Business Digest

Del Webb builds at Bexley
Del Webb, which specializes in building homes for age 55 and older communities, plans to build a gated community of 850 single-family, detached homes at Bexley.

Bexley is a master-planned community being developed by Newland Communities, off Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Del Webb Bexley will begin construction in 2018 on about 490 acres. The subdivision will feature a 17,000-square-foot community center with a large gathering area, game and cards room, fitness and aerobic area, lockers and showers. Food and beverage concessions will offer beer, wine and light snacks.

A lifestyle director will plan events exclusively for Del Webb Bexley. Many of the homes will border open space, water or a natural preserve.

Bexley features about 1,200 acres of preserved open space, parks, and tree-lined streets. Residents can enjoy the Twisted Sprocket Café, and a planned bicycle shop for repairs and rentals. There are about 10 miles of multi-use Avid Trails as well as a planned connection to the nearby 42-mile Suncoast Trail.

For information, visit DelWebb.com/bexley.

New location for rotary club
The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel noon meets each week on Wednesdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., in the clubhouse at Lexington Oaks Golf Club, at 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Please note that this is a new meeting location.

For information, visit WCRotary.org.

Joint Chiropractic ribbon cutting
Joint Chiropractic will have a ribbon cutting June 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 19014 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Central Pasco general meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting on June 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway, in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Valerie Lundin, director of Special Olympics Florida-Pasco County.

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost is $20 for members who RSVP by June 8, and $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on June 13 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Chairman Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or email , or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

Wesley Chapel mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer June 15 at vomFASS Wiregrass, at 282249 Paseo Drive, Suite 110, in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy fun, food and networking for free.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 907-3256 or .

Ashton Woods development
Ashton Woods is launching a new phase of development at Asturia, with new home sites that feature the homebuilder’s Heritage Series product, according to a news release.

Ashton Woods is offering six home plans in this new phase, ranging from more than 1,800 square feet to more than 2,600 square feet of living space. Prices start in the high $200,000s.

The homes are one- and two-story, with a great room plan and adjoining family room, and island kitchen with ceramic tile flooring designer cabinetry and granite countertops.

Asturia is located on State Road 54, with easy access to Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and Interstate 75.

Amenities at Asturia include parks, green spaces, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a community center with a resort-style pool and fitness center.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/lfnw6bj.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast June 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

Sponsors are Mike Prilliman of Berkshire Hathaway and Sealander Contractor Services Inc.-Aquarius Commercial Plumbing.

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

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

Mystic Oaks dentistry opens
Mystic Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will have a ribbon cutting June 5 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at 3751 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Join Dr. Prematee Sarwan, her family and staff for an open house celebration.

Services include Invisalign, Botox, dermal fillers and same-day emergency visits. Free consultations, CareCredit financing and in-office dental plans are available.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Herbal Kitchen opens
Herbal Kitchen had a ribbon cutting May 12, at 38330 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Its mission is to provide an awareness of holistic living through the use of herbs and food, according to the Herbal Kitchen Facebook page.

Herbal teas and tea blends, aromatherapy sprays, bath and body, flower essence and baby products are available.

For information, visit the Facebook page for the Herbal Kitchen, the website at HerbalKitchen.net, or call (813) 713-3029.

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet June 7 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 $10 for members and non-members at the door.

The United Way of Pasco County is the sponsor.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

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

Pure Bliss ribbon cutting
Pure Bliss Cleaning will have a ribbon cutting June 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Joint Chiropractic ribbon cutting
Joint Chiropractic will have a ribbon cutting June 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 19014 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

North Tampa meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting June 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3627 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker is Ryan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Rays.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on June 6, at the discounted rate of $20 (whether you eat or not). After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge awards grants
Women-n-Charge awarded two $1,000 grants to Anna Marie Orlando, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and Barbara Keithly, owner of Magnolia Manor Assisted Living, according to a news release from the organization.

The group’s mission is to support and assist professional women in managing businesses more effectively.

Orlando is a volunteer chaplain at the sheriff’s office and coordinator of the annual Light Up the Night Human Trafficking Awareness Concert Event. She plans to use the grant to hire an event coordinator to help with the event, and give others more time to focus on the mission to eradicate human trafficking.

Keithly provides care to 53 residents at Magnolia Manor. The grant will help purchase new kitchen equipment, including a convection oven, soda machine and steam table.

For information, visit LightUpTheNightTampaBay.com, and MagnoliaManorALF.com. Judges for the grant program were Paula O’ Neill, Pasco County Clerk of Court & Comptroller; Lora Shipman, founder and chief executive officer of Keep It Local; and, Brenda Cassato, founder of Senior Information Resources.

Women-n-Charge meets the first Friday of the month at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

For information, visits Women-n-Charge.com.

 

Audi Wesley Chapel groundbreaking
Dimmitt Automotive Group broke ground May 22 on a new, state-of-the-art Audi dealership, at 2500 Lajuana Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release from the company.

The luxury, 40,000-square-foot car dealership is described as Audi’s “most innovative retail experience,” with open-area shopping in a “modern art” building.

Audi Wesley Chapel is expected to open in fall 2017.

Customers can view Audi automobiles in the showroom, check out information on iPads and relax in leather club chairs in a luxury lounge.

Audi Wesley Chapel is the latest addition to Dimmitt Automotive Group’s portfolio, which already features Cadillac, Land Rover, Jaguar, Toyota, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and McLaren dealerships.

Hold-Thyssen negotiates lease
Hold-Thyssen Inc., a full service real estate firm, negotiated a five-year lease renewal with Lee’s Hair Salon, according to a news release from the firm.

The salon occupies about 900 square feet at Morningside Plaza, a retail center at 12624 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Hold-Thyssen represented the landlord in leasing negotiations.

Hold-Thyssen is a 40-year-old firm with headquarters in Winter Park and offices in Clearwater. The firm provides commercial property brokerage, leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. Its portfolio includes more than 100 commercial properties across the country.

Pasco economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing luncheon May 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive.

Guest speaker will be Richard Blalock, chief executive officer and founder of RADD SPORTS. Blalock will give an update on the planned Wiregrass sports complex in Wesley Chapel.

The cost is $15 including lunch.

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

Schooley Mitchell ribbon cutting
Schooley Mitchell, a communications company, will have a ribbon cutting May 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Fifth Third Bank, at 1122 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

Refreshments will be served, along with beer from the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.

For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 or .

Dr. Bee opens dental office
Dr. Bee Pediatric Dentistry will have a ribbon cutting May 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 6935 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call Dr. Bee’s office at (813)530-3300 or the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce office at (813) 909-2722.

 

The Cleaning Authority collecting food donations
Owners of The Cleaning Authority, Laura and Larry Liebler, won the company’s 2016 Franchisee of the Year Award.

The couple opened their franchise in Tampa about 11 years ago, and now have about 100 employees who provide home and apartment cleaning services in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. The Cleaning Authority provides environmentally friendly “green” cleaning, and does move in/move out cleaning services.

The company also places a high priority on giving back to the community.

The Lieblers participate in The Cleaning Authority CARES program by collecting food donations from their clients and giving it to the nonprofit Feeding Tampa Bay.

The food drive began May 1, and will continue over the next four weeks.

The Cleaning Authority started in the late 1977s in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, and began franchising in the mid-1990s. It has more than 215 locations in North America.

For information, call The Cleaning Authority at (813) 701-2190, or visit TheCeaningAuthority.com.

 

Pulte Homes opens Birchwood Preserve
Pulte Homes will have a grand opening of the Birchwood Preserve community May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., off North Dale Mabry Highway, at Geraci Road.

There will be refreshments, live music and tours of the Millstone, a 3,400-square-foot model home, which boasts four stories and three-and-a-half baths.

Birchwood Preserve is a gated community, with nearly 170 new home sites, a resort-style beach entry pool, open-air cabanas and hammocks, a multipurpose space, and playground.

Homes range from three bedrooms to six bedrooms, with prices from nearly $318,000 to more than $460,000.

For information, visit Pulte.com/birchwoodpreserve, or call (888) 500-2107.

Bexley homebuilders win awards
The master-planned community of Bexley by Newland Communities won a Best in Class award and several Grand Awards at the 2017 Parade of Homes, hosted by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, according to a news release from Newland Communities.

The award haul was the most of any community in the Parade. Bexley is located on State Road 54, at the Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Judges looked at criteria including architectural detail, floor plan, master suite, kitchen and overall curb appeal.

Five Bexley model homes earned Grand awards.

David Weekly Homes’ Tangelo model earned Best in Class in the kitchen category, as well as an overall grand award. Other winners were ICI Homes’ Brooke model home; Homes by WestBay’s Bayshore II; CalAtlantic Homes’ Sandpiper II; and, Lennar’s North Carolina model home.

For information, visit NewlandCommunities.com.

Confidex partners with ADP
Confidex Payroll Solutions is partnering with ADP to offer additional payroll and tax solutions.

The Dade City-based company provides payrolls services, accounting and tax planning services. ADP, based in New Jersey, provides human resources management software and services.

The partnership with ADP will increase the level of services offered by Confidex Payroll Solutions to bring payroll savings to small and mid-size businesses.

For information, contact Rich Mackiewicz at (352) 458-4829 or .

Westcoast Landscape contracts
Westcoast Landscape and Lawn won seven new contracts with community associations in West Central Florida. The commercial landscaping company serves clients from Citrus to Charlotte counties.

Two of the seven contracts are for Wesley Chapel neighborhoods: Larkenheath and Wiregrass CDD (commercial development district).

Westcoast specializes in commercial landscaping for homeowner and condo associations, community development districts and business developments. Residential landscape design and installation also are provided.

For information, visit WestcoastLawns.com.

Holiday Inn Express award
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Trinity received the InterContinental Hotels Group 2016 Newcomer Award as one of the best properties to join the IHG system within the last year as a new development or a conversion property, according to a company press release.

The hotel is one of 10 properties selected from more than 5,100 of the company’s hotels, in recognition of overall quality excellence.

IHG is a global organization with a portfolio of hotels that include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, and Staybridge Suites.

For information, visit IHG.com.

Lunch n Learn
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch n Learn luncheon May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Don Porter boardroom at the chamber’s office, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker will be Steve Miller of Google Partner.

The cost is $15, including lunch. Space is limited so preregistration is recommended.

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

Central Pasco mixer
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly mixer May 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free. All are welcome.

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

MIDFLORIDA opens new branch
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union opened a new branch at 23551 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. Bank officials had a grand opening April 28.

The teller desk layout operates with open counters and no partitions or visible office equipment. Operating hours include Saturday service, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. drive-through service, a drive-up ATM, and safe deposit boxes.

The credit union also offers business loans, mortgages and investments. Members can enjoy free coffee in the lobby every day, and free popcorn on Fridays.

MIDFLORIDA is a state-chartered financial institution with headquarters in Lakeland. The credit union serves 270,000 members with assets totaling more than $2.9 billion, according to a news release.

For information, visit MidFlorida.com.

Skin care products
Marilyn Boss is now working full time as a representative of Nerium International, selling the company’s line of skin care products. Boss began working for Nerium as a part-time representative in 2015, but decided in retirement to go full time. She offers one-on-ones, events and parties, and free samples to first time clients.

For information, call Boss at (813) 892-4004, email , or visit MarilynBoss.nerium.com.

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing opens
Ron Ierna has opened Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at 4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The business is located by Bell Lake, on a site previously occupied by Bay Area Water Sports. Ierna bought the property in January, and renovated the existing 2,500-square-foot building and parking lot.

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing employs licensed technicians and craftsmen who specialize in designing, engineering, servicing, and installing HVAC systems and water heaters.

For information, call the office at (813) 444-9474, or visit LakesideComfortPros.com.

Epoch building apartments
Epoch Residential plans to build Lakeside at Bexley, a 300-unit apartment complex in eight buildings. The complex will have a clubhouse and a 1-acre park. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments will be available with attached and detached garages.

Bexley opened in fall 2016 as a master-planned community being developed by Newland Communities in Land O’ Lakes, off State Road 54 by the Suncoast Parkway.

Single-family and townhomes, in the low $200,000 to more than $600,000, are available. There are 10 miles of multi-use, soft surface trails by Avid Trails, with a planned connection to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail.

Lakeside Walk is expected to open in fall 2018.

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

Possible 7-Elevens coming
7-Eleven representatives are eyeing two new locations in Pasco County. One would be at the southeast corner of Mansfield Boulevard and County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. The other would be at the northwest corner of Weeks Boulevard and Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Representatives were scheduled for pre-application meetings with county planners May 1 for the Wesley Chapel location and May 15 for the Land O’ Lakes location, according to county’s scheduling calendar.

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Marlene Spalten, president and chief executive officer of Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15, if preregistered by May 11. For non-members, the cost is $20, and they can preregister or pay at the door.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

 

Zephyrhills chamber honors citizens

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will recognize student citizens at its Chamber Citizen of the Month breakfast May 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Church at Chancey Road, at 34921 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills.

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

First National groundbreaking
First National Bank of Pasco broke ground April 20 for a new branch office, at 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. Behind the golden shovels, from left to right, were FNBP Vice President Dwight Carson; FNBP Lutz Branch Manager Kathleen Balthazard; FNBP Executive Vice President Mike Mashke; FNBP board member John Henson; Pasco County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Paula O’Neill; Diaz Fritz Group Vice President Tom Connella; Diaz Fritz Group Vice President Wayne Ismark; Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore; FNBP Project Manager Park Meyers; FNBP board Chairman A.P. Gibbs; Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Representative David Gainer; Diaz Fritz Group Chief Executive Officer Del Diaz; FNBP board Vice Chairman Paul Midili; FNBP board member, Chris Black; Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Hope Allen; FNBP board member, Glen Greenfelder; FNBP board member, Ernest Peeples; FNBP board member, Marlene Mann; FNBP Chief Financial Officer Kerry Westbrook; and FNBP President/Chief Executive Officer Steven Hickman.

Zephyrhills business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast May 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

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

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

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge May 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests.

Guest speakers will be life coach Barbara Brekke and Rosemary MacKeen of Arve Interiors. They will demonstrate how to create gift baskets, door prizes and drawings to promote your business, and offer budget tips to maximize charitable donations.

To register, visit Women-n-charge.com.

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

Florida Wellness
Florida Wellness Medical Group will have a ribbon cutting May 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 6834 Gall Blvd., Suite 104, in Zephyrhills.

The free event is part of the May mixer by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Join the celebration and enjoy food, drinks, live music and giveaways.

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

Bilirakis office opens
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will have a ribbon cutting for his new district office location May 9 at 4 p.m., at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The office, which opened in April, will serve as a resource for people who need help with a federal agency, have legislative questions or want to meet with Bilirakis and his staff members. It will be open every Wednesday for walk-ins. Meetings during the rest of the week will be by appointment only.

For information, visit Bilirakis.house.gov/contact/offices/Wesley-chapel.

Central Pasco general meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general membership meeting May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Pkwy., in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Lou Bravo of Trinity Memorial Gardens.

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost for members is $20 if you RSVP by May 4, and $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

 

First National Bank groundbreaking
First National Bank of Pasco broke ground April 20 for a new location, at 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The 3,000-square-foot facility is expected to open Oct. 1, and is designed to meet the needs of the new generation of millennial customers. The branch will provide an engaging banking experience, with modern furnishings, an open layout and a coffee bar. The bank will be pet-friendly, too.

“The millennial demographic wants innovation, not only in the products we offer, but in the way we offer them,” said Steve Hickman, in a news release announcing the groundbreaking. Hickman is the bank’s president.

Bank officials promoted Kathleen Balthazard from customer service representative to area sales manager. She will be community liaison between the new bank, local businesses and individuals.

JC Audiology expands
Dr. Judith L. Reese, audiologist with JC Audiology, moved her practice to a larger facility at the North Fork Professional Center, at 1541 Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. She opened her practice nearly 12 years ago, in a smaller office in the same business park.

The new location has a larger waiting room and a suite designated as the Tampa Bay Hearing Aid Hospital. She and technicians will repair and service hearing aids, along with dispensing new hearing aids to patients.

JC Audiology began in 2005 and has grown to serve more than 2,000 patients, according to a news release from Reese.

To celebrate, JC Audiology will offer free hearing screenings during the month of May, which is Better Hearing Month. There also will be free demonstrations of hearing aids.

For information, call JC Audiology at (831) 949-1331, or visit JC-audiology.com.

North Tampa food drive
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay to support its Annual Cereal Drive to benefit children who will go hungry during summer months without school meals.

Cereal can be dropped off at these locations through May 5:

• Jaguar of Tampa Bay, 320 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 13131 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
• Elder Ford of Tampa, 9560 N. Florida Ave.

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

Central Pasco mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on April 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

The event is free.

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

State Farm ribbon cutting
Jo-Z Wilder State Farm will have a ribbon cutting April 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 23604 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The event is free.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing luncheon April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive.

Guest speaker will be J.D. Porter, owner and operator at Wiregrass Ranch/Wiregrass Ranch Foundation.

The cost is $15 including lunch.

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

Clinic ribbon cutting
The Root Cause Clinic (chiropractor) will have a ribbon cutting on April 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 15049 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Self-driving buses coming to Hillsborough County
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis touted the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit system, or HART, at a recent hearing of the Communications and Technology subcommittee.

The transit service soon will begin operating a “first-of-its-kind” autonomous public bus system with wireless 5G capabilities.

The commuter shuttle will run in downtown Tampa. HART received about $1 million from the Florida Department of Transportation to test and get the service started.

Bilirakis is a member of the subcommittee, which is considering legislation to promote broadband and wireless technology. The hearing’s topic was “Fueling the 21st Century Wireless Economy.”

“I’m immensely proud that Hillsborough County, part of my district and part of our Tampa Bay community, is leading the charge to bring innovative technology to the public transportation sector,” said Bilirakis, in a press release issued by his office regarding the hearing.

The 5G is the fifth generation, and the next mobile wireless standard, anticipated by 2020. Most mobile phones now operate on 3G or 4G LTE.

Bilirakis also discussed the benefits of wireless for health care and tele-health technology. Nearly 24 percent of his constituents, which include Pasco County residents, are seniors, he said.

Health care providers can use advanced tele-health technology to evaluate and treat seniors and disabled patients remotely from the comfort of their homes, Bilirakis added.

North Tampa meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3627 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker is Jeff Ruby, founder and president of RedRock Leadership.

The cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Chamber mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer April 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Happy Feet Plus, at 1051 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Members and guests are welcome to enjoy an evening of fun, food and networking.

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

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15, if pre-registered by April 13. For non-members, the cost is $20, if pre-registered or at the door.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

Axiom Bank ribbon cutting
Axiom Bank will have a ribbon cutting April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 19910 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in New Tampa.

The event is free.

For information, email Jim Roth at .

Chamber honors citizens
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will recognize student citizens at its Chamber Citizen of the Month breakfast April 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Church at Chancey Road, at 34921 Chancey Road, Zephyrhills.

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

Kaji Harmonies Therapies opens
Kaji Harmonies Therapies will have a ribbon cutting April 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2748 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Kaji is a Japanese term which translates to “the flow of healing energy,” according to the company website.

Services offered include Integrated Massage and holistic, Japanese techniques that generate relaxation and reduce stress.

The event is free.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Export conference
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host Growing Global 2017-International Exporting Conference April 19 from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Anclote East Room of the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

The half-day conference will focus on strategies, tactics and resources for growing businesses by exporting goods and services. Panel discussions will cover topics such as shipping and logistics and “Tampa Bay’s Home Team-Going Global Case Studies.”

Vendor exhibitors will include the Small Business Development Center, Florida Department of Transportation, UPS, and U.S. Commercial Services.

The keynote speaker will be Ruben Ramos Arrieta, minister counselor for the economic and trade office embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Washington D.C.

The cost is $20.

Registration deadline is 5 p.m., on April 14.

For information, call Devon Barnett at the PEDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, toll free at (888) 607-2726, or email .

Lunch n Learn
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch n Learn luncheon April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Don Porter boardroom at the chamber’s office, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

KMACC Solutions’ representatives will discuss “Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The Critical Link to Success in Business.”

The cost is $15, including lunch. Space is limited so pre-registration is recommended.

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

Shoe Carnival opening
Shoe Carnival will open April 7 in the Village Lakes Shopping Center in Land O’ Lakes, with a grand opening scheduled sometime in mid-May, according to company representatives. Previously, the opening had been announced for an earlier date.

The new shoe shop, off State Road 54, will be located in a suite next door to Ross Dress for Less.

Other Shoe Carnival stores in the region operate in Tampa, Bradenton, Brandon, Largo, St. Petersburg and Spring Hill.

Netfest set for April 6
Pasco Economic Development Council will host the 15th Annual Netfest April 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Ranch, at 2500 Heart Pine Ave., in Odessa.

The annual western-themed mixer is a night of food, drink, music and networking. Dress is casual. Hats and boots are proper attire.

The cost for Netfest general registration is $45 per person; $35 for Pasco EDC investors and guests; and $25 for Pasco County staff members.

Registration includes barbecue buffet and two drink tickets.

For information, call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

Popeye’s ribbon cutting
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen will have a ribbon cutting April 7 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 28014 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The fast-food restaurant offers a “New Orleans” style menu of spicy and mild chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and red beans and rice.

The event is free.

For information, call (813) 562-1255.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

The guest speaker is Carol Goebel of Trail Wind Travel. She is an accredited cruise counselor who will talk about “Ways to Maximize your Vacations and Time Off.”

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

To register, visit Women-n-charge.com.

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

Grand reopening
Bon Worth is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a grand reopening and ribbon cutting April 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Merchant Square, at 7409 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The celebration will include gift card drawings and special deals.

For information, call (813) 715-0057.

Ribbon cutting
Pasco’s Masonry & Landscaping Depot will have a ribbon cutting April 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 10301 U.S. 301, in Dade City.

The event is free.

For information, call (352) 437-4408.

General membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a membership meeting April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Guest speaker is Jeff Lucas of The Law Offices of Lucas/Magazine. His topic will be “Neglected Infrastructure as it Relates to our Court System.”

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost for members only is $20 if you RSVP by April 6, or $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

Business seminar
Pasco-Hernando SCORE Chapter 439 will host a free seminar on “Marketing to Grow Your Business” April 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2816 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The seminar will provide tips on what works and what doesn’t work, what information is needed to write a sales and marketing plan, how to profile your customers, how to determine the best type of advertising and/or promotions, what you can learn from competitors and how to analyze your program’s effectiveness.

For information, email , or visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast April 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Saint Leo University, at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

The monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided. The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.