The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Business Digest 07/19/2023

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Local Hoteliers honored
SpringHill Suites Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn Tampa have received awards for excellence and service. The awards were announced by Florida’s Sports Coast at a recent Pasco Tourism Development Council meeting.

  • Springhill Suites Marriott in Land O’ Lakes received the Silver Circle Award for ranking in the top 20% of the brand for the 2022 calendar year. In order to be eligible for the award, the hotel must have been open throughout 2022 and be in compliance with all brand standards. 
  • Residence Inn by Mariott in Wesley Chapel received the Silver Elite Award, recognizing the top hotels in the 2022 calendar year.  
  • Hilton Garden Inn Tampa, in Wesley Chapel, received the 2022 Hilton Award of Excellence. This award recognizes the top 5% of hotels in the Hilton Garden Inn Brand in each region.

“We are honored to work with tremendous hoteliers here in Florida’s Sports Coast, and we are proud to celebrate their highly recognized achievements in the industry,” Adam Thomas, Florida’s Sports Coast tourism director, said in a release.

E-Verify required, as of July 1
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has notified its members that a new law, which took effect July 1, requires certain employers to use the federal E-Verify database to verify the employment eligibility of new employees and certify to the State of Florida that it’s in compliance. The law applies to employers with 25 or more employees, however, employers with fewer than 25 employees can choose to use E-Verify and certify under the new state law. The law is already in effect, but penalties do not take effect until July 1, 2024, according to the chamber’s posting. More information is available through the chamber.

City of Tampa expands center
The Tampa Convention Center recently celebrated its new waterfront meeting rooms, over the Tampa Riverwalk, according to a city news release. The ceremony marked the completion of construction of a 16,000-square-foot two-story addition. The convention center is at 333 S. Franklin St., in downtown Tampa.

Commerce & Coffee
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts Commerce & Coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. It’s a chance for chamber members to network, without an agenda, in a relaxed setting.

Pasco Chamber honors Judi Fisher
Judi Fisher, from Architectural Signage and Printing, has received the prestigious Chairman’s Award from the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce. She was honored for consistently demonstrating an exceptional level of commitment, dedication and outstanding performance, according to a chamber posting.

“Her contributions have been invaluable, and her unwavering support has significantly contributed to the success and growth of our organization,” the posting says.

Tampa Downtown Partnership board
The Tampa Downtown Partnership has announced its board leadership for 2023-2024, according to a news release. The new board members are:

  • Jin Liu, board chairwoman
  • Abbey Ahern, immediate past chair and secretary
  • Stephen Panzarino, vice chair
  • Tim Koletic, treasurer

Other members of the executive committee are: Dr. Jason Collins. Michael English, Jeff Houck, Kimberly Madison, Marshall Rainey and Braxton Williams.

SCORE mentors
Businesses needing help can get it from a SCORE mentor, and people with knowledge to share can volunteer to mentor others. SCORE welcomes those needing assistance, as well as those who are able to provide it. Find out more by visiting SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Habitat for Humanity board named
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has announced its board of directors for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, according to a news release. Those board members are:

  • Heather Ford, chairwoman
  • Frank Starkey, vice chairman
  • Ken Ginel, treasurer
  • Chris Hackey, secretary
  • Brandon Brayboy, immediate past chair
  • Ian Peterson, Chris Majesk, Lynn Skelton, at-large members

Mike Sutton is also a non-voting member of the board.

Barbecue & Networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has its monthly barbecue lunch and networking event in Land O’ Lakes on the second Thursday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is hosted by Judi Fisher. Those attending can place a lunch order for barbecue, catered by Hungry Harry’s, if they choose. The gathering is free for chamber members, plus the cost of food. There’s a $10 fee for non-members.

If you are not a member but would like to check out the event for free, call the chamber office at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for a one-time free entry.

The lunch is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

Business Digest 06/28/2023

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Ierna’s turns 20

Ierna’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing held a celebration on June 21 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The company also held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its new location at 16011 N. Nebraska Ave., in Lutz.

Breeze Airways adds Tampa service to Raleigh-Durham

Breeze Airways has announced a new service to Raleigh-Durham from Tampa, making it the airline’s 14th destination from Tampa International Airport.

The new route is scheduled to start on Sept. 7.

For more information, visit www.flybreeze.com.  

  State insurance regulation office appoints two new officials

Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has appointed Sheryl Parker as the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) first deputy commissioner of market regulation and  Virginia Christy as OIR’s deputy commissioner of property and casualty, according to a news release.

In making the appointments, Yaworksy said: “They both are bringing extensive knowledge and experience to their respective positions and I am proud to announce their appointments as deputy commissioners. I’m confident they will continue to serve and protect policyholders to the fullest extent.” 

The deputy commissioner of market regulation position was established to oversee OIR’s market regulation efforts to further protect insurance consumers from unlawful or harmful business practices.

The deputy commissioner of property and casualty oversees the property and casualty financial oversight and product review units. 

Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange

The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has its Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

The event gives people a chance to mingle and learn about each other’s businesses.

Those attending pay the cost of the meal, plus $10 for non-chamber members.

If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try, call the chamber office for a one-time free entry. To find out more, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

East Pasco Networking Group

The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. 

The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:

  • July 11: Billy Poe, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills
  • Aug. 8: Peter Castellani, founder of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center and Amy Yarborough director of Pregnancy City Center
  • Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
  • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller

For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or . 

Tax office under renovation

The Pasco Tax Collector’s Office at the West Pasco Government Center, is in the midst of renovations that began on June 1.

The office, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey, is expected to return to full service on Oct. 16, according to a news release.

Throughout the remodel, all services, except driver license services, will be available during normal business hours.

Customers who may need driver license assistance are encouraged to visit the Gulf Harbors office, at 4720 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey.

For more information about services and locations, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call the Centralized Call Center at 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338. 

This advice is worth repeating

Businesses need to have a plan to protect their property, their data and their employees during Hurricane Season, which began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (PEDC) has put together a list of reminders to help businesses prepare for severe weather, to operate in the aftermath and to recover from any damages.

Here’s a synopsis of the PEDC’s advice:

Before a storm hits:

  • Know the best way to contact your employees.
  • Establish a mass notification system so you can notify and get in touch with employees quickly and easily.
  • Protect your business assets. (Take steps to protect your equipment, supplies, products, networks, data and so on. Cover your property and raise it above floor level, when possible.)
  • Identify how you will protect important business documents and inventory that is vulnerable to water damage.
  • Have an emergency business plan that enables operations with various employees at different locations.
  • Backup your data offsite and consider using Cloud based systems. This should include payroll and other systems.
  • Keep employees and customers aware of your plan.
  • Identify a list of available post-disaster resources that you may need to call upon if you need help in reopening your business or obtaining emergency funding to repair damaged property.
  • Be sure you know the address of all of your buildings, including storage facilities.
  • Be sure you have an evacuation plan for each facility.
  • Use sandbags to prevent flooding at all entrances.

Know the potential for damage at each facility and which ones are at higher risk for damage.

For more information, visit Pasco County’s website to download a copy of the county’s disaster guide, which contains a substantial amount of useful information.

Business Digest 06/14/2023

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Capital Tacos partnership
Capital Tacos has announced a monthlong campaign in partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation, running from June 5 through July 5. During that time, all Capital Tacos locations across Tampa and Orlando will introduce the Make-A-Wish Mac N Queso Kids Meal to the menu and will donate 100% of the profits to support the wish-making efforts of the foundation, according to a news release.

Chamber awards banquet
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is set to have its annual awards banquet on June 22, at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. Cocktails and games begin at 5:30 p.m. The banquet program is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, or $450 for a reserved table of eight. Reserve your seat at GreaterPasco.com.

Florida’s economy
WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators to determine America’s top economic performers. The data set includes such as change in gross domestic product, startup activities, share of jobs in high-tech industries, and other factors. Here’s a look at some of Florida’s results with ranking of 1 being the best and 25 being average:

  • 1st: Unemployment rate
  • 2nd: Startup activity
  • 3rd: Change in gross domestic product
  • 3rd: Change in nonfarm payrolls
  • 24th: Government surplus/deficit per capita
  • 33rd: Percentage of jobs in high-tech industries
  • 34th: Annual median household income
  • 37th: Exports per capita

Visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-economies/21697, for a full report.

Tax office under renovation
The Pasco Tax Collector’s Office at the West Pasco Government Center, is undergoing renovations. Work began June 1 at the office, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey. The office is expected to return to full service on Oct. 16, according to a news release.

Throughout the remodel, all services, except driver license services, will be available during normal business hours. Customers who may need driver license assistance are encouraged to visit the Gulf Harbors office, at 4720 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey.

For more information about services and locations, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call the Centralized Call Center at 727-847-8032, 813-235-6076 or 352-521-4338. 

Protect your business
Businesses need to have a plan to protect their property, their data and their employees during Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (PEDC) has put together a list of reminders to help businesses prepare for severe weather, to operate in the aftermath and to recover from any damages.

Here’s a synopsis of the PEDC’s advice:

Before a storm hits:

  • Know the best way to contact your employees.
  • Establish a mass notification system so you can notify and get in touch with employees quickly and easily.
  • Protect your business assets. (Take steps to protect your equipment, supplies, products, networks, data and so on. Cover your property and raise it above floor level, when possible.)
  • Identify how you will protect important business documents and inventory that is vulnerable to water damage.
  • Have an emergency business plan that enables operations with various employees at different locations.
  • Backup your data offsite and consider using Cloud based systems. This should include payroll and other systems.
  • Keep employees and customers aware of your plan.
  • Identify a list of available post-disaster resources that you may need to call upon if you need help in reopening your business or obtaining emergency funding to repair damaged property.
  • Be sure you know the address of all of your buildings, including storage facilities.
  • Be sure you have an evacuation plan for each facility.
  • Use sandbags to prevent flooding at all entrances.

Know the potential for damage at each facility and which ones are at higher risk for damage. For more information, visit Pasco County’s website to download a copy of the county’s disaster guide, which contains a substantial amount of useful information.

WUSF Public Media wins three awards
WUSF Public Media has received three Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards in the Large Market Radio Division for Excellence in Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Excellence in Sound and News Series, according to a news release. WUSF competes in a region that includes Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The regional winners will vie for national awards, which will be announced later this year.

Business Digest 05/31/2023

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NTBC business breakfast
Rebecca Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s business breakfast on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The new hospital opened in March. The breakfast will be at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Reach out to for more information, or visit NorthTampaBay Chamber.com to register.

Low unemployment, high tourism
Florida’s unemployment rate of 2.6% in April is lowest among the nation’s top 10 largest states, according to news released by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. The news release also noted that the state had a record 37.9 million visitors between January 2023 and March 2023, the largest volume of visitors ever recorded in a single quarter. Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has remained lower than the national rate for 30 consecutive months since November 2020.

Coffee cafe has new location
Foxtail Coffee Co., opened its newest location at 10907 N. Dale Mabry Highway, with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on May 27 (after press deadline). Foxtail has been brewing craft coffee since opening its first café and roasting facility in Winter Park, in 2016, according to a news release. Since then, Foxtail has continued to grow, today offering more than 50 locations in Florida, one in Georgia and more openings in the southeast and the west. Adrian Lojo is the franchisee of the new shop.

EoS celebrates new gym
EoS Fitness has opened a new location at 17634 Harpers Run, in Lutz. The 42,000-square-foot facility features the latest in smart fitness technology and recovery, providing what’s needed for users to achieve health, fitness and wellness goals, according to a news release. The Lutz location features EoS Smart Strength Equipment, a seven-piece smart technology line that personalizes each member’s workout to their individual goals and fitness levels. For more information or to join, visit EoSFitness.com.

Local business celebrations
These business celebrations were announced by the North Tampa Bay Chamber:

  • Wesley Chapel Harley-Davidson had its grand opening/ribbon-cutting on May 20. The event was held at the new dealership at 25245 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
  • Crumbl Cookie had a ribbon-cutting on May 19, at 15718 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

Tampa Downtown Partnership survey
The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s 2022 Downtown Worker and Resident survey  revealed that workers are not fleeing downtown offices, but do want to see Tampa’s Riverwalk extended, according to a news release. The survey gathered more than 2,000 responses.

According to some key results: 

  • Just 8% of downtown Tampa’s workers are working fully remote from home, compared to 28% in 2020.
  • Regardless of where they live, they want Tampa’s Riverwalk to be extended, with 93% of workers and 91% of residents supporting that idea.
  • The survey also showed that 37% of workers and 35% of residents consider the Riverwalk as Tampa’s greatest asset.

The survey has been conducted every two years since 2008.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City.  The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:

June 13: Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and Pasco Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley
July 11: Billy Poe, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills
Aug. 8: Peter Castellani, founder of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center and Amy Yarborough director of Pregnancy City Center
Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller

For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or

Governing board elects officers
The Southwest Florida Water Management Board District Governing Board has elected officers for the 2023-2024 term, according to a news release from the district. Those elected are: Ed Armstrong, chair; Michelle Williamson, vice chair; John Mitten, secretary; and, Jack Bispham, treasurer. Governing Board members are unpaid, citizen volunteers, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. The Governing Board sets policy for the water management district, which seeks to protect water resources, minimize flood risks and ensure that public water needs are met.

Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections wins award
The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office has been honored with a national Clearinghouse Award for “Outstanding Innovations in Elections – Large Jurisdiction,” according to a news release from the elections office.

The awards, also known as the “Clearies,” are presented by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to celebrate excellence and hard work of election offices across the country.

During the 2022 election cycle, the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office developed an application that contributed to a very quick turnaround when reporting election night results, with 100% of precinct-level results reported by 8:40 p.m. election night for the 2022 General Election, according to the news release.

“We’re very proud to be recognized for this achievement,” Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said, in the release. “Managing 247 Election Day polling places and serving the fourth largest electorate in Florida is a challenge, so we are constantly working to be innovative and improve our processes.”

Hillsborough’s elections office was one of 24 programs recognized with a Clearie Award.

More information on the Clearies and each awardee is available on EAC.gov.

New communications director
Kiran Malik-Khan has been named the senior communications director at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

Business Digest 05/17/2023

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Kelsy Long, former director of media relations for Clearwater Marine Aquarium, joins Vistra Communications, which is based in Lutz. (Courtesy of Vistra Communications)

New VP of marketing
Vistra Communications has named Kelsy Long as the company’s vice president of marketing. She brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications to her new role. Most recently, she served as director of media relations for Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), according to a Vistra news release.

“Kelsy is a great fit for our team,” Brian Butler, Vistra CEO and founder, said in the release. “Her energy and knowledge in both marketing and communications positions her as a key member of our leadership team. With a strong team of industry experts like Kelsy, Vistra is well-positioned to expand with our clients’ needs as we continue preparing for an exciting future of sustained growth and success.”

Long expressed enthusiasm in joining the company.

“This is an exciting time to be at Vistra Communications and I’m looking forward to working with this incredibly talented team to deliver even more value to existing clients and discover new ways we can expand our services and grow Vistra’s impact,” she said, in the release. “I’m especially motivated by Vistra’s approach to community involvement and being able to contribute to our core mission.”

Turner Arbour receives honor
Turner Arbour recently received the Workforce Development Professional of the Year at the Florida Economic Development Council Leadership Award Dinner, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. posting. He was selected for the honor because of his innovative work on the award-winning workforceCONNECT platform and for his work with CareerSource Pasco-Hernando.

U-Haul available at new location
U-Haul has announced that Trebol Auto Sale, at 14900 U.S. 301, has  signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve Dade City, according to a news release. Trebol Auto Sale will offer essential services such as U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.  U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. 

New insurance services
Wellington Insurance Advisors LLC has recently opened its doors in Zephyrhills to new customers, according to a news release. Nicholas Doe, the company’s president and owner, has worked in the insurance industry for more than 27 years, the release says. Services are provided by appointment only. To find out more, call 352-424-1319.

(Courtesy of Elevation Coffee Roasters)

Elevation Coffee Roasters opens
Elevation Coffee Roasters, a local coffee roastery and café, is now open at 1922 Collier Parkway (in the same shopping center as Flying Squirrel), according to a news release from Ashley Plazza. Elevation Coffee Roasters offers small batch roasted coffees that are ethically sourced from all over the world, the release says.

“We aim to offer community through coffee to the Lutz and Land O’ Lakes area. Whether you prefer a sweet vanilla iced latte or a fresh shot of espresso, we hope you will stop by and experience what we have to offer,” the release adds.

New digital marketing service
Outplay Marketing is a new digital marketing service in Land O’ Lakes. Its owner, Mike Gross, has consulted with small businesses for more than 20 years and has just launched his agency to address their needs, according to a news release.

“As rapidly as technology is changing with so many different ways to try to reach customers, I wanted to help small businesses figure out what would be the best way to get their message out,” Gross said, in the release. He notes that “with the advent of AI and other disruptive technologies, it’s getting harder and harder to reach a business’ main customer base.”

Outplay Marketing’s services include website creation and management, SEO, email marketing, social media marketing, and more. Find out more by visiting OutplayMarketing.com.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
Have fun with music trivia and win “coffee with Eric.” After trivia, you will have a chance to introduce yourself and share about your business with guests, during your elevator speech. The gathering is on May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Seven Springs Golf Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity.

The cost is $13 per person, paid at the venue, if you choose to eat lunch. The event is free for chamber members and $10 for non-members. If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try for free, call the chamber office at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722. This event fills up, so please call ahead to register.

Business Celebrations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber recently helped two new Wesley Chapel businesses celebrate at these ribbon-cutting events.

  • Grand opening/ribbon-cutting of Nuevo Spa and Salon, on May 5, at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, in Wesley Chapel.
  • Ribbon-cutting at Budget Blinds—KRATE, on May 5, at 5816 Goldview Parkway Unit 108, Wesley Chapel.

Business Digest 05/10/2023

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Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, having its soft opening this week, will have a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, lagers and seasonal brews, all available on-site, or to-go in growlers or cans. (Courtesy of Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company)

Thirsty Buffalo opens in Bexley
Thirsty Buffalo Brewing Company, a new craft brewery, is holding its soft opening on May 11, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The brewery is at 16974 Focus Loop, in Land O’ Lakes, within the Hub, near the front of the Bexley community, off State Road 54.

The brewery is within a mixed-use project with various shopping and entertainment options, near the front of the Bexley community, off State Road 54.

Thirsty Buffalo’s beers are all crafted on-site using a five-barrel brewhouse allowing the brewery to provide a broader variety of options and flavors to patrons, according to a news release.

The craft brewery is the brainchild of Erin Bishop and Jack Lucas, two passionate beer enthusiasts who wanted to bring their love for craft beer to their community, the news release says.

Bishop is no stranger to the industry and Lucas is a longtime friend making the decision easy. A unique appeal that drew the two to The Hub at Bexley is the fact that there is a large courtyard where community events will take place and the brewery can set up a satellite location to participate, the release says.

“This is a passion project, and we are opening it in the community we live in,” said Bishop, in the release. “The approach we are using to brew features a unique selection of beers, which will appeal to anyone from casual drinkers to beer enthusiasts.”

The brewery will have a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, lagers and seasonal brews all available on-site, or to-go in growlers or cans.

For more information, visit http://www.thirstybuffalobrewing.com.

Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has its Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange on the second Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The event gives people a chance to mingle and learn about each other’s businesses.

The hosts for this month’s barbecue lunch are Judi and Jonathan Fisher. Those attending pay the cost of the meal, plus $10 for non-chamber members. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try, call the chamber office for a one-time free entry. To find out more, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

Starting/operating a business from home
Learn some of the pros and cons of operating a home business. The webinar is set for May 31 from noon to 1 p.m. Sharon Eldridge, a Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer, will share her insights on this topic. Register today at Score.org/pascohernando.

National Small Business Week
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity celebrated National Small Business Week last week. The department recognizes the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses in their communities, according to a news release.

Of Florida’s 529,072 private sector businesses, 99.7% employ fewer than 500 employees — representing almost 57% of the state’s total private sector employment, according to state statistics. In 2023 alone, 158,088 new businesses have formed in Florida, more than any other state in the nation, the news release adds.

The department credits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies for attracting people from all over the country to Florida.

WUSF Public Media wins awards
WUSF’s Public Media received 18 awards from the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists (FABJ), according to a news release.

It received eight first-place awards, for coverage of news in a wide range of categories, including Hurricane Ian, consumer economics, higher education, the baby formula shortage and more.

Kerry Sheridan, a reporter and co-host of “All Things Considered,” was named the state’s top radio reporter for the second consecutive year.

WUSF also won first place in the team coverage category for its reporting on Hurricane Ian.

“I am immensely proud of this wonderful team,” said WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “Every day, they strive to cover issues of vital importance to the Florida community, and these awards recognize that level of excellence in journalism,” she added, in the release.

The FABJ is an independent nonprofit organization of broadcast journalism in both commercial and public broadcasting at the professional and college level.

In all, 11 of WUSF’s journalists were honored for their work in categories that spanned the range from newscasts to public affairs, politics and sports reporting.

Tampa rates No. 4 to start a business
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on 2023’s Best Large Cities to Start a Business, and Tampa came in at No. 4 in the comparison, which ranked 100 large cities.

WalletHub compared the cities across 19 key indicators of startup viability. The data set ranges from the five-year business survival rate to labor costs to office space affordability, according to a news release.

Orlando came in at No. 1 on the list, followed by Jacksonville, at No. 2., and then Miami, at No. 3, followed by Tampa. St. Petersburg came in at No. 18.

To view the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/best-cities-to-start-a-business/2281.

Business Digest 05/03/2023

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Blue Heron is expanding
Wesley Chapel’s Blue Heron Senior Communities, which opened two years ago, will soon begin an expansion to add 35 beds, according to a news release.

The addition will provide skilled nursing and rehabilitation to those seeking to recover from an illness before returning home.

Blue Heron is located at 5071 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel, across the street from BayCare Wesley Chapel and a few minutes north of AdventHeath Wesley Chapel.

The additional 35 beds will bring Blue Heron’s total to 141 private suites.

Blue Heron also offers 95 private assisted living apartments, including a separate wing of 22 apartments specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age associated memory impairment, the release says.

The 35-bed addition is expected to open in the summer of 2024. It also is expected to generate 35 new jobs, according to the release.

Using financial statements
This webinar, led by Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer Jose Melgar, focuses on helping business owners to make good decisions based on financial information. The session is from noon to 1 p.m., on May 11. Register today at SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Operating a home business
Learn some of the pros and cons of operating a home business. The webinar is set for noon to 1 p.m., on May 31. Sharon Eldridge, a Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer, will share her insights on this topic. Register today at SCORE.org/pascohernando.

SYNERGY HomeCare opens new locations
SYNERGY HomeCare is opening two new locations. One is at 2625 Stonewood Park Loop, Suite 108, in Land O’Lakes, and the other one is at 3500 E. Fletcher Ave., Suite 220, where it will serve the majority of the Tampa metropolitan area, according to a news release. 

The Land O’ Lakes location is owned and operated by the husband and wife duo of Travis and Jennifer Larimore. Travis is a longtime emergency medicine physician assistant with U.S. Acute Care Solutions (USACS) in Tampa, while Jennifer has spent the majority of her professional career working in Pasco County schools. 

The East Fletcher Avenue location is owned and operated by Sarah Bains and Alaina Tackitt. Sarah comes from a background in accounting, but her time spent providing care for her father introduced her to the world of professional caregiving. Alaina is already familiar with providing in-home care, as her very first job was as a professional caregiver. 

SYNERGY HomeCare is the nation’s fastest-growing home care franchise and it offers a wide array of services to its clients, including in-home care, post-surgery assistance, child care, backup care, and more. 

Fleet management wins honors
Hillsborough County’s fleet management recently received top honors in three categories in the 2023 NAFA Fleet Management Association’s annual contest recognizing the best fleets in the United States and Canada.

The county fleet management was named best public fleet. Its director, Robert Stine, was named fleet professional of the year. Also, Alex Gonzalez, received the fleet technician of the year, according to a news release.

The county won top honors in the only three categories it was eligible to enter, according to the release.

The National Association of Fleet Administrators Inc. is a not-for-profit society for professionals who manage fleets of automobiles, SUVS, trucks, vans, fire apparatus, and a wide range of specialized mobile equipment.

Business Digest 04/19/2023

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Clara Reynolds, left, is honored by the Hillsborough County Commission. She stands next to the podium near Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan. (Courtesy of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay)

Good Government award
Clara Reynolds, the CEO of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award.

The annual honor is bestowed by Hillsborough County to an individual or individuals who play a significant role in improving government through their leadership and vision.

Reynolds has worked alongside government officials at both a local and state level to ensure that positive change was being made to help community members, according to a news release.

She has overseen expanded partnerships with the tax collector’s office, public schools and the airport; collaborations with fire and law enforcement agencies; the addition of a human trafficking care coordinator ahead of Tampa hosting the Super Bowl; and most recently, the addition of a second dedicated Sexual Assault Services location in south Hillsborough County, the release says.

Coffee & Commerce
Join members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber for casual networking and coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Boulevard, in Lutz. This month the gathering is on April 25. Bring some business cards and mingle.

Greater Pasco Chamber luncheon
John J. Allgeier, the senior director of real estate development for Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s general membership luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on April 25.

He will provide updates on what’s happening at the new campus, which is expected to attract researchers from around the world in the quest to cure cancer, and to create thousands of jobs in the area.

The luncheon will be at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

The cost is $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. Those registering by 5 p.m. on April 24 will receive a $5 early registration discount.

To register or for more information, call 727-842-7651 or email

United Kingdom company to open
Fusion5, a technology brand originally from the United Kingdom, is setting up an assembly line in Pasco County, according to an announcement by the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. (Pasco EDC).

Fusion5 is leasing a 5,000-square-foot building in the West Pasco Industrial Park, where it will invest more than $250,000 in lease-hold improvements and equipment, and plans to hire 30 employees. 

“Fusion5 is no stranger to expanding globally, and we are thrilled they see the additional value and resources Pasco County can continue to provide them with as they grow,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO, Pasco EDC, said in a news release. “As they continue to look for new markets to export to, we can help through our international program and partnerships, and the company already plans to utilize our local Foreign Trade Zone 193.” 

The assembly line will prioritize the production of high-quality and affordable Microsoft Windows Operating System devices made in the United States, which will allow the company to compete with some of the biggest names in the technology industry, the release says.

The laptops and tablet computers produced at the assembly line will be designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Fusion5 currently works with retailers like Amazon, Walmart, among others. 

Fusion5 also maintains a production facility in Frisco, Texas. 

“We strongly believe that technology plays a vital role in people’s lives. That’s why we are passionately committed to providing high-quality products at affordable prices, so that everyone can have access to the latest technology and improve their quality of life,” Gandhi Perla, founder & CEO, Fusion5, said in the release.

“When I was looking for a new location for our assembly line, I saw the number of technical schools and training programs Pasco County had to offer, as well as the area’s potential for future expansion. I knew right away that this was the right choice for our business,” Perla added.

New Brightway Insurance office
Jessica Spivey, who lives in Lutz, has opened a new Brightway Insurance office in Wesley Chapel. Brightway, The Spivey Agency offers customized home, flood, auto, boat, condo, renters, personal articles, RV, motorcycle, umbrella and life insurance policies from numerous companies. Visit online at BrightwaySpivey.com, or call 813-513-0808.

Business Digest 04/05/2023

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Social Media Growth Marketing
Shelly Cassin, president of Just Market It, will present a session on strategic social marketing on April 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMARTstart Grove Entrepreneur Center, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, in Wesley Chapel. The session will focus on helping those attending to communicate their message in ways that create brand awareness, help establish you as a dominant figure in your community and generate leads for your business. Registration is free and available online at SmartStartPasco.com/thegrove-entrepreneur-center.

Chamber announces roundtable
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced a medical roundtable to take place on April 6 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the roundtable will be held going forward on the first Thursday of every month.

The meeting will be facilitated by Adam Shoemaker of HPH Hospice, at Chapter Health Services, at 6801 Rowan Road, in New Port Richey. The session will cover everything health care that affects the Greater Pasco health care industry. It also will offer a chance for those attending to interact with members of the health care community and discuss current topics in the industry.

Registration is free and available on the chamber’s website at GreaterPasco.com.

Moffitt and Saint Leo host community expo
Saint Leo University and Moffitt Cancer Center are teaming up to create jobs, internships and educational opportunities for Saint Leo students, as well as the community at-large.

The public is invited to join Saint Leo students and alumni for the Moffitt and Saint Leo University Community Expo, which will take place on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the university, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52), in St. Leo.

Parking is available in the university’s parking garage, located on the east side of campus. Register to attend online at Moffitt.org/SaintLeoCommunityExpo.

The focus will be on careers and education for most of the day.

Partner named at Schifino Lee
Schifino Lee, a leading national advertising and branding agency, has announced that Jeff Philbin has been named to the role of partner.

He joins agency founders Paola Schifino and Ben Lee and is the first partner to be named since the founding of the agency, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Philbin joined the agency in May 2021 as director of business strategy and initially was responsible for new business development, according to a news release.

He quickly expanded his role at the agency, becoming a senior account manager for select clients, then adding talent recruitment and management of strategic agency partners, and also taking on the role of media spokesperson for the agency and for tourism industries across the Tampa Bay area, the news release says.

“Jeff has been named a partner because he earned it,” Ben Lee, co-founder, Schifino Lee, said in the release. “Since joining our agency almost two years ago, Jeff has re-energized our new-business outreach, strengthened our pipeline of prospects, landed several major clients, and taken on agency management responsibilities. On top of this, he’s an incredibly fun and positive person to work with.”

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. 

Upcoming speakers are: 

  • April 11: Christopher Dester, founder of the Academy of Spectrum Diversity, and Col. Jeff Harrington, of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office
  • May 9: Mike Moore, former board member on the Pasco County Commission, now with The Southern Group

For more information, contact Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or

NTBC Coffee Connection
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has its Coffee Connections networking session every third Friday of the month, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Coffee Speaks n Tea Talks, 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa. Coffee Connection provides a chance to mingle with other chamber members and community leaders, and to make friends and exchange ideas.

Business planning help
If you need help with handling business issues, you may be able to find the support you need through SCORE.org — an organization that provides workshops, a library of resources and business mentors. Visit the website to find out more about the free help that is available.

Pasco EDC seeks nominations
Nominations are being accepted by the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) for its 2023 annual awards, which recognizes companies that are having extraordinary economic impact on their community. The deadline for nominations is the close of business on April 28.

This year, Pasco EDC will recognize the achievements of top companies in Pasco County for their economic excellence in company growth, workforce improvement, and community involvement, according to a news release. Finalists are interviewed by a committee of volunteers, and the winners will be announced at Pasco EDC’s 35th Annual Awards event on Sept. 7.

Nominees should be a “for profit” business-to-business company operating in Pasco County, excluding municipalities or affiliates. If you know of a company outside of those parameters that has gone above and beyond their mission to show excellence, they may be nominated for consideration through the Special Contribution category.

Nominations can be submitted online at PascoEDC.com/events/details/35th-annual-awards. 

This year’s categories are:

  • Pasco Establishment Award: The winner in this category must have established its Pasco County operations between January 2022 and December 2022.

This award will recognize a recently established company that is demonstrating substantial progress and/or has the potential for a significant community impact.  

  • Economic Excellence Award: This award will go to a company that established its business in Pasco County between January 2022 and December 2022. It will recognize a business that has made a commitment to improving the overall economic health and quality of life in Pasco County, creating a diverse workforce, and providing exceptional value to customers, all while demonstrating ingenuity, integrity, and leadership. 

Other award categories:

  • International Achievement Award: This award will recognize a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in international relations, global leadership, and export growth through its relationship with Pasco EDC, Enterprise Florida, or Global Tampa Bay. Nominees will be scored based on company growth, international program participation, workforce improvement, and community involvement. 
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: This award will recognize an entrepreneur who has engaged in numerous SMARTstart programs. Through their experiences and education, they have turned their passion into a thriving business. Nominees will be scored based on company growth, SMARTstart involvement, and community impact as a leading start-up. 

Business Digest 03/22/2023

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CareerSource hiring event
CareerSource Tampa Bay will host an in-person hiring event on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at James A. Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa. A variety of career opportunities will be available. Visit https://careersourcetampabay.com/event/james-a-haley-veterans-hospital-job-fair/, to sign up.

Community adds 2,000 acres
Two Rivers, a new master-planned community in southeast Pasco, is expanding into Hillsborough County as developers have secured 2,000 additional acres, according to a news release.

The newly acquired land will add a luxury golf course designed by DMK Golf Design, a spa and other amenities to the approximately 6,000-acre residential, commercial and entertainment destination, the release adds.

The new Hillsborough section, named The Stewards at Two Rivers, will include three villages with estate homes, a private country club with a spa and recreational amenities. The Stewards also features an 18-hole golf course, with designs already underway and plans for a 2025 opening, according to a release.

To learn more, visit TwoRiversFL.com. 

Pasco EDC seeks nominations
Nominations are being accepted by the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) for its 2023 annual awards, which recognizes companies that are having extraordinary economic impact on their community.

The deadline for nominations is the close of business on April 28.

This year, Pasco EDC will recognize the achievements of top companies in Pasco County for their economic excellence in company growth, workforce improvement, and community involvement, according to a news release.

Finalists are interviewed by a committee of volunteers, and the winners will be announced at Pasco EDC’s 35th Annual Awards event on Sept. 7.

Nominees should be a “for profit” business-to-business company operating in Pasco County, excluding municipalities or affiliates.

If you know of a company outside of those parameters that has gone above and beyond their mission to show excellence, they may be nominated for consideration through the Special Contribution category.

Nominations can be submitted online at PascoEDC.com/events/details/35th-annual-awards. 

This year’s categories are:

  • Pasco Establishment Award: The winner in this category must have established its Pasco County operations between January 2022 and December 2022.

This award will recognize a recently established company that is demonstrating substantial progress and/or has the potential for a significant community impact.  

  • Economic Excellence Award: This award will go to a company that established its business in Pasco County between January 2022 and December 2022. It will recognize a business that has made a commitment to improving the overall economic health and quality of life in Pasco County, creating a diverse workforce, and providing exceptional value to customers, all while demonstrating ingenuity, integrity, and leadership. 

Other award categories:

  • International Achievement Award: This award will recognize a business that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in international relations, global leadership, and export growth through its relationship with Pasco EDC, Enterprise Florida, or Global Tampa Bay. Nominees will be scored based on company growth, international program participation, workforce improvement, and community involvement. 
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: This award will recognize an entrepreneur who has engaged in numerous SMARTstart programs. Through their experiences and education, they have turned their passion into a thriving business. Nominees will be scored based on company growth, SMARTstart involvement, and community impact as a leading start-up. 

Cardel Homes celebrates 50th anniversary
Cardel Homes, celebrating a half-century in business, is a veteran in the residential development industry. It now operates as an integrated homebuilder and land developer in four regions, offering a wide range of products, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and resort properties, according to a news release. Cardel is an international builder with operations in Florida, Colorado, Alberta and Ontario.