October is Manufacturing Month, and across Pasco County, the hum of production is more than just machinery: it’s the sound of progress. From precision optics and aerospace components to advanced materials and food products, local manufacturers are powering the region’s economy and shaping the future of American industry.
Pasco’s manufacturing sector has seen steady and impressive expansion in recent years, fueled by a skilled workforce, a strategic location in the Tampa Bay region, and a strong spirit of collaboration among businesses, educators, and community partners. Manufacturing creates opportunity, not just products. Each new job, innovation, and investment strengthens Pasco’s position as a leader in modern manufacturing and helps drive the region’s long-term prosperity.
To formally recognize the importance of this vital industry, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) adopted a resolution on September 16 proclaiming October as Manufacturing Month in Pasco County. Pasco EDC attended alongside the Bay Area Manufacturers' Association (BAMA) and AmSkills. The resolution celebrates the hard work and contributions of local manufacturers and underscores the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting workforce development, business growth, and innovation within the sector.
One highlight of this year’s celebration is the Pasco Manufacturing Bootcamp, hosted by AmSkills, which gives students and jobseekers hands-on experience with advanced tools, robotics, and production processes. Graduates of the program often go on to work with leading local employers, helping meet the region’s growing demand for skilled technical talent. For many, the bootcamp is not only a training opportunity but also a first step toward a lifelong, high-wage career close to home.
Throughout October, Pasco EDC joins partners including AmSkills, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, BAMA, Pasco-Hernando State College, and Pasco County Schools to celebrate these contributions and inspire the next generation of talent. Through plant tours, student workshops, and community events, these partnerships help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunity, showing students how creativity, technology, and teamwork come together to make things that matter.
At a past Manufacturing Month tour, Ron Martin, owner of Southlake Signs Tampa, a custom sign manufacturer in the West Pasco Industrial Park, opened his doors to students from the Commercial Design program at Marchman Technical College. During the visit, students got a behind-the-scenes look at how design concepts are transformed into precision-crafted signage using modern manufacturing techniques. One student, Anthony “Tony”, was so inspired by what he saw that he returned to Southlake Signs for an internship; a connection made possible through that single tour. His passion and dedication quickly stood out, and today, Ron has proudly hired Tony as a full-time employee. Their story highlights how meaningful industry engagement can spark interest, build skills, and lead directly to rewarding local careers.
While Manufacturing Month shines a well-deserved spotlight on the industry each October, the work of inspiring future makers shouldn’t stop there. Pasco EDC encourages manufacturers to open their doors year-round to offer student tours, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and community visits. Regular engagement helps students discover rewarding career paths and gives employers the chance to build long-term pipelines of motivated, skilled workers who understand their operations and culture. Manufacturers are encouraged to post their talent engagement opportunities on WorkforceCONNECT's tool, ConnectOPP.
These real-world connections transform curiosity into career interest, ultimately strengthening the local talent ecosystem that fuels Pasco’s continued growth. Manufacturing in Pasco County is more than an industry. It’s a community effort built on innovation, collaboration, and shared opportunity.
If you’re a manufacturer and would like to participate in this year’s celebration or future initiatives by offering tours, you can register here!