The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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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

A Year in Review at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel 

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At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a premier master-planned community in Pasco County, it’s all about community. As 2022 comes to an end, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel reflects on some of its top events — which are always free and open to the public — from the year. 

4th of July Celebration

Absolutely Avalon
Absolutely Avalon is an event to celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park Wesley Chapel absolutely amazing. It was held on April 23 and was filled with international food, music and vendors, activities for kids, community performances, and a fantastic laser light show. The event was focused on diversity and culture, which is some of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s core values. 

4th of July Celebration
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel showed its patriotic colors at its annual 4th of July Celebration. There were community performances, food trucks, a bike parade, patriotic bake-off, bounce houses, and numerous exhibitors and vendors. The event ended with a bang with an incredible fireworks show. 

Spooktacular

Spooktacular
It was a spooky, fun-filled Halloween celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s annual Spooktacular event. There was a costume contest, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of candy for all to enjoy. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel also invited its residents to decorate their front porches as haunting as they could, and awarded first, second and third place prizes.

Avalon Aglow

Avalon Aglow
Avalon Aglow allowed families to celebrate the holiday season together by creating traditions and memories that they can share for a lifetime. The event was held on Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Highlights of the event included pictures with Santa, “real” snow, train rides, and a spectacular fireworks show. 

Jazz Under the Starz
Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The latest addition to this vision this year is Jazz Under the Starz, which has been hosting monthly concerts at Avalon Park’s downtown area. Some of the featured performers from the year included Project Necessary, TFox and The Crew, David Bathen, and Follow the Fiddle Band.

Jazz Under the Starz

Downtown Groundbreaking
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on July 14, to celebrate the start of construction on the first phase of its highly anticipated downtown area. The three-story 73,067-square-foot mixed-use building plans to include 40 multifamily apartments and 23,720 square feet of commercial/retail space on the ground floor. Initial plans for the commercial/retail space include an approximately 12,000-square-foot food hall called The Marketplace at Avalon Park, as well as a co-working space, The 5th Floor.

“This phase of construction really helps us move even closer to that vision of building a place where families can build memories and traditions together in a town they can call their own,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO, Avalon Park Group. Upon completion, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will encompass more than 1,800 acres and will host approximately 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space in its downtown.

Published December 28, 2022

Be alert to Social Security scams

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Scammers are pretending to be government employees, according to a posting on the Social Security Administration’s website, SSA.gov.

The scammers “may threaten you and may demand immediate payment (from you) to avoid arrest or other legal action,” warns the posting on the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s website.

Criminals continue to evolve and find new ways to steal money and personal information, the website adds.

Here are some tips to avoid the scams:

Be aware that if you owe money to Social Security, the SSA will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. The SSA only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through its offices. The SSA will not:

  • Threaten arrest or legal action, if you refuse to pay money immediately. It will not suspend your Social Security number. It will not promise a benefit in exchange for money. It will not request gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet cryptocurrency or cash through the U.S. mail.
  • The SSA only sends emails or text messages if you have opted in to receive them and only in limited situations, such as when you have subscribed with Social Security to receive updates and notifications by text or email; or, as part of Social Security’s enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account. 
  • The SSA may email or text about programs and services but will never ask for a return call to an unknown number or ask for personal information.
  • If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email: Hang up. Do not return unknown calls, texts or emails. Do not give money or personal information.

Published December 28, 2022

History center staff provides more information about Purple Heart

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Editor’s Note: The Laker/Lutz News published a Knowing Your History column on Dec. 14 seeking information about the owner of a Purple Heart that had been in storage at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s history center. It turns out, we failed to seek information at perhaps the most obvious place. Here is a follow-up to that column.

A column published in The Laker/Lutz News on Dec. 14 sought to track down more information about the owner of a Purple Heart medal in storage in the history center at The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.

This Purple Heart was bestowed to James W. Vanden and donated to the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village nearly two decades ago. (File)

It turns out that our reporting would have benefited from starting with the museum’s staff.

After our column published, Andy Warrener, associate curator at the museum, reached out to provide additional information about the medal.

The Purple Heart was donated in 1994, according to Warrener.

It belonged to James Wayman Vanden, not James W. Varden, as our original column reported.

Warrener said the back of the metal was clearly stamped James W. Vanden, but allowed that in his experience of doing this type of research, t’s can look like l’s and r’s can look like n’s.

James W. Vanden was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri. (Courtesy of Andy Warrener, Florida Pioneer Museum & Village/Findagrave)

Here is what Warrener was able to track down, regarding the medal.

James Wayman Vanden was born in Cairo, Illinois, on Aug. 10, 1924. Shortly after that he moved to DeSoto County in Jefferson, Missouri.

Vanden was employed by the International Shoe Company and lived at 822 South Second, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 16, 1943.

His civil occupation listed on his enlistment card was: Skilled mechanic, repairman, motor vehicles.

He was assigned to the Army’s ordinance department, and served there for nine months to 11 months.

“It gets a little murky from there,” Warrener continues.

Vanden was listed as killed in action, but his hospital admission card says that he was treated for a non-battle injury having to do with frostbite on his toes, Warrener reports.

Vanden died on July 27, 1944.

He was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri on April 16, 1948, making it likely that Vanden was cremated, according to Warrener’s research.

Vanden’s next of kin is listed as Bert Shaffer, husband of M.R. Shaffer, who lived at 33541 Isabelle Drive in Zephyrhills in 1994, when the item was donated.

Since the artifact doesn’t have much to do with Florida history, Warrener said he likely will try to contact a museum in Missouri that might have an interest in the item.

Published December 28, 2022

Hillsborough library patrons break digital borrowing record

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Patrons of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system smashed the record in terms of digital checkouts during 2022, outpacing last year’s numbers by 6%.

The total number of digital items checked out reached 2,168,421, according to a Hillsborough County news release. E-books led the list, in terms of the most popular item checked out.

This is the seventh consecutive year the library has made it into the Million+ Digital Checkout Club, the release says.

The milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of the library lending e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content.

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library provides readers 24/7 access to e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines through OverDrive and the Libby app.

The highest-circulating title that readers borrowed in 2022 was “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave. Adult e-books were the most popular digital item, averaging more than 25,365 checkouts each week.

Here are the top five adult e-books:

  1. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave 
  2. “The Judge’s List” by John Grisham 
  3. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover 
  4. “Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty 
  5. “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley 

The top five adult audiobooks: 

  1. “The Last Thing He Told Me” (unabridged) by Laura Dave 
  2. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens 
  3. “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley 
  4. “Apples Never Fall” (unabridged) by Liane Moriarty 
  5. “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” (unabridged) by V.E. Schwab 

The top five e-magazines: 

  1. The Economist
  2. Us Weekly
  3. Woman’s World
  4. The New Yorker
  5. The Week Magazine 

The top five young adult fiction e-books: 

  1. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Harry Potter Series, Book 5 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
  2. “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” Harry Potter Series, Book 4 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling 
  3. “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Harry Potter Series, Book 6 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling 
  4. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Harry Potter Series, Book 7 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
  5. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” A Court of Thorns and Roses Series, Book 1 (unabridged) by Sarah J. Maas

To checkout digital titles from your local library, readers just need a valid library card.

Library customers are welcome to use their local branches’ Wi-Fi hotspot, computers, and laptop kiosks during library hours.

For more information about library services, visit HCPLC.org.

Published December 28, 2022

Dade City Garden Club kicks off family program

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The Dade City Garden Club is launching a program to encourage the whole family to come out and play in the dirt.

The new program is rolling out in January — just in time to help the club celebrate its 75th anniversary year, according to a news release from the garden club.

(File)

The Family Program is designed to help people of all ages to develop a love of gardening. Those joining the program will have a chance to learn about gardening and to work with experienced members of the garden club.

Three individual events are planned during the coming year, with the cost kept to $5 per household per event.

Each session will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

Registration is open for the first program in the series, which is called “About Seeds.” That’s scheduled for Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants will learn all about seeds, including “What is a seed?” “What are the parts of a seed?” “How to plant seeds,” and “How to gather and save seeds to continue growing your garden.”

Each event will have targeted activities for all age groups, according to the news release.

All ages are encouraged to take part, although each household reservation should have at least one adult, age 18 or older.

For more information and to register, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

Family Gardening Programs

  • About seeds: Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Plant a garden to help pollinators: March 5, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Art in the garden: June 19, 9 a.m. to noon

All events will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.
The cost is $5 per household.
For more information, contact Kathy Riley at 352-583-4994 or .

Published December 21, 2022

Santa Parade brings holiday cheer to Lexington Oaks

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Santa, also known as John Kostialik, made his annual stop in Lexington Oaks on Dec. 10 — starring in a parade aimed at bringing seasonal spirit to Central Pasco community.

With no reindeers in sight, Santa (John Kostialik) rides from stop to stop, in a golf cart driven by his elf helper, Addison Jones. (Courtesy of Steve Vinik)

The annual Santa parade, sponsored by the Lexington Oaks Security Patrol, including appearances by Santa (Kostialik) and Mrs. Claus (Julie Kuhn), fire trucks, a marching band and decked-out golf carts.

This elf is certainly not on a shelf! Lincoln Luna was busy during the parade in Lexington Oaks, distributing Santa’s candy.

Each year, the parade wends its way along Lexington Oaks Boulevard and stops in front of the village entrances to greet families with good Christmas cheer and candy.

This year, Fire Rescue Station 13 supplied some red plastic fire helmets to give out to kids.

Stacey Russo, a parade spectator, recapped some observations on Facebook.

She said this year’s event “was my favorite parade so far.”

Russo loved seeing “all the fire trucks, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Frosty, all the golf carts decked out,” an “amazing decorated jeep,” she wrote on Facebook.

She also enjoyed seeing the kids getting fire hats and candy and watching the marching band featuring members from Wesley Chapel and Cypress Creek high schools.

“How many smiles were made,” Russo commented.

Santa said the toughest part of getting ready for the parade is allowing his beard to grow during Florida’s hot summers.

He was pleased by this year’s event.

“Thank you to all who helped and all who came to watch,” he said. “See ya’ll next year!”

Published December 21, 2022

Mrs. Claus (Julie Kuhn) hands out goodies —helping to raise spirits high, during the Lexington Oaks Santa Parade.
Fire Rescue Station 13, led by Capt. David Garofalo and firefighter Kessler Dixon, provided lots of noisy excitement, and plastic firefighter hats for the children.
Aly Jacinto gives Santa (John Kostialik) a hug, in a tender moment during the parade.

Teddy Bears for TPD aims to comfort children in crisis

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Members of the Tampa Police Department (TPD), including Interim Chief Lee Bercaw, Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson, and members of the Behavioral Health Unit, received donations of nearly 300 stuffed animals in the second Teddy Bears for TPD collection conducted by Saint Leo University, according to a university news release.

Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, Saint Leo University Tampa Education Center Director Rod Kirkwood, Saint Leo University staff and faculty, and Tampa Police Department (TPD) officers hold teddy bears donated to the university’s Teddy Bears for TPD drive. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein/Saint Leo University)

The university’s Tampa Education Center spearheaded the effort, and the teddy bears and stuffed animals were loaded into TPD vehicles at the education center at 1403 N. Howard Ave., in West Tampa.

Students, faculty, staff and the public donated the items, bringing them to the education center and to Saint Leo’s main campus, in St. Leo.

The nearly 300 teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be used by the unit and TPD officers to help children in crisis situations and during scary times.

Officer Gig Brown has his arms full of donated teddy bears at Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center. The bears were donated by students, faculty, staff, and the public to create a ‘comfort squad.’

This is the second year for the project, which was led by the Tampa Education Center and supported by faculty, staff, students and the public. Saint Leo’s Student Government Union and student groups also collected animals at its residential campus in Pasco County and at the East Pasco Education Center locations. This year’s collection drive yielded 300 stuffed animals.

Bercaw said that the bears can help start a conversation in a difficult situation.

“They can get a child smiling,” Bercaw said, in the release.

The stuffed animals will be used primarily by TPD’s Behavioral Health Unit officers, but also will be available in TPD offices. The officers in the Behavioral Health Unit help those who are vulnerable and those in crisis, and help to keep situations from escalating, the release says.

Dr. Christine Picot, assistant professor of education, and Officer Lucas Lucchini of the Tampa Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, load donated teddy bears into a police vehicle.

“Community support — such as that provided by Saint Leo University — is what we really need,” Bercaw said. “Saint Leo is a great partner for us and we appreciate the support.”

The idea of donating teddy bears was sparked by one of the Tampa center’s social work instructors, who discussed how children experience traumatic events, according to the release.

In late 2020, Saint Leo moved its Tampa location to the historic former Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory building, 1403 N. Howard Ave.

“We really wanted to support our local community and give back,” said Rod Kirkwood, area director of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center. “Being able to partner with and support the Tampa Police Department is important, and we want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation.”

Many of the university’s degree programs align with this project, including criminal justice and social work.

Bercaw is one of Saint Leo’s most recent graduates. He earned his Doctor of Criminal Justice degree earlier this year.

Published December 21, 2022