Goodwill helps Bahamas relief
Goodwill-Suncoast presented a check for $26,360 to the Red Cross to aid relief efforts for people in the Bahamas, in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. The check was given Oct. 22 to the American Red Cross and will be a direct pass-through to the Bahamas Red Cross.
The money came from a special collection in September, in which shoppers were invited to round up their purchase at Goodwill-Suncoast stores to support Bahamas relief efforts.
New dental office
Anthony Tossona, DMD, and Natalie Bentivenga, DDS will offer dental services beginning Oct. 31 at Connerton Dental Care in Land O’ Lakes. The family dental practice has the latest products and equipment, and will offer a broad range of services.
“We are excited to be joining the Land O’ Lakes community to offer high-quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” Dr. Tossona said, in a news release.
“Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care,” added Dr. Bentivenga.
Connerton Dental Care, at 20301 Pleasant Plains Parkway, is accepting new patients. For more information, call (813) 365-3652.
Unemployment rate at 3.2%
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced that Florida’s unemployment rate had dropped to 3.2%, as labor force participation increases. Florida’s economy continues to create new private-sector jobs, adding 215,000 private-sector jobs over the year. The professional and business services and financial sectors continue to grow and supply the need for a diverse, high-skilled workforce.
Advisory Council openings
The Food Policy Advisory Council is seeking volunteers, who live in Pasco County, to fill a number of openings on its 10-member committee. The council advises the Pasco County Commission on food policies with the goal of promoting an equitable, resilient, local food system in Pasco County. Representatives from these industries are needed: Farmer, certified nutritionist, academic professional specializing in cultural studies and ecology, an attorney with experience in food systems, a grocer/distribution representative and a farmer’s market representative.
Members serve two-year terms and meet, at minimum, on a quarterly basis at various locations throughout the county.
Applications will be accepted until the posts are filled. Submit applications to http://bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.
How to do a podcast
Learn how to do a podcast at a free session on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. To register go to the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s website (pascoedc.com) and click on the events tab.
Food is big business
A panel of area food industry experts will discuss how to start, grow and support food businesses in Pasco County on Nov. 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. To register go to the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s website (pascoedc.com) and click on the events tab.
Experts sought for conference
Saint Leo University is inviting Tampa Bay organizations and experts to share STEAM career insights at a March 2020 conference. The university is encouraging women and girls to seek education and career options in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, and has scheduled its second Women in STEAM Conference. It is inviting Tampa Bay organizations and experts to share STEAM career insights and skills during the event, scheduled for March 6 and March 7. For more information go to SaintLeo.edu/women-in-steam-conference. Those with any questions will find organizer contact information on the site.
Veterans job fair
CareerSource Tampa Bay will be assisting veterans and their family members on Nov. 7 at the Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair, a special hiring fair dedicated to connecting quality employers with our local veterans, military spouses, and military service members and their families. The event is scheduled for Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at CareerSource Tampa Bay, 9215 N. Florida Ave., Suite 101, in Tampa. More information is available by calling (813) 930-7513.
Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce business breakfast is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is the guest speaker. The charge is $8 for members and $10 for visitors.
Economic Development Summit
The East Pasco Economic Development Summit, focusing on agritourism and agribusiness is set for Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. The keynote speaker will be Holly Bell, director of Cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture. There will be a panel discussion on agribusiness and another on agritourism. To register or for more information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.
East Pasco Networking
Beth Aker, director of East Pasco Meals on Wheels, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells will be the featured speakers at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Nov. 12 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.
