Be a Business Development Week presenter
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is making an open call for programs for its 28th annual Business Development Week, scheduled for Jan. 25 through Jan. 29, 2021.
The week offers professional development opportunities, networking activities, seminars and resource sharing for businesses of all sizes.
There will be presentations in standalone sessions, breakfasts and luncheons.
The theme will be “Pathways to Success.”
Speaking topics this year are human resources, social networking, technology, marketing and health care.
Those who wish to be considered for participation can get details on slots and other information by contacting the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (727) 842-7651, (813) 909-2722, or .
Reduce reopening risks
The Pasco Economic Development Council and Florida’s Sports Coast have launched a grant program to cover fees associated with earning Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Accreditation.
The accreditation means a business has established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection and disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious diseases like COVID-19, creating a safe environment for reopening.
The grant is being supported by the county through $2 million in Pasco CARES Act funding, For more information, visit PEDC.com.
Avalon Park/sitEx to add 1,000 lots
Avalon Park Group/sitEX has announced that is has closed on a 285-acre parcel in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel with D.R. Horton, bringing up to 1,000 additional lots to the community in the next phase called Westgate, according to a news release.
Citizens’ academy applications
If you would like to get an immersive look at how Pasco County government works, apply by Aug. 10 to become a member of the Pasco County Citizens Academy.
This program, being offered for the 10th time, is an educational and entertaining program that gives participants a chance to learn the ins and outs of government through in-person and virtual meetings. The program will follow the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Florida Department of Health social distancing guidelines.
The program includes 10 sessions, which begin in September, with a graduation set for December. A winter session of the program also will be offered, beginning in January, 2021.
Apply by completing an online application: bit.ly/CitizensAcademyApp.
Raining Berries
Raining Berries, a business that opened its first corporate store in Lutz, is bringing its premium açaí bowls, fair trade coffee, and artisanal teas to four more Tampa Bay locations in St. Petersburg, Westshore, Clearwater and the University of South Florida area, according to a news release. The four new locations represent a $2.6 million investment, the release says.
Recent county approvals
The Pasco County Commission has approved numerous actions during recent weeks, including:
- A land use change and rezoning clearing the way for a 218-unit townhouse development on 45.52 acres, off Little Lake Thomas, off U.S. 41. Initially, nearby residents voiced strenuous objections to the project, but the developer agreed to numerous conditions, and by the time the land use and zoning changes were approved, no one spoke in opposition.
- An ordinance that requires people to maintain improved properties by keeping the grass mowed to a height of no more than 8 inches. The ordinance was prompted by complaints about an inactive golf course.
- A reduction in setback requirements for Land O’ Lakes Moose Lodge, No. 1903 Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, on the west side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, one-fourth mile north of Asbel Road. Plans call for developing the 1.97-acre site into a fraternal lodge.
- An interlocal agreement with the Town of St. Leo to install and maintain a speed table on Dunne Road. Work is expected to be completed within 18 months.
- A request by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc., for on-site consumption and package sales of beer and wine, at the store, located on the south side of Oakley Boulevard, approximately 650 feet east of the intersection of Wesley Grove Boulevard and Oakley Boulevard.
- A change order relating to the construction of the East Pasco Fleet/Transit facility, extending the completion date to Aug. 3.
- A resolution to notify the public of the county’s proposed solid waste rate increase of $7 per equivalent residential unit (single-family) for fiscal year 2021; there’s also a proposed increase in tipping fees of $6.39 per ton for fiscal year 2021.
- Agreed to extend the time to complete the installation of a generator for the pharmacy and medical flooring for the clinic at Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco Inc. The new deadline is Sept. 30, 2021.
- Promoted Brian Hoben to the position of community services director. Hoben had been serving as the public services administrator and as interim community services director.
Achieva Credit Union
Achieva Credit Union is planning a 4,000-square-foot branch in Trinity, near the intersection of Trinity Boulevard and State Road 54. It will be the credit union’s third location in Pasco County. The branch is installing 72 solar panels on its roof, with the goal of absorbing enough sunlight to cover its electricity needs.
