Dade City native chronicles history of Florida citrus
DADE CITY – Author David E. Sumner tells the story of Florida citrus from the end of the Civil War to present day in his new book, “History Gives Us Hope.”
The Dade City native visited the Florida citrus archives and conducted 53 interviews with 36 citrus growers and industry leaders.
The book explores the industry’s decline since 1997-98 and promising scientific advances toward disease-resistant trees.
Sumner will discuss “History Gives Us Hope” as a keynote speaker at the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in Bonita Springs on June 12, the Bartow Rotary Club on June 11 and the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City on June 17.
The 326-page book is available at BarnesandNoble.com for $14.95 paperback or $24.95 hardback or at Sumner-Books.Com.
Taco Dirty opens new location
RIVERVIEW – Ciccio Restaurant Group has opened Taco Dirty’s second location at 10460 Stelling Drive.
This marks the brand’s first expansion outside South Tampa.
Known for its fast-casual, Mexican-inspired fare, Taco Dirty offers customizable bowls, tacos, nachos and other dishes that accomodate various dietary needs.
The Riverview restaurant is offering a 25% off discount through June 12 to first responders, military, teachers and healthcare workers with valid ID.
Che Vita specializes in Southern Italian flavors
TAMPA – Che Vita offers guests an immersive Southern Italian dining experience inside the Hilton Tampa Downtown.
Executive Chef James King, a Le Cordon Bleu London graduate and certified Master Pizzaiolo, offers a menu that balances time-honored recipes with modern techniques.
Guests can expect fresh, seasonal and local ingredients as well as creative presentations of food at Che Vita.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host ribbon cuttings and Leading Ladies Network event.
- Members celebrate Clean Freak with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5 at 31373 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. The ribbon cutting starts at 11:30 a.m.
- Kathleen Luzier-Bogolea, senior associate director at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, serves as the guest presenter for the Leading Ladies Network event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 6 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Admission costs $15. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of LaserFast Hair Removal from 4 to 6 p.m. June 11 at 1912 Oak Grove Blvd Lutz. The ribbon cutting starts at 4:30 p.m.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange and Chamber on Tap After Hours.
- BayCare will serve as speaker of the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. June 5 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.
- Members trade company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $14 for food. Others pay $10 for registration and $14 for food. Register in advance.
- Members network during a Chamber on Tap After Hours from 4 to 6 p.m. June 12 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $25. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking event.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. June 6 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. June 10 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts a Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. June 12 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Entry costs $15. Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
Quick Hits
• Tami Kent, of Declare No More Foundation, appeared as a guest on the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s weekly podcast show, “Chamber Chatter.”
- FloridaCommerce announced May 16 that Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 21,800 (+0.2%) jobs from the previous month. Florida now has a $1.7 trillion economy.
- The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a new collection of Baby Wild Animals stamps. The 10 stylized illustrations include a fox, owl, deer, seal, rabbit, raccoon, bear, skunk, bobcat and chipmunk.
