The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kelli Carmack

Check Out What’s New at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Enters Partnership with Nye Commercial Advisors
Avalon Park Group has partnered with Nye Commercial Advisors, LLC to lease 23,720 square feet of commercial/retail space in the 73,067-square-foot, mixed-use building, “DT1,” in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Our relationship with the Nye team goes back more than 30 years when we initially purchased the property,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “Nye’s deep roots in the Wesley Chapel community and their commercial expertise, make them the perfect partner to bring needed commercial uses to Downtown Avalon Park and east Pasco County.”

DT1 is the first of three buildings planned for the first phase of the downtown section of the master-planned community. The three-story building is comprised of 23,720 square feet of commercial/retail space below 40-unit multi-family, for-rent apartment homes. The additional components planned for phase one consist of a 97,000 square-foot mixed-use building with 21,000 square feet of commercial/retail space below 60-unit multi-family for-rent apartment homes, a 103-unit multi-family building and a 2-acre town park, which will break ground later this year.

“Wesley Chapel continues to grow each day,” says Brent Nye, executive director of Nye Commercial Advisors. “We welcome the opportunity to bring the businesses and services needed to Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which will serve as a downtown for the entire region.”

Upon completion, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will encompass more than 1,600 acres and will host approximately 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space in its downtown. The initial construction in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began in 2018 with the addition of the Pinecrest Academy K-7 Charter School. Pinecrest is now under construction of its second phase, which includes the addition of approximately 600 sixth- to eighth-grade student stations.

For more information on Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, visit avalonparkwesleychapel.com/work/, or call 813-783-1515. For more information on leasing in phase one, call 813-973-0214.

About Nye Commercial Advisors
Nye Commercial Advisors is an integrated commercial real estate firm providing investors and clients alike a single source solution for all their real estate needs. Their regional market insight coupled with their deep roots in surrounding communities give them the ability to create solutions to complex projects and help drive real estate portfolio performance for investors, ultimately increasing their asset’s value. For more information on Nye Commercial Advisors, visit https://nyecommercial.com/ or call 813-973-0214.

Middleburg Communities Joins Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park Group has sold two land parcels, totaling 49 acres, to Middleburg Communities. Middleburg plans on developing two residential projects in the area designated as Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Mosby Avalon Park is planned to be a 338-unit traditional apartment community, which will break ground in the spring of 2023. Hamlet Avalon Park, a future phase, is slated to bring 260 build-to-rent products including single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes.

According to a recent Middleburg news release, Mosby Avalon Park will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units in four-story elevator-served buildings with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, dog park and pet spa.

“The addition of these residential units brings housing diversity and support to the downtown area of Avalon Park that is now under construction,” says Beat Kahli, CEO, Avalon Park Group/sitEX. “The mix of products that Middleburg brings to Avalon Park helps expand the housing options available and creates opportunities for even more to be able to find a place to live, learn, work and play.”

Published April 05, 2023

Pasco EDC will host its first BizBlast event

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will host its inaugural BizBlast this week — offering an array of resources aimed at helping businesses of all sizes to be more successful.

The event will be on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Baymar Solutions, 1515 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

BizBlast is organized to give Pasco business professionals an opportunity to visit 21 resource partner stations — allowing those in attendance a chance to learn more about resources that are available that may be helpful to them.

These partners may be able to assist with funding, help establish long-term talent pipelines, create new talent connections, assist with new business programs, offer upskilling opportunities, provide business connections, and more, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

The participating resource partners, in no particular order are: SMARTstart, WorkforceCONNECT, Baymar Solutions, Pasco County Schools, Spherion Nature’s Coast, Rasmussen University, Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida (USF), USF Corporate and Professional Training, Hope Services and Arc Nature Coast.

Other participating partners are: AmSkills, BayCare – Employer Solutions, Boley Centers, Ultimate 3D Printing Store, JMI Resource, Keiser University, Pasco-Hernando State College, Pridestaff, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Leo University and CareerSource Pasco Hernando.

Businesses of all sizes are invited to send representatives to find out what resources are available and to plug into existing programs.

Attendees can come and go as they please, throughout the event.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register by going to PascoEDC.com, and clicking on the events tab.

Published April 05, 2023

A new church has been planted in Odessa

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A new church has been planted in Odessa, and Pastor Tony Owens has faith that it will grow into a flourishing place for worship, spiritual growth and community involvement.

Church Experience Odessa has been operating for about a month, through small get-togethers in the pastor and his wife’s apartment.

Efforts have begun to find a larger meeting place, so the church will be able to accommodate those joining the church, as it continues to create a new worship experience in the area, Owens said.

Currently, Church Experience Odessa meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month at 7 p.m.

Owens expects to continue operations as they are for about the next year, but then expects to have  a big grand opening for the church.

The church isn’t just about a worship experience, Owens said.

“Sometimes, we’ll have a movie night or a game night, just different small events,” he said.

It also will get involved by volunteering in community projects, he said.

Owens said he was involved in planting a church in Brandon and also has been involved in advising church planners and other pastors.

Church Experience is based in Dunedin, but has churches that are affiliated with it in Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, he said.

He said he belonged to the church in Dunedin, helped with the church planting in Brandon and then came back to the central church in Dunedin.

Next, he and his wife moved to Orlando, but then returned to the Tampa Bay area.

“I felt the tug by God to plant a church in Odessa,” he said.

The church’s goal “is to help more people experience a full life in Jesus, not just a Sunday worship experience.”

To find out more about Church Experience Odessa, you can reach out to the pastor by calling 813-474-0665 or emailing .

Published April 05, 2023

In Loving Memory of Janet King O’Neill

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Janet King O’Neill, 77, lifelong resident of Lutz and a ray of sunshine to all who knew her, passed away on March 11, 2023.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Madelyn King, and brother, Donald King.

She is survived by the love of her life, William Gregory O’Neill. They married in 1986.

Hers was a life spent helping others as a customer service representative for multiple airlines at Tampa International Airport.

She was dearly beloved by family and friends who will never forget her kind, caring, and joyful spirit.

Janet also loved cats, dogs, and, most of all, horses.  In her youth she belonged to the Lutz Bit ‘N Bridle Club and later served on the National Cutting Horse Association Board of Directors.

Janet graduated from Chamberlain High School (1963), sang in the First United Methodist Church of Lutz choir, and enjoyed her weekly TOPS meetings.

A graveside service and burial will take place on April 4, 2023, 10:30 am at the Lutz Cemetery, 201-217 5th Ave NE, Lutz, FL 33549,  Loyless Funeral Home, Land O’ Lakes, FL, is in charge of the service.

Published 03/29/23

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Else

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Marilyn was 95 years old, a long time resident of Dade City, and passed away on 1/4/2023.

She was born 9/9/27 in Milwaukee, WI, and is survived by many friends blessed to know her.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Sat., Feb. 4, 2023, at 11am at St. Rita Catholic Church, 14404 14th Street, Dade City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s honor may be sent to Pax Christi Florida, 6062 Robinson Street, Jupiter, FL 33458.

 

Published 02/01/23

Keeping safe from dangerous flood waters

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The Florida Division of Emergency Management has shared information to help educate the public about flood hazards and some suggestions to help reduce risks of injury or death.

Flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards and is a coast-to-coast threat that occurs on a yearly basis, according to a news release issued by the emergency management division.

Do not drive through an area when you cannot see the bottom of the road; deaths have been known to occur when a driver couldn’t see the bottom of the road and wound up driving into a canal. (File)

Here’s a condensed list of suggestions from the state’s emergency management experts:

  • Know the types of flood risks in your area.
  • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Prior to any threatening weather, be sure you have an evacuation plan, know the evacuation routes and have a plan on where you will shelter.
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container or store them on a password protected digital drive.
  • When possible, move valuables to higher ground.
  • Do not walk, drive,or swim through floodwaters. Just six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause loss of control and stalling; 12 inches of water can make a vehicle float away.
  • If you are trapped in your car in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If the water begins rising inside the vehicle, get on the roof.
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Do not return to your home until it is deemed safe to do so. Avoid driving unless it is an emergency.
  • Stay out of floodwater in your home which can be contaminated with dangerous debris or live wires.
  • Wear protective clothing when cleaning up and do not touch any wires.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/hazards/Floods to learn more about flood safety and protecting yourself before, during, and after a flood.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @FLSERT.

Published March 29, 2023

Safe Places for youths in crisis

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Hillsborough County teens and children in crisis can receive help by sending a single text message, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County’s Children’s Services wants to remind kids and teens that there are nearly 200 ‘Safe Place’ locations for kids in need.

Safe Place is a national initiative locally managed by Hillsborough County Children’s Services that provides access to help and supportive resources for youth in need.

So, whether they’ve had a fight with their parents or are fleeing domestic abuse in the home, youth under the age of 18 can visit any of the dozens of Safe Place locations in Hillsborough County, most of which are open 24/7, to get assistance. From fire stations to libraries, and even many McDonald’s locations, there are staff trained to help, the news release says.

Each location displays the recognizable yellow and black “Safe Place” sign to provide a visual cue for kids to know they are in a safe place. 

Kids and teens in crisis can text SAFE with their current location to 4HELP (44357) and, within seconds, receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number to Children’s Services.

The employee at the Safe Place location will call Hillsborough County Children’s Services and within 30 minutes to 60 minutes, a qualified Safe Place volunteer or staff member will arrive to talk to the youth, and, if necessary, provide transportation to the Children’s Services campus in Tampa.

Once at the campus, counselors meet with the youth and their family to make sure they receive the help and professional services they need. 

For more information about Safe Place in Hillsborough County, including how your organization can become a Safe Place location, visit HCFLGov.net/Children.

Published March 29, 2023

Dogs Days brings smiles, and barks, to Dade City

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The 13th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City brought out its usual crowd of dogs, and owners, to Agnes Lamb Park on March 18, attracting several businesses and local organizations to the event. Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot were part of Dogs’ Day activities, including costume contests, a dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt). Ava Larkin’s dog, Luna Belle, was named Dog Mayor, which is awarded to the person who raises the most money for the fundraiser and then has the honor of having his or her dog named Dog Mayor for a year. Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine and the Green Door on 8th.

(Courtesy of Kevin Taggerty)

In Loving Memory of Curtis Brown Crosson

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Curtis Brown Crosson, age 86 and a life-long resident of the Tampa Bay area, died March 11, 2023 from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

A graduate of Hillsborough High School (class of 1955), Curtis went on to own a painting business in which he provided commercial and residential painting services. He married Mary Bradberry Davidson in 1965, and they enjoyed a long relationship of 55 years until her passing in December of 2020.

Curtis and Mary moved to Land O Lakes in 1991 to enjoy retirement on a small lake which allowed Curtis to fish as much as he liked, often every morning.

Besides fishing Curtis also greatly enjoyed baseball and fast-pitch softball. As a member of several fast-pitch teams in Tampa, Curtis became a highly skilled hurler, and threw several no-hitters against various opponents over the years in which he played. He sometimes played on the same team as his brother Ray.

Curtis is survived by his daughter Debra Schlaughenhoupt (George), son Darril Davidson, his brother Ray Crosson, sister Shirley Smith and grandson Ryan Davidson. He was predeceased by his wife Mary, his brother Donald and his parents, Elijah Preston Crosson and Mattie B Crosson.

Curtis was an active member at El Bethel Baptist Church in Tampa and First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at Advent Health Care Center Zephyrhills North and Gulfside Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639.

Published 03/22/23

Wesley Chapel Boulevard widening to start soon

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Wesley Chapel Boulevard, between State Road 54 and State Road 56, is a busy road and has needed widening for years. That work is expected to begin in nine months, according to Margaret Smith, Pasco County’s engineer. (Mike Camunas)

Right of way needed to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard has been acquired and the work to widen the busy road is expected to begin within nine months.

Once the project is completed, the road will have three lanes in each direction between State Road 54 and State Road 56.

Some of the widening work has already occurred.

The project is of considerable interest to motorists who use it for their daily commutes, to take advantage of the area’s shopping and dining options, and to access Interstate 75, via State Road 54 or State Road 56.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard also is known as County Road 54.

It straddles the edge of Cypress Creek Town Center, where State Road 54 turns into State Road 56, and it leads to the other part of State Road 54, which heads east through Wesley Chapel toward Zephyrhills.

Published March 22, 2023