Liquor Depot raises $20K for NFL legend’s charity
TAMPA – Liquor Depot raised $20,000 for the Mike Alstott Family Foundation through its annual charity barrel fundraiser.
Owner Trey Lawson partnered with Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Mike Alstott to release a 12-year Penelope Estate Collection Rye, with all 125 bottles selling out Oct. 11 at Liquor Depot’s Waters Avenue location. Alstott attended to sign bottles and greet fans.
Since 2021, Liquor Depot has donated nearly $60,000 to the foundation, which supports families and children through assistance programs and events.
IT leader joins credit union
TAMPA – GTE Financial appointed Steve Vaughn as vice president of technology integrations.
Vaughn has nearly 30 years of experience in information technology and software development, most recently serving as a senior technology leader at Partners Federal Credit Union in Orlando.
“From my very first conversation with GTE, it was clear that this organization views technology as a differentiator, not just a cost center,” Vaughn said.
His key priorities include integrating AI and emerging technologies, expanding automation and ensuring every technology investment advances security, accuracy and convenience for GTE’s 200,000-plus members.
“His leadership will help us continue advancing technology that protects members’ financial resources while providing faster, smarter and more convenient access to them,” said Chad Burney, chief information officer.
Better Together gets $5K grant from credit union
TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit supporting families and children, received a $5,000 donation from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to fund its Better Families program in Hillsborough County.
The program helps prevent foster care by connecting parents with mentors, jobs and short-term child care.
“These funds empower us to continue providing vital resources to families in crisis in Tampa, keeping families together and preventing the need for foster care,” CEO Megan Rose said.
Since 1990, Suncoast’s foundation has donated more than $55 million. Better Together has served over 15,000 children, keeping 98% of them out of foster care.
U-Pick market adding technology
ALTURAS – Golden Ridge Groves and Market, a third-generation family farm in Alturas, will open in November as Florida’s first U-pick agritourism destination using Citrus Under Protective Screen technology to fight citrus greening disease.
Founded by Katie and Shane Bevilacqua, the farm will feature ruby grapefruit, Valencia and Vernia oranges, strawberries and seasonal sunflowers.
Visitors can enjoy U-pick experiences, fruit sampling and tours along with homemade ice cream, jams and gift fruit shipping.
The public grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Sport Clips launches Help A Hero campaign
TAMPA – Sport Clips Haircuts has launched its 2025 “Help A Hero” scholarship campaign with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, running through Nov. 15.
The goal is to raise $1.35 million for scholarships supporting veterans and service members.
On Nov. 11, participating locations will offer free haircuts to veterans and active-duty military.
Since 2013, the program has awarded more than 3,350 scholarships totaling $15 million.
USF Credit Union expands beyond Tampa Bay
WINTER PARK – USF Credit Union will open its first branch outside the Tampa Bay region in Winter Park in spring 2026.
The branch will feature flexible service spaces and advanced digital tools.
“Winter Park is the ideal community to debut our first branch outside Tampa Bay and our first location without a traditional teller line,” said Richard J. Skaggs, president and CEO of USF Credit Union. “We’re bringing the next generation of banking to Central Florida and opening our doors to all residents who want a financial partner that leads with innovation, inclusivity and heart.”
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a community festival.
- The chamber presents food, music and carnival rides during its 21st annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival & Carnival at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 5854 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26. The carnival opens Oct. 23.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange, networking for nonprofits and programming for young professionals.
- Members exchange business information during New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Catered By VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $15. Register in advance.
- Nonprofits discuss issues about their work and the community during the Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network: A Roundtable for Collaboration & Community Impact from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 28 at The All Ways Center,
6020 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Register in advance.
- Michael Cox, of Coastal Bay Wealth Management, serves as the speaker for the Young Professionals Group Coffee Connections event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 28 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
