The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

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.

Business Digest 12/08/2021

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Allied Universal job fair
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is seeking to hire 50-plus unarmed health care security professionals in Tampa. The open house hiring event will be Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the main lobby of the company’s branch office at 408 Reo St., in Tampa.

The company is recruiting for all shifts and levels of experience. It is conducting interviews and hiring on the spot.

StretchLab Wesley Chapel opens
StretchLab, an assisted stretching boutique, has opened at 1281 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Deep stretching is used to decrease pain, lower risk of injury, reduce stress, and improve performance at work, in the gym and in everyday life.

StretchLab is a national franchise. StretchLab Wesley Chapel is owned by Steve Ojeshina, according to a news release.

StretchLab Wesley Chapel can be reached online at StretchLab.com/location/wesleychapel, by email at , or by phone at 813-771-0411.

The entrepreneur equation
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is offering a free workshop to help entrepreneurs learn about tools and strategies that can help make running a business easier and more effective. This free workshop will be on Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com, and click on the events tab, to register.

Business and Education Summit
CareerSource Tampa Bay will hold an education and business summit on Jan. 10. The summit, entitled: “Vision 2022: Shaping the Future of Work,” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, in downtown Tampa. Coffee and networking starts at 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to register for the event, visit CareerSource Tampa Bay’s Vision 2022, at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/vision2022.

Registration is $50 per person. Sponsorships also are available for businesses that want to help underwrite the event or would like to register multiple individuals.

SBA offers info on FAQs
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has released a new version of its most popular publication, “Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business.” Another publication, “What’s New with Small Business?” also has been updated. For more information, go to Advocacy.sba.gov.

Tampa ranks No. 6
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report identifying 2021’s Best Places to Retire in Florida, and Tampa came in at No. 6.

To determine the most ideal retirement places for older Americans, WalletHub compared more than 100 cities in the Sunshine State across 29 key indicators of retiree-friendliness. The data set ranges from cost of living to health care facilities per capita to number of attractions, according to a news release from WalletHub.

To view the full report and individual city ranks, visit tinyurl.com/24x5mk3j.

Grand openings, ribbon cuttings, other celebrations
These announcements are courtesy of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

  • Bliss Dental Lounge, at 17735 Huntington Bow Circle, celebrated its two-year anniversary on Dec. 9.
  • Prime Barber Shop, at 6027, Unit 206, Wesley Grove Blvd., had its grand opening on Dec. 7, at the barber shop, which is above Falabella Family Bistro, on the second floor, at the Grove Wesley Chapel.
  • Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio, 7749 Van Dyke Road, in Odessa, had its grand opening on Nov. 19.
  • Philidor Brady & Co. Realty, at 5331 Primrose Lake Preserve, Suite 235, in Tampa, had its grand opening on Nov. 15
  • The Volkswagen dealership at 26500 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, had its grand opening celebration on Oct. 26.

Starkey appointments
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been named to three committees at the National Association of Counties, according to a Pasco County news release.

Starkey will serve on these committees:

  • Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee, as vice chair
  • International Economic Development Task Force, as vice chair
  • Large Urban County Caucus, as a member

The association’s mission is to strengthen America’s counties, and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, the news release says.

GOPASCO wins marketing awards
Pasco County’s public transportation system won three marketing awards during the annual Florida Public Transportation Association conference, according to a county news release.

The system, which has been rebranded as GOPASCO, received these awards:

  • Special event category, first place: Rebrand rollout, Aug. 24, 2021
  • Website category, second place: GOPASCO.com
  • Electronic media category, third place: Rebrand rollout, live radio broadcast

“We worked tirelessly on a new design for Pasco County Public Transportation and are honored to be recognized for our tenacious work,” Rosemarie Bruckner, GOPASCO program manager, said in the release.

Florida Aquarium names new board members
The Florida Aquarium has named seven new members to its board of directors, according to a news release. They are:

  • David Bevirt, executive vice president, corporate leasing & strategy at Water Street Tampa
  • Doreen Caudell, CGC, DBE, president & owner at D-Mar General Contracting
  • Veronica Cintron, vice president of communications at Tampa International Airport
  • Kristin Greco, MBA, chief executive officer for PAR Inc.
  • Marcus Greene, market president, St. Petersburg at Truist
  • Jody Haneke, president at Haneke Design
  • Eric Weisberg, vice president, marketing & creative services at Tampa Bay Rays

Biz Digest 11/24/2021

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Zephyrhills chamber awards
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce had its annual banquet to honor the communities’ businesses, outstanding chamber members and others who contribute to community life through their leadership.

Here are the honorees for 2021:

Small business of the year: Zephyrhills Cinema 10

Large business: Sunrise Eatery

Ambassador of the year: Debbie Murray

Leadership in government: Chief Derek Brewer, Zephyrhills Police Department

Diamond Award: Zephyrhills Museum of Military History

Citizen of the Year: Gwendolyn Beasley

Chamber member of the year: Beth Aker

Zephyrhills Chipotle opens
Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its first Zephyrhills location, at 7646 Gall Blvd. The restaurant serves burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads and other menu items. It also has a drive-thru pickup lane that allows customers to pick up digital orders without leaving their vehicles, according to a news release. The restaurant opened on Oct. 28.

Florida Educators Insurance relocates
Florida Educators Insurance, a Horace Mann Insurance Company, had a Nov. 16 celebration of the grand opening of its new location, at 2660 Stonewood Park Loop in Land O’ Lakes. The event included games, food and drinks.

Economic development honors
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) recently received honors from three economic development organizations, hauling in a total of four awards for top marketing initiatives, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

  • The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) honored Pasco EDC with an award for the Pasco County: Meet, Live, Work, and Play on Florida’s Sports Coast video at its annual conference in Tampa on Aug. 16.

Pasco EDC won The Best of Class, Large Division award for the video that was created to showcase the county as a place to do business, as well as visit and host a sporting event or meeting.

  • The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded Pasco EDC with two awards in the population over 500,000 category, at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on Oct. 6.

The 2019-2020 Annual Report received a bronze award.

The digital Ready Sites property videos won a silver award.

  • The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) recognized Pasco EDC’s relationship with Florida’s Sports Coast by presenting the Innovative Partnership award to Pasco EDC at its annual conference in Orlando on Oct. 14.

edible grand reopening
edible, at 3749 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, recently had a grand reopening celebration on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event featured a live DJ, a balloon artist, face painting, free samples and more. For more information, call 813-929-7362.

Business and Education Summit
CareerSource Tampa Bay will hold an education and business summit on Jan. 10. The summit, entitled: “Vision 2022: Shaping the Future of Work,” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, in downtown Tampa. Coffee and networking starts at 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to register for the event, visit CareerSource Tampa Bay’s Vision 2022, at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/vision2022.

Registration is $50 per person. Sponsorships also are available for businesses that want to help underwrite the event or would like to register multiple individuals.

SBA offers info on FAQs
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has released a new version of its most popular publication, “Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business.” Another publication, “What’s New with Small Business?” also has been updated. For more information, go to Advocacy.sba.gov.

Tampa ranks No. 6
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report identifying 2021’s Best Places to Retire in Florida, and Tampa came in at No. 6.

To determine the most ideal retirement places for older Americans, WalletHub compared more than 100 cities in the Sunshine State across 29 key indicators of retiree-friendliness. The data set ranges from cost of living to health care facilities per capita to number of attractions, according to a news release from WalletHub.

To view the full report and individual city ranks, visit tinyurl.com/24x5mk3j.

Volkswagen grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce recently had a ribbon-cutting during the Oct. 26 grand opening celebration of the Volkswagen dealership at 26500 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel.

Starkey appointments
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been named to three committees at the National Association of Counties, according to a Pasco County news release.

Starkey will serve on these committees:

  • Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee, as vice chair
  • International Economic Development Task Force, as vice chair
  • Large Urban County Caucus, as a member

The association’s mission is to strengthen America’s counties, and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, the news release says.

New dining and retail
The Shops at Wiregrass, at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs and State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel is expanding its retail and dining options.

Among the new offerings are Atleta, Coffee Latitutes, Go! Calendars Games & Toys, Optimal Wellness, SiKicks & Collectibles, Sky Jewels and Tonella’s Handcraft.

To get details about these and to find out more about the mall’s current and coming tenants, visit the mall’s social media channels.

AdventHealth promotion

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Jason Newmyer, vice president/administrator at AdventHealth Dade City has been name to lead AdventHealth’s announced hospital in Riverview. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Jason Newmyer, vice president/administrator for AdventHealth Dade City, has been named president and CEO for the recently announced AdventHealth hospital in Riverview.

The appointment becomes effective on Nov. 7.

“I’ve enjoyed watching Jason grow within the organization over the years. His experience in leading operations, strategic planning, and building highly engaged teams will serve him well as he steps into this new role,” Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth, said in a release.

“Jason is driven by his passion to extend our mission and I am confident he will continue to help AdventHealth deliver exceptional whole-person care throughout the Riverview community.”

Newmyer will continue on in Dade City, to ensure a smooth transition for the next leader.

Newmyer responded to his promotion this way: “I consider it a privilege to have worked with such incredible teams throughout my career with AdventHealth and I feel honored to serve in this role.

“I am excited for the work that we’ll get to do in Riverview and look forward to engaging with our team members, providers, leaders, and the community,” Newmyer said, in the release.

Chamber awards

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The North Tampa Bay Chamber is hosting its 2021 Celebrating Excellence Awards on Nov. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, in Wesley Chapel. The event is a cocktail reception to celebrate finalists and honor the winners. This will be an abbreviated event, with light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Networking begins at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. Business or cocktail attire. To find out more, email the chamber at .

Citizens Bank & Trust expands

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Citizens Bank & Trust has received full regulatory approval to acquire the Dade City and Valrico offices of The Bank of Tampa, according to a news release.

These offices, formerly owned by Hillsboro Bank, are located in Pasco and Hillsborough counties, respectively.

This move represents the first expansion outside Polk County for Citizens Bank & Trust, the release says.

“This is such an exciting time for us at Citizens Bank & Trust,” Greg Littleton, president and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, said in the release. “We have served the people of Polk County for the past century. We look forward to welcoming these new customers to the Citizens Bank & Trust family, and developing new business and personal relationships within both communities,” he said.

Hillsboro Bank customers were previously notified of the pending acquisition of the Dade City and Valrico office locations. Both offices were expected to open for business as Citizens Bank & Trust on Nov. 1.

Palm Medical adds office

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Palm Medical Centers (PMC) is opening its second office in Pasco County, with a new office opening in Zephyrhills in November, according to a news release. The new center is PMC’s 19th clinic location in Florida, including 12 clinics serving the booming Central Florida region. It is PMC’s fifth clinic addition during 2021, the release says. The office is at 6836 Medical View Lane and will be under the medical direction of Marina Kulick, M.D., an established family practitioner. Office hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.