The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Partners With Local Nonprofit To Give Back To Troops

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To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is partnering with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

The nonprofit was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son joined the Marines at age 17.

“We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team will help make care packages for The Stano Foundation’s next ship date. The packing party will take place on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation are asking the public for donations, which includes items such as deodorant, hand lotion, protein cookies, beef jerky and more. These items can be dropped off at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center, at 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our goal is to pack 100 care packages,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

This isn’t the first time Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has partnered with The Stano Foundation. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was first introduced to the nonprofit back in 2018, when the residential community hosted several community drives for the organization, as well as a packing party.

Then in 2019, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a Jack Frost 5K, where all the proceeds from the race went to the nonprofit.

The nonprofit also was recently spotlighted for Avalon Applauds, a monthly story Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does in collaboration with The Laker/Lutz News, which recognizes local students and nonprofits in the area for going above and beyond in their community.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Fernandez.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Stano.

For monetary donations to help with postage fees for the care packages, visit Stano.org/donate/, and to check out The Stano Foundation’s Amazon wish list, visit tinyurl.com/59374kye.

For those interested in volunteering at the Nov. 6 packing party, sign up by emailing .

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

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

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

 For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Donations needed for the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation packing party:

Baby Wipes – travel size (18 ct)
Beef Jerky – snack size (.625 oz)
Combos – snack size (1.7 oz)
Cup O Noodles (2.25 oz cup)
Deodorant – standard size men’s
Drink Mix Pouches – 1 box (12 sticks, no lemonade)
Hand Lotion – Gold Bond, travel size (1 oz)
Nutella & Go (1.8 oz)
Protein Cookies – Lenny & Larry (2 oz pack)
Sour Path, Swedish Fish, Starburst (2 oz)
Sunflower Seeds
Tuna Kits

Please drop off any donations at:
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published October 27, 2021

Cornerstone Protection Plan Will Save You Time And Money

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As the hot summer months subside, autumn is a great time to have your home comfort systems serviced, and also to consider an annual protection plan to keep your home cool, and plumbing and electrical components in tip-top shape all year long.

When choosing a company to work on your home comfort systems, you will want an established company with a solid reputation to be around during the course of your plan and in business when you need them.

Many homeowners in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties count on Cornerstone Pros, one of the area’s largest and most established three-trade contractors. The family owned Land O’ Lakes company has provided air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services for over 15 years, and its reputation for quality and affordable work has allowed it to grow to employ close to 100 local people who provide exceptional customer service. This is evident in Cornerstone’s outstanding customer reviews, which show how the company builds long-term relationships in the communities where its staff lives and works.

Home Warranty vs. Cornerstone Protection Plan
While a home warranty can provide some cost savings and protection when failures arise, it does not guarantee that a homeowner will receive the best solution at the most cost-effective pricing. Often contractors that work for home warranty companies are looking for ways to make money above and beyond the pay structure of the home warranty company. This is typically a low flat rate; therefore, the contractor then looks to pass the cost onto the homeowner, potentially costing you more.

Essentially, it takes the homeowner out of the driver’s seat as far as being in control of who you choose to work in your home and prices you are willing to pay, because the contractor is assigned and you are at the mercy of their schedule, quality and ethics. Many times, a homeowner can go days waiting for a service call or repair to be done.

With the Cornerstone Protection Plan, you have chosen upfront the contractor you want to do business with, so when issues arise, you know who you can count on without a middle man to deal with for approvals on work. It’s just you (the homeowner) and the Cornerstone team. The protection plan also provides preventative maintenance as a part of the package that gives you regular maintenance visits that help to avoid failures during peak times. With a warranty company, the homeowner pays for this as an addition to the package.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan however, offers faster response times, saves you money and reduces headaches. Here are the top five benefits of a Cornerstone protection plan vs. a warranty company:

1.) AC & Heating Cleaning and Check-ups, Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

Semi-annual inspections ensure that your HVAC system is running properly, and also extends the life of your system with the performance of proper maintenance. Those services are not included in home warranties; but they are free every six months under a Cornerstone Pros protection plan. The Protection Plan also offers annual plumbing and electrical inspections.

If maintenance is not done, a home warranty company can deny any claims for repair work, stating the breakdown was due to poor maintenance. That will leave the repair up to you, the homeowner.

2. Discount on All Repairs and Service/Diagnostic Fees

A Cornerstone Protection Plan saves you money on the initial service/diagnostic call, and when work is needed, it provides discounts on repairs, parts and labor. Typically, home warranty companies place limits on what they will fix, and also require a deductible be paid prior to repairs being done.

3. Lower Utility Bills

While a home warranty is strictly focused on providing a homeowner with repair and replacement, a Cornerstone Protection plan maintains all your home comfort products and results in potential savings on your monthly electric bill. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.

4. Priority Scheduling for AC, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical

When you have an emergency, a Cornerstone Protection Plan means you don’t have to wait for days for someone to come out and look at the issue. You will be placed on a priority schedule and typically receive same-day service any time of the year.

5. Trustworthy & Local

With a Cornerstone Protection Plan, you are dealing with a company you already like and trust for all of your home comfort needs. With home warranties, the homeowner does not have the option of selecting the provider.

A Cornerstone Protection Plan is a low-cost, effective way to protect your home comfort products, compared to what you would pay for a traditional warranty company plan. Cornerstone Pros is currently offering its Protection Plan at just $9.95 a month for up to two AC units. Please call today or go to the website, CornerstonePros.com, to learn more and sign up for our cost savings plan.

Cornerstone Pros phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime. For more information, visit the website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published October 27, 2021

Rotary Club donates $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice

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The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes has donated $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice representing proceeds from the Oct. 2 Bands ‘N Brews festival held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Terri Dusek, who chaired the festival committee for the Rotary group, deemed the festival a “huge success,” especially since this was its inaugural year.

Terri Dusek, left, of The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, announces a $7,500 donation to Gulfside Hospice. Accepting the gift is Leesa Fryer alongside Carla Armstrong from Gulfside Healthcare Services. (Diane Kortus)

Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, and Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, for Gulfside Hospice, accepted the donation at the Rotary Club’s Oct. 22 weekly meeting.

“Bands ‘N Brews was an awesome event, and we are so honored and grateful to receive this very generous donation,” said Armstrong.

“Gulfside Hospice provides services for 650 patients every day. Ten years ago, we reached just 150 people a day, and thanks to generous donations like this, we’ve been able to continue to grow, to support the needs of our community,” she said.

Armstrong noted the $7,500 donation from The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes will help offset costs for patients not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

“About 15% of our patients do not have insurance or other means to pay for care, and we’re proud that we never turn away anyone needing hospice services,” Armstrong said.

Gulfside Hospice is part of Gulfside Healthcare Services, which also provides palliative care and home health services to Pasco and north Pinellas residents. The organization is based in Land O’ Lakes and has 350 employees.

Published October 27, 2021

Charles Richard Niemela

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Charles Richard Niemela passed away on October 15, 2021 at 83.

Charlie was a 21 year veteran of the Army.

He was a member of: The American Legion, VFW, Amvets, Elks, Eagles and Moose.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his daughter, Sandra Dunlap.

Also his granddaughter, Nicole, and two great grandchildren.

The world has lost a special person!

She may be young, but she knows how to give back

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(Courtesy of Michelle Cullens)

GraceLyn Griffin donated three boxes of pet supplies to Pasco County Animal Services. This 6 year old loves fundraising and making friendships through the pageants.

Griffin competes in pageants and loves being involved in her community. She currently is the winner of the Little Miss Florida preliminary pageant and is preparing for the Little Miss Florida State Pageant (scheduled for Nov. 19 to Nov. 21).

In addition to pet supplies, she also has donated hundreds of items to local food banks, pajamas to local children’s hospitals, Easter baskets to children in need, and thousands of band aids and craft supplies to area pediatric facilities.

Halloween doesn’t need to be all about candy

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You want to hear something scary?

The amount of sugar the average child consumes on Halloween can be downright frightening.

Industry reports suggest the average trick-or-treater consumes three cups of sugar on Halloween, or about 7,000 calories worth of candy, according to a report in Fortune.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with kids wanting to join in on the fun of the holiday — and a few pieces of candy for a couple of days isn’t going to lead to childhood obesity.

Who says you have to use a pumpkin to make a Jack-o’-lantern? Why not use a pepper? There are other edible decorations you can make, too. Try your hand at making some fun, less sugary, treats. (Shari Bresin)

In fact, studies show that banning candy or other certain foods altogether increases the chances of a child overindulging in the “bad” food once they have access to it, compared to kids that don’t have such restrictions.

But keeping a few pounds worth of candy in the coming days and weeks around the house, creates too much of a sugar-accessible environment.

For those who know that their children (or themselves) might not have the self-control, this can have an unhealthy impact.

Kids, and adults for that matter, can fill up on candy throughout the day and can skip the healthy snacks or actual meals needed for adequate nutrition.

Plus, those sweets can result in an excess intake of calories.

So what can you do?

Here’s an idea: Introduce your kids to the Switch Witch.

The Switch Witch is similar to the tooth fairy and Santa.

The Switch Witch is a good witch who needs candy to heat her home and keep her broomsticks going, and is willing to swap a toy or prize for your child’s candy.

After your child (and you) sift through the candy and decide on how many pieces to keep (best to discuss this number in advance), you leave the rest of the candy out in a common area for the Switch Witch.

The Switch Witch will take the candy while your children are asleep and will replace the candy with a prize.

You can then donate the candy to a food pantry or other charitable cause, or take it to work as a treat for your colleagues.

The Switch Witch provides an easy way to get rid of the excess candy, it may minimize temper tantrums with your children, and can help you teach them about limiting their candy intake.

There’s a story and a doll that’s available for purchase (check Google), which can help you build excitement for the Switch Witch’s upcoming visit. But much like Santa and the tooth fairy, it’s not necessary to see the Switch Witch to engage the imagination of a child.

What else can you do to make Halloween fun and food-centered, while trying to keep the excess sugar to a minimum?

You don’t need to be a food-crafting expert to have fun with your kids and impress party guests. Here are a few ideas:

  • Jack-o’-lantern cheese quesadillas:

Either ‘carve’ free-handed or trace an image from your pumpkin carving kit onto a tortilla shell using a toothpick and then carve it with a paring knife.

Next, put cheese (or other ingredients) onto the bottom tortilla shell, then top it off with the shell with the carved face.

Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, and the melted cheese makes it look lit up.

  • Jack-o’-lantern orange peppers

A pepper that can stand on its own and has a smooth surface for cutting is best to use for this.

Make a cut at the top stem of an orange pepper, and scoop out the seeds and the membrane.

Carve free-handed with a paring knife to cut out small eyes and mouth, or draw out a face using a gel pen, and cut slightly beyond the pen markings.

Put a thick dip inside the pepper, such as ranch or avocado dip. If the dip is too thin, it will come out of the eyes and the mouth.

Or, simply use the pepper as a ‘veggie’ tray, holding carrots and celery sticks.

  • Apple teeth

Make 12 to 14 thin apple slices. Take two slices and spread peanut butter on one side of each, to act as a glue. Place miniature marshmallows on the peanut butter sides, and sandwich together to make a mouth.

  • Monster mouth

Cut an apple into quarters or halves. Remove the seeds. Make a wedge in the skin to create a mouth, then add peanut butter and items such as sliced almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins and so on, to make the teeth and eyes. You can create the effect with a sliced strawberry for the tongue. (Be sure to add lemon juice, if they won’t be eaten right away.)

  • Candy corn skewers

Use pineapple for yellow, cantaloupe for orange and banana for white. Places the pieces through a skewer to create a treat that looks like candy corn and is just as sweet.

  • Pretzel spiders

If your kids like protein peanut butter energy bites, make them a little more Halloween-spirited.

Break up regular-shaped pretzels and insert them to create legs, and attach two pine nuts for eyes

  • Edible eyeballs

Slice carrots, and add a little bit of cream cheese on the top and place a sliced olive to make an eyeball.

Remember, you don’t have to be the sugar police, but there’s plenty of candy going on around

this time of year, and it’s important to find the right balance.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published October 20, 2021