The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Anglers can try their luck at plenty of spots in Pasco

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Fishing — like many recreational pursuits — requires its own special gear.

Want to catch a fish?

You’ll need a rod and reel, a net, a bait bucket.

Anglers catch tarpon, grouper, sharks, snook, redfish and other fish in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pasco County. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

It takes guts, too —  to hook a slimy worm, or a prickly pinfish, or to risk a $20 lure.

Then, you’ll need to head out to your playing field: The Gulf of Mexico, a river or a lake.

Mostly, though, you need luck.

Being lucky while fishing is what makes it so addicting.

You can fish alone, or with friends.

You can fish while listening to a football game, or while bird-watching.

You can fish for your dinner.

You can catch and release, and you can tell lies.

You can fish just because it’s fun.

I once saw a man wearing dress pants, and an oxford cloth shirt and tie — out fly fishing in a creek, in the middle of the day in Durango, Colorado.

I remember thinking, “I want to live in a place where I can fish on my lunch hour.”

Pasco County offers that.

It borders the Gulf of Mexico. It has rivers and lakes, and there are lots of boat ramps and piers.

Boaters have it made.

But if you don’t have a boat, you rent one from a marina, or borrow a kayak, or hire a fishing guide, or fish off a pier.

If you’re ready to cast a few lines, here are some fishing spots that are worth checking out.

The pier in Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday is 500 feet long and a favorite among anglers. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Anclote Gulf Park
Anclote Gulf Park has a 500-foot pier open free 24 hours daily and a boat ramp offering easy access to the Gulf. The 23-acre park itself is open daily, dawn to dusk, and has a playground, dog park, trails, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s at 2305 Baillies Bluff Road in Holiday.

Tarpon, goliath grouper, sharks, red snappers, snook, trout, redfish and scallops are all in Gulf waters. The 10-day bay scallop season starts the third Friday in July.

Anclote River Park
Anclote River Park, down the street at 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, also has a boat ramp, docks and fishing access to Anclote flats for inshore fishing for trout, Spanish mackerel, snook and redfish. The 30-acre park is free and open dawn to dusk.

Eagle Point Park
Eagle Point Park is another popular place to fish. It’s at 4499 Straub Memorial Drive in New Port Richey, bordering the Gulf. It has three fishing piers, a kayak launch and picnic shelters, trails and a playground. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, except Thursdays, when it opens at 9 a.m.

Along the Pithlachascotee River
There are several places along the Pithlachascotee River, or “Cotee,” as locals call it, where anglers like to cast their lines. Here are two:

  • Port Richey Waterfront Park
    Port Richey Waterfront Park, at 8119 Old Post Road, has a kayak launch and a 200-foot fishing pier over the Cotee. The park is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and has a pavilion, playground, restrooms and a dog park.
  • The Sims Park Boat Ramp
    The Sims Park Boat Ramp into the Cotee is at 5443 Main Street in New Port Richey near downtown. It’s free and open 24 hours daily. Sims Park also has a small lake, a riverfront walk, picnic shelters and restrooms.

Withlacoochee River Park
Withlacoochee River Park, at 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City, has a kayak dock into the Withlacoochee River, where anglers catch largemouth bass, speckled perch, bream, chain pickerel, catfish and bluegill. Park hours are daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free.

Fishing spots at Pasco County parks
Pasco County is lake country and plenty of parks have lakes.

Here are just a few:

  • Moon Lake Park
    Children catch lots of fish off Middle Lake Park’s pier in Dade City. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

    Moon Lake Park, at 8985 Lake Drive, in New Port Richey, has a boat launch, popular with folks fishing for whopper largemouth bass. The launch is limited to small-powered-engine boats and kayaks, but that’s all you need to fish on this large lake. The park, open daily from dawn to dusk, also has a small beach, picnic tables, a playground, basketball court and picturesque trees.

  • Crews Lake Wilderness Park
    Crews Lake Wilderness Park, at 16739 Crews Lake Drive, in Spring Hill, has a fishing pier children especially like. But the lake tends to be clogged with weeds in areas, so it is not popular among serious boating anglers, says park supervisor David Jay. Jay says the lake is good for kayakers, though, and for boaters with engines that are 10-horsepower or less. The lake at 200-plus acres is one of the largest natural lakes in Pasco County, and has largemouth bass, crappies, catfish, gar and bream.
  • Middle Lake Park
    Middle Lake Park, at 18620 Townsend House Road, in Dade City, has a fishing pier over a 200-acre lake, a kayak launch and a boat ramp for boats 16 feet or smaller. The park, free and open daily from dawn to dusk, also has a picnic area.

For more advice, PascoCountyFL.net lists boat ramps and kayak launches in the county. Another site, SaltChef.com, also lists Pasco County boat ramps, fishing piers and parks.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published March 02, 2022

Welcoming Mike Camunas to The Laker/Lutz News news team

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Mike Camunas, a native of Tampa, has joined The Laker/Lutz News news team.

He  has lived in Pasco County for nearly 40 years and during that time, he has seen the area transform from a place of sparse houses and orange groves into a bustling and thriving community.

While there aren’t many places he hasn’t visited within the area, he’s always on the lookout for something new to see or someone new to meet.

He began journalism on whim. He knew he wanted to write, but wasn’t sure how to achieve that, without his words turning into ramblings in a notebook.

Still, he took a shot.

He approached the Pasco section of The Tampa Tribune, seeking a chance to write.

He scored an assignment to do a community sports feature.

He quickly realized, however, from rewrites in those early days, that he needed more experience.

Undaunted, he plugged away — seeking out potential stories, pitching them and accepting every assignment that came his way.

Those efforts paid off.

He became a go-to freelance reporter for the Tribune in 2004, and funny enough, his first assignment was to cover a high school boys soccer game for his alma mater: Wesley Chapel High.

That story led to other assignments.

About a year later, he was recruited to cover the University of South Florida athletics as a freelancer for The St. Petersburg Times, now known as The Tampa Bay Times.

While doing that, he also was the sports editor for the USF Oracle, the university’s student newspaper,

He received a degree from USF in 2007, with a major in Mass Communications Journalism and a minor in Creative Writing.

Next, the Times hired him to be its community sports editor in Pasco and Hernando counties. In that role, he covered  everything from recreation, to youth sports, to even the local golf scene.

He made the switch back to the Tampa Tribune in 2010, becoming the Pasco Tribune sports coordinator for six years. The job involved building five sports pages a week.

At the same time, he was a correspondent for The Associated Press, covering national sporting events and professional sports teams, including the 2008 World Series here in Tampa Bay.

His other writing and reporting experiences have included completing assignments for several local magazines and in nearly every major newspaper throughout Florida.

Editor’s note: We’re happy to welcome Mike Camunas to his new role as a staff writer for our newspaper. We are confident that his experience and enthusiasm will result in interesting, important and fun stories for our readers. If you’d like to welcome Mike or reach out to him with story ideas, email him at .

Published March 02, 2022

Overpass Road has reopened

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Overpass Road reopened last week to vehicular traffic, between Old Pasco and Boyette roads.

One lane is open in each direction, according to a Pasco County news release.

No pedestrian or bicycle traffic is allowed and there is no access to Interstate 75, from Overpass Road.

Additional lanes on Overpass Road and the ramps to and from I-75 are projected to open later this year or early 2023, the news release says.

There also will be traffic signals at Old Pasco Road, the two intersections at the I-75 ramps, and Boyette Road.

Construction continues to build sidewalks for future safe pedestrian use.

The area is posted at 30 mph for worker and public safety. Motorists also must be prepared to stop at Old Pasco and Boyette roads.

Overpass Road had been closed since February 2021 to remove the existing bridge and build replacement bridges in conjunction with the new interchange construction, the release adds.

At the time of the closure, according to a report in The Laker/Lutz News, officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, said the closure was expected to last a year, which is essentially what happened.

Although the road has reopened, work on the design-build project continues.

The new interstate interchange being built at I-75 at Overpass Road, is about 3.5 miles south of State Road 52. The new diamond interchange will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

Overpass Road is being widened to four lanes between I-75 and Old Pasco Road and to six lanes between I-75 and Boyette Road.

Completion of the approximately $64 million project is scheduled for summer 2023.

Published March 02, 2022

This pitching coach brings a world of experience to the job

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He has a World Series ring.

He played at every level in professional baseball — competing in practically every state — and once struck out his childhood hero during a major league game.

He represented his home country of Canada at the World Baseball Classic and won a championship in Japan.

Academy at the Lakes pitching coach Scott Mathieson talks to players on Academy at the Lakes baseball team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

Right-handed pitcher Scott Mathieson had an enormously interesting and varied career. When he speaks from experience, people should listen.

Baseball players for Academy at the Lakes (AATL), where Mathieson has begun his second season as the volunteer pitching coach, are the beneficiaries.

Coach Ken Akins and the Wildcat players agree — Mathieson’s words are like gold.

“He has seen it all,’’ AATL sophomore right-hander Jonny Alvarez said. “He told me to bring my arm down. Now I am throwing it faster and more accurately. I didn’t have much power in my legs and he has changed that. He knows what’s wrong and what’s right. It’s making a huge difference.’’

“I have seen so many benefits,’’ AATL senior left-hander Cole Syversen said. “The velocity on my fastball has increased. He tells me how to get my (body’s) lower half involved and it just clicks immediately. The way he describes it, you know it’s the way it should be.’’

Mathieson, a former 17th-round draft choice, was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years, and he pitched 15 MLB games over three seasons. Ultimately, though, his progress was derailed by three elbow surgeries. He pitched eight more seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, appearing in 300 games as a reliever and winning the 2012 Japan Championship Series.

Former professional baseball player Scott Mathieson shares his knowledge about pitching with players on Academy at the Lakes’ team. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

When it came time for retirement — and when his two children, Lane (9) and Brooke (6), enrolled at AATL — Mathieson asked if he could be involved with the baseball program.

The answer: A resounding yes!

“You can’t put a price tag on how Scott relates to the kids and how he helps their game,’’ Akins said. “We are really fortunate to have him. He shoots straight from the hip, no sugar-coating. He tells you how hard you need to work for success. Our guys have exploded with confidence and success by sticking to his plan.’’

Mathieson, whose fastball touched 100 mph in his prime, said he has enjoyed working with players who are so eager to learn.

“You teach them how to play, but even more, you teach them how to practice, how to make best use of their time and how to work properly,’’ Mathieson said. “Everybody’s pinnacle is different. You want to come close to your pinnacle and never have regrets. Whether that means getting into a high school game or reaching the major league level, let’s get there.

“You just want them to play to their best ability and not be satisfied with anything less than that. I got a little taste of the top level. It takes a lot of work, some luck and staying healthy. If a kid has a desire to improve and pursue his goals, it’s exciting to know I can help in those areas.’’

Scott Mathieson was with the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization for 10 years. (Courtesy of Wikipedia commons)

Mathieson, who turned 38 on Feb. 27, said his biggest MLB thrill was twice striking out Ken Griffey Jr., then with the Cincinnati Reds. When Mathieson grew up in a small town outside of Vancouver, he idolized Griffey and his early career with the Seattle Mariners.

“That was pretty cool,’’ Mathieson said. “I got to talk to him afterward and he signed a couple of baseballs for me. I was fortunate enough to strike out a few good names.’’

But the elbow injuries altered the course of his career. He has no regrets. In fact, he loves his life, particularly the part that involves taking his kids to school each morning and being intimately involved in their lives.

Mathieson also coaches with his son’s youth league team.

“I think the important things are learning the game, learning sportsmanship, making friends, being a good teammate and playing the game the right way,’’ Mathieson said. “Making a (physical) error doesn’t matter to me. As long as you’re paying attention, being disciplined and giving your best effort, it’s fine. It’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun.

“When I grew up in our small town, after our baseball games, the parents did the barbecue, the kids played Frisbee on the field, and everybody was friends. That’s the kind of attitude and environment we should have with our kids in baseball. It’s meant to be fun. I know I’m having a lot of fun, and if the kids can learn the game and have fun, that’s all I can ask.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published March 02, 2022

Things to Do in Pasco County During Spring Break

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In Pasco County, spring break 2022 is quickly approaching.  

Here are some fun things to do locally, with your friends and family:

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Giraffe Ranch
Giraffe Ranch, a hidden gem in Dade City, is Florida’s second largest wilderness area that consists of live oaks, orchids, pastures, and wetlands. This family-owned native wildlife preserve offers five kinds of intimate safaris that are led by experienced driver-guides. They also offer drive-thru safaris that allow visitors to stay in their own vehicle and follow a guide while listening to their real time commentary on their FM car radio. The preserve also allows visitors to choose to go on a guided custom safari by camel-back, riding an off-road Segway X2, or by walking with one of the preserves’ llamas.

Throughout the safari, visitors will learn about native and exotic animals and the habitats they live in along with seeing the conservation efforts with endangered species. Each safari, except for the drive thru, includes giraffe feeding. Giraffe Ranch focuses on giving visitors a close-up experience and allows you to go right up to a camel, rhino, Brazilian tapir, and a pygmy hippo. 

To book, visit its website. Tours are strictly limited in size to ensure each adventure is safe, fun, and educational for visitors. 

(Courtesy of Brenda Sexton)

Epperson Lagoon
Epperson Lagoon, a first-of-its-kind amenity here in Pasco County, is an enormous 7-acre, 16-million-gallon swimming pool with crystal clear water that stretches the length of five football fields.

Located in Wesley Chapel, the lagoon features sandy beaches, swim-up bars and restaurants built along their shores. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lagoon’s water slides, kayaking docks, snorkeling, paddle boarding and small sailboats. Those wanting quiet conversations and relaxing in the sun will enjoy the Cabana pools.

A day pass is $40/adult and $30/kids and includes access to a tropical beach paradise, swimming in clear, blue water, water slide, family lawn games, beach volleyball, and access to the Sandbar swim-up bar. 

For an extra fee, you can enjoy kayaking and/or paddle boarding, challenge yourself to a water obstacle course, and rent a tiki, cabana, aquabana, beach umbrella, or have premium seating in the lagoon’s exclusive cabana cove VIP area.

For more information, go to the Epperson Lagoon website.

(File)

Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center
This world-class athletic and wellness center in the heart of Zephyrhills is a 7,400-square-foot facility that offers many options for professional athletes, casual players, or anyone looking to create a healthier lifestyle.

According to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center website, the facility includes 11 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, four padel courts, cryotherapy, a salt room, sauna, sports counseling, fitness center, and a restaurant.

Vesh, the restaurant within the facility, is a full-service caterer that has been in business for over 15 years. Vesh is open to the public serving breakfast and lunch along with smoothies, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.

For hours of operation and more information on the different services the facility offers, click here.

(Courtesy of Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals)

Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals
Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals is based in New Port Richey and offers rentals for pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes. The company also offers captained pontoon charters and Tiki Bar Boat trips.

According to its website, the rental company is open Friday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Boating experience is required to rent a boat.

Visit Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals website for more details about reservations.

(Courtesy of Kelli Carmack)

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre
For nearly 70 years, the Joy-Lan Drive-In has given locals a chance to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.

Joy-Lan Drive-In, which is Pasco County’s last remaining drive-in theater, presents a slice of nostalgia. Music from the ’50s plays as movie-goers pull into the lot and get ready to view the film.

Families can bring snacks, spread out on blankets or settle into their lawn chairs to escape to the world of the movies, under a starry sky. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 4 through 9, and are good for two screenings. Screenings are Wednesday through Sunday, with the first movie starting at 8:30 p.m.

Check out our full story on the drive-in theatre here.

Where: 16414 U.S. 301, Dade City; Info: JoyLanDriveIn.com

(Courtesy of Old McMicky’s Farm)

Old McMicky’s Farm
According to its website, Old McMicky’s Farm brings the beloved tradition of farm life to a new generation. The farm offers the opportunity for people of all ages to interact face-to-face with American farm animals.

In addition to playing with adorable animals, you can enjoy an exciting hayride, explore the farm’s barn maze, milk a cow and so much more.

Old McMicky’s Farm also offers professionally guided farm tours and field trips all year for families, schools, camps, private groups, corporate outings, etc. 

Take in the beautiful views of Crescent Lake while eating lunch by the farm’s oak tree-shaded picnic areas.

(Courtesy of SunWest)

SunWest Park
SunWest Park is an outdoor sports and recreation park in Hudson, FL that offers visitors a mile-long white sandy beach wrapped around a spring-fed freshwater lake, volleyball courts, concession stands and the Lift Adventure Park. The Lift Adventure Park includes a Sesitec Full Size Cable, System 2.0, and Wibit Aqua Park to visitors looking to enjoy the inflatable aqua park, practice wakeboarding, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

SunWest Park is open daily for family fun on and off the water. Check out the Lift Adventure Park website to reserve your spot.

By Kelli Carmack and Nicole Sanchez

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Excited about the fair!

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Jennifer Hykes said her daughter, Bria Rodriguez, saw the ad for the Pasco County Fair on the back page of The Laker and got excited about the ferris wheel, as you can tell by the expression on the little girl’s face!

Sanderson, Claude Deason (Dee) & Sheila Rae

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Sanderson, Claude Deason- (Dee) Of Dade City, FL. 72 Passed away January 31, 2022.

Known to his friends as Dee, he really never met a stranger. Son of Claude and Olieta Sanderson. Brother to Roy and Danny Sanderson. Born Oct 28, 1949, a true Dade Citian. Dee, Graduated top of his Class in 1967 from Pasco High School, where he met his wife (Sheila) of 52 years.

He went on to learn construction while building early commercial buildings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. and Charleston, S.C. He worked as a butcher at Kash n’ Karry, where he made dear friends, learning a skill he used all his life and shared with his daughters.

He went on to found Reliance Auto Center in 1979. He was the Founder/Owner/Operator of Reliance, Southland Auto Sales, Buds Wreaking Yard, Auto Zone Auto Parts-Dade City, and Reliance Towing all nearly until his “retirement” in 2020. Dee’s driving passion was all things automotive, especially Classic Cars. If he wasn’t walking miles at a car show, he was walking miles at an auto auction. It was hard to keep up with him as he never stopped! If he wasn’t at a car function he was with his family and dear friends.

He was blessed to spend many joyous hours with his daughters, grand-children and great granddaughters around many a bon fire listening to and singing old classic country songs into the evening’s starry sky Or, watching the setting sun over Hudson Beach where he spent weekends with his grandfather as a kid. A man of many talents; a brilliant cartoonist, artist and painter, a master of nick names for all that he knew, an accomplished mechanic, body man and automotive painter. He could visualize a project and he could build and fix just about anything but he didn’t care to mess with electricity. Dee was a brilliant story teller and world class embellisher. He worked hard every day of his life. Dee loved life and it showed. He was an inspiration to so many people & compassionate beyond measure. Always ready to lend a hand or tell you everything he knew about any given subject. An avid reader, lover of the Beverly Hillbillies, The Red Green Show and especially Tarzan, right down to his telephone ring. He was always quick with a bad joke and had a smile that lit up the room. Dee had a way all his own. The world lost a real gem when Deason’s light went out.

He is survived by his loving wife Sheila, daughters Annette Beasley (John) & Julie Eynon (Tony), Granddaughters Anjalena Beasley & Kaci Eynon, Grandsons Tyler & Ethan Eynon, Great granddaughters Presley, Johnnie & Delilah, his Brother Danny Sanderson (Teresa), Sister-in-Law Joanne Sanderson and numerous family and dear friends.

Sheila Rae Sanderson (Williams) Of Dade City, Florida Passed away February 12, 2022. She was 72 years old.

Daughter of George and Carlyn Williams. Born in Seymour, Indiana August 11, 1949. She was one of nine children. Sheila lived in Indiana for many years before moving with her family to Princeton, Kentucky. Early life was difficult in such a large family. She really was one that walked up hill, in the snow to get to school. She and her siblings were resourceful. As a child she learned to farm and to make molasses which they could sell to help the family. To the end, Sheila hated molasses.

Her family instilled a love of music in her and all of her siblings, which in no doubt would eventually endear her closer to Dee. When Sheila was a teenager her family moved to Dade City, Florida. It was in High School here where she met her future husband and love of her life Dee Sanderson. Sheila was a soda jerk at the local Fazos drive in where Dee would come to visit her. These high school sweethearts were married 52 years. After they wed Sheila worked as a secretary for a local insurance agency. From an early age Sheila was good with numbers and would later be the soul bookkeeper for Dee’s many business “ad”ventures. The two worked side by side for over 40 years. She kept him Balanced.

In her spare time, Sheila thoroughly enjoyed gardening and was an accomplished seamstress. She encouraged her grandchildren to try many instruments and enjoyed listening to them practice. Sheila was an extraordinarily patient person, and never one to be rushed. She had a quiet way about her that made one feel at ease. Sheila was always supportive and could be counted on if you ever were in need.

Sheila is survived by her Daughters Annette Beasley (John) & Julie Eynon (Tony), Grandsons Tyler and Ethan Eynon, Granddaughters Anjalena Beasley & Kaci Eynon, Great Granddaughters Presley, Johnnie & Delilah, Sisters Mary Sherrell (Harold), Carol Conway (Bruce), Janet Williams & Brother George Williams (Sharon). Brother-in-Law Danny Sanderson (Teresa), Sister-in-Law Joanne Sanderson, and Countless dear friends.

Services for Dee & Sheila will be at Hodges Funeral Home, Dade City, Fl. Viewing Feb. 25 4-7pm Internment Feb. 26, 1pm.

Published on 02/23/22

An act of generosity

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club filled 25 backpacks with cold weather wear, such as hats, gloves, sweaters, sweatshirts and scarves, for those in need. (Architectural Signage in Land O’ Lakes donated the backpacks.) Club president Elayne Bassinger and members Dee Knerr and Nancy Taylor delivered the backpacks to The Rope/Core Center in Hudson, which serves housing-insecure veterans and the homeless population. This was one act of kindness performed by the woman’s club in keeping with the ‘GFWC Florida Days of Service.’ For more information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

The Demand is High for ICI Homes in Pasco County 

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There’s a large increase in buyers from all different markets across the country trying to move to the Tampa Bay area and Pasco County.

“We’re seeing an overwhelming amount of interest from the East to West coasts,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

Because of the high demand, ICI Homes is offering limited releases on a monthly basis in Lake Jovita and Connerton.

“We are seeing a lot of growth in Dade City. Families love the short, 20-minute drive to Wesley Chapel and the old-fashioned charm of downtown Dade City,” says Jones.

Only one inventory home, with the Arden floor plan, is still available and move-in ready in the residential community.

The Arden is a 2,402-square-foot, 4 bed/3 bath one-story home that is designed for entertaining and gracious family living. The foyer leads to a large living room centrally located for maximum convenience. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with the family. Views from the dining room look out on the covered lanai and large backyard.

“My favorite part about the Arden is the open living area, along with the master suite and bathroom,” says Jones.

The master suite features a luxurious bath and a large double-entry walk-in closet. The home is designed so that children and guests can enjoy their own separate spaces. It also includes a 3-car garage.

As for Connerton, Jones says demand is equally as high.

“Connerton, Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community is located in Land O’ Lakes and is one of the developments that many people are interested in,” says Jones.

Rose Pointe, a small gated community within Connerton, offers a clubhouse with a full-time activities director, fitness center, gym, large resort-style pool and more. This small gated community is one of the many features that makes Connerton stand out to potential homebuyers.

Another gem in the Rose Pointe community is the Connerton Nature Preserve, which features a scenic 2-mile trail that winds through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands. The trail’s 10-foot-wide sidewalks allow for easy biking and walking through Connerton’s picturesque landscape.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park Is Progressing
The land development team is working hard on phase two, and Jones is excited for the recent progress.

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to have finished phase one of Persimmon Park and are looking forward to starting phase two as soon as possible,” 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. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and a grilling area.

The Primrose is Persimmon Park’s most popular floor plan. 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 room for family and friends to gather. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for gaming, entertaining, family time or guest privacy.

Asturia Is Temporarily Sold Out
Asturia, a 550-home master-planned community situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa along the State Road 54 corridor, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, is sold out of lots.

“Even though we are currently sold out, we are still welcoming VIP appointments to potential buyers in Asturia,” says Jones.

ICI Homes is the exclusive builder in Asturia and has built plenty of inventory homes, including the one-story, 2,193-square-foot Juliette III, for families looking for open and spacious floor plans that include Florida-lifestyle features like summer kitchen patios, open balconies, and tons of windows.

“Asturia is one of the most successful developments in Pasco County, which residents love for its smaller size and convenient location to major roadways,” said Jones.

Asturia offers a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

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 Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa; and the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Jones at .

Published February 23, 2022

Back 9 Bistro Wants to Serve You

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When Simone Tolley saw the opportunity to take over the restaurant in The Groves Golf and Country Club, she took it.

“When we first drove through, me and my husband thought to ourselves that the community clubhouse might be the best place to open a cute little quaint bistro,” says Tolley. “Golfers are awesome and we love the community!”

Simone Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Being in the restaurant business is not new to Tolley. In fact, she’s been in the industry since she was 18 years old. Once she graduated from University of South Florida she pursued other ventures like owning her own marketing company and becoming a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader. But, going back to her roots, she eventually opened up two restaurants and most recently opened her third here in Land O’Lakes.

Even though it’s in a gated community, Back 9 Bistro serves the public and offers American-style food like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.

“We try to have a good variety to make everyone feel happy, so we offer a lot of side options too,” says Tolley. “We really want to try and give a comfort-food feel.”

The bistro has a full menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a daily happy hour.

“Our most popular dish is definitely our club salad, but I personally love our burgers and sweet potato fries,” says Tolley.

One of the biggest draws to the clubhouse in The Groves is the event hall that’s attached to Back 9 Bistro.

“The event hall can hold up to 150 people,” says Tolley. “It’s perfect for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and so much more.”

All the community has to do to rent the space is reach out to Tolley herself and get the event approved by the clubhouse.

“We have the liquor license, so we can cater food and drinks,” says Tolley.

On a weekly basis, the bistro holds free public events that have become a staple for locals, including Tuesday Trivia Night and Thursday Karaoke.

Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month. On the second Wednesday of every month, the Bistro hosts bingo that the public can participate in.

“I’m very excited to be here and I’m very excited to see where we can take this restaurant,” says Tolley.

Tolley has lived in Land O’ Lakes for three years, residing with her husband, Mike, and her 8- year-old son, Blake.

If you’re interested in learning more about Back 9 Bistro go to thegrovesgolf.com/golf-at-the-groves/the-groves-grill/or visit their Facebook Page.

Published February 23, 2022