Business Digest

Earth Fare grand opening
Earth Fare invites the community to attend its grand opening celebration on Feb. 20, just before 7 a.m., at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

The event begins with a ribbon-cutting, followed by a day of festivities.

There will be special giveaways, free samples, product demonstrations and more.

“At Earth Fare, we are passionate about helping our community make the connection between Clean food and living longer, healthier, happier lives,” Earth Fare president and CEO Frank Scorpiniti said, in a release. “We’re thrilled to become the newest member of

the growing Wesley Chapel community and to continue to bring the Cleanest, healthiest options for years to come.”

Beyond groceries, the 24,000-square-foot store will also feature Earth Fare’s Heirloom Café and Juice Bar. The Heirloom Café will feature juices, smoothies, coffee drinks and custom blends. Other amenities include a deli and prepared foods section, a salad bar, hot foods bar, pizza station, sandwich counter, and packaged meals-on-the-go.

Financing opportunities with the SBA
Learn how to apply for a Small Business Administration loan and find out about other SBA programs at this free seminar presented by the Pasco Hernando SCORE chapter. The session will be on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon
Holly Lisle, director of development for Pepin Academies Foundation, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership luncheon on Feb. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

Dade City Chamber breakfast meeting
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting will be on Feb. 19 at 7 a.m., at The Green Door on 8th, 14148 Eighth St., in Dade City. RSVP and pre-payment are required, and must be received no later than noon on Feb. 14. RSVPs are required for everyone, even those on a 12-month pre-pay offer. The speaker at this meeting will be Johnathan McKeen-Chaff, of McKeen-Chaff Music Inc. & Amelia Foundation. For more information, visit DadeCityChamber.org/chamber-breakfast.

Employers wanted for job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College, Metro Development Group, CareerSource Pasco Hernando and the North Tampa Bay Chamber are seeking employers to take part in the third annual Metro Job Fair set for Feb. 26 from 9 1.m. to 1 p.m., at PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The job fair will be in the Building B conference center.

Employers from the public and private sectors, health care, hospitality, manufacturing and construction interested in promoting open and future positions will have the opportunity to meet with job seekers from the community and PHSC students seeking employment.

Priority will be provided to employers with open positions.

For employer participation information, contact Eric Theodore, PHSC coordinator of LIFE and career services, at (813) 527-6725 or .

The job fair is open to anyone looking for a job. Job seekers also may have opportunities for on-site interviews with potential employers. To attend, job seekers must pre-register for the event at tinyurl.com/yd2b2gps.

Free business seminars
To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Who is your customer?
Learn how to identify your customer in this seminar, which is part of the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneur Education Series. This session, called “Who is My Customer?” helps businesses identify the “right kind” of customers for their specific business model.

The free session will be on Feb. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 7838 Meridian Ave., Suite No. 309, in Dade City.

To register, go to the events calendar on the PascoEDC.com website.

For more information about the entrepreneur center, call (352) 437-4861.

WOW TOO
Melissa Dohme Hill, Violence Prevention Advocate and Outreach Coordinator at Hands Across the Bay, will be the featured guest at the WOW Too meeting on Feb. 20, at Holiday Express Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, in Trinity. The group meets from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The fee is $5 for prepay and for members at the door, and $10 for non-members.

Wawa opens in Odessa
A new Wawa location opened at 12048 State Road 54 in Odessa, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on the morning of Jan. 24. It is the first Wawa store in Odessa.

Pasco County commissioners Jack Mariano and Kathryn Starkey attended the event, which featured giveaways and a hoagie-building competition between Pasco County Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff Office with $1,000 donation made to charity of each team’s choosing.

Store officials also announced a commitment to support hunger relief efforts with a portion of the first week’s hoagie sales up to $1,000, to benefit Feeding Tampa Bay.

2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon
John B. Jung Jr., senior management director and head of BB& T Capital Markets, will talk about “The U.S. Economy — Facts are Stubborn Things” during the 2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Hyatt Place of Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Registration is $40, with a $10 discount for Pasco County Staff. Advance registration is required no later than Jan. 31.

To register, go to PascoEDC.com and click on the Events tab.

Treasured Friends Gift Shop helps ‘Love One Another’
Treasured Friends Gift Shop, at 12329 U.S. 301 in Dade City, had a food drive at its store to benefit “Love One Another,” a charitable organization that provides a hot meal to those in need every Sunday, according to a news release from Lucy Avila.

“Love One Another” also receives food donations, pet food and clothing, to distribute to people in need, Avila said, in the release.

This is third time that Treasured Friends Gift Shop had a food drive to benefit “Love One Another.”

For more information about “Love One Another,” call Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Bay Brick Pavers opens showroom in Land O’ Lakes
Bay Brick Pavers has opened a custom patio paver showroom at 3940 Lake Padgett Drive in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release. Unlike many warehouse-sized patio paver facilities, this showroom aims to gives customers a personal experience, in a scaled-down retail space. The showroom has an extensive inventory of paver samples on the facility’s floor, with displays of retaining walls and fire pits.

The showroom features a wide range of premium hardscaping products for outdoor spaces, including brick pavers, concrete pavers, clay pavers and thin pavers.

The showroom will serve customers in Land O Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Odessa and Tampa. To learn more, visit BayBrickPavers.com, email , or call (813) 850-2651.

East Pasco Networking Group
Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will be the featured speaker at the Feb. 12 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Central Pasco Chamber
Rena Romano will be the featured speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting on Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Romano will talk about “Accountability and Leadership Skills to Succeed in Business.”

The cost for the luncheon meeting is $20 for members who RSVP by the Thursday before the meeting, and $25 for non-members and members at the door.

To contact the chamber, call (813) 909-2722.

WOW-Too (Wow of Trinity and Odessa)
WOW-Too started as Women of Wesley Chapel and was so popular that it expanded into Trinity and Odessa. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity.

Connerton sale
The Tampa division of Lennar recently purchased the remaining undeveloped land in Connerton, according to a letter sent to Connerton residents from Lennar and Haymon Woods, the former owner.

Lennar will assume the role of master developer going forward, the letter states.

“With the new change in ownership, Lennar is collaborating with residents to hear what amenities you would like to have, that would maximize the community experience,” the letter states.

Residents also were invited to fill out a survey to let Lennar know their opinion regarding current amenities and what they think can be improved in the future.

Lennar also plans to have a family friendly event on Feb. 9, with food trucks, live music and a bounce house, the letter states. The event will provide an opportunity to “introduce the local Lennar team, meet residents, and discuss plans for the community and the amenities.”

Lennar is currently building in 97 communities throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Free business seminars
To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Who is your customer?
Learn how to identify your customer in this seminar, which is part of the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstate Entrepreneur Education Series. This session, called “Who is My Customer?” helps businesses identify the “right kind” of customers for their specific business model.

The free session will be on Feb. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 7838 Meridian Ave., Suite No. 309, in Dade City.

To register, go to the events calendar on the PascoEDC.com website.

For more information about the entrepreneur center, call (352) 437-4861.

Florida Medical Clinic foundation assists Thomas Promise
The Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring has awarded a $15,000 grant to The Thomas Promise Foundation, according to a news release from the grant award recipient.

“We are grateful for the support of the Foundation of Caring,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

Thomas Promise, based at 4542 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, provides bags full of food, complete with six meals and snacks, to enable food insecure students from Pasco County schools to have food over the weekend. It helps more than 1,400 students at a total of 25 schools.

Goodwill job fair
Goodwill is recruiting for sales and processing positions – full and part time. To recruit potential employees Goodwill Temporary Staffing is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill Superstore at 2390 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel. The store is located off State Road 56, just east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an application at SBSgoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome.  For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

Earth Fare now hiring
Earth Fare, a specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, is having a job fair Jan. 16 through Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., to hire new team members for its Wesley Chapel location. The job fair will be at Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Those attending the job fair should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and provide schedule availability.

Those interested are encouraged to apply online before the hiring event by going to EarthFare.com/wesleychapel.

Appointments are not necessary, and applicants should be prepared for an on-site interview at the fair.

Find out more about at EarthFare.com.

Culver’s now in Wiregrass
Culver’s of Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass began operations on Jan. 7, at 28831 State Road 56.

The restaurant serves fast casual food, cooked-to-order. Its hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., daily except for a few holidays, according to a news release.

Marty Roeske is the franchise owner.

Roeske said the restaurant is thrilled to have a location in Wesley Chapel, according to the release. “We think it’s a wonderful area, and we are excited to become a contributing and active member,” he said.

Marty and Ann Roeske also own the Culver’s of Wesley Chapel–Lutz, which opened its doors in March 2016.

Before bringing Culver’s to the Tampa area, the Roeske’s owned and operated a Culver’s restaurant for 18 years in Wautoma, Wisconsin,  according to the release.

East Pasco Networking Group
Cheryl Pollack, of Premier Community Healthcare, is scheduled to be the featured speaker at The East Pasco Networking Group’s Jan. 22 breakfast meeting 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.  

Florida No. 2 growth state in country
Florida remains No. 2, in terms of growth, according to data collected by U-Haul, analyzing U.S. migration trends for 2018.

Florida arrivals of one-way U-Haul trucks were up 8 percent, while departures also were up 8 percent from the state’s 2017 numbers, according to a news release from U-Haul.

Arrivals still accounted for 50.1 percent of all one-way U-Haul traffic in Florida to make it the No. 2 state for netting do-it-yourself movers.

Growth States are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state during a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul trucks sharing transactions that occur annually, the release says.

Millennial business women demographics
The National Women’s Business Council has released its “Profiles of Millennial Women,” identifying characteristics of millennial women entrepreneurs.

According to its report, there are more than 1.34 million women entrepreneurs.

They are racially and ethnically diverse. They are more likely than their non-entrepreneur counterparts to be married; they are likely to be college educated; they have a desire for economic independence; they need to resolve work-family conflicts; they are more likely to be involved in a side business, and they are likely to have children.

Del Webb begins building clubhouse
Construction has started on a 19,000-square-foot clubhouse at The Meridian at Bexley, in Land O’ Lakes, a project being done by Del Webb, a pioneer in communities for those ages 55 and older.

The coastal style clubhouse will serve as a community hub for residents to explore, learn and grow socially, physically and intellectually as they approach retirement, according to a news release. It will have a fitness center, resort-style community pool, dog park, community garden, pickle ball and tennis courts and a large social room.

A full-time lifestyle director will manage social and recreational programs.

Del Webb Bexley is the first to be built from the ground up in the Tampa Bay area since 1960.

Del Webb is offering 18 single-family detached home designs for the 850 homesites within Bexley.

Prices start at $234,990. For pre-sales information, visit DelWebb.com/bexley, or call (866) 230-6089.

Lutz rent remains high
The Zumper Tampa Metro Report analyzed active listings in October across 17 metro cities to show the most and least expensive cities, and cities with the fastest growing rents. The Florida state median rent last month was $1,204.

Lutz ranked as the eighth most expensive city for rentals, with a one-bedroom unit renting for $1,070, and a two-bedroom renting for $1,150.

Those rents were a decrease of 5.3 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively.

Metro Development Group turns 15
Tampa-based Metro Development Group celebrated its 15th anniversary in December, during one of the most exciting times in the company’s history, according to a news release.

The developer recently unveiled the nation’s first Crystal Lagoons amenity.

Known for its Metro Places communities, exclusive ULTRAFi technology and its multiple Metro Lagoon projects, the development group is showing no signs of slowing down.

Founded in 2003 by CEO John Ryan, Metro has developed more than 40,000 lots across 70 communities in West Central Florida, valuing at nearly $2 billion, according to the release.

Women-N-Charge
Women-N-Charge will meet Jan. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The meeting includes lunch, a presentation and time to network. The topic for January’s meeting will be social media. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests, who RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting; after that, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848.

Learn how to start a business
There will be a free workshop Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to provide an overview of key issues related to starting your own business, including how to structure your business, to develop a business plan, and understand how to manage cash flow.

The workshop is being presented by Pasco-Hernando Score at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Burger Monger is now Chophouse Burgers
Burger Monger, in Wesley Chapel, has given itself a new name and added 10 new chef-inspired burgers. The restaurant is now called Chophouse Burgers and Barstool Shakes.

The restaurant’s new expanded menu also includes a fresh-breaded chicken sandwich, and new recipes for their hot dogs and side dishes.

Burger Monger has five locations, and the Wesley Chapel location, at 1656 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., is the first to get the makeover.

For more information, go to BurgerMonger.com.

Design and Construction Innovations celebration
Design and Construction Innovations had a party on Dec. 13 to celebrate its anniversary and grand opening. Those attending had the chance to meet the company’s staff, friends and associates and to enjoy food and drinks.

The business is located at 20625 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Dade City Chamber meeting
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was the featured speaker at the recent Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting, at the beautiful Edwinola, an assisted living facility in downtown Dade City, according to a chamber news release.

During the session, Cathy Powell, was welcomed as Edwinola’s new executive director, and Browning discussed the school district’s plans. Outgoing Chamber President Kelly Sinn, the CEO of Sunrise of Pasco, also was recognized for her leadership, counsel and business savvy. Chamber Business Breakfasts are the third Tuesday of each month.

Call Jo Uber at (352) 567 3769 to RSVP for upcoming breakfasts.

Curaleaf opens in Lutz
Curaleaf has opened the first medical marijuana dispensary in Lutz, at 1408 Dale Mabry Highway. The 3,000-square-foot dispensary offers medical marijuana products, has a private consultation room, and offers educational seminars on cannabinoid therapies, in its community meeting room. It is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, patients can call (877) 303-0741.

Women-N-Charge
Women-N-Charge will meet on Jan. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The meeting includes lunch, a presentation and time to network. The topic for January’s meeting will be social media.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests, who RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting; after that, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848.

Learn how to start a business
There will be a free workshop Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to provide an overview of key issues related to starting your own business, including how to structure your business, to develop a business plan, and understand how to manage cash flow.

The workshop is being presented by Pasco-Hernando Score at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Camp Indianhead Crossings tenants
Camp Indianhead Crossings, a 12,700-square-foot building on a swath of land fronting State Road 54, at the corner of Camp Indianhead Road in Land O’ Lakes, has these announced these tenants:

• Verizon Wireless
• Coffee Time
• Advanced Diagnostics (two spaces)
• Grand Nail Spa

Discussions are underway for the last three spaces, but no information is ready for release yet on those spaces, according to Barry Jackson, managing member of Strategic Properties Group LLC, which is based in Hudson.

Zephyrhills chamber gearing up for Pigz in Z’Hills
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills, which is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event includes a barbecue competition, a cornhole competition, live music, classic cars, craft and food vendors and a kids zone. The event will be at 5300 Airport Road in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913.

Workforce Development manager joins EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has hired Turner Arbour as its workforce development manager, to run the new Pasco Pipeline Program.

Arbour is a long-time Pasco resident, who holds a degree from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a Bachelor of Science in Global Business, according to a news release from Pasco EDC.

Arbour has been working with small businesses since 2010.

“I am very excited about Turner’s experience in Pasco County, and I think he is the right pick for this new and very important program” Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said, in the release.

The Pasco Pipeline Program is a three-year pilot program unanimously funded by the Pasco County Commission, with the board’s unanimous support.

The program will spearhead the development of a talent pipeline for employers and job seekers in Pasco County in order to align the supply and demand of talent, and advance the county’s ability to compete for economic development.

Central Pasco restaurants
Diners now have a couple of new choices along State Road 54 in Central Pasco.

First Watch, a restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch has opened a new location at 23865 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit FirstWatch.com.

Keke’s Breakfast Café, 22592 State Road 54, Suite 510, in Lutz, is a local chain serving American breakfasts and comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating. Open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit Kekes.com.

Business Development week event
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is a sponsor of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Development Week. A series of events will be held at various locations within Pasco County, from Jan. 14 through Jan. 18.

The state college will host events on Jan. 15 at its West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Conference Room R151:

• Using Emotional Intelligence… Intelligently: 8 a.m. 9:15 a.m. This free session will focus on how emotional intelligence can prepare you for success in business. This includes a light continental breakfast.
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This free session focuses on causes of low morale and poor teamwork, and how to change course.
• Successful Women in Business Luncheon Panel: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Cost is $12, register at WestPasco.com by Jan. 9). Speakers for this panel include Suzanne Legg, CEO, Day Spring Academy; Sharon Hayes, CEO, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; and Sero Sigh, owner/president, Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living.

To learn more or to view a full schedule of events, visit WestPasco.com. For information on Pasco-Hernando State College programs, visit PHSC.edu.

Goodwill job fair in Wesley Chapel
Goodwill is recruiting for full-time and part-time sales and processing positions for its Goodwill Superstore in Wesley Chapel, and is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to attract applicants.

The store, at 2390 Willow Oak Drive, is located off State Road 56, east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an online application at SBSGoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome and applications are available at the store.

For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

Pasco mobility fee update
The Pasco County Commission has updated its mobility fee rate schedule, with some new categories and some reductions in specific categories.

Mobility fees are one-time impact fees on new development projects that help fund necessary transportation systems such as sidewalks, bus stops, and roads.

For complete details on the updated ordinance, visit: bit.ly/MobilityFees.

Pasco County offers impact fee calculator
The Pasco County Department of Development Services is now offering an online impact fee calculator to provide easily accessible information on the estimated impact fees for residential property. Impact fees are charged for new construction. To access the online calculator, go to the Impact Calculator Link, bit.ly/PascoIFC, and then enter your parcel ID and click submit.