The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Business Digest 06/26/2024

By

NTBC Final Friday
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host Final Friday — a popular networking event for members and other business professionals to meet in a casual business setting — on June 28 at 4 p.m., at Main Event, 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, according to a news release. The event is free to attend and appetizers will be provided. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Emergency loan program for flooding
The Florida Department of Commerce has announced the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, activated by Governor DeSantis, according to a news release. This program allocates $3 million to support small businesses in South Florida affected by recent severe flooding. Eligible businesses in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties, including sole proprietors, can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans to address economic or physical damages, the release says. Applications are open until Aug. 12, or until the funds are depleted. For more information and to apply, visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

BBB announces new board chair
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida announced Mark Vernick as its new chair on June 18, according to a news release. Vernick, founder and principal of Vernick Financial, has been a board member for 23 years and previously served as chair from 2009 to 2014. He holds a CFP accreditation and an AIF designation. Outgoing chair Steven Klein, vice president at Klein & Heuchan Inc., was recognized for his leadership and will continue to serve on the board, where he has been a member since 2002.

Fertilizer training offered The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will offer Green Industries Best Management Practices Training for landscaping professionals who apply fertilizers commercially, on July 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by July 7. The cost is $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for employees of the Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Government, and City of New Port Richey. For more information and to register, visit mypas.co/JulyGIBMP.

Board of Directors seeking nominations
The Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board is seeking nominations for a vacancy in the Business category on its Board of Directors, according to a news release. The board oversees workforce development in Pasco and Hernando counties by managing state and federal employment and training funds. Nominees should be high-level decision-makers (e.g., owners, CEOs, COOs) within businesses that provide job opportunities in Pasco County, the release says. Directors are volunteers serving terms up to eight years. For nominations or more information, contact Nicole Beverley at or 727-326-1925.

Business Digest 06/19/2024

By

Belmar Pharmacy ribbon-cutting (Courtesy of Pasco EDC)

Belmar Pharmacy opens
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has welcomed Belmar Pharmacy to Pasco County, according to a news release.

The company has invested $15 million in a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art compounding facility within Asturia Corporate Center in Odessa, where it expects to add 150 new professional positions over the next three years.

Belmar is the largest national compounding pharmacy organization focused on hormone health and wellness, the release says.

NTBC Lunch and Learn
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a “Lunch N Learn” session on “Navigating Advertising Trends in Today’s Market,” presented by Jessica Petroski, on June 20 at 11:30 a.m., at the NTBC Suncoast Office, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Attendance costs $15 and seating is limited. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge will meet on June 26, at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Doors open for registration, early networking and vendor shopping at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon. The cost for members is $21; guests are $25. Payment should be made by May 20. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings/. For more information and to RSVP (required), email .

NTBC Member Orientation
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) also will host a new member orientation with chamber president/CEO Hope Kennedy, on June 26 at 9 a.m., at the NTBC Suncoast Office, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Attendance is free and registration is required. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

City of Zephyrhills Career Fair
The City of Zephyrhills will host a Career Fair on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. Call 813-780-0064 for information.

SunLake High School bands seeks sponsors
The Bands of Sunlake High School, known as the “Soaring Sound,” are seeking sponsors for the 2024-2025 season, according to a news release. The Marching Band will be competing in the Bands of America in Orlando and Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard will compete in the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. There are four levels of sponsorship packages ranging from $250 to $1,000 offering various promotion opportunities. Interested businesses should contact Band Director Alan Bonko at .

Pasco County Farm Bureau visits Congress
Members of the Pasco County Farm Bureau visited with Florida’s Congressional delegation in Washington D.C., May 14 to May 16 to discuss various federal policies that affect farmers and ranchers, including priorities for the 2024 Farm Bill and agricultural labor reform, according to a news release.

The Pasco County Farm Bureau is headquartered in Dade City and serves over 3,000 member-families, the release says.

 

Business Digest 06/12/2024

By

The CO.STARTERS for Causes cohort graduates. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

CO.STARTERS cohort completes program
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that its CO.STARTERS for Causes cohort successfully completed the inaugural program. The nine-week program was designed to provide local nonprofit organizations training to “scale and meet the demands of our growing community,” by engaging on topics including “knowing their customer, finding the right solution, marketing, financial modeling and legal considerations,” according to a news release. The cohort members were:

  • Patti Templeton – One Community Now
  • Debbie Proulx – NAMI Pasco
  • Debi Shackowsky – Marjorie’s Hope
  • Lexa Duno – LILLY Education Foundation
  • Freddie Hinson – Nature Coast Community Development Corporation
  • Julia Pauls – ERProjectExtreme/End Recidivism
  • Kelly Sinn – Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Violence Center
  • Felice Flake – The 502 Project
  • Beth Aker – ChipZ and Meals on Wheels Pasco

For more information about CO.STARTERS for Causes, contact SMARTstart Program Director Dan Mitchell at , or visit SmartStartPasco.com/CoStarters.

Professional networking breakfast
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Professional Networking Breakfast on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for anyone who works with or for a nonprofit as a business owner or organization. The topic of discussion will be how Pasco Libraries partners with nonprofits to both enhance library services and nonprofit exposure. A complimentary breakfast will be provided. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.

NTBC coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a coffee social on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at SVB Restaurant, 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills. The networking event is free to attend and will offer light bites and coffee.

Best state economies ranked
The personal-finance website WalletHub ranked Florida seventh overall in its recently released report 2024’s Best & Worst State Economies. It compared 28 key indicators of economic performance and strength, including GDP growth and unemployment rate, according to a news release. Here’s how Florida ranked in various sub-categories:

First – Startup Activity
Second – Change in Nonfarm Payrolls
Seventh – Change in GDP
16th – Unemployment Rate
24th – Government Surplus/Deficit per Capita

For the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-economies/21697.

Black Business Loan Program open for applications
FloridaCommerce announced the opening of the application period for Loan Program Administrators to apply for the Black Business Loan Program (BBLP) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, according to a news release. BBLP administrators provide “alternative lending opportunities and technical assistance to Black business enterprises that cannot obtain capital through conventional lending institutions but could otherwise compete successfully in the private sector,” according to the release. The application period is open until June 30, and new and current BBLP administrators may apply.

For more information, visit floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/Small-and-Minority-Business-Resources/Small-Business-Innovation/black-business-loan-program, or contact Program Manager Kyle Parsons at .

Business Digest 05/29/2024

By

Leading Ladies networking event
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network hosts a networking event at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel, in the private event room, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on the first Friday of each month. The next session will be June 7 and features author and motivational speaker Kiera Yore. Admission is $15 per person.

RISE ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for RISE Dispensary, 28053 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free to attend and will feature swag and food to the first 100 patients.

Career resource workshop
The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a free career resource workshop at the One Stop Shop (formerly the Stallings Building), 15029 14th St., Dade City, on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/career-resources-workshop-tickets-810169999277.

Suncoast launches treasury management
Florida’s largest credit union Suncoast Credit Union is partnering with Tru Treasury, a treasury management provider, to launch treasury management services. Its suite of commercial products and services includes automated clearing house, remote deposit capture, and fraud prevention tools, according to a news release. For more information, visit Suncoast.com/treasury.

SBDC performance award winners
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) announced on May 15 its 2024 performance award winners at the 2024 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Award, according to a news release. The winners were:

  • Team Spirit of the Year: Jenée Skipper
  • Performance Excellence Award: Yolanda Goodloe
  • Resource Partner of the Year: Michael Carlisle, Alternative Tax Services
  • Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Dinner Done!
  • Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Optimal Moments. LLC

For more information about the SBDC, visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Business Digest 05/22/2024

By

Fazoli’s to open on May 21
Fazoli’s — a fast, fresh, Italian restaurant, according to its website — will open to the public on May 21, at its new location, 24971 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The restaurant “starts with fresh, quality ingredients, making everything to order,” according to a news release. Among Fazoli’s offerings are: signature garlic breadsticks, signature pasta, pizza, salads and oven-baked subs.

Best and worst places to start a career
The personal finance website WalletHub released its report “2024’s Best & Worst Places to Start a Career,” to help recent graduates, according to a news release. The report compares over 180 U.S. cities and evaluates 26 key indicators — from availability of entry-level jobs to monthly average starting salary to housing affordability — to determine their ranking.

Tampa ranks fourth, and three Florida cities are in the top 10 of the best places to start a career:

  1. Atlanta, Georgia
  2. Orlando
  3. Salt Lake City, Utah
  4. Tampa
  5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  6. Portland, Maine
  7. Charleston, South Carolina
  8. Austin, Texas
  9. Miami
  10. Knoxville, Tennessee

Two Florida cities made the list of worst places to start a career: Cape Coral and Pembroke Pines.

For the full report, visit wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-to-start-a-career/3626.

U-Hauls available at APR Fuel
The APR Fuel Management gas station at 34301 Blanton Road in Dade City will now offer U-Haul trucks, trailers and towing equipment rentals, according to a news release. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday; and 10 a.m. to  6 p.m., on Sunday.

U-Haul products can be reserved at the station, by calling 352-521-0300, or by visiting uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Dade-City-FL-33523/037610.

Business Digest 05/15/2024

By

Sarah Alway, winner of the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award. (Courtesy of Pasco EDC)

EDC team member wins scholarship
Sarah Alway, a Pasco EDC team member, was awarded the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements and professional aspirations, according to a news release. She received the award during the Florida Economic Development Council’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Dinner in April by Florida High Tech Corridor CEO Paul Sohl,  the release says.

NTBC Lunch and Learn
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a “Lunch N Learn” session with lawyers from Spinner Law Firm, who will be presenting on the different types of Florida Businesses and how to form and maintain them, according to a news release. The session will be on May 16 at 11:30 a.m., at the NTBC Signature Workspace, 28210 Paseo Ave., #190, Wesley Chapel. Attendance costs $15 and seating is limited. For more information, visit northtampabaychamber.com.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge will meet on May 22, at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The guest speaker will be Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles who will share her insights regarding her position and empowering women in general.

Doors open for registration, early networking and vendor shopping at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon. Attendees can meet new business contacts and learn about businesses who may become valuable Referral Partners.

The cost for members is $21, guests are $25. Payment should be made by May 20. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings/. For more information and to RSVP (required), email .

Suncoast names new CFO
Suncoast Credit Union announced Ben Lemoine as its new chief financial officer and senior vice president. Lemoine has 18 years of experience in the industry, formerly serving as a CFO of a Virginia Beach credit union. He will lead Suncoast’s financial strategy; oversee its finance, accounting and information technology functions; and manage all budgets and financial operations in the new role, according to a news release. Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida and Lemione will be based at their Tampa headquarters.

Weichert announces new team members and training grads
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, a real estate franchiser, announced new team members: Pablo Casado Nunez, Kiranbir Hundal and Angelica Duran. The new arrivals join the team at Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties, 11734 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. For more information, contact Hector Contreras at 727-344-9325 or .

Weichert also announced two agents who completed its fast track training program: Brenda Rodas and Brian Rader, both from the Florida Tropics office in Spring Hill. The training program brings agents up to speed on the latest information resources and technology available to real estate agents, according to a news release.

Business Digest 05/08/2024

By

Home Theater building acquired
Main Street Zephyrhills has acquired the historic old Home Theater building at 38521 Fifth Ave., in downtown Zephyrhills. The theater, which closed in 2007, was opened in 1948 and was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South, with comfortable seats, a wide stage and a glass-enclosed “crying room” for cranky babies, according to a news release. Funding for the purchase came in-part from the state during the 2023 Legislative Session. Main Street Zephyrhills will preserve and revitalize the building.

Healthy Steps ribbon-cutting
Health Steps to Fitness will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 118 Flagship Drive, Lutz. Kidney bean chili, and cupcakes will be offered at 5 p.m., at this free event.

SBCD Business Awards
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBCD) at the University of South Florida will recognize businesses from the 10-county Tampa Bay region at the 2024 Florida SBDC at USF Business Awards Celebration Luncheon on May 15 at the USF Marshall Center, 4103 USF Cedar Circle in Tampa, on the second floor, according to a news release. The keynote speaker will be Andrea Gonzmart Williams, great-great-granddaughter of Casimiro Hernandez Sr., founder of the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City in 1905, who now is part of the family business. The event costs $50 to attend. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/2024-sbdc-usf-awards.

Networking group meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will hold its next meeting on May 14 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The speaker will be Madonna Wise, retired educator and author. For more information, contact the Chair Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or . 

Rodizio Grill groundbreaking
Rodizio Grill’s founder and ownership team is inviting the public to a free groundbreaking ceremony for Rodizio Grill on May 14 at 2 p.m., at 2082 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz. It will be the brand’s 24th location, according to a news release. 

Chamber Coffee Social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber  will host a Coffee Social on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at 4&Co., 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes, in the Collaboration Area. The networking event is complimentary and open to the public. For more information, contact .

Business Digest 05/01/2024

By

Habitat for Humanity ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host an open house and ribbon-cutting for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties’ new office location at 7237 Little Road in New Port Richey, on May 3 at 10 a.m. The event is free to attend.

EMG Motorsport offers U-Haul rentals
EMG Motorsport has partnered with U-Haul to bring rentals of U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes to their store at 6135 Salt Springs Road, Port Richey, according to a news release. For more information, call 727-847-5668, or visit uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Port-Richey-FL-34668/007748.

Wiregrass apartments
A grand opening for Madison Wiregrass, 32257 Snowberry Way in Wesley Chapel, took place on April 25, to showcase the new apartment community. For more information, call 813-947-1207, or visit LiveMadisonWatergrass.com.

RISE Dispensary opens doors
RISE Dispensary had a grand opening on April 26. The new location is at 28053 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit RiseCannabis.com.

New Hybrid Training in North Tampa
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on April 27 for SETS Hybrid Training, 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Pebble Creek Collection, in Tampa. Visit SetsBuilt.com for more information. 

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) will host its next Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, which is one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange and networking event, with barbecue lunch from Hungry Harry’s. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. The event is free for GPCC members and $10 for non-members. The cost of food is additional.

More information can be found at https://members.greaterpasco.com/events/details/land-o-lakes-brochure-exchange-05-09-2024-14399.

Business Digest 04/17/2024

By

Speed networking event
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Professional Speed Networking event on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Each round will last 6 minutes, with each business/organization talking one-on-one with another for 3 minutes each about what they do and how they serve their community. Get to know more than 20 other local businesses in the area. Pens and paper will be provided if needed. Refreshments also will be provided. 

This event is for individuals who own, or work at/with/for a local business, organization or nonprofit in the Greater Pasco area.

Registration required. Call 727-815-7126.

Zephyrhills Career Fair
A career fair for the City of Zephyrhills will be held on April 19  from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. The city’s hiring team will be on-site — attendees will be able to complete applications, and are encouraged to bring resumes and wear proper attire, according to a news release.

For more information, call the Zephyrhills Human Resources Department at 813-780-0013, or email .

Open positions can be found online at https://www.ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/Jobs.aspx.

Suncoast Credit Union expands partnership with Rays
Suncoast Credit Union has reintroduced the “Every Hit is a Win with Suncoast” program. For every base hit by a Tampa Bay Rays player during games, Suncoast will donate $90 to honor its 90th anniversary, with donations capped at $10,000 per month, according to a news release. 

Two nonprofit organizations will compete monthly for votes via a Facebook poll to receive a percentage of the total donation, at Suncoast.com/Rays. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and ZooTampa are the first nonprofits eligible for donations. 

Additionally, Suncoast will donate $590 to the Randy Arozarena International Foundation for every base hit by Randy Arozarena during Friday home games, with the amount doubling to $1,180 for home runs. The Randy Arozarena International Foundation supports youth in underserved communities through sports, education, and wellness, aligning with Suncoast’s mission.

Employers invited to career fair
Hernando and Pasco County employers are invited to the Pasco-Hernando State College/CareerSource Job Fair on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the PHSC Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Building B-303, Conference Center, in Wesley Chapel.

Employers must register, and space is limited. For more information, contact Marianne Brawer 352-587-4388 or .

NTBC Precision Health Tampa Bay ribbon-cutting
Precision Health Tampa Bay celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting on April 11. The new location is at 17523 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) will host its next Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange on May 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, which is located one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange and networking event, with barbecue lunch from Hungry Harry’s. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. The event is free for GPCC members and $10 for non-members. The cost of food is additional.

More information can be found at https://members.greaterpasco.com/events/details/land-o-lakes-brochure-exchange-05-09-2024-14399.

Business Digest 03/27/2024

By

Women-n-Charge Meeting
The next Women-n-Charge meeting will be on Wed., March 27 at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Doors are open at 11:15 a.m. for registration, vendor shopping and networking. Attendance is $21 for members and $25 for guests, and attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for donation.

Three $2,000 grants will be awarded to women business owners. 

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

Attendees can register online at women-n-charge.com/meetings, or email for more information.

Zephyrhills Dollar General adds produce
The recently remodeled Dollar General at 34838 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills will now carry produce in addition to their regular items, according to a news release. The store will sell 80% of the fresh fruits and vegetables sold at most grocery stores, including “tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more,” the release states.

Career Resources Workshop
The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension is offering a Career Resource Workshop on April 11 at 3 p.m., at its One Stop Shop (formerly the Stallings Building), 15029 14th St., Dade City. The workshop is free and offered every second Thursday of the month. For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) will host a Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on April 11, at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange and networking event, with barbecue lunch from Hungry Harry’s. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. The event is free for GPCC members and $10 for non-members. The cost of food is additional.

More information can be found at members.greaterpasco.com/events/details/land-o-lakes-brochure-exchange-03-14-2024-14397.