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The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce

Experts offer ‘next steps’ advice for small businesses

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Small businesses around the country recently tuned into a webinar presented by Spectrum Reach to help entrepreneurs respond to challenges posed by COVID-19.

Moderator Annika Pergament, of NY 1, asked panelists about current economic conditions and asked them to provide practical suggestions for business owners to help them get to the other side.

The webinar, called “Looking beyond: What’s next to help local businesses succeed,” featured David Asman, a host on the Fox Business Network; Mark Langford, director of the North Texas SBDC (Small Business Development Center); and Bridget Weston, acting director of SCORE.

Local chambers of commerce, including the North Tampa Bay Chamber and The Greater Pasco Chamber, put out the word about the webinar, to give local businesses a chance to benefit from the panelists’ knowledge.

A quick poll taken at the front end of the session revealed that most businesses have reopened or are reopening gradually.

Besides providing advice, the panelists offered words of support to business owners.

Bridget Weston, acting CEO of SCORE, put it like this: “What I want all small businesses to know — whether you are completely open, opening slowly, or still struggling — is that there are resources out there to help you make the best decision for your business. You do not have to go through this alone.”

SCORE, which is a nationwide network of volunteer business mentors, is there “to help you figure out what the next right step is for you and your business. You, as entrepreneurs, are resilient. We know you can get through this, and we are here to help,” she said.

Asman said it’s no secret that “it’s an awful, awful moment.”

The unemployment rate, at 30%, is worse than at the worst time in the Great Depression, when unemployment hit 25%, he said.

But, he added: “I think there is, believe it or not, more good news to tell you than bad news. The bad news has already been cooked in.”

Asman said people “want to work and they want to be able to take care of their family, and they want to buy things, as well.”

But, Pergament noted, “as more states begin to open, that is the big question that lingers —how they will do, as economies and stores and businesses start to open their doors, whether there will be a resurgence.”

Mark Langford, director of the North Texas SBDC (Small Business Development Center), said Texas has begun its reopening process.

“From an observational standpoint, I would say the first week, the demand was not as strong as people thought,” Langford said. “People want to get out there, but they also have to balance it with, ‘Is it safe to be out there?’

“Last week, again, from an observational standpoint, a lot more traffic in the businesses than there was the week before,” he said.

People are interested in seeing if the rates spike with the COVID virus in the next couple of weeks, what those numbers look like, he added.

“Their nature is to want to get things back to the way they were. The only thing holding them back, I think, are the safety concerns,” Langford said.

Pergament said business owners are asking for advice on how to pivot their business in this changing environment.

Weston said SCORE said companies need to stay connected with their clients.

She said it’s a good time to  promote “the why behind your company.

“Connect your customers to your mission. Build that brand loyalty now,” she added.

It’s also a good time for companies to think of current needs in the market and consider whether they can adapt to meet any of those needs, she said.

Companies also can communicate with clients about steps they are taking to be safe for their customers.

Be prepared to pivot
Companies need to be thinking about how they can respond to opportunities that lie within the current crisis, Langford said.

“This is your opportunity as a small business owner to react quickly to the marketplace and take advantage of that,” Langford said.

Small businesses, he said, are “being forced to think of ways to do business that they never have before and never even quite frankly considered.

Asman said the pandemic has revealed breakdowns in the supply chain and has created new opportunities for smaller operations to compete with the giants.

For instance, small businesses that couldn’t compete with Tyson and other big corporations are getting a chance to do so now, he said.

He also observed that as more employees work from home, it could cause disruption for corporate real estate, in Manhattan, for example.

“Big office buildings may have some serious problems,” Asman said.

When it comes to making big expenditures, he advises businesses to take a wait-and-see approach.

“Focus on cutting back to the bare minimum of what you need to stay in business, and then, if you have any resources left over, save them for a moment when you sense there is an opportunity opening up,” Asman said.

Langford said businesses need to know their revenues, their expenses, their margins, and their costs for goods and labor.

He advised businesses: “Have a short-term plan; a mid-term plan; a long-term plan, so that you’re prepared.

“It’s a whole lot easier to make decisions when you have the facts in front of you that show you, ‘Well, if I adjust this, if I change my labor here, if we streamline our menu, I can make it another 30 days; another 60 days.

“Now, is the time to really drill down on those numbers,” Langford said.

Moving forward
Here are some tips that may help small business owners, in response to COVID-19:

  • Make a plan based on what you are trying to accomplish with your mission, your values and your business objectives — considering the current environment — then talk to an expert about that plan
  • Put your plan to paper and adapt, as new information becomes available
  • Check with SCORE and SBDC (both free resources) to learn more about loans, grants, training, free seminars and so forth, to help you consider your options
  • Seek help from mentors to prioritize your budget
  • Keep lines of communication open with existing clients; if you haven’t been in touch lately, get in touch
  • Make sure you have a social media presence, if you don’t have one; if you have one, see if it’s time to refresh it.

Sources: SCORE and North Texas SBDC

Published June 03, 2020

Congressman fields questions in virtual town hall

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis held a series of virtual town hall meetings recently, to field questions and share information regarding assistance available amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Bilirakis took part in a Zoom session with members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber on May 5.  He also had other sessions scheduled with other organizations, including The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has been hosting virtual town halls meetings with local organizations to field questions and concerns about government assistance programs, in the midst of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (File)

The congressman offered practical suggestions, and expressed empathy for the frustrations that local business owners and individuals are experiencing — in the wake of health concerns and  the financial meltdown caused by COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1.3 million positive cases nationally and nearly 79,000 deaths.

Bilirakis told those participating in the virtual town hall that he has heard complaints about the process used for government assistance.

“Since the establishment of the Paycheck Protection Program, I’ve heard from countless small-town constituent business owners that the application process was difficult to navigate and that many lenders were not receptive to their needs. This is what we’ve been hearing, folks.

“It’s very frustrating to know that many well-known business chains received millions of dollars in program funds and that those applications may have been prioritized by lending institutions.  I emphasize ‘may,’” Bilirakis said.

He also noted that he has worked to have money specifically set aside in the PPP program to provide help for truly small businesses — those having 25 or fewer employees.

“Our nation’s family owned businesses, mom and pops, and self-proprietors are already competing with national and international competitors — particularly during good times, particularly with the Internet now. So they need the help,” Bilirakis said.

The set-aside, “was a reflection of my work,” the congressman said.

He’s also heard from small businesses who want greater flexibility on the forgiveness side of the loan.

“Some of the businesses haven’t been able to open, obviously, because of the executive order, plus it might not be safe to do so. So, there should be flexibility with that seven or eight weeks,” Bilirakis said.

“As we move forward, we need to find even better ways to ensure that our local businesses get the help they need in this or any future crisis,” Bilirakis said.

The nation needs to be prepared, in case the virus reoccurs in the fall, Bilirakis said.

Bilirakis also noted that he will be introducing legislation “that will do even more to provide direct support to the small businesses.”

“You know, you employ more than 50% of the employees. You create the jobs. You’re the innovators,” he told those listening in.

“Through no fault of your own, you’re not getting business. It’s because of the virus,” Bilirakis said.

“In these times, sometimes you throw out the playbook because people are desperate.

“They’ve invested a lot of their own money in these businesses. We want to save these mom-and-pop businesses, in particular.”

The congressman added: “I think in the next couple of weeks, we’ll have an additional package. What it’s going to look like? We’ll see.”

Bilirakis also addressed a concern that has been expressed about workers being reluctant to go to work because the government is providing a $600 a week federal payment, on top of state unemployment benefits.

He noted: “If you write the letter asking them to come back, then they’re not eligible for further unemployment.”

Summer Robertson, the congressman’s deputy chief of staff, elaborated: “If the employer puts the request for their employee to return to work in writing and the employee refuses it, and the employees continues to claim unemployment, that will be considered fraud and they will be prosecuting fraud.”

She said employers “need to have their employees understand that.”

Others taking part in the town hall expressed concerns about not being able to negotiate with their landlords for temporary relief on their lease payments. Bilirakis suggested they call his office to see if the office can help them find solutions to that problem.

Robertson also touched on the importance of testing to secure data that’s needed to help get the nation reopened.

“The No. 1 thing that the health professionals keep telling us on these calls is that best way that we can help save lives is by identifying who might be impacted.

“The more people who get it, the better criteria that we have, the better decisions we can make, based upon that data,” she said.

Robertson also said: “Just today, Pfizer announced that it is moving into human trials for its possible vaccine for COVID. That process has been ramped up.

“When you have the vaccine available, you’re better to contain the death count,” Robertson said.

Bilirakis also addressed the problems that the state of Florida has been having with its unemployment system.

He noted it’s a state issue, not a federal matter.

But, he added: “It is a huge problem. The governor has recognized that, and there’s an ongoing investigation.”

Although it is a state issue, Bilirakis said his office is helping people by trying to find out the status of specific cases, he said.

Robertson added: “There are a lot of people in terrible situations — haven’t received income in two months, and we’re doing the best we can to communicate those frustrations and those concerns with the state.”

She also said that people who need information on the government’s stimulus checks can go to .

If you’d like additional information about government loans or assistance programs, or have other questions, you can reach Bilirakis’ office at (727) 232-2921.

Published May 13, 2020

Enjoy Land O’ Lakes music jams

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NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park will be the gathering place for the annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

People relax and enjoy the music of four popular local bands at the annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. (File)

A lineup of bands is set to perform on the stage at the park, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting the concert, set for March 21, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The gate opens at 3:30 p.m.

Patrons can relax on the park’s open field with lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy food from various food trucks, while listening to Solar Exposure, Den of Thieves, JT Curtis and the Florida Scoundrels, and Stonegrey.

The venue is a great place for kids to have fun, for families and friends to socialize, and to enjoy an event that brings people together from throughout the region.

For more information, call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722. Emails also can be sent to .

Land O’ Lakes Music Festival
When: March 21 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $5 admission; free parking
Details: Patrons can enjoy a lineup of musical acts while relaxing on the park’s open field.
Info: Call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722. Email .

Published March 11, 2020

Olympic softball legend inspires at Pasco Chamber

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To kick off its 27th annual Business Development Week luncheon, The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce brought in a keynote speaker to serve up a different kind of pitch — literally.

It was two-time Olympic softball gold medalist and ESPN lead softball analyst Michele Smith, a Treasure Island resident who has family ties to Pasco County.

Speaking at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey, the softball legend preached a message of perseverance and handling adversity — tying in athletics, broadcasting and the business world.

Two-time Olympic softball gold medalist and ESPN lead softball analyst Michele Smith was the featured guest speaker at a Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce business luncheon last month. (Kevin Weiss)

Smith is familiar with overcoming setbacks. She suffered a career-threatening injury as a teen, but went on to become one of the most accomplished and recognizable figures in women’s softball.

Smith’s first major hurdle came in July 21, 1986, at 19 years old.

Her father was driving her home from an oral surgeon appointment when a sleeping Smith was thrown from the truck when her car door opened on a turn. She was thrown into a roadside post, chopping off part of her elbow bone and tearing her tricep on her left arm, which severed the muscle and nerve endings in her pitching arm.

At the time, she was coming off a superb freshman year at Oklahoma State and was told by doctors she likely would never pitch.

Smith didn’t accept that diagnosis. She was dead-set on making a comeback.

She put it like this: “I think at 19 I didn’t really realize it and I was a little stubborn. I thought, if I’m never going to pitch again, I’m going to make that decision. I’m certainly going to try to come back from this horrific accident, and so I did.”

Indeed, she made a miraculous recovery.

She was back in the circle in time for her sophomore season, after nine long months of rehab, training and physical therapy. She even returned with greater velocity — adding about 3 mph on her fastball.

“I worked very, very hard to get back,” Smith said. “And, I just kept thinking about this one word —perseverance.”

After the car accident, she had a record-setting career at Oklahoma State. She played professional softball in Japan for 16 years. She was starting pitcher for the gold-medalist U.S. Olympic softball team at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia; and, she was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame.

She put those achievements into perspective.

“When people look at me and think, ‘Wow, as an Olympic athlete, you just must be special and this or that.’ No, I worked really hard, and I overcame a lot, and I loved adversity because it brought out the best in me. It really taught me what I’m able to do and what I’m able to accomplish,” she said.

It turns out her first-ever Olympic softball game was 10 years to the day of the car accident.

During her talk, Smith discussed the importance of perseverance and overcoming adversity, tying in her athletic career to her broadcasting and business ventures. (Courtesy of Michele Smith)

Walking onto that field for the first time, she said, “was just one of the most special things in my life, knowing that you can overcome anything if you put your mind to it, and surround yourself with the right people.”

Smith has leveraged her noteworthy playing career into a very successful and trailblazing  broadcasting career, beginning in 1998 at ESPN. Over the years she has also called games for NBC, CBS Sports Network and TBS, where in 2012 she became the first female broadcaster in history to serve as a commentator for a nationally televised Major League Baseball game.

While the gig is “a lot of fun,” there can be some nerve-wracking moments in live television, Smith said.

“Anything that can go wrong in live television does go wrong,” Smith said, with a chuckle. “A lot of times at home you have no idea that the wheels are falling off the bus.

“I’ve had a lot of very interesting moments as an ESPN analyst, but I do love it,” Smith said.

Learning and memorizing facts and statistics about many teams and new players every year is a challenging aspect of the job.

“It’s a lot of homework, and a lot of studying,” she said.

She also mentioned the increasing popularity of televised women’s softball over the years.

The network has begun broadcasting more college softball in February, in place of some college basketball games, she said.

She also noted that some Women’s College Softball World Series games have been moved to ESPN from alternative ESPN2 because the ratings were exceeding Yankees-Red Sox network game broadcasts.

“Those are big, big monumental moves for our sport, for women’s sports, for girls and women,” she said.

Aside from broadcasting, Smith also has dabbled in commercial real estate. She has purchased and rehabbed old buildings in and around the Treasure Island community.

Smith and her project team have transformed the oldest motel in Treasure Island into a vacation rental property called Sunset Inn & Cottages, rated as the community’s No. 1 hotel by Trip Advisor.

Other projects include turning a former laundromat into an upscale event space in Madeira Beach, and renovating a former St. Petersburg gas station into a craft brewery and BBQ restaurant.

Smith said she takes pride in “taking an old building and making it something where people will come and enjoy themselves, and be able to share very special moments in their lives.”

She encouraged those gathered to take a leap of faith and step outside of their comfort zones, like she did when she took on commercial real estate.

She cited one of her favorite quotes — from LinkedIn co-founder, Reid Hoffman — regarding entrepreneurs and new business owners. He said: “You jump off a cliff and you assemble an airplane on the way down.”

Smith added: “A lot of times you have to disrupt the status quo if you want growth.”

Of course, learning the real estate game has had its share of growing pains and can be humbling, too, she said.

“There will be times I’m calling a game on ESPN and then the next morning I’ll be running around plumbing a toilet or something,” she said, laughing.

Published February 12, 2020

Pasco economy looks to grow and diversify

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From workforce assistance to recruiting new companies to building new office space, the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has many projects “in the pipeline.”

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the economic development agency, discussed those plans and more as the featured guest speaker at The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s November breakfast meeting at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club in New Port Richey.

The Pasco EDC’s mission is “to stimulate balanced and diversified economic growth.”

It uses private investments and tax dollars to foster economic development in Pasco County, helping businesses start and grow.

This rendering shows the future campus for TouchPoint Medical Inc., which is under construction near Suncoast Parkway, on State Road 54. (File)

To do that, Cronin said the agency is working to attract a wide range of industries to the county, such as life sciences and medical technology; business and professional services; high technology; logistics; aerospace, aviation and defense; and, advance manufacturing, among others.

A Michigan native, Cronin stressed the county doesn’t want to wind up like his home state that depends too much on the automobile industry, or another state such as South Carolina, which is too reliant on the tobacco, cotton and textiles industries.

“We don’t want to be that community that has to diversify down the road. We want to do it now and prepare so we’ve got jobs for everybody,” Cronin said.

Part of that diversification, Cronin said, is simply just bringing in more businesses and manufacturing companies, in general, to balance the county’s rapid residential growth over the past three decades or so.

The speaker noted that Pasco County is “pretty upside down in residential, as it relates to job creation.”

He also pointed out that it costs the county “a lot more money” to provide residential services — roads, schools, public safety and so forth — compared to meeting public service needs generated by businesses.

Said Cronin: “It behooves us to go after some of this business to lessen that imbalance on property tax and the burden on our taxpayers.”

Cronin also explained how the Pasco EDC is differentiating itself from other economic development groups across the United States, or what he describes as “16,000 competitors out there trying to get those businesses.”

This rendering from Welbilt shows how the expanded facility will look on completion in late 2019.

One strategic move is going after international companies wanting to expand their footprint in the United States, through its SMARTLandings incubator program.

Many of these international ventures may start with only one or two employees, Cronin said, but capturing that loyalty early on could end up paying dividends in the long run — when a company is ready to expand, perhaps, bring in a distribution or manufacturing center.

He noted, it’s an initiative other economic development groups aren’t doing, because “they’re only interested in these big projects that have 100 jobs, 50 jobs and things like that.”

Cronin also mentioned incorporating “North Tampa Bay, Florida” to the agency’s branding and tagline has gone some way in marketing the area to international businesses and corporations.

The economic development leader acknowledged getting some pushback on the branding.

“Yeah, we’re Pasco, but when we travel overseas, and we’re competing and we’re going out into the world, we first have to be included in the conversation, and then we can differentiate. You’ve gotta be in it first, and then you can differentiate after you’re in it, but if you’re not in it, you can’t differentiate,” he said.

Recruiting a company requires much more than offering incentives, Cronin said. It also involves offering workforce assistance programs and job training grants, he said.

He drew attention to an AmSkills (American Manufacturing Skills Initiative) apprenticeship program at New Port Richey’s Marchman Technical College that he said really resonates with German-based companies, which use a similar apprenticeship model for workforce training.

It helps create a comfort level for companies, Cronin said.

In this case, he said, it shows German companies “they’re really thinking like we’re thinking.”

“Sometimes that’s their biggest fear — what’s the employee look like? Is Joe going to look like Hans? What can they expect? When they see this (apprenticeship program), they know we’re trying to do our best to make sure it looks similar to their operation.”

The Pasco EDC also has partnered with CareerSource on a new website, ‘Workforce Connect,’ a one-stop resource that helps match employers and career seekers.

The website maps available training programs and services countywide, and helps align Pasco’s talent supply with industry demand.

Pasco County’s recent addition of several new companies has given the county more credibility in the eyes of other companies looking to make capital investments in an area, Cronin said.

“Now that (companies) see some activity happening, they’re more receptive to it. The market’s starting to respond,” Cronin said.

Moreover, the county’s proximity to Tampa International Airport and luxury housing developments, including Starkey Ranch and Wiregrass Ranch, have become “a really big selling point” to CEOs looking to add or relocate a company’s headquarters, Cronin said.

For decades, Pasco County has had a reputation of being a bedroom community, where people lived, but commuted daily to work in other counties.

Now, Cronin said, “we have CEO-level housing that CEOs can actually live up here, and their staff lives up here, so why get in that rat race and drive every day to Tampa?

“Instead,” Cronin said, “why don’t you move your operation to Pasco.”

Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s recent wins:

  • Mettler-Toledo relocates to Lutz and builds $30 million, 267,000-square-foot facility, creating nearly 700 jobs
  • TouchPoint Medical Inc., is building $24 million, 142,000-square-foot global headquarters in Odessa, creating 228 jobs
  • Phillips & Jordan Inc., is building $15 million, 47,432-square-foot regional headquarters near San Antonio, creating 40 jobs
  • Welbilt Inc., is adding 110 jobs and 42,000-square-foot building expansion to its New Port Richey headquarters
  • Bay Tech Industries is investing $1.5 million in new equipment and 12,170-square-foot building expansion in Odessa
  • Brew Bus Brewing Inc., is expanding microbrewery operation to Pasco, purchasing 34,000-square-foot facility in Wesley Chapel, creating 46 jobs

Published November 27, 2019

Long-term planning efforts continue for Pasco’s roads

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Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will adopt a new plan, in December, pushing forward its long-term agenda for the county’s road system.

Its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan gives an overview of what roadway modifications could be made within a 20-year span.

Wally Blain of Tindale Oliver and Kasey Cursey of AECOM, consultants who work alongside the county’s MPO, explained some highlights of the 2045 plan at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, on Oct. 8.

Some key projects include:

  • Widening State Road 52 to six lanes, from the Suncoast Parkway to U.S. 41
  • Widening State Road 52 to four lanes from U.S. 41 to Old Pasco Road
  • Widening U.S. 41 to four lanes, from its intersection with State Road 52, heading south to Connerton Boulevard
  • Extending Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road to the Suncoast Parkway
  • Constructing a new State Road 52 alignment, east of Interstate 75, to connect with Clinton Avenue

Improvements on State Road 54 also are planned, but how to proceed has not yet been determined.

While State Road 54 continues to be an ever-congested corridor, especially at the intersection with U.S. 41, the roadway may see new improvements in Pasco County’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. (Brian Fernandes)

“We know that State Road 54 is a huge priority for the county,” Blain said. “There’s been much discussion about what would be the preferred solution or strategy for State Road 54.”

The map indicates that the Vision 54/56 plan will be evaluated for potential transit improvements, overpasses, elevated lanes and alternative intersection designs.

“[The] county and DOT (Department of Transportation) are working on the coordination of traffic signals on State Road 54,” Blain noted.

However, there are no plans to widen State Roads 54 and 56 respectively, from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301, according to the map.

Blain said: ”What we’re doing in the plan is we’re setting aside the money to do the project, and as those studies are completed, implementation can begin to happen right away.”

Currently, there is $395 million set aside for Vision 54/56 studies and improvements.

The long-range plan also proposes revamping the county’s public transportation system. That includes adding Sunday services, increasing the frequency for bus pickups and drop offs, and extending services to as late as 11:30 p.m.

“The MPO is a federally funded and mandated organization. It’s required in large metropolitan areas to do the transportation planning – where will people live and where will jobs exist, according to our crystal ball, by the year 2045,” Blain said.

Based on those projections, schematics of Pasco County were drawn showing potential road connections and widenings, as well as improvements to the transit system, he said.

Pasco County residents were surveyed in 2018 to get feedback on the MPO’s proposed plans. About 1,600 surveys were received.

Needs were identified, and then, he said, “we look at our revenues and what can we afford based on our expected revenue streams.”

Another survey was conducted for additional public feedback over the summer, to consider practical suggestions that could be implemented in the MPO’s cost-affordable plan.

While Pasco County’s transportation system receives appropriations from the federal and state levels, it also collects revenue from the county’s Penny for Pasco surtax.

The program raises funds through a one-penny surcharge for every dollar of sales tax collected by the county.

Of the portion allocated to the county, 18% goes toward transportation.

The 2045 long-range plan calls for the renewal of the Penny for Pasco program after 2024, as it currently stands.

Transportation revenues collected from federal, state and county levels are projected to exceed $7 billion from 2025 to 2045, Blain said.

Every five years, the Long Range Transportation Plan is reevaluated for potential modifications.

The 2045 plan would see slight allocation increases to specific projects in contrast to the 2040 plan.

Here are some specifics:

  • Road capacity would receive 69%, compared to 64%
  • Sidewalks and bicycle facilities would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Technology and congestion management also would receive 3%, compared to 1%
  • Roadway maintenance would receive 15%, compared to 9%

But, Blain also noted that transit projects would see a decline from 25% to 10%.

That decrease is due to the MPO’s assumption that there will not be any new local taxes or revenues generated toward transportation, Blain added.

The public is encouraged to engage in a 30-day comment period, starting on Nov. 1.

For more information or to give comment feedback, please visit MobilityPasco.com.

MPO public workshops
Where/When: New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey (Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Avenue in Dade City (Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.); The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel (day/time to be announced).
Cost: Free
Details: The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization will unveil and explain to guests its roadway projections for 2025 to 2045.
Info: Visit MobilityPasco.com.

Published October 16, 2019

County continues tackling traffic issues

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said there’s no specific solution in sight yet for congestion motorists face daily at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. But, the commissioner outlined a number of other projects underway that should improve mobility on the county’s roads.

Moore’s comments came during a sold-out luncheon meeting of The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 13, at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa North, in Land O’ Lakes.

There are plans for a temporary fix at U.S. 41 and State Road 54, Moore said, noting some turn lanes are being extended — which should improve traffic flow.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore talked about the county’s efforts to address traffic congestion, during a luncheon meeting with The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce. (B.C. Manion)

But, the final plan to address that intersection is not yet known, Moore said.

“We know something needs to be done, but,” he added, “funding obviously always is an issue.”

Plus, there’s not a consensus on the best approach.

“Do you use eminent domain and take out businesses? Do you do a flyover? We have a community that is split,” Moore said. “Our county staff is going to continue to work very closely with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) to come up with a viable solution.”

Addressing the issue is important, he added, because the entire stretch of State Road 54 is going to get busier as the area continues to grow.

“Do you look at Bus Rapid Transit? I’m kind of a fan of Bus Rapid Transit,” he said, but added he would like to see how Bus Rapid Transit has worked elsewhere.

While there’s no definite solution for the U.S. 41 and State Road 54 intersection, the county is making progress in other areas, Moore told chamber members.

The county is awaiting a federal permit to proceed with a project to extend Ridge Road, and Moore said he thinks the county is closing in on securing that.

He also talked about other road projects that are underway or planned.

For instance, plans call for widening U.S. 41 from Connerton Boulevard, north to State Road 52. Improvements also continue to widen State Road 52.

Moore also noted that construction is underway on the Diverging Diamond, a project that is expected to ease congestion at the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

State lawmakers helped get that project built much faster than originally planned, Moore said.

The commissioner also talked about a planned interchange at Overpass Road and I-75.

“State legislators helped us get $15 million toward that. It’s about a $70 million project. We’re allowing FDOT to control that project because they’re the professionals, and they know what they’re doing when it comes to design-builds.

“That is moving forward now,” Moore said.

He also noted that State Road 56 has been extended from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel over to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

“That is an amazing extension.

“Now, we’re even looking at punching it (State Road 56) through, so it goes to (U.S.) 98, too,” he said, but that plan remains under discussion.

Moore also touched on the positive impact that tourism has had in the county.

“Tourism is booming right now,” Moore said.

It generated an overall economic impact of $615 million in 2018,  he said, noting the county had 965,000 visitors that year. There were 7,480 tourism-supported jobs, and tourism generated  $156 million in wages.

Published August 28, 2019

Pasco school year gets off to a smooth start

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Five-year-old Joshua Cortes was eager to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.

Five-year-old Joshua Cortes is excited to begin his first day of kindergarten at Pine View Elementary School. (B.C. Manion)

The youngster was beaming as his parents took his picture near a welcome sign at the school — the perfect prop for a photo op.

A little while later, as buses rolled into the bus loop, Pine View staff greeted students as they exited the bus.

They saw many familiar faces, and  they offered kind remarks, welcoming students and commenting on such things as a new haircut or new pair of shoes.

Meanwhile, across campus, teachers were ready for another year.

Art teacher Kimber White is enthusiastic about teaching at Pine View Elementary, which has been officially authorized as Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. (B.C. Manion)

Art teacher Kimber White expressed enthusiasm about teaching at Pasco County’s first officially authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The IB PYP highly regards the arts, encouraging creativity and innovation, across the disciplines.

Third-grade teacher Monica Woods aimed to set a positive tone for the children entering in her class. The room was cheerful, with warm touches, including this greeting: “Welcome to third grade, you’re going to love it here.”

Assistant Principal Mary Reynolds, an educator for 30 years, said she never gets over the potential the beginning of a new school year represents. She gets so excited that she can never sleep the night before a first school day.

Principal Kay Moore has a tradition. She holds an assembly and rings in the new year with an old-fashioned bell. It’s a time-honored ritual, signifying the start of something important, she said.

Mary Reynolds, assistant principal at Pine View Elementary, said she can never sleep the night before the first day of school because she’s so eager to begin a new year. (B.C. Manion)

As Pine View settled in for the day, first day scenes were taking place across the district. Parents were busy dropping their kids off, big yellow buses were picking up kids in subdivisions and school staffs were busy getting the 2019-2020 school year started.

At Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel, students streamed on to campus, where they were greeted by staff members, who directed traffic and answered questions.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said he’d heard good reports across the district.

“It has been a good week. It has been an exceptionally good week,” he told members of The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, during a breakfast meeting.

As the sun rises on the first day of school, Cypress Creek Middle High School Assistant Principal Donna Gricoski, right, greets students exiting the buses. (Christine Holtzman)

“As I’ve traveled to schools, I’ve talked to teachers, I’ve talked to parents, I’ve talked to principals, I’ve talked to kids — and almost without exception they’ve said, ‘You know, it seems like one of the smoothest school starts we’ve had.

“There hasn’t been all of the hateful, mean Twitter, Facebook chatter out there — which people are so quick to get out on social media, and start trashing people without the facts,” Browning added.

He also noted that the school district continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The school year began with about 1,300 more students than on the same day last year, he said, noting that’s the equivalent of a large district middle school.

Published August 21, 2019

Note: First day of school student photos can be found in our e-edition!

All kids deserve same academic opportunities, Browning says

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Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was addressing The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and he was on a roll.

“Every child needs to have those same academic opportunities as kids in affluent neighborhoods,” Browning said, during the chamber’s breakfast meeting last week.

“If we intend to educate our kids and really meet up with that whole idea of college, career and life readiness, we have got to look at every child in this district.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said setting high expectations is essential because students will rise to the occasion. (B.C. Manion)

It’s not an easy feat, the superintendent added.

“It takes a lot of effort, it takes a lot of resources, for the teachers in our district to really tailor education for every one of the students they touch,” he noted.

Things aren’t the way they were in the past, he continued.

“It used to be you had 25 kids in a classroom — either you got it or you didn’t get it.

“We’ve shifted from all of that. We are really looking at individual kids, cycling back in, picking those kids up, reteaching things that need to be retaught — because at the end of the day, it’s not just about completing seat time, it’s about making sure that after 180 days our kids can master those standards — that they are college, career and life ready.

“And, I mean life ready. This life will chew them up and spit them out if they’re not ready,” Browning said.

Students must be challenged — and  high expectations lead to better performance by all kids, not just smart kids, Browning added.

“Let kids do the problem solving. Let them do the critical thinking. Let them own their learning,” Browning said.

“The research shows if you put grade-level assignments in front of kids, they will struggle — but guess what — they will learn it,” Browning said.

He talked about the district’s efforts to introduce the Cambridge curriculum into more of its schools. It’s academically challenging, but can yield 100 percent Bright Future scholarships from the state, for students passing seven assessments, Browning said.

He talks about encounters he’s had with parents  when he has been out and about in the community.

“I’ll be in Publix, pushing my cart in the produce section, filling it up.

“They’ll say, ‘Are you Superintendent Browning?’

Browning: “I am.”

(Parents) ‘I want you to know we had our daughter in Cambridge. She’s not going to be in Cambridge when she comes back from Christmas break.’

Browning: “Why not? Cambridge is a great program.”

(Parents) ‘It’s just too hard.’

Browning: “I’m going, ‘Really. It’s too hard. Life’s hard.

“If everything is easy and simple, then where’s the learning? Where is the learning.

“You struggle in school. You’re supposed to struggle.

“It’s not supposed to be about proms and homecomings and football games on Friday night. “That’s part of the experience.

“What it’s about is making sure you are ready to get out in this very, very tough world and survive,” Browning said.

“If I have kids that can’t survive, then I have let you down. I’ve let this community down, and that is the message we’ve been preaching, over and over and over again.

“If anything is worth having, it’s worth working for,” the superintendent said.

Of course, Browning added, such high expectations requires teachers to think about the way that they’ve been delivering instruction in their classrooms, the superintendent added.

And, that begs the question: “Are our kids worth it, to ensure that they get the very best education?

“I’ll tell you what the answer to that question is, ‘Absolutely, yes, they are worth it,’” Browning said.

At the same time, excellence in teaching should be rewarded, Browning said.

“We’ve got some of the most talented teachers in the state and they work tirelessly. My goal is trying to find more money to pay them a higher salary, so we can keep the very best.

“I keep going to Tallahassee. I keep talking to the legislative delegation. We have got to pay teachers more, in order to keep great teachers here,” he said.

The superintendent updated the crowd regarding ongoing construction projects, plans to introduce more rigorous programs in some West Pasco Schools, efforts to expand mental health services and ongoing work regarding school security.

Published August 21, 2019

North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce makes debut

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A new chamber came into view last summer with the merger of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Now a new name is representing the combined chambers, which will now be known as the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, according to an email sent to chamber members from Zack Kalarickal, the chamber’s board chairman.

Zack Kalarickal, chairman of the board of directors for North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce

The name brings “renewed focus on the broader geography that is home to those we serve and consistent with the momentum of this evolving community,” the email states.

National and international businesses are seeking to invest in Pasco County’s growth, and the new name provides “a readily identifiable location,” as well as describing the inclusive nature of the merged chamber, according to the email.

The North Tampa Bay chamber has about 830 members and is the largest in Pasco County. It serves Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Trinity, Odessa and New Port Richey.

“We happen to be in a great part of the county with so much dynamic growth,” said Kalarickal, a dentist and owner of Wesley Chapel Dentistry.

The North Tampa Bay name acknowledges that growth, but Kalarickal said the chamber will “co-brand” the uniqueness of every community within its membership.

In his email, he cites the long history of Wesley Chapel and its chamber, which began in 1998 with only a small group of business owners.

It had grown in recent years to nearly 600 members prior to merging with the Greater Pasco chamber in July.

In January, the chamber moved to a new location at 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A. The office is in the Highland Oaks Medical Center, off State Road 54.

In the next months, more transition work is needed, Kalarickal said.

The board of directors went from 17 to 24 members.

A day-long planning session was held to discuss an overall strategic plan. Standing committees were formed.

And, North Tampa Bay members were invited to participate in a logo design contest. The winning entry will be announced on March 8.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Published February 7, 2018