The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice sets up shop

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Orlando-based Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is now serving up its frozen treats in Zephyrhills — ushering in the brand’s first shop in the area.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, at 7936 Gall Blvd., is owned and operated by Pete Patel and Dru Patel, according to a news release.

The duo also plans to open two other locations in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release.

Each Jeremiah’s boasts an upbeat atmosphere and offers over 40 flavors of Italian Ice, as well as rich and creamy soft ice cream. The Jeremiah’s Gelati, which features layers of Italian Ice swirled with thick, homemade soft ice cream, offers a multitude of flavor combinations and is a popular selection, the release says.

The roughly 1,200-square-foot Zephyrhills location features indoor dine-in service. Third-party delivery options will be available in the future.

The Zephyrhills opening marks the next step in the brand’s continued expansion throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, visit JeremiahsIce.com, or call 813-438-5754.

COVID surge expected to affect business travel

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U.S. business travelers are scaling back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 67% planning to take fewer trips. Fifty-two percent expect to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling and 60% plan to postpone existing travel plans, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Despite an uptick in leisure travel over the summer, the new survey forecasts a dim outlook for business travel and events, which account for more than half of hotel revenue. They aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the news release says.

The poll was conducted Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, among a national sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2%, according to the release.

Development site sold in Zephyrhills

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Commercial Partners Realty team members recently completed over $17.9 million dollars in transactions in the Tampa Bay Market.

Jim Engelmann handled the transaction for buyer Bob Chalfin, in the purchase of 5131 Ryals Road in Zephyrhills. The 24-acre development site sold for $2.1 million.

Commercial Partners Realty is a full-service Commercial Real Estate brokerage specializing in office, industrial, retail, land, and investment sales and leasing. It represents landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers of commercial real estate in Tampa Bay, Pasco County and West Central Florida.

Chick-fil-A opens in Zephyrhills

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Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills officially opened for business on July 29. The restaurant offers dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out options.

Instead of the tradition First 100 Grand Opening celebration, this location, at 7490 Gall Blvd., has identified 100 local heroes who are making an impact in the Zephyrhills community and surprised them with free Chick-fil-A for a year.

Chick-fil-A also has partnered with Feeding America to make a $25,000 donation to a local food bank.

The restaurant is located near the intersection of Pretty Pond Road and Gall Boulevard.

It is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Other recent grand openings in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area include:

  • The Lakes Social, a family owned small business at 7902 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in the Connerton area of Land O’ Lakes. It’s a place to enjoy gourmet meal replacement shakes, and energy teas. It had its grand opening on Aug. 8.
  • Lyons Den Sports Performance, at 27217 State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel, had its grand opening on Aug. 7.

New real estate agent joins eXp Realty

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Real estate agent JoAnn Hartung has joined a group brokered by eXp Realty, serving Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Hartung will focus on residential real estate sales in Tampa Bay, expanding the reach of The Mid Florida Group.

WUSF wins National Edward R. Murrow Award

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A joint investigation between WUSF Public Media’s Health News Florida and WFSU News has received a 2021 national Edward R. Murrow Award, according to a news release.

The recognition came for an in-depth news series entitled “Committed” that focused on a Florida law known as the Baker Act, and the skyrocketing number of Florida children involuntarily committed for psychiatric evaluations.

The award, in the small radio news series category, was a collaborative project that highlighted the stories of children sent into confinement by school officials, often without notifying their parents, the release adds.

WUSF Public Media also recently received 12 honors in the Society of Professional Journalists Sunshine State Awards, including first place in two categories, according to an earlier news release.

Journalists who were singled out for honors are: Stephanie Colombini, Daylina Miller, Carl Lisciandrello, Lisa Peakes, Kerry Sheridan, Steve Newborn, Cathy Carter, Dalia Colon and Robin Sussingham. WUSF News Director Mary Shedden also shared a third-place award with Matthew Peddie from Orlando’s WMFE for their collaboration entitled “The State We’re In.”

The Society of Professional Journalists is the oldest organization representing journalists in the United States.

These awards follow a number of other distinctions achieved by WUSF, during the past year.

Tips to avoid rip-offs after severe weather strikes

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These pointers from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can be useful in preparing for a potential storm and responding in the aftermath, if one hits:

  • Have a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.
  • Be sure your hurricane kit includes masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
  • Be sure to properly research contractors, to avoid creating a bigger problem.
  • If you have damage, immediately contact your insurance adjuster.
  • Thoroughly document the damage to your property and possessions. Take pictures and/or a video, when possible.
  • Be sure any contractor you are considering to hire is properly licensed, and has current workers compensation and liability insurance.
  • Beware of storm chasers and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Don’t be pressured to make a decision involving an unknown contractor.

BBB offers more resources for storm victims at BBB.org/floridahurricane.

Dade City Chamber resumes indoor masks

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The rising rate of COVID-19 transmissions has prompted the Greater Dade City of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City, to return to a “mask required for entry” policy. The change took effect on Aug. 2, according to an email sent out by the chamber.

Moffitt becoming more involved at Pasco EDC

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The Pasco Economic Development Council has announced that Merritt Martin, chief of staff to the CEO, external relations for Moffitt, has joined the Pasco EDC’s policy council. That council provides strategic guidance to the nonprofit economic development organization. In other news, David de la Parte, executive vice president and in-house general counsel for Moffitt has joined the Pasco EDC board. Moffitt has announced its plans to open a 775-acre campus in Pasco that will highlight research, lifestyle and treatment, and is projected to create 14,500 jobs in Pasco, according to a Pasco EDC news release.