Business Digest

O’ Reilly auto store
O’ Reilly Auto Parts is coming to Land O’ Lakes.

Construction is underway at 3600 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

County records indicate that permits have been issued for a building of about 7,200 square feet.

This will be the auto parts store’s first location in Land O’ Lakes. O’ Reilly has existing stores in Dade City and Zephyrhills.

The auto parts chain began in 1957 with a single store in Springfield, Missouri, which remains the company’s headquarters.

According to the company website, the chain currently has more than 5,100 stores in 47 states.

Breaking ground at Del Webb Bexley
Pulte Group plans to break ground in August on six model homes at Del Webb Bexley, according to a news release from Pulte Group.

The 850-home, age-restricted community is within the Bexley by Newland Communities master-planned neighborhood, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The Del Webb homes are designed for pre-retirement and retiring baby boomers.

Del Webb communities target the age 55 and older population.

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

Home designs include the one-story, two-bedroom “Steel Creek” model; the two-story, four-bedroom, four-bath “Pinnacle Grand”; and Stonewater.

The six model homes are among 17 designs offered at Del Webb Bexley, which is being developed on about 490 acres with Bexley.

The model homes are expected to be completed, and open to buyers by January.

Del Webb Bexley residents can enjoy a lakefront club and café.

They have the option to purchase additional access to Bexley’s all-ages amenities, including 10 miles of multi-use Avid trails; parks and play areas; soccer field; dog parks; two resort-style pools; bike park; and a schedule of social events.

For information, visit DelWebb.com/bexley.

Lutz rental costs rank high
Lutz landed in seventh spot among the most expensive cities for a one-bedroom rental in the Tampa Bay area in July, according to a report from Zumper.

The median cost for a one-bedroom in Lutz in July was $1,060, about 5 percent more than in June. That put Lutz in a tie with Brandon.

Two-bedroom rentals in Lutz rose 1.6 percent, month to month, at a median cost of $1,290 in July.

New Port Richey was the most affordable, with median rents at $720 in July. Hudson was second at $780 a month.

But, New Port Richey also was near the top in fastest growing cities for one-bedroom rentals, up more than 14 percent over July 2017, the report found.

The median rent in Florida in June was $1,185.

For information, visit Zumper.com.

Water quality reports
Pasco County Utilities customers can now view the latest water quality testing results online in the annual 2017 Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), according to a news release from Pasco County.

Customers can access specific information on their residential area through a direct link provided on their water utilities bill, or by selecting their report at bit.ly/2017pascowaterreport.

Pasco County Utilities routinely monitors drinking water based on federal and state laws.

August is #WaterQualityMonth nationwide.

To join the conversation about how Pasco County Utilities protects drinking water, connect on Twitter@PascoWater.

For information, visit PascoCountyUtilities.com.

Awards banquet
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host “Zephyropoly,” a membership appreciation and community awards banquet, Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 38750 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913 or .

East Pasco networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Aug. 14 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speakers will be Roxxy Geisenheimer, executive director of the Samaritan Project; and, Madonna Wise, a local author and historian.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 872-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1140 or .

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on Aug. 21 at 8 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

This is a “no agenda” event with time for social networking.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer Aug. 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Asturia, 14575 Promenade Parkway in Odessa.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Sept. 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Guest speaker will be Brenda Alloco, a client-focused mentor, writer, and time management consultant.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Monday prior to the meeting.

Afterward, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

Register at Women-n-charge.com/meetings/.

Memory care at The Edwinola
The Edwinola in Dade City recently announced the opening of its “Along the Journey” memory care program.

The program is designed for residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory impairments.

The Edwinola is a historical icon in Dade City that began as a hotel in the early 1900s. Over the years, it served as a private residence, a university and a restaurant. It was restored and reopened in 2017 as a senior assisted living facility.

The Edwinola’s newest program provides a secure, designated area, and staff members who provide assistance to memory care residents.

Services include state-of-the-art comprehensive plans; individualized care and service plans; designated social, therapeutic and physical activities; large private rooms, with baths; weekly housekeeping and laundry; caregivers available 24 hours a day; medication ordering and management; coordination and scheduling of medical appointments; and all utilities and cable television included.

For information, call Stephanie Davis at (352) 567-6500.

National housing report
Sales prices for homes are at a record high while the number of homes available is at a record low, according to the June 2018 National Housing Report from RE/MAX.

Also, in June, home sales were 5.5 percent lower than homes sales in June 2017, the report found.

The median sales price paid by homebuyers nationally in June was about $258,500. That’s an increase from June 2017 from nearly $246,000.

The average number of days a house was on the market (from listing to contract) dropped to 42 days in June 2018, down from 47 days in 2017.

The inventory of homes for sale dipped slightly in June to 2.7-month supply, down from 2.8 in June 2018.

Augusta (Maine) and Salt Lake City were among cities with the lowest inventory of homes for sale, with a 1.3-month supply and 1.4-month supply, respectively. Omaha, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania increased the number of home sales by 6.6 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

And, Boise, Idaho, and Seattle, Washington had the highest sales price increases, with a 17.3 percent and 17 percent increase, respectively.

The report was based on Multiple Listing Services data from 53 metropolitan areas in the country.

Monthly membership luncheon
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership luncheon Aug. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

Guest speaker is U.S. Rep. Gus Bilarakis.

The cost is $20, but please RSVP.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its August 2018 Momentum Thursday on Aug. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Atria Lutz, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker is Kim Northup Wright, executive director of Sunrise Community Inc., of Tampa Bay.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to by 5 p.m. Aug.  8, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180.

General membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting Aug. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway, at Northpointe Village.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will be guest speaker.

The cost is $20 for members only, if RSVP is by Aug. 9. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Smart Business Series
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly “Small Business Series” Aug. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Overnight Success Studios, 17743 Hunting Bow Circle, Lutz.

Guest speaker is Dineen Wasylik of DPW Legal.

The cost is $20. Please RSVP and prepay.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534 or .

Awards banquet
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host “Zephyropoly,” a membership appreciation and community awards banquet Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, 38750 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

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

Free business seminar
SCORE will host a free business seminar, “Game Changing Tactics for Small Businesses,” Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Residence Marriott, 2102 Northpoint Parkway in Lutz.

Featured guests will include experienced executives and entrepreneurs who have built successful companies. They are Sheila Neisler, owner of Catalyst, a marketing company; Jim Hammond, former chief executive officer in sales, marketing and operations; Jack Grise, former executive and vice president in sales, marketing, manufacturing and high-tech companies; Lora Shipman, owner of LoraShipman.com, a social media consulting company; and Greta Kishbaugh, professor at St. Petersburg College and president of Biz Dynamics Group.

A continental breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited, so registration by Sept. 7 is required.

For information and to register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on August 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Asturia, 14575 Promenade Parkway in Odessa.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or email .

Gordon Chevrolet honored
Gordon Chevrolet flies the American flag, “Old Glory,” every day of the year to show the company’s pride in the United States.

The local detachment of the Marine Corps League, Marine Forever Detachment No. 1440 of Lutz took notice, and awarded the company its Detachment’s American Patriot Award.

Gordon Chevrolet Guest Experience Manager Ryan Gomez accepted the award from Bob Seitz and Jim Knight, members of the Marine Forever Detachment.

In the past year, since the award was created, more than 150 residences and businesses in the Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, and North Tampa area, have received the award.

New office leases
Hold-Thyssen Inc., a full service commercial real estate firm, recently negotiated a new multi-year lease for office space at the Van Dyke Professional Center in Lutz, according to a press release from Larry Vershel Communications Inc.

Leasing Associate Theresa Margaris negotiated the agreement between owners of the Van Dyke business park and Shaping Expectations Therapy.

The center has three stand-alone office buildings, each of about 2,500 square feet.

Shaping Expectations will be located at 17539 Darby Lane.

Shaping Expectations Therapy will serve new and existing clients in the surrounding community.

Local vendor preference
The amended Pasco County Purchasing Ordinance, effective June 12, now has a “local vendor preference policy,” according to a news release from Pasco County.

The new ordinance will provide local companies that submit a bid and fall within a certain range, the first opportunity to adjust their bid to match the lowest price received by the county. In addition, there is an opportunity for local and regional businesses to receive additional points when submitting bids to the county.

“It gives our established, local companies the opportunity to grow their business while making sure county taxpayers get the best deal and best price on the goods and services purchased by Pasco County government,” according to a written statement from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr.

For information on the ordinance, visit PascoCountyFl.net/purchasing.

Chamber networking
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a “Brochure Exchange” Aug. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Rasmussen College, Land O’ Lakes campus, at 18600 Fernview St., off State Road 54.

Bring fliers, brochures, business cards and pamphlets to share, and learn about other businesses in the area.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Business breakfast
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast Aug. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker is Kenneth Strickland, director of research and director of services development at Tampa International Airport.

The cost is $15 in advance or $20 for walk-ins and non-members.

Please register, as space is limited.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Membership lunch
The Greater North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch Aug. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

Guest speaker is U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

The cost is $20, but please RSVP.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its August 2018 Momentum Thursday on Aug. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Atria Lutz, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker is Kim Northup Wright, executive director of Sunrise Community Inc., of Tampa Bay.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to by 5 p.m. Aug.  8, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180.

Free business seminar
SCORE will host a free business seminar, “Game Changing Tactics for Small Businesses,” Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Residence Marriott, 2102 Northpoint Parkway in Lutz.

Featured guests will include experienced executives and entrepreneurs who have built successful companies. They are Sheila Neisler, owner of Catalyst, a marketing company; Jim Hammond, former chief executive officer in sales, marketing and operations; Jack Grise, former executive and vice president in sales, marketing, manufacturing and high-tech companies; Lora Shipman, owner of LoraShipman.com, a social media consulting company; and Greta Kishbaugh, professor at St. Petersburg College and president of Biz Dynamics Group.

A continental breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited, so registration by Sept. 7 is required.

For information and to register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

New express bus route celebration
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and Tampa International Airport hosted a ribbon cutting to launch HART’s first seven-day-a-week intercounty service to downtown Tampa and the airport.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was among the speakers at the ceremony, which included HART and airport officials, Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman, and Florida Department of Transportation District Seven Secretary David Gwynn.

HART’s Route 275 Limited Express, which began in July, picks up bus riders at the Wiregrass Park-n-Ride in Wesley Chapel, and has stops at Tampa International mall, New Tampa, the University of South Florida area, and downtown Tampa.

Route 275 LX connects with Pasco County Public Transportation Route 54, at the Wiregrass location, which serves east/west Pasco riders from Trinity and New Port Richey to Zephyrhills.

Route 275 LX operates seven days a week. Pasco’s Route 54 operates six days a week, excluding Sunday. However, the park-n-ride is available every day for riders who want to board HART’s limited express at the Wiregrass stop.

For information, visit GoHART.org/275LX.

Tampa best for first-time homebuyers
Tampa is the best city for first-time homebuyers — among cities with populations of 300,000 or more, according to a survey by WalletHub.

In overall rankings, Tampa was in second place. It ranked behind Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – the top small city for first-time homebuyers, with fewer than 150,000 residents.

Boise, Idaho was the best for first-time homebuyers in mid-size cities, between 150,000 and 300,000 residents.

The WalletHub study ranked 300 cities nationwide based on a point system, and reviewed data such as marketing attractiveness, affordability and quality of life. The study also looked at cost of living, real estate taxes and property crime rates.

In overall rankings, Tampa was 139th in affordability; fourth among real estate markets and 15th in quality of life.

Among large cities, Colorado Springs, Colorado came in second after Tampa, and Raleigh, North Carolina ranked third.

Central Pasco mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host the Copperstone Suites Salute to Small Business Networking Business and Ribbon Cutting on July 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Copperstone Suites and The Laker/Lutz News are co-sponsors.

Sponsorships for a cost of $50 are available.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .  For sponsorship information, call (813) 298-7363.

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic briefing lunch July 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Jeff Seward, chief executive officer of Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART). He will talk about new 275X express route.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, call (813) 994-8534, or email Grace Martin at .

SMARTstart seminar
SMARTstart will have a free seminar, “Creating a Successful Business Plan,” July 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Informational handouts, a sample plan and business development materials will be provided.

For information, call (727) 842-4638.

Network breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet August 1 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch.

The cost is $7 for members if preregistered by July 26, or $10 at the door for members and non-members.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Orange Blossom Aesthetics ribbon cutting
Orange Blossom Aesthetics will have its grand opening and ribbon cutting Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 2049 Little Road in Trinity.

Orange Blossom is a medical spa offering services such as dermal fillers, Botox, laser hair removal, medical weight loss, and skin care consultations.

For information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, or call Orange Blossom at (727) 316-6210.

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Aug. 3 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The luncheon will include an update on the Murder Mystery Tea and Dinner Theater fundraiser; a demonstration on preparing baskets; and surprise appearances of cast members of Murder Mystery, Murder Margaritaville.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Tuesday prior to the meeting.

Afterward, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

Register at Women-n-charge.com/meetings/.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Women of Wesley Chapel network
Women of Wesley Chapel (WOW) will meet Aug. 3 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living & Memorial Care, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

WOW is a women-only, networking event on the first Friday of each month.

Enjoy breakfast and networking.

The sponsor is Legacy of Highwoods Preserve.

Please preregister and pre-pay the cost of $5.

For information, call Grace Martin at (813) 994-8534, email , or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Business breakfast
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast Aug. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker is Kenneth Strickland, director of research and director of services development at Tampa International Airport.

The cost is $15 in advance or $20 for walk-ins and non-members.

Please register, as space is limited.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Pasco Tax collector donation
Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office presented nearly $2,500 in donations to the Connections Job Development Program, according to a news release from the tax office.

Connections was founded in 1991 to help job seekers learn basis skills, including resume preparation, searching and interviewing for a job, and operating a computer.

Career advice and job skills training are free to participants.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano advocated for the program during his terms in the Florida legislature.

The tax collector’s office, at its various locations, collects donations each month which are distributed to local nonprofit organizations.

For information about Connections, contact its executive director, Kim Newgard, at (727) 847-4724, or visit ConnectionsJobDevelopment.org.

Taylor Morrison announces promotion
Taylor Morrison, a national homebuilder and developer, recently promoted Scott Himelhoch to vice president of land acquisition for the Tampa division, according to a news release from the SPR Agency in Arizona.

Himelhoch will be responsible for land development and regulatory agency activities for Taylor Morrison’s Tampa division.

He has more than 15 years in the homebuilding industry experience, and began his career in the warranty/construction department for a national homebuilder in 2002.

He managed a field team of 20 employees in the quality assurance of the division’s home closings and warranty management.

In 2008, Himelhoch joined AVID ratings and provided consulting services to homebuilder clients in Canada and the United States.

He joined Taylor Morrison in 2013 as a land acquisition manager for the West Florida division.

Three years later that division was divided into Southwest and Tampa sections, with Himelhoch joining Tampa in charge of land acquisitions.

Himelhoch has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida.

For information, visit TaylorMorrison.com.

JCPenney jobs
JC Penney is gearing up for the back-to-school season by hiring about 250 seasonal associates in the Tampa Bay area, according to a JC Penney news release

Available positions include cashier, replenishment specialist, and beauty consultant for SEPHORA inside JC Penney.

JC Penney offers seasonal associates a full associate discount of up to 25 percent on its merchandise, as well as flexible holiday scheduling.

JC Penney also is seeking experiences stylists for its in-store salons. Stylists receive perks such as paid artistic training, health benefits for fulltime stylists, paid time off and 401k eligibility.

For information, and to apply online, visit JCPCareers.com. Applications also can be filed at kiosks inside JC Penney stores.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast July 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker is Stan Giannet, vice president of academic affairs at the Pasco-Hernando State College.

The cost is $8 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 872-1913, or email .

Membership lunch
The Greater North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch July 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

The cost is $20, but please RSVP.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Network breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet July 11 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch.

The sponsor is Copperstone Executive Suites.

The cost is $10 at the door for members or guests.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

SunTrust Bank opening
SunTrust Bank will have its ribbon cutting July 11 from 12:30 to 1 p.m., at 34511 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills.

For information, contact the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce at (813) 782-1914, or email .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its July 2018 Momentum Thursday on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Atria Lutz, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at by 5 p.m. July 11, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180.

Common Ground Pitch Breakfast
SMARTstart CO.STARTERS will host the monthly “Common Ground Pitch Breakfast” July 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City.

Each month, two people present a five-minute pitch to introduce their business ideas to Pasco County’s local entrepreneurial community. Each pitch is followed by a question-and-answer session, and opportunity for feedback.

The event if free. The SMARTstart programs are supported by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com/events, or call Andrew Romaner, SMARTstart incubator program manager, at (352) 437-4861.

Storage center opens
Storage Center of Wesley Chapel will have its ribbon cutting and grand opening July 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 1891 Trout Creek, behind WaWa and Nutrition S’Mart, located at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56.

For information, contact Storage Center’s co-manager Bill Lehman at (727) 432-6636, or email .

Dade City chamber awards
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce had its Annual Banquet and Community Awards Dinner on June 7 at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club.

The Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jeanette Barthle Sutton, presented posthumously.

Sutton grew up in Dade City and married Joseph Barthle in 1949. She was the mother of seven children, and was an active leader in 4-H and the Florida Farmers Association. She was the sixth recipient of the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award and president of the Florida CowBelles (now Florida Cattlewomen Inc.)

Sutton also served as president of the American National Cattle Women’s organizations.

In 1994, she wrote “Cowboy, kids & critters,” a memoir of her life.  A year later, she fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist and became regional editor for the “Independent Farmer and Rancher” (now “The Record”), a weekly agricultural publication.

Other awards were given to Bob Larkin Construction, which received the Area Business of the Year award, and to Two Men and A Truck, which received the Chamber Member of the Year Award.

For information, visit DadeCityChamber.com.

3D Solar innovation
3D Solar and Quick Mount PV announced installation of the nation’s first Quick Mount PV QRail Racking System, according to a 3D Solar press release.

3D Solar is a solar contractor; Quick Mount PV manufactures waterproof mounting and racking systems’ for installing rooftop solar panels.

The new QRail system, with patented QClick and QSplice technologies, simplifies and speeds up installation, according to the press release.

The company was founded in 2013 by David Ringo, its chief executive officer, and is located in Odessa.

For information, visit 3-Dsolar.com.

Microloan program
CenterState Bank donated $5,000 to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s Microloan Program. The bank has been a donor since the start of the microloan program in 2012.

The Pasco EDC created the program to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses. Statistics show that more than half of Americans either own their own business or work for a small business. Those businesses create nearly two-thirds of the new jobs in the United States each year, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

Pasco EDC has awarded more than $1 million in loans to local businesses. More than 40 local businesses on average have received more than $27,000 each.

To qualify, program applicants must be for-profit companies in Pasco County. Borrowers must show that they have the experience and resources to be successful. Proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment. Loans may not be used to buy real estate or to refinance existing debt.

For information, contact the Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, or visit SmartStartPasco.com.

Keystone Place opens
Keystone Place at Terra Bella, an independent living, assisted living and memory care community, will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening June 21 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 2200 Livingston Road in Land O’ Lakes.

There will be tours, hors’ d’oeuvres, music, drawings and giveaways.

Please RSVP by June 18.

For information, call (813) 388-2121, or register online at KeystonePlaceAtTerraBella.com/VIP.

Business roundtable
Zephyrhills Family Health Center and Premier Community Healthcare will host a business roundtable on KidCare on June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Road in Wesley Chapel.

State Rep. Danny Burgess will be the guest speaker.

For information, call the health center at (352) 518-2000, ext. 9331, or email Rachel Blaasch at .

East Pasco networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet June 26 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Lisa Marshall, regional director for Sen. Bill Nelson.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1140 or .

SCORE business seminar
Pasco-Hernando SCORE will have a free seminar, “Utilizing YouTube for Small Businesses,” June 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., Suite 309, in Dade City.

The free seminar will teach attendees how to upload videos to YouTube, as well as how to design and develop YouTube videos. Information will be provided on social media strategy and integrating YouTube into social media efforts.

For information, email PascoHernando.score.org.

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic briefing lunch June 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

The sponsor is Complete Chiropractic & Wellness.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email Grace Martin at .

Central Pasco annual banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its 2018 Installation & Awards Banquet on June 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at The Groves Golf & Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

Meet the new board of directors, celebrate award winners and nominees, and greet the new Honorary Mayor.

Dress to impress or wear casual business attire. It’s your choice.

Tickets are $50 per person, or two for $90, through June 27. Thereafter, tickets are $60 per person.

Sponsorships, including tickets, are available.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Final Friday
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have a “Final Friday” mixer June 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Noble Crust restaurant, at 28330 Paseo Drive, at The Shops at Wiregrass, in Wesley Chapel.

There will be networking, discounted prices and happy hour specials.

The mixer is open to members and guests, who can attend two Final Friday events without joining the chamber.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email Grace Martin at .

Asirvia Business Solutions convention
Becky Wanamaker, of Land O’ Lakes, earned Asirvia Business Solutions’ Pro Representative Certification. She recently attended the company’s International Convention in Dallas, Texas.

Wanamaker was one of the first in the company to earn the certification.

Asirvia is an online provider of Bluetooth marketing technology. The company offers small and large businesses solutions to create brand visibility to grow their companies.

For information, call (813) 220-8965, or visit GetMyGoToday.com.

New shops at Willow Bend
A Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park is slated to open at Willow Bend Town Centre, at State Road 54 and Collier Parkway. The indoor trampoline park, which has a posted sign of its pending arrival, will move into the space vacated in 2016 by Kmart.

According to the company website, the park was expected to open in spring or summer of 2018.

Willow Bend also will have a new breakfast nook soon. Representatives for Keke’s Breakfast Café have applied for permits to renovate one of the shopping center’s vacant storefronts.

Current Keke’s locations are in Carrollwood and Citrus Park. Restaurant hours for all Keke’s are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Bexley bike shop opens
Suncoast Trailside Bicycles opened a second full-service location in Bexley in Newland Communities, next to the welcome center at The Bexley Club, according to a news release from The Leytham Group.

The shop offers sales and repairs to residents and the public. Bike rentals will be available in late summer or early fall. Customers also can buy cycling gear and clothing. Battery-powered e-bikes are available as well.

Suncoast Trailside Bicycles is located along the Bexley community’s lakefront amenity center, which includes the Twisted Sprocket Café.

The shop’s owner, Geoff Lanier, and his staff are planning cycling and BMX clinics for bikers of all skill levels at the Bexley shop, as well as Bike and Brew events in partnership with the Twisted Sprocket Café.

Bexley offers miles of trails for cycling, walking and jogging as well as a BMX pump track.

Suncoast Trailside Bicycles is open six days a week. Hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call (813) 425-7555, or visit BexleyFlorida.com.

Business seminar
Pasco-Hernando SCORE will have a free seminar, “Using the Internet for Your Business,” June 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

The seminar will demystify much of the “gobbledygook” relating to the Internet through an eight-step process of key activities. The seminar will explain how to leverage technology, and show various roles that a website can play in enhancing your business.

Space is limited.

For information and to register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its June 2018 Momentum Thursday on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Atria Lutz, 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Geoffrey Higgins, certified public accountant at Mary W. Simmons, CPA PA.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at by 5 p.m. June 13, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not). After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180.

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on June 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The is a “no agenda” event with time for social networking.

For information, call Grace Martin at the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Zephyrhills mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber mixer June 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Zephyr Health & Rehab Center, 7350 Dairy Road in Zephyrhills.

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

Keystone Place opens
Keystone Place at Terra Bella, an independent living, assisted living and memory care community, will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening June 21 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 2200 Livingston Road in Land O’ Lakes.

There will be tours, hors’ d’oeuvres, music, drawings and giveaways.

Please RSVP by June 18.

For information, call (813) 388-2121, or register online at KeystonePlaceAtTerraBella.com/VIP.

SCORE business seminar
Pasco-Hernando SCORE will have a free seminar, “Utilizing YouTube for Small Businesses,” June 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., Suite 309, in Dade City.

The free seminar will teach attendees how to upload videos to YouTube, as well as how to design and develop YouTube videos. Information will be provided on social media strategy and integrating YouTube into social media efforts.

For information, email PascoHernando.score.org.

Central Pasco annual banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its 2018 Installation & Awards Banquet on June 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at The Groves Golf & Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes.

Meet the new board of directors, celebrate award winners and nominees, and greet the new Honorary Mayor.

Dress to impress or wear casual business attire. It’s your choice.

Tickets are $50 per person, or two for $90, through June 27. Thereafter, tickets are $60 per person.

Sponsorships, including tickets, are available.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Coldwell Banker Top Realtors
Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential Inc., announced the following Top Realtors for the month of May.

Top listing and producing agent by units and volume is Anita McCracken. Top selling agent by units and volume is Charles Pardee.