The Laker/Lutz News to be honored
The Laker/Lutz News has been notified that it will receive honors in 21 categories during the Florida Press Association’s 2021 Weekly Newspaper Contest.
The Laker/Lutz News has received a total of 27 awards, which will be bestowed during a July 16 luncheon in Sarasota. Staff members Matt Mistretta, Kevin Weiss and B.C. Manion will receive recognition, along with newspaper contributors Fred Bellet, Christine Holtzman, Joey Johnston, Doug Sanders and Kathy Steele.
Lillian Cucuzza and Steve Vinik also are being honored, in a category for reader-generated photographs.
The Laker/Lutz News, locally owned and published by Diane Kortus, serves the communities of Odessa, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio and St. Leo.
Jersey Mike’s supports charities
Jersey Mike’s Subs raised $15 million nationwide to support local charities during is 11th annual Month-of-Giving campaign. In the Tampa/Saint Petersburg area, its fundraising efforts raised $253,000 for the charity High Risk Hope.
Jersey Mike’s locations nationwide accepted donations throughout the month, building to March 31, Day of Giving, when more than 1,900 restaurants donated 100% of sales, not just profits, to local charities, according to a news release.
This year’s fundraising total is double the amount raised in 2019, when the company donated $7.3 million to local charities.
Last year’s Day of Giving celebrations were canceled because of the pandemic.
Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $47 million for local charities, according to the news release.
Tire Kingdom donates tires
Tire Kingdom, which is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, recently donated a set of tires for a vehicle owned by a Tampa nonprofit organization called Project 100, according to a news release.
The Tire Kingdom team at Store 217, at 1005 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, was honored to “play a role and contribute to this worthwhile cause,” Jay Garet, the store manager, said in the release.
Project 100 organizes local events to support the homeless or those in need.
State appointment
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has been named to the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council by Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, according to a news release.
The 10-member board, created by the Legislature, sets business policy and makes decisions regarding clerks’ court-related budget matters.
Alvarez-Sowles’ term, which lasts for two years, began April 11.
Team Up: Building A Strong Economy Together
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and Experience Florida’s Sports Coast are co-hosting an event aimed at bringing together representatives of Pasco’s diverse economy, including corporate businesses, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, attraction partners and restauranteurs.
The event, called Team Up: Building A Strong Economy Together, is planned for May 6 at 5 p.m., at AdventHealth Center Ice.
The event includes networking, cocktails, a figure skating showcase, a plated dinner, tourism and economic development presentations, recognition and award celebrations. There also will be a keynote address by Mike Rayburn, who went from playing guitar for seven people in a bar in Virginia to playing in Carnegie Hall.
For more information, call 813-926-0827, or visit PascoEDC.com.
Grand openings/ribbon-cuttings
- Molly’s Hatchet had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on April 3, at 38444 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.
- Fresh Kitchen New Tampa had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on March 30, at 8648 Hunter’s Village Road in New Tampa.
- First Watch New Tampa had its official egg-cracking ceremony on April 5 to celebrate its new location at 8646 Hunter’s Village Road in New Tampa.
New offerings at Wiregrass
Some new stores have joined the lineup at The Shops at Wiregrass, at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
The new shops include Sephora, Optimal Wellness, Perfume Palace and Gold Mine Jewelers.
The mall also expects to add Token Ramen, Clean Juice and Coffee Latitudes later this year.
For more information, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.
Free business workshop
April 20, from noon to 1 p.m.: Learn about the Business Model Canvas, which provides an easier way to develop a business plan. This webinar teaches participants how to visualize in a single page all the building blocks of your business plan, and still follow a detailed and rigorous process. This webinar is being presented by Jose Melgar, a Pasco-Hernando SCORE member.
To register or find out about other resources available through Pasco-Hernando SCORE, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
GrowPasco breakout sessions
Kevin Harrington, a Shark Tank original, is the keynote speaker at GrowPasco, a daylong event offering 12 breakout sessions for entrepreneurs and executives. The registration fee for the event is $40 per person, with a $20 per person rate for Pasco businesses and residents. The event will be on May 8, at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. To register, go to PascoEDC.com.
