The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Traffic at median on U.S. 41 and Asbel Road to be redirected

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The U.S. 41 median at Asbel Road in Land O’ Lakes closed and began reconstruction work July 10. It will remain closed to all vehicles around-the-clock until approximately the afternoon of July 17.

Traffic is being redirected at the median at U.S. 41 and Asbel Road in Land O’ Lakes, to allow reconstruction work to be done. (Mike Camunas)

The Florida Department of Transportation recommends the following detours for drivers and residents of these adjoining neighborhoods:

  • Northbound U.S. 41 to westbound Asbel Road: Continue north past Asbel Road, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard., go south on U.S. 41 and turn right onto westbound Asbel Road.
  • Southbound U.S. 41 to eastbound Asbel Road: Continue south past Asbel Road, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard, go north on U.S. 41 and turn right onto eastbound Asbel Road.
  • Eastbound Asbel Road to Northbound U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto southbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard, then go north on U.S. 41.
  • Eastbound Asbel Road continuing east across U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto southbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Ensemble Boulevard to go north on U.S. 41, then turn right onto eastbound Asbel Road.
  • Westbound Asbel Road to Southbound U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto northbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard, then go south on U.S. 41.
  • Westbound Asbel Road continuing west across U.S. 41: Turn right from Asbel Road onto northbound U.S. 41, U-turn at Mossy Timber Boulevard to go south on U.S. 41, then turn right onto westbound Asbel Road.

For U.S. 41 project information and to sign up to receive alerts, visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/257/256324-2-52-01.

Published July 12, 2023

 

Public invited to help Pasco shape its future

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Pasco County will host its second series of workshops to invite public involvement in the update of the county’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, according to a county news release.

The workshops will be at:

  • Elsie Logan Memorial Park, at 15830 Greenglen Lane, in Shady Hills, on July 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The Community Center at Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., on July 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All are welcome to attend these workshops, which will include a brief overview of Pasco 2050, a discussion of the issues and opportunities identified during the first series of workshops, and interactive exercises intended for members of the public to share their thoughts on the future vision of Pasco County.

Those unable to attend can provide input through the county’s Visioning Survey, which is available at MyPas.co/2050VisioningSurvey.

To register for updates on upcoming community meetings, community engagement, and other information about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published July 12, 2023

Free scallop sorters available for Pasco scallop season

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Scallop seekers are being offered a tool to help them know when to keep scallops and when to toss them back into the water to let them grow for another year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is providing the sorters for free, in an effort to promote sustainable scalloping. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is offering free Scallop Sorters to scallopers, in an effort to encourage sustainable scalloping practices in Pasco County, according to a county news release.

The free Scallop Sorters are available at the Florida’s Sports Coast office, 1938 Duck Slough Blvd., in Trinity, during regular business hours.

There is a limit of two per family, while supplies last.

The Scallop Sorter tool, developed by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, helps to keep smaller, underdeveloped scallops from being harvested.

Pasco County’s scallop season began on July 1 and runs through Aug. 6.

“Promoting sustainable tourism is important to our Florida’s Sports Coast team and to our destination offerings, such as scalloping,” Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, said in the release. “As we gear up for the launch of our 37-day scalloping season this summer, we’re encouraging first-time and returning scallopers to use ethical practices to help ensure the health and quality of our Bay Scallop population for years to come.”

The Scallop Sorter is easy to use. Simply place the tool above each scallop to check its size. If it’s too small, toss the scallop back so it can have a chance to grow for another scallop season, the release says.

For more information, visit FlSportsCoast.com/scalloping for tips on enjoying Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.

Published July 12, 2023

Pasco County Schools names new communications director

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Pasco County Schools has hired Melanie Waxler as its new director of strategic communications.

She replaces Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, who retired from the district’s top communications post on June 20.

In announcing Waxler’s appointment and Hegarty’s departure, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted Waxler’s extensive communications background and said he’s excited about the positive impact he believes she will have in the district.

But he also took a few minutes to thank Hegarty, noting that he marveled at Hegarty’s impressive work ethic, his calming influence and his sense of humor.

He noted that Hegarty took over leadership of district communications at the beginning of COVID and played a key role in helping to communicate the district’s response to the pandemic.

Hegarty also was heavily involved in crisis communications, Browning said.

The superintendent said the vast majority of Hegarty’s time was devoted to dealing with crises that occurred in the district, “generally because some kid made a stupid choice and posted something very stupid on social media.”

“They should know better. It disrupts our educational environment,” Browning said.

Browning said he appreciated Hegarty’s sage counsel, noting there were times he wanted to say something, but thought better of it, after talking to Hegarty.

“I always knew that when Steve told me something, I could take it to the bank,” the superintendent said.

Published July 12, 2023

Dr. Brian Anderson Brings the Best in Longevity Medicine to Wesley Chapel

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A new longevity clinic has arrived in Wesley Chapel that offers patients state-of-the-art medical testing and cutting-edge treatments, so they can live their best lives.

Led by Dr. Brian Anderson, the clinic offers holistic longevity medicine that does comprehensive health analyses to figure out the root causes of health issues — which leads to treatments that increase a patient’s overall health so they are better suited to deal with disease, injury and the burdens of growing older.

Wesley Chapel is actually Dr. Anderson’s fourth clinic — his business keeps growing as his patients find great success in achieving their health goals and spread the word of their happiness.

But Dr. Anderson didn’t always specialize in longevity care. He cut his teeth in medicine as an ER doctor, and it was there he had his own defining moment on his health journey.

Dr. Brian Anderson

“What led me down this path, these modalities of care, is that I had my own personal health crisis. I was an ER doctor working in the trauma room and really wasn’t sleeping well. I was stressed all the time and had fatigue symptoms,” Dr. Anderson recalls. “So, I went to several different medical providers trying to seek answers, and even as a doctor myself, the providers weren’t listening to what I was saying.”

“Finally, I ran into a holistic practitioner that checked my thyroid level and I had very low thyroid hormones. So, I started to treat that issue — and that treatment changed my life. That’s what prompted me to study this and treat patients this way.”

The reason longevity medicine is so effective is because it provides an alternative to traditional “sick care” — the typical medical standard where patients are only trying to manage chronic disease, but are not given the treatment or therapies to prevent disease.

Instead, Dr. Anderson’s holistic longevity medicine bolsters a patient’s reserve capacity and increases their overall health, so when they’re met with health challenges, they’re able to push past them.

So how does this look for a typical patient?

“Most treatments are individualized for each patient,” Dr. Anderson tells us. “The most common things we treat are hormonal deficiencies, and we do testing that looks at micronutrients in the body — vitamins, amino acids, minerals, etc. — so then, we can use data to help guide people with their diet and supplementation. We also do weight loss programs.”

Dr. Anderson tells us most of his referrals are word of mouth. “A typical patient is one like a 40-year-old woman that recently came in that was told they were starting to have pre-menopause symptoms — weight gain, low sex drive, hot flashes. That patient had seen several doctors, but those providers didn’t really understand hormones. She’d have blood work from her doctor and they’d say, ‘You’re fine, there’s nothing wrong with you.’”

“When she found us, she came in and we gave her a complete hormone panel. Her previous doctor only ordered one out of the eight to ten tests we look at. We investigated the results then started her on a treatment plan. At her eight-week appointment, she had already started to lose weight and had referred two of her friends to us. She’s now lost almost 40 pounds and is like our unofficial spokesperson.”

Dr. Anderson said this kind of story motivates him. “In sick care, you don’t get that kind of feedback. You just prescribe medications and send patients on their way.”

“With us, we get to see the results. Were able to help mitigate the other diseases that come with hormone deficiency and aging — obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes. It’s great, because we are able to keep patients off those types of treatment and meds, but more importantly, helps them feel well.

He continues, “In our clinic, we’re able to take the time and ask the hard questions — sometimes intimate questions — to get to the right test, the right answer and the right treatment.”

Although a Tampa native, Dr. Anderson grew up in Tennessee. He went to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and held his residency at the University of New England, with additional training at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

The medicine he practices now is all evidence-based. “I’m a board-certified physician, and we’re using the best publications and research in medical science that demonstrate wellness and the goals we’re trying to help patients achieve.”

The clinic treats adults of all ages, and Dr. Anderson emphasizes he wants to help guide his patients to be better versions of themselves.

“Because your quality of life matters. If you’ve been searching for answers and not finding any, we offer solutions that traditional medicines would not provide. We want to be the guide to help patients live their best life.”

For more information about Dr. Anderson’s Longevity Clinic, visit AndersonLongevityClinic.com or call (904) 667-0667

Mattamy Homes Offers Quick Move-In Homes at Top Area Locations

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Mattamy Homes has just released an array of quick move-in homes available in great locations throughout the North Tampa and Pasco County area. Even with low inventory levels in the housing market now, Mattamy provides homebuyers with the power of choice and an array of quick move-in homes that are available and attainable now. 

With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates its dedication to providing the BEST homebuyer experience through thoughtful home design details, meaningful value and team members who are with homebuyers every step of the journey. Mattamy focuses on the intrinsic value of a given area such as the Tampa Bay area — scenic beauty, natural features, nearby attractions, local culture and accessible conveniences. Then, they deliver a variety of floorplans specifically designed for comfort, space, light and air — including the most sought-after features, according to satisfied customers.

So, who is Mattamy Homes? Since 1978, Mattamy Homes has been building homes that break the mold with their inspired designs. As the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America, Mattamy has a commitment to excellence that has been evident since the beginning, along with numerous Customer Satisfaction and industry award wins. Visit a Mattamy Homes community and you’ll experience the Mattamy difference with beautiful streetscapes and exterior styles. Attention to detail is apparent inside and outside of each home, with open and airy layouts that include charming, versatile living spaces.

Timberdale Largo dining room

3 New Neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings in Wesley Chapel

Mattamy now offers three new-home neighborhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community, Chapel Crossings, located off S.R. 54 and Chapel Crossings Blvd. These neighborhoods offer homes designed for any lifestyle and include townhomes, single-family homes and low-maintenance paired villas.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to you with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs — the Largo, Oceana and Regatta — offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a flex room or study. These range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet and include lawn maintenance for easy living, so you have more time to do what you want. 

For those homebuyers looking for a single-family home, Mattamy’s offerings at Asbury at Chapel Crossings include nine single-family home designs with 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 4 baths, and a 2-car or larger garage. Both 40’ wide and 50’ wide homesites are available.

New models are open daily for touring: two new decorated paired villas and one single-family home model. You are invited to come in and experience them for yourself!

Twin Creeks at Chapel Crossings begins sales on June 29 for stylish townhomes that feature 1,667 sq. ft. to 2,574 sq. ft. and 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1- to 2-car garages. These award-winning two-level townhomes are open, airy and spacious with abundant natural light. Four decorated townhome models at Twin Creeks will open in early July. Quick move-in townhomes are available. Appointments are available now on a first-come, first-served basis.

Asbury Pelican exterior

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new master-planned community — and offering three new home types so we can meet and exceed what today’s homebuyer wants and needs,” says Kathleen Dec, Director of Marketing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Our Mattamy neighborhoods in Chapel Crossings are designed to provide our homeowners with a true sense of community, a fun-filled lifestyle and well-being to make everyday living truly a joy.”

All three Mattamy neighborhoods have Florida Green Building Certification and offer energy-efficient, sustainable features and a smart home tech package. All homes will also receive a HERS certification which reflects the energy efficiency and cost savings of each home. Tesla Energy ® Solar Panels are an available option at Asbury.

Chapel Crossings is conveniently located just a short drive from popular Pasco County destinations such as The Shops at Wiregrass and The Tampa Premium Outlets.

Mattamy residents will have access to the Chapel Crossings master-planned amenities that are nearing completion. These amenities include a distinctive clubhouse with a fitness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), resort-style pool, lazy river and more. These amenities will be a great place to connect with friends and neighbors year-round.

Volanti in Wesley Chapel
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and

Volanti

boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area. This gated entry community is near premier shopping and dining destinations include Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove and The Shops at Wiregrass. 

Volanti was recently awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year award by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, as well as the 2023 Grand Award for the Sebring model in the 2023 Parade of Homes.

Four home designs — the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice — are currently available and offer 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1- or 2-car attached garages and large lanais.

The gated community will have 200 homes at build-out and offers brand-new amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit. Four model homes are open for tours daily.

Parkview amenities

Parkview at Long Lake Ranch in Lutz
Perfectly situated just off State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has amenities for all ages including Parkview Pavilion — the hub of the community that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park, 2 tot lots and fun park areas. 

There is currently a great selection of quick move-in homes available, as well as nine stylish floor plans to choose from. Six designer-decorated model homes are now open daily.

Citron Grove in Odessa
Only 4 townhomes remain in this Odessa enclave of only 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers unique Craftsman-style townhomes. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. It’s an easy commute to work or the all the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers. These final opportunities are being sold by appointment only.

Great savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time

Special pricing and savings are available for a limited time, and make it easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home.  Contact a New Home Counselor to learn more about these special savings and quick move-in homes.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned home builder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all Mattamy Homes’ local communities, visit mattamyhomes.com/Tampa or call 813-252-2715.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Become a Del Webb Bexley homeowner

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Everyone deserves a place to call home – and Del Webb understands how vital it is to own one that’s perfect for you and your loved ones. With countless activities to engage in, as well as a scenic landscape to admire, the Del Webb community ensures that each day that you spend living there will be nothing short of amazing.

Thousands of people are migrating to Florida. According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, Florida ranks as the number one state for domestic migration – and is also the number one state “with the most people moving in per day at 1,218.” With this much demand for a home to purchase, not everyone will find the perfect place that’s suited to their lifestyle. Del Webb, however, offers houses that aren’t compromised by the relocation surge.

DW Bexley provides houses that preserve the vibrant yet serene Floridian aesthetic and culture – homes with an appeal that’s sought after, thanks to the perfect Southern weather. These homes also slightly vary in size – depending on your preference and the number of households who will live there; some can be as cozy as 1,405 sq. ft., while other houses are luxuriously built for families – as they can be as spacious as 2,808 sq. ft. However, due to the number of people who are interested in becoming a DW Bexley homeowner, there are limited houses left to be purchased.

Live your best life

With Del Webb community’s many activities and amenities, residents are guaranteed to enjoy a hobby or a form of entertainment for them.

  • Gated community

Del Webb prioritizes their residents’ safety. The gated neighborhood guarantees that the people, their loved ones, and their homes are secured – and that the DW Bexley community remains a private residence.

  • Energy-saving features

Del Webb understands that utility bills are always unnerving to deal with – that’s why they provide energy-efficient appliances and technologies for homeowners to experience. DW Bexley homes are also equipped with adjustable thermostats, energy-efficient HVAC systems, radiant barrier roofs, and Low-E windows – this ensures that the temperature and cooling systems in the houses are regulated. Because of these features, the community remains green – and the residents can enjoy an environment-friendly neighborhood.

  • Resort-style pool

Del Webb residents need not travel far to go swimming – they can easily dive into the waters of the resort-style pool that’s made for them. The pool area is a breathtaking panorama, especially when the beautiful sunset reflects on the tranquil pool water.

  • Fitness facility

Del Webb offers a fitness and wellness center for everyone living there. Plenty of fitness equipment is available for the residents to use – as Del Webb knows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite.

  • Clubhouse

Del Webb residents can meet their neighbors at the clubhouse. They can also go there with their friends for a game of cards or to grab a snack with them. Additionally, the Lifestyle Director also schedules monthly events, programs, or seminars – these activities are perfect for retired residents who seek entertainment.

  • Community garden and dog park

Individuals who enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park can do just that at Del Webb Bexley. The fresh air and picturesque landscape make the park the ultimate place for its residents to go for a walk – either by themselves, with their families, or with their dogs. Those with a green thumb can also spend the afternoon tending to the plants in the community garden.

  • Easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and medical facilities

Del Webb boasts its neighborhood’s accessibility to several establishments. Locals can easily shop for their home and personal needs – DW Bexley is near ALDI, Target, and Publix Super Markets. There’s also no shortage of restaurants for residents to visit – from family-owned eateries to fast-food empires.

  • Community amphitheater

Del Webb neighborhoods may be known for their laid-back atmosphere, but once in a while, a good live band jazzes up the gated village at the community amphitheater. Residents are encouraged to watch these bands play – or they can simply bask in the warm sunshine on the amphitheater lawn.

Today is the perfect day – to own a Del Webb home

Those who reside in Del Webb are benefitting from what the neighborhood provides – and many other individuals also aspire to become a Del Webb homeowner. Hence why there’s a huge demand to own a house within the community. Currently, there are a few vacant Del Webb houses left. That’s why it’s best to own a Del Webb Bexley house as early as now – in order to reap and maximize the neighborhood’s features and amenities.

Takeaway

Becoming a homeowner is a highly fulfilling experience. That’s why Del Webb wants to celebrate the milestone with you – by providing you the best amenities and features that you can easily access: go for a jog, meet new friends, listen to good music, and dip into the pool waters of a scenic neighborhood that’s also safe and secure.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Land O’ Lakes man singled out for his volunteer ombudsman efforts

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Robert “Bob” Fortney has been named the District Ombudsman of the Year for the North Pinellas and Pasco Council of the Florida Ombudsman Program, which is part of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Bob Fortney holds a certificate recognizing his contributions to the Florida Ombudsman Program. (Courtesy of Bob Fortney)

Fortney was recognized for exceptional service in a presentation made on May 22.

Volunteers in the ombudsman program are involved in advocating for quality long-term care in senior living facilities throughout Florida.

The volunteers receive special training and are certified. They work to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

In another honor, Fortney received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and Medal, as well as a letter from The White House, in recognition of his 292.45 hours of volunteer service

Fortney lives in The Groves Golf and Country Club in Land O’ Lakes.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Bringing these American flags to an honorable end

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Flags awaiting a dignified disposal ceremony. (Courtesy of Raymond Williams)

American Legion Post 108 hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony on the afternoon of June 11, at Harvester Community Church at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

The ceremony retired 357 community flags, bringing the total the group has retired to more than 1,700 to date, according to information provided by Raymond Williams, second vice commander of the American Legion Post 108.

Post Commander Randy Holeyfield presided over the ceremony and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsel delivered the keynote address. Hartsel is the executive director of Florida State Veterans Affairs. 

Besides the speakers, the ceremony included the Legion Rifle Team, its Color Guard and a bugler who played ‘Taps.’

Post 108 partners with Pasco County Fire/Rescue, which collects unserviceable flags that are brought by the public to the county’s fire stations.

Post 108 then conducts public ceremonies to honorably dispose of the flags.

Before the ceremony, Post 108 held a picnic, with about 150 people in attendance, Williams estimated.

A Dunkin’ truck was on hand providing samples, and a Tap Truck dispensed fruit punch and lemonade.

Published on June 28, 2023.

‘Prescribed fires’ aim to reduce wildfire risk

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To help reduce the risk of wildfires — set by lightning or other sources — the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts “prescribed burns” in specific areas, according to a news release from the district.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts ‘controlled burns,’ which are intentionally set fires aimed at providing active forest management by reducing the risk of wildfires and promoting the growth of new, diverse plants and creating other benefits. (Courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District)
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation

The water management district has scheduled these “prescribed burns” at these Pasco County properties, between June and September:

  • Starkey Wilderness Preserve: This preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. 
  • Cypress Creek Preserve: Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Upper Hillsborough Preserve: Upper Hillsborough Preserve is located south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Conner Preserve: Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

The water management district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year, the release says.

Published on June 28, 2023.