Self-driving buses coming to Hillsborough County
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis touted the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit system, or HART, at a recent hearing of the Communications and Technology subcommittee.
The transit service soon will begin operating a “first-of-its-kind” autonomous public bus system with wireless 5G capabilities.
The commuter shuttle will run in downtown Tampa. HART received about $1 million from the Florida Department of Transportation to test and get the service started.
Bilirakis is a member of the subcommittee, which is considering legislation to promote broadband and wireless technology. The hearing’s topic was “Fueling the 21st Century Wireless Economy.”
“I’m immensely proud that Hillsborough County, part of my district and part of our Tampa Bay community, is leading the charge to bring innovative technology to the public transportation sector,” said Bilirakis, in a press release issued by his office regarding the hearing.
The 5G is the fifth generation, and the next mobile wireless standard, anticipated by 2020. Most mobile phones now operate on 3G or 4G LTE.
Bilirakis also discussed the benefits of wireless for health care and tele-health technology. Nearly 24 percent of his constituents, which include Pasco County residents, are seniors, he said.
Health care providers can use advanced tele-health technology to evaluate and treat seniors and disabled patients remotely from the comfort of their homes, Bilirakis added.
North Tampa meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3627 Humphrey St., in Tampa.
The guest speaker is Jeff Ruby, founder and president of RedRock Leadership.
The cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.
For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.
Chamber mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer April 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Happy Feet Plus, at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Members and guests are welcome to enjoy an evening of fun, food and networking.
For information, call (813) 994-8534, or email .
Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15, if pre-registered by April 13. For non-members, the cost is $20, if pre-registered or at the door.
For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .
Axiom Bank ribbon cutting
Axiom Bank will have a ribbon cutting April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 19910 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in New Tampa.
The event is free.
For information, email Jim Roth at .
Chamber honors citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will recognize student citizens at its Chamber Citizen of the Month breakfast April 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Church at Chancey Road, at 34921 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .
Kaji Harmonies Therapies opens
Kaji Harmonies Therapies will have a ribbon cutting April 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2748 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.
Kaji is a Japanese term which translates to “the flow of healing energy,” according to the company website.
Services offered include Integrated Massage and holistic, Japanese techniques that generate relaxation and reduce stress.
The event is free.
For information, call The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .
Export conference
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host Growing Global 2017-International Exporting Conference April 19 from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Anclote East Room of the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.
The half-day conference will focus on strategies, tactics and resources for growing businesses by exporting goods and services. Panel discussions will cover topics such as shipping and logistics and “Tampa Bay’s Home Team-Going Global Case Studies.”
Vendor exhibitors will include the Small Business Development Center, Florida Department of Transportation, UPS, and U.S. Commercial Services.
The keynote speaker will be Ruben Ramos Arrieta, minister counselor for the economic and trade office embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Washington D.C.
The cost is $20.
Registration deadline is 5 p.m., on April 14.
For information, call Devon Barnett at the PEDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, toll free at (888) 607-2726, or email .
Lunch n Learn
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch n Learn luncheon April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Don Porter boardroom at the chamber’s office, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.
KMACC Solutions’ representatives will discuss “Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The Critical Link to Success in Business.”
The cost is $15, including lunch. Space is limited so pre-registration is recommended.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .
