Christian Brothers Automotive has nine service bays.
Change in car repair culture
Christian Brothers Automotive is now open at 23650 Venezia Drive in Land O’ Lakes, offering car repair with comfort. The nearly 5,000-square-foot location includes an upscale lobby with a home-charm décor that features leather couches, decorative lighting, artwork and hardwood floors. Customers can enjoy free Wi-Fi as their vehicle is serviced in one of nine service bays. Larry Giannone, who co-owns the shop with his wife Cindy, said he was honored to become a small business owner with the nationally known company, which has 95 locations.
“We want to be a light in our community where customers can depend on us for their automotive needs,” he said.
Christian Brothers Automotive provides full-service automotive diagnostic testing and evaluation, maintenance programs and repair work for all domestic and foreign vehicles at each location. All Christian Brothers Automotive facilities are staffed with automotive service excellence (ASE) certified technicians. The Giannones’ franchise, in Terra Bella, near SR 54 and Livingston Avenue, is the first in Florida.
For more information, call (813) 949-0100 or visit http://www.cbac.com/store/terra-bella
Business is blooming
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a free Business Expo and Taste of the Town Friday, March 9 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 10 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. Taste of the Town runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (813) 909-2722.
Work from home
The Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, will hold a seminar on “Starting a Home Business” on Wednesday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. For more information, call (727) 842-4638.
Books for Troops
Books for Troops won a $1,000 donation in Precision Kia of Wesley Chapel’s “Pay it Forward” contest. Books for Troops chairman Patricia Murphy of the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club said the project began Oct. 1 with a goal of collecting 1,000 books to ship to troops but ended up collecting 6,356. So far, 5,000 books have been shipped and the donation from Wesley Chapel Kia will allow 2,500 more to be shipped. For more information, visit www.gfwcnewtampajuniors.org.
Bouncing around
Stop by and meet the new owners of Jump-in, an indoor inflatable party center. Jump-in hosts birthday parties, private parties and field trips, and features five indoor inflatables, climate controlled arena, video games and two party rooms. Jump-in is open in the mornings and afternoons for open bounce and special events. For more information, call (813) 788-3484 or visit www.jumpinfun.net.
Change at the helm
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce board of directors announces the departure of Executive Director Kathy Dunkley, with appreciation for her 15 years of service. Chamber President Dennis Esber said questions can be emailed to the chamber office at
Commercial Realtors get liaison at Pasco EDC
Tom Ryan is the new economic development manager for the Pasco Economic Development Council, responsible for working with the commercial real estate community to bring new developments, businesses and jobs to Pasco County. He will inform developers of cash incentives, fast permitting and opportunities available in Pasco. Ryan views the EDC as a local resource, adding, “We have a big toolbox.”
Ryan’s experience includes 16 years in commercial real estate in Central Ohio. He said he is excited to work on Pasco County’s behalf: “Our economy is improving and now is the time for new and existing businesses to plan for the future.”
Time to network
The East Pasco Networking Group has lined up speakers for several meetings. On Tuesday, March 13, Republican candidate for sheriff Mike Foxx will speak. On Tuesday, March 27, the speaker will Steve Van Gordon, principal of Zephyrhills High, president-elect of the Zephyrhills chamber and candidate for Zephyrhills mayor. The April 10 speaker is not set, but on Tuesday, April 24, school board district 2 candidate Joanne Hurley will speak. The starting time is 8:30 a.m. at the Village Inn, 5414 Gall Blvd.
Stone Creek sales
Mobley Homes has launched sales for the final phase of six townhomes in Stone Creek, a neighborhood of 78 townhomes off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in New Tampa. Stone Creek offers three floor plans ranging from 1,239 to 1,552 square feet from the mid-$100s. The designs – all with water or nature views – provide two and three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and one- or two-car garages. The sales office is 19221 Stone Hedge Drive. For more information call (813) 293-1533 or (813) 416-6579.
Hillsborough hires
economic development director
Hillsborough County has hired Ronald D. Barton as director of economic development. As executive director for Jacksonville’s Economic Development Commission, Barton was instrumental in attracting more than 6,400 jobs and $514 million in capital investment. Barton also has worked for the city of St. Petersburg as director of economic development and property management, and as a partner in real estate and hospitality consulting with KPMG. He holds a bachelor of science in real estate from Florida State University, and an MBA with an emphasis on economics from the University of North Florida. He starts March 5 at a salary of $125,000.
Medical assistant hired
Julia Barile has been appointed medical assistant for Florida Cancer Affiliates, a newly formed, community-based medical oncology and hematology practice. Barile comes from Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope, where she served as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. FCA is a partner of Moffitt Cancer Center and The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest community-based cancer treatment and research networks.
