Avalon Park Sun Wesley Chapel October 2023

ISI Elite Training to Join Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Bringing Innovative Fitness to the Community

Avalon Park Group/sitEX is thrilled to announce an upcoming addition to its growing community. ISI Elite Training, a fitness and wellness center, is set to open its doors soon and is eager to serve the residents of Wesley Chapel and beyond. The fitness center is owned by Mark and Tamara Henderson, their daughters Kyrah, and Kaylah & EJ McCallum (son-in-law).

a new and developing community.” Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s commitment to creating a dynamic and inclusive environment makes it the perfect choice. The team look forward to helping residents achieve their fitness goals and become part of the ISI Elite Training community.

ISI Elite Training’s mission is to build communities that challenge and sharpen each other. With integrity, grit, energy, and determination, they do whatever it takes to win, always rising as one. The fitness center is committed to providing personalized training in a group setting, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment like the InBody Scanner to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Nutritional guidance, group/team accountability, and fostering a strong sense of community are integral parts of their offerings.

“We are excited to welcome ISI Elite Training to Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel,” said Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of fitness innovation harmonizes seamlessly with our vision of cultivating a thriving and vibrant community. ISI Elite Training will add a dynamic dimension to our expanding list of amenities, enriching the wellness opportunities available to our residents and visitors.”

Mark Henderson, one of the owners of ISI Elite Training, shared his thoughts on why they chose Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for their fitness center, saying, “We want to bring innovative fitness into

ISI Elite Training is preparing to open its doors soon and will begin accepting new members. Whether you’re looking for training in a group setting, expert nutritional guidance, or a supportive fitness community to help you stay accountable, ISI Elite Training has something for everyone.

For more information about ISI Elite Training and their services, please visit www.isielitetraining. com or on social media with the handle @ isielitetraining_.

For more information on Avalon Park Wesley Chapel visit https://avalonparkwesleychapel. com or on social media with the handle @ AvalonParkWesleyChapel.

for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Our mission remains to change the way people live, learn, work, and play. As we reflect on the progress at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel in 2023, here’s an overview of our achievements in each of these areas and what exciting developments lie ahead:

Live:

Our commitment to offering a diverse range of housing options, including townhomes and single-family homes, has reached approximately 75% completion. Notably, we’ve embarked on an exciting new journey with the groundbreaking of Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, introducing additional housing choices such as apartments and homes for seniors and families. Construction is currently underway for Mosby Avalon Park with Middleburg Communities, a highly anticipated 338-unit traditional apartment community, bringing even more housing options to our community. Moreover, The Flats apartments are set to begin leasing in the spring of 2024, further enhancing our housing offerings and expanding opportunities for residents to call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home.

Learn:

The Avalon Park area is proud to host exceptional schools, including the nationally acclaimed New River Elementary School, Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, and Wesley Chapel High School. In 2019, we also introduced Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel charter school, which currently serves as a K-9. The school is experiencing remarkable growth, with the second phase of construction now complete, adding 600 student stations to accommodate 6th-8th graders. As of the 2023-2024 school year, Pinecrest has a capacity of 1400 K-8 students and 200 high school students. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, the high school, which is currently

PUBLISHER

Beat Kahli

EDITOR

Stephanie Lerret

MANAGING EDITOR

Marielle Fernandez

ART DIRECTOR

Kenzie Farrish

environment within our live, learn, work, and play community. The Downtown I building is currently under construction, and excitingly, several businesses have already signed leases to become a part of this dynamic hub. Among them are Prime Barbershop, Rita’s Italian Ice, ISI Elite Training, and Rudraksh Indian Cuisine. These diverse establishments offer a range of services and culinary experiences, further enhancing the convenience and vibrancy of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Play:

While we have made significant strides in enhancing recreational options, there’s room for more. We are working towards introducing a park and gym, along with additional football, baseball, and soccer fields. However, it’s important to note that we have already achieved remarkable accomplishments in the realm of leisure and community engagement:

For the past decade and more, we’ve hosted some of the finest community events in central Florida, featuring world-class fireworks and family-friendly activities that bring neighbors together. As we look forward to the upcoming fall season, we invite residents and visitors to partake in the exciting events scheduled, including Movie Under the Stars, Jazz Under the Starz, Spooktacular, Holiday Hayrides, and Avalon Aglow.

Our social and multi-cultural groups, including Coffee Speaks ‘N Tea Talks, the Wesley Chapel Theater Group, the Pasco Fine Arts Council, and many more, have fostered a deep sense of belonging within our community.

At its core, Avalon Park’s philosophy has always been that everyone belongs here. Over the past two decades, we’ve remained steadfast in realizing this vision by reshaping the way people live, learn, work, and play. Whether you’re here to live, learn, work, play, or all of the above, we want you to know that You Belong in Avalon Park. Our commitment to this ideal remains unwavering for the next 25 years and beyond.

Pasco County is the Perfect Place to START, MOVE or GROW Your Business

One of the fastest growing areas in the greater Tampa Bay region, Pasco County features a unique blend of undeveloped, open spaces in close proximity to the modern, vibrant communities that makes it a great location to live, visit, and do business.

Located at the apex of the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area, businesses of all sizes are taking notice of the tremendous benefits that come with locating in Pasco County including ready access to major interstate highways, rail lines, air transportation, and a deep sea port as well as a the diverse, skilled workforce that powers businesses throughout the

region. High-tech and aviation/aerospace companies are thriving and growing alongside manufacturers and business service providers, and local entrepreneurs are founding awardwinning, cutting edge companies throughout the county.

Whether your business is on the cusp of making its first dollar or working on its next million, the Pasco Economic Development Council has the programs you need to Start, Move or Grow your business here. Take some time to look around our site and discover how we help Pasco County businesses achieve their true potential.

Pasco EDC Announces 2024 Executive Committee Leaders

Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is pleased to announce the 2024 Executive Committee for its Board of Directors (Board). This year the Board will be led by Michele Hintson, Chair, Shumaker, Loop, and Kendrick, Staceyann Jibbison, Vice Chair, Rasmussen University, Paul Manuel, Secretary/Treasurer, Coastal Design Consultants, and Mike Ross, Immediate Past Chair, Ardurra Group.

“Having an engaged and supportive board, especially at the Executive Committee level, allows us to continue to learn and prosper in our everchanging economy and environment,” shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “We have

been blessed with some amazing professionals over the years, and this year’s group is being led by some of our most involved members. I have no doubt we will have a very successful year under their guidance.”

The Executive Committee meets numerous times throughout the year and provides guidance and support to assist in driving the Pasco EDC mission of stimulating balanced and diversified business growth. As business professionals in the community their leadership, guidance, and governance provides the organization with a variety of viewpoints and expertise that allow Pasco EDC to continue to evolve and support the Pasco County business community.

The Pasco EDC currently has 85 investors and 33 Board members. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with Pasco EDC or its investors, you can visit the website to make connections and find additional contact information.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Progress Pictures

LEARN

WORK

Tax Collector Mike Fasano Announces that $22,500 Was Raised During the Summer Donation Drive for the Pasco School District and Select Charter School’s ABC Program

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices collected donations this summer for the Pasco County School District and select charter schools’ ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program. The program was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful. In past years, the tax collector’s office has donated thousands of dollars to Pasco schools to support this important program.

“These uncertain economic times can provide extra stress upon families who have already had to deal with COVID and other challenges,” remarks Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Thanks to the ABC Program or its equivalent in many charter schools, funds can be designated to students and their families who are experiencing hardship or crisis. During the month of July our five offices collected monetary donations of $22,500 to help children and their families in their time of need.”

Ten Pasco elementary schools each received $2,000 each to be used by its respective ABC Program. Additionally, five Pasco charter schools received $500 each. The following schools all received donations via personal delivery by Pasco Tax Collector staff or by letter:

Cox Elementary School, Dade City

Lacoochee Elementary School, Lacoochee

West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Zephyrhills

Woodland Elementary School, Zephyrhills

Lake Myrtle Elementary School, Land O’ Lakes

Mary Giella Elementary School, Spring Hill

Gulfside Elementary School, Holiday

Hudson Primary School, Hudson

Sunray Elementary School, Holiday

Calusa Elementary School, New Port Richey

Dayspring Academy, Port Richey

Athenian Academy, New Port Richey

Pepin Academy of Pasco, New Port Richey

Learning Lodge Academy, New Port Richey Academy at the Farm, Dade City

“On behalf of the staff, students and families of Lacoochee Elementary School, we would like to thank you for your generous donation of $2,000!” wrote Principal Latoya Jordan. “it is rewarding for us to know that there are people like you who want our children to succeed just as much as we do, and this donation will help us to be more effective with their success. Because of your kindness, our students and families will experience the wonderful gift of caring that our community has to offer.”

“On behalf of the Athenian Academy of Technology and

the Arts, I just want to thank you for the generous gift of $500 to help provide uniforms for families in need at our school,” remarked Principal Evan Markowitz. “With recent Hurricane Idalia, we have a family going through the FEMA process now. This is one of the families these funds will be assisting with uniforms. We are working with the Students in Transition Program as well, to help get the family some additional resources during this difficult time too. I just want you to know that this donation was a big help to this family in need and will support many other families too. Thank you, we appreciate you folks for your support!”

For more information about the Pasco Tax Collector’s charitable giving programs in general, please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit www. pascotaxes.com Donations may also be mailed to the tax collector’s office at the following address: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. You may also visit our website to make online donations to the featured charity by using the following link: https://www.govhub.com/flpasco/tc-gives/donate

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices to Support Premier Community HealthCare’s Expansion of Medical Services During the Month of September

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will feature Premier Community HealthCare’s efforts to expand health services to those in need as the featured charitable organization for the month of September. All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit Premier Community HealthCare, which is the primary non-profit agency to provide health care to the un-insured and under-insured in Pasco County.

“For many years it has been an honor to be affiliated with Premier Community HealthCare and their efforts to provide and expand availability of medical services to those most in need in our community,” comments Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Premier Community HealthCare has a long history of providing medical care for those without access to primary health care in Pasco County. As our featured Charity-of-theMonth it is our hope to raise funds which will help Premier

Community HealthCare move closer to their goal to provide these services to even more individuals and families in need.”

Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. For those who would like to give online, the tax collector’s office’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations for Premier Community HealthCare (Charity of the Month) can be made: https://www.govhub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate

For more information about Premier Community HealthCare’s services please contact Cheryl Pollack, Community Engagement Officer at 352.518.2000, ext. 9012. For more information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com

Winners Announced for Pasco EDC’s 35th Annual Awards

The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) hosted its 35th Annual Awards event at the Pasco Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) with hundreds in attendance. The evening was presented by AdventHealth, Florida’s Sports Coast, USF Corporate Training & Professional Education, and Greater Tampa Realtors.

“It is always such an honor to recognize the companies who have made such an immense impact on our local economy and in our community. We had 20 finalists, and all were extremely deserving,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “It was a wonderful celebration, and we congratulate the five businesses who won and of course, a vital leader in our community, Ray Gadd.”

This year’s award finalists included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation, and community service. The winners were announced with stunning videos created by the evening’s Video Production Sponsor, JL Video (view videos here). The award winners for 2023 are:

Pasco Establishment Award: nfant Labs

In March 2022, nfant Labs expanded their business to Pasco County adding a 2,000 square foot product assembly manufacturing location in Port Richey. nfant Labs is a medical device and digital health company dedicated to improving the standard of care in infant feeding by providing objective, evidence-based feeding products. The product line helps Neonatal Intensive Care Units determine how premature babies are feeding so they can learn to feed on their own and navigate home safer, healthier, and sooner.

Economic Excellence Award (small category): Florida Avenue Brewing Company

Recently investing $900,000 in new equipment, Florida Avenue Brewing Company increased their brewing capacity from 40,000 to 70,000 thousand kegs, added eight new jobs in manufacturing and sales, including a fulltime lab manager now providing them the ability to run full testing on all products as well as help other smaller breweries with troubleshooting issues. The company also increased its footprint by expanding to the Destin area in the Florida panhandle and is looking to expand its presence overseas after participating in Enterprise Florida’s 2022 Trade Mission to Panama.

Economic Excellence Award (large category): Global Electronic Testing Services (GETS)

Experiencing rapid growth over the last year, GETS invested $1.6 million dollars in the purchase of an 8,600 square foot facility in West Pasco Industrial Park, and over $3 million dollars on new automation equipment, while hiring over 100 new employees. Since 2022 GETS has added over 209 new customers globally, 9 new services bringing the total to 27, and they have increased their Aerospace and Defense market from 10 to 60 percent. In addition to their testing services, GETS has developed an AI Counterfeit Vision System (patent pending) to continue to improve their efficiency and serve more customers at a faster pace.

SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Alexis C. Bell and Paul Dunlop, Fraud Doctor

Providing robust anti-fraud solutions, Fraud Doctor works to safeguard businesses from fraud threats, ensuring trust, integrity, and security within the marketplace. Their services are integral to creating a transparent and fair business environment. The FinTech’s founders, Alexis C. Bell and Paul Dunlop, joined SMARTstart in August of 2021 and are based at the SMARTstart at the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. Additionally, they actively participate in entrepreneur roundtables as well as classes and workshops. Fraud Doctor launched their new Šóta Signal Analytics product less than two years later at the Synapse Summit at Amalie Arena in early 2023.

Special Recognition: AmSkills

As a vital provider of hands-on training for high-demand trade skills, AmSkills is a non-profit shaping the future of American manufacturing. Their programs are instrumental in bridging the skills gap, ensuring a well-equipped workforce for the industries of tomorrow. In 2022, AmSkills has grown from 5 to 9 employees and has helped launch more than 200 new careers into the local manufacturing industry. They have recently invested $1.3 million in 4.5 acres and $2.2 million in a 13,600 square foot facility in Holiday, and an additional $1.3 million dollars in Advanced Manufacturing Training Equipment for Mechatronics, Robotics, Machining, 3D Printing, Laser and Metal Fabrication.

Leadership Award: Ray Gadd (full press release)

Ray Gadd has worked with Pasco County Schools for over 30 years and has served as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools since 2012. He is involved in several education and human service organizations, including serving on the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Pasco Planning Commission, Pasco Pediatric Foundation, and several other local nonprofit organizations. Ray worked to help pass the first Penny for Pasco referendum in 2004 which benefits schools, economic development, infrastructure, and more. Some of his recent successes he was heavily involved in include Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Angeline Academy of Innovation, and Starkey Ranch K8.

The event concluded with a dessert and networking hour following the award celebration giving guests the opportunity to connect and further develop business connections with almost 400 local professionals and leaders in attendance.

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