The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Rising from the ashes — an iconic bar begins a new era in Zephyrhills

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Two days after a devastating fire tore through Jerry’s Crystal Bar, Bob Geddes could be seen walking around the burnt-out shell of the building.

Geddes, one of the building’s owners, appeared to be in a bit of a daze — as he maneuvered through the aftermath, clutching a battery-powered drill in his hand.

The Crystal Bar’s old metal sign hangs over the stage area in the newly rebuilt watering hole. The sign was salvaged from the 2019 fire that destroyed the original bar. The bar’s founder, Bob Geddes, repainted an old Western Auto sign, decades ago, to create the sign for his establishment. (Christine Holtzman)

The fire was on May 2, 2019 — and it wasn’t certain what the future would hold.

After all, the beloved Gall Boulevard watering hole had been the longest-operating bar in Zephyrhills.

Founded in 1954 by his parents, Bob and Geraldine, the bar had become a community fixture.

It wasn’t just the loss of a building.

The yellow caution tape around the parking lot’s perimeter signaled the end of an era.

After the fire, Crystal’s Facebook page was flooded with stories about people finding love there, having fun there and feeling ‘at home’ within the bar’s walls.

Jimmie Rex Harper, better known as the famous ‘Zephyrhills Shirtless Cowboy,’ enjoys his favorite brew straight from the pitcher during the Crystal Bar’s soft opening on March 26.

People wondered: Will the bar be rebuilt?

Shortly after the fire — while the pungent smell of burnt wood still lingered in the air — Bob Geddes wasn’t certain.

But, last month that question was answered, as the iconic business held a soft opening of a new building that looks different from the previous bar, but seems to have preserved the loyalty of its patrons.

The new bar appears to be two stories tall.

The structure also is closer to Gall Boulevard, with a wide sidewalk out front and parking in the rear — changes required to the city’s form-based code, for a reimagined U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard corridor area, according to Kurt Geddes, another one of the owners.

Rebuilding the bar was a unanimous decision for him and his five siblings who share ownership, he said.

They wanted to rebuild because it is their legacy, he explained.

Tom Jones, of Zephyrhills, left, enjoys a cocktail at Crystal Bar, with his brother-in-law David Lutat. They’ve been coming to the bar since 1990, and their favorite drink is a Crown and Soda.

“We’re all townies. We all went to school here and graduated here. We got married here. The bar is an icon, an institution. It’s a rite of passage to go to the Crystal to have a drink.”

He is quite the popular figure, as he sits at the bar.

A sea of familiar faces gathers — vying for his attention.

Next to him is Maria Laudenbach, of Zephyrhills, a patron at Crystal for 15 years.

She points at Kurt Geddes and says, “They’re not just family (meaning all the Geddes siblings) — they’re everybody’s family.”

Rene Hill, another sibling and owner, expressed how she couldn’t contain her happiness in the days leading up to the soft opening – which happened to fall on her late mother Geraldine’s birthday.

Norman ‘Stormin Norman’ Bureau, right, studies his next move while playing a billiards game at the bar’s soft opening last month. Bill Therrien, center, and bar owner Kurt Geddes, left, both play in the same billiards league.

“Every time I’ve come into work, I’ve had a smile on my face. I haven’t smiled in two years,” Hill said.

Others enjoying the evening also had their stories about what the reopening meant to them.

Rob Hubbard, of Zephyrhills, said he first came to the bar as a young boy in the 1980s – when his mother was a bartender there.

Sipping his beer, he summed up his feelings this way: “This bar means a lot. I’ve known the (Geddes) family a long time and they’ve always been good to me. It’s just a great place to come.”

He admitted: “It’s a little odd now, because this place is completely different. It’s a lot bigger place, it’s a whole different look.”

Bartender Teresa O’Malley, of Dade City, who has worked at Crystal Bar since 1998, puts the finishing touches on a couple of cocktails. This is her take on the bar: ‘It’s community, a camaraderie, the local hometown feel, good people, good times, you know, it’s just wonderful.’

But that didn’t stop him from dropping by.

Norman ‘Stormin Norman’ Bureau, of Zephyrhills, was at the soft opening playing billiards with his friend, Bill Therrien.

Bureau, a patron at the bar for 30 years, compared its vibe to the “Cheers” bar featured in a popular 1980s-sitcom.

“Everyone knows your name. It makes you feel good inside,” Bureau said, adding that the regulars at the bar “are tighter than Grandma’s knitting.”

Therrien, also of Zephyrhills, has a shorter history with the bar — roughly six years — but feels equally at home.

He’s also enthusiastic about the bar’s new digs.

“I love it. I love what they’ve built here, I love what they’ve done. It’s awesome,” Therrien said.

Arguably one of the bar’s most colorful characters is Jimmie Rex Harper, also known as the famous ‘Zephyrhills Shirtless Cowboy.’

At the soft opening, the 46-year-old is seated at the bar – wearing his cowboy hat, and drinking beer from a pitcher.

He’s been a customer at the bar since he turned 21.

The sun sets behind the new Jerry’s Crystal Bar, 5707 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills, on March 26, the day of its soft opening. A new building has replaced the previous one that was destroyed by fire on May 2, 2019.

When he began frequenting it, founders Bob and Geraldine were still alive and running the bar.

Over the years, Harper said, every single Geddes family member has thrown him out of the place for being rowdy — with the exception of the elder Bob, who had a soft spot for him.

Harper had just been allowed back into the bar — following his most recent ban — just two weeks before the fire destroyed the building.

The new building might inspire him, he said, to try to not get banned again.

The bar held its grand opening celebration on April 23, with prizes, giveaways and live music.

Bob Geddes said the family had a simple motivation for wanting to reopen.

“We were thinking that we had been here for 65+ years, and we decided we didn’t want it to end,” he said.

By Christine Holtzman

Published April 28, 2021

Pasco offers support for National Day of Prayer on May 6

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted a resolution declaring May 6 as the official day to observe the National Day of Prayer in Pasco County.

The resolution notes that “the National Day of Prayer is an event deeply rooted in our country’s history dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775.”

The resolution further notes that Congress passed a joint resolution recognizing a National Day of Prayer, in 1952 and then in 1988. President Ronald Reagan signed a law setting aside the first Thursday of May as the date on which the National Day of Prayer is officially observed.

The county’s resolution also notes that “the National Day of Prayer unites Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer for our nation. This diversity was intended by Congress when it designated the National Day of Prayer, not that every faith and creed would be homogenized, but that all who sought to pray for this nation would be encouraged to do so in any manner deemed appropriate.”

The board also “encourages all citizens to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities,” according to the resolution, approved on April 20.

Published April 28, 2021

All are welcome at Spark Church

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Pastor Garrett Hamblen with his wife, Katherine.

by Kelli Carmack

 Garrett Hamblen never intended to become a pastor — in fact, he went to school in his home state of Indiana for his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business at Indiana State University, graduating in 2012.

Everything was all set up for 23-year-old Hamblen to enter the business world, but right before he graduated, his father committed suicide.

 

“When I lost my dad, I was really numb to love and life. But God rescued me,” says Hamblen.

Hamblen explains that God rescued him when he moved to Florida in 2014 to be with his brother, who was working at a Christian men’s drug and alcohol program. During this time, Hamblen felt led by God to go into church leadership, and served in several pastoral roles.

For a while, things were amazing for Hamblen. In 2018, he met his now-wife, Katherine, when speaking at a church in Tampa. Fast forward two years later, and the couple was married in March 2020.

And then, just a week into their honeymoon, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic struck. “When we got back, the world was completely different,” said Hamblen.

While still trying to get used to this new world, two months after the onset of the pandemic, Hamblen lost his job. Scared and unsure of his future in the ministry world, God found a way to speak to Hamblen through his family and friends.

“So many of my loved ones kept throwing out the idea of me starting my own church,” he explains.

So, Hamblen and his wife went to a church-planning training session, and in that moment, the couple knew they had to pursue this calling from God. And thus, Spark Church was born.

Inspired by the phrase “just one spark away,” Spark Church’s goal is to ignite real life change throughout the community. Outreach is one way they are achieving this.

Hamblen and his team enjoy going out into the local communities to share love and hope. Whether it’s going to community block parties, hitting up the local park, or working with nonprofits, Spark Church is here to make a difference in Pasco County.

Seeing lives change is the most rewarding part of being a pastor, says Hamblen.

“We see people who are being abused, cheated on, who recently got fired… they’re in these tragic moments in their lives, and have nobody. We want to be that somebody for them,” says Hamblen.

Spark Church services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m., at the movie theater at The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Hamblen finds it exciting to have his church located in such a booming area. “We’ve got a big heart for this area,” he said.

The church’s first service was held March 21, and Hamblen is already receiving great feedback.

“Some of the families that have come to our service have told me they’ve been waiting for a different type of church, and they found it here,” says Hamblen.

Something unique that Spark Church offers during its Sunday service is a wristband station. If you choose a green wristband, you are open to physical contact, such as a hug or high-five. If you are more restrained, there is a yellow wristband, and if you do not want any physical contact, you choose a red one. This is just one of the many ways Spark Church implements COVID-friendly practices.

The church also offers a kid’s ministry for children up to fifth grade. Through learning Bible stories, songs and participating in engaging group activities, Spark Church helps spread the word of God to youngsters. All Spark Kids adult team members pass background checks, and safety protocols are in place so parents don’t need to worry while they are in their Sunday service.

Hamblen’s main goal for Spark Church in its first year is to develop life groups this fall. These will be eight-week semesters that provide opportunities to connect with other believers. He also plans to open up a ministry school, which will focus on preparing people who are looking to get into the ministry career path.

If you haven’t been to church in a while, or have never been at all, Hamblen encourages you to check out Spark Church.

“What’s the harm in trying? You might find your new family,” says Hamblen.

Spark Church • https://www.sparkpasco.com •765-894-1583

Published 4/21/21

Volunteer With Gulfside Hospice And You Will Benefit Even More Than Those You Help

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For Karen Lentz, volunteering at Gulfside Hospice began with her husband’s fondness for craft beer.

About a year after relocating to Port Richey from Wisconsin, Karen and her husband, Mike, attended the 2018 Spring Brewfest for Hospice benefiting Gulfside. While enjoying the beer and activities, Karen met volunteers and staff working the event, and learned that new volunteers are always welcome in a variety of ways to help Pasco’s largest hospice organization.

“At Brewfest I found everyone to be so warm, and felt their passion was so genuine, that I wanted to learn how I could get involved, too,” said Lentz. She was invited to attend Women For Gulfside, a group of 70 women of all ages who work together to raise money for the nonprofit.

Karen Lentz is a founding member of Women For Gulfside.

“As a newcomer to the area, volunteering at Gulfside has opened so many doors for me,” said Lentz. “Through Women For Gulfside, I have met some fabulous people, made many great friends and found an organization where my volunteerism truly makes a difference.”

Gulfside Hospice is celebrating people like Lentz during National Volunteer Week, which is April 18-24. “Every individual and family who is supported by Gulfside Hospice is touched by our volunteers,” said Kirsty Churchill, director of public relations for the organization. “The mission of hospice could not be accomplished without our volunteers.”

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by the Points of Light organization to “shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.”

Volunteer appreciation and recognition is especially important now, following a year of COVID restrictions that greatly limited volunteer activities, with the end result of fewer people volunteering because of health and safety concerns.

“For those who are able, there are so many ways to volunteer at Gulfside Hospice — from working in our thrift shops, to providing administrative assistance, to making handcrafted gifts and cards, and providing respite care to give caregivers time to get a haircut or go shopping,” said Churchill. “You can volunteer just a few hours a month, or as many as you want.”

Karen Lentz, center with sunglasses, is one of hundreds of volunteers at Gulfside Hospice. Shown with Karen at a recent fundraising event are, from left, Carla Armstrong, Mary Rammer, Scott Rammer, Karen Lentz, Mike Lentz, Andrea Flaherty and James Flaherty.

“I cannot tell you how personally rewarding it is for me to spend time with hospice patients and their families,” said Karen. “People ask me all the time how I can do this, and remark how difficult it must be. But the truth is I get so much more back in return, that I am the one benefiting the most. I truly feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to do this.”

Before moving to Florida, Lentz was rapidly climbing the corporate ladder in information technology for a health care/insurance company. The work was intense, and it was not unusual for her to work 16 hours a day.

“I was surprised to discover that after achieving my professional milestones, that I still felt unfulfilled and was struggling with how I wanted to live my life. Being a success at my job did not give me a sense of purpose, and I began to look for other things I could focus on that were more rewarding and would make me happy.”

Looking back on her life, Lentz reflected that the job she loved the most went back to junior high when she worked as a nurse’s aide working with Alzheimer patients. “These were patients in the final stages of their lives, and I loved working with them.”

Realizing that what she loved best was completely different than her career path, Lentz reached out to hospice organizations in Wisconsin, signed up for training and became a volunteer.

There are many ways to volunteer at Gulfside Hospice, including making handcrafted cards.

Lentz eventually left her corporate job and set up a consulting business from home, which gave her more time to volunteer and explore relocating to Florida. After touring the state for a new place to call home, the Lentzes fell in love with New Port Richey and soon after they moved, Lentz made contact with Gulfside Hospice at the Brewfest.

While many people become involved with hospice after a family member receives services to assist them through the final stages of life, others, like Lentz, do not have a personal hospice experience and become involved because they want to volunteer with a group that makes such a significant difference in their community.

“One of the things I really like about raising money for Gulfside is that we know where the money goes and know that it is always accounted for,” said Lentz. “In fact, Women For Gulfside gets to determine where the money we raise through our philanthropy is spent, and that means so much to our group.”

Gulfside Hospice always welcome new volunteers, and there are many ways to get involved. To learn more, contact the volunteer team at 727-845-5707, or visit Gulfside.org/volunteer-with-gulfside.

Published April 21, 2021

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

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Blue Heron Senior Living, located at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting on the afternoon of April 28.

This is an exterior view of Blue Heron Senior Living, 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The facility offers assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services. (Courtesy of Sarah Dymond/Blue Heron Senior Living)

The senior living community, recently completed by TLC Management of Marion, Indiana, features assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, according to a news release.

Blue Heron focuses on the entire spectrum of each resident’s well-being; from their physical and emotional health to their needs for friendship and intellectual stimulation, the release says.

There will be 106 private suites for residents requiring 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

Those interested in taking a look at the new Blue Heron Senior Living facility are invited to an open house celebration on the afternoon of April 28. Besides providing an array of services for its residents, the facility will have more than 225 employees.

Those seeking short-term rehabilitation will be able to take advantage of a state-of-the-art therapy center, which includes a gym that’s equipped with the latest technology and equipment designed for physical, speech and occupational therapy. It also features virtual reality workout programs, the release says.

The facility also has 95 resort-style private suites for individuals needing assisted living services. Those services include assistance as needed with daily activities, along with access to a health spa, a theater, wellness gym, activity center, resident art gallery, library, bistro shop and town square.

There also is a separate wing of 22 apartments that are specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age-associated memory impairment.

Services there include everything from engaging activities, bathing, dressing and grooming assistance, to medication reminders and management, according to the news release.

Additionally, Blue Heron is creating more than 225 new jobs in Pasco County.

To find out more, visit SeniorLivingAtBlueHeron.com.

Blue Heron Senior Living open house
When: April 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.)
Where: 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Details: The public is welcome to visit this new senior living facility and learn about its features and service. Visitors also are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Published April 21, 2021

Celebrate ‘Earth Day’ with a plant-based meal

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How will you celebrate this year’s Earth Day?

Maybe you’ll plant a tree. Or perhaps start a garden.

Maybe you’ll compost your food waste.

Speaking of food and plants, let’s talk about plant-based diets.

Spaghetti and ‘cheat balls’ (also known as bean balls) are an easy plant-based alternative to regular meatballs. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

The term — which means that you consume plant-based protein, instead of protein from animal sources — has been popping up everywhere.

Did you know there’s plant-based dairy, too?

Some examples of plant-based protein sources include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, chia seeds, and other legumes.

The center of a plant-based meal usually is a vegetable, a grain — such as quinoa, rice, or spaghetti — or a plant-based protein, for instance, beans or lentils. By comparison, in the average American diet, meat is the center of the meal.

Even Burger King now offers plant-based hamburgers, and you can find meatless options throughout the Disney parks with vegan cheese and sauces.

Dozens of other restaurant chains also offer plant-based menu options as a way to attract this customer base as this food movement grows in popularity.

Some people choose plant-based proteins, only. Others, however, incorporate animal-based protein, and dairy, too.

So, if you have been thinking of eating more plant-based foods but don’t want to go entirely vegan, you have options.

Here are the differences between the varying degrees of plant-based diets:

  • Vegetarian (the most recognized one): A vegetarian won’t eat animal meat for protein (meat, poultry, seafood), but will consume eggs and animal-based dairy from an animal’s milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.). This also is known as lacto-ovo vegetarian.
  • Pescatarian: Will eat fish and seafood (but no meat or poultry). They also will eat eggs and animal-based dairy products.
  • Ovovegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or dairy, but will eat eggs.
  • Lacto-vegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, but will consume animal-based dairy.
  • Vegan: This is the strictest eating plan. Vegans don’t eat anything from an animal, including dairy and eggs. Plant-based milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, etc., are fine, and dairy foods, such as yogurt made with one of these plant-based milks (soy yogurt) also are acceptable. Plant-based cheeses and butters also exist at grocery stores and some restaurants offer it.

Whether you want to go plant-based a few days a week or permanently, it may be best to start slowly to let your body adjust to the extra fiber while building the new diet into your lifestyle.

By easing into it, part-time, you can discover new recipes that you and your family enjoy.

Remember, it’s a big commitment if you plan to make the switch permanently. So, just as is true for most lifestyle changes, consider starting off a few days a week to help you get used to the idea.

Note: Vitamin B12 is found in animal sources, and so a supplement is recommended for those eliminating animal proteins, dairy and eggs from your diet.

One plant-based recipe I like to make it is spaghetti and “cheat balls.”

Both carnivores and herbivores alike can enjoy this meal.

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.

RECIPE

Spaghetti and “Cheatballs”

Cheatball ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped small
  • 1 (14-oz) can black beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well-cooked because you will be mashing them.)
  • 1 (14-oz) can great northern beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well cooked because you will be mashing them)
  • 3 slices bread (crumbled)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional-adds spicy flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano (or Italian if preferred)
  • 1 cup flour (but you may need more to ensure the mashed beans will stay intact while cooking)
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

  • Sautee onions until soft
  • Place beans in a mixing bowl
  • Mash the canned beans together using a potato masher and/or fork. (You may add a little water to help mash.)
  • Add onions to mashed beans, along with spices, bread crumbs and flour
  • Mix well
  • Roll balls about 1.5” in diameter
  • Cook in olive oil, turning cheatballs with tongs every few minutes until all sides are brown

Note: Sauce and spaghetti are cooked separately to your preference.

Published April 21, 2021

Rise and Shine!

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(Katie Fernandez)

The Laker/Lutz News’ social media team of Kelli Carmack and Katie Fernandez visited the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio to serve free donuts and coffee, and to get to know the members in the community. Friends and neighbors at TBGCC have a little fun during the event.

Beautiful New Homes at Crystal Lake

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Skyline St Augustine II

By Kelli Carmack

Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to a place you love. Just ask the residents of Crystal Lake in Zephyrhills.

Crystal Lake is a relaxed, resort-style 55-plus manufactured home community that offers gorgeous lakeside views, perfect for an evening stroll with family and friends.

This community was established more than 30 years ago and today has an array of beautiful amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, spa/fitness center, shuffleboards and fishing ponds. A lively clubhouse routinely hosts community events, such as bingo night, dances and dinners.

“Crystal Lake is more than just streets that have houses on them,” says sales manager Mary Sheldon. “It’s truly a community. People here are out and about on their golf carts, visiting their neighbors, enjoying all our amenities. It’s really a great place for seniors to live.”

Sheldon is excited about the growth underway at Crystal Lake — currently more than 200 new manufactured homes are being added to the community. Two new models have recently been introduced – the Casa Marina and the St. Augustine II – and both are seeing a lot of activity.

The Casa Marina is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home that also has a den that could be used as another bedroom, office space or craft room. At 1,447 square feet of living area, this floor plan has lots of attractive features, including a spacious front porch, 9-foot ceilings and a raised rear deck off the master bedroom.

Sheldon jokingly adds that the Casa Marina’s rear deck makes residents call it the “Sun Worshipers Home.” This move-in ready model is available for only $94,900.

The St. Augustine II also is a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home with den, at 1,440 square feet. Some impressive features of this model is its spacious open floor plan, huge walk-in closet in the master bedroom, and ample garage. This model has country charm, with a farmhouse sink and sliding farm door leading to the den. This home sells for $145,900, and there are currently three homes available for purchase.

Palm Harbor Casa Marina

Other new models include the Raleigh, Aurora, Silver Springs, Palm Beach, Ashville, Monticello and Vero. All are built with drywall construction and thermal pane windows.

“Our manufactured homes are just as well-built and strong as traditional homes in the market, but come at a fraction of the cost,” explains Sheldon. “Plus, our pricing is fabulous for being in such a desired location.”

Crystal Lake is a land-leased community— meaning buyers purchase their home, but not the land, so there are no real estate taxes for owners to pay.

Sheldon encourages anyone looking for a new home for themselves or a loved one to schedule a private tour with her at Crystal Lake.

“Seeing people move into a new home is wonderful,” says Sheldon, “I help find the right home for the right person. Matching them together is very rewarding for me.”

To schedule your private tour at Crystal Lake, call 844-276-8964. Or, to experience a virtual tour, go to MyMHCommunity.com/communities/florida/crystallake-zephyrhills.

Published 3/31/21

 

ASAP Pressure Cleaning Experienced, licensed and insured

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Austin Batchelder & family

Spring cleaning is upon us, and nothing improves the appearance of your home more remarkably and more quickly than pressure washing its exterior walls, decks, screens, fence, driveway and roof.

Hiring an experienced pressure cleaning company that is licensed and insured is important when inviting someone to work on your home. And that’s why many homeowners call on ASAP Pressure Cleaning.

The company has been in business since 2012, and serves customers in primarily Pasco and Hernando counties, working with both homeowners and commercial customers.

“We offer a variety of services, for a variety of surfaces, from soft wash to high pressure,” said owner Austin Batchelder. “Your property is your little slice of paradise, and we strive to keep it looking clean and bright.”

ASAP’s exterior cleaning services includes:

– Gutter cleanouts and downspouts

– Screen enclosures

– Exterior paint prep

– Fences – vinyl, wood and metal

– Brick/block walls

– Pavers

– Pool decks

– Lanais and patios

– Wood and painted decks

– Stamped concrete

It also is an expert at cleaning roofs, including shingle (soft wash), tile, membrane and metal roofs.

Batchelder says what sets his company apart from other pressure-washing operations, besides  being licensed and insured, is the level of expertise his team offers, and the equipment he owns.

“Our truck-mounted commercial grade pressure and soft-wash equipment are commercial machines, not just basic units out of your local hardware store,” explains Batchelder.

“We also have the ability to bring water to jobs, and can heat the water up to 200-degrees for jobs that require very hot water. And, we have both day and night crews, to give us the ability and flexibility to accommodate when the customer needs their job done.”

Batchelder defines pressure-washing as the use of high-pressure water that is sprayed from a nozzle to remove dirt, grime, dust, mold, pollen and other unwanted contaminants from hard surfaces, such as driveways, wood decks, pool decks, sidewalks and other outdoor areas.

Because of Florida’s high humidity, he recommends pressure cleaning your home twice a year to prevent mold and mildew buildup on walkways, decks, driveways and siding.

“How often you need pressure-washing services depends on the environment you live in, and because of all the lakes and wetlands in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, spring and fall is always recommended because of the area’s high humidity,” said Batchelder.

Batchelder is proud of being recognized on Angie’s List with a Super Service Award for the past five years because of its excellent customer service. As his company grows, he looks forward to adding more trucks to his fleet and providing quality jobs to his employees and continued good service to his customers. A native of Brooksville, he is married and has two young children.

ASAP Pressure Cleaning • 813-501-2010 • www.ASAPpressure.com

Published 3/31/21

 

A new family addition

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(Courtesy of ZooTampa)

ZooTampa at Lowry Park has announced the newest addition to its family —  a baby welcomed by Siamang gibbons Hutan and Sensei, on Feb. 24. Siamangs occupy habitats as extensive as 50 acres in the wild, and their calls can be heard up to 2 miles away. The baby’s birth is a positive step forward in maintaining the population of these swinging primates for generations to come.