The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

‘Pasco TC Gives’ tops $1 million in charitable donations

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When Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano took office, he created a charitable giving program aimed at helping local nonprofits and individuals in need.

In time, an entity called Pasco TC Gives was created to raise and disburse funds for charitable causes, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

Mike Fasano has led charitable giving efforts through his office for nearly 10 years. The efforts have raised $1.26 million in assistance to more than 116 nonprofit organizations and to individuals in crisis needing immediate help. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Since it began in 2013, the nonprofit has raised more than $1.26 million and has provided assistance to more than 116 nonprofit organizations in the community, as well as to individuals in crisis situations needing immediate help, the release says.

The funds are raised through the Charity of the Month Program and sales of advertising on in-house screens in each tax collector’s office in Pasco County.

“Without the hard work of our staff and a very generous community we would not have been able to support so many fine organizations that dedicate themselves to helping those in need,”  Tax Collector Mike Fasano said in the release. “Our Pasco TC Gives Board of Directors independently reviews every request for donations and approves them based on merit and need of the organization or individual. I am proud of the effort made by our employees who sit on this board and help steer funds to where they are needed most.”

Fasano added he’s “most grateful to the community organizations that see us as an important resource to help them and their membership” in times of special need.

Donations to Pasco TC Gives support such diverse programs as CARES Seniors Services, The Humane Society, Support Our Troops, The Volunteer Way, Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Annual Holiday Food Giveaway that feeds families each holiday season, the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Special Olympics of Pasco, the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Foundation and more than 100 other charitable organizations.

Pasco TC Gives also has responded to crisis situations to help Hurricane Ian victims, Hurricane Irma relief efforts and by providing support to the families of the United States Coast Guard.

Additionally, one-time donations have been made to many nonprofits throughout Pasco County.

For more information about Pasco TC Gives, the organizations it supports and the charitable giving program in general, please contact Assistant Tax Collector and Board Chairman Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

Published January 11, 2023

She served her community in a multitude of ways

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Sister Dianne Wansley — a former spiritual director, a former town commissioner and a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida — has been laid to rest. (Courtesy of Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

Sister Dianne Wansley, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, passed away on Dec. 30.

She came to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in January 1978 as a live-in volunteer and then joined the Benedictine Sisters in September 1978.

She served the community for 46 years, serving in numerous capacities including as an accomplished iconographer, an artist and a member of the liturgy committee. She also provided spiritual direction for retreatants and was the director of Postulants and Novices (sisters in discernment vow stages) for the Community. She was the organist and pianist for the community, according to a news release from the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

She also was a music minister for student Masses at Saint Leo University.

Plus, she served as a member of the St. Leo Town Commission.

A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Jan. 7.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Published January 11, 2023

Efforts aim to prevent wildfires in Green Swamp

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) is planning “prescribed fires” in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve with the goal of preventing wildfires there, according to a news release from the district.

Prescribed fires are those that are started in controlled settings to reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control.

The water management agency will conduct the controlled fires from January through March, at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, which includes the Green Swamp West Tract in Pasco County, the Green Swamp East Tract in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties; and, the Hampton Tract in Polk County.

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along State Road 471 and Rockridge Road, between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 12,000 acres will be burned in manageable units, the release said.

Major benefits of prescribed fires include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation.

Prescribed fires are conducted by SWFMD on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Published January 11, 2023

Ag land owners can apply for conservation program

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from agricultural land owners for its voluntary conservation program.

The program works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that enhances existing efforts while improving their agricultural operations, according to a U.S.D.A. news release.

The deadline is Feb. 24 for ag land owners to apply to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in the current funding cycle.

Using new conservation practices or activities, agricultural producers can adopt practices and activities that expand on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all based on management objectives specific to their farming operation, according to the U.S.D.A. release.

“If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals,” Juan C. Hernandez, state conservationist for NRCS in Florida, said in the release. “CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts.”

Eligible CSP lands include: Associated ag land, cropland, farmstead, non-industrial private forestland, pastureland and rangeland.

Individuals who are eligible to apply include agricultural producers, Indian tribes, owners of non-industrial forestland and those with an interest in the agricultural or forestry operations.

Farm records must be established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for both the person(s) and the land for your application to be eligible and evaluated. Farm records for the person must indicate the applicant: controls or owns eligible land; is in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements; and, meets adjusted gross income (AGI) and payment limitation provisions.

Published January 11, 2023

Pasco seeking to fill openings on its jobs committee

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Pasco County is seeking to fill openings on its voluntary Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC).

The committee oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund (JEOTF) portion of Penny for Pasco, according to a county news release.

Responsibilities of JEOC members include ensuring Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements of promoting projects, to creating new jobs and economic growth.

Applications are being accepted online through Feb. 6 at MyPas.co/AdvisoryBoardApp.

The JEOC consists of up to nine members, appointed by the Pasco County Commission.

Members are being sought who represent diverse knowledge and expertise from one of the following areas:

  • Finance/Banking
  • Agriculture
  • Real Estate
  • Manufacturing
  • Other Private Industries

The JEOC meets, at minimum, on a quarterly basis and presents annual updates to the county board.

Members serve for one-year or two-year terms, depending upon the industry they represent.

The Penny for Pasco has been approved by voters three times, with the most recent approval extending the government infrastructure surtax for 15 years, beginning in January 2025 through December 2039.

The Penny for Pasco provides funding for Pasco County, Pasco County Schools and Pasco’s six municipalities.

The JEOTF portion from the renewal adopted in 2015 is estimated to generate more than $70 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy, according to the county’s news release.

Published January 11, 2023

Avalon Applauds Tighten The Drag Foundation

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Congratulations to Tighten The Drag Foundation for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This Lutz-based nonprofit foundation helps to improve the quality of life for those that have suffered a spinal cord injury.

Tighten The Drag Foundation provides therapeutic sponsored outdoor activities and outings, links to valuable resources, the latest news on rehabilitation, research and recovery, and continuous support for families of the spinal cord injured. The nonprofit also raises money that helps to pay for activity-based exercise therapy rehabilitative and recovery programs, which is not covered by any insurance.

“Insurance companies don’t cover therapy because, most likely, someone with a spinal cord injury won’t walk again. While this therapy is necessary and worthwhile, it’s deemed this way by insurance companies because you just don’t know what kind of recovery each person will have,” the foundation’s lead volunteer, Sheila Tramontana, said.

Sheila’s own son, Robert Tramontana, was paralyzed 10 years ago, suffering a spinal cord injury while out on Crystal River. As Robert spent 87 days in the hospital, Sheila soon found out insurance would not cover the rehab therapy. It would have to be paid out-of-pocket and those sessions can run up to or more than $100 an hour, and, most likely, the therapy’s location is not nearby. Meaning, transportation also factors into this uncovered cost.

“It blew my mind just how little resources there were for helping this kind of injury. There weren’t places to go, nor is there an advocate for someone in a hospital who is looking for help for paralysis,” Sheila recalls.

According to the nonprofit’s website, “There are approximately 17,500 new spinal cord injuries in the U.S. every year. There are over a half-million people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI in the United States. Every 38 minutes in our country, a person becomes paralyzed.”

Some of the nonprofit’s upcoming fundraising events include its annual fishing tournament and walking program, both of which are in September.

In the meantime, for more information on the nonprofit, go to TightenTheDragFoundation.org.

Published January 11, 2023

A puppy on a mission

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Lindsay Brauer of Land O’ Lakes submitted this photo of her pup bringing in the paper and said, “Cash says thanks for always keeping us up to date on all the things in Land O’ Lakes/Lutz!”

Let CMK Construction Bring Your Home Remodeling Goals To Life

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As we head into 2023, we’re all making New Year’s Resolutions for ourselves — whether it’s to get healthier, start a new hobby or travel. But what about goals for your home?

If remodeling your bathroom or kitchen has been on your wish list for some time now, the new year is the time to finally get the ball rolling on it, and CMK Construction, Inc., is here to help.

Since 2004, CMK Construction has helped homeowners bring style, functionality and value to their homes with its premium products, experienced designers, and flawless installations. 

“I like to call us a one-stop shop,” says Natassa Kouromichelakis, showroom manager of CMK Construction. “We have everything customers need for their home remodeling projects.”

Everything from tile vendors, cabinetry lines, countertops, hardware, plumbing and shower fixtures, kitchen faucets, tub fillers, showerheads, glass enclosures… you name it, and CMK Construction has at its 4,000-square-foot showroom. 

“Our big thing is our Schulter system, which is what our showers are made out of. This provides waterproof protection and peace-of-mind behind your shower walls and any other elements susceptible to moisture,” says Kouromichelakis.

CMK Construction has four talented interior designers, including Kouromichelakis, that help the customer every step of the way through the design process.

During the initial consultation, the whole design process is reviewed and the interior designers really get to hear the customers’ visions for their dream kitchen and/or bathroom.

Once the vision is clear, the designers make their magic happen and start recommending their selections for the remodeling project. 

“That’s what really sets us apart,” says Kouromichelakis. “Us doing everything in-house keeps our customers from running around and going to different places for the remodeling project. We really do walk our customers through the entire process. We’re super detailed, which allows the whole project to move with ease and efficiency.”

Not only do the interior designers focus on creating something beautiful and timeless for the customers, but they also make sure the space is functional and meets their needs. 

If you’re interested, but “on the fence” about starting a remodeling project, Kouromichelakis encourages you to come down to the showroom to get a feel for all the things the place can offer. 

“Our showroom even offers a live wall with plumbing fixtures that work. This allows the customer to see the different options and configurations that are available to them,” says Kouromichelakis.

As for current trends Kouromichelakis is seeing for kitchen remodeling projects, Kouromichelakis says that the transitional style is still one of its most popular. Transitional is a mixture of traditional and modern styles. 

“White shaker cabinets are still going strong. We’re also seeing a lot of blues and greens homeowners are wanting for their cabinet colors,” says Kouromichelakis.

Two add-on features Kouromichelakis particularly loves are mosaics and LED lighting.

“They really complement any space beautifully,” says Kouromichelakis.

Whether you want a complete bathroom or kitchen makeover, or just a standalone service, you can expect great-looking results from CMK Construction that will last a lifetime.

If you’re ready to start on a remodeling project in your home, call CMK Construction at 727-800-1644 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation or go to CMKConstructionInc.com.

Published December 29, 2022

ICI Homes Finishes The Year Strong

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2022 was a successful year for ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best known and most prestigious home builders.

“I’m proud to say that in 2022, we moved in almost twice as many homeowners in the Tampa Bay and Pasco County areas than the prior year,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

All of these homes, in the spirit of ICI’s brand, were fully customized to each and every homeowner’s interest and style. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing this momentous growth in 2023 in an area that we all love and are thankful to be living in.”

Here are the current updates and future developments of the communities ICI Homes works with here in Pasco County.

MOVE-IN READY HOME AVAILABLE AT LAKE JOVITA
Lake Jovita — an established, flourishing, master-planned community located just north of Tampa in Dade City — currently has one move-in ready home, The Charlotte, available. 

The Charlotte is reminiscent of a quaint cottage with its highly-pitched roof. The floor plan is designed for optimal convenience, allowing owners to enter through a mud room area attached to the garage. The walk-in pantry is just steps away from the mud room, making bringing in the groceries an easy chore. From there, enter the kitchen and open living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining or spending time with the family. This home features a rear master suite for owners to retreat to at the end of the day for privacy.

The Bexley South Series: Rose

SECOND PHASE IN BEXLEY NOW OPEN
Phase Two of Bexley, a planned community embracing a natural setting in Land O’ Lakes, is off to a great start. 

The second phase will feature 32 homesites that are a short walk to Bexley’s premier amenity center, which features a resort-style pool, game room, well-equipped fitness room, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a community cafe.

There are two inventory homes — the Primrose and the Lantana — currently under construction that will soon be available to purchase and ready to move into by the spring.

The Bexley South Series: Iris

The Lantana’s floor plan, which is nearly 1,800 square feet, boasts 12-foot-high ceilings throughout, with several transom windows to allow the beauty of the Florida sunlight in to brighten rooms. A great selling feature of this floor plan is its outdoor, covered lanai that provides ample space for outdoor relaxation.

The Primrose is a two-story plan featuring nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area, with plenty of gathering room. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room.

CONNERTON IS ALMOST SOLD OUT
Rose Pointe at Connerton — Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community — is almost sold out. One inventory home —  The Egret  — will be available for purchase and move-in by the end of January.

The Egret, one of ICI Homes’ most popular floor plans, has more than 3,000 sq. ft. in space. As owners walk into the home, they’re greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The giant gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourmet kitchen with nook. The master suite features plenty of privacy as well as large his and hers walk-in closets and a spacious bath with separate vanities. Two guest bedrooms and a bathroom on the other side of the home allow enough space for everyone. A functional utility/laundry room is located nearby the two-car garage for all your storage needs with an option for a three-car garage.

PHASE TWO OF PERSIMMON PARK IS UNDERWAY
ICI Homes’ land development team is working hard on Phase Two, which is almost completed. 

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to be finishing up phase two,” says Jones.

Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. 

ICI has two model homes — The Primrose and The Lily — up for sale with a leaseback opportunity.

The Lily is just under 1,900 square feet and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an open floor plan concept which is perfect for gatherings. The master suite is privately located in the back of the home and features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath.

ICI Homes model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel; the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City; and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Greg Jones at .

Published December 28, 2022