SMARTstartIn the News
2026
Largest employers in Pasco County
March 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Ranked by Number of employees in Pasco County
(Read Full Article)Marine salvage firm chooses Port Richey for U.S. headquarters
February 23, 2026
Suncoast News
A marine services provider specializing in vessel salvage and commercial diving has opened its U.S. headquarters in Port Richey.
(Read Full Article)Marine salvage and diving firm opens regional HQ in Pasco
February 16, 2026
Business Observer
A Pasco County-based marine services provider specializing in vessel salvage and commercial diving, Isla Maritime, is expanding its operations after opening its new U.S. headquarters in Port Richey this month, according to the Pasco County Economic Development Council.
(Read Full Article)Isla Maritime opens Port Richey headquarters as Pasco growth accelerates
February 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Isla Maritime, a marine services provider specializing in vessel salvage and commercial diving, has opened its headquarters in Port Richey, a move that gives the fast-growing company a permanent base on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
(Read Full Article)LILLY Learning Center offers students, parents alternative direction on path of education
February 9, 2026
Bay News 9
Lexa Duno opened the LILLY Learning Center as an alternative teaching method for students with learning disabilities. The learning center is helping shape the young minds of tomorrow.
(Read Full Article)Bank OZK donates to microloan program
February 5, 2026
Laker Lutz News
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that Bank OZK has donated $4,000 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program and became a Partner Investor in the organization.
(Read Full Article)LILLY supports learners beyond traditional classrooms
February 4, 2026
Laker Lutz News
Lexa Duno has supported nearly 200 families and educators in the Tampa Bay area since opening LILLY Education Foundation in July 2024.
(Read Full Article)SMARTstart Microloan Program Receives Donation from Bank OZK
February 3, 2026
What's What New Port Richey
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is excited to announce that Bank OZK has donated $4,000 to the SMARTstart Microloan Program and has become a Partner Investor in the organization. The Microloan Program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business.
(Read Full Article)Pasco food incubator’s latest class shows off food and drink at Dade City fair
February 2, 2026
Tampa Beacon
After 26 years in the Air Force, Jazmin Burpee is ready for a very different kind of mission.
The Wesley Chapel resident wants to build a business around the food she has long cooked for her friends, neighbors and family, Puerto Rican dishes so popular she once catered a quinceanera.
(Read Full Article)Advanced Technology Company Expands Operations, Moves Headquarters to Pasco County
January 29, 2026
What's What New Port Richey
Pasco EDC is pleased to announce that The Fulfillment Lab, an advanced technology and logistics company specializing in proprietary fulfillment software, has expanded its operations and relocated its headquarters to Pasco County, Florida.
(Read Full Article)