Food tech company opens in Pasco
Xgenex, a technology company specializing in food safety through innovative AI-driven solutions, has opened a 3,655-square-foot facility at The Edison Suncoast, according to a news release. Xgenex focuses on eliminating pathogens like salmonella and E. coli using FDA and USDA-approved ingredients. The new facility includes the Xymethius Artificial Intelligence Operations Center and will support local workforce development through an internship program. For more information about the company, visit Xgenex.com
Rate agreement approved
The Florida Public Service Commission has approved Duke Energy Florida’s multi-year rate agreement, which will reduce typical residential electric bills by an estimated 5% in January 2025, according to a news release. The agreement supports investments in reducing outages, enhancing response times, expanding clean energy generation and exploring new technologies. Over the three-year period, there will be an average annual bill increase of 2%, but costs from fuel under-recovery and storm restoration will be removed by the end of 2024, leading to lower bills in 2025. For more information about the agreement and the benefits to Duke Energy Florida customers, visit Duke-Energy.com/FL-Rates.
New SBDC office in Polk County
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida is expanding with a new satellite office in Polk County, according to a news release. Starting Sept. 4, the office will be open every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) building, 303 Ledwidth Ave., at Lake Eva Park in Haines City. Randy Hayes, a business consultant from the Florida SBDC at USF, will provide free consultations at this location. The expansion aims to offer more accessible support for local entrepreneurs and businesses in Haines City. For more information, visit SBDCTampaBay.com.
St. Leo Roundabout Business Day
The Town of St. Leo will host a Roundabout Business Day on Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 33024 CR 52 (the Town Center property). This event aims to support local businesses affected by the CR 52 closure due to roundabout installation, according to a news release. Attendees can enjoy food and drink specials, a bounce house, games, contests and “touch-a-truck” vehicles. The event will be family friendly. For more information about St. Leo, visit TownOfStLeo.org
Halloween Event at rec complex
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex will host a Halloween event on Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with setup beginning at 4:45 p.m, according to a news release. The event will be held at the football field at 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate as vendors, where they can distribute candy and promotional items (sales are not permitted). Tables and chairs will be provided, and vendors are encouraged to bring canopies and decorations. To reserve a spot, email , or call 813-929-1220.
Fresh Kitchen opens new location
Fresh Kitchen opened its 15th location at 17629 Harpers Run Road in Lutz on Aug. 20. To celebrate, the restaurant hosted Friends & Family events on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, featuring complimentary bowls and accepting donations to support Vibrant for All, a local mental health organization. Known for its build-your-own-bowl concept with healthy, fresh ingredients, Fresh Kitchen also introduced a new Online Ordering Drive-Thru at this location. For more information, visit EatFreshKitchen.com.
Achieva names new president
Achieva Credit Union has appointed Renee Grauer as president of Retail Sales and Service, according to a news release. Grauer brings over 40 years of banking experience from her previous role at Wells Fargo, where she led regional turnarounds and improved branch performance. At Achieva, she will oversee retail banking operations, aiming to enhance member service and drive growth. Grauer is originally from North Carolina and a long-time Tallahassee resident.
For more information about Achieva Credit Union, visit AchievaCU.com.
Habitat names new executive director
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties has appointed Whitney Dinu as executive director to lead its expansion into Hernando County, according to a news release. Dinu, who has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and community engagement, will oversee growth initiatives and build strategic partnerships. She will also help establish the Hernando Leadership Council to advocate for Habitat’s mission. The organization recently acquired its first lot in Hernando County and plans to break ground soon.
For more information, visit HabitatPWP.org.
GuideWell and Florida Blue name new director to board
Will Weatherford, managing partner of Weatherford Capital and chairman of the University of South Florida’s board of trustees, has joined the board of directors for GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation, a health solutions company, and Florida Blue, a health insurer, according to a news release. Weatherford brings experience in technology, finance and business services. Weatherford previously served as the youngest speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
