Business digest

By Times Staff
Published February 25, 2008

Taxpayers must file to get stimulus rebate

Taxpayers who have not filed income tax returns in past years must file this year to receive the economic stimulus tax rebate. Seniors who receive Social Security income should complete Form 1040A, Line 14a. Please sign and send it to: IRS, Atlanta, GA, 39901. For information, call Natalie Green, United Way and IRS Tax Specialist, at 727 857-9650.

Law firm shiftsto life-care planning

The Hook Law Group announces plans to shift its focus to life-care planning - a comprehensive approach to dealing with issues of the elderly - while continuing its practice of elder law, says Joan Nelson Hook, a board-certified lawyer who founded the New Port Richey law firm.

One of the country's first law firms to build its practice around elder law, the Hook Law Group will incorporate wide-ranging elements that explore a client's physical, legal and financial well-being, up to and including the end of life. By its very design, life-care planning preserves a client's quality of life and frequently involves family members in consultations.

Hook Law Group, 4918 Floramar Ter., may be reached at (727) 842-1001 or by visiting www.elderlawcenter.com.

Realty agency owner launches new firm

Bill Nye, owner of Century 21 Bill Nye Realty Inc., is pleased to announce a new commercial enterprise. Nye Commercial Advisors is a full-service agency specializing in all areas of commercial real estate buying, selling, leasing, exchanging, investment, business brokerage and development.

Nye brings more than 35 years of commercial leadership and expertise to his newly formed company. Century 21 Bill Nye Realty Inc. continues to serve residential clients'real estate needs, giving the same service the community has come to expect. Nye said the combination of the two real estate entities, with separate offices for residential and commercial, will enhance the specialization of client needs.

Nye Commercial Advisors, under the leadership of Bill Nye, CCIM (since 1980), is joined by agent Scott Hileman, who already holds an MBA, the CCIM and the ALC designations (Accredited Land Consultant). Tom "mobile home" Parks and Michael Bailey are both CCIM candidates, with Bailey anticipating completing the CCIM and the ALC designation by the end of the year. Agents Nick Hagivretas, Brent Nye, Herb Weinstein and assistant Shannon Shafer round out the team.

Nye Commercial Advisors is located at 26232 Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz. Visit www.nyecommercial.com.

Spine and joint center marks year of service

Community Hospital has announced that its Spine and Joint Care Center will celebrate one year of providing spine and joint care with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. March 6 at the center, 5637 Marine Parkway, New Port Richey. The public is invited to see this high-amenity unit with all private rooms, a hotel feel, family dining and much more. Refreshments and appetizers will be served, and prize drawings will be conducted. Those who attend should enter through the hospital's main entrance, and they will be escorted to the Spine and Joint Care Center. Call toll-free 1-877-442-2362.

Real estate company purchases Pasco rival

Prudential Tropical Realty has just purchased First Choice Realty of New Port Richey. First Choice Realty, along with the sales executives and staff, will blend into the Trinity office with Larry Stockton as managing broker.

"This latest purchase was a strategic move to further strengthen our growing presence in the Pasco market," explains Dewey Mitchell, co-owner of Prudential Tropical Realty. "We are actively pursuing companies that not only fit our mission and culture, but allow us to strengthen our brand and position throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando counties."

First Choice Realty has served the Pasco County market since 2000. Company co-owners Kathy Despota and Cathy Progin decided the time was right to align themselves with a company that has strong national brand recognition.

This is the fourth company acquisition in as many months for Prudential Tropical Realty, which is now the second-largest real estate company in the Tampa Bay area with 14 offices and more than 600 sales executives and employees.

E-mail business news items to lazich@sptimes.com or mail to Pasco Times Business Digest, P.O. Box 879, Port Richey, FL 34673-0879.

[Last modified February 24, 2008, 21:39:21]