The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Get off the beaten track, to experience Pasco’s beauty

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Any sport can tamp down frustrations of everyday life. Hiking in the woods goes a step further. It soothes the soul.

Visit one of Pasco County’s trails and you’ll see. You can hike under ancient oaks, past cabbage palms and ferns, through pine , and along swamps and riverbanks.

You’ll hear birdsong, and smell pine needles, bay leaves and loamy lakebeds. You’ll see wild orchids, thick forests, and, maybe you’ll even taste salt air.

Scientists say getting out into nature may ward off depression, high blood pressure, even hyperactivity in children. Some doctors even prescribe a hike in the woods to alleviate stress and anxiety, and to get their patients to cut down on screen time.

Guides lead “forest bathing” meditation tours to soothe worries. And studies have shown that merely looking at photographs of nature or even the color green can be calming.

Hiking is an enjoyable way to immerse yourself in nature and get exercise.

Here are just some places in Pasco County to hit the trail:

Giant oaks, some dating back to before Florida became a state, line nature trails in Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, encompassing 8,300 acres in New Port Richey. (Karen Haymon Long)

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., New Port Richey
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Free entrance
Contact: 727-834-3247; PascoCountyFl.net

This 8,300-acre park has a 7.3-mile paved trail that leads to the Suncoast Trail, which runs 42 miles from Hillsborough to Hernando County. Bikes share the park’s paved trail with hikers, but it’s wide enough for both. Woods often line both sides of the paved path, so it feels more serene than urban.

Off the paved trail, signs lead to leaf-strewn nature trails through pine and oak forests, palmettos, fern beds, red mulberry, magnolias and other trees.

Trails are marked with green and blue slashes on trees, so it’s easy to find your way. One trail leads to the Pithlachascotee River, in a spot where it’s tea-colored and crossed with fallen tree trunks.

Birdwatchers have identified 177 species of birds in the park. Look for wood ducks, little blue herons, even sandhill cranes. The park also has a 10-mile equestrian trail, camping, restrooms, picnic shelters, tables and grills.

Nearby, Starkey Gap Trail starts on the south side of State Road 54 at Starkey Boulevard. Heading south, it crosses Trinity Boulevard (where there is a parking lot) and continues through grassy fields, past cow pastures and woods. After about a mile, it joins the Pinellas Trail.

Suncoast Trail
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Free entrance
Contact: PascoCountyFl.net

This 42-mile paved trail passes through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, running along the east side of the Suncoast Parkway.

Half the trail is in Pasco County. Benches, water and portable toilets are available in some areas. The trail passes through residential, agricultural and natural areas.

“There are many areas where you really can’t see the parkway,” says David Jay, site supervisor for the Suncoast Trail and Crews Lake Park. “It’s completely wooded to the west in many areas.”

He says most hikers (and bikers) access the trail at State Road 54 at the Suncoast Parkway. That’s the official trailhead, with a free parking lot, a picnic table, portable toilets and a fix-it station.

Pasco County’s other main access points, he says, are off Wellfield Road, where the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park Trail leads onto the Suncoast Trail; and off Shady Hills Road, a mile hike from Crews Lake Park in Spring Hill.

Other Pasco access points are at the Ridge Road Extension, State Road 52, Caldwell Lane, Lawless Road, Bowman Road and County Line Road.

Everywhere you hike in the Green Swamp, you’ll likely see towering trees and watery views. The Green Swamp is a vital recharge area for the Florida Aquifer. (Karen Haymon Long)

Green Swamp Wilderness West Tract
13347 Ranch Road, 5 miles from downtown Dade City in East Pasco County
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free entrance
Contact: 352-796-7211; www.swfwmd.state.fl.us

This preserve, with an astounding 37,350 acres, has 65 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail meanders through thick woods shaded by towering oaks, pines and magnolias. Some stretches are lined with ponds and brown grasses, saw palmettos and cabbage palms.

On a portion of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, hikers may see deer, wild hogs, turkeys, alligators, wading birds and soaring, squawking osprey.

The Green Swamp is one of Florida’s largest wetlands, and because it is considered an environmentally sensitive habitat, hikers are urged to stay on designated trails.

The tract also has picnic tables, portable toilets and campsites.

Trails in Withlacoochee River State Park near Dade City wend through woods and past the picturesque river. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., Dade City
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free entrance
Contact: 352-567-0264; PascoCountyFl.net

This picturesque Pasco County park, on the western edge of the Green Swamp, has sandhill bluffs overlooking the Withlacoochee River, a forest, prairies and wetlands.

Eight miles of well-marked hiking trails and boardwalks loop through the park, past the Withlacoochee River, cypress trees and old oaks. The park also has a 1.7-mile paved trail for walkers and bikers. All trails begin at a kayak dock, the south parking area and the campgrounds.

The park is home to barn owls, woodcocks, ibis, limpkins and many other bird species, some that can be seen from an observation tower. Other amenities: picnic shelters, restrooms, cabins, and primitive and RV campsites.

At Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey, you’ll see springs, deep woods, and maybe even bald eagles and dolphins. (Karen Haymon Long)

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
8737 U.S. 19 N., Port Richey
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset
Fee: $2 for walkers and bikers; $3 for vehicles with up to 8 people
Contact: 727-816-1890; FloridaStateParks.org

This tranquil park of bayous, salt marches, creeks and thick mangroves is just off busy U.S. 19, but you’d never know it. It’s a peaceful place to hike, kayak and have a picnic.

Each park entrance has hiking trails. The half-mile Springs Trail leads to sinks and artesian springs, through oak hammocks and pinewoods. Just past Salt Spring, if it’s low tide, hikers may see a tidal waterfall created by a spring that is 351 feet deep.

Bald eagles are sometimes seen on the Eagle Trail, along with hawks, roseate spoonbills, great blue herons and snowy egrets. A boardwalk leads to a kayak launch, where you’ll see water views and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and otters.

From the launch, kayakers can paddle through bayous, salt marshes and creeks. The park also has restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion.

A boardwalk trail makes it easy for hikers to see the Pithlachascotee River in the James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

James E. Grey Preserve
6938 Plathe Road, New Port Richey
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Free entrance
Contact: 727-841-4560; FloridaHikes.com

This 80-acre wildlife preserve is on a stretch of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with 140 bird species, manatees, deer, wild boar, gopher tortoises and more.

Hikers can walk along a boardwalk past the Pithlachascotee River, take the shaded Palmetto Loop, with a river overlook, or follow the Uplands Trail Loop through a scrub habitat of palms, wildflowers and gopher tortoises.

Towering palms cast shadows on the river. Thick palmettos and cabbage palms line the boardwalk, and benches dot trails, all adding to the preserve’s tranquility.

The preserve also has a lake, playground, restrooms, a picnic shelter and an observation deck.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published February 09, 2022

Pasco tourism agency wins prestigious award

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Experience Florida’s Sports Coast (FSC) — the tourism agency for Pasco County — recently won Florida Sports Foundation’s Small Market Venue of the Year award, for the contribution of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County to the state’s sports tourism industry.

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex of Pasco County, in Wesley Chapel (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

This award was received at the 2021 Florida Sports Summit, held last month at the Hammock Beach Resort on the Palm Coast. The awards given by the Florida Sports Foundation recognize sports industry partners’ contributions to the state’s $57.4 billion sports industry.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus opened its doors in August 2020, at 3021 Sports Coast Way, in Wesley Chapel. It since has hosted amateur events sanctioned by several national governing bodies such as USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, AAU volleyball, Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), Florida Senior Games, Special Olympics, and U.S. Club Soccer.

Through those events and others hosted at both the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus and various venues, the county welcomed over 50,000 visitors coming in for sports tourism-related events in the past year, according to a release from FSC. Additionally, those visitors generated over 26,500 room nights with an estimated $27 million in local economic impact for the Pasco community, the release reads.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus offers two 35,500-square-foot multi-purpose courts featuring eight drop-down basketball hoops and 16 volleyball nets; a 5,000-square-foot indoor cheer zone with springboard floor; and two full-size, outdoor multi-purpose fields.

The campus was developed as part of a private-public partnership between Pasco County Commission, the county’s tourism agency, and the Porter Family who donated the land.

Festival-goers determined to have fun, despite frigid weather

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Seventeen-year-old Chase Jordan was among several Pasco High students who volunteered behind the plastic safety shield, while serving customers who were buying fruit at the Kumquat Growers patio. Kumquat Growers also displayed and sold various kumquat products. (Fred Bellet)

Folks attending the Kumquat Festival in Dade City last weekend had at least two things in common: They bundled up to brave the brisk weather, and they helped to mark the festival’s quarter-century anniversary.

Normally, the late January festival benefits from weather that typically is not too hot, or not too cold — but just right for strolling along downtown streets, with their quaint storefronts and hundreds of vendors on hand to offer all sorts of specialty items.

This year, though, an arctic blast reached into the nation’s southeast region causing much colder-than-usual weather for the festival.

Still, people turned out from all over — from places such as Dade City, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Lakeland, The Villages, Spring Hill and other locales.

They were there, enjoying the blue sky and sunshine — and tasting the kumquat pie, purchasing kumquats, grabbing a bite to eat and doing a bit of shopping.

Published February 02, 2022

After buying a slice of kumquat refrigerator pie, Bill Coleman, of Zephyrhills, takes a taste before his wife, Connie, gets to have her taste.
Who would expect Lady Denny, a.k.a. April Collins, of Spring Hill, to be at the Kumquat Festival? Collins, portraying a ‘Lady in Waiting,’ was there to let people attending the Kumquat Festival know about the upcoming Renaissance Festival, that will be at the Withlacoochee River Park, in Dade City.
An albino skunk isn’t fazed a bit by the Winnie-the-Pooh Eeyore hat that Susan Samson, of Trinity, is wearing. Samson was finishing a beverage at the Hug-A-Skunk booth hosted by Florida Skunk Rescue. Della Etters of the group, who is from the city of Hernando in Citrus County, holds a two-year old skunk named ‘Minerva.’
With the Kumquat Growers booth divided by a plastic safety shield, Dade City resident Diane Knight, right, makes her selection from the bags of Meiwa and Nagami-type kumquats for sale. Meiwa kumquats are sweet when eaten whole, skin and all. The Nagami is somewhat sweet, but when eaten whole, the skin adds to the tartness to the tiny citrus fruit.
Zephyrhills resident Jason Aiken hawks bottles of his kumquat-infused honey, at the Kumquat Festival in Dade City. Aiken offered several varieties of pure and local raw honey for sale at his vendor’s tent. Melissa Stebbins, of Dade City, was there to help with sales.
It was a day of firsts for Ayden Pressley, of Dade City. Not only did his grandfather James Pressley, of Dade City, bring him to is first Kumquat Festival, but the three-year-old experienced the Hug-A-Skunk feature sponsored by Florida Skunk Rescue. He is holding a skunk named Oreo, but the creature closely resembled the cartoon character named Pepe le Pew. Ayden’s 8-year-old brother, E.J. Amour, also got a chance to hug Oreo.
Bridget White, of Wesley Chapel, may have been colder than the slices of kumquat refrigerator pie she and other volunteers from the Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center were selling from their tent at the Kumquat Festival. The group was ready for lots of sales: They had 750 pies, each cut into eight slices.
Wilfred Viens, of Zephyrhills, finds the kumquat refrigerator pie to be quite tart, at first taste. But that didn’t stop him from finishing the entire slice that he purchased from the Catholic Women’s Club of St. Anthony’s Church.

 

 

 

 

The Laker/Lutz News wins seven Florida Press Club awards

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The Laker/Lutz News received seven honors during a virtual awards event held by the Florida Press Club to announce winners in its annual Excellence in Journalism Competition.

The Florida Press Club has been honoring the best in Florida journalism for nearly 70 years. Competition categories range from layout to photography to writing.

This year’s honors — for work published between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021, were announced on Jan. 22.

Here are The Laker/Lutz News’ results in the contest:

Writing, Education News, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place
B.C. Manion, second place
B.C. Manion, third place

Writing, Government News, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place

Writing, Light Features, Class C
B.C. Manion, first place

Writing, Sports Features, Class C
Kevin Weiss,  second place

Writing, Travel and Tourism, Class C
Kevin Weiss, second place

Weiss recently left the newspaper to accept a role as public information officer for the City of Zephyrhills.

Published February 02, 2022

Girls’ lacrosse continues rapid growth in Pasco area

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Less than a decade ago when someone in the Pasco County area mentioned girls’ lacrosse, the reactions varied: Many didn’t know it existed in the area, and some weren’t even 100% sure what it was.

Suffice it to say, lacrosse has come a long way. That’s especially true when it comes to girls’ lacrosse.

Now, each local high school boasts a varsity lacrosse team. And, there’s a travel team based out of Pasco, too.

It has been a slow process.

High schools in the Pasco area started by adopting lacrosse as a club sport more than a decade ago.

Last season’s Titan’s squad from top left: coach Miri Perez, Olivia Dusch, Maddy Coker (goalie), Isabella Butler, Alessia Lloyd, Bridgette Currin, Chloe Norman, Miranda Garcia and coach Craig Havemann. Bottom left: Paige Peters, Bethany Bonds, Kennedy Young, Hailey Allen, Eva Risinger, Jerianne Morris, Luna Khatib, Mackenzine Smith and Presley Sartori. (Courtesy of Jessica Norman)

In those days, they searched long and hard to find opposing teams.

Back then, most schedules included just a few games each season and there weren’t any playoffs.

But for the past five years, it has been a school-sanctioned varsity sport. Each school now plays  full district schedules, beginning in mid-February.

The teams play 12 games to 15 games a season. They have a chance to  compete in playoffs, and, then, of course, go for a state title.

The Tampa Titans — the only girls’ lacrosse travel team in Pasco — provides a chance for girls to play the sport year-round.

Some of those players aspire to play at the collegiate level, and some receive offers to do just that.

In addition to the Titans, there’s a team called Titans Carolina, which is for girls who are new to the sport or who are at an intermediate skill level and hope to move up to play for the Titans.

Both the Titans and Titans Carolina are led by experienced coaches from Wiregrass Ranch, Land O’ Lakes, Cypress Creek and Wesley Chapel high schools.

The league also offers clinics during the year for those interested in learning the game or who want to remain active, during their high school team’s off-season.

In case you’re one of those people who is unfamiliar with the sport, lacrosse is a game where opposing teams try to get a small rubber ball into their opponent’s goal. Instead of kicking or throwing the ball with their hands or feet, they use long sticks with a net-like basket, which they use to pick up, carry, throw, catch and shoot the ball.

The Titans lacrosse program is now limited to girls who are in currently in seventh grade up to those entering senior year. But later this year, the organization plans to begin allowing girls as young as age 5 to play.

Jessica Norman, vice president of operations for the Titans, has witnessed the benefits of girls playing lacrosse beyond their school team’s schedule.

Her daughter, Chloe, gave up volleyball and track as a freshman at Land O’ Lakes to concentrate on playing lacrosse. She plays for the Gators and the Titans.

She decided to focus exclusively on lacrosse after noticing interest in the sport beginning to grow.

The senior midfielder’s dedication has resulted in a scholarship to play at the University of Montevallo (Division II) in Alabama in the fall.

Jessica Norman is enthused about opportunities to play lacrosse is being expanded for younger players.

“The biggest benefit will be learning and playing the sport together from a young age,” she said. “When a team plays together from a young age, it can be a force to be reckoned with for many years to follow,” she said. That, she added, “helps build a very strong team as well as many lifelong friendships.”

Alix Baldini coaches Chloe Norman for the Land O’ Lakes girls’ lacrosse team and the Titans.

Baldini knows how beneficial it can be for the girls to essentially play lacrosse year-round.

It gives them more chances to build their skills and to gain exposure, which can be beneficial if they are interested in competing at the college level, she said.

“Lacrosse has grown tremendously within the last decade, especially in areas where most had never heard of the sport unless they were from up north along the east coast,” said the sixth-year coach. “High school lacrosse continues to be one of the top sports played by girls due to its versatility of movements from sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball and hockey, as well as its genuine fun and action-packed atmosphere.”

As the league allows more players, the sport will gain greater exposure and is likely to grow, Baldini said.

“Getting kids into the sport at a young age makes it easier to grow and advance compared to those — who, like me — just started playing when they are introduced to the sport in high school,” she said.

Tampa Titans Tryouts
What: Tryouts for the summer season of the Tampa Titans
When: March 6 and March 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, at the fields
Who: Tryouts open to players currently in seventh grade to 11th grade
Info: Email , or visit https://tampatitanslacrosse.sportngin.com/

By Justin Dargahi

Published February 02, 2022

These little libraries are popular

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donates hundreds of books for the community over the course of every year, to two Little Free Libraries and other outlets that the club supports. Recently, the Nye Park little library was damaged beyond repair, and a gentleman from a Lutz woodworkers group promptly stepped forward and handcrafted and installed a colorful box (shown here) filled with club-provided reading material for local children and adults. Faith Sincich regularly restocks the two boxes and has said that they are well-used by readers.

A ‘sweet’ gesture for seniors

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled hundreds of Valentine’s Day cards and treats for homebound seniors, to be delivered by Meals on Wheels along with the client’s meals. Each packet contains a Valentine with a handwritten message and a chocolate heart confection, to help raise the seniors’ spirits and bring them cheer. From left: Helen Fornino, Dorrien Zilavetz, Lois Cohen, Judie McHenry, Aniko Solomonson and Sandi Giddens.

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

D.R. Horton Is Now Pre-Selling in Westgate
D.R. Horton is now pre-selling homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in its all-new community — Westgate at Avalon Park.

There are 14 single-family floor plans to choose from that include from 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and range from 1,504 to 3,561 square feet. New townhomes are expected to come soon.

Initial sales will be conducted through D.R. Horton’s online sales team, and then move to the company’s sales staff working inside its model homes. Their model home will be open and staffed seven days a week.

D.R Horton home features include open-concept floor plans, granite kitchen countertops, a stainless-steel appliance package, and are equipped with Home is Connected, D.R. Horton’s Smart Home system.

Westgate Village encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon, about a mile from its entrance on State Road 54, which offers residents a quiet, suburban setting. It will embrace its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool; open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

For more information, visit DRHorton.com, or call 866-475-3347.

A Celebration Planned to Remember
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like the public to know about a special event being hosted at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, located at its center at 4145 Fairford Drive, Port Richey, FL 34632, on Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The event will be a celebration of life for Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, who passed away in September 2020.

It will feature 50 or so of her paintings, a live auction, music, wine, etc., and all of the profits will go to the center.

“We all miss Jo so much, and we wanted to do something special for her,” says Annie Harris, a friend of Baughman. “She put all her heart and soul into the council.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the arts council back in 2019.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent arts center in its downtown in coming years.

“This partnership is bringing great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The loss of Baughman — who was 75 when she died on Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer — was especially emotional for Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Jo’s desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret.

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org.

Movie Under the Stars

For this month’s “Movie Under the Stars” event, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be playing “The Little Mermaid.” The feature film will play on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring chairs and blankets, and be prepared for lots of family fun!
Avalon Applauds
Know an individual or nonprofit that goes above and beyond in the Wesley Chapel and/or Zephyrhills community?
Please include the full name, contact information and a summary as to why the person organization deserves to be recognized.
Spotlighted individuals/nonprofits receive a $50 gift card to a local business.
Published January 26, 2022

Simple Ways to Make Valentine’s Day Special

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Handmade gifts always seem to be bundled with extra love, knowing that someone put time and effort into making it.

For Valentine’s Day, Bella Home Market in Lutz is featuring handmade products by local sellers that you can’t find in the Valentine’s Day aisle at big box stores.

Toffee To Go is making a return after its popularity during Christmas time. The treats come packed in a box and bow, ready to be delivered to your special someone. Jade’s Soap Shop also will be making an appearance. The Dunedin-based business specializes in aesthetic soaps of all unique patterns with a blend of specialized scents. Tres Monkey Skin Care will feature its products at Bella Home, for men and women. This includes hygiene products, soap scrubs and bath creams, many of which would make a great gift basket also paired with Jade’s Soap Shop.

“It’s spectacular we can feature so many local sellers during the holidays,” said owner Lou Malerba. “These thoughtful gifts are perfect for anyone on Valentine’s Day that likes gifts with meaning.”

Throughout the year, Bella Home Market is known for its upscale décor and memorable merchandise. They’re the only elite retailer of the popular DIY paint, Dixie Belle, that is locally based. Nowhere else in Lutz can you find every line of Dixie Belle product. The store offers all-inclusive classes throughout the year that teaches the Dixie Belle painting techniques, and sends you home with a decor item you’ve created.

For online orders and Dixie Belle class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published January 26, 20222

Glaring Home Improvements Aren’t Going Anywhere. Your Tax Refund Can Help.

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Tax refund season is here, and it’s understandable to consider lavishly spending your money on a vacation to the beach or a weeklong mountain getaway.

However, those necessary home improvements will still be there when you get back. It’s a much wiser and more beneficial decision to your family to use the money to update your home’s mechanical systems.

“With inflation rising and the cost of goods increasing at a rapid rate, a wise investment would be to take your tax return and invest the money back into your home’s mechanical systems, prior to additional price increase and to avoid any future shortages,” said Miguel Silva of Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes

Silva explained that if your home was built in the past 12-20 years, it is likely overdue for a new A/C system, water heater and possible electrical panel.

A tax refund could cover the cost of converting to a tankless hot water heater, replacing your electrical panel or upgrading your outdated electrical panels to better fit today’s energy demand. Plus, it can be a significant down payment toward a new A/C system.

“Many people wait until their A/C system completely fails, or end up spending too much money on repairs trying to keep it going,” said Silva.

He explained that replacing your home’s mechanical systems typically pays for themselves within a few years. Replacing your aged A/C system with a high-efficiency air conditioner can lower your energy bills significantly when it gets hot.

“If you take care of these home improvement projects now before our busy summer months, we’ll get your job done within a day or two, and are offering some great coupons to reduce your cost,” Silva added.

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 in Land O’ Lakes and has been serving our local community for over 15 years. Over the years, it has built a strong, long-term relationship with the community that is evident by its customer ratings.

“Every morning, we are stocked and prepared to address any customer dilemma that might arise,” said Silva. “Please call us today to get a quote for your home improvement project, so you’re ready to go when your tax refund comes in. We look forward to serving you and having you be one of our satisfied customers.”

Tax Refund Specials & 18 months No Interest Financing

$200 OFF Energy savings Bundle
Upgrade to a high efficiency A/C and tankless water heater at the same and receive a free nest

$50 OFF
Tankless Water Heater Installed

$50 OFF
LED Lighting Upgrade

$75 OFF Generator

Published January 26, 2022