Persistence pays off on Heritage Springs’ second hole
CLEARWATER — Jan Baburek played Heritage Springs in Trinity nearly five days a week for 15 years. It took every one of them to get her first hole-in-one.
Baburek, 77, a resident of the Regency Oaks retirement community in Clearwater, aced the course’s second hole, a 117-yard par 3.
“I played that course at Heritage Springs almost five days a week for 15 years and never made it,” she said. “I was so excited when I saw the ball go in. It was such a fun surprise and a moment I’ll always remember.”
Lindsay Weaver, executive director at Regency Oaks, said Baburek’s persistence finally paid off.
“Her story is a reminder that there is no age limit on pursuing new milestones,” Weaver said.
Regency Oaks is a life care community offering independent living, assisted living and long-term care. For information, visit regencyoaksseniorliving.com.
Kia dealership hands out school supplies
WESLEY CHAPEL — Kia of Wesley Chapel handed out backpacks and school supplies to children Aug. 8 at its Kia for a Cause giveaway, days before Pasco County classes resumed.
Local businesses staffed booths at the dealership. Among them were Chad and April Emory of Emorys Rock Realty, who gave each child a bracelet stamped with a phrase: “I am worthy,” “I am loved,” “I am kind” or “I am brave.”
The Emorys asked children which superhero they would want to be. Spider-Man was the common answer. One child said his father. Another said Jesus.
Pasco EDC chief named state’s top economic developer
Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, has been named Florida’s economic development professional of the year.
The Florida Economic Development Council announced Aug. 10 that Cronin will receive its 2026 Eunice Sullivan Award, which honors a career’s work in the field. He has spent more than 30 years in economic development in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, including 10 years with Enterprise Florida, now FloridaCommerce.
Cronin took over the Pasco EDC in January 2016 after a national search. Since then, the agency says it has helped companies expand or relocate in Pasco County, generating more than $1.8 billion in capital investment and more than 11,600 jobs.
“While this award may have my name on it, I see it as a reflection of the extraordinary team we have at the Pasco Economic Development Council,” Cronin said.
Beth Cicchetti, executive director of the state council, said Cronin’s ability to build partnerships has strengthened both Pasco County and the profession statewide.
The award dates to 1985 and was renamed in 1991 for Eunice Sullivan. Last year’s recipient was Keith Norden of Team Volusia.