More than 62% of Pasco County's commercial landscaping grant dollars have gone to businesses in West Market districts, which includes the Land O' Lakes and Lutz corridor, according to data presented at a Wednesday, July 15, meeting of the county's Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee.

The nine-member committee met at 1:30 p.m. at the Pasco County Public Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O' Lakes. The session's agenda covered grant program reviews, a trust fund financial update, and the seating of a new committee member. Official minutes have not yet been posted.

Chairman Mike Davis and Vice-Chairman Jay Michlin lead the committee, which oversees the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund. That fund is the economic development portion of Penny for Pasco, the one-cent local sales tax voters renewed in 2022 with 65% support for an additional 15 years through December 2039.

Steven Smith, assistant director of business and financial operations, presented a revenue update showing the fund is projected to bring in $141.1 million through 2030. Expenditures to date total $74.6 million. Another $37.6 million is programmed for board-approved awards and pending obligations.

Deryk Berger, a program manager with the Office of Economic Growth, presented the landscaping grant data. The Commercial Landscaping Grant Program has distributed $2.56 million of its $2.81 million budget through fiscal year 2026, leaving just $200,847 available. The program received 257 inquiries total, with 179 from the West Market area.

The committee also reviewed the Commercial Redevelopment Landscaping Grant, which offers $20,000 or $40,000 awards with a 20% match for businesses with 25 or fewer employees, and a Small Business Landscaping Grant covering up to 80% of eligible costs. A mobility fee reduction for locally owned retail, recreation, and institutional projects was also on the agenda.

The fund has previously supported projects including a $21 million commitment to Moffitt Cancer Center and a $4.6 million expansion by VantagePoint AI in Wesley Chapel that is expected to add 60 high-wage jobs.

The committee's next public meeting is Wednesday, October 21. A location has not been announced. Residents can attend in person to comment on agenda items.