Pasco Purchasing earns national nod
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County’s Purchasing Department earned the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute Inc.
The award recognizes the team’s innovation, professionalism and leadership in public purchasing.
“This award reflects the dedication and strategic thinking of our entire purchasing team,” Purchasing Director Carrie Roberts said. “We work hard to ensure every procurement decision is transparent, efficient and community-focused. It’s an honor to be recognized for that work.”
The AEP Award is presented annually to public agencies that meet standards across multiple categories, including productivity, e-procurement and continuous improvement.
On the web: mypas.co/DoBusinessWithUs
Achieva Credit Union appoints market president
DUNEDIN – Achieva Credit Union announced Colin Lopez as market president, overseeing branch operations in Hillsborough, Hernando and Pasco counties, including Carrollwood, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, New Port Richey and Mariner. Lopez brings more than 15 years of banking experience from leadership roles at Wells Fargo.
“Colin brings strong banking experience and a deep understanding of what it means to serve with heart,” said Renee Grauer, president of retail sales and service.
In addition to his primary role, Lopez is working to expand Achieva’s community-focused initiatives. His efforts include launching new youth financial literacy programs this fall and exploring strategic partnerships with local schools to support classroom learning and deepen community engagement.
“I believe that when we invest in our communities, we all grow,” said Lopez.
On the web: achievacu.com
Goodwill Temporary Staffing recruiting for roles
TAMPA – Goodwill Temporary Staffing is hosting an in-house recruitment event, allowing job-seekers to connect with the organization and learn more about the roles and the benefits of working there.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 3 at the CareerSource Tampa Bay Gulf to Bay Center, 2312 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Clearwater. Register at careersourcetampabay.com/events/goodwill-hiring-event/.
The event will focus on filling several key positions, including processing associate, sales associate/cashier, and dock worker/warehouse worker.
Candidates are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews.
PeopleReady to host recruitment event
CLEARWATER – PeopleReady, a leader in the industrial staffing industry, is partnering with CareerSource Tampa Bay to host an on-site hiring event.
This hiring event offers job seekers an opportunity to meet directly with hiring managers, learn about open positions, and apply and interview on the same day from 1 to 3 p.m Sept. 3 at the CareerSource Tampa Bay Gulf to Bay Center, 2312 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
PeopleReady is looking to fill several skilled trades roles, including CNC machinist, press operator and second shift mechanic. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance and come prepared with an updated resume.
Register at careersourcetampabay.com.
Shubham Grocery offers U-Haul rentals
ODESSA – U-Haul Co. of Florida announced that Shubham Grocery signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Odessa community.
Shubham Grocery, located at 14530 Black Lake Road, will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies.
Normal business hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 813-219-1599 or visiting uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Odessa-FL-33556/056437/.
Florida opens Quota Beverage License Drawing Period
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco announced the opening of the 2025 Quota Beverage License Drawing Period.
Each year, new quota beverage licenses are issued to businesses in counties with an increased population, with one new license created for every population increase of 7,500 in each county. This creates an accessible pathway for businesses to become licensed to serve a full range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits.
The drawing includes 52 new licenses in 26 counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough.
Applications are open through Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. on DBPR’s online portal at myfloridalicense.com. Entrants selected will be awarded the right to apply for a license in their county.
Florida secures 15th new insurer since reforms
TALLAHASSEE – Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky announced Viceroy Preferred Insurance Company as Florida’s newest property and casualty insurer.
Viceroy is domiciled in Florida and approved to write homeowners’ multi-peril and dwelling fire policies. It is the 15th insurer to enter the market since Florida’s legislative reforms.
“Florida’s insurance market continues to strengthen and improve because of the legislative reforms we have put in place,” Ingoglia said.
Since January 2024, 29 companies filed for rate decreases and 44 requested no change, while Florida had the nation’s lowest average increase.
Program helps non-custodial parents
TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced $7 million available through the Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program.
Eligible organizations may apply to provide employment and training services that help non-custodial parents gain self-sufficiency.
Funds will be administered through Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. Applications are due at 5 p.m. Sept. 4.
Eligible applicants include governmental entities, nonprofits, tribal governments and local workforce development boards. NCPEP supports job search, training, parenting skills and financial literacy.
On the web: floridajobs.org
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Leading Ladies Network event and ribbon cutting.
- Gillian Guadagnino, associate director of development for athletics for the University of South Florida, talks about “Stampede for Women: Empowering Female-Student Athletes” during the next Leading Ladies Network event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 5 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts a ribbon cutting for Ivybrook Academy from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at Tampa Palms, 5392 Primrose Lake Circle, Tampa.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Medical Roundtable, Hudson Business and Brochure Exchange and two ribbon cuttings.
- Leaders discuss health care topics during the Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 4 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts the Hudson Business and Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 4 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. Free for members. A taco bar lunch costs $14. Register in advance. This is a new event that will take place on the first Thursday of the month.
- The chamber hosts a ribbon cutting for Riverside Recovery of Tampa from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 9 at 5079 Little Road, New Port Richey. The ribbon will be cut at 10 a.m. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts a ribbon cutting for Healthy Start Coalition of Pasco County from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at 7241 Little Road, New Port Richey. 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 10 a.m. Sept. 5 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. The Zephyrhills event includes remarks by Brent Lee of The Skilled Development Team. Register in advance.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
