The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Monthly Membership Luncheon - Pasco County Office of Economic Growth was held at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy, Trinity. The featured speaker was David H. Engel, MCRP, AICP, Economic Growth Manager, Pasco County Office Of Economic Growth.

David spoke to the Group about Pasco Economic Development Projects and Accomplishments, Commercial Real Estate Trends and Areas of New Found Opportunities. He brings over 32 years of experience in the public and private sector of economic growth.

David gave a virtual trip through the County identifying approved Penny-For-Pasco funded economic development projects and initiatives. Projects will range from world class target industrial facilities and high visibility comprehensively planned business park developments.

He highlighted the most exciting development under construction, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel who has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of their community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools. They are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods, very much like the footprints of small towns found across America. The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

From his presentation, you had a first-hand understanding of the economic development and incentive process and successful funding strategies of current commercial and industrial market trends including the County's transition into a post COVID 19 economy. Lastly, he provided an overview focusing on economic development and health opportunities supported by recent commercial business and resident engagement survey results.