The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Internet outages are disrupting learning, union leader says

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The president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) is calling upon the school district’s leadership to resolve internet outages.

“We’ve also been receiving numerous calls and emails regarding the district internet failures. Outages, many for long periods of time — sometimes daily — are occurring at schools, which have interfered with lesson delivery, data reporting and the printing of much-needed educational materials,” Don Peace, president of the union, told the Pasco County School Board at its Oct. 19 meeting.

“We have heard of a problem with the current provider and urge the district to make quick work of a solution, even if it means selecting a different provider,” Peace said.

“Internet disruptions do negatively impact learning in the classroom,” he added.

He also reiterated the need to reduce the amount of time teachers spend on data entry.

“As I’ve stated previously, USEP feels it is incumbent on district staff to look at ways to eliminate redundancy and paperwork — OK, data input — for our teachers.

“Where we can combine state and district mandates, we should.

“Teachers need not be clerical workers.

“We do understand the need for supportive data,” he said.

However, he added, “teachers are primarily tasked with delivering instruction to their students and that’s where the bulk of their time should be spent.”

Peace also touched on negotiations.

“Many significant decisions will be made in the upcoming weeks, including economic improvements,” he said. “USEP and district staff must be able to work together for the benefit of all.”

Published November 03, 2021

Pay early and save on taxes

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The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office is reminding taxpayers to pay property taxes early to receive early payment discounts.

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office issued a news release to remind property owners that discounts are available, when taxes are paid early.

Property tax notices were scheduled to be sent out on Nov. 1, according to the office.

“We encourage Hillsborough County property owners to take advantage of both the online payment options and early payment discounts,” Millan said, in the release.

“The earlier customers pay, the better the discount. If you pay by Nov. 30, you receive a 4% discount,” the release says.

It also notes that customers don’t have to visit an office to make payments. They can pay online and there are alternative payment options available.

If taxpayers choose to visit a branch to make a property tax payment, they will need to visit HillsTax.org, and click on ‘Save Your Spot In Line.’

Hillsborough County has over 560,000 parcels of property totaling about $2.4 billion in revenue for the 2021 tax season, according to the release.

Published November 03, 2021

Celebrating Quality of Life During National Hospice and Home Health Care Month

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November is National Hospice and Home Health Care Month, and there’s much to recognize and celebrate at Gulfside Healthcare Services.

The Land O’ Lakes-based nonprofit has been providing end-of-life hospice and palliative care services to local residents and families for over 32 years, and since April 2019, home health care with skilled nursing for patients needing short-term rehabilitative care.

Linda Ward (Courtesy of Jessica Leigh Photograph)

“In our two-and-a half years of providing home health services, we have grown to over 130 patients a day,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “And, with the COVID pandemic, home health has never been more important than it is now, because keeping patients at home while they recover is always the safest choice.”

Patients typically receive home health services for between 30 and 60 days after hospitalization, accident or injury. Gulfside’s staff provides skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapies, wound care treatments, and social services. It currently serves patients in Pasco and Pinellas counties, and is expanding into Hillsborough County in 2022, and Hernando County in 2023.

“We are one of the few nonprofits in the area to offer home health, which means no one falls in between the cracks,” said Ward. “While most of our patients are covered under Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, some are not. And as a nonprofit, we never have to turn anyone away because of a lack of coverage.”

This same inclusive philosophy holds true for hospice and palliative care — all of Gulfside’s services are provided to anyone who needs its help, as long as they are medically qualified. The cost to provide these services to uninsured people comes from donations, proceeds from five area thrift shops, and several fundraising events held throughout the year.

“We have a very generous community and active group of over 250 volunteers, who help us raise money so that no one is ever turned away,” said Ward.

Gulfside Hospice ZH Care Center

One of the benefits of adding home health to the Gulfside family is that many of its home health patients transition to palliative and hospice care as they age and/or their illness progresses.

“This means there is a continuum of care for the patient and their family,” said Ward. “We provide the same outstanding services – nursing, psychosocial and spiritual — in all of our service lines. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows our staff to be aware and prepared to handle a situation when a care crisis comes up.”

Ward stresses the importance of Gulfside’s clinical social workers. “They have master’s degrees and work much like counselors to help patients with depression, anxiety, financial, family dynamics and, if needed, placement in facilities outside of the home,” she explains.

In Pasco County alone, Gulfside Healthcare Services helps over 3,000 families every year. On a daily basis, this translates to 630 hospice patients, 200 active palliative care patients and 130 home health patients.

Gulfside Healthcare Services takes care of this large and growing client list with 420 employees — with the vast majority being medical professionals providing health care services.

“Every day, and especially during the month of November, we recognize the home care and hospice community by honoring the hundreds of skilled nurses, licensed therapists, social workers and committed volunteers who make a remarkable difference every day in the life of our patients and families,” said Ward.

“These heroic caregivers play an essential role in our health care system, especially today with the challenges caused by COVID-19, and we call upon our community to commemorate the power of caring with us during National Hospice and Home Health Month,” said Ward.

Linda Ward has been a Gulfside leader for the past 15 years, and credits her employees for the organization’s growth and success.

“I can’t tell you how much I care for our employees and volunteers. We have decades of experience with our team members – from ages 18 to 96, representing seven generations,” said Ward. “At 61 years of age, I am learning so much every day from my staff, especially those in their 20s, who keep our organization progressive and relatable.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services
Hospice – philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families that provides support for the whole person, wherever they call home
Palliative Care – specialized medical care for people with serious, chronic illnesses that focuses on providing relief from pain and stress of a serious illness
Home Health – skilled nursing and rehab at home to help patients remain independent while recovering from an illness, injury or surgery

Published November 03, 2021

A season for scarecrows and costumes

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(Fred Bellet)

Four-year-old Aiden Trader patiently waits for a cup of lemonade, as his mom, Sabrienna Weldon, and friend Raymond Bouffier get beverages. They came to the Florida Pioneer Village & Museum’s annual Scarecrow Festival from Inverness, to have some fun in the sun.

Model Townhomes By Mattamy Homes Now Open in Wesley Chapel

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Mattamy Homes has opened four new decorated model townhomes with contemporary exterior styling in its all-new Wesley Chapel community of Volanti, located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard at Hay Road. Models are professionally decorated and open for tours daily, with private personalized appointments available.

“Mattamy Homes is delighted to open these new, thoughtfully designed townhomes in one of Pasco’s most desirable locations,” said Lisette Minnick, the homebuilder’s Tampa & Southwest Florida Division Vice President of Sales. “The community is ideally located in a peaceful setting, but close to everything any homebuyer could want or need.”

Volanti is the debut of Mattamy Homes’ new contemporary exterior style of townhomes.

Four floor plans are available, ranging from 1,667 to 2,574 square feet, with three to four bedrooms and 2.5 to three baths. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary. Base pricing begins in the low to mid $300s.

“Volanti is the debut of our new Contemporary exterior style of townhomes, designed to offer a more modern, fresh look,” said Minnick. “We are excited to show off our models and invite people to stop by to see all this community has to offer.”

Four distinct floorplans are available at Volanti — Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice. All have one- or two-car attached garages and large lanais. The gated community will have 200 homes at build out, and fun-filled, family friendly amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit.

Volanti Sebring

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees. Townhomes are released for sale regularly, but home offerings may be limited for a temporary time frame, due to the current high demand for homes and labor and material constraints.

Located just 4 miles from I-75, Volanti boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area, including premier shopping and dining destinations at Tampa Premium Outlets, The Grove, and The Shops at Wiregrass.

For pleasure or business flyers, the Tampa North Flight Center is close by to Volanti, and provides flight opportunities with an airstrip, hangars and a café.  Many of Tampa Bay’s top employers are within easy driving distance, and Pasco County Schools are highly rated, including Veteran’s Elementary, which is just minutes away on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The Volanti community is surrounded by lakes and golf courses, and offers homebuyers endless recreational opportunities, including nearby Saddlebrook Resort, historic Tarpon Springs and the Gulf’s white-sand beaches.

Volanti Venice

Lutz Communities – Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Avea Pointe
Located along State Road 54, close to U.S. 41 and Sunlake Boulevard, is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Last month, Parkview opened a new amenity center, called Parkview Pavilion, that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park for dogs, tot lots and fun park areas. Homesites in Parkview, which have a low-cost HOA, are released regularly.

Just south in Hillsborough County, on Van Dyke Road, just minutes from the Veterans Expressway, is the townhome community of Avea Pointe. Children at this popular community are assigned to some of the best schools in the area, including Steinbrenner High. Only 11 townhomes remain at this community, and buyers are encouraged to call or visit now while there is still an opportunity to live in this top location.

Volanti Venice

Citron Grove Coming Soon
Mattamy Homes recently announced that it also is building 60 new townhomes in Citrus Park, on Gunn Highway. Called Citron Grove, the Craftsman-style townhomes will be similar to those at Avea Pointe, with updated exterior styles. Two floor plans will be available — the Marianna and Ormond. Pre-sales will begin in January. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. The gated community includes a number of trees and was formerly Be Mac Nursery. It offers low maintenance living, value-oriented price points and outstanding schools. Potential buyers of Citron Grove, who want to see similar floor plans before its grand opening, can visit Avea Pointe’s sales center, which is just 10 minutes away.

Mattamy Homes Sales Process
Mattamy Homes is thrilled that the level of interest and excitement for our communities is heightened. Mattamy takes pride in providing a fair and easy process to allow prospective homebuyers an opportunity to purchase homes, as they become available. The availability of homesites vary in each Mattamy Homes community, and New Home Counselors can provide guidance on how and when buyers will have an opportunity to purchase. Please call or visit to learn more.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned homebuilder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its U.S. head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all of Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/florida/tampa.

Published October 27, 2021

IV Joint Makes Health and Wellness More Accessible 

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IV Joint is bringing wellness to Pasco County from the inside out.

IV Joint — an intravenous (IV) therapy and oxygen bar clinic in New Tampa— began as a mobile lounge bus in Ohio in 2019 before the owners decided to relocate to Florida and market to people who are focused on health and wellness.

“We want to cater to the everyday person,” says Brittany Osburn, co-owner of IV Joint. “It’s really important for us to give customers the ability to get their vitamins, nutrients, fluids and hydration so they stay hydrated and healthy.”

Brittany Osburn, co-owner of IV Joint

IV Joint’s South Tampa location opened in October of 2019, and about a year and a half later the company opened its newest location in New Tampa. It offers clients two different memberships, with a choice of one or two IV treatments a month.

According to Osburn, IV therapy is the fastest and most efficient route to absorb or receive something in your body. The absorption rate of an IV is 100%, compared to taking something orally, like a vitamin, where the absorption rate averages just 20%. Using IV therapy allows people whose bodies have difficulty absorbing things, such as someone with Crohn’s disease, to get the nutrients they need.

“75% to 90% of our population is dehydrated,” says Osburn, “Most people don’t know it, especially in Florida. Luckily, one of our IV treatments is equivalent to drinking two to three gallons of water.”

Another service IV Joint offers is an oxygen bar, which is 95% oxygen paired with essential oils, and gives customers a nice boost for the day, helps with productivity and alleviates symptoms like headaches or nausea.

If you’re looking for a great detox, IV Joint offers ozone sauna therapy. In this treatment, the client sits in a machine that covers his entire body, except for the head. The ozone attaches to the body’s water molecules, which aids penetration deep into lymphatic and tissue levels.

One major benefit to ozone sauna therapy is that it helps with weight loss. Sessions are offered for 15 to 40 minutes, and clients can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories. Currently, this treatment is only available at the company’s New Tampa location.

According to Osburn, one key factor in IV Joint’s success is its staff of registered nurses and the leadership of their medical director, Dr. Victor Cruze.

“We have an exceptional staff and are very proud of the care they provide, which includes taking vitals before and after IV therapy,” says Osburn.

Looking ahead, Osburn sees the company growing and expanding locally. “Our goal is to someday give our nurse practitioners the opportunity to open their own stores,” says Osburn.

By Nicole Sanchez

Published October 27, 2021

Looking For a New Home Before the Holidays?

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With the new home market the tightest it’s been in years, ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has invested in quick move-in homes for families wanting to buy now.

There are three inventory homes of the immensely popular Primrose model being built at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, with one of these homes ready in December, and the other two early next year.

ICI Homes also has a quick move-in home available in November, in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. And, at the first of the year, a 4-bedroom, 3-bath Juliette III home will be ready in the central Pasco community of Asturia in Odessa.

As these inventory homes sell, ICI Homes is committed to quickly building move-in homes for buyers who don’t want to wait 10 months for a new home to be built from the ground up.

“If you don’t have the time to wait several months for the entire building process, we are excited to offer buyers homes scheduled to be completed within 90 days,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “These inventory homes are built with the same high standards of quality and custom details that come with every ICI home.”

The Primrose floor plan is being built in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel.

About the Primrose
The unique Primrose floor plan is being built in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the in-demand Wiregrass Ranch master-planned development. All homes in this community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community, which will have just over 300 homes at build out, has an amenity center that includes a refreshing, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and 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.

About the Arden
ICI Homes is building the executive Arden floor plan in Lake Jovita Golf, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, located off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Arden is a 2,402-square-foot, one-story home 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. The master suite features a luxurious bath and a large double entry walk-in closet, and the home is designed so that children and guests can enjoy their own separate spaces.

The Arden quick inventory home is close to completion and can be toured by stopping by the ICI Homes sales center and model home. ICI Homes is building semi-custom homes from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet in three distinct communities in Lake Jovita, including homesites in The Bluffs, which boasts some of the highest elevation in Florida.

“All of our Lake Jovita neighborhoods have homesites that back up to the golf course, conservation area, or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community with a championship golf course to offer custom homes beginning in the $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views. I don’t think there are better homesites anywhere in Pasco County.”

Only 2 Lots Remain In Asturia
Only two lots remain in 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.

ICI Homes is the exclusive builder in Asturia, and is building two showcase inventory homes, including the one-story, 2,193-square-foot Juliette III, which will be ready at the first of the year.

“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. “This is truly the final opportunity to build a new home is this prestigious community.”

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 October 27, 2021

Beautiful New Homes At Shadow Wood Village

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Shadow Wood Village is now taking lot reservations for spacious new manufactured homes in Phase II of its new home neighborhood in Hudson.

Located just 30 minutes from Land O’ Lakes, and 10 minutes from the Gulf, these affordable homes feature open floor plans that boast front porches, great rooms, two bedrooms, two full baths, and a den perfect for an office or craft room. Every home has a covered carport with a large, secure storage area, and steps leading from the driveway to the laundry area and kitchen.

The new park has an inviting gazebo, gas fire pit, winding brick paths, and flower gardens.

Floor plans range from 1,234 to 1,568 square feet, and feature the latest in-home design trends. Kitchens offer lots of cabinets and a large island for bar stools and conversation. Quality blinds and appliances, including the refrigerator, are included.

Shadow Wood Village is a 55-plus community with over 200 homes. New homesites are in an expansion section of the community, which is being readied for 45 new homes arriving in 2022.

Most Shadow Wood Village residents live in the development year-round, which results in an exceptionally strong sense of community.

“Our residents have a sincere respect for others – it’s truly a caring culture,” says Community Manager Tabitha Klinakis. “When family visits, residents are proud to show them around and they are welcomed by the entire community. And when grandkids come to visit, they become everyone’s grandkids.”

The calendar at Shadow Wood is full of activities and social gatherings. Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a heated pool, pickleball, bocce, horseshoes and shuffleboard. Its recently remodeled clubhouse has a fitness center, library, media room and game room.

The newest amenity is a nature park, located in a serene, wooded area with shady tree coverage and privacy. The park has an inviting gazebo, gas fire pit, winding brick paths and flower gardens.

A large dog park, complete with its own doggie water fountain, has lots of shade for both residents and pets. Shadow Wood welcomes dogs of all sizes, with some breed limitations.

Please call Tabitha to schedule your tour of Shadow Wood Village at 877-360-1124, or email .

Published October 27, 2021

Christmas is already ‘upon us’

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Most of us still have a couple of months to shop for the holidays. But for Bella Home Market in Lutz, it’s come down to a couple of weeks.

The locally owned, gift and home store features upscale décor and memorable merchandise, and is a premier retailer of Dixie Belle paints. Each visitor has the opportunity to find something unique that no one else will have. Christmas is practically here for Bella Home because of the new seasonal merchandise that’s made its way through the door, with plenty more on the way.

“I can’t even begin to describe all that we have coming in,” said owner Lou Malerba.

The store features locally crafted products that will now fit the holiday season. This includes delicacies that make great grab gifts like Toffees To-Go with its kitchen located in Tampa, complete with box and bow. If you prefer the handmade gift option, Bella Home offers three upcoming classes that will provide an evening of personalized instruction using the popular Dixie Belle paints. You end the night with your own seasonal décor item, but the skillset learned is the gift that keeps on giving.

For online catalog orders and class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published October 27, 2021

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

There are several resale homes available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $48,500 to $69,900. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published October 27, 2021