Volume 140 | August 2023

 
Weekly eConnection
801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602 Largo, FL 33770
Tel: 727-584-2321 Fax: 727-586-3112


Community Edition

Our 2023 Inspirers!

(Photo Credit: Advanced Video Systems)

Congratulations to our Inspire Award honorees recognized by a sold-out crowd last week. They are, from left:

Young Who Inspire: Dev Shah, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, and David Piehl, Largo Youth Leadership Council.

Inspiring our Young: Dr. Duncan MacMillan, musician and educator.

Inspiring Community Service: Nannette Prevost, Remember Me NFP, Inc.

Inspiring Public Service: Henry Schubert, City of Largo City Manager (retired).

Inspiring Business Leadership: Patricia Collins, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Robin Katchuk, Palms of Largo.

Inspiring Community Service: Danielle Noble, McManus & McManus, P.A.

A Full House Celebration!

(Photo Credit: Advanced Video Systems)

Dozens from throughout the region joined us in recognizing our 2023 Inspire Award honorees at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo last week. This 14th annual event was coordinated by the Chamber Women’s Leadership Committee. A special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors Advanced Video Systems, Home Instead Senior Care/Be a Santa to a Senior, McManus & McManus, P.A., Pinellas Technical College, Professional Systems Printing & Promotional Products, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Village Inn and VSL Computer Services.


Anteing up for a good cause… 

It was a night of fun for all those who took part in the Chamber’s Charity Poker Party last week. Our thanks to them for their generosity! Funds raised benefit the Chamber Education Fund (501c3) supporting Pinellas Technical College, Pinellas Public Schools and Chamber Business Education programming. A shout out to our sponsors Piper Fire Protection, Florida Casino Company, England Brothers Construction, Centratel and Minuteman Press Largo.

Welcome Coiffure Style in Belleair!

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official grand-opening of Coiffure Style in Belleair located at 516 Indian Rocks Road N, Belleair Bluffs. Owner of the business, Iris Haluka, did the honors surrounded by Chamber members, family and friends. Coiffure Style brings a European aesthetic to town. Its mission is to provide the best pampering services from lengthy nails to the perfect haircut. Salon chair rentals are currently available for area hairstylists and manicurists. The business can be reached at 727-600-8122.

70th Chamber Annual Meeting

& Awards Breakfast

Thursday, September 28, 2023 – 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Boulevard, Sand Key, FL

REGISTER HERE

Florida's tourism numbers dip in second quarter

Florida drew an estimated 33.092 million visitors during the quarter, keeping the state slightly ahead of an overall record pace of visitors in 2022. But the figure from April through June represented a 1.2 percent decrease from the second quarter of 2022, when it totaled 33.485 million.

Feds say Florida is failing to help many at risk of losing Medicaid

A letter sent by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says Florida may be out of compliance with federal rules as it conducts first purge of Medicaid rolls since the end of the pandemic.

Florida law meant to turbocharge affordable housing construction has kicked up a backlash

The Live Local Act is running into significant roadblocks because of another, less-publicized feature of the law that went into effect July 1: Provisions that override local zoning controls on building height and density.

More cases of locally acquired dengue reported in Florida as virus continues to spread

In total, 10 cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported in the state this year, with cases first occurring in January and March before returning this summer.


Thank you to our Trustees and Newsletter Sponsors

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Check Before Hire

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas Technical College

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Wealth Builders

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