The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Saint Leo names interim athletic director

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Marcal Lazenby has been named interim athletic director at Saint Leo University.

That announcement came from Saint Leo University President Dr. Edward Dadez, in a news release issued on May 30.

Marcal Lazenby (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Lazenby, who is associate athletic director, will assume his new position overseeing Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness and Recreation departments on June 30, following the departure of longtime Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy, who is retiring.

The athletic director oversees Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation departments.

As associate athletic director at Saint Leo, Lazenby has been responsible for oversight of compliance, athletic communications, facilities ticketing and concessions, merchandising and sponsorships. He was promoted from the assistant athletic director for compliance, athletics diversity and inclusion designee in August 2021 and first joined the university in 2017 as director of NCAA compliance.  

“I am honored and look forward to the challenge of building upon the proud athletic and academic traditions at Saint Leo,” Lazenby said in the release. “I made a strategic decision about my career when I left Glenville and came to Saint Leo to learn about the Sunshine State Conference and how to operate a high-level athletic program under Fran Reidy. I look forward to leading the great staff we have in place and aligning athletics, wellness and recreation with the university’s strategic plan as we create a vision of excellence for the future.”

Lazenby came to Saint Leo after serving as the director of athletics at his alma mater, Glenville State University in West Virginia. While Lazenby earned his bachelor’s degree from Glenville, he also was a four-year member of the university’s football team.

Published June 07, 2023

Discover The Mattamy Homes Difference at Area Communities

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With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates their dedication to providing thoughtful details and meaningful value for their customers. 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 floor plans 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 has just opened two new-home neighborhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community, Chapel Crossings, located off S.R. 54 and Curley Road. A third neighborhood, Twin Creeks, is slated to begin sales in late June for spacious townhomes, which complement the paired villas and single-family homes that are currently available.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to Wesley Chapel 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. Timberdale features 3 exterior styles for the paired villas — Coastal, Craftsman and Modern. 

For those homebuyers looking for single-family homes, Mattamy’s offerings at Asbury at Chapel Crossings include nine single-family home designs from 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and have 2 to 5 bedrooms. Asbury offers two homesite sizes — 40’ wide homesites and 50’ wide homesites.

Three new models are open daily for touring – two new decorated paired villas and one single-family home model. An array of quick move-in homes is available in both neighborhoods for move-in this spring and summer.

Asbury Pelican exterior

Twin Creeks at Chapel Crossings is slated to open 4 new models and begin sales in late June. This community will offer stylish townhomes, with 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 – and models of these townhomes are currently open at Mattamy’s nearby Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Volanti communities. Four decorated townhome models at Twin Creeks will open in late June, when sales begin, and quick move-in townhomes will be available. Interested parties should join the VIP list by visiting mattamyhomes.com/Tampa.

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new master-planned community — and offering three new home types in order to fill the needs and wants of today’s homebuyer,” says Kathleen Dec, director of marketing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Our Mattamy homes and neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings are designed to provide a true sense of community, a fun-filled lifestyle, and promote well-being to make everyday living a joy.”

All three Mattamy neighborhoods will 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.

Conveniently located just a short drive from top Pasco County destinations such as The Shops at Wiregrass and The Tampa Premium Outlets, Chapel Crossings offers the best of Tampa and West Central Florida living.

Mattamy residents will have access to the Chapel Crossings master-planned amenities that are opening later this year. These fun-filled 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. 

Volanti

“Chapel Crossings’ new amenities are designed for all ages, with a relaxing, down-home feel and modern features,” Dec continued. “This will be a great place to connect with friends, family and neighbors — and give our homeowners access to well-being, sun, shade and happiness all year round.”

Volanti in Wesley Chapel
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and 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. Quick move-in townhomes are available with beautiful designer finishes.

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 for quick move-in, 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. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary.

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 fun-filled amenities 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. There is truly something for everyone.

6 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. Two floor plans are available — the Marianna and Ormond. 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 savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time, and make it easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home.  Homebuyers have their choice of an array of quick move-in homes that are available and attainable now in top locations throughout the area, so there is no need to wait. Mattamy invites you to 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, go to mattamyhomes.com/Tampa email , or call 813-252-2715.

Published May 31, 2023

Del Webb Bexley — 70 Years of Experience Building Quality Homes

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Del Webb prides itself on employing the highest quality build standards. And with over 70 years in homebuilding, Del Webb wants to put their experience to work for you. 

Del Webb follows strict quality control measures to ensure accuracy and attention to detail, and through their signature Build Quality Experience, they communicate with you every step of the way. Del Webb homes are packed with energy-efficient features and quality building materials from industry leaders. And all is backed by a limited warranty you can rely on. 

Now is the time of your life to focus on you. Here’s more about why you can trust a Del Webb home to meet your every quality need.

Build Quality Experience
When you go into the building of every Del Webb home, you’ll find their construction standards are set high to meet your expectations. When they build your new home, they follow a process that focuses on quality and attention to detail. And they believe communication is key — their signature Build Quality Experience is a step-by-step process that ensures they’re with you every step of the way.

Here’s how it works. You will meet with your Del Webb Construction Manager during these four steps:

  1. Introduction – you’ll meet your Del Webb Construction Manager who will be your partner throughout the process. You’ll go over every step together and address your questions before construction begins.
  1. Pre-Closing Orientation – The Construction Manager will provide you a guided tour through your new home to review the expectations of the products, functionality, maintenance, and warranty.
  1. Pre-Drywall Orientation – Before they put up the drywall, you will be given a guided walk-through to show you your home’s mechanical systems that will soon be enclosed.
  1. Celebration – After rigorous inspections and evaluations, construction is complete. As you tour your new home, you’ll see how every aspect of craftsmanship and quality comes together in your new home.

Inspections
Del Webb believes in going above and beyond industry standards to ensure your house is a quality, well-constructed home. Several of the Build Quality steps involve inspections including your home’s foundation, frame, and mechanics. These help them make sure they uphold their high standards.

The 10 Step Build Quality Experience™
The Del Webb process is firmly rooted in quality control measures and consistently refined with feedback from customers like you. They keep you involved along the way so you can see the high level of craftsmanship and construction standards at every step. You’ll get to know your new home before you even move in — and once you do, you and your family can enjoy all your personalized features, and thrive in the new place you call home.

The Complete Del Webb Build Quality Experience

  1. Introduction
  2. Foundation Inspection
  3. Frame Inspection
  4. Mechanical Inspection
  5. Pre-drywall orientation
  6. Final Inspection
  7. Home Complete Confirmation
  8. Pre-Closing Orientation
  9. Celebration
  10.  Feedback

Energy-Efficient Features
Del Webb homes are outfitted with energy-efficient features to help reduce your home’s energy consumption. Some you can see working day in and day out to save on energy, while others are behind the scenes. Here are some of the top energy saving features that you may find in a Del Webb home:

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Appliances – Helps keep energy and water usage lower to reduce waste and manage utility costs
Compact Fluorescent and LED Lighting – Reduce energy usage, generate less heat and last at least 5X longer than conventional bulbs.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems – Heating and cooling systems that provide better comfort and enjoyment of your new home.
Low-Emissivity Windows – Have a special coating that reflects infrared light and keep heat inside during winter and outside in summer.
Radiant Barrier Roof Decking – Reduces heat absorption in warmer climates and improves HVAC efficiency.
Programmable Thermostats – Control energy usage by helping you regulate your home’s temperature according to your schedule and needs.

Quality Building Materials
Del Webb partners with industry leaders who strive for the same excellence as they do, because quality matters. Pushing innovation and delivering quality products and services, their partners help make a Del Webb home a place you will love for years to come.

Lennox® – Lennox heating and cooling systems lets you stay comfortable and on top of energy costs.
Moen® – Moen allows you to turn everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences.
Mohawk® – Step into spaces that inspire with Mohawk’s innovative and quality-crafted floorings.
Shaw® – Transform your room with Shaw flooring that’s both stylish and durable.
Sherwin-Williams® – Your new home is a blank canvas — paint something beautiful with Sherwin-Williams.
Whirlpool® – Go from to-do to done in a snap with the ease and durability of Whirlpool appliances.

10-yr Limited Warranty
Del Webb promises they won’t just build you a new home, they’ll also stand behind it. They understand that for prospective homeowners, peace of mind comes from an industry leading 10-Year limited structural new home warranty they can rely on.

Here are warranty highlights:
10 year coverage – Covers the structural integrity of the home
5 year coverage – Covers various types of water infiltration and internal leaks
2 year coverage – Covers the workability of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other mechanical systems
1 year coverage – Covers materials and workmanship
— And, the warranty is transferable.

Del Webb believes in life well led in your own beautifully designed home, built with open and consistent communication, quality craftsmanship, energy-efficient features, top-of-the-line materials and covered by a warranty you can trust to make your life easier.

For more information on how Del Webb has the highest quality build standards, visit delwebb.com/best-retirement-living/best-home-builders

Published May 31, 2023

Pasco code officers to expand roles during emergencies

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Pasco County’s code compliance officers are undergoing training to be able to medically assist people who may need emergency help, as the officers encounter them during their rounds in the community.

The training will prepare the officers to administer Narcan, apply Auto External Defibrillators (AED) and to properly perform CPR, according to a county news release.

Narcan is used to treat narcotic overdose in an emergency, and Pasco’s code officers sometimes find themselves in situations where immediate intervention can be lifesaving, the release says.

The training sessions are intended to help code officers who experience these situations:

  • Suspected opioid overdose
  • Exposure to fentanyl
  • Self-exposure or injury during work

Pasco County Code Compliance Director Patrick Arotin notes in the news release that training has become a large part of the department’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for both code officers and members of the community.

The county’s code compliance vehicles are now equipped with Narcan, and officers are required to complete Narcan and CPR training/certification by the end of May.

The AED equipment is expected to arrive later this year, the release says.

For more information about Pasco’s Code Compliance team or to report an issue, visit MyPasc.co/CodeCompliance.

Published May 31, 2023

 

Share the beach!

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(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

This World Turtle Day, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public that as they enjoy the beaches this Memorial Day weekend, everyone can help sea turtles have a successful nesting season by giving them space, removing beach furniture at night, keeping beaches clean and dark, and never disturbing their nests.

Florida’s sandy beaches provide important spring and summer nesting habitat for several species of federally threatened and endangered sea turtles.

For more information about nesting sea turtles and how to help, visit MyFWC.com/seaturtle.

Donations needed for Duffels of Dignity

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It’s called Duffels of Dignity, but the program accepts suitcases and backpacks, too. Donations are needed to provide a way for children, who are in foster care or difficult situations, to have a way to pack their belongings when they move from one place to the next. (B.C. Manion)

Hillsborough County continues to need donations for its Duffels of Dignity program, which helps children who are in foster care or in  difficult situations who often must leave where they are — without a bag to carry their belongings.

The county’s program launched in October 2022 and since then, nearly 700 duffels, backpacks and suitcases have been donated. Residents also have contributed thousands of personal care items to help Hillsborough County youth who are in need, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Residents are asked to donate any of these items:

  • New or gently used duffel bags, 24 inches to 28 inches, or a suitcase (wheelie bags, suitcases with handles and backpacks all are accepted)
  • New personal care items (in original packaging): Toothbrush and toothpaste; comb and brush; shampoo and conditioner; and, deodorant 

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hillsborough County Children’s Services Administrative Office, 3191 Clay Mangum Lane in Tampa.

The Duffels of Dignity program partners with nonprofits throughout Hillsborough County to donate items to their clients.

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough County has been a partner since the program started, and most of the items collected through the Duffels of Dignity program are given to the youth in foster care or temporarily housed at the Children’s Services campus.

Other recipients include Metropolitan Ministries, Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) of Brandon, Mary & Martha House, and The Spring of Tampa Bay, which help women and their children escape domestic violence.

Published May 24, 2023

Retiring chamber executive is honored in St. Leo

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(Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

The Town of St. Leo bestowed a proclamation of appreciation upon John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, who is retiring on June 7. The proclamation was bestowed during the Town Commission meeting on May 8.

Town commissioners honored Moores for his longtime service to the East Pasco area, including St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

Moors has spent nearly 13 years promoting economic growth and quality of life in the greater Dade City area. He represented area businesses on the Saint Leo University Hospitality program industry liaison council and, at one point, was an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University.

Moors also initiated the “Access” series of events, which provides an opportunity to showcase the East Pasco area for elected officials and business leaders, and Moors nurtured the growth of the Annual Kumquat Festival, which is now an event with regional economic impact.

Published May 24, 2023

The Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes growing

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U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sualauvi Tuimaleali’ifano and his family received a new mortgage-free smart home in the Let Us Do Good Village, on April 29, from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Sualauvi Tuimaleali’ifano and his family received a new mortgage-free smart home at the Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’Lakes on April 29. Tuimaleali’ifano is the recipient of the second house to be given away in the budding community off Parkway Boulevard.
(Courtesy of Tunnel to Towers Foundation)

This is the first smart home the nonprofit has given away and the second home it has given away in the new Land O’ Lakes community, off Parkway Boulevard.

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Danielle Thornton and her two kids received the first mortgage-free home in the community in late December 2022.

Tuimaleali’ifano, who lives life from a wheelchair, received a home outfitted with automatic doors, and wider hallways, allowing him to move more freely. The kitchen features lower counter space, pull-down cabinet shelves and a stove that raises and lowers to wheelchair height. The home’s lights, thermostat and security system can be controlled via an app — enabling him to control many aspects of his daily life independently.

Born in American Samoa, Tuimaleali’ifano moved to Hawaii when he was a child. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school. He served in three combat tours, first to Iraq in 2003 and then to Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007.

In July 2007, just a month before the end of his third deployment, Tuimaleali’ifano was wounded and due to undiagnosed previous combat injuries, he was left paralyzed with no sensation or function from his chest down.

After many difficult years of surgery and rehab, Tuimaleali’ifano found a new passion as an adaptive athlete, participating in the Warrior Games as a player, coach and ambassador from 2014 to 2020. He competed with Team USA in the 2016 and 2018 Invictus, bringing home the gold medal for Wheelchair Rugby.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Let Us Do Good Village will be a community of nearly 100 homes provided mortgage-free to catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, as well as America’s Gold Star and Fallen First Responder families.

Published May 17, 2023

Longtime Saint Leo University AD to retire

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Saint Leo University Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy announced May 9 he will retire from his position after more than 35 years, the institution said in a news release.

Saint Leo University Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy announced May 9 he will retire after more than 35 years with the East Pasco college. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Reidy, who led the Saint Leo Lions to win 30 Sunshine State Conference championships, earn two national championships and make 125 NCAA Division II championship appearances, will leave the university in August.

“I am extremely proud of all that Saint Leo Athletics achieved during my tenure,” Reidy said in the statement. “For over three decades, I never had a job, but a daily adventure. I would get excited each time I drove through the entrance and onto campus.”

Reidy became Director of Athletics in 1999, when the Lions had gone nearly 30 years with no conference championship wins and many sports were in the bottom of the Sunshine State Conference, the release said.

According to the release, Reidy has been recognized three times as the Under Armour National Athletic Director of the Year and honored as men’s soccer coach of the year two times by the Sunshine State Conference. Reidy is the all-time winningest coach in Saint Leo men’s soccer history with 139 wins.

Reidy’s contributions to intercollegiate athletics also include serving as president of the Division II Athletic Director’s Association; the NCAA Championships Committee, with one year of service as chair; and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee, which he also chaired for a year. He also made valuable contributions to the Sunshine State Conference.

Published May 17, 2023

County board member expected to be absent in coming weeks

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Pasco County Commissioner Gary Bradford has been absent from recent county board meetings, as he focuses on treatment for a common form of blood cancer.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano shared the news during the county board’s May 9 meeting.

He said Bradford is being treated for a highly survivable form of blood cancer.

“Commissioner Bradford is upbeat, positive,” Mariano said, but Bradford is expected to be out for coming weeks, as focuses on his treatments and convalesces at home.

Meanwhile, Bradford is in contact with his staff members, who are available during office hours to field requests and address concerns.

Mariano said he would be happy to do what he can, if a need for a commissioner should arise.

Published May 17, 2023