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The Laker/Lutz News

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Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce

Business Digest 08/03/2022

August 2, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Chamber leadership change
Melonie Monson, the CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will step down on Oct. 1,  after leading the organization for 6 ½ years.

She plans to spend more time with her family and also to work at her family’s business, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC, on marketing the business and increasing awareness of the new Bahr’s Technical Center, according to a news release.

The chamber’s board has selected Vicki Wiggins, the chamber’s COO, to step into the CEO’s role.

The board praised Monson for her leadership and performance, in the release.

In welcoming Wiggins to her new role, board chairman Randy Stovall said the board looks forward to her continuing “the caliber of leadership we have come to expect here at the Zephyrhills Chamber. The board of directors look forward to a seamless transition in October.”

Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick Wesley Chapel celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 2. The fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept is located at 25038 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Lutz.

Rent King ribbon-cutting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 19th location of Rent King, in a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 4 at noon, at 38925 County Road E., in Zephyrhills.

Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s next Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange is set for Aug. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41. Registration is free for chamber members, plus the cost of the food. Non-members pay a $10 registration fee, plus the cost of the food. If you’re not a member and would like a free one-time admission to try it out, call 727-842-7651.

Networking Group
The next regular meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group is set for Aug. 9 at 7:30 a.m., at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road in Zephyrhills. The group meets in the Ron Oakley Room. Maria Reza and John Malley, of Career Source, will be the featured speakers. For information, contact Nils Lenz at or Vicky Jones at .

Temporary reinsurance plan
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has announced a plan to establish a temporary reinsurance arrangement through Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) in the event of disruptive financial rating downgrades from Demotech Inc., according to a news release.

The step was taken to ensure that Floridians can maintain coverage during hurricane season.

“OIR’s greatest priority is ensuring consumers have access to insurance, especially during hurricane season; and because of the uncertainty with the status of Demotech’s ratings, we’ve been forced to take extraordinary steps to protect millions of consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier.

“This innovative arrangement satisfies requirements set by the secondary mortgage market. In the event we need to implement this temporary solution, consumers will not need to seek coverage elsewhere, agents will not need to move policies, and lenders can have confidence that these insurers continue to meet the mortgage qualifications,” the news release says.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that property insurance policies for properties with a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must be written by an insurer meeting financial rating requirements.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each offer an exception to the financial rating requirements for an insurer that is covered by a reinsurer who assumes, by endorsement, 100% of the insurer’s liability for any covered loss payable, but unpaid by the insurer, by reason of insolvency. In the event that a participating insurer is declared insolvent, the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association shall carry out its statutory duties under Part II of Chapter 631, Florida Statutes, and pay claims as set forth in the statute.

Hotels and the workforce
The hotel industry continues to make strides toward recovery, with nominal hotel room revenue and state and local tax revenues projected to exceed 2019 levels by the end of this year, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)’s 2022 Midyear State of the Hotel Industry Report.

Key findings include:

  • Hotel occupancy is expected to average 63.4% in 2022, approaching pre-pandemic levels
  • By the end of 2022, hotels are expected to employ 1.97 million people — 84% of their pre-pandemic workforce
  • Hotels are projected to generate 6.6% more in state and local tax revenues in 2022 than they did in 2019

“After a tremendously difficult two-and-a-half years, things are steadily improving for the hotel industry and our employees. This progress is testament to the resilience and hard work of hoteliers and hotel associates, who are welcoming back guests in huge numbers this summer,” AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers said in the release.

Business Digest 07/27/2022

July 26, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Panda Express has a new location in Lutz, which hosted a ribbon-cutting on July 18. (Courtesy of Scott Adams/Panda Express)

Panda Express grand opening
Panda Express had a grand opening of its first restaurant in Lutz with a ribbon-cutting on July 18. The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce joined in the festivities, which took place at the new Panda Express location, at 17767 Harpers Run.

Panda Express serves such meals as Original Orange Chicken, award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp and Broccoli Beef entrees.

The restaurant’s hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 9:30 p.m., via drive-thru); and, Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (or 10 p.m., via drive-thru).

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a breakfast business meeting on Aug. 4 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. Gulfside Healthcare Services is the breakfast sponsor. Admission is $10.

Chamber membership lunch
Brian Ford, the COO for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership lunch on Aug. 4.

The lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., in New Port Richey. The lunch is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Register by 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, to take advantage of the $5 early registration discount.

Call 727-842-7651 for more information, or email

Partnership formed
Hillsborough County and Publix are teaming up to promote the county’s emergency notification system, known as HCFL Alert, according to a county news release.

Publix is currently displaying HCFL Alert posters at its more than 50 stores in Hillsborough County, to remind residents to sign up for the notification system. HCFL Alert helps residents remain informed and receive timely emergency notifications through voice calls, text messages, or emails, the release said.

For assistance registering for HCFL Alert, call 813-272-6602.

Brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a brochure exchange at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, about one-quarter mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

There is a $10 registration fee, in addition to food cost, for members. Non-members are invited to call the chamber for a one-time free entry.

For more details, call the chamber’s office at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722, or email .

Spectrum expands services
Spectrum has launched Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 600 homes and small businesses in Pasco County, according to a news release from Spectrum.

Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network build-out in Dade City is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

Lee Ann Carr earns designation
Lee Ann Carr, with Florida Luxury Realty Inc., has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of Realtors.

She joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned this designation by successfully completing a comprehensive course to understand the needs, considerations and goals of real estate buyers and sellers ages 55 and older, according to a news release.

Ageless Body Studio grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Ageless Body Studio will host a grand opening on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m., at 3820 Maryweather Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Refreshments will be provided, there will be giveaways, and those attending will have a chance to win a spa membership.

PowerGals meeting
PowerGals of Zephyrhills meets on the first Friday of each month, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Shell’s Killer Bakery Inc., 5718 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills. The group’s chapter leader is Rosie Paulsen and its co-leader is Monica Young. This group is about empowering women in business, to help them thrive and to help each other.

Dade City chamber breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have its breakfast meeting on Aug. 16, at Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, 14139 Seventh St., in Dade City. The breakfast is sponsored by Premium Title, Inc.

Those attending must prepay $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, through the chamber, by no later than noon, the Thursday prior to the breakfast. No walk-ins or payment at the door will be accepted.

Call the chamber at 352-567-3769 to prepay with a credit card or find out more about the breakfast.

SMARTstart programs
SMARTstart is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s capstone program, aimed at engaging entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities in Pasco County. It has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. It also has incubator and microloan programs.

To find out more, visit SMARTSTARTPasco.com.

Free business advice
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses.

To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 06/01/2022

May 31, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Goodwill is hiring
Goodwill’s Job Connection service is hosting a hiring event on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill superstore, 2390 Willow Oak Drive, in Wesley Chapel.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc. is hiring store leads, sales associates and donations processing associates, for full-time and part-time positions.

Hiring managers will conduct interviews and make job offers on the spot. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and to complete an application in advance. A list of available positions and an application are available at Goodwill-suncoast.org/careers.

Goodwill offers a comprehensive benefits package including tuition assistance and a variety of programs to help team members advance their careers. Goodwill team members also enjoy the satisfaction of working for an organization that is changing people’s lives for the better.

Staff from Goodwill Job Connection centers will be available to offer interview tips and give information about a whole range of free services available at the centers.

If you have questions, please call Job Connection at 813-302-9405, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

New Dental Office
Rosalinda Aranda, a Doctor of Dental Medicine, has begun offering dental services to the community of San Antonio at her new office, Mirada Market Dental Care, according to a news release. Mirada Market Dental Care offers the opportunity for the most up-to-date procedures and services to their patients. From routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services.

“We are excited to be joining the San Antonio community to offer high-quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” Dr. Aranda said, in the release.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Dental College of Georgia at Augusta.

Mirada Market Dental Care is located at 30821 Mirada Blvd., in San Antonio. The office is now accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 352-251-3298 or visiting MiradaMarketDentalCare.com.

Chamber banquet
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Hawaiian Luau Installation Banquet at Spartan Manor on June 23. The cocktail hour is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by the banquet. The event will feature a Hawaiian-themed dinner, with awards and a board of directors installation ceremony. Individual tickets are $55. Members who register by June 20 can get a $5 discount. The event will have a cash bar. Dress in theme attire or business casual. For more information, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

Chamber board openings
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce nominating committee has slated these individuals to its 2022 Board of Directors Ballot, presented in alphabetical order: Shane Barker, Alex Hulbert, Vicky Jones and David West. They are being nominated to fill four positions on the board, with the term beginning on Oct. 1.

Additional candidates can be nominated by petition bearing the signatures of at least 10 qualified members of the chamber. That petition, the nominee form and board agreement must be received no later than 4 p.m., on June 3.

Questions regarding the elections process, board responsibilities, or commitments may be directed to the president/CEO by email at  or by phone, 813-782-1913.

PowerGals meeting
PowerGals of Zephyrhills meets on the first Friday of each month, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Shell’s Killer Bakery Inc., 5718 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills. The group’s chapter leader is Rosie Paulsen and its co-leader is Monica Young. This group is about empowering women in business, to help them thrive and to help each other.

Pasco EDC 34th annual awards
Now in its 34th year, Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s annual awards ceremony is regarded Pasco County’s premier business event. It attracts more than 400 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, including state lawmakers, county board members and elected city leaders. The highlight of each year’s event is the Annual Industry Awards honoring local companies that exhibit exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation, and community service.

This year’s event is Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Mark your calendars to save the date. An online registration form will be coming soon.

Meanwhile, find out more about Pasco EDC at PascoEDC.com.

SCORE mentors, webinars
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses.

To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

You also can register for free webinars. Here’s a list of upcoming offerings:

  • June 7, noon to 1 p.m.: YouTube’s Economic Impact
  • June 9, noon to 1 p.m.: How to Really Start Your Own Business
  • June 28, noon to 1 p.m.: How to Assess Your Finances and Make Better Decisions
  • June 22, noon to 1 p.m.: The Basics of Commercial Business Insurance

Business Digest 04/06/2022

April 5, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Acting studio grand opening
The Acting Studio is having a grand opening of its new location at The Grove, 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 204. The company is celebrating its 20th year by opening this performing arts educational facility in the heart of Wesley Chapel. Festivities are planned for April 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Food and beverage will be provided, along with performances by students. For more information, visit www.TheActingStudio.net.

Tampa rent growth
Year-over-year rent growth in Tampa currently stands at 29.4%, compared to 5.9% at this time last year, according to a report from Apartment List.

Year-over-year growth in Tampa ranks No.3 among the nation’s 100 largest cities. Rents in Tampa are up by 36.9% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, according to highlights from the report. Median rents in Tampa currently stand at $1,472 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,795 for a two-bedroom.

Troops to Technician program
Veterans and members of the military community can qualify for an aircraft maintenance technician certification through the state of Florida’s “Get there Faster Grant.”

CareerSource Tampa Bay and CareerSourcePolk in collaboration with Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services/Pemco Conversions, and MacDill Air Force Base are presenting a training opportunity for transitioning service members and others who qualify for Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification training, according to a news release from CareerSource Tampa Bay.

The grant will recognize skills attained in the armed forces and support transference to civilian life.

The “Troops to Technician” program is open to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. It provides a career pathway to high-demand positions in the aviation sector, assists in talent development to address the unique needs of the military community and relocate or transition military members to civilian life.

“We anticipate providing more than 100 individuals with this unique training opportunity over the next two years,” Doug Earle, said in the release. He is the veteran and military family representative for Career Source Tampa Bay. “This program will also help provide training in well-paid aviation careers. This is a great opportunity for those who qualify,” he said.

Visit this link to find out more https://www.careersourcetampabay.com/GetThereFaster or contact Zachariah Pearson at or call at 813-296-2517.

Entrepreneur education classes
These free classes and workshop are offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s SMARTstart program:

  • Demystifying the Inventing Process: This is scheduled for April 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMARTstart at The Grove Enrepreneur Center. Learn from an expert product developer to get those ideas and make them real. From concept to full on production. Also, find out out how to avoid pitfalls that plague new inventors, so you can save your money and focus on success.
  • Video Marketing: in this April 20 session, from noon to 1 p.m., the focus will be on the power of video and how business owners can leverage its effectiveness to drive new business and develop a deeper connection with their audience. This session is being help at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center.

For more information and to register, go to www.pascoedc.com.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 14, at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College is hosting a Building Trades Career Fair scheduled for April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus,.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd..

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821 and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

Contact John Meeks for more information at .

Understanding financial statements
This free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando Score, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach you the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at pascohernando.score.org.

Business Digest 03/30/2022

March 29, 2022 By B.C. Manion

(Courtesy of Chloe Blair)

Planet Fitness opens
Planet Fitness opened a new 25,000 square-foot facility at 6117 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center. The gym features state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-minute express circuits, numerous flat screen televisions, and clean, spacious locker rooms and showers. Here is a look at some of the exercise equipment at the new facility. For more information, call 813-527-6428.

Need a business loan?
If you need a business loan but you don’t fit the typical bank profile, you may be able to qualify for financing through a SMARTstart Pasco Microloan through the Pasco Economic Development Council’s microloan fund.

This financing program, established by the Pasco EDC, is available to help businesses that are operating in Pasco County or are planning to locate there.

The loan program is aimed at small business owners with solid ideas, good management skills, and a valid business plan get the funding they need when traditional financing is not an option.

Loans are available up to $50,000. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they have the experience and resources to be a successful business operator.

Loans may be used for: Working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment.

Funds cannot be used to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting its “Rise & Shine, Pasco” membership breakfast on April 5 at Spartan Manor, 6121 Masachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. . Check-in is 7:30 a.m. with the program slated for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Guest speakers will be Jim Gunderson, owner of The Hacienda, New Port Richey and Dylan Gamez, marketing and public relations.

To find out more, go to or call 813-909-2722.

Virtual job fair
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting a Virtual Job Fair for Child Care Workers dedicated to child care careers on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is exclusively for licensed child care facilities in Hillsborough County, to assist them during these difficult employment times. Child care facilities located in Hillsborough County are looking to fill more than 150 full-time and part-time positions for assistant teachers, lead teachers, office assistants and other positions.

Those interested should register at tinyurl.com/2wfjwrsk, or go to CareerSource’s Job Fair webpage at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair.

Recruiting webinar
A webinar scheduled for April 14 from noon to 1 p.m., will provide effective strategies for understanding and managing the recruiting process for staffing, with consideration of generation differences. The free webinar is presented by Kandy Windom, Pasco-Hernando County SCORE volunteer. To register, go to PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 03/23/2022

March 22, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Grand reopening
Florida-based Everglades Equipment Group is hosting a grand reopening on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2240 Success Drive, in Odessa. The event will feature the company’s renovated showroom, introduce the community to its new leadership team, and offer free lunch from Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, fun activities and giveaways to attendees.

“The grand reopening event is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the Odessa community and share our story,” Eric Anderson, Everglades Odessa site manager, said in a news release.

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the event and RSVP at Odessa.EFE1963.com.

Resolving workplace conflict
Learn to understand the dynamics of conflict and develop skills to find a peaceful resolution. The free webinar, scheduled for March 30 from noon to 1 p.m., will be presented by Jackie Eden, director of career services for Pasco-Hernando State College. To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Chamber brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its brochure exchange in New Port Richey on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Gill Dawg Tiki Bar & Grill, 5419 Treadway Drive. Registration is free for chamber members and $10 for non-members. If you are not a member and would like to attend, call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for a one-time free entry.

Marine conservation support
Duke Energy has added $100,000 to Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida to support fisheries, water quality and research, according to a news release.

The recent donation was announced on March 3 at CCA Florida’s Manatee County Chapter Banquet and Auction.

The funds will add to a previous $150,000 contribution from Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation to support CCA Florida’s efforts to bring new reef systems to the Gulf of Mexico and to test new approaches to clean up fish kills after red tide, the news release says.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce breakfast is set for April 7 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. The featured speaker will be Dr. Joseph Derbyshire, a board-certified ear, nose and throat and facial plastic surgeon. Event entry is $10.

Volunteer board seats
The City of Zephyrhills is seeking volunteers to serve on its Historic Preservation Board (two openings), its Planning Commission (two openings) and its Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (one opening).

To access applications, visit tinyurl.com/3sfa5549.

Mission-driven leadership
Saint Leo University is hosting a free event featuring Nick DeMarinis, vice president of sales at WeWork and a former LinkedIn executive.

The Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose program will take place on March 29 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Saint Leo University’s Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms and online via Zoom.

Registration is required online at SaintLeo.edu/mdl to attend the event at the school, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, or via Zoom.

Masks will be required by all individuals while indoors. This guidance is required regardless of whether the individual is vaccinated.

Results from Pigz in Z’Hills
More than 4,000 people turned out for the two-day Pigz in Z’Hills Festival on March 4 and March 5 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Fifty-six teams from Florida competed in the 2022 State BBQ Championship. Professional and backyard teams competed for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

The winners were:

  • Professional division: Accutech BBQ of Sarasota, under head cook John Fries: Grand Champion of the 2022 State Barbecue Championship; Hot Wachula’s of Bartow, led by Matt Barber; Reserve Champion.
  • Backyard division: Matty B’s of Plant City, under Matt Bowers, first place; Sloppy Hogs, of Naples, under Todd Bender, second place.

Local teams with top-level finishes were Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts, under Kevin Bahr, fourth overall, second in pork; Daryl Coleman of Coleman’s BBQ, first place in ribs and fifth, overall; and Dr. Rick Moore of Smoke Show, first in brisket.

In the Kidz grilling contest, Devin Brown placed first; Aryana Coleman came in second; and, Daniella Gutierrez took third.

Business Digest 02/23/2022

February 22, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Chamber networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has a brochure exchange lunch and networking session on the fourth Thursday of each month. This month, it is Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Widow Fletcher’s, 4927 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information, email

Bexley apartment project
The Spectrum Companies and equity partner FCA Partners has announced it has purchased land for a 350-unit multifamily development within Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release.

Spectrum is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based commercial real estate development and management company with projects across the Southeast. It plans to build 327 apartment homes in a mix of three- and four-story elevatored buildings. Also included will be 23 for-lease townhomes designed as three-story carriage residences with tuck-under garages, the release says.

SCORE webinars
SCORE offers a wide array of free webinars and seminars, aimed at helping entrepreneurs.

You can register at PascoHernando.score.org. Here are some upcoming sessions.

  • How to apply for a business loan, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Health insurance needs for small businesses, March 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Conflict resolution in the workplace, March 30 from noon to 1 p.m.

Allied Universal is hiring
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is looking to hire 400-plus security professionals in Tampa. The company is hosting open house hiring events every weekday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through April 28, at the company’s branch office, at 4200 West Cypress St., Suite 550, in Tampa.

Crunch Fitness reopens
Crunch Fitness has reopened its Land O’ Lakes location, at 2126 Collier Parkway, following a $2 million renovation and expansion.

The club celebrated the completion of its project during a grand reopening party on Feb. 19, according to a news release.

The renovation includes a child care center, boxing, hot yoga, group fitness, enclosed HIIT (high-intensity interval training) studios, and a private relax-and-recover area. It also includes doubling power racks, additional turf, and new fitness equipment.

The facility has been expanded by 25,000 square feet, bringing the total to 47,000 square feet.

New center director
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business has appointed Michael D. Wiemer to be the director of the Fintech Center within the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, according to a newsletter circulated by the business college.

Fintech’s focus is on the evolving financial technology industry.

Amazon hiring events
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person hiring events for Amazon, which will be hiring to fill more than 100 job openings.

To learn more about the events, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair/.

NetFest at the barn
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (Pasco EDC) is hosting its NetFest event, which provides the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of business and community leaders, while supporting economic development. The event is set for March 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in Trinity.

The event will be held rain or shine. The cost is $55 per person ($45 per person for Pasco EDC investors and guest). Admission includes dinner, two drink tickets, live entertainment and networking opportunities.

To register, visit PascoEDC.com.

Business Digest 12/29/2021

December 28, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Business Development Week scheduled
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has announced that Business Development Week is back and will be held Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. Sponsors of various levels are being sought. For more information, visit GreaterPasco.com.

Business research
As part of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s Entrepreneur Education Series, local businesses can learn how to make smarter decisions using Big Data analysis. Businesses can get industry-specific and hyperlocal information. The research is individually customized for each company. The class, provided via Zoom, will be on Jan. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. Go to the PascoEDC.com event page to register.

GrowPasco
GrowPasco is an event aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and executives for growth.

The event, presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will feature 15 breakout sessions. The keynote speaker for the event is Peter Kageyama, author of “For the Love of Cities.”

The event is on Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hyatt Place Tampa Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. Registration is $40 for non-Pasco business and residents, and $20 for Pasco businesses and residents. The cost includes registration, workshop materials, breakfast and lunch. Go to the event page at PascoEDC.com to register.

Hub construction underway
The Hub at Bexley, a new shopping, dining and gathering space at State Road 54 near the Suncoast Parkway, will open in the summer of 2022, according to a news release.

The Hub at Bexley, positioned near the front entrance of the Bexley by Newland community, will feature green spaces, shade structures and open-air concepts. It aims to be a place where people can come together to work, meet with friends and family, and take care of all of life’s daily necessities.

SCORE offers free webinars
If you’re looking for ways to improve the performance of your business, you may want to check out some free seminars offered by Pasco-Hernando SCORE.

Upcoming sessions include:

  • Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: How to Get (More) Paying Customers

Discover the secret of how to determine exactly who your customers are, what they want, and how you craft the perfect message and offer that results in buyers. You also can learn two powerful tactics that should be included in all sales marketing. The webinar will be presented live by Jay Snaric, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.

  • Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m.: How To Really Start Your Own Business

You will learn the key issues for starting a business: finding good people, structuring the business, understanding cash flow, finding the money, and creating a business plan. This webinar will be presented live by Bill Gelbach, Pasco-Hernando SCORE volunteer.

Payments in the Pines
Payments in the Pines offers business consulting services by evaluating and reducing businesses’ credit card processing fees. If needed, upgraded terminals and POS equipment are optional, according to a news release.

Any business that accepts credit cards online or in person can benefit from their service, according to Steffen Sheerin, owner of Payments in the Pines.

“Our success is grounded on increasing our clients profits, excellent customer service and trusted relationships,” Sheerin said, in the release.

For more information, contact Steffen Sheerin at (910) 315-5555 or .

Supply chain issues
Eighty-six percent of hotels say that supply chain issues are affecting their operations, according to a new survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members. More than 70% reported experiencing increased costs and a lack of availability for key items. More than half (52%) say the problem has grown worse over the past three months and 74% say supply chain issues are having a negative impact on business revenue.

Donations will provide swim lessons
SCP Distributors Inc., Superior Pool Products and parent company POOLCORP is partnering with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to provide scholarships to provide water safety lessons for area children. Donated funds will provide 100 Lifeguard Training Scholarships and Safety Around Water (SAW) lessons for more than 1,400 children who otherwise might not be able to afford to participate, according to a news release.

Nominations sought
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, according to a news release. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses, and the contributions they have made to their communities and the nation’s economy.

All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Jan. 11.

The awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May 2022.

To nominate a small business owner in your area or download related forms, criteria and guidelines, visit SBA.gov/nsbw.

National awards
Hillsborough County Fleet Management has been named the top government fleet in the country, and its leader, Robert Stine, has been named the top fleet management director.

The honors were announced on Nov. 16 at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference in Orlando.

East Pasco chambers pause merger discussions, for now

August 10, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

After several months of discussions regarding a potential merger between chambers of commerce in Dade City and Zephyrhills, those talks have been put on pause — for now.

“The conversation has definitely taken a back seat,” according to John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. “I can’t say that it’s shut down for good, that we don’t know, but the task force has stopped meeting currently.”

The boards for both chambers approved the formation of a task force last year to look into the logistics and possible benefits of merging the two organizations.

The task force involved about 20 stakeholders — 10 from each respective organization — representing hospitals, banks, and other small businesses and groups.

(File)

Randy Stovall, provost emeritus for Pasco-Hernando State College, chaired the task force. He’s been active with both chambers for years.

The group met about a dozen times, from October 2020 through April 2021, with groups split into a budget committee, a membership committee and a mission committee.

Its three main objectives were membership, community advocacy and economic development.

The task force generated enough progress to reach a consensus on a proposed name for a merged chamber: Greater East Pasco Chamber Alliance.

But news that the merger talks have paused was announced in the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s August newsletter.

The newsletter indicated the Dade City chamber’s financial outlook exceeded expectations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so merging its organization with the Zephyrhills chamber wasn’t quite as pressing as originally once thought.

Melonie Monson, the CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, said the task force, on the whole, had “put together very great reasons why a merger would be the right direction to go, and really had fleshed out the greatest perspectives from this and what advantage it would be for both communities.”

But she said various hurdles surfaced when trying to flesh out the finer details of a merger concept, she said.

Monson said “the biggest problem” resulted from both chambers being content with their own current leadership, and not wanting either her or Moors to step down or take a less prominent role within a merged organization.

(File)

Monson put it like this: “We just felt like, until one of us is ready to retire, then this would be on pause. Doesn’t mean that (a merger) wasn’t the right thing to do, it’s that neither one was ready to say goodbye.”

Another sticking point, she said, came with determining locations of where a combined chamber’s main office and secondary office should be situated — Zephyrhills, Dade City, or vice versa — and how to best leverage economy of scale.

“We felt strongly there needed to be a presence in both communities of the chamber,” Monson said.

Task force supports merger concept
The task force overall found a merged chamber “made sense” and could yield several benefits, Monson said.

Specifically, it suggested that a larger, combined chamber “would have a stronger voice and advocacy on the county and state level, and members would gain more of a value by expanding the geographic reach of the chamber,” Monson said.

It also suggested that merging the Dade City and Zephyrhills groups would better help navigate booming commercial and residential development in Central and East Pasco.

With that, Monson said the task force observed a merger “would really help us in the risk of losing our territory to other entities, and making a stand of, ‘This is East Pasco.’”

These were likewise important factors for leadership within the Dade City chamber, too.

Moors detailed how the East Pasco area historically has been known as a more rural area, with less focus on business development and manufacturing.

This may not be the case for much longer, with rampant growth on the community’s doorstep.

“For the most part, there hasn’t been a lot of activity of companies moving into this particular area, but we do see that this may well change as the population increases and the density increases and the demographics change,” he said.

As East Pasco continues to grow, Moors emphasized the importance of being “in front of that wave of growth, rather than trying to catch up.”

Pandemic spurred initial merger discussions
Both chamber leaders have casually discussed the possibility of combining their respective organizations for a few years now, but more serious talks didn’t begin until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020.

Ramping up those conversations was important for the Dade City chamber to prepare an action plan in a worst-case scenario, given the uncertainty around the effects of the coronavirus on the area’s business and economic climate, Moors explained.

“With everything shut down, we just didn’t really know what anything was going to look like, we didn’t know what was going to happen with our membership, we didn’t know whether we were going to be able to have a Kumquat Festival, whether we were going to have any events, because at that point, everything was literally locked down. In fact, the chamber was closed for a period of time last year,” said Moors.

Since then, however, Moors said the Dade City chamber has experienced an upbeat financial outlook, with membership reportedly up 15% year-on-year, combined with a successful enough scaled-down Kumquat Festival.

Put another way, negative revenue impacts caused by COVID-19 never materialized for the chamber, Moors said. “So, the need to merge was not as urgent as we had feared,” he added.

Monson said the pandemic provided “a great opportunity” to form a task force to discuss the merits of a proposed merger, and garner various perspectives.

But she emphasized the Zephyrhills chamber didn’t need to enter the merger talks strictly out of concern regarding financial sustainability.

She said she was confident in her organization’s membership base and other efforts, even during the pandemic.

“You know, we’re a strong chamber no matter what, and we knew we were going to be,” she said. “We did not forecast the gloom and doom.”

Rather, joining forces with the Dade City chamber on a merger task force was more to vet the various benefits and outcomes of such an exercise, Monson acknowledged.

Merger talks likely not done
Monson said the merger concept — and its varied findings — will likely be revisited once she or Moors leave their current leadership posts, whenever that happens.  She said the work of the task force could be revisited, once she or Moors moves on.

“I believe that we could come up with great ideas of location, I think that would be something that we would get worked out pretty easily, but the biggest thing was we were going to pause it until one or the other was ready to retire, or move on to another venture in life,” Monson said.

If a merger eventually occurs, it would be the third merger of its type among Pasco County chambers.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber is the result of combining chambers that previously represented Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Trinity and Odessa.

The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce resulted from a merger between the West Pasco and Central Pasco chambers.

Published August 11, 2021

Pasco schools seek ‘near-normal’

May 4, 2021 By B.C. Manion

As the Pasco County public school district wraps up an academic year that was anything but normal, Superintendent Kurt Browning hopes things will be different in the 2021-2022 term.

Browning discussed his hopes for the district, along with a full range of other topics, during a webinar hosted last week by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, as part of its Business Development Year series.

“This year has been incredibly challenging,” Browning told those listening.

“Whoever knew … when everything got shut down (in March 2020) that we would literally be shut down for the fourth quarter and that we’d still be dealing with COVID … more than a year later,” the superintendent said.

Browning praised district teachers, administrators and staff for making rapid adaptations to conduct the rest of last school year virtually.

Then, he said, the district made more adjustments before the 2020-2021 year began to create a new option called mySchool Online. That option has allowed students to learn virtually, following a normal school schedule — being taught remotely by teachers.

When the 2021-2022 school year begins, Browning said mySchool Online will be discontinued. Students will either return to school campuses for in-person learning or learn remotely through Pasco eSchool.

MySchool Online, Browning acknowledged, “had its challenges.”

“We’ve had some students that have been very successful on it. I will tell you that we’ve had some students that have not been very successful,” he said.

Concerns about students lagging behind prompted the district to make an all-out push in an effort to persuade parents of those struggling students to return them to campus.

Some parents simply refused, Browning said.

That’s concerning, the district leader said, because “the performance this year is certainly going to set them up for future success. We just want to make sure our kids are prepared, going forward into the next grade level.”

As of last week, details were still being worked out regarding the summer instructional program and the upcoming school year.

Browning wants to reintroduce activities that were diminished or curtailed by COVID-19.

“Kids need some sense of normalcy. They need to have their clubs. They need to have athletics. They need to have their dances. They need to have the social interaction with other students,” Browning said.

“And so, we are going to try to have as normal of a school opening as we possibly can, starting in August,” Browning said.

At the same time, the district will take guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and will work closely with the Department of Health-Pasco County, he said.

Social isolation, mental health
Browning said he doesn’t consider himself a “touchy-feely” type of guy. But added: “I have been very concerned about the mental well-being of our kids this year.”

When students are learning remotely, they don’t have the safety nets that schools provide, he said.

“Teachers can’t physically lay their eyes on these kids. They can’t see that they’re dirty.

“They can’t see that they’ve got bruises on their arms.

“They can’t see that they’re thinner because maybe they’re not eating.

“At least when they were face-to-face, they could see some things. Teachers could let their administrators know. We could make phone calls. We could do a wellness check with the family. We could provide food. We could provide clothing.

“Not only that, we could provide hope.

“What we found through COVID is that some parents have just not had any hope.”

“My heart just breaks when I hear about these kids that are struggling,” Browning said.

He then told those listening to the webinar about a call he received from a fellow superintendent — who told him two students in that district had committed suicide.

A few weeks later, Browning said, he learned of a Pasco student who had committed suicide and then, a couple of weeks later, another student did.

“I don’t know all of the underlying circumstances to what brought that kid to make that decision,” Browning said. Then, he reiterated: “I have been concerned about the mental well-being of our kids.”

Browning touched on some other topics, too.

In response to a question, he said he expects COVID-19 to have a negative impact on the district’s graduation rate.

He also told listeners that the district will be opening its Starkey Ranch K-8 school in the fall. Located in the Starkey community, off State Road 54, it is the district’s first school specifically designed for kindergarten through eighth-grade students.

The school is expected to have about 1,000 elementary school students and 600 middle school students.

The campus will have a facility that has been dubbed TLC, which stands for theater, library and cultural center.

The TLC will accommodate public library for patrons and students. It also will have a 250-seat theater and three makerspaces.

Michael Francis, conductor for the Florida Orchestra, has been helping the district with its arts planning for the campus, Browning said.

On another topic, the superintendent told the crowd that unlike many districts across the state, Pasco is projected to experience growth in the coming year.

The district also has been included in a 10-county intensive reading pilot project, which will allow the district to provide some intensive literacy help.

Although Browning expects the district to fare well, overall, in terms of the state budget, he said the district needs to improve salaries overall, but teacher salaries, in particular.

“It really is tough work out there, and with some of the other districts out there having additional sources of revenue that we don’t have, it makes it difficult to compete with those other districts,” Browning said.

Published May 05, 2021

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What’s Happening

08/11/2022 – Food distribution

Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, The Gentlemen’s Course, and the Pasco County NAACP will host a free food distribution on Aug. 11 starting at 9 a.m., at the Big Lots parking lot, 4840 Allen Road in Zephyrhills. Food will be handed out rain or shine, on a first-come, first-served drive-through basis, until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 08/11/2022 – Food distribution

08/11/2022 – Yarn for a Cause

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host Yarn for a Cause on Aug. 11 at 6:15 p.m., in the Meeting Room. This group creates projects such as blankets for nursing homes, and more. Participants can learn new techniques and show their own projects. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/11/2022 – Yarn for a Cause

08/12/2022 – Monuments tour

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum will host a “Monuments By Moonlight Tour” at the Dade City Cemetery, 38161 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, on Aug. 12 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Participants can learn about founding families, notable citizens, and the stories ‘in the stones.’ This tour is on grassy pathways and uneven surfaces; open-toed shoes are not recommended. Twilight time brings heat, bugs, and sometimes rain, so be prepared. Water will be provided. Guests should meet at the cemetery gate. Parking is available across the street. The tour will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Dade City Cemetery and the Dade City Heritage Museum. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 08/12/2022 – Monuments tour

08/12/2022 – Smart Driver Course

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will offer the AARP Smart Driver Safety Course on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for ages 50 and older. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call Bev Cogdill at 813-907-3908. … [Read More...] about 08/12/2022 – Smart Driver Course

08/13/2022 – Ask a Gardener

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host “Ask a Master Gardener” on Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. and at 10 a.m. A master gardener will be on hand to answer questions. For information, call 813-780-0064. … [Read More...] about 08/13/2022 – Ask a Gardener

08/13/2022 – Belly Dance Show

The American Belly Dance Studio will present “We Come to Belly Dance,” a gala belly dance show, on Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. This is a fun, family oriented show featuring a variety of belly dance styles and costumes. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at AmericanBellyDance.com, and at the door if available (limited seating). For information, email , or call 813-416-8333. … [Read More...] about 08/13/2022 – Belly Dance Show

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You can also submit your thoughts on the future of #Zephyrhills via this online survey: http://ow.ly/GENo50Kg34I

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