From the President's Desk

*****Welcome to November, the month of giving thanks! And I’m sure I speak for most in thanks that this election cycle will be over soon. Hopefully!

*****Whatever the outcome, we’ll all continue with our day-to-day. Plus, we’ll get some added time with family and friends to celebrate the holidays.

*****Your Chamber has some fun events to enjoy the season, including our inaugural Caribbean Nights Casino Party on Nov. 12 at Cove Cay Golf Club. This is a fundraiser that supports our Chamber Education Fund, a 501c3 non-profit. We’re in need of prize donations, sponsors and guests, so please do what you can to help make it a success. There is more information below.

*****On Dec. 7, we will be toasting the holidays with a special B2B Happy Hour at Clearwater Yacht Club. We’re looking for a few sponsors to offset the costs. $100 gets your business 10x that in exposure and time at the mic to address the crowd that night. Reach out to me if you’re interested.

*****Also on tap is our very popular Annual Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Holiday Inn Harbourside, Indian Rocks Beach. It’s presented by our Women’s Leadership Committee, and it too supports our Education Fund. Consider a donation of a gift basket, gift card, bottles of cheer, etc. to support the cause.

*****To register for these events and more, visit our website calendar here: https://www.centralchamber.biz/events

*****Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous month. And thank you for your continued Chamber support and loyalty!

*****Tom Morrissette, President

Casino Night is Saturday November 12!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

Coffee An' Networking at Girls Inc of Pinellas

Thank you to Darla Otey of Girls Inc of Pinellas for hosting our Coffee An' Networking event last Thursday! Thank you to our Sponsors Piper Fire Protection and Cloud Law Firm, and a big shout out to Coffe Amor for providing the delicious coffee. What a fun morning, all about business-to-business networking! And there was some great Halloween trivia, too. Who’ll ever forget the state where it’s against the law to wear a priest, rabbi, or nun costume even today. Jail time and a big fine!

A new horizon...

Largo breaks ground for milestone development

Largo city leaders did the ceremonial shovel in the ground to celebrate the start of the Horizon West Bay project at West Bay Drive. The $80-million mixed-use complex will be home to Largo City Hall, 18,000 square feet of retail/commercial space and covered parking for 350 vehicles. Its plan to open in late 2024. To see more, visit www.HorizonWestBay.com

*****Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

*****When: November 11 at 1 PM

*****Where: AMA Medical Group

*****1280 Missouri Avenue, Largo 33770

*****

*****Let's celebrate with AMA Medical Group -*****Register here.

‘On borrowed time.’ Why coastal Florida keeps rebuilding after storms like Hurricane Ian

Southwest Florida has already answered the immediate question after Hurricane Ian slammed into the coast, killing dozens of people and destroying thousands of homes with record-high storm surge: Will we rebuild?

Florida Republicans register 9 new voters for every 1 new Democrat in months leading to midterms

Florida has 5.28 million registered Republicans for the Nov. 8 election — an increase of more than 86,376 from the number of Republicans registered to vote in the August primary. The state has 4.97 million Democrats — just 9,380 more than the number who were registered to vote in August.

NHC says 90% chance Caribbean tropical depression will form

The National Hurricane Center is keeping its eye on a system in the Caribbean with high chances to become the season’s next tropical depression.

Fall festivals help Central Florida farms stay green with cash

Agritourism combines two of Florida’s largest industries, agriculture and tourism, to offer visitors fun things to do on Florida’s farms. Fall is a big season for locals seeking a rustic escape.

FPL seeking to recoup $1 billion from state customers to cover Ian power restoration

After pouring workers and equipment into restoring electricity after Hurricane Ian, Florida Power & Light expects to seek approval to recoup about $1.1 billion from customers.