Skeet range request dropped
A request to allow a private skeet shooting range on a 53-acre property off of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard has been withdrawn.
Dania Vizzi, a champion skeet shooter, had wanted to practice her skills on the property in her quest to make the U.S. team for the 2020 Olympics.
But, she was practicing there before receiving Pasco County’s permission to establish the range, which drew the ire of neighbors and a complaint to the county’s code enforcement division.
At a Pasco County Planning Commission public hearing on Oct. 10, several neighbors said that shooting on the range was disturbing their tranquility and disrupting their way of life.
Both county planners and planning commissioners recommended approval of the request, contingent on a list of conditions.
Matt Newton, an attorney representing applicants Arthur and Doree Vizzi, told planning commissioners that the recommended conditions were cost-prohibitive.
Applicant Arthur Vizzi said the same thing.
But, planning commissioners were not swayed and left the conditions intact.
The Pasco County Commission was scheduled to consider the request on Nov. 5, but the Vizzis withdrew it.
Sponsorships sought
You can enter your company’s float into the parade, be the title sponsor or even sponsor the Santa float in the upcoming 2019 Holiday Street Parade presented by The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Holiday. Deadline for sponsorships is Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. To find out more call (727) 842-7651.
Florida is No. 2 for startups
Comparisun has analyzed business survival rates, business application growth, rate of new entrepreneurs, tax rates, education labor costs and the cost of living to reveal the best states in the country to launch a startup.
According to Camparisun’s findings, Florida came in second, behind Texas. The other states rounding out the top 10, in this order are: Ohio, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, California, North Carolina, Georgia and Oklahoma.
E-Marketing workshop
This free workshop on Nov. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., looks at how to implement a marketing campaign using the Internet. It is being presented by Pasco Hernando SCORE at SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.
Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, and stay for the great company and conversation.
Ceramic Garden’s grand opening
The Ceramic Garden, at 19213 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is having its grand opening on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A number of special activities are planned.
The 17-year old company relocated from Northdale and features a relaxing garden atmosphere, several studios for painting pottery, clay (hand-building, sculpture, throwing), and glass art. The company also offers art camps for adults, classes for all ages, workshops, a party room, and afterschool art programs. More information about the company and event can be found at TheCeramicGarden.com.
Aquarium appoints board members
The Florida Aquarium’s Board of Directors has approved Kimberly A. Bruce, as the organization’s new board chair. It also has new board members. They are:
- Douglas Brigman, senior vice president, Raymond James Financial
- Christopher Brandriff, executive director, J.P. Morgan Chase
- John Couris, president and chief executive officer, Tampa General Hospital
- Andrea Gonzmart Williams, owner, fifth generation, Columbia Restaurant Group
- Kyle M. Klement, president and CEO, Klemtek Media
- Craig Kingensmith, president, Coastal Construction of Tampa LLC
- Rita Lowman, president, Pilot Bank
- Larry Shannon Ph.D., president and CEO, Shannon and Associates Consulting
- Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO, EMBARC Collective
Bay Tech expands in Pasco
Bay Tech Industries will invest nearly $1.5 million in building and equipment expansion in Odessa, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.
Bay Tech Industries has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years, and nearly a decade in Pasco County.
It is operated by Bob Bourassa, president; Rick Seal, vice president; Bob’s son Bobby, general manager and his daughter Amanda, office manager.
The company is investing $1.5 million in a 12,170-square-foot building expansion and new equipment.
The company’s production demands required a larger space.
“We love working with our existing industries in Pasco County, especially veteran-owned, and seeing them grow,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC’s president and CEO, said in the release. “It’s rare to see an entire family work together successfully with the typical stresses of running a business, but they have it figured out, they have a great team.”
Bay Tech Industries specializes in machining, milling, welding and fabrication of components for aerospace and defense.
Bourassa served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 in Vietnam, and is a Bronze Star recipient. He and his partner started this business because of the history they have in the defense industry, and the company continues to serve that industry.
