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Local News

Brainstorms NPR launches campaign for proposed STEAM center

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Brainstorms NPR Inc. has launched 250 Neighbors, a community campaign inviting 250 people to put their names behind the proposed Brainstorms STEAM Discovery Center in downtown New Port Richey.

Brainstorms is asking residents to give what they can, whether $10, $25, $50, $100 or more, because every person who participates becomes part of a demonstration that the community believes in the project. Every dollar contributed also counts toward a $125,000 matching commitment secured for the proposed center.

“As America marks its 250th anniversary this year, we thought there was something fitting about asking 250 members of our own community to invest in what the next generation will inherit,” said Daisy Thomas, vice president of the board of directors for Brainstorms. “We want people to be able to say, ‘I helped make this happen.'”

Brainstorms NPR has proposed transforming the property at Main and Bank streets into a science discovery center designed to serve children, families, educators and the broader Nature Coast community. 

The proposed center would combine hands-on STEAM learning, environmental education, technology, family programming and community engagement while creating a new year-round destination in downtown New Port Richey.

The campaign comes as Brainstorms prepares for the next stage of public consideration of the Main and Bank proposal. Rather than relying only on large donors or institutional support, the organization wants the campaign to capture the number of community members willing to stand behind the idea.

“A $10 gift and a $1,000 gift are obviously different financially, but for this campaign they share something important,” Thomas said. “Both represent a person saying they believe our community should have a place where kids can discover what excites them, families can learn together,and the next generation can see more of what is possible right here.”

 

Want to learn more?

Brainstorms is also inviting residents to learn more about the proposal through two public Ask Us Anything sessions.

The first session will be held from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Sept. 2, followed by a second session from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 9. Both sessions will take place in the Magnolia Room at New Port Richey Public Library.

 

Hope Services expands with second vocational training center

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HUDSON – Hope Services has purchased a second Life Skills and Vocational Training Center in Hudson.

The nonprofit provides vocational training and employment support to people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. Its new center, formerly a GTE Financial building at 6901 Old County Road 52 in Hudson, will expand the nonprofit’s ability to provide hands-on, industry-focused training throughout the region.

One of the center’s offerings will be Hope Services’ basic medical training program. The facility will include a simulated hospital room where participants can become familiar with the environment, equipment and responsibilities they may encounter in entry-level health care positions.

“This new center gives us the opportunity to meet people closer to where they live and connect them with training that can lead to meaningful employment,” said David Caldas, executive director of operations. “Every classroom and training area has been designed to help individuals build practical skills, confidence and greater independence.”

The new center will allow Hope Services to serve more clients while expanding its capacity to provide career-focused training that aligns with local workforce needs. 

“It is the beginning of a new chapter of hope for our community,” said Cindy Bray, founder and CEO. “When we started Hope Services 23 years ago, we dreamed of creating opportunities for people who are too often overlooked. This new center will allow us to reach even more individuals, help them discover their abilities and prepare them for meaningful and fulfilling careers.”

 

Want to help?

Visit hopegetsjobs.org/how-to-help/ to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or ways to support Hope Services.

Business Digest: GTE Financial hosts small business seminar

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GTE Financial hosts small business seminar

TAMPA – Representatives from 42 local businesses recently gathered at GTE Financial’s Tampa headquarters for a seminar focused on financial issues facing entrepreneurs.

The event was held in partnership with Spectrum Reach and the Tampa Bay Chamber as part of Spectrum Reach’s Pay It Forward program.

Business owners received guidance on accessing capital, managing credit, budgeting for expansion, protecting their businesses and planning for the future. Experts in business banking, insurance and economic development participated.

Spectrum Reach launched Pay It Forward in 2021 to support locally owned businesses. The program has assisted more than 2,500 businesses with more than $50 million in media, resources and creative services as well as $13 million in local business grants.

 

Outplay Marketing earns Best of Florida honor

LAND O’ LAKES – Outplay Marketing has been named a 2026 Best of Florida winner in the Digital Marketing Firms category.

Outplay Marketing provides review and reputation management, website design and management, search engine optimization, digital advertising, social media marketing and content marketing.

“Earning the Best of Florida award for the third year in a row is an incredible honor and a testament to our team’s relentless drive and consistency,” owner and CEO Mike Gross said. “Achieving this three-peat recognition reinforces our mission to help small and medium-sized businesses maximize visibility, outplay competitors and scale effectively in an evolving digital landscape.”

The Best of Florida Awards recognize businesses for performance, client loyalty and leadership.

On the web: outplaymarketing.com

 

Post offices to close for Labor Day

TAMPA – U.S. Postal Service locations will be closed Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Regular mail delivery and retail services will resume Sept. 8.

Customers can continue to access several services online during the holiday, including ordering stamps and boxes, placing mail on hold, changing an address, renting or renewing a P.O. box and printing prepaid shipping labels.

Self-service kiosks are also available at select post office locations, with many accessible 24 hours a day. Services vary by location but can include purchasing postage and stamps, weighing and mailing packages, tracking packages, printing labels from QR codes and using USPS Smart Lockers for package pickup and drop-off.

On the web: usps.com

 

Quick Hits

  • There’s still time to register for the Pasco EDC’s 38th annual awards. The event takes place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel. General admission costs $150. On the web: pascoedc.com
  • McDonald’s is hosting a hiring week from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. Apply at jobs.mchire.com.

 

North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social, Rise & Connect and women’s programming. 

  • Dr. Sehreen Mumtaz, of Remission Rheumatology, discusses “What Women Need to Know About Autoimmune Disease and Inflammation” at the Leading Ladies Network from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 4 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Admission costs $15. Register in advance. 
  • Stacey Nance, of Tampa International Airport, discusses concessions and retail opportunities during the Rise & Connect series from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive, Tampa. Members pay $10. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 
  • Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at GTE Financial, 8040 Curley Road, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast and women’s programming. 

  • Members attend the Greater Pasco Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Patriot Stogies, 6153 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
  • Members trade materials during the Land O’ Lakes Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $14. Register in advance. 
  • Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager, David Engel and JP Murphy discuss Work Local – Pasco County Small Business Support Program during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Sept. 11 at HCA Florida Hospital, 9330 SR 54, Trinity. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
  • Marlene Velez, CEO of MVPartners Group, speaks at the next Professional Women in Business Networking Lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance. 

Visit + for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host After Hours Networking, Coffee & Networking and the Monthly Business Breakfast.

  • Members mingle during After Hours Networking at 4 p.m. Sept. 3 at The ABL, 14135 7th St., Dade City. 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 4 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 
  • Members attend the Monthly Business Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
  • Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 18 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.). 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Officials urge precautions as dengue cases rise

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PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites following an increase in dengue fever cases across the region.

The most recent Florida Department of Health arbovirus surveillance data show locally acquired dengue transmission occurring in multiple Tampa Bay-area counties. The latest information available identifies 30 confirmed locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County, three in Pinellas County and one in Citrus County. There are additional suspected cases still under investigation.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is also aware of a dengue case involving someone who lives in Pasco County. At this time, the location where that individual acquired the infection is still under epidemiological investigation to determine exposure.

“Dengue transmission is a regional public health concern, and we cannot look at this solely on a county-by-county basis,” said Adriane Rogers, executive director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District. “Thousands of people live in one county and work, attend school, shop, recreate or visit family in another. Residents of Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are highly interconnected. That means mosquito-borne disease activity in one community can have implications for the entire region.”

Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are well adapted to living around people and lay eggs in very small amounts of standing water commonly found around homes and businesses.

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services has also identified dengue-positive Aedes aegypti mosquito pools in Hillsborough County, demonstrating that infected mosquitoes are involved in transmission in the region.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is encouraging residents throughout Pasco County and neighboring communities to take the following precautions:

  • Dump and drain standing water around homes and businesses at least weekly. This includes flowerpots, buckets, toys, birdbaths, pool covers, gutters and other containers that can hold water.
  • Wear repellent containing a U.S. EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, picaridi and IR3535.
  • Wear long sleeves, long pants and shoes with socks while outside during daytime and at night, when practical.
  • Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
  • Check yards and properties regularly for small containers or other items capable of holding water.
  • Report mosquito problems to the appropriate local mosquito control agency.

Dengue symptoms can include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, bone pain, nausea, vomiting and rash. Symptoms typically develop within several days after an infected mosquito bite. 

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider and inform them of their potential exposure to dengue.

Dengue is not spread directly from person to person through casual contact. It is primarily transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person and subsequently bites another person.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District routinely conducts mosquito surveillance and control operations throughout its 765-square-mile service area and is closely monitoring the dengue situation across the region. 

The district is coordinating its response with public health partners and evaluating mosquito surveillance data, disease activity and operational needs as additional information becomes available.

“This is the time for vigilance, not panic,” Rogers said. “Dengue is a serious mosquito-borne disease, but there are meaningful steps every resident can take to reduce their risk. Our team will continue monitoring mosquito populations and responding to areas of concern with increased control applications, but mosquito control works best when residents, travelers, businesses, healthcare providers and public health agencies all work together.”

On the web: pascomosquito.org

 

Chalk Talk: Kids art program raises record $38,632

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Kids art program raises record $38,632 for schools

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office raised a record $38,632 for local schools through its Kids Tag Art Program. 

Sixty-six Hillsborough County elementary schools participated this year, with each school receiving $585 to support its art programs.

Tax Collector Nancy Millan brought the Kids Tag Art Program to Hillsborough County in 2021. It has raised more than $181,813 for art education across the county. 

This year’s program also generated $5,043 in direct Kids Tag Art merchandise sales, with proceeds from every plate, keychain and mug sold going straight back to participating schools.

“These numbers tell the story of a community that believes in investing in its young artists,” Millan said.

This year’s top honorees were: 

  • Tax Collector’s Choice Award: Melina Fenton, Apollo Beach K-8 School
  • Title Sponsor Award (Suncoast Credit Union): Annabelle Webster, J.S. Robinson Elementary
  • TECO Powerful Art Award: Samantha Garcia-Gomez, Lake Magdalene Elementary School
  • Best Teacher Artwork Award: Melissa Santiago, Hunter’s Green Elementary School

On the web: HillsTaxFL.gov/shop 

 

DAVRON donates money, supplies to Christian Social Services

LAND O’ LAKES – DAVRON recently held a Backpacks for Kids School Supply Drive for Christian Social Services in Land O’ Lakes. 

The company is an executive search and outplacement firm for the engineering, architecture, construction and manufacturing industries. 

Staff collected school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, calculators, folders and pencils. DAVRON also donated a $5,000 check to help Christian Social Services continue supporting children and families.

 

Students make dean’s, president’s lists

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Several students from Lutz and Odessa made honors lists for the spring semester at the University of Alabama. 

Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or above to make the dean’s list and 4.0 to make the president’s list. 

Lutz students to make the dean’s list were Isabella Becker, Audrey Durrieu, Victoria Ferreira and Christopher Hovan. Odessa students to make the dean’s list were Dillon Costello and Jaden Scott.

Lutz students to make the president’s list were Renata Blatt, Danielle Kanas and Madison Maxwell. Odessa students to make the president’s list were Logan Hinsberg and Graydon Horn.

 

Student achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, College of Letters and Science, earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Alfsen, who attended UW-Madison’s College of Letters and Science, also made the dean’s list for the spring semester.
  • Kelsey Barrett, of Odessa, made the provost’s list at Troy University in Troy, Alabama, for the spring semester/term 4. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.65.
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi’s College of Liberal Arts. Culpepper majored in biochemistry and Spanish.
  • Allison Ferguson, of Lutz, has enrolled at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and plans to major in International Affairs – BA.
  • Noah Kliewer, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.4.
  • Kassandra Kocan, of Odessa, earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. 
  • Sarah Roberson, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.4.
  • Sarah Salemy, of Odessa, earned a Master of Science in College Student Personnel at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. 
  • Kaleb Smith, of Odessa, has enrolled at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and plans to major in Business Management – BBA. 
  • Frank Xu, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Xu, who is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences, earned a grade point average of at least 3.6.

 

Florida SBDC at USF team members win state awards

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2026 Florida SBDC New Business Starts Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

TAMPA – Several members of the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida were recognized Aug. 19 at the Sunseeker Resort during the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards.

The event celebrates outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers.

“We were honored to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our team,” said Carl Hadden, regional director of the Florida SBDC at USF. “We are especially proud of our award-winning team members whose dedication to helping entrepreneurs succeed was recognized with the Florida Rising Star Award and Lifetime Achievement Awards for New Business Starts and Capital Access.”

Randy Hayes shows off his Rising Star of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC at USF

Randy Hayes, assistant director and business consultant at the Florida SBDC at USF, has been named the Florida Rising Star of the Year. This award recognizes employees with fewer than five years of service who have made a difference in their region. Hayes was recognized for his contributions to small business growth, leading the state in new business starts and capital transactions while consistently delivering strong client service and results.

Several team members were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Florida’s small business community, including Capital Access Lifetime Achievement awardees:

  • Bill Burnham, Florida SBDC at USF – $75M-plus
  • Brad Owens, Florida SBDC at USF – $50M-plus

New Business Starts Lifetime Achievement awardees were:

  • Bill Burnham, Florida SBDC at USF – 125-plus
  • Randy Hayes, Florida SBDC at USF – 125-plus
  • Kurt Forster, Florida SBDC at PCED – 75-plus
  • Debra Schweikowsky, Florida SBDC at PCED – 75-plus

Two team members were honored for their years of service: Yanina Rosario (15 years) and Bill Burnham (10 years). 

Saint Leo University to help alumni build AI-era skills

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Members of the alumni community are commemorated with bricks at Saint Leo University. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s new Lifelong Learning Commitment will provide more than 107,000 graduates with access to professional development, artificial intelligence training and career resources to help them keep pace with a changing workforce.

As part of the university’s commitment, Saint Leo alumni will have the opportunity to complete one professional certification course designated by the program each year and earn an official Saint Leo credential.

“As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, universities have a responsibility to help graduates continue learning long after commencement,” said Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “The Lifelong Learning Commitment is about giving our alumni the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to lead in an AI-driven workforce.”

The first offering, available to alumni later this fall, will be a new online AI certification course developed by Saint Leo University, valued at more than $500. Alumni will also have access to additional AI educational resources through the university’s partnership with IBM SkillsBuild. Participants will receive an official Saint Leo alumni email address, providing access to the program’s educational and professional development opportunities.

Interested Saint Leo alumni can join the waiting list for the Lifelong Learning Commitment at your.saintleo.edu/alumni-and-community/benefits-and-services. Certification offerings and program benefits will be updated each year to reflect emerging technologies and changing workforce needs, with program membership renewed annually.

The Lifelong Learning Commitment is part of a broader effort to strengthen Saint Leo’s lifelong relationship with its graduates. The university is expanding opportunities for alumni to stay connected, contribute their expertise and engage with Saint Leo in ways that align with their interests and careers.

“Every Saint Leo graduate should have an opportunity to stay connected, contribute and be part of the university community in a way that works for them,” said Nieta Scott-Dunmore, most recent president of the Alumni Association board of directors. “I’m excited to see the university expand opportunities beyond the traditional board structure and invite more alumni to contribute their talents, experiences and ideas. This is an important step toward building a stronger, more connected alumni community.”

This fall, new Alumni Advisory Councils will bring together alumni professionals, industry leaders and employer partners to collaborate with each of Saint Leo’s three academic colleges. The councils will provide workforce insights, strengthen partnerships between the university and industry and help expand experiential learning, internships and career pathways for students and graduates.

The Alumni Ambassador Program will provide graduates with flexible options to support Saint Leo through events, student recruitment efforts and alumni outreach. The university is also expanding regional programming, starting in the Tampa Bay area, to create more opportunities for alumni to engage through networking events, career-focused gatherings and community activities.

“We see our alumni as lifelong partners in Saint Leo’s mission, and we are investing in their continued growth, success and connection to the university,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement. “We’re expanding opportunities for alumni across all of our academic programs and meeting them where they are, whether through continued learning, career connections, mentorship or community engagement.”

On the web: your.saintleo.edu

Wesley Chapel Rotary hosting 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk

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WESLEY CHAPEL – Twenty-five years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will gather the community for its eighth annual 9/11 Memorial Mile Run/Walk on Sept. 5 at Tampa Premium Outlets.

The one-mile run/walk steps off at 8 a.m. At 8:46 a.m. — the minute the first plane struck the World Trade Center — a ceremonial bell will ring and the field will fall silent. The club’s annual Hall of Heroes Ceremony and plaque dedication follow immediately after.

This year’s Hall of Heroes honorees are Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, recognized for their courage during a March shootout in the Moon Lake area, in which Jackson was shot and wounded while confronting an armed suspect.

The ceremony will also feature Lt. Col. Max Bowers, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), who commanded the soldiers who came to be known as the “Horse Soldiers of 9/11” — the first American troops on the ground in Afghanistan, who rode into battle on horseback in the weeks after the attacks.

“Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, it is more important than ever that we continue to tell the stories of those who gave their lives that day and those who continue to serve our communities today,” said Chris Casella of  the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel. “This event allows us to remember the past, honor heroes like Sgt. Ryan Jackson and K-9 Blake, and invest in the next generation of first responders who will carry that commitment to service forward.”

Net proceeds fund scholarships for graduating Pasco County high school seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and paramedicine.

 

Want to go?

Boutique supports designer with Down syndrome 

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TAMPA BAY – After hearing “no” from more than 15 boutiques, young designer Raquel Caramello walked into Coastal Sol in June carrying something she believed in: her handmade jewelry and coastal shell creations.

This time, the answer was different.

Missy Hardy, the owner of the Tarpon Springs store, immediately connected with Raquel, her story and her creations. Hardy especially loved Raquel’s hand-finished shell keepsakes, shell jewelry and bag charms. 

She encouraged Raquel to continue developing that distinctive coastal niche.

Just months later, Raquel Beautiful has expanded to three additional boutiques throughout the Tampa Bay area, while Coastal Sol continues to carry the collection that first caught Hardy’s attention.

Supporting Raquel felt natural for Hardy. 

“Because of my father’s involvement with Special Olympics, inclusion was simply part of how I grew up,” Hardy said. “When Raquel walked into Coastal Sol with her designs, I saw a young entrepreneur with creativity and determination. I knew I wanted to be part of what she was building.”

Raquel, who has Down syndrome, personally creates each piece in the collection. Her coastal keepsakes begin with scallop and oyster shells that are individually designed, decoupaged and hand-painted with gold edging before receiving a glossy resin finish.

Designs range from coastal landmarks and colorful patterns to personalized monograms, birth flowers and custom college designs. No two pieces are exactly alike.

Raquel also personalizes designs into her shell jewelry collection. Scallop shell necklaces can feature monograms, birth flowers and other custom imagery and are available on both chains and scarf-style necklaces.

“I like to create beautiful things that inspire people and remind them that they are uniquely beautiful, just like my creations,” Raquel said.

The collection reflects the broader message behind Raquel Beautiful: celebrating individuality while creating beautiful products people genuinely want to wear, display and give.

Hardy’s early encouragement also helped Raquel recognize which parts of her collection resonated most strongly with customers. After seeing Coastal Sol customers respond to the shells, shell jewelry and bag charms, Raquel began specializing further in those products and developing them into a larger luxury keepsake collection.

What began with one boutique owner willing to say yes after more than 15 others had said no has quickly become a growing retail brand.

 

More information

Learn more about the Raquel Beautiful collection at RaquelBeautiful.com.

 

Whiskey Joe’s cuts water use with new technology

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Whiskey Joe’s has received a rebate on technology that helps it reduce water usage. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Water
Whiskey Joe’s has received a rebate on technology that helps it reduce water usage. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Water

TAMPA – The kitchen at Whiskey Joe’s thaws frozen food as part of its daily routine. Now, it’s doing so more quickly while using significantly less water.

The waterfront restaurant is the first business to receive a Tampa Bay Water Wise rebate for a commercial food-defrosting technology. The rebate helps offset the cost of the new CNSRV system, which is expected to save about 2,000 gallons of water every day. 

Whiskey Joe’s defrosts nearly one ton of product each week.

Rather than continuously using and wasting drinking water throughout the thawing process, the system recirculates the water. It can also be used to quickly cool large quantities of hot food, giving the kitchen another opportunity to cut down on water use.

“We’re always looking for ways to make our kitchen run better, and this was a change that made sense for us,” said Martin Duffany, brand manager at Whiskey Joe’s. “We can keep doing what we need to do in the kitchen while using a lot less water, and the rebate helped make the decision easy.”

The project comes as the Tampa Bay region remains under a Stage 3 Regional Water Supply Shortage.

“Saving 2,000 gallons of water a day with one piece of equipment is pretty significant,” said Amelia Brown, demand management program manager at Tampa Bay Water. “We know the upfront cost could make it harder for businesses to make these kinds of changes. This rebate helps make this investment a little easier for Whiskey Joe’s, and now that change is making a difference every day.”

Tampa Bay Water Wise helps businesses make water-saving improvements by offering rebates that can offset some of the upfront cost. Whiskey Joe’s received a $1,000 rebate toward the food-defrosting system, which costs approximately $3,600 without a rebate.

Larger projects may qualify for customizable rebates covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Restaurants can also receive up to $200 for qualifying WaterSense toilets and half-gallon urinals.

“We know businesses are looking at their bottom line, too,” Brown said. “If you can save water and lower your utility costs at the same time, that’s a win for the business and for Tampa Bay.”

On the web: tampabaywater.org/conservation/tampa-bay-water-wise/