forero
“We are incredibly proud of our affiliates and their agents for their remarkable achievements over the past year,” said Bill Scavone, president of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates. “Their dedication, expertise and commitment to providing outstanding service truly set them apart. They persevered and found success during what was widely considered one of the most challenging years in real estate.”
IRS offers special hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced that special Saturday hours will be available over the next few months at select Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country.
The special Saturday openings will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Saturdays through the end of June.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to visit IRS.gov/SaturdayHours for a list of participating TAC locations and instructions to review before traveling to an office. During these Saturday hours, taxpayers can receive assistance with all services routinely offered at a TAC, except for making cash payments.
More than 200 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide are also extending their weekday hours through April 30 to give taxpayers more time to get the help they need during the filing season.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Business Breakfast, Leading Ladies Network event and member celebrations.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Chase Bank at Epperson with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1 at 32106 Pioneering Place, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
- Sarah Rasheid, chief content creator for the North Tampa Bay Chamber, talks about marketing during the Leading Ladies Network event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 3 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson speaks at the Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 7 at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the fifth anniversary of Florida Central Credit Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at 17502 Dona Michelle Drive, Tampa. Register in advance.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Hudson Business Exchange as well as roundtables for the medical industry and veteran community.
- The chamber hosts the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. April 2 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
- Members trade business materials during the Hudson Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance.
- Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. April 8 at 4 & Co Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking.
- Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. April 3 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. April 7 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
