Coke Florida sponsors home
SPRING HILL – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside announced Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC as its first home sponsor in Hernando County.
This partnership marks a milestone in expanding Habitat’s impact across the Tampa Bay region.
In April 2024, Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside was chosen by Habitat for Humanity International to expand its service area of Pinellas and West Pasco counties northward to include Hernando County.
While this is the first Habitat build in Hernando County, it will be the 19th Habitat build for Coke Florida. The 10-year-old bottler has an annual commitment to empowering communities across its footprint.
With this sponsorship, Coke Florida will provide financial support and volunteer hours to help build a safe, affordable home for the Pickering Family in Spring Hill.
“Coke Florida is a model company in the Tampa Bay region that understands the importance of giving back,” said Mike Sutton, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.
LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival ushers in holidays
ST PETERSBURG – More than 350 makers and small businesses are coming together at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park on Thanksgiving Weekend for LocalShops1’s Shopapalooza Festival.
“Shopapalooza Festival kicks off the holiday shopping season by celebrating the great independent businesses that make Tampa Bay such an amazing place,” said Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza founder.
Celebrating 15 years, the free festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30.
Registration is not required, but those who sign up are entered into a free drawing for prizes.
On the web: shopapaloozafestival.com
Network aids small firms
PENSACOLA – The Florida Small Business Development Center Network delivers consulting, training and market research at no cost, helping small business owners make better business decisions and reach their goals.
In 2024, the network provided over 107,000 hours of consulting to more than 15,000 clients, helping Florida’s small business community achieve:
- $304 million in capital secured.
- $732 million in government contracts awarded.
- 19,800 jobs impacted.
- $3.8 billion in increased sales.
- 1,019 new businesses launched.
“These numbers represent more than just data – they tell the story of our team and the determination of Florida’s small businesses,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “They reflect dreams realized, jobs created and communities strengthened.”
On the web: floridasbdc.org/results/
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a member orientation, Coffee Social and Lunch N Learn.
- Members convene for a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 21 at Boardwalk Wealth Solutions (inside the Signature Workspace building), 28210 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel.
- Datalis Technologies presents “Tech Made Simple: How IT, AI and Data Can Help Your Business Grow” during a Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. May 28 at its Wiregrass Mall location, 28329 Paseo Drive, suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a New Port Richey Brochure Exchange and Professional Women in Business Group programming.
- The Professional Women in Business Group holds its Networking Meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Registration costs $12 for members and $15 for others. Register in advance.
- Members network during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. May 23 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. May 27 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
