Pasco Economic Development Council
January 11, 2022 By Mary Rathman
Duke Energy Florida is investing $200,000 in strategic economic development and recruitment programs, by awarding grants to 14 Florida-based organizations.
The Duke Energy Foundation grants will help communities across the state attract, build and grow businesses, as well as tackle emerging recruitment and workforce challenges, according to a news release.
"These community partners are delivering meaningful results for our state, and we're proud to support their ongoing commitment to growing our economy and enhancing the quality of life for all residents," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, in the release.
Locally, the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., received a $10,000 grant, to create a workforce development video showcasing its WorkforceCONNECT program and the talent pipeline in Pasco County.
Across the state, additional grants were awarded to these organizations in the communities that Duke Energy serves: Foundation for Chamber Economic Partnership; Enterprise Florida; Citrus County Economic Development Council; City of Pinellas Park; Hernando County Board of County Commissioners; Foundation for Orlando's Future; Highlands County Board of County Commissioners; Lake County Board of County Commissioners; Seminole County; Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc.; North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation Inc.; Florida's Great Northwest Foundation; and Sumter County.
For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its Powerful Communities program, visit Duke-energy.com/foundation.
Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Duke Energy Florida, Duke Energy Foundation, Melissa Seixas, Pasco Economic Development Council
Business Digest 12/29/2021
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.
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.
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.
Filed Under: Business Digest Tagged With: American Hotel & Lodging Association, Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, GrowPasco, Hillsborough County Fleet Management, National Small Business Week, Pasco Economic Development Council, Payments in the Pines, POOLCORP, SCORE, SCP Distributors, Superior Pool Products, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, The Hub at Bexley
December 7, 2021 By B.C. Manion
Allied Universal job fair
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is seeking to hire 50-plus unarmed health care security professionals in Tampa. The open house hiring event will be Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the main lobby of the company's branch office at 408 Reo St., in Tampa.
The company is recruiting for all shifts and levels of experience. It is conducting interviews and hiring on the spot.
StretchLab Wesley Chapel opens
StretchLab, an assisted stretching boutique, has opened at 1281 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Deep stretching is used to decrease pain, lower risk of injury, reduce stress, and improve performance at work, in the gym and in everyday life.
StretchLab is a national franchise. StretchLab Wesley Chapel is owned by Steve Ojeshina, according to a news release.
StretchLab Wesley Chapel can be reached online at StretchLab.com/location/wesleychapel, by email at
, or by phone at 813-771-0411.
The entrepreneur equation
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is offering a free workshop to help entrepreneurs learn about tools and strategies that can help make running a business easier and more effective. This free workshop will be on Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com, and click on the events tab, to register.
Business and Education Summit
CareerSource Tampa Bay will hold an education and business summit on Jan. 10. The summit, entitled: "Vision 2022: Shaping the Future of Work," is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, in downtown Tampa. Coffee and networking starts at 8:30 a.m.
For more information or to register for the event, visit CareerSource Tampa Bay's Vision 2022, at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/vision2022.
Registration is $50 per person. Sponsorships also are available for businesses that want to help underwrite the event or would like to register multiple individuals.
SBA offers info on FAQs
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has released a new version of its most popular publication, "Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business." Another publication, "What's New with Small Business?" also has been updated. For more information, go to Advocacy.sba.gov.
Tampa ranks No. 6
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report identifying 2021's Best Places to Retire in Florida, and Tampa came in at No. 6.
To determine the most ideal retirement places for older Americans, WalletHub compared more than 100 cities in the Sunshine State across 29 key indicators of retiree-friendliness. The data set ranges from cost of living to health care facilities per capita to number of attractions, according to a news release from WalletHub.
To view the full report and individual city ranks, visit tinyurl.com/24x5mk3j.
Grand openings, ribbon cuttings, other celebrations
These announcements are courtesy of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:
Bliss Dental Lounge, at 17735 Huntington Bow Circle, celebrated its two-year anniversary on Dec. 9.
Prime Barber Shop, at 6027, Unit 206, Wesley Grove Blvd., had its grand opening on Dec. 7, at the barber shop, which is above Falabella Family Bistro, on the second floor, at the Grove Wesley Chapel.
Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio, 7749 Van Dyke Road, in Odessa, had its grand opening on Nov. 19.
Philidor Brady & Co. Realty, at 5331 Primrose Lake Preserve, Suite 235, in Tampa, had its grand opening on Nov. 15
The Volkswagen dealership at 26500 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, had its grand opening celebration on Oct. 26.
Starkey appointments
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been named to three committees at the National Association of Counties, according to a Pasco County news release.
Starkey will serve on these committees:
Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee, as vice chair
International Economic Development Task Force, as vice chair
Large Urban County Caucus, as a member
The association's mission is to strengthen America's counties, and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, the news release says.
GOPASCO wins marketing awards
Pasco County's public transportation system won three marketing awards during the annual Florida Public Transportation Association conference, according to a county news release.
The system, which has been rebranded as GOPASCO, received these awards:
Special event category, first place: Rebrand rollout, Aug. 24, 2021
Website category, second place: GOPASCO.com
Electronic media category, third place: Rebrand rollout, live radio broadcast
"We worked tirelessly on a new design for Pasco County Public Transportation and are honored to be recognized for our tenacious work," Rosemarie Bruckner, GOPASCO program manager, said in the release.
Florida Aquarium names new board members
The Florida Aquarium has named seven new members to its board of directors, according to a news release. They are:
David Bevirt, executive vice president, corporate leasing & strategy at Water Street Tampa
Doreen Caudell, CGC, DBE, president & owner at D-Mar General Contracting
Veronica Cintron, vice president of communications at Tampa International Airport
Kristin Greco, MBA, chief executive officer for PAR Inc.
Marcus Greene, market president, St. Petersburg at Truist
Jody Haneke, president at Haneke Design
Eric Weisberg, vice president, marketing & creative services at Tampa Bay Rays
Filed Under: Business Digest Tagged With: Allied Universal, Bliss Dental Lounge, CareerSource Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, GoPasco, Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio, Kathryn Starkey, National Association of Counties, Pasco Economic Development Council, Philidor Brady & Co Realty, Prime Barber Shop, StretchLab, U.S. Small Business Administration, Volkswagen, WalletHub
Roadway connectivity is key to Zephyrhills' economic vitality
November 3, 2021 By Kevin Weiss
The Zephyrhills area has experienced burgeoning activity in the way of residential growth and commercial development.
Pasco County Commission chairman Ron Oakley has witnessed it firsthand, since being elected in 2016.
"Zephyrhills has been a very good, working city," said Oakley, who represents District 1, which covers areas in East and Central Pasco.
"Economically, they've done very well over the years, and I mean, it just didn't start here lately, it's been that way.
Pasco County Commission chairman Ron Oakley was a featured guest speaker during the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit in October, at Zephyrhills City Hall. (File)
"They have a good council here, and they have good planners and others," the county board leader said.
But Oakley is especially enthused about the forthcoming roadway connectivity in and out of the city limits — which he detailed as one of the featured speakers at the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit held last month, at Zephyrhills City Hall.
The Oct. 13 event was organized by the City of Zephyrhills, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), and AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City.
These were among the finished or active projects that Oakley highlighted:
State Road 56 extension, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills
Wire Road pavement rehabilitation
County Road 54, east to 23rd Street, which includes traffic signals, turn lanes, and multi-use path
U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road, which includes traffic signals and median improvements
"Those are great things happening, because that's going to help everybody move around better," Oakley said.
Some countywide roadway upgrades also will benefit the municipality, too, Oakley noted.
That includes the $33.6 million diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 56, which is expected to be completed in summer 2022.
Oakley put it like this: "What good is a diverging diamond to Zephyrhills? Well, economically, it helps people get in and out of the area, and it helps them get here, and then also to get out of here."
There's also the $64 million interstate interchange on I-75 at Overpass Road, south of State Road 52, scheduled for completion in late 2022 or early 2023.
"That's going to help divide that traffic up from (State Road) 56, to Overpass to (State Road) 54 and then (State Road) 52," Oakley said.
By spreading the traffic out, "your movement will be much better," he explained.
Oakley was quick to point out that these big-ticket roadway infrastructure projects would not be possible without the mobility fees paid by surrounding growth and development.
"None of this happens without the fact that we're doing a lot of residential development that brings in impact fees (mobility fees) and school impact fees that builds schools, and also pays for the roads that you see," he said.
Large developments are in progress
Oakley also told the crowd about some of the large-scale developments that he said, "are cropping up everywhere around the city."
He directed attention to Two Rivers, a master-planned unit development (MPUD) zoning off State Road 56, between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.
Roadway infrastructure improvements — such as the Overpass Road connection with Interstate 75 — were a key theme during the fifth annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit.
The project is substantial.
The county has approved up to 6,400 residences, more than 2.6 million square feet of office and industrial, and 630,000 square feet of commercial uses.
The 3,405-acre property's southern boundary is on the north side of County Line Road, and its northern boundary is on the north side of State Road 56.
The Two Rivers development also includes a site for an elementary school, middle school and high school, an 80-acre district park and a public safety site.
"All these developments are going to bring more people into the economy of Zephyrhills; very important for that economy," Oakley said. "Those people coming in will be really helping a lot of businesses here in Zephyrhills."
The speaker acknowledged the possible strain on services and utilities such as water and sewer, but assured local citizens that the county is well-prepared.
"There's nothing wrong with good, planned growth," Oakley said.
The commissioner also shared his vision and standards for new residential developments popping up in East Pasco.
These large developments, the commissioner said, should entail "good architectural views, good landscaping, and a place you'd be proud to live in."
In the same breath, he pushed back on small-lot housing subdivisions.
"I honestly believe that we shouldn't have 40-foot lots," he said. "We have some, and they work, I guess, somewhere, but they're really too small."
He continued, "We want to build a whole residential development that's more of a community, and not houses right beside each other, with no landscaping. We want something to be proud of in Pasco."
Elsewhere, Oakley mentioned the county is working on plans to help small businesses, in the way of zero-interest loans, grants and other assistance programs.
"They're pretty much the backbone of our community, when you think about all the small businesses," said Oakley. "We have the big businesses, and they're a different source themselves, but small business is very important."
State Rep. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills
Burgess bullish on Zephyrhills armory
State Rep. Danny Burgess, R- Zephyrhills also participated in the economic summit, speaking virtually from his Tallahassee office.
His remarks focused on the forthcoming Florida National Guard Armory coming to Zephyrhills that is set to be located near the city's municipal airport.
State lawmakers earmarked $25 million for the construction of the project during the past legislative session.
Burgess described the project as "a first-of-its kind, state-of-the-art armory."
He said it will employ many full-time Army officers during the week, plus hundreds of soldiers and service people visiting on weekends.
The legislator views the armory as "a big economic driver" for the city, where soldiers and service members "work and eat and stay and play in our community."
"It's not just a military installation, it's not just a home for the National Guard," Burgess said. "It's going to be really good, and it's moving fast, so we should hopefully have some great direction here soon."
What makes the project even more special, Burgess said, is that Zephyrhills is a community that has deep military roots and a record of support for the armed forces.
The city was founded by Civil War veteran Capt. Howard B. Jeffries, as a retirement area for union soldiers.
The city's airport property was used by the U.S. Army in the 1940s as a training airfield for combat pilots.
"We should all be very, very proud of this," Burgess added of the armory.
Burgess went on to praise the city's windfall in the latest state budget, which included several appropriations, including $6.5 million for water and wastewater improvements on Handcart Road; $4.6 million for improvements to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; and $3 million for improvements to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.
Said Burgess, "It's a testament to our community, to the things that are happening in our community, to the businesses in our community and our community leaders."
As a sign of the municipality's wave of progress, back in June Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared at Zephyrhills City Hall for a state budget-signing ceremony— penning into law a record-setting $101.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2021-2022.
The invite-only press conference drew several dozens of area residents, business owners and government officials, in a standing-room only affair.
Burgess also credited Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) for his continuous support of Zephyrhills at the state level.
"He has always looked out for that community, and he sees the value in our location geographically and from an infrastructure standpoint, and he just wants to see us succeed," Burgess said.
Other featured presentations during the summit came from Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg; David Waronker, CBD Real Estate Investment president; Randy Stovall, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition chairman; and Tom Ryan, Pasco Economic Development Coalition director of business development.
Zephyrhills is now Pasco's biggest city
The City of Zephyrhills has surpassed New Port Richey as Pasco County's biggest city, based on data collected in the 2020 U.S. Census.
The Pasco County Commission discussed the shift during its board meeting on Oct. 26, noting that it will have to make some new appointments to boards that include a representative from the county's largest municipality.
Census data reports that Zephyrhills had a population of 17,194 on April 1, 2020. Its population was 13,288 as of April 1, 2010.
New Port Richey's population was 16,728 on April 1, 2020, compared to 14,911 on April 1, 2010.
Census figures for local jurisdictions include:
Jurisdiction April 1, 2020 April 1, 2010
Pasco County 561,891 464,697
Zephyrhills 17,194 13,288
Dade City 7,550 6,437
New Port Richey 16,728 14,911
Hillsborough County 1,459,762 1,229,226
Tampa 384,959 335,709
Pasco County Commissioners discussed Zephyrhills' shift to become the county's largest city, noting that it will mean that some appointments will need to change next year because certain boards require representation from the county's largest city.
Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City, CBD Real Estate Investment, City of Zephyrhills, County Line Road, County Road 54, Danny Burgess, David Warner, Florida National Guard Armory, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Howard B. Jeffries, Interstate 75, Main Street Zephyrhills, Meadow Pointe Boulevard, Morris Bridge Road, Overpass Road, Pasco County Commission, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco EDC, Pretty Pond Road, Randy Stovall, Ron DeSantis, Ron Oakley, State Road 52, State Road 56, Todd Vande Berg, Tom Ryan, Two Rivers, U.S. 301, U.S. Army, U.S. Census, Wilton Simpson, Wire Road, Zephyrhills City Hall, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition
Upgrades on tap for Zephyrhills Municipal Airport
Major renovations and changes are coming to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — in an effort to transform the facility from a general aviation airport to one that offers more accommodations for corporate jets.
Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe dished on the various happenings at the city-owned airport, located at 39459 South Ave., while speaking during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit at Zephyrhills City Hall.
The Oct. 13 event was organized by the City of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), and AdventHealth Zephyrhills/Dade City.
The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is undergoing several upgrades and improvements. Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe detailed the forthcoming changes during the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit earlier this month. (File)
The city manager was among several speakers during the economic summit.
Poe quipped that the local airport is "the best in Pasco County," adding, "part of that is because we're the only general aviation airport in Pasco County, but we are growing."
He opened his briefing by mentioning the progress coming along on the extension of Runway 1/19 — with tree-clearing already underway along Chancey Road.
The project lengthens the runway by 1,500 feet — up to 6,200 feet, from the current 4,700 feet.
The work is being funded through a $5.9 million state appropriation that was received back in 2018.
The 1,500-foot extension will allow the airport to accommodate an additional 17 different types of aircraft (including C-2 and D-2 corporate jets that hold anywhere from 14 to 20 passengers), Poe explained.
"We're trying to grow, we're trying to go more toward the corporate customers," Poe said.
The airport also received $3 million from the state this past year to construct itinerant parking for all aircraft arrivals and departures other than local aircraft operations.
This upgrade goes hand in hand with the Runway 1/19 extension.
The parking is for the additional corporate jets the airport is hoping to attract through its longer runway, the city manager said.
Presently, incoming and outgoing aircraft are forced to park in front of the airport's fixed-base operation terminal, which is not ideal, Poe noted.
"We have issues with the jet parking, right in front of the terminal, trying to get gas. It's just not good; there's a lot of potential issues that happen with that," said the city manager.
Other airport improvement projects also are in the pipeline. These are mostly being funded with help from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), with the city contributing a smaller share. The list includes:
Rehabilitation and pavement of Taxiway A
Upgrades to the fuel farm
Upgrades to airfield beacons
Zephyrhills has its eyes set on greater aviation infrastructure improvements, too.
In advance of the 2022 legislative session, the city is requesting an additional $5.33 million from the state that would encompass building another taxiway, two box hangars and a newly renovated fixed-base operator terminal.
The most expensive proposition of the three-pronged initiative — if funding is approved — is a new fixed-base operator terminal, which would become a rest stop for pilots flying in and out of the airport, while also serving as an upgraded office space for airport staff.
Said Poe, "When pilots come in, they need to be able to plan the rest of the legs of their flight, have an area to come in, relax, watch some TV, take a shower, grab something to eat."
Elsewhere, Poe underscored the critical role of the Pasco EDC — specifically business development director Tom Ryan — for helping to promote the municipal airport at ongoing events and conferences nationwide.
Ryan is responsible for business development of new and expanding office, technology, and industrial related businesses and parks, according to the Pasco EDC's website.
His responsibilities also include coordinating strategies to support economic development efforts in targeted areas, including confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and incentive programs.
"Tom makes trips all over the country and talks highly of Zephyrhills, and helps to market us (to places) where the city cannot get out to," Poe said.
Poe also emphasized the airport could not make major improvements without grants from the DOT, FAA and state legislature.
He pointed out the city has received roughly $10 million worth of grants in the past three years alone, adding, "there's (been) a number of grants, millions of dollars before that, and there's hopefully, millions of dollars after that."
Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Zephyrhills, Billy Poe, Chancey Road, City of Zephyrhills, Department of Transportation, DOT, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco EDC, Tom Ryan, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Zephyrhills City Hall, Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition, Zephyrhills Economic Summit, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport
'Belated' grand opening
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore (in blue suit jacket) and members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber watch as Toni Derby cuts the ribbon for a combination 'belated' grand opening and one-year anniversary celebration. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)
The Florida Avenue Brewing Co., at 2029 Arrowgrass Drive in Wesley Chapel, had a belated grand opening, which also served as a one-year celebration of the company's restaurant opening.
While the restaurant has been operating since last October, the manufacturing/brewery side of the business just went fully operational a few months ago.
So, the brewery had a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8 to celebrate, with remarks offered by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., was instrumental in helping the brewery come to Pasco, through economic incentives. The restaurant and brewery has 127 employees.
Filed Under: Business Digest Tagged With: Arrowgrass Drive, Florida Avenue Brewing, Mike Moore, Pasco Economic Development Council
Hardware company investing $7.5 million at business industrial park
Harney Hardware, a logistics and distribution company, is setting up shop at ComPark 75, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.
The company is investing $7.5 million in a 45,000-square-foot facility.
It is expected to hire 20 employees, with salaries exceeding 198% of the average Pasco County wage, the release added.
ComPark 75 is an industrial business park in Lutz, on 106 acres, between Interstate 75 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard. It's situated in an area where Lutz, Land O' Lakes and Wesley Chapel come together.
Harney Hardware is a supplier of residential and commercial door and bathroom hardware, and direct ships to customers in all 50 states, the release said.
Harney Hardware has experienced growth in its hardware business, especially in the home improvement sector and demand for products shipped directly to the company's customers, the release added.
"I want to thank the Pasco EDC for their assistance in the site selection and permitting process," Preston Copenhaver, CEO, Harney Hardware, said in the release.
"We distribute over 75% of our products outside of Florida, and the majority of our workforce lives in Pasco County, I am looking forward to growing my business here," Copenhaver added.
Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, noted: "Harney Hardware is a great example of the target industries we are trying to strategically attract to Pasco County.
"They are in logistics and distribution, offer great wages, and they already knew we had the quality workforce they needed since many of their staff are already residents," Cronin added, in the release.
Filed Under: Local News, Lutz News Tagged With: Bill Cronin, ComPark 75, Harney Hardware, Pasco Economic Development Council, Preston Copenhaver, Wesley Chapel Boulevard
Pasco EDC microloans
September 14, 2021 By B.C. Manion
If you're looking to start or grow your business, the Pasco Economic Development Council's microloan program may be able to help. More information can be found at SmartStartPasco.com/about-microloans.
Filed Under: Business Digest Tagged With: Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco EDC, SMARTstart
Zephyrhills keeps busy — with lots of irons in the fire
August 18, 2021 By Kevin Weiss
The City of Zephyrhills is involved in numerous initiatives, and City Manager Billy Poe recently updated the city's elected leaders on what's happening on numerous fronts.
For one thing, a staff-level meeting has been scheduled with state Sen. Danny Burgess, state Rep. Randy Maggard and the Pasco Economic Development Council regarding "future opportunities" at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Poe told members of the Zephyrhills City Council, at its Aug. 9 meeting.
He also informed them that the Florida Army National Guard is still evaluating parcels in the area of the municipal airport to build an armory — a project that's received $25 million in state funding.
Poe told council members that the National Guard plans to purchase a property, instead of lease property from the city, as originally anticipated.
Funding for the armory project must be encumbered by 2024 and completely spent by 2026, Poe said.
The city manager also said that staff is hammering out a new lease agreement for the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., in Zephyrhills. It's expected to be presented during an Aug. 23 council meeting.
At one point the golf course was being considered as a possible location for the armory building.
Poe also told council members that appropriation funding requests to present to the 2022 state legislative session will be evaluated and finalized during the council's Aug. 23 meeting.
Staff and council members have been tasked to prepare ideas and input on necessary projects within the city limits, to present to state legislators.
Poe noted: "You know, the things that they (legislators) look at the most are projects that are economic drivers, so that's what we need to be thinking about."
The annual Pasco County Legislative Delegation public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, on 5335 Eighth St. Legislators to be present include Senators Wilton Simpson, Ed Hooper and Danny Burgess, and Representatives Amber Mariano, Ardian Zika and Randy Maggard.
Poe also told council members that progress is being made on the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget, which is undergoing "a few changes or some additions."
In another update, Poe noted the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center is set to host the SVB Padel Open, from Aug. 27 through Aug. 29.
The tournament initially was promoted as an international padel tournament — featuring a team from Spain — but has been scaled back to feature just local competition, amid coronavirus-related travel restrictions, Poe said.
Another padel tournament incorporating international competition is expected to be scheduled at a later date, he said.
Finally, the city manager said that city staff is working on making applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for these projects:
Transforming Seventh Street into a complete street
Purchasing and installing generators for the city's utilities department
Construction of a city maintenance yard.
Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Amber Mariano, Ardian Zika, B Avenue, Billy Poe, City of Zephyrhills, Danny Burgess, Ed Hooper, Florida Army National Guard, Pasco County Legislative Delegation, Pasco Economic Development Council, Randy Maggard, Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Wilton Simpson, Zephyrhills City Council, Zephyrhills City Hall, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course
Pasco County celebrates economic successes
June 1, 2021 By Kevin Weiss
Despite unanticipated challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, Pasco County still had much to celebrate in terms of growth, tourism and economic development.
That was the primary theme of "TeamUp! Building a Strong Economy Together," an event hosted by Experience Florida's Sports Coast (FSC) and Pasco Economic Development Council — two marketing organizations charged with driving the success of the county's economy.
The May 6 event was held at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, with 175 socially distanced guests attending in person, and others taking part remotely.
Various awards were presented during the TeamUp! event. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, third from left, was the recipient of the Experience Florida's Sports Coast Chairman's Choice Awards, for his efforts in boosting tourism in the region and state of Florida. Also pictured, from left: Pasco EDC president/CEO Bill Cronin, Experience Florida's Sports Coast tourism director Adam Thomas, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. (Courtesy of Experience Florida's Sports Coast Office of Tourism Development)
The evening ceremony highlighted accomplishments of both marketing organizations, corporate businesses, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, attraction partners and restaurateurs.
The idea for the special gala was spurred from a conversation between Pasco EDC president and CEO Bill Cronin and FSC tourism director Adam Thomas, regarding the economic struggles both corporate businesses and tourism industry partners had faced in the previous year because of COVID-19.
Blending the two brands, TeamUp! featured a figure skating showcase, networking hour, awards dinner and joint economic presentation fronted by Cronin and Thomas, along with other speakers.
Also, FSC and Pasco EDC screened their first collaborative video showcasing Pasco as an attractive place to live, work and play.
The six-minute video takes a bird's eye and grounded tour around the county, stopping at popular destinations while delving into specific need-to-know information for those looking to relocate their businesses, travel to the destination, or host a conference or event in the area.
Various awards were bestowed, as well, honoring those who have made a lasting impression on the county's diverse and growing economy:
Experience Florida's Sports Coast Awards
Chairman's Choice Award: Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Lodging Partner of the Year: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa-Suncoast Parkway
Tourism Legacy Award: Thomas Dempsey, founder of Saddlebrook Resort & Spa
Pasco EDC Awards
Leadership Award: Dr. Arthur Kirk Jr., president emeritus of Saint Leo University
Recruitment Project of the Year: Santander Consumer USA
Expansion Project of the Year: The Soule Co.
The evening concluded with a special keynote address by Mike Rayburn, who blended comedy, music and thought-provoking messaging — while sharing his story of going from playing guitar for seven people in a bar in Virginia to playing in Carnegie Hall.
New companies, new jobs
Speaking from a well-lit, lifted stage, Cronin detailed how area economic development efforts emerged strong even during 2020's trials and tribulations.
This included welcoming $104 million in new capital investment and 15 new company projects adding more than 1,400 direct jobs.
In fact, Cronin said these figures yielded the private, nonprofit organization's "best year so far, for investment and job creation in Pasco County."
The Pasco EDC's ongoing efforts required creativity and adaptations to get work done, given various limitations brought about by COVID-19, Cronin explained from the luminated dais.
"The pandemic pushed us all to find new methods to manage old routines," he said.
"Economic development was no different, and I'm proud to say that our team at the Pasco EDC rose to the challenge and found innovative ways to bring new investment and new jobs to the county.
"Like so many other businesses, we turned to virtual platforms to accomplish things that we could no longer do in person. We hosted site visits, business workshops and special events, all virtually."
Cronin highlighted other economic-related marks from the past year, including the opening of Pasco EDC's third small business incubator location — SMARTstart Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel — designed to help entrepreneurs expand their business and turn ideas into realities.
Interestingly enough, desserts prepared for the event were concocted by a trio of SMARTstart restaurant entrepreneur members and alums — Lanky Lassie's Shortbread in Dade City; Sweet Luminous Bakery in Dade City; and, Hillbilly Farms in Dade City.
Cronin also mentioned how the Pasco EDC partnered with Pasco County government to provide emergency relief to more than 1,200 small businesses struggling to meet the demands the pandemic placed on them.
"Despite the challenges that 2020 presented," Cronin said, "we kept moving forward."
Tourism on the rebound?
Likewise speaking to the sizable crowd, Thomas acknowledged Pasco's tourism "took a hit" from the pandemic, and remains in recovery mode.
However, the county's tourism brand leader presented a mostly upbeat outlook for 2021 — noting visitor numbers steadily increasing the second half of this year and beyond.
"After a year of strict restrictions, people are itching to get back on the road and back in the air," said Thomas, also quick to point out tourism industry analysts reporting that nearly 80% of Americans are dreaming of or planning to travel this year.
Thomas added the CDC's recent guidance indicating vaccinated individuals can now safely travel without risking their health brings "another encouraging sign from our tourism industry for the second half of this year."
Though the pandemic put a dent into some of Pasco's original grandiose tourism plans and projections for most of 2020, there were some wins from the prior year.
Among other entertainment venues, shopping and hotels coming online, Thomas in particular highlighted the opening of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center in Zephyrhills; AdventHealth Sports Arena at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, in Wesley Chapel; and Widow Fletcher's, a new waterfront restaurant in New Port Richey.
Thomas told the audience how FSC remained aggressive following the pandemic's initial scare.
It was one of the first tourism agencies in the state to return to marketing after what Thomas labeled "a two-month industry blackout."
The group ran an outdoor adventure-focused marketing digital campaign promoting the county's 10-day summer scallop season along the Anclote River.
The campaign resulted in visitation growth of more than 60% and related economic impact, Thomas said.
Pasco, too, was one of Florida's first to return to hosting sporting events amid the pandemic, Thomas said, with the TORHS 2Hot4Ice roller hockey national championships in July.
The event — with strict pandemic protocols in place — brought together 113 teams who played a staggered schedule over 10 days at AdventHealth Center Ice.
Thomas presented other encouraging tourism-related figures.
More than 25% of county visitors last year were first-timers who plan to return, he said.
Visitor spending was down compared to fiscal year 2019, but tourists still created more than a half-million dollars of economic impact to the county, saving every resident over $260 in their annual taxes, he said.
Though the FSC has mainly focused on youth and amateur sports and outdoor recreational offerings to attract visitation, Thomas indicated the agency next plans to branch into the business meeting marketplace.
The county in October will play host to the inaugural SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal) Express conference — an overnight tourism-based trade show featuring social functions, community service, team building and one-on-one appointments between meeting planners and destination marketing organizations.
And, in January there will be a similar but sports-tourism focused conference called Sports Express-Indoor.
Thomas also discussed how FSC is building on in-state tourism drive markets of Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville, along with out-of-state drive markets of Atlanta and Raleigh-Durham.
The agency also is launching new promotions geared toward people in the New York, New Jersey and the Great Lakes region.
"When they're ready to travel," Thomas said, "we're ready to welcome them."
The speaker also touted the reach and impact of FSC, which has increased its staffing levels and has received national recognition in the tourism industry for its various campaigns and efforts.
Thomas said: "We focus on telling our community story — the experiences that make Pasco County the best destination in Florida, and the place we all love to call home, whether we're fishing in the gulf, skydiving in Zephyrhills, or hiking in our nature parks, or playing hockey right here at AdventHealth Center Ice."
Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Adam Thomas, AdventHealth Center Ice, AdventHealth Sports Arena, Arthur Kirk Jr., Bill Cronin, Carnegie Hall, Gus Bilirakis, Hillbilly Farms, Lanky Lassie's Shortbread, Mike Rayburn, Pasco Economic Development Council, Pasco EDC, Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, Saint Leo University, Santander Consumer USA, Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, SMARTstart, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa-Suncoast Parkway, Sweet Luminous Bakery, The Soule Co., Thomas Dempsey, TORHS 2Hot4Ice, Widow Fletcher's Experience Florida's Sports Coast, Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus