The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Business Digest 04/22/2022

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Effective Facebook strategy
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn on April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the topic of creating an effective Facebook strategy. The session will focus on overall brand recognition, and establishing trust between your company and potential clients. Lunch is $15, provided by Outback. There is limited seating, so register by 10:30 a.m., on April 20, by emailing .

New MOSI president and CEO
John Graydon Smith has been named the new president and CEO of The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

The museum announced Smith’s appointment on April 13, following a national search. He is a veteran of the museum and nonprofit industries. Although he has joined MOSI’s staff, he will be splitting his time between Pennsylvania and Tampa Bay, until the conclusion of the school year. His contract with MOSI runs through 2025, according to a news release.

In the release, Bret Feldman, chair of the MOSI board of directors said: “We are thrilled to have a leader with the experience and museum knowledge John brings to MOSI. He has a grand vision, and the leadership skills to help us make it a reality.”

Smith replaces Julian Mackenzie, who retired from the CEO position last year, and his transition into the role will be supported by Brynne Anne Besio of Carter Global, a consultant who has served as interim director for the past several months.

Employment information sessions
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person Amazon employment information sessions to help job seekers who are interested in being hired by Amazon.

Amazon is looking to hire more than 100 candidates for warehouse associates and warehouse team members. The jobs pay $15.50 to $16.50 per hour. Amazon also offers flexible schedules, and career planning & development. All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on EmployFlorida.com, before attending.

The sessions will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as follows:

  • April 20: CareerSource Tampa Bay Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 120, in Tampa.
  • May 4: CareerSource Tampa Bay Ruskin Office, 201 14th Ave., S.E., in Ruskin

Let Pasco County help you land a job
Pasco County and CareerSource Pasco Hernando are working together to help job seekers find their next job.

Pasco County Libraries and the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth, in coordination with CareerSource Pasco Hernando, are offering re-employment assistance services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, now through May 31.

The help will be provided at Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, in Holiday.

The team will focus on employment searches, resume writing, applications and interview preparation.

The free services are being supported with funding obtained through the Penny for Pasco surtax referendum, according to a Pasco County news release.

Council has two openings
Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization — Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — is seeking to fill two openings on the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC).

Applications are being accepted through April 29, at bit.ly/2gWcaXt.

The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco County Commission. It is made up of elected officials and tourism industry professionals, who provide recommendations to the staff of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast on promotions and marketing opportunities. They also provide oversight of tourism tax expenditures.

  • One opening must be filled by an owner/operator of a motel, hotel, recreational vehicle park or other tourist accommodation in the county that is subject to the tourist development tax.
  • The other opening can be filled by a tourism industry professional committed to advocating Pasco as a destination.

The TDC members serve staggered, four-year terms. The positions are voluntary, with no financial compensation. The council typically meets every other month, alternating meetings between Dade City and New Port Richey.

Applicants must live and be registered to vote in Pasco County.

For more information about the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, including members and the 2022 meeting schedule, visit bit.ly/PascoTDC.

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College will host a Building Trades Career Fair on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821, and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions, and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

For more information, email John Meeks at .

Understanding financial statements
A free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando SCORE, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Get free business help
Pasco-Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. Volunteer experts provide the assistance to help small business owners to solve their problems and grow their business. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Chicago’s Best Burgers ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced the ribbon-cutting for Chicago’s Best Burgers, which was April 14, at 19255 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. There were giveaways, and a chance to sample food and refreshments.

New David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, one of the largest privately held national homebuilders, soon will begin building in the Westbury section of the master-planned community of Chapel Crossings, in Wesley Chapel.

The builder recently broke ground on its model home, The Whaler.

Chapel Crossings will offer buyers professionally designed quick move-in homes from a selection of five open-concept, one- and two-story floor plans.

Business Digest 04/13/2022

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Chicago’s Best Burgers ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced the ribbon-cutting for Chicago’s Best Burgers, which is scheduled for April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 19255 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. There will be giveaways and a chance to sample food and refreshments.

Creating an effective Facebook strategy
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch and learn on creating an effective Facebook strategy. The session will focus on creating overall brand recognition and establishing trust between your company and potential clients. The session is set for April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is $15, provided by Outback. There is limited seating, so register by 10:30 a.m., on April 20, by emailing .

Employment information sessions
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person Amazon employment information sessions to help job seekers who are interested in being hired by Amazon.

Amazon is looking to hire more than 100 candidates for warehouse associates and warehouse team members. The jobs pay $15.50 to $16.50 per hour. Amazon also offers flexible schedules, and career planning & development. All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on EmployFlorida.com, before attending.

The sessions will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as follows:

  • April 20: CareerSource Tampa Bay Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 120, in Tampa.
  • May 4: CareerSource Tampa Bay Ruskin Office, 201 14th Ave., S.E., in Ruskin

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College is hosting a Building Trades Career Fair scheduled for April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821, and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

For more information, email John Meeks at .

Understanding financial statements
A free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando Score, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach you the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 04/06/2022

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Acting studio grand opening
The Acting Studio is having a grand opening of its new location at The Grove, 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 204. The company is celebrating its 20th year by opening this performing arts educational facility in the heart of Wesley Chapel. Festivities are planned for April 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Food and beverage will be provided, along with performances by students. For more information, visit www.TheActingStudio.net.

Tampa rent growth
Year-over-year rent growth in Tampa currently stands at 29.4%, compared to 5.9% at this time last year, according to a report from Apartment List.

Year-over-year growth in Tampa ranks No.3 among the nation’s 100 largest cities. Rents in Tampa are up by 36.9% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, according to highlights from the report. Median rents in Tampa currently stand at $1,472 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,795 for a two-bedroom.

Troops to Technician program
Veterans and members of the military community can qualify for an aircraft maintenance technician certification through the state of Florida’s “Get there Faster Grant.”

CareerSource Tampa Bay and CareerSourcePolk in collaboration with Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services/Pemco Conversions, and MacDill Air Force Base are presenting a training opportunity for transitioning service members and others who qualify for Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification training, according to a news release from CareerSource Tampa Bay.

The grant will recognize skills attained in the armed forces and support transference to civilian life.

The “Troops to Technician” program is open to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. It provides a career pathway to high-demand positions in the aviation sector, assists in talent development to address the unique needs of the military community and relocate or transition military members to civilian life.

“We anticipate providing more than 100 individuals with this unique training opportunity over the next two years,” Doug Earle, said in the release. He is the veteran and military family representative for Career Source Tampa Bay. “This program will also help provide training in well-paid aviation careers. This is a great opportunity for those who qualify,” he said.

Visit this link to find out more https://www.careersourcetampabay.com/GetThereFaster or contact Zachariah Pearson at or call at 813-296-2517.

Entrepreneur education classes
These free classes and workshop are offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s SMARTstart program:

  • Demystifying the Inventing Process: This is scheduled for April 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMARTstart at The Grove Enrepreneur Center. Learn from an expert product developer to get those ideas and make them real. From concept to full on production. Also, find out out how to avoid pitfalls that plague new inventors, so you can save your money and focus on success.
  • Video Marketing: in this April 20 session, from noon to 1 p.m., the focus will be on the power of video and how business owners can leverage its effectiveness to drive new business and develop a deeper connection with their audience. This session is being help at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center.

For more information and to register, go to www.pascoedc.com.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 14, at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College is hosting a Building Trades Career Fair scheduled for April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus,.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd..

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821 and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

Contact John Meeks for more information at .

Understanding financial statements
This free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando Score, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach you the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at pascohernando.score.org.

Business Digest 03/30/2022

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(Courtesy of Chloe Blair)

Planet Fitness opens
Planet Fitness opened a new 25,000 square-foot facility at 6117 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center. The gym features state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-minute express circuits, numerous flat screen televisions, and clean, spacious locker rooms and showers. Here is a look at some of the exercise equipment at the new facility. For more information, call 813-527-6428.

Need a business loan?
If you need a business loan but you don’t fit the typical bank profile, you may be able to qualify for financing through a SMARTstart Pasco Microloan through the Pasco Economic Development Council’s microloan fund.

This financing program, established by the Pasco EDC, is available to help businesses that are operating in Pasco County or are planning to locate there.

The loan program is aimed at small business owners with solid ideas, good management skills, and a valid business plan get the funding they need when traditional financing is not an option.

Loans are available up to $50,000. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they have the experience and resources to be a successful business operator.

Loans may be used for: Working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment.

Funds cannot be used to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting its “Rise & Shine, Pasco” membership breakfast on April 5 at Spartan Manor, 6121 Masachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. . Check-in is 7:30 a.m. with the program slated for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Guest speakers will be Jim Gunderson, owner of The Hacienda, New Port Richey and Dylan Gamez, marketing and public relations.

To find out more, go to or call 813-909-2722.

Virtual job fair
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting a Virtual Job Fair for Child Care Workers dedicated to child care careers on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is exclusively for licensed child care facilities in Hillsborough County, to assist them during these difficult employment times. Child care facilities located in Hillsborough County are looking to fill more than 150 full-time and part-time positions for assistant teachers, lead teachers, office assistants and other positions.

Those interested should register at tinyurl.com/2wfjwrsk, or go to CareerSource’s Job Fair webpage at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair.

Recruiting webinar
A webinar scheduled for April 14 from noon to 1 p.m., will provide effective strategies for understanding and managing the recruiting process for staffing, with consideration of generation differences. The free webinar is presented by Kandy Windom, Pasco-Hernando County SCORE volunteer. To register, go to PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 03/23/2022

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Grand reopening
Florida-based Everglades Equipment Group is hosting a grand reopening on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2240 Success Drive, in Odessa. The event will feature the company’s renovated showroom, introduce the community to its new leadership team, and offer free lunch from Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, fun activities and giveaways to attendees.

“The grand reopening event is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the Odessa community and share our story,” Eric Anderson, Everglades Odessa site manager, said in a news release.

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the event and RSVP at Odessa.EFE1963.com.

Resolving workplace conflict
Learn to understand the dynamics of conflict and develop skills to find a peaceful resolution. The free webinar, scheduled for March 30 from noon to 1 p.m., will be presented by Jackie Eden, director of career services for Pasco-Hernando State College. To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its brochure exchange in New Port Richey on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gill Dawg Tiki Bar & Grill, 5419 Treadway Drive. Registration is free for chamber members and $10 for non-members. If you are not a member and would like to attend, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for a one-time free entry.

Marine conservation support
Duke Energy has added $100,000 to Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida to support fisheries, water quality and research, according to a news release.

The recent donation was announced on March 3 at CCA Florida’s Manatee County Chapter Banquet and Auction.

The funds will add to a previous $150,000 contribution from Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation to support CCA Florida’s efforts to bring new reef systems to the Gulf of Mexico and to test new approaches to clean up fish kills after red tide, the news release says.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce breakfast is set for April 7 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. The featured speaker will be Dr. Joseph Derbyshire, a board-certified ear, nose and throat and facial plastic surgeon. Event entry is $10.

Volunteer board seats
The City of Zephyrhills is seeking volunteers to serve on its Historic Preservation Board (two openings), its Planning Commission (two openings) and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (one opening).

To access applications, visit tinyurl.com/3sfa5549.

Mission-driven leadership
Saint Leo University is hosting a free event featuring Nick DeMarinis, vice president of sales at WeWork and a former LinkedIn executive.

The Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose program will take place on March 29 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Saint Leo University’s Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms and online via Zoom.

Registration is required online at SaintLeo.edu/mdl to attend the event at the school, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, or via Zoom.

Masks will be required by all individuals while indoors. This guidance is required regardless of whether the individual is vaccinated.

Results from Pigz in Z’Hills
More than 4,000 people turned out for the two-day Pigz in Z’Hills Festival on March 4 and March 5 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Fifty-six teams from Florida competed in the 2022 State BBQ Championship. Professional and backyard teams competed for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

The winners were:

  • Professional division: Accutech BBQ of Sarasota, under head cook John Fries: Grand Champion of the 2022 State Barbecue Championship; Hot Wachula’s of Bartow, led by Matt Barber; Reserve Champion.
  • Backyard division: Matty B’s of Plant City, under Matt Bowers, first place; Sloppy Hogs, of Naples, under Todd Bender, second place.

Local teams with top-level finishes were Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts, under Kevin Bahr, fourth overall, second in pork; Daryl Coleman of Coleman’s BBQ, first place in ribs and fifth, overall; and Dr. Rick Moore of Smoke Show, first in brisket.

In the Kidz grilling contest, Devin Brown placed first; Aryana Coleman came in second; and, Daniella Gutierrez took third.

Business Digest 03/09/2022

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Insurance Group relocates
Lewis Insurance Group, which has operated for eight years in Lutz, has relocated to Land O’ Lakes.

The company, operated by Richard and Angela Lewis, is now at the Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 106.

Lewis Insurance Group is an insurance brokerage that specializes in home, auto, flood and recreational vehicle insurance.

The company seeks to use its strategic partnerships with insurance companies to find quality options at competitive prices for its clients. It also emphasizes superior customer service and claims handling.

For more information, call 813-467-8778, or email .

David Weekley Homes building in Copeland Creek
David Weekley Homes, one of the largest national privately held homebuilders, is bringing single-family homes to Copeland Creek, a private, gated community located in the Keystone area of Odessa, according to a news release. The builder recently broke ground on a model home, The Terraglen, which is slated to open for tours in late spring.

Rents still on the rise
Rents in Tampa increased 0.8% month-over-month, compared to a decrease of 0.6% nationally, according to a report from Apartment List. Month-over-month growth in Tampa ranks No. 32, out of 100, the report says. Year-over-year rent growth in Tampa currently stands at 31.2%, compared to 4.1% at this time last year. Year-over-year growth in Tampa ranks No. 2 among the nation’s 100 largest cities.

New chief of staff
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier has announced the appointment of Alexis Bakofsky as the chief of staff for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, according to news release from that office.

Medical office ribbon-cutting
Aegis Medical Group, 15953 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, had a grand opening/ribbon- cutting celebration on March 1, according toa news release from the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Area real estate agents win recognition
Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized a number of agents as recipients of the company’s Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, according to a news release.

The award is bestowed based on criteria relating to customer satisfaction.

Here are the recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

  • Jeanne Jones of CENTURY 21 Affiliated, 503 Guisando De Avila in Tampa
  • Michelle Glantz of CENTURY 21 Affiliated, 503 Guisando De Avila in Tampa
  • Mahmoud Odeh of CENTURY 21 Elite Locations Inc., at 11406 North Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 107
  • Lynn Werner of CENTURY 21 Elite Locations Inc., at 11406 North Dale Mabry Highway Suite 107
  • Coleen Garner of CENTURY 21 Elite Locations Inc., at 11406 North Dale Mabry Highway Suite 107

Hillsborough expands MBE/SBE
Hillsborough County has named Ken Jones as the director of the county’s expanded Minority/Small Business Enterprise Division, according to a county news release.

The Hillsborough County Commission recently expanded the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) programs to make sure more minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses have opportunities for doing business with Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County entered into contracts worth more than $220 million with minority- and women-owned, and small businesses during the last four fiscal years.

Ribbon-cuttings
These ribbon-cuttings were held recently, according to news releases from the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce:

  • Mathnasium of Wesley Chapel, at 28652 State Road 54, on Feb. 26
  • Sit. Stay. Splash, 1930 Collier Parkway, in Lutz, on Feb. 22.

Free small business seminars
The Pasco-Hernando Chapter of SCORE has some free webinars scheduled, intended to help small businesses. Those webinars are:

  • March 17, noon to 1 p.m.: How to buy and sell a small business
  • March 22, noon to 1 p.m.: Health insurance for small businesses
  • March 30, noon to 1 p.m.: Conflict resolution in the workplace

To register, go to PascoHernandoScore.org.

You also can receive free individual, confidential help for your small business, or you can volunteer to be a mentor. To find out more, check out the organization’s website.

Business Digest 02/23/2022

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Chamber networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has a brochure exchange lunch and networking session on the fourth Thursday of each month. This month, it is Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Widow Fletcher’s, 4927 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information, email

Bexley apartment project
The Spectrum Companies and equity partner FCA Partners has announced it has purchased land for a 350-unit multifamily development within Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release.

Spectrum is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based commercial real estate development and management company with projects across the Southeast. It plans to build 327 apartment homes in a mix of three- and four-story elevatored buildings. Also included will be 23 for-lease townhomes designed as three-story carriage residences with tuck-under garages, the release says.

SCORE webinars
SCORE offers a wide array of free webinars and seminars, aimed at helping entrepreneurs.

You can register at PascoHernando.score.org. Here are some upcoming sessions.

  • How to apply for a business loan, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Health insurance needs for small businesses, March 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Conflict resolution in the workplace, March 30 from noon to 1 p.m.

Allied Universal is hiring
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is looking to hire 400-plus security professionals in Tampa. The company is hosting open house hiring events every weekday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through April 28, at the company’s branch office, at 4200 West Cypress St., Suite 550, in Tampa.

Crunch Fitness reopens
Crunch Fitness has reopened its Land O’ Lakes location, at 2126 Collier Parkway, following a $2 million renovation and expansion.

The club celebrated the completion of its project during a grand reopening party on Feb. 19, according to a news release.

The renovation includes a child care center, boxing, hot yoga, group fitness, enclosed HIIT (high-intensity interval training) studios, and a private relax-and-recover area. It also includes doubling power racks, additional turf, and new fitness equipment.

The facility has been expanded by 25,000 square feet, bringing the total to 47,000 square feet.

New center director
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business has appointed Michael D. Wiemer to be the director of the Fintech Center within the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, according to a newsletter circulated by the business college.

Fintech’s focus is on the evolving financial technology industry.

Amazon hiring events
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person hiring events for Amazon, which will be hiring to fill more than 100 job openings.

To learn more about the events, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair/.

NetFest at the barn
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (Pasco EDC) is hosting its NetFest event, which provides the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of business and community leaders, while supporting economic development. The event is set for March 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in Trinity.

The event will be held rain or shine. The cost is $55 per person ($45 per person for Pasco EDC investors and guest). Admission includes dinner, two drink tickets, live entertainment and networking opportunities.

To register, visit PascoEDC.com.

Business Digest 02/02/2022

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The Miller’s Ale House team celebrates the opening of its new restaurant and bar off the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, in the Cypress Creek Town Center, near Interstate 75. (Courtesy of Miller’s Ale House)

Miller’s Ale House opens
Miller’s Ale House, a sports-themed, casual dining restaurant and bar, recently opened at 25264 State Road 54, in Cypress Creek Town Center, next to Tampa Premium Outlets, in Lutz.

The 7,200-square-foot restaurant features seating for 239 with an indoor and outdoor bar.

The restaurant has more than 60 televisions throughout — making it easy for diners to watch their favorite team.

The restaurant chain has more than 90 locations, including 58 in Florida.

“We chose Wesley Chapel for our newest location due to the residential and retail growth over the last several years, in addition to the impressive growth planned in the years ahead,”  Miller’s Ale House President and COO Ray Holden said, in a news release. “This area is a go-to destination for dining and shopping, and we look forward to serving our loyal Miller’s customers in a new area.”

Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast on Feb. 3 at 7 a.m., at 6851 Wire Road. The breakfast will be hosted by The Elks, and admission is $10.

GrowPasco
GrowPasco aims to equip entrepreneurs and executives for growth. An upcoming all-day event will feature 15 breakout sessions, as well as a keynote address by Peter Kageyama, author of “For the Love of Cities.”

The event is set for Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Registration for Pasco businesses and residents is $20 per person; for non-Pasco residents or businesses, it is $40 per person. The price includes registration, workshop materials, breakfast and lunch.

To register, visit the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s website, PascoEDC.com, and click on the events tab.

Recovery of hotel industry
The hotel industry will continue moving toward recovery in 2022, but the path will be uneven and potentially volatile, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report. The report also predicts that full recovery is still several years away.

The report was created in collaboration with AHLA Silver Partner Accenture, and is based on data and forecasts from Oxford Economics and AHLA Platinum Partner STR.

Some of the key findings in the report include:

  • Hotel occupancy rates and room revenue are projected to approach 2019 levels in 2022.
  • The outlook for ancillary revenue, which includes food & beverage and meeting space, is less optimistic.
  • Hotels lost a collective $111.8 billion in room revenue alone during 2020 and 2021.
  • Leisure travelers will continue to drive recovery: In 2019, business travelers made up 52.5% of industry room revenue; in 2022, it is projected to represent just 43.6%.
  • Business travel is expected to remain down more than 20% for much of the year, while just 58% of meetings and events are expected to return; the full effects of Omicron are not yet known.
  • Changing traveler segments, including the rapid rise of bleisure travelers (those who blend business and leisure travel), are affecting the way hotels operate. One study of global business travelers found that 89% wanted to add a private holiday to their business trips in the next 12 months.

Grand openings/ribbon-cuttings
These grand openings and ribbon-cuttings were announced by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

  • Woodie’s Wash Shack, 24749 State Road 54, in Lutz, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m. until noon. Event will feature music, antique cars, the Buccaneers Street Team and more.
  • Stretch Lab had its grand opening on Jan. 27, at 1281 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
  • Curaleaf had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 25, at 19416 Bruce B. Downs, Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
A look at the storefront for the new BurgerFi, in The Preserve Marketplace, in Odessa. (Courtesy of BurgerFi)

Marketplace adds BurgerFi
BurgerFi has opened a 2,030-square-foot restaurant at The Preserve Marketplace, at 16120 Preserve Marketplace Blvd, in Odessa, according to a BurgerFi news release.

The restaurant specializes in burgers, fresh-cut fries, beer-battered onion rings, the VegeFi (its take on a veggie burger), the CEO Burger (made with premium American Wagyu beef), chicken, frozen custard, and local craft beer and wine.

The Odessa location opened in December 2021.

Get free business help
Pasco-Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. Volunteer experts provide the assistance to help small business owners to solve their problems and grow their business. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 01/19/2022

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‘One Warm Coat’ campaign
Ashley HomeStore is hosting a coat drive to collect clean, gently worn, or new coats through Jan. 31.

The Ashley store at 26222 Golden Maple Loop, in Wesley Chapel; the store at 2915 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa; and the Port Richey store at 6411 Tacoma Drive are among the participating locations.

Coat donations will be accepted daily, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through the end of January.

Last year, more than 260,000 coats were distributed across North America to children and adults in need through One Warm Coat’s coat drive program, according to a news release.

One Warm Coat is a national nonprofit organization that provides free coats to children and adults in need, while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Since 1992, One Warm Coat has worked with volunteers and sponsors to host more than 40,000 coat drives, collecting nearly 7 million coats that have been distributed to people in need through a network of more than 1,000 nonprofit partners across all 50 states.

Business development week festivities
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting a number of activities for Business Development, Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. For greater detail, visit the chamber’s website at GreaterPasco.com.

GrowPasco
GrowPasco will feature 15 business-related breakout sessions on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Cost is $40 for general admission or $20 for Pasco businesses and residents. Those attending must RSVP by Feb. 16.

Go to the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s website, PascoEDC.com, to register and for more information.

U.S. Gymnastics Championships 2022
The Tampa Convention Center will co-host the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships and National Congress and Trade Show, according to a City of Tampa news release.

The annual national event will take place Aug. 18 to Aug. 21, with Amalie Arena hosting the artistic gymnastics championships that will determine the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and the Tampa Convention Center hosting the accompanying National Congress and Trade Show.

Exhibits will consist of educational presentations and live demonstrations focused on coaching, judging, general business, sports science, fitness, athlete safety, and much more.

HART board appointments
The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board elected Hillsborough County Commissioner Patricia “Pat” Kemp as chair, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kimberly Overman as vice chair and Director Melanie Williams as secretary of the HART Board of Directors for 2022, according to a news release from HART.

Commissioner Kemp assumes the role previously held by Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith, who served in the role for the last two years. Kemp will serve a one-year term.

Grand openings and ribbon cuttings
Grand opening: Back 9 Bistro Restaurant Events and Catering, at 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’  Lakes, is a new place to ‘drive’ and dine, at the Groves, Golf & Country Club. A grand opening celebration is set for Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ribbon-cutting: The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting on Jan. 14 for Planet Jupiter Hookah, a new lounge at 38438 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Free SCORE seminars
A webinar on Utilizing YouTube in Your Business, will be held on Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Register by going to PascoHernando.score.org.

A webinar on How to Become a Winning Competitor will be offered from noon to 1 p.m., on Feb. 17. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

City of Tampa receives $2 million for housing rehab
The City of Tampa has been awarded nearly $2 million to put toward one of its affordable housing programs.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Jan. 12 that it would distribute more than $100 million to nonprofit organizations, and state and local government agencies, to protect children and families from home health hazards, according to a city news release.

Tampa will dedicate these funds to its Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program, and more specifically, to pay for home inspections and a new set of repairs that address home health hazards.

Income-eligible homeowners can receive repairs and replacements valued at up to $50,000 that bring their homes into compliance with the City’s Florida Building Code and Housing Quality Standards.

The scope of work includes roofing, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing. Not only will the additional HUD grant cover the initial inspections where home health hazards are identified, it also will expand the program to include remediation for mold, lead-based paint, and radon, the news release says.

Business Digest 12/29/2021

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Business Development Week scheduled
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced that Business Development Week is back and will be held Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. Sponsors of various levels are being sought. For more information, visit GreaterPasco.com.

Business research
As part of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s Entrepreneur Education Series, local businesses can learn how to make smarter decisions using Big Data analysis. Businesses can get industry-specific and hyperlocal information. The research is individually customized for each company. The class, provided via Zoom, will be on Jan. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. Go to the PascoEDC.com event page to register.

GrowPasco
GrowPasco is an event aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and executives for growth.

The event, presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will feature 15 breakout sessions. The keynote speaker for the event is Peter Kageyama, author of “For the Love of Cities.”

The event is on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. Registration is $40 for non-Pasco business and residents, and $20 for Pasco businesses and residents. The cost includes registration, workshop materials, breakfast and lunch. Go to the event page at PascoEDC.com to register.

Hub construction underway
The Hub at Bexley, a new shopping, dining and gathering space at State Road 54 near the Suncoast Parkway, will open in the summer of 2022, according to a news release.

The Hub at Bexley, positioned near the front entrance of the Bexley by Newland community, will feature green spaces, shade structures and open-air concepts. It aims to be a place where people can come together to work, meet with friends and family, and take care of all of life’s daily necessities.

SCORE offers free webinars
If you’re looking for ways to improve the performance of your business, you may want to check out some free seminars offered by Pasco-Hernando SCORE.

Upcoming sessions include:

  • Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: How to Get (More) Paying Customers

Discover the secret of how to determine exactly who your customers are, what they want, and how you craft the perfect message and offer that results in buyers. You also can learn two powerful tactics that should be included in all sales marketing. The webinar will be presented live by Jay Snaric, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.

  • Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m.: How To Really Start Your Own Business

You will learn the key issues for starting a business: finding good people, structuring the business, understanding cash flow, finding the money, and creating a business plan. This webinar will be presented live by Bill Gelbach, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.

Payments in the Pines
Payments in the Pines offers business consulting services by evaluating and reducing businesses’ credit card processing fees. If needed, upgraded terminals and POS equipment are optional, according to a news release.

Any business that accepts credit cards online or in person can benefit from their service, according to Steffen Sheerin, owner of Payments in the Pines.

“Our success is grounded on increasing our clients profits, excellent customer service and trusted relationships,” Sheerin said, in the release.

For more information, contact Steffen Sheerin at (910) 315-5555 or .

Supply chain issues
Eighty-six percent of hotels say that supply chain issues are affecting their operations, according to a new survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members. More than 70% reported experiencing increased costs and a lack of availability for key items. More than half (52%) say the problem has grown worse over the past three months and 74% say supply chain issues are having a negative impact on business revenue.

Donations will provide swim lessons
SCP Distributors Inc., Superior Pool Products and parent company POOLCORP is partnering with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to provide scholarships to provide water safety lessons for area children. Donated funds will provide 100 Lifeguard Training Scholarships and Safety Around Water (SAW) lessons for more than 1,400 children who otherwise might not be able to afford to participate, according to a news release.

Nominations sought
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, according to a news release. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses, and the contributions they have made to their communities and the nation’s economy.

All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Jan. 11.

The awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May 2022.

To nominate a small business owner in your area or download related forms, criteria and guidelines, visit SBA.gov/nsbw.

National awards
Hillsborough County Fleet Management has been named the top government fleet in the country, and its leader, Robert Stine, has been named the top fleet management director.

The honors were announced on Nov. 16 at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference in Orlando.