Business and community leaders from across Pasco County will gather at PHSC’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, with longtime developer Michael J. Sierra set to receive the 2026 Leadership Award.

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Business and community leaders from across Pasco County are gathering in Wesley Chapel today for the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 38th Annual Awards.

The annual event takes place Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, located at 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., followed by a networking and dining reception through 5:45 p.m. The awards celebration is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a coffee and dessert reception until 8 p.m.

Pasco EDC describes the annual gathering as one of the county’s major business events, bringing together business executives, community leaders and organizations involved in Pasco County’s economic development.

This year’s theme is “An Evening in Paris.”

Michael J. Sierra to receive Leadership Award

A major part of this year’s program will be the recognition of Michael J. Sierra, selected by the Pasco EDC Policy Council as the recipient of its 2026 Leadership Award.

Sierra has worked in land development for more than three decades. His projects include Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County, along with developments elsewhere in the Tampa Bay region and other states.

His connection to the Wesley Chapel area extends beyond development.

Through the Sierra Family Foundation, Sierra has supported organizations including the YMCA, the Pasco Education Foundation and local health-care institutions. Pasco EDC said the award recognizes both his impact on economic development and his involvement in the community.

A video tribute honoring Sierra is scheduled to be shown during tonight’s program.

Why the event matters locally

The location of the event is significant for Wesley Chapel.

The PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center sits in an area experiencing continued residential, commercial and institutional growth. Nearby projects and developments have increasingly made Wesley Chapel an important center for business activity within Pasco County.

Events such as the Pasco EDC awards also provide a snapshot of the companies, developers and community leaders influencing that growth.

For residents, that can eventually translate into new employers, commercial development, infrastructure demands and changes in the local economy.

Online registration for tonight’s event has closed. Pasco EDC directs people seeking last-minute attendance information to contact the organization.

Event details

Date: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 Location: PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel Doors open: 4:30 p.m. Awards program: 6–7 p.m. Event concludes: 8 p.m.

Sources: Pasco Economic Development Council — 38th Annual Awards; Pasco EDC — “Pasco EDC Honors Michael J. Sierra With 2026 Leadership Award.”