SMARTstartIn the News
2026
Pasco County among the fastest-growing in Florida
March 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Pasco County added more than 86,000 people from 2020 to 2025, according to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research. This put it among the top 10 in terms of population growth in the state.
(Read Full Article)Moffitt Wesley Chapel has a milestone, Grow Pasco event takes shape
March 6, 2026
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Pasco growth: Moffitt Cancer Center at Wesley Chapel marks five years of expansion, strengthening its collaboration with AdventHealth and increasing patient volumes.
(Read Full Article)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)