Volume 288 | July 2026

 

Weekly E-Connection

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602

Largo, Florida 33770

Tel: 727-584-2321 www.CentralChamber.biz


All About Business Edition

July 14, 2026

Nominations close NEXT WEEK 7-24!

Here's the link with all the nomination categories and details:

INSPIRE NOMINATION

Sponsorships kindly requested

Reserve your sponsorship here: INSPIRE SUPPORT

Grab an extra Go-to Guide

Your Chamber's 2026-2027 Go-to Guide has been distributed to every member and then some. If you'd like an extra copy or two, visit our office during regular business hours.

Central Pinellas Chamber

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602

Largo 33770

A special thanks to all our guide advertisers!

PROUD MEMBER

Welcome Direct Auto Insurance


Theresa Rutland, District Sales Manager of Direct Auto Insurance, is presented a Chamber plaque by Ambassador Wendy Swertfeger of LegalShield/IDShield. They're joined by Miguel Diaz, Market Development Manager. The local office is at 13256 66th Street N., Largo.


Direct Auto Insurance is a member of the Allstate® family, offering flexible payment options, low down payments, and competitive rates that may save you hundreds. Since 1991, millions of customers have relied on its quality coverage and service. Here's a link with more information: Direct Auto Insurance

THIS Thursday

7/16 @ 4 pm

REGISTER HERE:

Belleair Towers

Do you have a grand opening or major anniversary to celebrate? We want to help share your success. The Chamber will provide you with the large scissors, ribbon, and Chamber members. Membership required plus $150. Reach out to tom@centralchamber.biz

Register Here: COFFEE AN'

Reach more than 1,000 Chamber contacts

$50 an ad - $25 non-profit rate

Order here: E-Connection

Most readers oppose Florida's property tax plan, poll finds - A USA Today Network-Florida readers poll found 55.6% oppose Amendment 3, the GOP-led property tax overhaul. The measure would deliver a significant tax cut but could drain municipalities of money for essential services. [Source: Florida Today]


Invasive Burmese pythons have established a new hot spot in Florida, wildlife experts say - Burmese pythons have established a new breeding colony in western Charlotte County, outside their usual Everglades range, wildlife officials say. Researchers warn the apex predators could further disrupt the region's native ecosystems. [Source: ABC News]


South Florida businesses report economic boom, as FIFA officials estimate a billion dollar economic impact - South Florida businesses are reporting a windfall from the FIFA tournament, with officials estimating a $1.3 billion economic impact for the region. Some Miami Gardens restaurants said sales jumped as fans packed local spots. [Source: CBS News Miami]


Florida gas prices shoot up after tensions escalate in U.S.-Iran conflict [ABC7 Suncoast] - Florida gas prices climbed after U.S.-Iran tensions escalated over the weekend, pushing the state average to $3.82 a gallon, AAA said. Analysts warn prices could stay volatile amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty.


Four Florida alligator attacks spark fear. Experts urge caution [Ocala StarBanner] - Four alligator attacks in a two-week span, including one fatal, have stoked fear in Florida. But experts urge caution, noting fatal attacks remain rare among the state's estimated 1.3 million gators.


After court blocked 'Woke' ban, professors 'cautiously optimistic' [NBC 6 South Florida] - Florida professors voiced cautious optimism after a federal appeals court upheld an injunction blocking part of the state's "Stop WOKE Act," which restricted how race and related topics are taught at public universities.


Stomach parasite sickens at least 60 in Florida as cases climb nationwide [CBS12] - Florida has confirmed 60 cases of cyclosporiasis, part of a nationwide summer outbreak that has sickened 843 people across 31 states, the CDC says. The foodborne parasite spreads through contaminated produce or water.


Powerful El Niño could mean a rough Florida winter [Palm Beach Post] - A powerful El Niño could ease Florida's hurricane season but bring a rough winter, forecasters say. The pattern shoves the jet stream south, and past strong El Niños have spawned deadly Florida tornadoes.


Home construction slows as Florida builders cut prices and offer deals [Naples Daily News] - New-home construction is plunging in Southwest Florida, with single-family permits down 21.4% through May from a year earlier, FGCU research shows. Builders are cutting prices and offering deals to move inventory.

Thank you to our Board of Trustees and E-Connection Sponsors

ARC

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

Florida Blue

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas County Housing Authority

Piper Fire Protection - A Fortis Group

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

Serenity Funeral Home and Serenity

Gardens Memorial Park

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Tommy's Express Car Wash

Valley National Bank

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Vitas Healthcare

To learn more about becoming a Trustee, contact Tom@CentralChamber.biz

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