The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Keeping a tradition alive, even during a pandemic

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Twenty-one-month Cecilia Mathes, along with her 4-year-old brother Zachary and her 6-year-old brother Connor, on Connor’s first day of kindergarten. (They’re the children of Andy and Erin Mathes, of Appleton, Wisconsin, and the grandchildren of Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.) (Courtesy of Andy and Erin Mathes)

Schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have rung in another school year  — with children breaking in their new shoes, sporting new haircuts and hauling nearly empty backpacks to classes on their first day of school.

Oh, of course, there were those traditional First Day of School Photos, too.

Here are some that families within our newspaper’s coverage area shared with us, so we could, in turn, share them with you.

There are a couple of photos, as well, of children from outside our coverage area: Publisher Diane Kortus shared the photo of her grandchildren, who live in Wisconsin, and contributor Doug Sanders shared the photo of his granddaughter, who attends prekindergarten in New Port Richey.

Rachel Kocsis is a second-grader at Denham Oaks Elementary.(Courtesy of Shelley H. Roth)
Rishaan Nair is in second grade at Sanders Memorial Elementary School. (Courtesy of Manpreet Kaur)
Rebekah Miller, on her first day as a junior at Sunlake High School. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)
Nykolus Di Roma marks his first day of third grade at Denham Oaks Elementary. (Courtesy of Sabrina Di Roma)
Nileah Rodriguez, on her first day of fifth grade at Sanders Memorial Elementary. (Courtesy of Jeff Rodriguez)
Nicholas Miller on his first day of eighth grade at Rushe Middle School. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)
Freedom High School English teacher and department head Megan Lewandowski on her first day of the 2021-2022 school year. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)
Second-grader Margaret Lewandowski, on her first day at Chiles Elementary. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)

 

Luna Stoltz on her first day of preschool at Mary’s House in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jan Crowley)
Kindergartener Liliana Stephenson on her first day of school at Sanders Memorial Elementary. (Courtesy of Juliana Stephenson)
Julia O’Connor celebrates her first day of fourth grade at Sand Pine Elementary. (Courtesy of George O’ Connor)
Jonah Miller, on his first day as a second-grader at Oakstead Elementary. (Courtesy of Sally Miller)
Eleven-year-old Isabella Wilson on her first day of sixth grade at Rushe Middle School. (Courtesy of Billie Jo Wilson)
Sixteen-year-old Devlin Frost, a junior, and 14-year-old Griffin Frost, a freshman, on their first day of the 2021-2022 school year at Cypress Creek High School. (Courtesy of Vanessa Frost)
Four-year-old Derek Fillingham heading to his first day of prekindergarten at KidsRKids, in Wesley Chapel’s Meadow Pointe community. (Courtesy of Frank Hult)
Nine-year-old Daphne Fread, on her first day of fourth-grade at Pine View Elementary. (Courtesy of Jennifer Trimble)
Christopher ‘CJ’ Muniz, on his first day of kindergarten at Connerton Elementary. (Courtesy of Stephanie Muniz)

 

Cannon Frisco, 17, is a senior at Sunlake High School. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Brielle Leonard and Brandon Leonard attend Countryside Montessori. Brielle is in fifth grade and Brandon is in third. (Courtesy of Krystin Leonard)
Four-year-old Tensely Hannah Collito, on her first day at prekindergarten at Beacon Community Church, in New Port Richey. (She is the granddaughter of Doug Sanders, the contributor of Knowing Your History for The Laker/Lutz News.) (Courtesy of Alanah Jean Sanders)

Where were you, Sept. 11, 2001?

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Some events clearly stand out from others.

They etch a permanent image in our minds, of where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news.

The day July 20, 1969 was like that for millions. Neil Armstrong walked on the moon that day.

When the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded on Jan. 28, 1986, it touched the collective soul of the nation.

And then, there was Sept. 11, 2001.

On that morning, 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes and deliberately crashed two of them into North Tower and South Tower of the World Trade Center. They smashed a third plane into the Pentagon. Passengers on the fourth plane overtook the hijackers and forced that plane to slam into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

While all of this was happening, most of us were simply going about our daily routines.

Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001, when you heard about the terrorist attacks?

How did you find out?

How did you react? How did it affect you? Has it had lasting impacts?

As the nation marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we want to pause to share the personal side of the story — as told through the memories of our readers.

We will be publishing a collection of essays, which will be edited for brevity and clarity.

Please be as concise as possible. Include your first and last name, and the community where you live, which will be published with your submission.

Please also include your email and telephone number, so we can reach back for additional information, if we need it.

If you have appropriate photos that you can scan and email, we’d love to consider those for our tribute, too.

Deadline for submissions is Sept. 10. Our planned publication date is Sept. 15.

Please send your submissions with the words — Sept. 11 Tribute — in the subject line,  to .

Published September 01, 2021

See What Some Of Stephanie’s Past Clients Have To Say

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Congratulations to Stephanie Meid for 30 years of providing real estate service to the Tampa Bay area. A native of Tampa and resident of Land O Lakes, Stephanie offers her years of experience to buyers and sellers looking for someone to guide them through the complexities of the current real estate market. She can be reached at 813-695-0234 or

“I have known Stephanie Meid for over 10 years. I have used Stephanie’s expertise in real estate in both the buying and selling of my homes. She will ALWAYS be my agent of choice in all future deals.” – Lisa and Alex

“Stephanie has represented us in buying and selling multiple properties over the last 25 years. We appreciate her professionalism, experience, and attention to detail. We highly recommend Stephanie as an agent for any size real estate transaction. Her integrity and discretion is an asset whether you are in the market to buy or sell.” – Dan and Tonya

“We have known Stephanie for over eight years as a friend and professionally.  Over the years she has helped us in many ways and we worked closely together on multiple real estate transactions.  Stephanie is truly a genuine and caring person! Her expertise in the field and her professionalism has made buying and selling real estate seamlessly.  She delivers prime service and her love for her clients are one of the many reasons we will continue to utilize Stephanie in the real estate business.  Congratulations Stephanie on 30 years in the real estate profession!” -Krystle and Patrick

“As a repeat client of Stephanie’s, I highly recommend her as one of the most knowledgeable and professional agents in this market. She was very responsive throughout the entire process and always had my best interest at heart. I would never use anyone else when buying or selling!”  -Paula

“I have been using Stephanie as my Realtor for 28 years (with my first purchase in 1993). Since then I have sold 4 homes and purchased five exclusively through her. Stephanie is professional and knowledgeable in her field and, as long as she is practicing real estate, I will continue to work with her. I am ecstatic to be able to call her my Realtor and friend.” – Tim

“Stephanie, congratulations on 30 years in real estate. Thank you for the wonderful buying experience. You helped us negotiate a deal that allowed us enough time to sell our house and lock in our home of the future. The closing process was painless and you’re always available for questions. Thank you.” – The Crow Family

Are you ready for some football?

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(Courtesy of Cypress Creek High School athletics)

Under head coach Mike Johnson, the Cypress Creek Coyotes could surprise some teams this year, given a deep offense laden with experience. See the Pasco County Fall football preview to get the team rundowns, in Sports.

Hillcrest RV Resort Is Family Owned

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Hillcrest RV Resort is a great place for fun and sun. This pet-friendly Zephyrhills community has so much to offer, including amiable staff, a close-knit community and plenty of amenities.

Amenities include a heated pool and whirlpool; lighted shuffleboard courts; regulation horseshoe pits; laundry facilities; Wi-Fi throughout the park; lighted, wide-paved streets; extra-large lots (35′ x 65′); and, 30- and 50-amp services.

Hillcrest joined Parrish Properties LLC, a family owned business, about 15 years ago and continually makes improvements to the park. It offers one of the best living experiences at very affordable prices in the Zephyrhills area.

Hillcrest welcomes residents age 55 and older from all over the U.S. and Canada who share a sense of community and develop lifelong friendships.

There are many social activities to participate in, with something for everyone at Hillcrest. Residents enjoy live entertainment, themed dinners, relaxing poolside with friends, bingo, festive dances and so much more! There also are nearby places to fish and golf, as well as great restaurants and places to shop.

If you’re looking for a new home away from home, Hillcrest invites you to visit, or call 813-782-1947, to learn more about its properties for sale and other opportunities.

Published August 25, 2021

Infinite HD Brings the Experience to Home Remodeling 

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When it comes to home repairs and installations, experience is a must.

That’s why many locals go to Infinite HD, a full-service home repair and installation company based in Odessa.

Rob Howard, owner of Infinite HD, has over 35 years of experience in the home repair and installation industry. Together with his two business partners, his son, Jarred Howard, and longtime colleague, David Rodriguez, the trio offers top-notch customer service and expertise to all their clients.

Howard focuses on giving estimates and handling customer relations, while Jarred Howard handles purchases and acquisitions, and Rodriguez oversees all installations. Plus, Howard’s daughter, Janann, creates all the cabinet designs and drawings.

About a year ago, Infinite HD moved its office to Odessa to be more convenient to its customer base in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as well as to keep up with the company’s growth.

“We’re definitely keeping busy,” Howard says, “We’re doing a lot of repairs right now for people wanting to sell their home.”

Bathroom and kitchen updates also are a hot commodity right now for Infinite HD. A lot of Howard’s clients are gravitating towards either his luxury vinyl plank or moisture-proof laminate.

“The moisture-proof laminate looks and feels like wood, but is more durable and can handle water much better,” says Howard, “Luxury vinyl plank is much more dense, harder and almost impossible to scratch.”

Typically, it takes Howard and his team up to three weeks to finish a remodel/repair job.

A huge factor that sets Infinite HD apart from its competition is its large inventory of home improvement products.

“There’s a huge shortage in home repair/installation inventory, especially in flooring,” says Howard. “The shortage is worse now than it’s ever been, and we expect it to go on until next year.”

Thankfully, Howard’s son was ahead of the game and, before the shortfall, ordered 60,000 square feet of inventory between ceramic tile, wood and vinyl plank. This is roughly enough for 4 to 5 months of work for the company.

“We actually have more inventory than we can hold,” says Howard.

Home shows, such as “Fixer Upper,” often inspire people to do their own home repairs, but Rodriguez stresses the importance of hiring a licensed professional for most home repair needs.

“We have a saying in the business — ‘Cheap labor isn’t skilled, and skilled labor isn’t cheap,’” said Rodriguez. “It truly matters who you hire.”

Infinite HD has seen its share of cases where people try to do their own home repairs, or hire unqualified people, and end up having Infinite HD finish the job.

“Those clients end up spending more money, time and stress by trying to do it on their own,” said Rodriguez.

One of Howard’s favorite parts of the job is helping his clients bring their vision to life, especially to clients who have lived in the same house for decades.

“They just want a change, and it’s nice giving them something new and different,” says Howard, “We enjoy doing remodel work for them and fixing up their homes for the next stage of their lives.”

Howard has been happily married for 35 years, and had been a Hillsborough County resident his entire life, until he and his wife moved to Pasco County two years ago, because of all the expected growth in the area.

Infinite HD currently has eight employees, but Howard is looking to add more contractors to the team. All he asks is that they are hardworking, have excellent customer service skills, and ideally have five-plus years of experience.

For more information, or to book a free estimate with Infinite HD, call 813-309-5211.

Published August 25, 2021

The Air You Breathe Circulates Four Times an Hour Through Your Home’s AC System

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Floridians spend 90% of their time indoors, and the air we breathe in our homes circulates through our AC systems an average of four times an hour.

“That’s why it’s so important to keep your AC unit clean, and free of dust and debris, because if your unit is dirty, your air will be dirty,” explains Gary Beurmann, air conditioning manager at Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

A typical home contains hundreds of pollutants, from invisible particulates to pet dander, dust, and indoor air allergens. This air pollution can be filtered out to help keep your family healthy by eliminating most flu viruses, bacteria and microbial growth.

“There are three steps to achieving optimum indoor air quality – superior filtration, high output UV lights and an oxidizer,” explains Beurmann. “While the most thorough solution is to incorporate all three steps, if you can only afford to do one, your air quality will be greatly improved. I tell customers installing one of the steps is better than none.”

Indoor air quality is especially important for people who have multiple pets, suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions, and those who are sensitive to chemicals who live in new construction homes or recently remodeled buildings that give off strong VOC.

Cornerstone’s technicians are trained to assess the air quality in your home and recommend cost-effective solutions. “If you are having trouble breathing indoors, become sick when you spend time indoors, or have a weak immune system, our technicians will recommend the best air purification system for your home and budget,” said Beurmann.

In 2020 when the coronavirus first hit, Cornerstone’s inventory was depleted as homeowners installed air quality filtration systems to help keep their families safe.

“We learned from that the demand and need for these systems are critical in these times, and have invested in inventory to make sure we can help every family and business that calls wanting a quality air quality system,” said Beurmann.

Scrubbers and Filters
The first step for most homeowners is to install air scrubbers and filters that work with their existing AC system to eliminate odors, particulates and bacteria. An added plus is that while your home’s air quality improves, so does your AC system’s efficiency and lifespan.

Cornerstone uses Smart AirSpace Technology to trap and eliminate harmful airborne contaminants. This system installs quickly and easily into the existing filter tracks in an AC system, and its Air Ranger Cleaners use electronic polarized technology that traps 97% of most particles.

This system uses HEPA filtration and ultraviolet light to control the following:

– Dirt and dust inside your AC system, which in addition to spewing particulates in the air, also reduces your unit’s efficiency by as much as 50%.

– Eliminate allergens that cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks

– Deactivates organisms such as germs, microbial growth, spores, bacteria and flu viruses

– Eliminates noxious odors created by cooking, pets, smoke, solvents, carpets and vinyl coverings (VOC chemicals)

– Stops toxins created by pressed-wood products and other materials

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor pollution levels. Unknown by most people, the EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.

“There is so much research that proves the benefits of clean indoor air,” said Beurmann. “Cornerstone Pros is proud to offer solutions to keep air pollutants out of your home’s air.”

UV Light Systems
For more than 100 years, scientists have known that certain light frequencies disrupt the DNA of microorganisms and prevent their reproductive cycle. Today, UV light disinfection is widely used in hospitals, laboratories, food service companies and other settings requiring sanitized surfaces and equipment.

To improve your indoor air quality, the Cornerstone team installs the Clean Air Defense’s UV light system. This air purification system destroys airborne contaminants as they pass through a UV filtration system where airborne microbes are repeatedly exposed to sterilizing UV rays.

“High output UV air purification kills germs and flu and cold viruses, eliminates odors, reduces chemical vapors, and removes dust and pet dander. It also reduces indoor contaminants like dust mites, pollen and microbial growth,” explains Beurmann.

Cornerstone Pros has a large inventory of air filtration systems and there is no wait if you want to improve your home’s indoor air quality now. Homeowners can start improving air quality for less than $2.32 day, or less than going out for your favorite cup of coffee, and you will be gaining clean air in your home.  Cornerstone also has 12-months no interest financing available WAC.

Cornerstone Pros is committed to their customers’ health and safety. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of its technicians who specialize in indoor air quality, and receive $50 off an air quality product.

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 August 25, 2021

Shade, Stencil and Stain at Bella Home Market

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Bella Home Market is approaching its second anniversary in Lutz. So far, it has shown the community it’s a one-stop shop for making your home sweet home, even sweeter.

The locally owned specialty shop offers a unique selection of indoor décor and gifts, in a range of styles. From farmhouse and chic, to industrial and modern, around every corner there’s a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching find. Owner Lou Malerba also creates space in his store to feature homemade goods, like organic soaps and wall art, from local creators.

What sets Bella Home Market apart even further is that it is the only store in the Lutz area to be considered an Elite retailer of Dixie Belle Craft Paints. Malerba and his associates offer monthly classes to showcase the paint’s versatility, such as painting furniture, jewelry, glass and canvas. Guests to his store not only can leave with a great new find, but the skills to create one of their own.

As of last year, Bella Home Market now lets you browse from home. For anyone looking to enhance their DIY skills with Dixie Belle Paint or browse home accents, visit BellaHomeMarket.com, or call 813-345-8038.

Located at the Tropical Village Plaza, 1532 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Lutz 33549

Published August 25, 2021

Set Your Closing Date With Opendoor

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Many homeowners would love to move up to a new home in one of Pasco’s beautiful master-planned communities. Unfortunately, many are delaying building their dream because they worry that their current home will sell quickly, and they will need to move and rent until their new home is ready.

Opendoor solves this problem by letting people stay in their existing home until their new construction home is ready, with coordinated closings, explains Suzanne Dresser, the homebuilder partnership manager for Opendoor in the Greater Tampa Bay Area.

“When Opendoor purchases your home, you choose your closing date,” says Dresser. “This allows you to take advantage of high resale home prices, and apply the equity in your existing home toward the purchase of your family’s next home.”

“Putting your home-to-sell under contract with Opendoor, a cash buyer, removes the home-to-sell contingency, which makes a buyer’s offer more attractive and more likely to be accepted,” Dresser explains.

In addition to closing on your timetable, Opendoor is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to sell your home.

“Selling your home through Opendoor is hassle-free, with no showings or household repairs to worry about,” explains Dresser. “It’s fast and easy to find out what your home is worth by answering a few easy questions on our website.”

Opendoor makes a competitive offer based on what similar homes have sold for in a neighborhood, and then pays the seller cash for their home, ensuring there are no surprises at closing. For those whose circumstances change, they can cancel their Opendoor contract at any time and walk away without penalty.

Opendoor charges a flat service fee that is typically lower than industry average. This fee enables Opendoor to give sellers a stress-free sale so they can move ahead and buy their next home based on their needs and time frame.

“Opendoor is a new way to sell and buy homes that offers convenience, certainty and simplicity,” said Dresser. “Opendoor lets you know your home’s value early in the buying process. This makes the homebuying process less stressful and more fun.” Get your free offer now at Opendoor.com/lakerlutz.

Suzanne Dresser
Homebuilder Partnership Manager
GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA | SARASOTA | LAKELAND
813-666-3523

Published August 25, 2021

ICI Homes Introduces New Model in Lake Jovita

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ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has opened its newest model in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Egret Model is a one-story home that features 3,137 square feet of living area with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. As one walks into the model, they are greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The giant gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourmet kitchen with a breakfast nook.

The master suite features plenty of privacy, as well as large walk-in closets and a spacious bath. Two guest bedrooms and bath are on the other side of the home, and provide plenty of space for children and guests. A functional utility/laundry room is located nearby the two-car garage, and for buyers with a need for additional storage space, a three-car garage is optional.

“I don’t think there’s a better homesite in the area,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “I think what separates us in the market with this model is the 12-foot ceilings. They are absolutely stunning.”

ICI Homes has lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi-custom homes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the high $300s. Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, are suitable for floor plans up to 10,000 square feet, with many buyers building their forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita 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 to offer homes for less than $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $900 annual fee from the Homeowners Association.

In addition to Lake Jovita’s enviable homesites, families are drawn to the community because of its easy access to I-75, and all the shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

“The State Road 52 exit that leads to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s literally just a 20-minute drive into the heart of Wesley Chapel, plus we’re just five minutes to the east of downtown Dade City and all of its old-fashioned charm.”

To schedule a VIP appointment to see the new Egret model, call 855-215-2054, or email Jones at . The Lake Jovita Sales Center is located at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. 

Persimmon Park and Asturia
ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area.

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa on the north side of State Road 54, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway. The community offers residents 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.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park 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, and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa.

Customization
ICI Homes excels in its customization services. Whether a buyer wants to move a wall, add a room, or choose a specific style of doors, ICI Homes can accommodate customers, so they can create their dream home. The company does this by showcasing all of its different models, which come in all shapes and sizes.

“It helps people understand, whether we are selling a home in the $300s or for $1.5 million, the customization we offer and the things we can do at every level,” says Jones. “The process, service and quality are going to be the same, regardless the cost of the home.”

Inventory
Inventory for ICI Homes goes pretty quickly, Jones says. Due to demand, Jones says they limit the amount of homesites they release each month.

“We do this so we can provide excellent customer service to our existing customers who are building homes, and to give realistic time frames to new customers,” says Jones.

For families needing a home now, ICI Homes does sell its showcase model homes.

“You won’t get to pick your options and customize it, but the home will be ready now, and it will be a beautiful home,” says Jones.

Published August 25, 2021