The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Travel insurance purchases up

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New data shows that a growing number of travelers are turning to travel insurance to protect their vacation investments and health while traveling, according to a AAA Travel survey. That survey showed that 31% of U.S. travelers are more likely to purchase travel insurance for their trips planned between now and the end of 2022, specifically due to the pandemic. AAA’s travel insurance sales have increased more than double digits year-over-year, as members return to travel and see the value of protecting that investment, according to a AAA news release. Choosing the right policy is important, and increasingly travelers want policies that protect against commonly covered reasons for trip cancellations and interruptions, as well as other travel-related incidents including change fees, delays or lost/damaged luggage, to name a few.

Florida’s job growth

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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity recently announced that Florida has experienced 16 consecutive months of job growth. In total, Florida has gained 990,400 jobs since April 2020. Florida’s unemployment rate of 5% for August 2021 dropped one-tenth of a percentage point from July 2021. For 13 consecutive months, the state of Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national rate, currently at 5.2%. Florida’s labor force also continues to grow substantially, increasing by 65,000 over the month. Over the last five months, Florida’s labor force has grown by 373,000. Florida’s unemployment rate also has lowered over the year, decreasing by 2.9%, according to the department of economic opportunity.

New dental office

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BayBreeze Dental, operated by Dr. Ronak Parikh, opened on Sept. 13 at 28868 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. Services offered include restoration, cosmetic, dental implants, Invisalign, extractions, emergencies, sedation and pediatric. For more information, call 813-694-8242.

Outlets welcomes new stores

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Tampa Premium Outlets has announced the opening of four retailers at the center and will be welcoming two more soon. The new retailers that are now open are: Aeropostale, BOSS Huge Boss, Marc Jacobs and Perry Ellis. The two retailers coming soon are Nautica Factory Store and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Tampa Premium Outlets is located off Interstate 75 and the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, in an area where Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel come together.

New Circle K completed

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Frontier Building has completed the new Circle K, at 7767 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The project includes a convenience store, fueling stations and carwash, according to a news release. Frontier Building is a design-build contractor.

Planet Fitness coming

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Planet Fitness will occupy the former Babies “R” Us space at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. The fitness giant will occupy more than 25,000 square feet of space and plans to open several months after construction inside is complete. It will join a Bealls Outlet/Home Centric, which also is under construction. Both businesses are taking over what used to be the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us buildings, according to a news release.

Artistic director hired

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New Tampa Players has named Nora Paine as its producing artistic director, a newly created position. It also has formed an Artistic Advisory Council. The new organizational structure is intended to support the new chapter of the theater company, which is 18 years old, and is seeking to increase its community impact and reach, according to a news release.

Zaxby’s opens at Cypress Creek Town Center

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A look at the new Zaxby’s that opened, initially only for drive-thru customers, on Aug. 30, at 2153 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz. (Courtesy of Zaxby’s)

Zaxby’s has opened its newest restaurant at 2153 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz, near Costco.

The new Zaxby’s is owned and operated by Brad Harper, owner of Swamp Dawg LLC, and began operation on Aug. 30, initially for drive-thru customers only, according to a news release.

“Our team is thrilled to offer the Lutz community a new restaurant experience with delicious hand-breaded chicken and more,” Harper said, in the release. “We are tremendously excited to begin working with the community and to partner with local schools in the area.”

The 3,715-square-foot restaurant, located off Interstate 75 and the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, will have indoor seating available for 70 guests.

Third-party delivery will be offered at a later date.

Zephyrhills awards banquet postponed

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The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has postponed its “Award Winning Z’Hills” event that had been slated for Sept. 16. Details are being finalized regarding a new date and event particulars, and once they are known, they will be shared by the chamber. The banquet is held to show appreciation for members and the community, and to bestow awards.

New location for jewelers

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Valentino’s Fine Jewelers has changed locations within the Tampa Premium Outlets. It is now situated in Suite No. 150, between Bath and Body Works, and Forever 21. For more information call Madonna Wilcox at 813-949-9800.