Business Digest

Company winks at Taylor Swift

TAMPA BAY – After Taylor Swift dropped hints that her 12th studio album would embrace bright orange and mint green, major brands rushed to roll out orange-splashed campaigns. 

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving joined the Swift color frenzy with a wink and a nod to its long-standing look. The Tampa Bay-based moving and junk company sent a playful post connecting its brand to Swift’s teased orange-and-mint-green aesthetic.

“College HUNKS is honored to be selected by Taylor Swift for her new album color inspo!” joked Nick Friedman, College HUNKS co-founder.  “Taylor, if you wanted to join our team, why didn’t you just ask?”

“Taylor, we’re loving your new aesthetic,” added Friedman. “But you know … Tampa Bay had it first.”

 

Chamber seeks board members

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is accepting applications through Sept. 19 to join its board of directors.

The chamber has three openings for the 2025-26 fiscal year. People with decision-making roles within the business, professional services or healthcare sectors are preferred. Members serve three-years terms. 

The chamber works to strengthen the business community of Wesley Chapel,  New Tampa, Trinity and Odessa.

 

GTE Financial makes workplace list

TAMPA – GTE Financial was included in American Banker’s 2025 Best Credit Unions to Work For. The firm ranked 20th among the 68 credit unions on the national list.

This award is presented in partnership with Best Companies Group and is based on a two-part employee survey process. GTE achieved a 91% overall satisfaction rating.

“As GTE celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, I continue to be astonished and grateful for our caring and talented team that provides hope, help, and real value back to our members and the local community every day,” President and CEO Brian Best said. 

On the web: gtefinancial.org

 

SBA opens nominations for awards

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. 

Visit sba.gov/nsbw to nominate a small business and download related forms, criteria and guidelines. All nominations must be submitted electronically by 7 a.m. Dec. 8. National awards will be presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next May during National Small Business Week.

Nominations will be accepted for numerous other categories, including small business exporting awards, disaster recovery awards and federal procurement awards. 

On the web: sba.gov/nsbw

 

Florida adds 7,300 jobs in July 2025

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s employment continues to increase, adding 7,300 jobs over the month in July 2025, according to FloridaCommerce. 

Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 118,900 (+1.4%) over the year in July 2025.

The industries that gained the most jobs in July 2025 were the financial activities sector, adding 5,200 jobs; the leisure and hospitality sector, adding 1,600 jobs; and the government sector, adding 1,600 jobs.

As of July 2025, Florida employers have added jobs in 59 of the last 63 months since May 2020. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was 3.7% in July 2025 and has been lower than the national rate for 57 consecutive months since November 2020.

 

FloridaCommerce sees results with loan program

TALLAHASSEE – Since January 2023, FloridaCommerce and the Florida Opportunity Fund, collectively, have provided more than $250 million in loans and venture capital investments to 220 small businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 program.

This has generated more than $948 million in matching private investment. 

Florida’s SSBCI capital programs facilitate and expand access to funds for small businesses who would otherwise not be able to receive funding and provide businesses with additional resources to facilitate growth and economic development.

FloridaCommerce partnered with Florida First Capital Finance Corporation and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network on the program.

On the web: floridajobs.org/FloridaSSBCI

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host evening networking opportunities.

• President Hope Kennedy explains the perks of membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (Wiregrass Mall), 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
• Members let loose during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, 19729 State Road 54, Lutz. 
• Members network during a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game from 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 3 at Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. Members can buy tickets from the chamber by Sept. 2. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange, member celebrations and young professionals networking. 

• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at X-Golf Tampa, 9050 Tryon Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance. 
• Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at Catered By VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Register in advance. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
• Kaitlynn Zajecka, of Scooter’s Coffee, talks about “Marketing in the Social Media Age” during the Greater Pasco Young Professionals group’s Coffee Connections event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 29 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd.,Trinity. 
• Members celebrate the grand reopening of Hampton Inn and Suites – Port Richey from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at 11050 U.S. 19, Port Richey. They’ll cut the ribbon at 12:30 p.m. Register in advance.

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Annual Celebration and Coffee & Networking events.

• The chamber holds its Annual Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Pasco County Fairgrounds – Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City. Register in advance. 
• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 2 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. The Zephyrhills event that would have taken place Aug. 29 has been canceled. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a business seminar and networking opportunities.

• Keisha Durand, mortgage broker/owner at Durand Mortgage Group, talks about the topic, “Funding Your Future: Mortgage Solutions for Small Business Owners,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance. Admission costs $15. 
• Chamber members connect with leadership from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Cannon Fire & Cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Armature Works. Register in advance. Members pay $85. 
• President Hope Kennedy explains the perks of membership during New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 27 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (Wiregrass Mall), 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange and a pair of ribbon cuttings. 

• Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at 30 Minute Hit, 2107 Gunn Hwy., Odessa. The ribbon will be cut at 12:30 p.m. Register in advance. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at X-Golf Tampa, 9050 Tryfon Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a ribbon cutting and Coffee & Networking events.

• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Green Acre Structures, 4639 Bough Road, Zephyrhills. The ribbon gets cut at 12:15 p.m. Register in advance. 
• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 22 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 26 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Quick Hits

• Did you know Aug. 17 was National Nonprofit Day and National Thrift Shop Day? Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes has four locations in Pasco County: Hudson (12154 U.S. 19), New Port Richey (6117 State Road 54), Dade City (37925 Sky Ridge Circle), and Zephyrhills (36524 State Road 54).

 

Vinik Sports Group to host part-time hiring event

TAMPA – Vinik Sports Group will host a hiring event to fill positions for the Tampa Bay Lightning, AMALIE Arena and Yuengling Center.

The company will be hiring for a number of open part-time positions in the fields of security and parking. Some positions have openings for morning, event and overnight.

The hiring event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 12 at Cigar City Brewing Taproom Downtown, 375 Channelside Drive. Interested applicants are asked to arrive and enter the taproom off the main plaza area at AMALIE Arena. Candidates can access complimentary parking in the Green and Teal lots.  

 

GTE Financial promotes executive

TAMPA – GTE Financial promoted Laurie Newman to assistant vice president of general accounting. 

Newman joined GTE Financial in 2007. In her new role, Newman will continue to oversee the account reconciliation and accounts payable teams, with responsibilities spanning A/P functions, daily settlements, general ledger accounts, monthly accruals, payroll entries and daily cash management.

Newman has been instrumental in modernizing financial operations at GTE. She led the successful implementation of a comprehensive A/P workflow system in 2015 and played a vital role in the organization’s General Ledger conversion in 2012. Most recently, she helped launch an Account Reconciliation workflow platform that houses all approved reconciliations electronically, enhancing accuracy, transparency, and compliance.

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Real estate firm donates to mentoring organization

TAMPA, FL – The Bryan Coward Team at Keller Williams Realty has formed a  unique partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. 

For every home sold, the team donates $100 to support the work of the organization. 

Through its Sell a Home, Mentor a Child program, Bryan and his team are helping fund mentorship opportunities for local youth. Last year, they donated over $4,000 to BBBS of Tampa Bay.

“As someone who mentors through BBBS, this is deeply personal for me,” said Bryan Coward, team leader and longtime Westchase resident. “We don’t just sell houses. We build communities. And that starts with investing in the next generation.”

Get involved by visiting bryancoward.com/mentor-a-child

 

Visit Florida has new leader
TALLAHASSEE – Bryan Griffin has been appointed as president and CEO of Visit Florida. 

A lawyer, author and business owner from Tampa, Bryan serves as the communications director for Gov. Ron DeSantis and has articulated the policies and priorities of Florida for the last three years. 

As the official tourism marketing corporation for the state, VISIT FLORIDA plays a key role in supporting Florida’s economy through tourism promotion and partnership with the business community. 

“As Florida continues to break records in tourism, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world, Bryan’s strategic vision and drive will be essential in sustaining and expanding that momentum,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. 

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Medical Roundtable, Brochure Exchange and Membership Breakfast.

• Reps from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic and Good Samaritan Clinic participate in a Medical Roundtable hosted by Adam Shumaker from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• The chamber introduces the Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. The event is free for members or $14 with lunch. Register in advance. 
• Adam Thomas, executive director of Florida’s Sports Coast, speaks at the Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at Heritage Springs Country Club, 11130 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy., Trinity. Admission costs $25 for members or $30 for others. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.

• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 8 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 12 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 
• The chamber holds its Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Aug. 14 at Florica Cracker, 14139 7th St., Dade City. Entry costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Quick Hits

• The Joint Chiropractic will offer a free initial consultation, exam and adjustment as well as opportunities to meet the team from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 at 2211 Collier Pkwy. Maxy Muscle Movement will also offer free stretch sessions to anyone interested.
• Pasco EDC presents 37th Annual Awards from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4 at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. The event includes an awards ceremony, trade show and dinner. General admission costs $125. Register at pascoedc.com.

 

Skaggs continues leadership in credit union industry 

TAMPA – USF Credit Union President and CEO Richard J. Skaggs has been reelected to serve a second term as chair of the board for The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. 

The league represents 381 credit unions and more than 32.7 million members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia.

Skaggs brings more than 30 years of executive leadership in financial services, including the past 15 years as president and CEO of USF Credit Union, which serves 77,000 members and manages $1.3 billion in assets. 

“Rick’s passion, integrity and decades of experience empower us to move forward with vision and purpose. Rick’s reelection as chair is a testament to the deep trust and respect he has earned from credit union leaders across our four-state footprint,” said Samantha Beeler, president of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “Under his leadership, we’ve expanded our reach, strengthened collaboration and elevated our impact on behalf of our members.”

 

Pasco to host career fair

DADE CITY – Pasco County Government’s human resources department is hosting an in-person career fair.

Managers will be on-site conducting on-the-spot interviews from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Pasco County Cooperative Extension, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City. Dress to impress and bring several copies of your resume.

The following career opportunities are available: 911 dispatchers, correctional officer trainees, engineers, field inspectors, firefighters and paramedics, GoPasco bus drivers, parks and recreation, public works/equipment operators and utility positions.

On the web: MyPasco.net

 

Denny’s reopens Brandon restaurant

BRANDON – Denny’s is reopening its Brandon location with an updated design.

The location at 1301 West Brandon Boulevard is owned by John Metz. He operates more than 60 Denny’s restaurants across the country. 

The Brandon Denny’s will be open 24/7, continuing to serve guests around the clock with comfort food, friendly service and a refreshed space.

 

Weichert-affiliated offices welcome new members

TAMPA – Weichert-affiliated offices in the Tampa area recently welcomed new members to its team.  

Kiana McLean, Jessica Sammis and Christine Zak have joined Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties at 11734 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. 

Contact Hector Contreras at 727-344-9325 or for details. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Business Breakfast and Leading Ladies Network discussion. 

• The Leading Ladies Network presents a panel discussion on the topic, “Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side: Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship,” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at USF Credit Union New Tampa, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance. 
• Attorney Ron Weaver, a land development and zoning attorney, serves as speaker for the Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 5 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Admission costs $25 for members and $30 for others. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange and Medical Roundtable. 

• Reps from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic and Good Samaritan Clinic participate in a Medical Roundtable hosted by Adam Shumaker from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• The chamber introduces the Hudson Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7 at Vitality Living Baypoint Village, 7927 State Road 52, Hudson. The event is free for members or $14 with lunch. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a ribbon cutting and networking event.

• Members hold a ribbon cutting at Fluffy Puppy Grooming from 11 a.m. to noon July 31 at the chamber’s office, 38550 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills. The ribbon will be cut at 11:30 a.m.
• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 1 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 5 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco EDC presents 37th Annual Awards from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4 at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. The event includes an awards ceremony, trade show and dinner. General admission costs $125. Register at pascoedc.com.
• FloridaCommerce announced a gain of 128,100 private sector jobs (+1.5%) over the year in June 2025. The education and health services sector added 1,300 jobs in June 2025 to lead all industries.

 

Lutz Cemetery announces grand re-opening

LUTZ – Lutz Cemetery will celebrate its grand re-opening Aug. 9 under the stewardship of American Legion Post 108. 

The event includes a Purple Heart Commemoration honoring two veterans interred at the site. Highlights include a new digital map, searchable database, and the launch of the Lutz Cemetery Renovation Program featuring Legacy Lane, Guardian’s Gate, Patriots’ Way and the Veterans’ Honor Garden.

The event starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 at 201 5th Ave. N.E. Visit americanlegionpost108.com/lutz-cemetery-renovation-project for details about the Lutz Cemetery Renovation Program.

 

OffGrid Pro offers power solution after hurricane 

TAMPA – After Hurricane Milton left 3.4 million Floridians without power, 19-year-old Tampa entrepreneur Noah Bild developed the OffGrid Pro, a portable, commercial-grade power station.

The unit offers 9.8kWh capacity, solar recharging and safe indoor use. 

It runs quietly and emission-free – ideal for extended outages. Shipping for the product starts Oct. 1.

“Our goal is to provide Floridians with a reliable power source before the next major storm hits and for what’s to come in the years ahead and storms continue to intensify,” Bild said.

On the web: offgridpropower.com

 

CEOs dedicate Habitat home

TAMPA – Business leaders rolled up their sleeves in May to help build a family’s new house in urban East Tampa as part of Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough’s annual CEO Build. 

They gathered July 15 for a dedication celebration.

John Beacham, founder and CEO of Toorak Capital Partners, is one of dozens of business leaders, including representatives from Ajax Paving, Cypress Gulf, and Centennial Bank, who framed doors, fired up power tools and stacked stone veneer to help make the home a reality.

“We have an affordable housing crisis that makes it very important for business leaders to come together,” Beacham said.

CEO volunteers also donated or raised nearly $400,000 for Habitat’s affordable housing efforts.

 

SBA offers resources

MIAMI – Tyler Teresa, SBA Southeast Regional Administrator, encouraged urges small business owners, homeowners and renters to prepare for hurricane season. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for physical damage, economic injury, and mitigation assistance. These loans cover everything from building repairs to payroll gaps.

Visit sba.gov for more information and resources. 

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host women’s programming. 

• The Leading Ladies Network presents a panel discussion on the topic, “Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side: Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship,” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at USF Credit Union New Tampa, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a brochure exchange, ribbon cutting and young professionals programming. 

• Members network during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 24 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
• The Young Professionals Group networks during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 25 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance.
• Members hold a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. July 26 at Kouro Decor & Furniture, 5404 Main St., suite B, New Port Richey. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Coffee & Networking events.

• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 25 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. July 29 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Training helps landscaping pros

DADE CITY – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training designed for landscaping professionals who apply fertilizers commercially.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 22 at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, 36702 County Road 52, Dade City. Advance registration is required at mypas.co/PascoGIBMPJul25.  

The training costs $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for Pasco County Government, school board and other municipal employees. All participants must have a government-issued photo ID and a pre-paid ticket for admission. Lunch will not be provided.

 

MarineMax supports townhome build

OLDSMAR – MarineMax celebrated the dedication of its eighth and ninth homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, supporting two families as they worked toward homeownership.

Each year, employees from across the company trade their desks for tool belts, working side by side with Habitat families to frame, paint and build homes from the ground up.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is one of the most meaningful things we do,” said Beth Garland, senior vice president of people strategy at MarineMax. “Getting to know the families, rolling up our sleeves and building something together – it’s incredibly rewarding for all of us.”

This year’s homeowners are a preschool director with three daughters as well as a dialysis technician and mother of eight. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.

• Members mingle during the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 10 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 
• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 11 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. July 15 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Radio host signs off  

TAMPA – Classical radio host Russell Gant has retired from WUSF and WSMR public radio, capping a career in broadcasting that began 42 years ago when he was a University of South Florida music student who worked in the early years of public radio in Tampa Bay. 

The station celebrated Gant’s career with a special broadcast.

“Perhaps no voice on our airwaves is more closely tied to the origin and the heart of WUSF and WSMR than Russell Gant,” WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky said. “Russell is and has been a leading light in classical music throughout our region, beloved both here at the station and among listeners across our region.”

Among pieces that Gant helped select for his final day on the air were Gabriele Faure’s “Pavane Op. 50,” Gustav Holst’s “Planets: Jupiter Op. 32,” Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite Op. 20,” Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot: Nessun Dorma” and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Serenade No. 10 for Winds in B-Flat.”

“Time for me to ride off in the sunset,” Gant told listeners. “Thank you for all these years. It’s been an honor and privilege to share this music with you … and may I say, farewell my friends.”

 

Building services gets nod

PASCO COUNTY –  Pasco’s Building Construction Services Department has earned accreditation from the International Accreditation Service. 

Pasco is the only county in its population range (500K – 1M) to receive this distinction.

“This prestigious honor reflects the department’s unwavering dedication to our community,” Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said. 

International Accreditation Service accreditation places Pasco in a group of about 30 building departments nationwide that operate with the highest standards, including permitting, plan reviews, inspections and code enforcement.

An independent authority performed on-site assessments and reviews of competence and quality management industry standards. 

On the web: mypas.co/BuildingConstruction

 

Workforce sees expansion

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced June 20 that Florida’s total private sector employment increased by 22,900 (+0.3%) jobs from the previous month. Florida’s manufacturing sector gained 1,100 jobs in May 2025.

Florida’s private sector job growth rate has exceeded the national rate for 48 of the last 50 months since April 2021. The industry that gained the most jobs in May 2025 was the professional and business services sector, adding 7,100 jobs; followed by trade, transportation and utilities, adding 4,800 jobs; education and health services, adding 4,600 jobs; and leisure and hospitality, adding 4,100 jobs.

 

Career Source offers job-seekers help with search

HOLIDAY – Career Source offers assistance with employment searches, resume writing, interviewing preparation, EmployFlorida assistance and more at Centennial Park Library. 

Upcoming sessions include 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, July 8 and 15, as well as Thursdays, July 10 and 17, at the library, located at 5740 Moog Road, Holiday.

Call the library at 727-834-3204 for details.

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast and Coffee & Networking events.

• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. July 8 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 
• Members meet up for networking at the Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. July 10 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Entry costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.

 

Quick Hits

• North Tampa Bay Chamber chats with Will Atkins, founder of  Cinn-Credible Cinnamon Packets, during the latest “Chamber Chatter” podcast.
• AAA projects 4.6 million Floridians will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period, including 4 million by auto, 329,762 by air and 203,629 by other modes like buses, trains or cruises.

Pasco incentivizes tourism

PASCO COUNTY – Florida’s Sports Coast, the destination management organization for Pasco County, is accepting applications for the 2025-26 Marketing Matching Sponsorship Program.  

Designed to spotlight artistic, cultural and unique experiences beyond the world of sports, this program offers an opportunity to bring these events and attractions to life.  

Events like these have the potential to attract visitors and the program provides up to $10,000 to expand the marketing reach of these events to audiences outside the Tampa Bay area.

For 2025-26 cycle, there are two additional funding incentives:

• Long-distance Promotions Incentive: Providing up to $2,000.
• Room Night Generation Incentive: Offering up to $3,000.

Visit: mypas.co/FloridasSportsCoastMMSP26 to learn more about the program.

 

Food truck lauds Brooklyn

LAND O’ LAKES – The Bergen Food Truck Florida celebrated its grand opening May 30 to June 1 at That Place Down The Street.

The seafood concept dates back to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when founder Ty Brown opened a restaurant with Caribbean-inspired flavors on Bergen Street in Brooklyn, New York. 

“I’m thrilled to bring a true sense of community and connection to Land O’Lakes through The Bergen Food Truck,” Brown saad. “In a place where people often stay indoors, we’re creating a welcoming space that encourages neighbors to come together, enjoy great food, and build lasting friendships.”

That Place Down The Street is located at 10509 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Call 347-264 4069 for details. 

 

Hooters reopens location

PORT RICHEY – The Port Richey Hooters location has reopened after being closed for nine months after four feet of water entered the building during Hurricane Helene. 

The entire building has been completely remodeled and renovated with all new equipment and furniture. The kitchen has also been redesigned to increase throughput and reduce ticket times.

Hooters of Port Richey is located at 5336 Treadway Drive.  The Port Richey Hooters location opened on the waterfront in 1988.  It was the first Hooters restaurant to open in Pasco County.  

Additional locations in the county include the Odessa Hooters and Wesley Chapel Hooters with an anticipated opening in the fall. HMC Hospitality Group also has plans to open a location in The Villages in July.  

 

Baker joins angus group

BRANDON – Khloe Baker, of Brandon, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Junior members of the association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association has more than 21,000 active adult and junior members. 

On the web: NJAA.info

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and ribbon cutting. 

• Members network during a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 18 at Bubba’s 33, 26340 Silver maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel.  
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Deep Roots Dental & Facial Aesthetics with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. June 25 at 3013 Allegra Way, Lutz. The ribbon cutting starts at 4:30 p.m.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Trinity Brochure Exchange, Women in Business programming and other networking opportunities.

• The Professional Women in Business group meets for networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
• Members exchange company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting from 4 to 7 p.m. June 24 at Wraps & Kabobs, 1420 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 

ª Members celebrate the grand opening of HotWorx with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at 7215 FL-54, New Port Richey. The company is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Core Connections and Coffee & Networking events.

• The chamber offers networking and member orientation during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. June 19 at the Zephyrhills Office, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. Register in advance. 
• Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. June 20 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location, 38550 5th Ave., or 8 to 9 a.m. June 24 at the chamber’s Dade City location, 14112 8th St. Register in advance. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Quick Hits

• EXIT Elite Realty welcomed Michele Alexander and Rahmat Barkat to its team of real estate professionals. The firm is located at 13911 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite #201 in Tampa. 
• Stephanie Li Causi, Dan Soares and Kimberly Blanco have joined Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties at 11734 N Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.