Pasco EDC appoints executive leadership
PASCO COUNTY – Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison has been installed as chair of the 2025 executive committee for the Pasco Economic Development Council’s board of directors.
Jibbison serves as vice president of campus operations at Rasmussen University. She has worked 26 years in higher education. She’s also been involved in organizations like the Arthritis Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Pasco County’s dynamic growth and vibrant business climate are inspiring, and I look forward to collaborating with the board, local leaders and community partners to continue driving sustainable development and creating new opportunities,” Jibbison said. “Together, we will build on the successes of the past and ensure Pasco remains Florida’s top destination for business growth and innovation.”
Others on the executive committee include:
- Staceyann Sinclair Jibbison, chair, Rasmussen University;
- Paul Manuel, vice chair, Coastal Design Consultants;
- Alain Fernandez, secretary/treasurer, Suncoast Credit Union; and
- Michele Leo Hintson, immediate past chair, Shumaker, Loop, and Kendrick.
The executive committee provides guidance and support to assist in driving the Pasco EDC mission of stimulating balanced and diversified business growth.
“As we enter a new year, it is pivotal to have our board members deeply involved,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC. “We are particularly looking forward to working with this year’s executive committee, which is made up of a group of amazing business leaders who are committed to the overall growth of Pasco County and our organization.”
Pasco County to get its third Hooters location
CLEARWATER – HMC Hospitality Group, the founders of the Hooters concept, have signed a lease for a 4,500-square-foot restaurant at 25245 Wesley Chapel Boulevard in Lutz, next to the Harley-Davidson dealership.
The opening of the Wesley Chapel location is planned for summer 2025. This will be the third Pasco County Hooters location. The restaurant expects to hire around 60 employees for this location.
Celebrating its 41st anniversary in October 2024, HMC Hospitality Group continues to grow.
In addition to the Wesley Chapel restaurant, the firm is also expanding with a Hooters location in The Villages that has an expected open date in the first quarter of 2025 at Lake Deaton Plaza.
The firm recently signed a licensing deal with Tacos & Tequila Cantina for expansion and are looking at sites within Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties as well as The Villages.
“We are excited for our growth and expansion and look forward to becoming a go-to spot for the Wesley Chapel community,” said HMC Hospitality Group CEO Neil Kiefer.
On the web: originalhooters.com
Pasco County to host career fair
LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County’s human resources department is hosting an in-person career fair.
The job fair takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at Pasco County Utilities Building, 19420 Central Blvd.
Managers will be on-site conducting on-the-spot interviews. Organizers encourage attendees to bring several copies of their resume and come dressed to impress.
Pasco County says these jobs are available: 911 dispatchers, bus drivers, correctional officer trainees, engineers, field inspectors, firefighters, natural resources, parks and recreation, public works/equipment operators and utility positions.
On the web: MyPasco.net
North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings
LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate two ribbon cuttings over the next week.
- The chamber celebrates the grand opening of Lightning Orthodontics with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at 24795 State Road 54, Lutz.
- The chamber celebrates the grand opening of CoaterZ of Lutz from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at 16235 N. Florida Ave., Lutz. A ribbon will be cut at 1:30 p.m.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for more information about these events and other chamber information.
Greater Pasco Chamber happenings
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce offers multiple opportunities to network over the next week.
- Adam Shoemaker facilitates the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance.
- Debbie Manns, city manager for New Port Richey, speaks at the monthly membership breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Vesh Venue, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.
- The chamber’s young professionals group meets for networking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, 16794 Focus Loop, Land O’ Lakes.
- The chamber holds its Land O’ Lakes Brochure exchange from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, Spring Hill. Registration costs $12 for members and $22 for others.
Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.
Better Together adds to board of directors
FORT MYERS – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, recently named Peter Rivera to its board of directors.
Rivera is the president of Gaea Landscaping, a full-service landscaping and maintenance company serving Southwest Florida.
Rivera began his career at 15 years old, mowing lawns with his father to help support their family. Growing up, his parents instilled in him the value of hard work and resilience.
“I’m committed to encouraging the younger generation to give back, support their communities and understand the importance of leaving the world a better place than they found it,” Rivera said.
