Viable Vapor opens in Wisteria Plaza
Gina and Vince Sankoe have opened Viable Vapor, a retail store selling electronic cigarettes, at 6755 US 41 in Wisteria Plaza.
The couple opened the store after Gina began using electronic cigarettes and became interested in learning more about them. After much research and testing, she chose products that she considered the most effective and satisfying. She then began converting family members to electronic cigarettes and began developing plans to open a retail location.
Honorary mayor candidates’ fundraisers
Pam Oakes and Lisa Rogers, who are vying to become the honorary mayor of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, have scheduled fundraisers in their quest to raise the most money for the chamber and for their respective charities.
Oakes has scheduled a Toast of the Town fundraiser between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Black Lake Professional Office Park, 5420 US 41 in Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $20 per person, with chamber members enjoying a discounted rate of $10 per person. The event is being hosted by Cooper Financial and Pizza Villa.
Rogers is throwing a Masquerade Party at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at the Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave. in New Port Richey.
Guests are invited to wear their finest evening attire and enjoy a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, silent auction and best-dressed contest. Tickets are $60 for individuals and $100 per couple. For more information, call Lisa Rogers at (813) 458-9672 or visit www.facebook.com/MasqueradeBallLisaforMayor.
The chamber has used the annual mayor’s race to raise money since 1965, and in an item posted on its website, it notes, “This position can be bought.”
Hungry Harry’s to raise money for Oasis
Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que is having a fundraiser for Oasis, a pregnancy center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4.
The barbecue restaurant will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from those dining in or taking out meals.
Hungry Harry’s is at 3116 US 41 in Land O’ Lakes.
East Pasco Association of Realtors names board
The East Pasco Association of Realtors celebrated its annual installation of board members and awards banquet.
The association’s officers and directors are president Jessica Floyd, president-elect Sue Pearson, past president Greg De La Rue, secretary/treasurer Linda White and directors Chris Shasheen, Roxann Tanner, Corin Hall, Deanna Pelfrey and Patty Hurlburt.
The association also recognized Rhonda Johnson as affiliate of the year and Jessica Floyed as realtor of the year. The association also donated $1,500 to Habitat for Humanity of East Pasco.
Small business workshop
Saint Leo University’s Small Business Development Center is offering a workshop called Starting Your Small Business from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. The session will be in Room 225 in the university’s Donald R. Tapia School of Business, 33701 SR 52.
The cost is $25. To register online, visit www.sbdctampabay.com/training. For information, call (888) 929-2221.
Women-N-Charge to meet
Women-N-Charge is having a networking session and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.
Lori Bainumm, director of corporate training at Pasco-Hernando Community College, is the featured speaker.
The cost for the luncheon is $15 online by registering at www.women-n-charge.com by Jan. 29. After that, the cost is $18. For more information, call (813) 600-9848 or email .
Women Build gets under way
A crew of women volunteers began building a Habitat for Humanity house on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 as part of this year’s Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. The program challenges women to devote at least one day to help eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. This is the fifth Women Build house being built by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County. Those interested in volunteering, sponsoring or making a donation should call (352) 567-1444, email or visit www.habitatpasco.org.
Brett Uravich joins Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills has hired Brett Uravich to serve as the hospital’s physician liaison.
In his new role, Uravich will be responsible for building, developing and managing relationships with both independent and employed physicians.
Before joining the hospital, Uravich was regional marketing manager for Advanced Imaging Centers in Leesburg.
FGUA approves $49.2 million purchase
The Florida Government Utility Authority (FGUA)’s board has approved spending $49.2 million to purchase most of the water and wastewater systems, currently owned by Aqua Utilities Florida and Crystal River Utilities located in Florida.
As part of the process, FGUA plans to stabilize rates and will continue to improve the quality of service for these customers.
In Pasco County, three water systems and three wastewater systems were purchased as part of the agreement. The Aqua purchase also includes systems in Alachua, Citrus, Hardee, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Polk, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia counties.
The purchase is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2013.
Taylor Morrison has high expectations for 2013
Taylor Morrison had a good year in 2012 and is expecting an even better year in 2013, according to a company release.
With nearly 20 active new-home communities in the West Florida region, the developer and builder has new projects in the works and expects 2013 to continue in a positive trend.
“We are moving full speed ahead with land purchases, new models and amenity centers, fresh design ideas, and we have added new staff members to support that growth,” Steve Kempton, division president of Taylor Morrison West Florida, said in a release. “Looking back to the boom times and the economic downturn that followed and played such havoc with the housing market in recent years, I am extremely encouraged with our sales numbers this year and am optimistic that more good news is in store in 2013.”
The West Florida division recorded significant successes in 2012. As of Oct. 31, home sales were 23 percent higher than they were in the same period during the previous year. Traffic at sales centers increased by 28 percent and closings were up as well.
Taylor Morrison has developed three new communities of its own in the West Florida region, including Arbor Woods in Wesley Chapel.
