Spotlight on Industry, Workforce, and Infrastructure.

The award ceremony Recognized three Outstanding local businesses along with a Pasco County community leader for their remarkable economic contributions.

The event’s theme was An Evening in Paris, where a touch of Parisian charm set the stage for celebrating the companies and leaders driving Pasco County’s growth and success.

The event was a memorable evening of networking and celebrating economic excellence in Pasco County, bringing together business professionals and local elected officials to recognize the achievements shaping our community.

A special thank you to our Hospitality Sponsor, Florida’s Sports Coast, and our Presenting Sponsors for the evening, AdventHealth, Speros, and YorkBridge Concepts.

The award winners featured leaders in their industry, global companies choosing Pasco County to expand, and an entrepreneur who utilized the SMARTstart Program to grow their business.

The winners were announced with riveting videos created by the evening’s Video Production Sponsor, TradeUp Marketing.

Award winners for 2026 are: 1. SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Mary Katherine Mason Alston, Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread, LLC, Dade City

2. Industry Impact: Speros Moffitt Cancer Center has expanded into Pasco County with Speros, a 775-acre research, industrial, and clinical development hub.

3. Economic Excellence Award: Bauducco Foods Bauducco purchased 85 acres of the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park R eady Site in the City of Zephyrhills.

4. Leadership Award: Michael J. Sierra

Sierra is a Tampa native and has worked in land development since 1985. ♥

Spivey Karate recently held its 47th Annual Fall Samurai Karate Tournament at the Ridge Manor Community Center.

The event had 60 non-Black Belt and 10 Black Belt competitors entered, with most participating in 3 or more divisions.

Schools represented were Community Christian Karate Club, West Pasco Korean Martial Arts, Ms. Debby’s Tang Soo Do, J. C. Karate & Spivey Karate.

This event wasn’t about proving superiority. It was about improving their martial arts skills with dignity, honor, & respect for all other competitors.

The Grand Champions were: (front 3, left to right): Riley Wilcox, Liam Messina, Joseph Martinez; (middle 7): Zain Trehuba, Jr. Grandrino, Cason Gragg, Matt Donahue, Skyeler Graham, Ayden Raikes,

Johnny Triplett; (back 5): Ashton Ahl, John Martinez, Justin Gragg, Jordan Bray, Ameriss Albandos. ♥