• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
  • Online E-Editions
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits

TRU Simulation & Training

Rasmussen College moving to vacant Target store

April 21, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Rasmussen College soon will bring higher education to a vacant Target Super Store — the shuttered anchor at Suncoast Crossing plaza, off State Road 54 in Odessa.

The college plans to relocate from its current 25,000-square-foot education center at State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes.

Developers are proposing to repurpose the former Target store, which closed in 2016.

Rasmussen College will be moving down the road and will soon be making a transition to Rasmussen University. (B.C. Manion)

A conceptual plan filed with Pasco County shows Rasmussen occupying more than 44,000 square feet. One and possibly two other tenants would fill the remaining shell space, separated from Rasmussen by an enclosed courtyard.

The flexible plan allows about 100,000 square feet to 115,000 square feet for a single business, or a split design with two businesses at 60,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet, respectively.

“It’s great to see something is moving in there,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “We never want to see an empty building. It seems like Rasmussen is growing. We’re definitely happy they are here. It’s a good location for them.”

The approximately 173,000-square-foot Target property is owned by 24/7 DeBary LLC, which acquired the site from Target in July 2017.

A May 11 preapplication meeting is scheduled with Pasco County planners to consider the “Suncoast Crossing 1” redevelopment proposal, according to county records.

24/7 DeBary is an affiliate of MVP Holdings Inc., a Tampa-based owner of restaurants, including PDQ and Glory Days Grill. A company representative could not be reached for comment.

The Target store – in a mall with about 30 stores – opened in 2006, as growth along State Road 54 was taking off. The Great Recession that began two years later with the real estate and housing market collapse ushered in hard times for Pasco County’s economy.

But, the closure in January 2016 caught many by surprise just as a turnaround and renewed growth was taking hold.

Target officials closed 13 stores nationwide due to what they described as poor performance. The Suncoast Crossing store was among those singled out.

This Target Super Store, which has been vacant since 2016, is expected to become the new home to Rasmussen College. Besides changing its location, the college also is expected to become a university.

More than 140 employees lost jobs, though Target officials said employees would be offered transfers.

“I was very upset when Target closed,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “I called corporate office to reconsider.”

After Target’s departure, she had hoped the site might attract new tenants that would create a retail and business complex similar to nearby Northpointe Village – at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway. The complex in recent years attracted new businesses along Northpointe Parkway, including Mettler Toledo, a global manufacturer of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals; and TRU Simulation + Training,  which provides flight-training solutions, technical support and customer service for commercial and military markets.

But, she said, “I think Rasmussen will do well at that location (Suncoast Crossing). I’m heartened they are a for-profit college, so they will stay on the tax rolls.”

Rasmussen plans to make an announcement on its relocation plans in the “near future.”

“Due to key regulatory steps that still need to take place, Rasmussen College cannot yet share information regarding plans to relocate to a new campus,” according to an email from Molly Andersen, spokeswoman for Rasmussen College.

The new site, with substantially expanded space, comes as Rasmussen College is preparing for a new direction in its education model. By October, the college is expected to become Rasmussen University.

“This transition is more than a name change,” said Rasmussen President Trenda Boyum-Breen in a video message. “This is our next step toward a vibrant future. We are student-centered in our approach and future facing in our impact.”

Andersen in her email said additional details on Rasmussen’s transition to a university would be available soon.

Minneapolis-based Rasmussen College traces its beginnings to 1900, as a business school. The private college is a regionally accredited institution with more than 20 campuses nationwide. Its focus is on workforce and career-oriented education programs and degrees across several fields, including nursing, health science and business.

Of six Florida campuses, two are in Pasco — in New Port Richey and the soon-to-be closed location in Land O’ Lakes.

It’s not clear what is next for the Land O’ Lakes site.

Bayshore Properties LCC, affiliated with BayCare Health System, purchased the property in January for about $6.5 million, according to county records.

Representatives for Bayshore declined to comment at this time.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 22, 2020

Filed Under: Education, Local News Tagged With: 24/7 DeBary LLC, BayCare Health System, Bayshore Properties LLC, Glory Days Grill, Kathryn Starkey, Land O' Lakes, Mettler Toledo, Mike Moore, MVP Holdings Inc., Northpointe Village, Odessa, PDQ, Rasmussen College, State Road 54, Suncoast Crossing Plaza, Sunlake Boulevard, Target Super Store, The Great Recession, Trenda Boyum-Breen, TRU Simulation & Training

International business increasing in Pasco

November 28, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County has been making strides in the arena of international trade, and Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey provided a briefing on the topic at a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

In introducing Starkey, Hope Allen, president/CEO of the North Tampa Chamber said: “Kathryn Starkey is a huge advocate of Pasco County.

This rendering shows the future campus for TouchPoint Medical Inc. (File)

“It’s wonderful that Pasco now has a seat at the table, now on the global level, and it’s because of her work and the work of Pasco Economic Development Council, making Pasco part of the conversation.

“She is involved in developing international trade, with a focus on Europe and South America,” Allen said.

Starkey has a pulse on what’s happening locally, and also nationally, on the international trade scene.

She is chair of the International Economic Development Task Force at the National Association of Counties (NACCO). She also was nominated by the White House and NACCO to serve on a committee that looks over trade agreements and makes recommendations. She is among four commissioners who represent the voice of local government, she said.

She’s still undergoing her FBI background check, so at this point, she can participate in calls, but can’t read the information.

Starkey said her introduction to manufacturing came in 2004, when she was on the Pasco County School Board and she made a visit to a training program offered in Okaloosa public schools.

“What they had done was they interviewed their business community, and then they figured out how to start programs in their school system that taught the high school kids how to enter into that workforce when they graduated,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey

Because of her interest, Starkey traveled to Germany five times — to see for herself and to show others how the Germans do their system of apprenticeship training.

“It was really important to go and see how the world’s premiere training program works.

“If you don’t see it, you can’t understand it. They have the gold standard in manufacturing,” she said.

“What we have done here in Pasco County, Hernando and Pinellas County, is that we’ve set up a training and manufacturing program based on the European model of apprenticeship training,” Starkey added, referring to a program called AmSkills.

“We take high school students and we take students who have graduated, and we take adults who need retraining, and we take them through the process here and we get them very knowledgeable about manufacturing, training and jobs, and then we help them get meaningful jobs here in the community,” she said.

Over time, Pasco County Schools also has established several career academies. It also opened Wendell Krinn Technical High School this year, on the former Ridgewood High campus.

Mettler Toledo opened its 270,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Northpointe Village, off State Road 54.

In partnership with Marchman Technical College, Wendell Krinn provides students access to 14 different technical education programs, including auto collision/repair, biomedical sciences, commercial art, computer systems, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, digital cinema, electricity, HVAC, marine service, robotics, and welding.

Pasco’s workforce development is helping to attract international companies, Starkey said.

She also has been involved with Pasco EDC in trade missions to help local companies find foreign markets, and has helped host events to teach local companies how to grow their business in other parts of the world.

Pasco’s outreach efforts, its workforce development and its willingness to offer incentives to attract companies offering high-wage jobs has resulted in international companies setting up shop in the county.

Some of those companies include:

  • TouchPoint Medical Inc., a global supplier of technology-based health care delivery systems, will bring 116 new high-paying jobs to Pasco County. Company officials plan to relocate their headquarters to prime vacant land in Land O’ Lakes. They will build an approximately 125,000-square-foot facility, including a parking lot, on the northwest corner of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54. The site is part of the South Branch Ranch property. The facility is expected to open in late 2019.
  • Mettler Toledo: Mettler Toledo opened its 270,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Northpointe Village in April. The Swiss-based company is a global supplier of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals.
  • TRU Simulation: TRU Simulation + Training celebrated the opening of a $30 million expansion of its Pilot Training Center in Lutz in February 2017. The facility opened in a 15,000-square-foot facility at 1827 Northpointe Parkway, off State Road 54 at Suncoast Parkway. TRU Simulation has contracts with companies such as King Air, Boeing and Cessna.

Starkey noted that it’s not enough to get international companies interested in Pasco, it’s also important to treat them well after they arrive, and to continue to form relationships.

Taking a page out of book she read about how the international community developed in North Carolina, Starkey makes it a point to take CEOs of international companies to visit assets around Tampa Bay.

It’s a great way for the CEOs to get to know each other and also for them to develop a deeper understanding of Tampa Bay’s strengths, Starkey said.

“I am trying to take really good care of your CEOs here, and they are spreading the word to their friends back overseas, or to their business friends, that Pasco County is a great place to do business,” Starkey said. “We want them to feel very welcome.”

Revised December 5, 2018

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: AMskills, FBI, Hope Allen, International Economic Development Task Force, Kathryn Starkey, Lutz, Marchman Technical College, Mettler Toledo, NACCO, National Association of Counties, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Northpointe Village, Pasco County Schools, Pasco Economic Development, Ridgewood High School, South Branch Ranch, State Road 54, Suncoast Parkway, TouchPoint Medical, TRU Simulation & Training, Wendell Krinn Technical High School

Honoring Pasco County’s local businesses

August 30, 2017 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco Economic Development 31st Annual Awards and Trade Show will honor local businesses on Aug. 31 beginning at 5 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

The late Don Porter, whose family is the developer of Wiregrass Ranch, was known for his visionary approach — seeking to create a place where people could live, work and play. He will be the first recipient of the Pasco Economic Development Council’s Leadership Award. (File)

The event will have a new format, with a shortened awards ceremony, a brief report on Pasco County’s economic development progress, and a trade show.

Instead of a sit-down dinner, there will be a variety of hors d’oeuvres.

Another change this year is the introduction of the Pasco EDC Leadership Award, which celebrates a person in economic development who has had a remarkable impact on Pasco County and the community. The inaugural award goes to the late Don Porter, who is being recognized for his vision in helping to shape the Wiregrass area into a community where people work, live and play.

The other awards being bestowed recognize top companies in Pasco that excel in technology, innovation job creation, growth, capital investment and community development.

This year 24 nominees were singled out for their contributions to the business community.

Nominees received scores based on company growth, leadership in current business issues, and corporate citizenship.

Awards are given in the following categories: small (1-20 employees); medium (21-100 employees); large (101 or more employees); and startup/new within past 24 months.

In alphabetical order, the nominees are:

II-VI Optical Systems

Academy at the Lakes Inc.

Avalon Park West

Complete I.T./Gear Spinners LLC

DPW Legal

Express Employment Professionals

FACTS Engineering LLC

Florida Hospital Center Ice

Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County Inc.

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway

MagicalButter.com

Morganna’s Alchemy

Morton Plant North Bay Hospital

North Tampa Behavioral Health

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

RP & G Printing

SouthEast Personnel Leasing Inc.

Synergy Ad Specialties Inc.

Tampa Premium Outlets

TRU Simulation + Training Inc.

Viktoria Richards Chocolate

Wiregrass Ranch

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Published August 30, 2017

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Academy at the Lakes, Avalon Park West, Complete I.T./Gear Spinners, Don Porter, DPW Legal, Express Employment Professionals, FACTS Engineering, Florida Hospital Center Ice, Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County, Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, II-VI Optical Systems, MagicalButter.com, Morganna's Alchemy, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, North Tampa Behavioral Health, Pasco Economic Development, R.J. Kielty Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, RP & G Printing, Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, Saddlebrook Way, Southeast Personnel Leasing, Synergy Ad Specialties, Tampa Premium Outlets, TRU Simulation & Training, Viktoria Richards Chocolate, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch

Truflight expansion will add 100 jobs

February 15, 2017 By Kathy Steele

TRU Simulation + Training makes flying as real as it gets for pilots getting a virtual experience of soaring into the skies.

The company manufactures flight simulators, and provides the commercial and military markets with pilot training. The subsidiary of Textron Inc., also provides FAA-certified Part 142 OEM-supported pilot training.

TRU Simulation + Training manufactures full flight simulators and provides pilot training on-site. The simulators weigh between 25,000 and 40,000 pounds.
(Courtesy of TRU Simulation + Training)

TRU Simulation + Training celebrated the opening of a $30 million expansion of its Pilot Training Center in Lutz on Feb. 8. The facility opened nearly two years ago in a 15,000-square- foot facility at 1827 Northpointe Parkway, off State Road 54 at Suncoast Parkway.

The expansion is expected to add 100 jobs.

“This more than doubles the capacity of this facility,” said David Smith, vice president of TRU training centers.

The newest flight simulator resembles a large white capsule perched atop black stilts. The simulators can weigh between 25,000 to 40,000 pounds each, and cost $6 million to $10 million to build.

Another three simulators can fit into the expanded space.

In addition, the facility added classrooms and flight training devices, as well as a fitness room and lounge area.

TRU Simulation has contracts with companies such as King Air, Boeing and Cessna.

When Textron builds an aircraft, the purchase price includes flight training. Simulators are custom-built to meet each client’s needs.

TRU Simulation recently delivered a Bell helicopter simulator to a training academy in Valencia, Spain.

“We also have people who just bought a plane and want to join us,” said Chad Martin, TRU training center manager.

Others are pilots who need to meet annual insurance requirements.

With about 400 clients who come to the training center annually, Smith said the local economy also gets a boost.

They stay in hotels, dine at restaurants and visit tourist attractions.

In the future, Smith hopes to see more development within the Northpointe Village shopping and office complex where TRU Simulation is located.

New restaurants are on the wish list, but Smith said, “We want anything that supports the feel of a small, walkable community that is self-contained.”

Published February 15, 2017

Filed Under: Local News, Lutz News Tagged With: Boeing, Cessna, Chad Martin, David Smith, King Air, Lutz, Northpointe Parkway, Northpointe Village, Pilot Training Center, State Road 54, Suncoast Parkway, Textron Inc., TRU Simulation & Training

Lutz company plans $30 million expansion

September 28, 2016 By Kathy Steele

TRU Simulation + Training has announced a nearly $30 million expansion of its Pilot Training Center in Lutz, along with the addition of 100 new jobs.

TRU Simulation + Training will expand and add 100 jobs over the next four years. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)
TRU Simulation + Training will expand and add 100 jobs over the next four years.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The new jobs will evolve over four years as TRU Simulation + Training expands its ProFlight Pilot Training programs. Construction will add about 30,000 square feet for classrooms, flight training devices and four new full flight simulators.

The company, with headquarters in Goose Greek, South Carolina, provides flight-training solutions, technical support, and customer service for commercial and military markets.

The expansion will be completed by November.

The Pasco Economic Development Council worked with Pasco County staff members on the site planning and permitting process.

This is the second expansion for TRU Simulation + Training.

In 2015, the company converted 15,000 square feet of existing space for training center operations. The company manufactures flight simulators and is an FAA-certified Part 142 OEM-supported pilot training center for aviation products from Textron, the parent corporation of TRU Simulation + Training.

Published September 28, 2016

Filed Under: Local News, Lutz News Tagged With: Lutz, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pilot Training Center, ProFlight Pilot Training, TRU Simulation & Training

Primary Sidebar

O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill, Wesley Chapel

Foodie Friday Gallery

Featured Virtual Tour

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival

Search

Sponsored Content

Volunteer With Gulfside Hospice And You Will Benefit Even More Than Those You Help

April 20, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

For Karen Lentz, volunteering at Gulfside Hospice began with her husband’s fondness for craft beer. About a year … [Read More...] about Volunteer With Gulfside Hospice And You Will Benefit Even More Than Those You Help

More Posts from this Category

Archives

What’s Happening

04/21/2021 – Democratic Club

The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on April 21, via Zoom, to discuss voting rights and current legislative issues. Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. For information, email , or call 813-383-8315. … [Read More...] about 04/21/2021 – Democratic Club

04/21/2021 – Financial wellness

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will present “Strategies for Short-Term Financial Wellness” on April 21 at 6:30 p.m., for adults. Participants can learn tips and information for building emergency funds, managing debt and increasing cash flow. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org. … [Read More...] about 04/21/2021 – Financial wellness

04/22/2021 – Coalition meeting

The University Area CDC Partners Coalition’s second quarter meeting presentation will be available on the University Area CDC’s  YouTube channel starting April 22 at 9 a.m. Viewers can learn about programs and initiatives happening in the uptown/University area. The presentation includes “Community Investment/Uptown Sky”; a panel conversation in juvenile and criminal justice; and “Small Biz = Big Impact.” For information, visit UACDC.org. … [Read More...] about 04/22/2021 – Coalition meeting

04/22/2021 – Virtual Earth Day

UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension will host a Virtual Earth Day Celebration on April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Educational sessions, with guest speakers, will include: Composting, gardening, getting outside, water conservation, forest services and recycling. To register, visit bit.ly/registrationpascoearthday. To join in on April 22, visit bit.ly/zoom2021earthday. … [Read More...] about 04/22/2021 – Virtual Earth Day

04/23/2021 – Improv Night

Live Oak Theatre will present an Improv Night on April 23 at 7:30 p.m., at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. The family friendly event will feature the Conservatory’s Improv Troupe with games, skits and actor’s choices inspired by the audience. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seats are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door. For information and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.org, call 352-593-0027, or email . … [Read More...] about 04/23/2021 – Improv Night

04/24/2021 – Butterfly release

Cindy’s Secret Place, 34953 Blanton Road in Dade City, will host a Butterfly Release on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the release at 1 p.m. (cost is $5). The event will include raffles, a plant sale, vendors and butterfly houses. Guests can bring chairs and blankets. For information, call 352-457-4030 or 352-424-4972. … [Read More...] about 04/24/2021 – Butterfly release

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
18h

Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook. https://buff.ly/3uWz1Ix

Reply on Twitter 1384537521204387840Retweet on Twitter 1384537521204387840Like on Twitter 1384537521204387840Twitter 1384537521204387840
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
19 Apr

Pasco Sheriff addresses local concerns, issues. https://buff.ly/2RxpwRC

Reply on Twitter 1384174957844828167Retweet on Twitter 1384174957844828167Like on Twitter 1384174957844828167Twitter 1384174957844828167
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
18 Apr

This week in SPORTS: Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge. https://buff.ly/2OWVfuI

Reply on Twitter 1383812710186459141Retweet on Twitter 1383812710186459141Like on Twitter 1383812710186459141Twitter 1383812710186459141
Load More...

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Top Stories

Here’s an easy way to launch a book club, for free

Celebrating a century in style

Hillsborough Schools plans deep cuts to avoid state takeover

Mental health peer support specialists in high demand

Road projects get extra funding

New Lutz hospital specializes in rehabilitation services

Little Libraries can make a big impact

Award recipient provides food for thought

Pasco MPO has new executive director

MPO approves work related to traffic counts

The Bay Area Renaissance Fest sets up in Pasco

Servin’ up barbecue and blues at Zephyrhills festival

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

Secondary Sidebar

More Stories

Check out our other stories for the week

Here’s an easy way to launch a book club, for free

Celebrating a century in style

Hillsborough Schools plans deep cuts to avoid state takeover

Mental health peer support specialists in high demand

Road projects get extra funding

New Lutz hospital specializes in rehabilitation services

Little Libraries can make a big impact

Award recipient provides food for thought

Pasco MPO has new executive director

MPO approves work related to traffic counts

The Bay Area Renaissance Fest sets up in Pasco

Servin’ up barbecue and blues at Zephyrhills festival

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

Sports Stories

Youth summer soccer leagues

Locals named to All-State football teams

Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge

Watch these locals during 2021 MLB season

Deep Fried Dash 5K

Copyright © 2021 Community News Publications Inc.

   