WESLEY CHAPEL – The Pasco Economic Development Council celebrated the companies and leaders driving Pasco County’s growth and success at the 38th Annual Awards on Oct. 1 at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center.
The evening, which featured An Evening in Paris theme, brought together business professionals and elected officials to recognize the achievements shaping the community.
Winners featured leaders in their industry, global companies choosing Pasco County to expand and an entrepreneur who used the SMARTstart Program to grow her business.
The award winners for 2026 are as follows:
- SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Mary Katherine Mason Alston, Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread LLC
Mary Katherine Mason Alston opened Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread in downtown Dade City after using the SMARTstart East Pasco Incubator Kitchen to bake her shortbread. Her vision began after her grandma’s shortbread recipe won first place at a Highland Games festival. Now, Alston owns a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Dade City and ships her shortbread internationally.
- Industry Impact: Speros
Moffitt Cancer Center has expanded into Pasco County with Speros, a 775-acre research, industrial and clinical development hub. The campus has opened the Speros Outpatient Center and began treating patients earlier this year, bringing medical treatment closer to home for Pasco County residents.
- Economic Excellence Award: Bauducco Foods
Bauducco bought 85 acres of the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park ready site in the City of Zephyrhills. The company is expecting to invest over $200 million in the new facility, which will produce and distribute its product across the U.S.
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Michael J. Sierra Leadership Award: Michael J. Sierra
Sierra has worked on numerous developments in the last 30 years including Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County and Avila, Tampa Palms and Lakeview Village in the Tampa Bay region. As director for the Sierra Family Foundation, the Tampa native has been involved with dozens of local and national nonprofits, including the YMCA and Pasco Education Foundation.
Winners were announced with videos created by sponsor TradeUp Marketing. Pasco EDC also recognized hospitality sponsor Florida’s Sports Coast and presenting sponsors AdventHealth, Speros and YorkBridge Concepts.
“We had a great evening recognizing the businesses and leaders who have made a significant impact in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC. “It was truly an honor to recognize Michael J. Sierra with the Leadership Award. His dedication and commitment to our community have made a tremendous contribution to Pasco County and helped make it the place it is today.”
