Pulte Homes expands it presence
Pulte Homes has acquired a partially developed property in Pasco County that is now known as Riverwood, according to a news release.
The master-planned community, coming to Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills in 2024, will offer convenient access, with extra-wide homes and stunning natural views, the release says.
Riverwood sits adjacent to the Hillsborough River corridor and Crystal Springs Preserve and among Cypress canopies and wetlands. The distinctive character of this community is reflected in the 14-year-old oak and crepe myrtle that line the boulevard entryway and winding roads, the release notes.
Riverwood’s amenities will include a clubhouse, resort pool, cabana, fitness center, nature trails, shared green spaces, pickleball courts and a dog park.
The development is being built along U.S. 301, south of the State Road 56 intersection.
Riverwood was partially developed in the early 2000s when the original developer installed the winding entry road and landscaping. With maturity, that landscaping has created an authentic Florida
appeal that is uncommon in new home communities, the release adds.
Other benefits include extensive access to everyday conveniences, restaurants, retail, employment, schools and medical facilities. The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets also are within 10 miles, according to the release.
“Riverwood is a community that was ahead of its time when it was originally conceived. However, now it is a location that is nearly impossible to beat,” Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida Division, said in the release. “Riverwood’s gorgeous trees and landscaping have flourished. With our enhancements and improvements to the original infrastructure, we are confident it will be one of the Tampa Bay Region’s most sought-after and naturally lovely master planned communities.”
For more information, visit Pulte.com/Riverwood.
Reopening for tax collector office
Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan hosted a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 5,000-square-foot expansion of the tax collector’s North Tampa Branch, at 3011 University Center Drive, in Tampa. The building also was dedicated to the late Mary Alice Dorsett, a civil rights advocate who lived in Tampa. The event, which included a tour of the building and reception, was held on the morning of Nov. 29. The facility now offers more lobby seating, more customer service stations and written driving test stations.
Dollar General has new layout
A recently remodeled Dollar General Store, at 34464 Cortez Blvd., in Dade City, now has a new layout and is offering fresh produce, too, according to a news release. The produce section offers about 80% that most grocery stores carry, including tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more. The store also will continue to offer frozen and refrigerated food items, in addition to the same categories, brands and products familiar to Dollar General customers.
Florida ranks fifth best state for job-seekers
The personal finance website WalletHub has released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst States for Jobs. The report comes at a time when the unemployment rate is 3.9% and labor force participation is at the highest level since the onset of the pandemic. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 34 key indicators of job-market strength and economic vitality. The data set ranges from employment growth to the median annual income to the average commute time, according to a WalletHub news release:
Finding a Job in Florida (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
Overall rank for Florida: 5th
6th – Employment Growth
10th – Job Satisfaction
12th – Monthly Average Starting Salary
16th – Unemployment Rate
23rd – Job Opportunities
27th – Avg. Length of Work Week (in Hours)
Security in the Workplace
Come learn from Thomas Giella, owner of Complete IT Services, about using technology to deter risks to your business. Giella will discuss safety practices ranging from cyber to digital to physical at the session set for Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the SMARTstart Entrepreneur Center. 15029 14th St., in Dade City. To register, go to the events tab at SmartStartPasco.com.
Grow Pasco 2024
GROW Pasco 2024 has been scheduled for March 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Saint Leo University Wellness Center. To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com.
Free business advice
Business owners who need advice in establishing their business, taking it to the next level or dealing with a particular issue may find the free help provided by SCORE mentors to be of value. SCORE mentors are volunteers who can offer their expertise on a wide range of topics. To find out more, visit SCORE.org.
Workers’ compensation insurance rates go down
Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has granted final approval to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) for a statewide overall workers’ compensation insurance rate decrease of 15.1%. The rate decrease applies to both new and renewal policies, effective Jan. 1, according to a news release.
“I’m pleased to announce that Florida businesses will see a reduction in workers’ compensation rates for the seventh consecutive year,” Yaworsky said, in the release. “It’s clear the workers’ compensation market in Florida is stable and competitive; I’m confident lower workers’ compensation rates will assist in ensuring that all of Florida’s businesses have the opportunity to succeed in our state.”
Red Roof’s The Spot X – Tampa Bay opens in Wesley Chapel
The Spot X – Tampa Bay, part of Red Roof’s The Red Collection, is designed to deliver an upper-midscale experience, providing value for guests, in its 77 rooms that boast amenities such as free expanded cable, a pool, free coffee in the lobby, a snack center, a pool, Wi-Fi, guest laundry and free continental breakfast.
Guestrooms also offer a microwave and a mini refrigerator.
The hotel, at 5703 Oakley Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, is owned by QDI USA Developments LLC.
The news release also says a $1.2 million renovation is slated to begin in December.
