Tech grants awarded
FloridaCommerce awarded over $11 million through the ConnectedFlorida Digital Connectivity Technology Program to 15 local education, workforce, and community development partners across Florida. These funds will enhance digital literacy, education, training, mentorship and employment opportunities, particularly in small and rural communities, according to a news release.
The recipients were: Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County ($500,000), Bridge To Hope W.O.C., Inc. ($404,693), Centro Campesino ($779,018), Figgers Foundation ($5,499,580), Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners ($355,200), Hardee County Industrial Development Authority ($391,380), Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth, Inc. (HANDY) ($242,571), Miami-Dade County ($1,417,600), OIC of South Florida ($408,313), Pasco County Board of County Commissioners ($149,765), Polk State College ($114,642), Santa Rosa County ($100,000), S.E.E.K Foundation, Inc. ($496,125), St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees ($258,735), and The District Board of Trustees of Miami-Dade College ($462,866)
For more information, visit FloridaJobs.org.
Habitat Women Build
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has launched the 2024 Women Build, inviting female leaders from the Tampa Bay area to help construct a home for a local single mother, according to a news release. This initiative offers participants exclusive build days and opportunities to collaborate with other professionals. Honorary Co-Chairs Heather Ford, CFO at Power Design, and Marsha Droste, Partner at Pete & Shorty’s and Hooters, will help recruit and raise awareness for the project.
For more information, visit HabitatPWP.org/womenbuild.
Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp
The Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart entrepreneurship program has partnered with AmSkills to host a Pasco Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp, Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, at AmSkills Innovation Center, 4606 Darlington Road in Holiday. This five-day bootcamp is designed for entrepreneurs looking to develop their business ideas. Participants will learn to use tools like laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC machines, as well as gain knowledge on patenting and go-to-market strategies, according to a news release. After completing the bootcamp, they will receive a “LabPass,” granting access to labs and workshops for further product development. The bootcamp costs $545 and includes lunch.
For more information and to register, visit PascoEDC.com/events/details/pasco-rapid-prototyping-bootcamp.
Duke awards nonprofits
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants to four nonprofit organizations in Florida, each receiving $10,000, according to a news release. The recipients are Feeding Florida, the Florida State Park Foundation, the American Red Cross, and Prospera (Hispanic Business Initiative Fund). These grants aim to support the organizations’ efforts in strengthening communities, providing food aid, preserving state parks, offering disaster relief, and supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit Duke-Energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.
Emorys Rock Realty grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Emorys Rock Realty on Aug.22 from 4 p.m to 7 p.m., at Signature Workspace, 28210 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. The event is free and will include light bites and raffles.
Drive Now offers U-Haul
Drive Now Motors, 14230 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa, has become a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, offering U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies. The
business, owned by Raouia Ben Youssef, now provides essential moving services to the community 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. To make a U-Haul reservation, call 813-498-0952, or visit Uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Tampa-FL-33613/033195.
Snowbird earns NHWA accreditation
Snowbird Home Patrol Home Watch Services in New Port Richey, a company founded by Jodie Sullivan, has earned its fifth-year accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). Home Watch involves visual inspections of properties to identify any obvious issues while the owner is away, and the NHWA sets standards for home watch and absentee homeowner services across the U.S. and Canada, according to a news release. For more information, visit SnowBirdHomePatrol.com.
