The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Solar farm proposed in Zephyrhills

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Tampa Electric Company is seeking permission to proceed with a 74.5 megawatt solar farm and substation, north of County Line Road and east of Paul S. Buchman Highway.

The request is part of the company’s long-term strategy to build a grid that is reliable and meets its customer’s needs, according to a March 20 letter the utility company sent to some Pasco residents.

The letter is among materials in the agenda packet for the May 6 meeting of the Pasco County Commission.

Tampa Electric, otherwise known as TECO, is seeking a special exception from the planning board to proceed with its plans.

Planning commissioners opened the hearing on the request, but continued it after the representative for the utility company had technical problems in making a remote connection.

One couple, who live in an area surrounded by the proposed solar farm, voiced opposition to the project. They said they’re concerned about potential — as yet unknown —  impacts the solar farm could have on their health.

In its letter, TECO officials said “If all goes well, we hope the solar facility is complete and producing energy from the sun in 2023.”

The county allows solar farms as a special exception in some agricultural districts.

The proposed solar farm would be located on a 576-acre site that now contains the Palm River Dairy Farm and some single-family dwellings, according to materials in the agenda packet.

The site is in the southeastern portion of unincorporated Pasco County.

The future land use designation on the site is for residential and light industrial uses.

The current use of the site is for an active dairy farm, and as pasture for dairy cows and cattle.

The proposed solar farm will use film photovoltaic (PV) panels that absorb sunlight and directly produce electricity, the agenda materials say.

The solar farm will encompass approximately 95 acres of the total site, but the panels will be situated at different locations on the land, according to maps in the file and meeting testimony.

Access to the property is from Bay Avenue.

The subject site is located next to Martin Marietta Materials, which uses are aggregate transfer facility, asphalt plant, rail spur, aggregate sorting and conveyance system, storage yard, sales and operational offices.

The solar farm will be unmanned and will be remotely monitored.

The maximum structure of the photovoltaic panels, supports, substation building, and any other structures shall be 15 feet. A lightning mast and the utility equipment located totally within the substation site may exceed this height, provided they comply with the additional setbacks of the county’s land development code.

Conditions for approval, contained in the agenda packet, spell out minimum setbacks, buffering requirements and noise regulations.

Also, before approval of the preliminary development plan and/or preliminary site plan, the applicant shall provide a decommission plan for the site, which may be reviewed and approved by the county administrator or his designee.

If the applicant ceases operations or the solar farm no longer works properly or is abandoned, the applicant is responsible for decommissioning the solar farm within 180 days.

The decommissioning shall include the removal and disposal of all material and equipment, in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and practices.

The site also shall be restored to the condition that existed immediately following the initial site clearing and grading, the agenda materials say.

Published May 19, 2021

Those fully vaccinated rarely need masks, CDC says

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President Joe Biden announced last week that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had issued new guidance on the wearing of masks, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden said those who have been fully vaccinated, in most cases won’t need to wear masks — whether indoors or out, in large crowds or small.

Specifically, the CDC’s updated guidance says:

  • Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • Fully vaccinated people can refrain from testing following a known exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter.

CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers, including those who are vaccinated. All travelers are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations, the CDC’s website says.

Those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing masks, to avoid becoming infected by COVID-19, or spreading it to others, CDC officials add.

While there has been a downturn in the daily number of people getting vaccinated, use of the Pfizer vaccine has been granted emergency authorization for those ages 12 to 15.

The CDC’s latest guidance comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order lifting restrictions imposed by local governments, with the exception of school districts.

The public schools districts in Pasco and Hillsborough counties both announced they would keep the mask mandate until the end of the school year.

Private businesses can decide whether to retain or drop their mask requirements, and so far, the response has been varied.

Also, while the pace of vaccinations for adults has declined, efforts continue to reach out to those who are hesitant about being vaccinated to answer their questions and address their concerns.

While fewer children have been infected by COVID-19, the CDC does recommend vaccination for everyone age 12 and older to help protect against COVID-19.

Published May 19, 2021

Request seeks mixed-use project in Land O’ Lakes

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Efforts are underway to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with a mixed-use development at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, which also is known as U.S. 41.

The request calls for changing the land use designation from commercial to planned development on approximately 35 acres.

It also calls for a text amendment to the long-range plan.

The master-planned unit development for the property is proposed to have a Land Use Equivalency Matrix (LUEM) to allow the exchange of the approved retail for the other approved land uses, according to agenda background materials.

The use of the matrix will ensure there is no increase in the project traffic with the exchange of land uses.

The requested land use change calls for allowing up to 275,000 square feet of retail, as well as these uses: office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

As part of its request, the applicant has agreed to establish a minimum development potential for non-residential uses along U.S. 41 to ensure non-residential uses are protected. These are not permitted to be exchanged for other uses, within the proposed LUEM.

Surrounding uses to the site are Walgreen’s to the north; a vacant office to the south; The Groves, San Jose restaurant and Publix to the east; and wetlands and agriculture to the west.

There also is an existing trail along the east side of Land O’ Lakes Blvd, extending from Tower Road to Connerton Boulevard.

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of the requested land use change and text amendment.

The request was set for consideration on May 18 by the Pasco County Commission, which is after The Laker/Lutz News went to press. The county board has the final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

A companion rezoning request also has been filed, which also must be considered by the planning board and also gain approval from the county board before it could take effect.

Published May 19, 2021

Local photographers win big at state fair

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Members of the Land O’ Lakes Photography Club claimed a half-dozen awards in the Florida State Fair’s annual contest.

This photo, by Lillian Cucuzza, won first place in the Color-Animals (Wildlife) category. She calls it ‘Sunrise Dip’ because the photo captures an American Avocet taking a drink in the early morning sunrise.

The prize-winning photographers shared their photos with The Laker/Lutz News.

Creative competitions have been part of the fabric of the fair since its beginning in 1904, according to the fair’s website.

“Competitors from every corner of the state have pushed the boundaries of innovation as they battled it out for the blue-ribbon prize in quilting, baking, painting, or other skills. That tradition continues today as our youth and adult artists & crafters, bakers, woodworkers, horticulturalists, needle artists, photographers, and more bring their best work to be judged at the fair,” the website adds.

This year’s fair was held April 22 through May 2 — delayed year because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published May 19, 2021

This image of a colorful array of umbrellas by Velma Herrig captured an honorable mention in the category of Color-Still Life & Things. It was taken in a Safety Harbor art shop that had decorated its ceiling with colorful umbrellas.
This photo, by Allen Craley, won first place in the Color-Scene (Land, Sea, Sky-scapes) category. It depicts a dramatic scene at an agricultural landscape off Route U.S. 301, in rural southern Maryland. The photo was taken last summer.
This photo, by Susan Hill, took home the first place award in the Color: Pets & Farm Animals category. It shows two canine brothers, Charlie, on the left, and Buster, demonstrating some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry as they spar over a toy.
Velma Herrig won an honorable mention in the Black&White-Scene (Architecture & City Scapes) for this photograph of Egg Rock Lighthouse. It was taken at Bar Harbor, Maine, during a boat tour around the bay and Acadia National Park.
George Capaz captured this image of the Amargosa Opera House Hotel, in Death Valley Junction, California. Capaz won third place in the Color-Scene (Land, Sea, Sky-scapes) category.

These gentle alpacas seem to enjoy posing for pictures

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Those traveling to the Sweet Blossom Alpacas open house in Dade City, had plenty of chances to be photographed with alpacas and take photos of the animals, too.

Just to prove that alpacas only have bottom teeth, Ms. Helen, left, a 15-year-old Huacaya, shows off her bottom occlusion, while standing with Cali, an 8-year-old Suri alpaca. (Fred Bellet)

There were also chances to feed and pet the alpacas, and go shopping for yarn, roving, hats, scarves, gloves, shawls, slippers and other items made from alpaca fiber.

People of all ages seemed to be having fun, while getting a look at quite a collection of alpacas and llamas at Sweet Blossom Alpacas, 37543 Pappy Road in Dade City.

Those gathered could also learn about the animals, could treat themselves to a wide assortment of sandwiches from a food truck, and simply enjoy an outing with the family.

Admission was free, but donations were welcome.

For more information about the farm, visit SweetBlossomAlpacas.com.

Published May 19, 2021

Brian Kauffman, of Sarasota, gets a snapshot of the artwork on display at the Sweet Blossom Alpacas farm.
Ten-year-old Mason Powell watches as Lyric Bellows, 11, reaches over the petting area fence to touch a male alpaca. They were at the open house with their mom, Charli Bellows, their brother Sawyer Bellows, 11, and their grandmother, Anne Weddel. They all live in Wesley Chapel.
One year-old Uvel Lane finds a safe spot on his aunt Desiree Peterson’s shoulder — preferring not to interact with the alpacas like the rest of the Wesley Chapel family.
Richelle Jones, 20, shows off her new T-shirt she bought in the gift area at Sweet Blossom Alpacas. She and her mom, Tonya Jones, drove up from Riverview to attend the open house. They also checked out the gloves, slippers, hats and other alpaca products.
Nine-year-old Sarah Witforth, right, of Spring Hill, chuckles as a llama nestles its head on her cousin, 6-year-old Lane Exum, also of Spring Hill. The animal had its sights on a bag of snacks slung over Exum’s shoulder. They were at the open house with their parents, Kim and Mike Witforth, and their grandmother, Linda Carter of Spring Hill.

 

Hillsborough citizens survey launches online

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Hillsborough County is asking residents to weigh in on what matters most to them.

The county’s 2021 Citizen Survey, launched May 14, asks citizens to share their opinions about quality of life issues.

The survey asks residents to share their opinions on a number of key issues, including: the local economy, public safety, life enrichment and recreation opportunities, self-sufficiency programs for individuals and families, and high-quality community assets, according to a county news release.

The survey is available in both English and Spanish and typically takes 15 minutes to 20 minutes to complete.

Every Hillsborough County resident, including those who live in the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City, are encouraged to take the anonymous online survey, the release says.

The survey will be used as a baseline for future surveys as well as to  gather information about the services residents think are most important in this community.

The county’s last Citizen Survey was conducted in 2019 and the results are available to view online.

For more information about the 2021 Citizen Survey and to complete it, visit HCFLGov.net/Survey.

Published May 19, 2021

Change would allow 11 more homes in subdivision

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a change that would allow 11 more single-family homes in the Orange State Grove, north of County Line Road, west of Livingston Road, in Lutz.

The request also received a recommendation of approval from county planners and no one spoke for or against the request at the Pasco County Planning Commission’s May 6 meeting.

The applicant is seeking a Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment to change the land use designation from three dwellings per acre to nine dwellings per acre, on approximately 2.32 developable acres.

The existing Orange State master-planned development permitted 206 residential units. However, with the additional 11 single-family residential units, a land use change is needed to support the additional density.

Planners say the amendment will allow five more units than the existing density would permit.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published May 19, 2021

State road projects in Pasco approach $290 million

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During a recent transportation Zoom briefing with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Thibault, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, provided an overview of projects that are in various stages of progress in Pasco County.

Here’s a recap of information from his PowerPoint presentation and of his comments, project by project.

(Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

Diverging Diamond, at State Road 56
Project description: Converts from a standard diamond interchange to a diverging diamond interchange

  • Ongoing work is occurring on all four quadrants of the interchange.
  • The traffic pattern shift will occur this fall.
  • Project cost: $33 million

Estimated completion: Late 2021

Thibault’s comments: “The DDI (Diverging Diamond Interchange) was chosen for this interchange to increase safety and capacity, through an increased number of lanes; improving pedestrian facilities; more efficient signal timings; and, reducing vehicle conflicts.

“Work is occurring on all four quadrants, rebuilding the interchange ramps.

“Work is taking place in the median of the existing State Road 56 bridge over Interstate 75.

“Various traffic shifts are taking place and will continue to take place on State Road 56, on both sides of Interstate 75, as the contractor builds the improvements necessary to make the conversion to the diverging diamond configuration.

“Traffic is anticipated to be switched to the new diverging diamond pattern in the fall of 2021.

“The current estimated completion date is later this year.

“As many of you know, this project has overcome some errors and periods of insufficient resources by the contracting team, but milestones have been met related to the project completion, to ensure that sufficient progress is being made.

“The department understands that this is an important corridor in Pasco County and will continue our efforts to guide the contractor to complete the project, as quickly as possible.”

State Road 54 widening, from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road
Project description: State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes, with a median

  • Project cost: $42.5 million
  • Estimated completion: Late 2021

Thibault’s comments: “Widening of State Road 54, as shown here in this aerial from Curley Road to Morris Bridge Road, will widen the roadway from two lanes to a four-lane highway, with a median. Long stretches of new roadway are currently in use, with bi-directional traffic shifting either to the future eastbound or westbound pavement. Drainage, roadway and utility construction continues throughout the project area.

“Additional traffic switches will be coming, as new roadway segments are completed.

“In addition, a sidewalk will be built on the north side of the road, and a 10-foot-wide, multi-use trail will be built on the south side.”

New Interstate-75 interchange at Overpass Road
Project description: Existing bridge at Overpass Road was removed. Construction has begun on a new bridge.

  • Overpass Road will be widened from two lanes to four lanes, between Interstate 75 and Old Pasco Road. It will be widened to six lanes, from I-75 to Boyette Road.
  • Project cost: $64 million for this design-build project
  • Estimated completion: November 2022

Thibault’s comments: “This design-build project is to construct a new interchange approximately 3 ½ miles, south of State Road 52 in Pasco County.

“Overpass Road is closed, between Boyette and Old Pasco roads. It’s scheduled to reopen in February of 2022.

“Blair Drive has been realigned to connect with Old Pasco Road. McKendry Road has been realigned to connect with Boyette.

“The entrance to Wesley Chapel District Park from Overpass Road has been permanently closed.

“The entrance ramp construction has begun on all four quadrants.

“The project is progressing well.

“The new diamond interchange will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

State Road 52, near U.S. 41
Project description: Widening of State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41.

Widening State Road 52 to a six-lane divided highway; includes the widening of U.S. 41 approaching State Road 52, in each direction

  • Project also consists of building stormwater ponds, installing drainage pipes, building roadway base and relocating utilities.
  • Project cost: $49.7 million

Thibault’s comments:  “This is close to a $50 million project and the estimated completion is February of 2023, which is currently ahead of schedule that’s posted on the project website.”

U.S. 41, north of Connerton
Project description: Widening of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton to State Road 52, widens U.S. 41 into a four-lane divided highway

  • Project cost: $16.8 million
  • Estimated completion: February 2023

Thibault’s comments: “The project clearing is almost completed.

“Utility relocation and erosion control measures are underway.

“The drainage and excavation activities are set to begin shortly.

“Again, currently ahead of the schedule posted on the project website.”

Widening and new alignment of State Road 52
Project description: Widens State Road 52 to a four-lane divided highway and realigns the corridor from Uradco Place to west of Fort King Road

  • Miles of new roadway have been constructed.
  • A lane reduction recently has been put in place along eastbound State Road 52, from I-75 to allow for construction at the west end of the project.
  • Project cost: $81.4 million
  • Estimated completion: August 2023

Thibault’s comments: “It is progressing well and is slightly ahead of schedule.”

Published May 12, 2021

Activity increasing, as COVID-19 restrictions relax

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order lifting all local COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on individuals and businesses.

As a result, Hillsborough County, Pasco County and the city of Tampa have dropped their mask requirements.

The order, however, does not apply to school districts — and both Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools will keep their mask orders and other safety protocols in place until the end of the school year.

Private businesses are not subject to the governor’s order, either, meaning they can keep their COVID-19 restrictions — and at this point, many continue to require masks, limit indoor seating and follow other safety measures.

Increased traffic on area roads and more cars in retail and restaurant parking lots, however, provide clear indications that more people are getting out and about.

Air travel is up — way up.

The Transportation Security Administration reported there were 1.7 million travelers at its checkpoints on May 9, compared to 200,815 on the same day last year. However, the number of air travelers is still substantially lower than it was in 2019, when there were 2.4 million air passengers on the same day.

Many travelers — now fully vaccinated — were flying to see family for the first time since the pandemic began. Televised news reports captured emotional reunions of moms and their kids, on Mother’s Day, all over the country.

Travel experts also are advising those wishing to take summer vacations to plan early to ensure accommodations and rental cars are available.

In another sign that things are changing, more graduation ceremonies are being held live — not virtually — this year.

In addition to some area college graduation celebrations, Pasco public schools will hold in-person events again this year, scaled back as they were last year. Hillsborough public school students also will be celebrating at live events, as well.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg also has announced that the general obligation to attend Sunday Mass will resume on May 22.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, who leads the diocese, had granted a dispensation from the obligation as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

Although Catholic churches have been holding services, with mask requirements and social distancing protocols in place, many parishioners opted instead to watch services remotely.

Health experts continue to caution the public to be careful because at the same time COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed or lifted, the demand for vaccinations has been dropping.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 9, 152 million individuals had received at least one dose of vaccine, including 83.6% of those age 65 and older. Of those in that age group, 71.3% were fully vaccinated.

If you are fully vaccinated, the CDC says you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location.

Keep in mind that outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk.

The CDC also notes: “While more than eight in 10 people 65 years and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, only around 1 in 3 people ages 18 to 29 have. All age groups currently eligible for the vaccine can benefit from the protection it provides themselves and others, especially as more states are easing prevention measures.”

As the pace of vaccination slows, vaccination persuasion campaigns are on the rise.

Celebrities, politicians and faith leaders are among those urging others to get vaccinated. Some efforts, as reported nationally, involve people making door-to-door visits to encourage people to get a single shot of Johnson & Johnson, or two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

Sites run by Hillsborough County dispense only the Pfizer vaccine, which can be given to individuals 16 years of age and older. Those ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a county news release says.

Efforts by Pfizer could lower the eligible age for its vaccine to 12, if the Food and Drug Administration approves its request for authorization — which could occur as early as this week, according to national reports.

Those seeking vaccinations should know there is no out-of-pocket cost to be vaccinated and no prescription or doctor’s note is required, a Hillsborough County news release says.

With demand continuing to decline at the large public COVID-19 vaccination sites, Hillsborough County Emergency Management is reassessing distribution strategies and developing other options for residents to get vaccinated. Companies, community organizations, and faith-based organizations interested in an on-site targeted vaccine event are encouraged to call 888-513-6321, or email .

Published May 12, 2021

Pasco EDC touts diversified economy, startups

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As Pasco County businesses and individuals look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is continuing to provide wide-ranging resources and guidance.

Pasco EDC representatives Mike Bishop and Dan Mitchell were on hand during a Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last month at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, to discuss the group’s various opportunities and initiatives.

(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The Pasco EDC is a private, 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes countywide economic development, and is partnered and funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. The organization formed in 1987.

“It’s all about jobs,” Bishop, the organization’s director of stakeholder engagement, said during the April 20 meeting. “We are in the business of attracting these companies to provide jobs for our county residents.”

Pasco EDC’s six target industries encompass the following: manufacturing; aerospace, aviation, and defense; business and professional services; information technology; life sciences and medical technology; and, logistics and distribution.

Noticeable strides are being made in the life sciences and medical technology tract, in particular.

Bishop highlighted Moffitt Cancer Center’s expansion near the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road Extension in Pasco.

The multiphase campus ultimately is expected to comprise of an estimated 1.4 million square feet and some 14,000 jobs over the next 20 years, featuring research labs, offices, light industrial/manufacturing capabilities, and conference space.

The facility also is anticipated to attract other surrounding medical-oriented biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Said Bishop: “That’ll be the gift that keeps on giving.”

Mike Bishop, Pasco EDC director of stakeholder engagement

Bishop told the breakfast crowd that the manufacturing sector “is a big one for us,” given its contributions to the county’s tax roll.

Exporting is another area the Pasco EDC is “looking at getting back up and running,” Bishop said, noting “that’s something that COVID impacted pretty dramatically.”

Bishop described workforce connections as a point of emphasis now, as companies face the challenge of finding talented, skilled employees.

Pasco EDC has worked to help fill that gap, he said, partnering with institutions including Pasco-Hernando State College and Saint Leo University to facilitate internships and other opportunities, to link employers and career seekers.

Meanwhile, Mitchell emphasized the importance of the county fostering a diversified economy to help “rise all boats.”

Many economic development councils across the country have “a huge focus” on recruiting businesses to their respective areas.

But, Mitchell said: “Just recruiting $80,000 per year jobs doesn’t give everybody a job, so we believe in stimulating a diversified economy.”

For instance, residents who are in recovery from substance addiction need various employment opportunities.

Pasco EDC does more than recruit companies.

It also helps existing industry develop and grow.

Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC SMARTstart program director

The organization’s SMARTstart program, led by Mitchell, offers resources and tools for established small businesses and also helps entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a business.

SMARTstart offers mentorship opportunities, educational workshops and roundtables, microloan funding, workspace incubators and other tools.

Some 1,500 business owners participated in at least one of its programs last year, Mitchell said.

At its core, SMARTstart seeks to resolve whatever is holding back would-be business owners.

“We’ve all been there, something’s holding you back,” Mitchell said, noting the obstacles can include insufficient funding, a lack of workspace, or a need for education or guidance.

Mitchell touched on specific opportunities available through SMARTstart.

For example, the organization has opened its microloan eligibility requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for businesses looking to grow, expand, or pivot operations.

Loans are available for up to $50,000 for applying businesses that are otherwise unbankable; Pasco EDC’s revolving microloan fund has about $600,000 available.

The loans can’t be used for real estate, short-term needs or to pay off debt, but can be used for improvements, working capital and so on.

“It really needs to be used to grow new business,” he explained.

Another signature SMARTstart operation is a nine-week bootcamp — CO.STARTERS — which seeks to equip seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn ideas into action, and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.

The CO.STARTERS operation, Mitchell explained, “helps people take a nascent idea and turn it into a business model, and really put it on a structure, and by the end of that nine weeks, they’ve got a little rolodex with several guest speakers that have come out, and they’re ready and prepared to launch their business.”

By the same token, Mitchell acknowledged people sometimes — upon finishing the nine-week program — decide they’re better off not turning their original idea or concept into a full-blown business, where they might have to invest their savings or resign from their current job.

To learn more about special events, available training and other Pasco EDC resources, visit PascoEDC.com, call 813-926-0827.

Published May 12, 2021