Radio host signs off
TAMPA – Classical radio host Russell Gant has retired from WUSF and WSMR public radio, capping a career in broadcasting that began 42 years ago when he was a University of South Florida music student who worked in the early years of public radio in Tampa Bay.
The station celebrated Gant’s career with a special broadcast.
“Perhaps no voice on our airwaves is more closely tied to the origin and the heart of WUSF and WSMR than Russell Gant,” WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky said. “Russell is and has been a leading light in classical music throughout our region, beloved both here at the station and among listeners across our region.”
Among pieces that Gant helped select for his final day on the air were Gabriele Faure’s “Pavane Op. 50,” Gustav Holst’s “Planets: Jupiter Op. 32,” Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite Op. 20,” Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot: Nessun Dorma” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Serenade No. 10 for Winds in B-Flat.”
“Time for me to ride off in the sunset,” Gant told listeners. “Thank you for all these years. It’s been an honor and privilege to share this music with you … and may I say, farewell my friends.”
Building services gets nod
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco’s Building Construction Services Department has earned accreditation from the International Accreditation Service.
Pasco is the only county in its population range (500K – 1M) to receive this distinction.
“This prestigious honor reflects the department’s unwavering dedication to our community,” Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said.
International Accreditation Service accreditation places Pasco in a group of about 30 building departments nationwide that operate with the highest standards, including permitting, plan reviews, inspections and code enforcement.
An independent authority performed on-site assessments and reviews of competence and quality management industry standards.
On the web: mypas.co/BuildingConstruction
Workforce sees expansion
TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced June 20 that Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 22,900 (+0.3%) jobs from the previous month. Florida’s manufacturing sector gained 1,100 jobs in May 2025.
Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national rate for 48 of the last 50 months since April 2021. The industry that gained the most jobs in May 2025 was the professional and business services sector, adding 7,100 jobs; followed by trade, transportation and utilities, adding 4,800 jobs; education and health services, adding 4,600 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, adding 4,100 jobs.
Career Source offers job-seekers help with search
HOLIDAY – Career Source offers assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance and more at Centennial Park Library.
Upcoming sessions include 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, July 8 and 15, as well as Thursdays, July 10 and 17, at the library, located at 5740 Moog Road, Holiday.
Call the library at 727-834-3204 for details.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 8 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance.
- Members meet up for networking at the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 10 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
- North Tampa Bay Chamber chats with Will Atkins, founder of Cinn-Credible Cinnamon Packets, during the latest “Chamber Chatter” podcast.
- AAA projects 4.6 million Floridians will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period, including 4 million by auto, 329,762 by air and 203,629 by other modes like buses, trains or cruises.
