The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Florida monitoring above average cases of RSV

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The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities, according to a news release.

This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years, the release says.

RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

The health department recommends these steps to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
    Infants are the most affected by RSV.

Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability, the release says.

Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems.

For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Published November 16, 2022

Voice of The Voter

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The Laker/Lutz News Staff Reporter Mike Camunas caught up with some voters to ask them what motivated them to head to the polls for the 2022 General Election. We share their thoughts here:

  • Maria Cuebas, Zephyrhills: “It’s my duty to vote and I try to regularly vote. … This was one of the most important midterms in a long time. It was important that everyone was heard this time around. Penny For Pasco — it’s going to serve its purpose.”
  • Rolanda Avila, Zephyrhills: “We need to vote and be heard — especially with the way this country has been going. People need to get out and be heard, and voting is the right way to do that. We got to make sure that we turn this around as much as we can and we use every tool that we got to help people that are struggling.”
  • Tiffany Musak, Wesley Chapel: “I just want to make sure that we stay free, because I like our state the way it is — it was an important midterm. I voted for Penny For Pasco because it’s for Pasco. It’s right in the name.”
  • Tammy Loomis, Wesley Chapel: “Yeah, I think (as a teacher), it’s pretty obvious I voted for Penny For Pasco (laughs). I mean, it helps out everyone, our classrooms, especially, and I look at it that way, obviously, because all the teachers need help, but you always want to thrive in our community and that is an important way to make sure that we continue to thrive.”
  • Phillip Fields, Land O’ Lakes: “It’s always important to vote — no matter how long the line is, it’s important to vote at every election. As far as I’m concerned. … It was an important one for our state, but our area, too.” (He also mentioned he voted for Penny for Pasco.)
  • Noel Garcia, Land O’ Lakes: “Well, certainly, I think the governor’s race was really important this time around, but I also think that it’s important to vote (at midterms) to keep control of the House and the Senate, no matter your (party) affiliation. It was important to vote on the school board (members) because those are important for our schools and kids and teachers. I voted to retain Penny For Pasco, because my wife, (and) my mother-in-law, are both teachers, and that, in part, but also so we don’t lose all the funding that goes to the rest of the county, too.”
  • Jessica Powser, Land O’ Lakes: “It’s always important to vote because every vote matters — every voice matters. It’s what makes this country great — that you can vote and matter. … There were a lot of things that we needed to vote for here in Pasco, and I’m glad I did and hope everyone who could did, too.”

Published November 16, 2022

Bringing the Living Space of Your Dreams to Life

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Your Instagram-inspired dreams of a new and beautiful kitchen or bathroom don’t have to stay that way with the help of the design professionals at CMK Construction. The remodeling company co-owned by husband-and-wife team Manny and Courtney Kavouklis has been serving the Tampa area for more than 19 years and offers customers a personalized experience, from an introductory visit in your home, to the company’s 4,000-square-foot showroom to an individual design specialist for each project.

And that’s just the beginning.

“The products we use are what really sets us apart,” Manny Kavouklis said. “We use premium products. For instance, in all our bathrooms, we use Schluter products, which allow for lifetime warranties in those wet spaces. We only sell the best quality finishes and then combined with flawless installation; it truly gives you that ‘WOW’ factor.”

Simply put, if company leaders wouldn’t put something in their own homes, they won’t install them in yours. You can count on the people with CMK Construction to bring you only the highest quality and durable items for your kitchen and bathroom.

In conversations about the company, the word “personalized” is what kept coming up. Customers who reach out to CMK Construction about a bathroom or kitchen project can visit the company’s showroom for a private design consultation, where a certified designer can show you hundreds of products and can help you select what to use based on your dreams for the space.

“That uniqueness of getting to sit with an accredited designer in the showroom, to bring your vision to life combined with having a dedicated project manager and a high-quality installation are just a few things that set us apart,” Kavouklis said. “Each of our customers are getting a project manager who can tell them what’s going on, on a day-to-day basis.”

Each project begins with an in-home visit before clients then visit the showroom to walk through plans with an accredited designer.

The company offers many selections of new bathroom and kitchen fixtures, kitchen countertops and cabinets, backsplashes, accent lighting and more. CMK also offers custom engineering, computer-rendered 3D designs, and eco-friendly products, to name but a few options.

You will select every color, fixture, and tile with the help of a certified designer. If you can dream it up, CMK accredited designers can help you make it happen.

CMK Construction first started in 2004 and offers customers options at all price points for kitchen and bath remodels, to make projects affordable.

The company doesn’t sacrifice quality but does offer competitive prices and a host of flexible financing options with attractive terms to help make it easier to budget for the remodel.

And if you reach out now, CMK Construction is offering a Black Friday promotion that will give you 0% interest for 36 months.

The special begins Nov. 1 and runs until Nov. 25 at midnight.

CMK Construction has won awards with Home Advisor, Tampa Bay Times, Thumbtack and others for its design, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

But that’s not all. Reviewers on Google and elsewhere also shower the Tampa-area staple with praise.

“We received three estimates from different companies and couldn’t be happier that we chose CMK,” one reviewer wrote. “They did an amazing job. They made suggestions on how to approach our project to get the most for our money, remain within our budget while getting an amazing outcome. They suggested things we hadn’t even thought of. There was never any pressure. If we said no to something, no one ever pushed back.”

Check out more of the company’s reviews to see what other customers thought of the work.

So, is your kitchen and bathroom outdated, not reflective of your style or failing to make the best use of the space? If so, it’s time to breathe new life into the heart of your Tampa home with a custom kitchen and bathroom remodel from CMK Construction.

As the company says, “Your Tampa home is more than your refuge from the world – it’s also one of your most important investments.”

CMK Construction offers its services across the area, including in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and more. “If you can imagine it, we’ll design it and then we’ll build it,” Manny Kavouklis said.

To learn more, visit CMKConstructionInc.com, or call 813-767-0646 for a free estimate.

13329 W. Hillsborough Ave., #104, Tampa, FL 33635

License Number: CGC 1516665 Plumbing License: CFC 1430533

In Loving Memory of Arlene Minnie Sileo

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Arlene Minnie Sileo

It is with great sorrow that the family of Arlene Minnie Sileo announces her passing on Sunday, January 9, 2022.  Honoring her wishes, she passed away at home with her husband of 63 years and family by her side.

            Arlene was born July 3, 1936, in Vineland, N.J., to her loving parents, Anthony and Violet Ronchetti.  She graduated from Vineland High School, Vineland, N.J., in 1955.  She went on to work at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Millville, N.J., and later transferred to their Philadelphia Branch after her marriage in 1958, where her husband was finishing his degree.

            After her first daughter was born, they moved to St. Petersburg, FL., in 1960, where she gave birth to two more daughters.  She then served as Secretary-Treasurer for Northwest Pharmacy, Inc., in St. Petersburg, co-owned by her husband and father-in-law, James Sileo.

            When her daughters began studying at University of South Florida, she also enrolled and graduated with a degree in Education.  She spent a long and successful career in Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, retiring from Cannella Elementary School in Tampa, FL.

            After early retirement, Arlene moved with her husband to the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and enjoyed 15 years of peaceful living.  She and her husband returned to Florida 6 years ago, to be with family once again. Arlene was a bright, beautiful, special person who made lifelong friendships throughout her life.  She is survived by her husband, Robert, Zephyrhills, FL., her daughters Monica (Darrel) Graziani, Stuart, FL., Melanie (Tim) Gillooly, Zephyrhills, FL., Sherry Castillo, Zephyrhills, FL., grand-daughter, Leigh Ann Golby, Zephyrhills, FL., sisters-in-law, Mildred (Julio) Scavelli and Marlene (Charles) Garbarino, both of Vineland, N.J. and several nieces and nephews.  Arlene is predeceased in death by her parents and sister-in-law Sandra Sileo Strawhecker.  She will be dearly missed by her family and her four-legged companions.

Arrangements were made under the care of Coastal Cremations Funeral Care, Zephyrhills, FL.  Memorial contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to The American Cancer Society and your nearest no-kill animal adoption center.

 

Published 11/09/22

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean Stemo

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Barbara Jean Stemo, 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday,

Oct. 26, 2022 at Hospice in Zephyrhills.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Lisa Stemo and 2 grandsons, Vincent and Drew.

Please Join us in celebrating a life well lived, Saturday morning,

Nov. 12, 11:30 – 12:00 at First

Congregational Church of Zephyrhills, 7900 Fort King road, Zephyrhills, FL.

 

Published 11/09/22

A hero on a mission, for children

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(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Lightning)

The Tampa Bay Lightning recently honored George Agovino as its Lightning Community Hero, making him the 505th hero recognized since the Lightning program was introduced in 2011-2012. During the first period of the Oct. 22 game, the Land O’ Lakes resident received a $50,000 donation from the Lighting Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil, and will donate the money to Fostering Change and Caterpillars to Butterflies. Agovino has strived to make the community better for more than 20 years. He is a foster father of four special-needs children and a retired law enforcement officer. Through the work with his nonprofit, Fostering Change Foster Closet, in Land O’ Lakes, he has become a trusted partner of the Pasco Sheriff’s Department, Division of Child Protective Services, and school social workers. Lightning player No. 38 Brandon Hagel presented the check to Agovino. For information on the nonprofit and how to donate, visit FosteringChangeCloset.com.

ICI Homes’ Second Phase in Bexley Now Open

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best known and prestigious homebuilders, has officially opened its second phase of homes in Bexley, a planned community embracing a natural setting in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s great to be back in Bexley. It’s a wonderful, flagship community,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

“There’s so much the area has — from shops, restaurants, parks and trails — Bexley is able to offer all of that because of its superb location.”

Phase two 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.

“It’s basically like having the amenity center in your backyard,” says Jones.

Ranging from 1,500 square feet to 2,800 square feet, the homesites will start in the upper $400s, will have one- and two-story options, and will feature alley garages. Also, due to the homesites’ floor plan elevations, many of them will be offering lake, park or preserve views. All of these homes, in the spirit of ICI’S brand, will be fully customizable to each and every homeowner’s interest and style.

The Primrose is one of the featured floor plans at Bexley. This two-story plan features 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.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park is Opening Soon
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.

One floor plan in particular is the Lantana, which features nearly 1,800 square feet of living space with eight-foot doors throughout the home. The dining area features plenty of space for entertaining, and the spacious kitchen comes with an extra-large island, big enough to sit six people. The Lantana comes with a master bedroom with a luxurious bathroom, two additional bedrooms, a guest bathroom, a flex room and laundry room. It also features a breezeway — perfect for entertaining, no matter the weather.

ICI Homes has one showcase home, The Lily, which is move-in ready. It’s 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.

Lake Jovita Continues To Have Great Success
ICI Homes continues to have great success in Lake Jovita — an established master-planned community in Dade City.

One of the inventory homes that will be offered in Lake Jovita is the Costa Mesa.

The Costa Mesa’s 2,500-square-foot open floor plan allows for the living room, kitchen and dining room to be one expansive space sharing plenty of Florida sunlight. A cup of coffee can be enjoyed on the covered lanai. The master suite is at the rear of the home, featuring a large walk-in closet, double vanities and a roomy walk-in shower.

Connerton is Almost Sold Out
Rose Pointe at Connerton — Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community — is almost sold out. One showcase home —  The Egret V — is currently available.

The Egret V is perfect for those who want to enjoy a large, open floor plan. A grand gallery-style foyer provides an immediate view into the open living room, covered lanai, and backyard. The living room is complemented by the gourmet kitchen and nook. The master suite features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath. A functional utility/laundry room near the garage helps with all storage needs.

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 Jones at .

Published October 26, 2022

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel Now Selling Single-Family Homes and Townhomes

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D.R. Horton — the country’s largest homebuilder by volume since 2002* — is currently selling single-family homes and townhomes in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, in Wesley Chapel.

Westgate at Avalon Park offers new homes conveniently located off State Road 54 in the center of the fast-growing city of Wesley Chapel. The community is just six miles to Interstate 75, offering easy access to major surrounding cities such as Tampa and Lakeland. Additionally, homeowners will find themselves just minutes from the Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, the Grove at Wesley Chapel, countless dining options, and an up-and-coming town center. Schools within the highly rated Pasco County district also are located near Westgate.

Plans for the community include a total of 994 homes, consisting of 768 single-family homes and 226 townhomes. Homesites are a combination of 40-foot, 50-foot, and 60-foot lots, with many lots backing up to conservation sites and idyllic views of the water.

Westgate offers residents a quiet, suburban setting and encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, about a mile from its entrance on SR 54. The community is expected to include its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool, an open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, a playground, open sports field, and a beautiful picnic area with pavilions.

All D.R. Horton homes come equipped with a Home is Connected® smart home automation system. Both townhomes and single-family homes are expected to be built with concrete block on the first and second floors, which is deemed a superior construction process across Florida. D.R. Horton is the only production builder locally that utilizes concrete block on both floors of its two-story homes.

Available Floor Plans
D.R. Horton offers its Express series townhomes in Westgate at Avalon Park – the Glen and Vale floor plans. These townhomes range from 1,673 to 1,758 square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and start from the low $300s. These open-concept floor plans come equipped with stainless steel appliances — a refrigerator, a built-in dishwasher, an electric range, a microwave, a washer and a dryer.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, seen above.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, Aria, Cali, Darwin, Elston, Ensley, Robie, and Hayden. All floor plans include a two-car driveway and range from 1,504 to 2,605 square feet with three to five bedrooms. These floor plans include open-concept kitchens that come with stainless steel appliances and an outdoor lanai perfect for relaxing, entertaining or outdoor dining.

D.R. Horton recently introduced its Preferred series 60-foot homesite lineup, which includes the Lantana, Coral, Hemingway, Holden, Hawthorne, Camden, Jordyn II, and Torino floor plans. Each of these open-concept homes will have extended tile in the living areas, granite countertops throughout, and other upgraded interior features. These floor plans range from 2,045 to 3,975 square feet, four to five bedrooms, and start from the low $400s.

About D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton Inc., America’s Builder, has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002*. Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 105 markets in 33 states across the United States and closed 81,469 homes during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022. The company is engaged in the construction and sale of high-quality homes through its diverse brand portfolio that includes D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, Express Homes and Freedom Homes, with sales prices generally ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million. Through its mortgage, title and insurance subsidiaries, D.R. Horton provides mortgage financing, title services and insurance agency services for its homebuyers. The company also constructs and sells both single-family and multifamily rental properties, and is the majority-owner of Forestar Group Inc., a national residential lot development company.

About Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel is a 1,650-acre master-planned community designed to live, learn, work and play. Once completed, it will comprise approximately 4,400 single and multifamily residences and accommodate around 10,000 residents. Its downtown area will boast more than 560,000 square feet of retail spaces and 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, with new apartments built above the storefronts. For more information, please visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515.

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park Sales Center is located at 5327 Oxford Gray Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. For more information, call 866-475-3347, or email

D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. *As reported by Builder magazine. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Certified Builder Contractor License Number CBC039052

Published October 26, 2022

Here’s a treat for you: Some ways to make those pumpkins tasty

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It’s that time of year where everywhere you go, you’re bound to run into some pumpkins.

They can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used in various ways for the autumn season.

Pumpkins can be carved and decorated for Halloween, used as fall décor, or served as part of a meal.

Pumpkins can be a very nutritious addition to your diet.

In fact, they are quite versatile and can be used in a variety of food preparation and cooking methods.

Pumpkin can be prepared sweet or savory, and pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack or added to foods as a crunchy topping for a nutritional boost.

Of course, when we’re talking about cooking with pumpkin, we’re referring to the edible kind.

The ornamental pumpkins are the ones you would carve for Halloween, and are not best for eating.

They usually have a watery texture and don’t have much flavor.

The seeds, however, are definitely edible, so be sure to save those.

Culinary pumpkins, as implied, are best for cooking and baking.

While the store may simply label them as “pumpkin” within the produce section, there are a number of varieties good for eating, including baby bear, Cinderella, blue doll, and others.

They are smaller, less stringy, and have a sweet flavor.

Cooking with fresh pumpkin calls for it being pureed in most recipes.

While the canned pumpkin puree is great for baking, pureeing fresh pumpkin is more versatile and can be used in nonbaked dishes, too.

They are a low-carb food, and packed full of vitamins and minerals.

A fiber-rich food, adding pumpkin to your diet can help improve cholesterol levels and support healthy digestion.

Fiber-rich foods also help to manage blood sugar levels and help you feel fuller longer. Steamed or roasted, pumpkins can be served as a side dish; they make great soups and can be baked into muffins, pies, and breads.

They can even be used in place of other winter squash, such as butternut, or even sweet potatoes.

Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins A and C, which have many great benefits for the body.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin A supports vision, cell growth, and supports healthy immune function, which is great for the cold and flu season that is prevalent this time of year.

Vitamin C is essential for muscle and collagen formation.

Vitamins A and C also are antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals in the body helping to prevent and to protect the body against heart disease, cancer and other health disparities.

An article in Women’s Health Magazine recommends giving your breakfast a boost by adding pureed pumpkin to your oatmeal or adding a scoop to your morning smoothie or pancake batter.

Do the same for your favorite sauces for a nutrient boost.

Pumpkin seeds are just as beneficial. They contain healthy fats, are good for brain and nerve function, and provide protein, which aids in muscle development and cellular growth. Seeds also contain zinc, magnesium and copper. NIH says that these minerals are necessary for recovery, energy production and metabolic processes. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of your yogurt, oatmeal or just eat them alone.

Looking to add more pumpkin into your diet this fall?

Try this easy pumpkin soup recipe, from the University of Illinois Extension.

If using canned pumpkin, make sure to buy canned pumpkin puree (which is just pumpkin) and not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and seasonings).

Quick and Easy Creamy Pumpkin Soup, from University of Illinois Extension:

Ingredients:
2 cups finely chopped onions
2 green onions, sliced thinly, tops included
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 green chili pepper, chopped
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
3 cans chicken broth (14-1/2 oz cans) or 6 cups homemade chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 can (16 oz) solid pack pumpkin
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 cup undiluted, evaporated skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste (Canned chicken broth and canned pumpkin may contain added salt.
Taste the finished soup before adding salt, as additional salt may not be needed.)
Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

In a 6-quart saucepan, sauté onions, green onions, celery and chili pepper in oil. Cook until onions begin to look translucent.

Add broth, pumpkin, bay leaf and cumin.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaf.

Add evaporated milk and cook over low heat 5 minutes.

Do not boil.

Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, if desired.

Transfer hot soup to pumpkin tureen.

Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Serve hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

By Shari Bresin
Pasco County Extension intern, Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this article.

Published October 26, 2022