Business Digest

Hurricane Milton takes toll on museum

DADE CITY – The historic buildings at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village remain intact; however, staff reported damages to the Mabel Jordan Barn and Blacksmith Shop.

There was also damage to a shed, back gate and concession stand as well as 10 downed trees, some of which fell in parking areas and on power lines.

“Efforts have been made to clear the debris, and our maintenance man, Dale, other staff, and other amazing volunteers have been working diligently to clean up the affected areas,” the museum told supporters in an Oct. 15 email. “We still need more volunteer help and donations.”

Executive Director Stephanie Black encouraged supporters to volunteer for an Oct. 19 work day in which they would clean up the historic property.

 

Grace periods extended for insurance

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis provided updates for Florida policyholders following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The update includes the amendment of an existing order and issuance of an additional emergency order by the Office of Insurance Regulation to protect policyholders impacted by the storms.

OIR amended EO 400385-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Helene and issued EO 400386-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Milton. 

The orders apply to all insurers in the state and policyholders in several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco. 

The orders:

• Extend grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until Dec. 10.
• Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until Dec. 10.
• Prohibit the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired.
• Direct insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.

 

Mobile centers offer help with business recovery

LUTZ – Pasco EDC helped promote mobile assistance centers led by partners Florida SBDC at USF as well as Fifth Third Bank to guide people through recovery programs. 

The Florida SBDC at USF offered to help people navigate SAB Economic Injury Disaster Loan, SBA Physical Disaster Loan, Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. 

These mobile assistance centers will still be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 28 and 30 at AmSkills, 4606 Darlington Road, Holiday.

Fifth Third Bank had scheduled Financial Empowerment Mobile stops Oct. 17 and 18 at SMARTstart in Wesley Chapel to discuss various financial topics. 

 

Business Recovery Center opens in Hillsborough County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY  – The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Hillsborough County to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting disaster loan applications for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.  

SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. 

The Hillsborough County Business Recovery Center is located at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa. It operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free parking is available across Palm Avenue.

Disaster recovery specialists with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Hillsborough County will also be on-site to provide confidential, no-cost consulting to help affected businesses prepare disaster loan applications and assist with other post-disaster challenges. 

The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County can be reached at HCFL.gov/FSBDC or by calling 813-204-9267 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

 

Pasco County reopens pop-up building permit sites

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Building Construction Services is reopening two pop-up building permit sites. Stop by to get help navigating the process to repair or rebuild your home.

To lessen the burden on those affected by the recent hurricanes, Pasco County is waiving all county fees for home repair and building permit applications related to the storms. While the county is waiving permitting fees, you still need to get a permit for any repairs that require one.

Pop-ups are located at 

• Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office at Gulf Harbors, 4720 US-19, New Port Richey.
• Sea Ranch Civic Association, 13711 Veronica Drive, Hudson.

These locations are staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pasco County Building Construction Services staff can help explain the steps you need to take to begin home repairs and answer any questions you have about your specific situation.

Call Pasco Building Construction Services at 727-847-8126 and press 5 for details.

 

Chamber delays awards program

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber has postponed its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards from Nov. 14 to Jan. 16, 2025. 

The chamber cites recent storms for the postponement. 

The program recognizes people and companies that impact the business community. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will offer plenty of opportunity for networking over the next few days:

• Chamber President/CEO Hope Kennedy leads orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. 
• The chamber celebrates Blue Park Dental joining with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at 5470 Post Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
• Members toast the end of another month during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Florica Avenue Brewing co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel.
• The chamber celebrates Fuzzy’s Taco Shop with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 at 19729 State Road 54, Lutz.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for more information about these events and other chamber information.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced the following networking events to close out the month:

• Members have the chance to meet and mingle during After-Hours Networking Mixer from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23 at Ostara Floral & Events, 6751 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
• Members trade company literature during New Port Richey/Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.  Register in advance for this free event.
• The Young Professionals Group convenes networking during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance for this free event. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

Florida Commerce activates business damage assessment survey

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey on Oct. 10 in response to Hurricane Milton. 

Business owners could self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Milton recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Milton” from the dropdown menu.

Call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email  for assistance with a business.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold networking events for its members as well as welcome a new business to its roster over the next 10 days.

• Members network during the Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, 28909 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel.
• Chamber President/CEO Hope Kennedy leads orientation for new members from 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 23 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. 
• The chamber celebrates Blue Park Dental joining with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at 5470 Post Oak Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 
• Members toast the end of another month during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Florica Avenue Brewing co., 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for more information about these events and other chamber information.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold several networking events as well as celebrate new members over the next 10 days.

• The chamber’s Professional Women in Business group convenes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Admission costs $12 for members and $15 for others. Register in advance at greaterpasco.com.
• Members trade company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Admission is free for members and $10 for others. Register in advance at greaterpasco.com.
• Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers – Hudson holds a third anniversary ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at 13826 Little Road, Hudson. 
• Burkett Ace Hardware holds a ribbon cutting to celebrate its rebranding from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at 4411 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.
• Members have the chance to meet and mingle during After-Hours Networking Mixer from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 23 at Ostara Floral & Events, 6751 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
• Members trade company literature during New Port Richey/Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at VESH, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.  Register in advance for this free event.
• The Young Professionals Group convenes networking during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance for this free event. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

Women-n-Charge meet for networking

LAND O’ LAKES – Women-n-Charge invites the community to meet new business contacts and learn about businesses that may become valuable referral partners.

The meeting starts at noon Oct. 23 at The Groves Golf & Country Club. Doors open for registration, networking and vendor shopping at 11:15 a.m. The event ends around 1:30 p.m.

Registration costs $25 for members and $29 for guests at women-n-charge.com/meetings/.  Pay by Oct. 21. RSVP is a must for participation. 

Meetings are usually held at noon on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Email for details. 

 

Miller Joins EXIT Elite Realty 

TAMPA – Bernice Miller has joined EXIT Elite Realty’s growing team of real estate sales professionals. EXIT Elite Realty, located at 13911 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.., Suite #201, is a member of EXIT Southeast’s expanding network of independently owned and operated brokerages across the region.

 

Apply for unemployment assistance due to Hurricane Helene 

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. 

Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

This applies to Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The deadline to submit a claim for benefits is no later than Dec. 2, 2024. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for weeks of unemployment beginning Sept. 29, 2024, through March 29, 2025, as long as unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. 

 

State Farm offers insurance tech tips

TAMPA – State Farm urged Florida residents to consider some insurance tech tips leading up to a storm.

The company urges residents to think of their smart phone or other electronic devices as important tools in their hurricane prep kit. Fully charge smart phones and electronic devices before a storm and consider charger/power banks for tech use after the storm.

State Farm also recommends: 

• Create a home inventory with pictures, video and apps that can be useful should you have an insurance claim.
• Download/install your insurance app for electronic access to important insurance documents and to receive electronic claim payment.
• Report and take photos of storm damage as soon as possible using your smart phone to file a claim by calling your State Farm agent or 1-800-SFCLAIM, texting the word “CLAIM” to 62789 to receive a link, or submitting a claim directly on the app or at statefarm.com/claims.

 

State officer warns of danger associated with lithium-ion batteries 

TALLAHASSEE – State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis issued a warning to residents and first responders Oct. 4 about a fire hazard with lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, as well as hybrid and fuel cell vehicles developing in the wake of Hurricane Helene. 

The CFO’s Division of State Fire Marshal has confirmed 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Helene, with six of those fires associated with EVs. 

State fire officials believe these statistics to be conservative figures and are working with fire departments statewide to gather more data and determine any structural impacts related to EVs and lithium-battery fires following this storm.

 The State Fire Marshal Office is also coordinating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for guidance on proper lithium-ion battery disposal.

Visit floir.com for disposal tips. 

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold new installments of its Brew & Balance, Professional Women in Business and Trinity Brochure Exchange over the next 10 days.

• Yoga Haze partners with the chamber for a Brew & Balance yoga session and networking over coffee from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at Sims Park.
• Ambassadors hold their monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 at Dang Good Sushi, 9945 Trinity Blvd., Suite 102, Trinity.
• The chamber’s Professional Women in Business group convenes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Admission costs $12 for members and $15 for others. Register in advance at greaterpasco.com.
• Members trade company literature during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Admission is free for members and $10 for others. Register in advance at greaterpasco.com.
• Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers – Hudson holds a third anniversary ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at 13826 Little Road, Hudson. 
• Burkett Ace Hardware holds a ribbon cutting to celebrate its rebranding from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at 4411 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate member businesses as well as hold its latest Coffee Social over the next few days.

• Mod Wash holds a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5306 Ehrlich Road, Tampa.
• Blue Heron Senior Living Community celebrates its grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
  • Members network during the Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, 28909 State Rd 54, Wesley Chapel.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

HART recognizes bus/van operators

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority recently honored six operators for stellar safe driving records and inducted them into the One Million Mile Club.

They were Charles Analetto, Michael Burton, Colin Clark, Michael Debrei, David McGee, Linda Rivera and Frederick Walker.

The Million Miler Club recognizes operators who exhibit an unwavering commitment to safety by achieving 14 consecutive years of driving without a preventable accident. 

“We are incredibly proud of our Million Milers, whose dedication to safe operations sets a standard of excellence that inspires all of us at HART,” CEO Scott Drainville said. “Their achievement reflects the core values that drive our organization.”

 

Disaster jobless assistance is available after hurricane

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. 

Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses in several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco.

File claims at FloridaJobs.org.

 

Companies can apply for loan program

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Through Oct. 2 , 55 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding, such as insurance, with more applications being approved daily.

“This program provides immediate critical financial support, putting cash-in-hand to help businesses keep employees on the payroll, make critical repairs and get their doors back open,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said. 

Eligible small businesses and sole proprietors with less than 100 employees in several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program.

 

Mobile assistance center offers help with SBA programs

HOLIDAY – The Florida SBDC @ USF will continue helping people impacted by Hurricane Helene through its mobile assistance center.

Consultants will help people apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, SBA Physical Disaster Loan and Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

The mobile assistance center is scheduled for stops from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 at AmSkills, 4606 Darlington Road. 

 

IRS postpones deadlines for those affected by hurricane 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of Florida that were affected by Hurricane Helene that began on Sept 23. 

This includes people in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. These taxpayers now have until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. 

Learn more at IRS.gov.

 

Tax collector’s office extends services 

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office waived certain fees and deferred administrative actions for citizens impacted by Hurricane Helene until Oct. 7, for a wide range of services.

The tax office also accepted September payments for residents participating in the Property Tax Installment Plan through Oct. 7.

“We understand the hardship many are facing as they recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “Our mission is to empower our community by making essential services available and providing the support needed during this difficult time.”

On the web: hillstax.org

Tech entrepreneur invests in cybersecurity education

ST. LEO ­– For Tampa-based tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini, cybersecurity is a mission.

Bellini is taking steps to ensure more people have the skills to protect businesses, organizations and the nation. With funding from Bellini, Saint Leo University is launching a new cybersecurity certification program and skills courses, beginning Oct. 1.

“The global cost of cybercrime is a staggering $8 trillion,” said Bellini, managing director of Bellini Capital. “Nation-states must defend their digital borders with the same urgency as their physical ones. We chose Saint Leo for this mission to significantly increase the number of cybersecurity professionals, given the university’s strong reputation in cybersecurity training.”

Saint Leo University’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science is partnering with ConnectWise founder Bellini and John Strand, owner of Black Hills Information Security, to offer this online, self-paced program. 

The curriculum for the cybersecurity certification program includes three courses:

• Security Operations Center Core Skills
• Getting Started in Security
• Introduction to Cyber Deception

Register at www.saintleo.edu/cybersecurity.

Bellini also donated software to Saint Leo University to create a cybersecurity lab for hands-on student learning. The new lab features simulation software for practicing digital attack prevention and will support both the cybersecurity certification program and the university’s cybersecurity degree programs.

“We want to equip security practitioners with affordable and accessible training,” said Derek Mohammed, dean of the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science.

The skills courses and cybersecurity certification program are intended for those with some prior knowledge of cybersecurity, but the program is practical. 

“The Tampa Bay area is quickly becoming a cybersecurity hub of talent and innovation,” Bellini said. “Our collective efforts will provide a talent pipeline for the many Tampa Bay organizations working to eliminate cybercrime.”

 

Firms make Inc. 5000 list

TAMPA – Eighty-eight firms in the  Tampa metro area were included in the 2024 Inc. 5000, an annual listing of the fastest-growing private companies in America. 

These firms spanned across several industries, including travel and hospitality, education, construction, health services, advertising and marketing and IT services. 

A handful of companies from the Laker-Lutz coverage area appeared on the list: 

• Land O’ Lakes: ROX Strategy (No. 1,993), Qualityze (No. 2,586)
• Lutz: Thorum (No. 880), ComplianceQuest (No. 1,714), CoVar Transportation (2,134)
• New Port Richey: Skillable (No. 4,383)

The top Tampa-area firms were KashKick (No. 11), Superfan Live (No. 30), FlyUSA (No. 45), StatPearls (No. 72) and HVN Travel Group (No. 213)

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold new installments of its Medical Roundtable, Mastery Series and Membership Breakfast over the next 10 days.

• Dr. Victoria Menold, of W-E Primary Care & Acupuncture, speaks at the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity.
• Warrior Wellness Program holds an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. with a chamber ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at 1750 Arcadia Road, Holiday.
• Tanner Kielty, of R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Heating, and Air, speaks during the Chamber Mastery Series from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 via Microsoft Teams. 
• New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns speaks during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at Vesh Venue, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate member businesses as well as hold its latest Leading Ladies Network event over the next 10 days.

• Durand Mortgage Group celebrates its grand opening from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at 25200 Sawyer Francis Lane, Suite, 130 Lutz.
• Denise Welter, of Welter Law Office, speaks at the Leading Ladies Network from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office, 28210 Paseo Drive, #190, Wesley Chapel. 
• Mod Wash holds a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5306 Ehrlich Road, Tampa.
• Blue Heron Senior Living Community celebrates its grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
  Visit northtampabaychamber.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

Huey Magoo’s celebrating milestone

ORLANDO, FL – Huey Magoo’s is celebrating 20 years of serving the one-and-only “Filet Mignon Of Chicken” nationwide, President and CEO Andy Howard announced Sept. 25.  

In honor of the milestone, Huey Magoo’s is introducing the limited time “2 for $20 Sweet Caroline Sandwich Combo Deal” available through Nov. 24. 

The company has a restaurant in Odessa, located at 13372 Pine Gap Spur.

Huey Magoo’s is celebrating its 68th restaurant opening this month. It has locations in 12 states, with hundreds more franchises currently sold in 13 states.

 

SBA offers Hurricane Debby assistance

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County business owners, homeowners, renters and nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for financial assistance with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The organization is offering three loan programs: 

• Business Physical Damage Disaster SBA Loans  – Businesses of any size, private and nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, etc. may use these loans to repair or replace property.  Apply by Oct. 9.
• Home Disaster Loans  – Homeowners or renters can use these loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Apply by Oct. 9.
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans  – Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations can use these working capital loans to assist through disaster recovery.  Apply by May 12, 2025 .

Call 800-827-5722 for details. 

On the web: https://hcfl.gov/residents/stay-safe/storm-recovery-resources or https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

 

Noire Nail Bar secures location

WESLEY CHAPEL —  CrossMarc Services LLC represented the owners of boutique salon chain Noire Nail Bar in a new long-term lease of 2,100 square feet at 32265 Overpass Road.

It will open with a staff of 20 in the fourth quarter of this year at Publix-anchored Epperson at Innovation Springs, which is the retail piece of a 1,000-home community with a 7.7-acre crystal lagoon in Epperson Ranch.

Flavia Kanyago, vice president of sales and leasing for CrossMarc Services, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant. The listing agent David Conn with CBRE represented the landlord, Epperson Ranch Retail.    

 

Outplay Marketing earns recognition

LAND O’ LAKES – Outplay Marketing, a digital marketing agency, has been awarded the title of Best of Florida Regional Winner for 2024. 

Outplay Marketing specializes in delivering digital marketing strategies that help businesses grow, engage their audience and build lasting reputations. 

The agency offers review and reputation management, website creation, SEO, social media lead generation, content marketing and other services.

“Winning the Best of Florida Regional Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” owner and CEO Mike Gross said. “We are passionate about helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape, and this award is a reflection of our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

On the web: outplaymarketing.com.

 

Ellianos Coffee signs four-store deal

TAMPA BAY – Ellianos Coffee announced an expansion into the Tampa Bay area with a new four-store development agreement. 

The expansion into the Tampa metro market follows the drive-thru specialty coffee brand’s growth in other parts of Florida. It has already expanded into Orlando and other areas of Central Florida. Ellianos has eight stores in the Jacksonville area.

Ellianos Coffee offers a Southern twist on traditional coffee shop fare. It currently operates 54 stores.

 

Chamber looks for board members

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is accepting nominations for its board of directors. 

The chamber will have four board positions available for the 2025 fiscal year. The chamber could use leaders from the legal, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Nominees must be chamber members in good standing. 

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com/

 

Chamber celebrates Palm Endovascular

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will help Palm Endovascular celebrate its grand opening.

The free event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at 2344 Crestover Lane. Light refreshments and snacks will be available.

On the web:northtampabaychamber.com

 

Chamber warms up with networking

TAMPA – The North Tampa Bay Chamber invites members for some early business networking during a Coffee Social.

The event takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com/

 

Better Together partners with church for job fair

TAMPA  – Better Together is partnering with Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church to host a community job fair.

The church-based job fair connects job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire, while also providing resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services will be available onsite.

The job fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, located at 2923 N. Tampa St. Registration is open for hiring employers and job seekers.

Register at BetterTogetherUS.org/ExcitingCentral or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949. 

Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program has helped 45,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 24 states. 

 

Commission seeks applicants for vacancies

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar Board of Governors is seeking applicants for two vacancies on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission. 

The vacancies are for two attorneys to serve six-year terms commencing Jan. 1, 2025. Applicants must be members of The Florida Bar in good standing.

The 15-member commission is authorized under Article V, Section 12, Florida Constitution, to investigate complaints against judges whose conduct demonstrates a present unfitness to hold office and to recommend disciplinary action to the Supreme Court for any judge whose conduct during term of office warrants such discipline. 

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Application for Special Appointment or call Bar headquarters at 850-561-3127, to obtain the application form.