Business Digest

Magnolia Pharmacy open house
Magnolia Pharmacy is now established at 12525 Curley Road in San Antonio, and is hosting an open house on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m., to celebrate. There will be refreshments from local vendors, a meet and greet with the pharmacy owner Shannon Corkrean, Pharm D, raffles and prizes. Everyone is invited. For more information, call (352) 588-3330, or visit MagnoliaPharmacyllc.com.

Influence through social media
Learn how your business can tap into sales, share information and build relationships through social media. Also, learn what to avoid on social media networks. A free workshop will be presented by Jennifer Frasier, of The Creative Stable Inc., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. The class is on Oct 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Women-n-Charge Mini Expo
Members of Women-n-Charge will have their first Mini Expo, in which they will display products and materials highlighting their businesses. The group will meet on Nov. 1 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting includes lunch, a special Mini Expo and time to network. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Tuesday prior to the meeting. After that, it is  $20 for members and $23 for guests. RSVP by Oct. 29. Register at Women-n-charge.com/meetings/. For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Economic Development Summit
The East Pasco Economic Development Summit, focusing on agritourism and agribusiness is set for Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. The keynote speaker will be Holly Bell, director of Cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture. There will be a panel discussion on agribusiness and another on agritourism. To register or for more information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.

Women’s Hall of Fame
The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 2011 to celebrate the achievement of Hillsborough County women who have made significant contributions in such areas as education, business, philanthropy and public service. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4. Nomination are available by calling Elizabeth Cardenes at (813) 274-6790.

North Tampa Bay Chamber awards banquet
The 20th annual North Tampa Bay Chamber Awards Gala is set for Nov. 7 at the Tampa Palms Country Club. It begins with a Business & VIP Reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is followed by a dinner. For more information about tickets, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Row House WiregrassRow House Wiregrass, a fitness facility at 28163 Paseo Drive, No. 180, in Wesley Chapel, had an open house celebration on Oct. 22, according to the North Tampa Bay Chamber calendar of events.

Baseball farm grand opening
Coach Ryan Pryor is hosting a grand opening celebration of the Pryor Baseball Farm — an event where friends, family, leagues and members of the media can visit the outdoor training farm. The baseball school is intended to be a place where young athletes can bridge the skill gap to pursue their dreams of reaching high levels within baseball and softball. The grand opening is set for Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the event, or the facility, call Coach Ryan Pryor at (813) 992-1030, or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
Beth Aker, director of East Pasco Meals on Wheels, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells will be the featured speakers at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Nov. 12 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

How to Apply for a Business Loan
Learn how to apply for a business loan at this free workshop slated for Nov. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. The focus is on the individual requirements of the participants, including start-ups, mature businesses, and purchasing of existing businesses. The workshop will cover loan sources for loans ranging from $5,000 to $5 million, and business plans to accompany loan applications.

Basic Quick Books
This free two-hour seminar is aimed at individuals who are planning to start a business, or who have recently started a business, but who have not yet set up an effective record-keeping system. This seminar is an introduction to QuickBooks. It is not intended for advanced users. It will be on Nov. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

43rd annual Holiday Parade
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is seeking entries for company floats and sponsorships for the 43rd annual Holiday Parade on Dec. 14. To find out more call (727) 842-7651

Blanket Drive
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is helping to spread the word about Blanket Tampa Bay, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, that is collecting blankets for the homeless and less-fortunate. It has a goal of collecting 2,000 clean, new or gently used blankets. Visit Facebook.com/blanketthehomeless for more information. The blankets will be distributed on Christmas Eve at both locations of Trinity Café. For pickup, call (813) 300-9277.

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
This networking group for women meets on Oct. 17 at 11 a.m., at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes. The group aims to give women, from all different walks a life, a place to support each other and to build friendships. For more information, go to PowerGals.net.

Hillsborough County job fair
Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Merman, in association with CareerSource Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Community College, will host her fifth annual County Job Fair on Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the HCC Dale Mabry Campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

Employers with hundreds of positions will be at the job fair, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call Angela Lyons at CareerSource Tampa Bay at (813) 930-7836, or email her at .

Real estate seminar
Fitz Real Estate Services will host a free Real Estate Seminar on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Blazing Saddles Ranch, 10219 Wirt Road in Dade City. The seminar will cover a variety of real estate topics. To RSVP and for more information, call (813) 468-0446, or email .

 East Pasco Networking Group
Cliff Martin, vice president/general manager of Jarrett Ford, Dade City, will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Oct. 22 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

New craft brewery topic of talk
Anthony Derby, the founder/CEO of Florida Avenue Brewing Co., will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s economic development briefing. He’ll talk about the Seminole Heights craft brewery that’s expanding into Wesley Chapel. The Oct. 24 event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunters Green, 18101 Long water Run Drive in Tampa. For cost and reservations, call (813) 994-8534, or send an email to .

Ribbon cutting for Sports Clips
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will participate in a ribbon cutting celebration on Oct. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., for Sports Clips of Terra Bella, 23683 State Road 54 in Lutz. The ribbon cutting is set for 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its monthly business breakfast on the first Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for visitors.

Christmas Parade applications
Deadline for entry in the Dade City Christmas Parade is Nov. 11. Applications are available online at DadeCityChamber.org. For more information, call (352) 567-3769.

Taxes on transient rentals
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office soon will collect Tourist Development Taxes on transient rentals. The tax collector’s office began accepting registrations on Oct. 1 from all who are required to collect the 4% tourist development tax on transient rentals. Starting Nov. 1, the  tourist development tax must be reported and remitted to the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office online though the Tourist Express system, Pasco.county-taxes.com/tourist or by mail only, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office.

For detailed information regarding the tax, documents that must be filed and/ or any questions regarding the tax, visit PascoTaxes.com/tdt/ or call the tax department at (352) 518-5097, or email .

Tax implications
Learn more about the tax implications for small businesses at a seminar presented Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. The seminar discusses how to create federal and Florida business entities. It also discusses state and local licensing requirements, as well as employment, state and federal taxes. The session will be at the SMARTStart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19, New Port Richey.

Economic Development Summit
The East Pasco Economic Development Summit, focusing on agritourism and agribusiness is set for Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. The keynote speaker will be Holly Bell, director of Cannabis for the Florida Department of Agriculture. There will be a panel discussion on agribusiness and the other on agritourism. To register or for more information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.

E-marketing concepts
Find out about Internet marketing technologies, such as local search directories, email newsletters, blogs, search engine advertising and other tools to help your company reach customers and communicate your brand. The session is on Nov. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. The same topic will be covered at a session on Nov. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., Dade City.

 

Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange
Join members of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce at a business card and brochure exchange on Oct. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes. A special priced  menu is available.

Career Source Pasco Hernando Job Fair
Career Source Pasco Hernando is having a job fair on Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hyatt Place, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. This free event gives job seekers a chance to learn about full- and part-time job opportunities.

New Dennis Realty office
Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation held a ribbon cutting and open house on Oct. 1 on Oct. 1, at 37237 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Dennis Realty, a family-owned real estate company, has been in operation for more than 45 years. It serves customers across Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Citrus and Pinellas counties. The company specializes in residential and commercial real estate, as well as full-service Property Management. It has locations in Lutz, Hernando Beach, Brooksville, St. Petersburg and Dade City.

Chamber coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce invites its members to a no agenda monthly coffee social, held on the third Tuesday of the month. The next one is on Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Florida Aquarium receives grant
TD Ameritrade has given Florida Aquarium a $15,000 grant. The grant will be used to support the aquarium’s sponsored admission program for under-served students in Tampa Bay. The program allows the aquarium to deeply discount its rates, as some groups do not have funds to visit the aquarium.

Anniversary celebration
Fresh Health Café is celebrating 10 years in business with some giveaways for customers. The event will be Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28139 Paseo Drive, Suite 170, in Wesley Chapel.

WOW Too features Kathryn Starkey
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey will be the featured speaker at the WOW Too meeting on Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express – Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, in Trinity. The fee is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Cash King Realty supports Mainstreet Zephyrhills, Inc.
The staff at Cash King Realty Inc. has presented a $2,000 annual sponsorship check to Mainstreet Zephyrhills, Inc. “We are proud to support Mainstreet Zephyrhills, Inc., with this donation to help cover some of the costs of the many downtown events,” Marcus Price, founder and broker at Cash King Realty, said in a news release.

Window-decorating contest
Main Street Zephyrhills invites city businesses to join in a window-decorating contest by Oct. 13, to celebrate the spirit of Zephyrhills High School. Decorate your ground-level storefront window with as much orange and black Zephyrhills High School Bulldog swag, and email your business name, address and photos of your decorations by Oct. 14 to , with the subject line: Go Dogs Window. Main Street’s fans and followers will be asked to comment on and share their favorite window and the business receiving the most interactions will win a $100 Visa gift card. The winners will be announced Oct. 25. Businesses are asked to keep their decorations up through the school’s homecoming on Oct. 25.

Upcoming ribbon cuttings
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is involved with these upcoming ribbons cuttings:

• Haverty’s Furniture Co., 26450 Golden Maple Loop, Wesley Chapel, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Brick and Minifigs, 28152 Paseo Drive, Suite 140, Wesley Chapel, Oct. 11, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, 26283 Tanic Drive, Wesley Chapel, Oct. 23, from 4 p.m. ribbon cutting; 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., open house. RSVP by Oct. 18.
• Hampton Inn & Suites — Tampa/Wesley Chapel, 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Dade City chamber breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting is set for Oct. 14, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Dade City classrooms 106 and 107. The cost is $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Must RSVP and pay no later than by the Thursday (by noon) prior to the breakfast. Go to https://chamberbreakfast.eventhut.com

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
This networking group for women meets on Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, in Land O’ Lakes. The group aims to give women, from all different walks of life, a place to support each other and to build friendships. For more information, go to PowerGals.net.

East Pasco Networking Group
Cliff Martin, vice president/general manager of Jarrett Ford, Dade City, will be the featured speaker on the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Oct. 22, at 7:30 a.m. at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. For more information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones, at (813) 431-1149.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast

Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting. He will be talking about how the hospital compares to other Tampa Bay hospitals, and what AdventHealth Zephyrhills is doing to continually improve patient experience.

The breakfast is on Oct. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The cost is $8 for members; $10 for nonmembers.

Grow your business
This free workshop helps take the mystery out of helping your business grow. It will meet on Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14^th St., in Dade City.

Chamber luncheon
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its membership luncheon on Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Springhill Suites Tampa North-Land O’ Lakes, 16615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. For more information or to register, visit GreaterPasco.com

Job Fair
Career Source Pasco Hernando is having a job fair on Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hyatt Place, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. This free event gives job seekers a chance to learn about full- and part-time job opportunities.

 Women of Wesley Chapel
Women of Wesley Chapel (WOW) meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., on the first Friday of each month, at Beach House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch, 30070 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel. The group is the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s women-only networking group. To RSVP, call (813) 994-8534, or email . Prepayment and registration are strongly encouraged.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge, a networking group for women, meets on the first Friday of the month, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. For information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Become a SCORE volunteer
Despite its acronym, (Service Corps of Retired Executives) volunteers do not have to be retired or an executive, they simply need the experience and willingness to be able to help small businesses succeed. Current local volunteers have backgrounds in human resources, engineering, accounting, sales, marketing, production and other fields. The needs of the clients the organization serves are even more diverse. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

NTBC ribbon cuttings
October will be a busy month for ribbon cuttings involving the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce. These are scheduled through the middle of October:

• Healthy & Fresco: Oct. 3, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 21539 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes
• Canterbury Hall Private Chef: Oct. 4, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., 15102 Amberly Drive, Tampa
• Haverty’s Furniture Co.: Oct. 10, 10 a.m., 26450 Golden Maple Loop, Wesley Chapel
• Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel: Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
• Bricks and Minifigs: Oct. 11, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 28152 Paseo Drive, Suite 140, Wesley Chapel

Also, Dash of Salt N’ Pepper LLC will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Oct. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite G & H, Tampa.

Networking Group
Shane LeBlanc, director of public works for the City of Zephyrhills and Theresa LeBlanc, advertising manager for the Zephyrhills News, will be the featured speakers at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting on Oct. 8, at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. For more information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones, at (813) 431-1149.

Economic report
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced that Florida added 213,000 private-sector jobs during the first eight months of the year, while maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%.

During August, Florida’s annual private-sector job growth rate of 2.8 %, compared to the national average of 1.6%

“We are continuing to make Florida the ideal location for businesses to grow and hire Floridians,” DeSantis said, in a news release.

Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year were:

• Education and health services: 62,800 new jobs
• Professional and business services: 46,800 new jobs;
• Leisure and hospitality: 23,500 new jobs
• Trade, transportation and utilities: 21,900 new jobs
• Construction: 20,900 new jobs
• Financial activities: 18,700 new jobs

Cancer society ambassador
Jordan Whitehead, safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has partnered with the American Cancer Society as a player ambassador to support patients and their caregivers through their cancer journeys, according to a news release.

The fight against cancer is very personal for Whitehead. His former college teammate, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during their time at the University of Pittsburgh, according to the release.

“Watching James go through treatments then to come to practice every day, changed my perspective, Whitehead said, in the release. “He never complained, that touched me and changed my whole outlook.”

As an American Cancer Society player ambassador, Whitehead will support the National Football League’s Crucial Catch initiatives. Through fundraising, education, and awareness initiatives, Crucial Catch focuses on the prevention and early detection of multiple cancers, including breast cancer.

 

Chamber breakfast draws crowd
County Administrator Dan Biles was the featured speaker at The Greater Dade City Chamber Commerce business breakfast at Scotland Yards Golf and Country Club. The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union was the breakfast sponsor. Shown here, from left: County Administrator Dan Biles, Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and credit union CEO & President Tim Baldwin.

Economic briefing
Jamie Wilson, DBA vice president of government relations, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s economic development briefing on Sept. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s green 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa. He has served as vice president of government relations for Moffitt since 2007. His responsibilities include local, state and federal government relations. To find out more and to RSVP, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Franchise opportunities
Learn about franchises and how to select the right one for you at this free seminar called “Opportunities in Franchises,” presented by Pasco-Hernando SCORE. The session will be on Sept. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting. He will be talking about how the hospital rates compared to other Tampa Bay hospitals, and what AdventHealth Zephyrhills is doing to continually improve its patient’s experience. The breakfast is on Oct. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The cost is $8 for members; $10 for nonmembers.

Wednesday networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Wednesday morning networking meeting on Oct. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. To register, go to the chamber’s website, GreaterPasco.com.

SWFMD appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Roger Germann and reappointed Kelly Rice to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board, according to a water management district news release.

Germann represents Hillsborough County, and Rice represents Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties.

Germann, of Tampa, is the president and chief executive officer of The Florida Aquarium. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Germann is appointed to a four-year term.

Rice, of Webster, is the owner of Prime Property Resources Inc., and the president of Rice Cattle Company. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Rice is reappointed to a four-year term.

Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The volunteer governing board members set policy for the district, which manages the water and related resources of West Central Florida to meet the needs of current and future water users, while protecting the environment.

Growing your business
This free workshop helps to demystify the steps you can take to help your business grow. It will meet on Oct. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14^th St., in Dade City.

East Pasco Networking
Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Sept. 24. The group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

Tampa ranks high for driving
The personal-finance website WalletHub recently released its report on 2019’s Best & Worst Cities to Drive in, and Tampa ranked fourth best on the list of the 100 largest cities. WalletHub used 30 metrics to compare the cities, including average gas prices, annual hours in traffic congestion per auto commuter, auto repair shops per capita and other factors. Orlando ranked as the second best, and Detroit, Michigan, ranked last among the 100 cities compared in the report.

County administrator to speak
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles will talk about “The State of East Pasco” during The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Sept. 17. Networking starts at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast will be at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Reservations are required. Contact Jo Uber at or online at DadeCityChamber.org, to reserve your seat.

Credit Union helps Thomas Promise
The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation granted The Thomas Promise Foundation $10,000 to help the organization fulfill its mission of providing meals to food-insecure children. This is the third time in a row that the credit union provided a $10,000 grant. This latest grant donation will provide more than 20,000 meals.

Membership breakfast
Andrew Fossa, director of emergency management for Pasco County, will be the featured speaker at the Wake Up Greater Pasco Membership Breakfast. Fossa plays a pivotal role in directing resources and protecting citizens in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. The event is set for Sept. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, at 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is presenting a business card and brochure exchange on Sept. 12 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Plaza in Land O’ Lakes. Come for networking and lunch, with a special pricing lunch menu.

Chamber board members sought
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has four positions open on its board of directors for the 2020 fiscal year. The nominator and the nominee both must be members in good standing. Board members serve three-year terms. The chamber is seeking representatives from specific sectors of the membership: Financial/insurance; restaurant/hospitality; and sports/recreation.
For more information, reach out to the chamber office at .

‘Catch the Buzz’ spelling bee
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Chamber Ambassadors is presenting the 17th annual “Catch the Buzz” Spelling Bee on Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Event Center (formerly known as the Verizon Event Center), 8718 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. Proceeds from the event will benefit Take Stock in Children, and the Florida Department of Education will match the donation. For more information, email .

Using the Internet for business
The Pasco Hernando chapter of SCORE is presenting a free business seminar, “How to use the Internet in your business,” on Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills.

Pasco government actions
The Pasco County Planning Commission:

• Approved a special exception request by Chancey Road Christian Church Inc., for a recreational vehicle site to accommodate five RVs that will be used by visiting clergy and staff, in conjunction with church operations. The 4.48-acre site is on the north side of Chancey Road, about 200 feet west of Lanier Road.

The Pasco County Commission:

• Approved a rezoning request by JLP Property Investments to allow 22 single-family detached dwellings within the Boyette Oaks Phase II Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD), on a 24.08-acre site that is about 1,600 feet west of the Boyette Road and Wells Road intersection, about 1,800 feet east of Interstate 75 and approximately 5,500 feet north of State Road 54. The MPUD was originally approved in two phases. Phase one has been completed and phase two had expired.
• Approved a rezoning request by Joshua LLC, to allow an office and warehouse for an irrigation contractor on a .576-acre lot, on the south side of Warder Road, approximately 450 feet wet of Emmaus Cemetery Road. The applicant agreed to deed restrictions, limiting the use to the office and warehouse.
• Approved a bid by Right Way Elevator Maintenance Inc., for $102,600 for an elevator project at the Pasco County Historic Courthouse in Dade City.
• Approved an agreement between the county and The Groves Community Development District for the county to exercise traffic control jurisdiction. The traffic control will be provided by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and, if deemed necessary by the county or Sheriff’s Office, The Groves CDD will pay for traffic control costs.

Alchemy & Ashes anniversary
Alchemy & Ashes, which has been in business seven years, is celebrating its one-year anniversary at its current location, 24836 State Road 54 in Lutz. The celebration, which will include gifts for the first 50 guests, raffle prizes and a local trunk show, is set for Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New clerk will speak
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki-Alvarez-Sowles will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast on Aug. 27. The group meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Alvarez-Sowles was selected to replace Paula S. O’Neil, who retired in July. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.

Entrepreneur series
This session, presented by SMARTstart, a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is called “Personal budgeting and Credit for Entrepreneurs.” It is being offered on Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com and click on the events tab, to register.

Free course for insurance agents
A five-hour law and ethics continuing education class is being offered free for insurance agents on Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at SpringHill Suites Marriott, 1615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. A free lunch will be provided. RSVP to .

Tampa house flippers do well
WalletHub, a personal finance website, has released findings of its 2019 Best Places to Flip Houses report, which compared more than 170 cities across the country. Tampa came in No. 6 on the list — and was the only Florida city to hit the top 10. To view the full report, go to tinyurl.com/y5aaxbyk.

Free business seminars

• How to really start your business, Sept. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.
• Creating a successful business plan, Sept. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
• How to use the Internet in your business, Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

These sessions are free, but space is limited. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Women of Wesley Chapel
Women of Wesley Chapel (WOW) meets from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., on the first Friday of each month, at Beach House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch, 30070 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel. The group is the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s women-only networking group. The cost is $5, which includes breakfast and networking. To RSVP, call (813) 994-8534, or email . Prepayment and registration is strongly encouraged.

New manufacturing website
If you’re trying to find out more about manufacturing in Hillsborough County, there’s a new website that may be helpful to you. Visit MadeInHillsborough.org to find out more.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge, a networking group for women, will hear a presentation from Jim Howard, of Trinity Security Allies, on “Situational Awareness.” The meeting will be on Sept. 6 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests by Monday prior to the meeting, Tuesday and after the cost is $20 for members and $23 guests. Register at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings. For information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its monthly breakfast meeting on the first Thursday of the month, at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $8 for members and $10 for visitors.

Pasco County Commission approvals:

• An application by ANT of Florida, LLC/Bubba’s 33 for the sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption in conjunction with the operation of a restaurant on the south side of Silver Maple Parkway, about one-fourth mile east of Interstate 75.
• An application by Carmel Friendship Baptist Church Inc., for a change in zoning from a master-planned unit development to a neighborhood commercial district on the 11.17-acres on the northeast corner of Boyette and Wells roads.
• An application by Dwight and Joyce Hopkins Revocable Trust to change the zoning of agricultural and general commercial district to a general commercial district on 7,41 acres at the northwest corner of Old State Road 54 and Old Cypress Creek.
• An application by KW Realty Fund III, LLC et al./Starkey Ranch Heart Pine Business Park for a conditional use for the sale of beer and wine only for on-premises consumption in conjunction with the operation of a retail center in a master-planned unit development district at the northeast intersection of State Road 54 and Heart Pine Avenue in Odessa.
• An application by Berge O. Khandjian and Paul O’Grady to change zoning from low density residential to multifamily high density, on 48.8 acres on the east side of Old Pasco Road, about 600 feet north of Oakley Boulevard.

 

John Smith Subs grand opening
Jon Smith Subs, in Lutz, will have its grand opening this week and will offer some special deals for customers. The sandwich shop is in The Shoppes at Ballantrae Village, 17790 State Road 54, Unit 104, in Lutz.

The store’s celebration will be on Aug. 15, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a ribbon cutting with the Carrollwood Area Business Association at 11:30 a.m.

Kurt Browning to speak
Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning will be the featured speaker at The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Aug. 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. Fees are $20 for members and $30 for others.

To order your ticket, email .

‘Reverse trade show’
Pasco County’s purchasing department is inviting local vendors who would like to do work with the county to attend its “reverse trade show.”

The free event is on Aug. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

“This is a great opportunity for business owners to learn how agencies throughout the county purchase goods and services, and how they can participate in future solicitations,” Pasco County Purchasing Director Stacey Ziegler, said in a news release announcing the event.

Representatives from more than a dozen county departments, the county’s Constitutional Offices, local municipalities and others are expected to be there.

To register, send an email to .

Free job search boot camp
TampaBay-Job-Links will offer a free job search boot camps on Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Center, 1408 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 140, in Tampa.

The event is intended to help people kick their job search into high gear. Topics will include conducting self-assessments, creating a professional brand, enhancing interview skills, networking, strengthening resumes, targeting companies and other skills needed to be successful when searching for a job. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. RSVP by Aug. 18, by calling (813) 344-0220, or by emailing .

WOW-TOO
WOW-TOO will host three local nonprofit organizations to share information about what they do. The meeting will be Aug. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Holiday Inn Express-Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Cost is $5, cash or check only, at the door.

Economic development briefing
Scott Himelhoch, vice president of land acquisition for Taylor Morrison, will be the featured speaker at North Tampa Bay’s Economic Development Briefing on Aug. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Free business mentoring
If you need free, individual, confidential small business mentoring, chances are that Pasco Hernando SCORE can help. Visit PascoHernando.org to request a mentor.

Award finalists named
Award finalists have been announced for the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s 33rd annual Awards and Trade Show. These are Pasco County businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth by capital investment and employees, innovation in technology, and good corporate citizenship in their communities.

The nominees were interviewed and scored by the Pasco EDC awards committee.

Here are the finalists, for the six awards that will be presented.

• AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
  • Airprompt AC/Electric
  • American Consulting Engineers of Florida LLC
  • Architectural Signage & Printing
  • Bay Tech Industries Inc.
• Connected Cities
• Design & Construction Innovations
• Gulfside Healthcare Services
• Hudson Bowling Supply Inc.
• Medical Center of Trinity
• Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.
• The Point Distillery
• Trxade Group Inc.
• Welbilt
  The trade show will feature about 50 exhibitors. The event generally attracts more than 600 business and community leaders from through Pasco County. This year’s event is set for Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort and Spa. To reserve your spot, go to PascoEDC.com, and click on events.

Spelling bee sponsors needed
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for the 17th annual Ambassadors “Catch the Buzz” Spelling Bee. The event will be held on Sept. 12, beginning with a team registration and cocktail hour at 5 p.m., and followed by the Spelling Bee from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be at The Hive (The Event Center), 8718 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. Teams are forming and sponsorships are available.

Email , or call (727) 842-7651 for more information.

The event benefits the chamber and Take Stock in Children.

AT& T opens new stores
AT&T has opened two new stores in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

One is at 14446 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, and the other is at 18455 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

The new stores are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.