Tax collector launches new website
The Pasco Tax Collector’s office has launched a new website it says will allow taxpayers the opportunity to glean various services provided by the office.
The site was launched on Nov. 1, and will not only answer common questions about those needing the tax office, but also can be used to submit online job applications, receive news and announcements, and send questions directly to the tax collector, Mike Fasano.
Belk wants pants for Purple Heart
Belk, located at 2111 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, is offering a trade up for customers who bring in “gently used” pairs of pants for the Purple Heart Service Foundation.
Between Nov. 8 and Nov. 11, those who donate can then purchase a pair of Haggar pants for less than $30. Those days will also include visits from members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 0087 to thank customers for their donations.
Last year, Belk collected five cartons of pants. They have set a goal of 20 cartons for this year.
BNI to have breakfast event
Business Network International, or BNI, is hosting a visitor’s day breakfast meeting at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes, on Nov. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
BNI is an international organization with more than 6,200 chapters and 139,000 members, which generated more than 7.1 million referrals representing more than $3.3 billion worth of business for its members last year, according to the group.
For more information, call Nikki Denzik at (813) 422-4438.
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills gets new CNO
Gwen Alonso is the new chief nursing officer for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, overseeing all nursing departments in the 139-bed acute care facility.
Alonso brings more than 30 years of nursing experience to the role, and has been on the staff of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills since 2003.
Before her recent promotion to CNO, Alonso was associate vice president of cardiac services, a position she’s had since 2010. Before that, she was the administrative director of cardiovascular services, and the critical care director.
Alonso previously worked at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point from 1981 to 2003, in various nursing and nurse leadership positions there during her tenure.
Alonso has a master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Florida, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southern Adventist University. She received her associate’s degree from Hillsborough Community College.
Lennar new title sponsor for clay shoot
Lennar Homes is the new title sponsor for the second annual Wiregrass Ranch Classic Clay Shoot, which takes place Nov. 9 at the Tampa Bay Sporting Clays.
Lennar has donated $10,000 to the Wiregrass Ranch Foundation and the Porter family, and money raised at the event would help local charities, schools and projects throughout Pasco County.
Last year’s clay shoot raised nearly $20,000 for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and $30,000 toward local high school scholarships.
WellCare appoints Gallitano interim CEO
David J. Gallitano is the new interim chief executive officer of WellCare Health Plans Inc., replacing Alec Cunningham while the company’s board of directors conducts a nationwide search for his permanent successor.
“Alec’s contributions to WellCare have been significant,” Gallitano said in a release. “As the company continues to expand and grow, the board felt that it was necessary to identify a new experienced leader to help write the next chapter for WellCare.”
Gallitano, who has been a part of the board since 2009, was named its chair last May. He is president of Tucker Advisors Inc., a private investment and advisory firm.
He has a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University, and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Connerton’s $1,000 Grand Tour
Connerton, the planned community of 8,000 homes in central Pasco County, is offering visitors a chance to win $1,000 by taking part in its grand tour of homes.
Builders taking part in the tour include Ryland Homes, Taylor Morrison, M/I Homes, and Homes by WestBay. Each offers different types of homes ranging in price from the higher $100,000, to more than $700,000.
Ryland can be reached at (813) 996-1800, or at Ryland.com. Taylor Morrison is at (866) 495-6006, or at TaylorMorrison.com. M/I is at (813) 388-6836, or at MIHomes.com, while WestBay can be reached at (813) 428-5973, or at HomesByWestBay.com.
Connerton is located west of Interstate 75 on U.S. 41, five miles north of State Road 54.
For more information, visit Connerton.com.
BizGrow 2.0 coming to Pasco
Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey is hosting BizGrow 2.0, a conference and entrepreneur exchange, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the school’s campus.
Registration is $35 per person, and includes lunch, sponsored by BB&T.
The conference is designed for entrepreneurs, business owners and startups, as well as those involved in growing companies.
Some of the business leaders who will be featured include Marcus and M.J. Price of Goin’ Postal, Travis Bond of Caresync, Ana Abraham of MB2x, Mike Froning of Adams Arms Inc., and Jonathan Brewer of EarthWorks Environmental Inc.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Summer Martin at the Pasco Economic Development Council at .
Rodriguez earns RockTape certification
Robert Rodriguez Jr., of HealthSource of Wesley Chapel Chiropractic and Progressive Wellness, is now a certified and advanced RockTape provider. He completed a course in myofascial movement and kinesio taping to earn the certification, which complements his other skills as a chiropractic assistant and X-ray technologist.
RockTape is a form of myofascial kinesiology, which allows the muscle or joints to continue to move through its full range of motion without losing stability or impeding circulation.
For more information on the business, call (813) 907-9553.
Small business expo coming to Dade City
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host its 2013 Small Business Expo Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, 13214 U.S. 301 in Dade City.
The event is free, and is open to the public.
For more information, call (352) 567-3769, or visit www.DadeCityChamber.org.
Ross makes staff changes
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, has promoted Kyle Glenn to legislative director in his congressional office. He also added Christa Johnson as a legislative analyst, who will work in Ross’ Washington, D.C. office.
Glenn was Ross’ previous legislative analyst in his Washington office, while Johnson was a staff assistant for Congress’ Committee on Financial Services.
