Pasco EDC Announces Winners for the 37th Annual Awards

September 5, 2025

Last night’s award ceremony recognized six outstanding local businesses along with a Pasco County native community leader for their remarkable economic contributions.

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (September 5, 2025) — The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) hosted its 37th Annual Awards event last night at Saddlebrook Resort. With over 300 people in attendance, the event was a great night of networking and celebrating economic excellence in Pasco County. A special thank you to our Finalist Reception Sponsor, Greater Tampa REALTORS, Hospitality Sponsor, Florida’s Sports Coast, and our Presenting Sponsors for the evening, AdventHealth and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Property Group.

“We had a great night recognizing businesses who have made a significant economic impact in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “And it was truly an honor to recognize Dewey Mitchell who has made a tremendous contribution to making Pasco County the place it is today.”

The award finalists this year included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, workforce innovation, and community service. The winners were announced with captivating videos created by the evening’s Video Production Sponsor, TradeUp Marketing, formerly JL Video (view videos here).

The award winners for 2025 are:

1. SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Andria Roscart, Athenaeum Brew Lounge
   1. Andria opened her brick-and-mortar business in 2024 after building out her facility located in the heart of downtown Dade City. It combines Andria’s dream of creating a place to get quality beer while spending time with friends and family. Andria learned how to start and grow a business utilizing knowledge gained as a graduate of the SMARTstart CO.STARTERS program. She applied this knowledge to open her facility and expand her business.
2. Special Contribution: Pasco News Media Group LLC
   1. Reporter Bryan Farrow opened Pasco News in 2020 with a focus on being direct and sharing pertinent information as quickly as possible through his website and Facebook page with over 120,000 followers. During the 2024 hurricane season, they pivoted all communications to assist in sharing the importance of emergency alerts regarding Pasco County and launched a mobile app, which many residents looked to for updates.
3. Pasco Establishment Award: Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory
   1. Located in the West Pasco Industrial Park in Odessa, Thirsty Buffalo Brew Factory opened their new facility in September 2024. The company manufactures their own craft beer and co-packs other non-alcoholic beverages. After investing $100,000 in a new canning line and brewing equipment, Thirsty Buffalo is manufacturing their products on site and entering new markets.
4. Innovation in Workforce Development: METTLER TOLEDO
   1. METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection Division opened in Pasco County in 2016 and employs over 700 individuals with a focus on employee retention. They work with local training organizations to provide educational facility tours to students. The company created The METTLER TOLEDO Early Career Experience (ECE) Program which offers recent graduates a structured program that introduces them to various areas within the company.
5. Economic Excellence Award (small category): Escape Brewing Company
   1. With over $1 million dollars in capital investment, Escape Brewing Company has expanded its operations at Trinity by building a production facility, taproom, and beer garden which has given them the opportunity to double their production capacity. Additionally, the 2.5 acre expansion has allowed them to create a food hall, the first of its kind in Pasco County.
6. Economic Excellence Award (large category): Merrell Bros, Inc.
   1. Over the last year, Merrell Brothers has invested over $10 million in new land, buildings and equipment to expand their Pasco County operations. Their product lines consist of biosolids-derived fertilizers used in farming and general agricultural applications. A part of their investment included a new 28,000 square foot facility called Florida Green. The company has hired over thirty full-time positions in the past year.
7. Leadership Award: Dewey Mitchell (Read full press release)
   1. Dewey Mitchell is the Owner and Co-Broker of the highly recognizable local real estate firm, Capstone Tropical Holdings, Inc., comprised of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group and other entities through which he has brokered many deals in Pasco County that have resulted in a positive economic impact. He is an entrepreneur, thoughtful real estate mogul, Olympian, servant community leader, and family man.

The awards ceremony concluded, and attendees moved to the dinner and trade show portion of the event where exhibitors ranged from technology companies to Pasco County manufacturers.

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About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida's most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses, that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential.  Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.  Discover more at www.pascoedc.com.