The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest (10/04/24): Seats available on jobs committee

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Seats available on Jobs & Economic Opportunities Committee

PASCO COUNTY – The Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee, which oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund portion of Penny for Pasco, is looking for new volunteers.

Responsibilities of members include ensuring Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth.  

There are two open seats: one available to any Pasco County resident and the other specifically designated for someone in the finance or banking industry.  

Applications are being accepted through Dec. 23. Return your application and resume to .

The committee consists of up to nine members, appointed by county commissioners. Members represent diverse knowledge and expertise from the following areas: agriculture, finance/banking, manufacturing, real estate and other private industries.

The committee meets at least quarterly and presents annual updates to commissioners.  Members will serve a two-year term, from March 2025 to March 2027.

 

Central Florida McDonald’s awards $33,000 to schools, nonprofits

Nine Central Florida educational organizations were selected as recipients of a 2024 McDonald’s Golden Grant. 

A total of $33,000 has been allocated to organizations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of area children.

“We feel very honored we are able to help out organizations in our area,” said Kristina Ragatz, McDonald’s owner/operator. “On behalf of Central Florida owner/operators, we are honored to be a part of such tight-knit communities supporting children who need it most.”

Grants were awarded based on creativity, innovation, need and hands-on application of projects. Recipients were: 

  • $10,000 – Forever Outreach (Winter Haven).
  • $5,000 – Community Food Pantry (Tampa).
  • $5,000 – Steps Foundation (Saint Cloud).
  • $5,000 – Ayr’Reka’s Angels (Tampa).
  • $2,500 – FRC Team 801 Horsepower (Merritt Island).
  • $2,500 – Speak Up: Let’s Talk About Mental Health (Tarpon Springs).
  • $1,000 – Guardian Angels of SW Florida (Palmetto).
  • $1,000 – eSTEAMed Learning (Maitland).
  • $1,000 – UF/IFAS Extension Lake County (Tavares).

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold a Medical Roundtable, ribbon cutting, brochure exchange and after-hours networking over the next several days. 

  • Adam Shoemaker facilitates the monthly Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 5 at Holiday Inn Express
    & Suites, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of ElderClub Port Richey with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at 9735 U.S. 19, Port Richey. 
  • Members network during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12 at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, Spring Hill. 
  • Young professionals engage in some after hour networking during a social from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at LaneGlo South, 8631 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will cut some ribbons in celebration of member achievements in the coming days. 

  • Members celebrate the grand opening of 3Natives Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel.
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate Shields Accounting Services LLC from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the chamber’s Wiregrass Mall location, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

FEMA approves $1B for Florida homeowners, renters
TALLAHASSEE – FEMA has approved more than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance to help homeowners and renters recover from recent hurricanes. 

This includes $449.2 million for Hurricane Milton, $516.6 million for Hurricane Helene and $49.8 million for Hurricane Debby.

Under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, homeowners and renters affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby may be eligible for assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.

Floridians can still apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. 

 

Florida awards bonuses for law enforcement recruits

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is making 300 new bonus awards to Law Enforcement Officers and has reached a milestone of 6,400 bonuses awarded to new law enforcement recruits through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. 

The latest 300 bonuses were awarded to officers serving in counties impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. This first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in 2022, constitutes a one-time, $5,000 bonus – after taxes – to newly employed officers in the state.

 

Quick Hits

  • Zachery Gibson and Carlos Lugo, of Weichert, Realtors – Florida Tropics, completed the Fast Track training program, according to Weichert Real Estate Affiliates. The training helps bring new and existing Weichert-affiliated agents up to speed on the latest information, resources and technology available to real estate professionals.