The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco health grant will help with return of students to school

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The health department in Pasco County recently received a $12 million grant from the Florida Department of Health, that is intended to help with the return of students to school, according to Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

“This is a very broad grant,” Gadd said, during a school board meeting last month. “It’s allowing us to purchase canopies, picnic tables and various supplies that will help us kind of separate kids during lunches and cafeteria time, to help mitigate the impact of COVID in the new school year.

The grant will support more health professionals, nurses and other personnel — allowing district nurses to focus on their nursing duties, which involve screenings and of other activities with students, Gadd said.

“Also, as part of this grant that we have with the department of health, we’ll be continuing to offer testing services to kids and staff, although the department of health will be running those testing programs.

“They’ll be doing it with a mobile bus on the east and the west side of the county. We’ll still have this location here, in the center of the county, but the department of health will be running it, as opposed to the school system.

“In addition, we are offering vaccinations through Health Heroes, and this is strictly voluntary,” Gadd said. That program provides free vaccinations for youths age 12 and older.

Published July 21, 2021

In Loving Memory Kayla N. Garabedian

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In Loving Memory of Kayla N. Garabedian

March 27, 1994–July 16, 1996

Memories

If I could have a lifetime wish

a dream that would come true

I’d pray to God with all my heart

for yesterday and you.

 

A thousand words can’t bring you back I know because I’ve tried

Neither will a thousand tearsI know because I’ve cried.

You left behind my broken Heart and happy memories too

But I never wanted memories I only wanted you.

 

Loved & Missed 25 Years by Daddy & Family

 

Published 7/21/21

In Loving Memory of Michael Francis Montalbano

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Michael Francis Montalbano, Sr. 69, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on July 8, 2021. He was born in Rome, New York, and moved to Florida in 1980.

Michael served in the United States Navy.

Michael loved his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure! He lived a full life surrounded by his family and friends, friends who would later become family.

Michael was an avid reader, who loved Elvis and old westerns. He will be remembered as a non-judgmental and respected man.  Michael will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Suzanne Montalbano; son, Michael (Shannon) Motalbano Jr.; daughters, Angelita Rodriguez and Melissa Springstead; brothers, Joe Maloof, Frank (Joyce) Montalbano, Phil (Ascenza) Montalbano, Max (Starr)Montalbano; sister, Maggie (Don) Beckwith; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Funeral will be held July 23, 2021, from 4 pm to 6 pm, at Loyless Funeral Home 5310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.  LandO’Lakes, FL 34639. Flowers and condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

Published 07-21-21

Bolts Babies!

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AdventHealth is celebrating the 2021 Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, by welcoming “Bolts Babies” into the world. AdventHealth Wesley Chapel welcomed Baby Rodriguez and Baby Burford on game day. The parents are excited for their bundles of joy to share a birth date with the historic championship win for the Bolts. AdventHealth is the Official Health and Wellness Partner and the 2021 Playoff Sponsor of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Baby Rodriguez (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)
Baby Burford

FiCare Federal Credit Union, Healthcare’s Financial Partner, Wins Credit Union of the Year

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FiCare Federal Credit Union (FCU), the only Florida credit union serving strictly healthcare professionals and their family members, received the Credit Union of the Year award in June from the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) & Affiliates for its financial prowess, daily operations, and community outreach. The Tampa-based, member-owned credit union is in the LSCU category of credit unions having up to $100 million in assets, with FiCare just under $60 million.

Denelle Miller, FiCare FCU’s CEO

Denelle Miller, FiCare’s CEO and a Dade City resident, accepted the honor in Orlando.

“What FiCare offers is a benefit to healthcare professionals and their loved ones,” said Miller. “Our mission is to help individuals achieve their life needs, desires, and dreams by providing financial expertise and education. My team and I are committed to accomplishing this by offering members complete financial services, competitive rates, and exceptional personal service, every day.”

Miller joined what was originally known as St. Joseph’s FCU in 2008. After holding progressively responsible positions, she became CEO in 2015 and under her leadership, the credit union rebranded in 2018 from St. Joseph FCU to FiCare FCU, Healthcare’s Financial Partner. In January 2021, FiCare also expanded its membership to serve all Florida healthcare employees and has almost doubled its assets and members.

“I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but I found that my passion for serving others could also be used in the financial industry working alongside healthcare professionals. The credit union movement is “People helping People” and that is exactly what FiCare does,” Miller said.

Despite the global pandemic, FiCare has flourished thanks largely to its members, staff, and Board of Directors, according to Miller. “We discovered that most of our members don’t rely on our brick-and-mortar branches in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but if they need to physically see someone, they can visit a branch or speak to a local FiCare representative by phone. And, with our CO-OP Shared Branching™ arrangement nationally and worldwide, FiCare members can literally access their benefits almost anywhere they travel.”

Members also have access to surcharge-free Presto! ATMs at any Publix in the United States.

If you are a Florida healthcare professional who is interested in learning about FiCare’s many services, visit FiCareFCU.org. Completing an online membership application is easy.

Celebrating freedom

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club met to plant rows of flags on the Old Lutz School property on U.S. 41, and hung their club banner in celebration of July 4th. The club is looking forward to its customary, old-fashioned small-town parade and celebration to return, bigger and better, for July 4, 2022. For information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Land O’ Liberty Salute

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(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)
(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

Thanks to all who came out in the rain to ‘paint’ Land O’ Lakes red, white and blue, for the Fourth of July. If you’d like to help remove the ribbons, meet at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., on July 11 at 1 p.m.

 

Don’t Miss All The 4th of July FUN At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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One of Wesley Chapel’s biggest events of the year is this Sunday’s 4th of July Celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The fun begins at 5 p.m., with a bike parade, bake-off, local musical groups, bounce park, exhibitors and vendors, and ends with a bang at 9 p.m., with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

“If you have not yet visited Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, our 4th of July celebration is a great way to experience the fun, family atmosphere we offer every day of the year,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “Guests are also welcome to come by earlier in the day to visit our model homes and learn more about the big plans we have for our master-planned community.”

A New Hometown
Families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it is so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities. “We are not just developers — we bring together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future,” said Lerret.

Established in 2012, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is conveniently located on State Road 54, just a few miles east of Interstate 75. Over 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a great location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle.

“We have homes priced for all budgets and all times of life,” explains Lerret.

Two premier builders, Avex Homes and D.R. Horton, offer single-family and townhomes priced from the mid $200s to over $400s.

D.R. Horton is planning to build 30 new homes a month in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, which is located in the northwest section of the development. Its first homes will be ready for move-in later this year and in early 2022.

Avex Homes also is selling single-family homes and townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. It offers several single-family floor plans, and 3-bedroom, two-bath townhomes that include two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A second amenity center recently opened, and it includes a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area.

Families also can enjoy a second swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will eventually interconnect with its planned downtown. Ongoing monthly events include Movies under the Stars, food trucks and large holiday celebrations.

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 leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret.

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel breaks ground this fall, and includes a community park with amphitheater and five distinct buildings; an office building, two mixed-use buildings with apartments above the storefronts, and two multi-family apartment buildings.

“We are 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.

At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre master-planned community is approved for 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and is projected to be home to 10,000 residents.

FREE 4th of July Celebration
Sunday, July 4
Begins at 5 p.m. – Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Bike Parade, Bake-Off, Local Musical Groups, Bounce Park, Exhibitors and Food Trucks

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

Published June 30, 2021

Beautiful New Homes At Shadow Wood Village

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Shadow Wood Village has spacious new manufactured homes for sale at very affordable prices, combined with a great location minute from the Gulf of Mexico in Hudson.

Some new amenities at Shadow Wood Village include a large shaded dog park, and a nature park with a gas fire pit and gazebo.

Located just 30 minutes from Land O’ Lakes, these 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.

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 has 11 new homes coming on the market that are expected to sell quickly, to those age 55 and older. In addition, lot reservations are now being accepted for homesites in a new expansion section of the community, which are being readied for 45 new homes arriving in 2022.

With the 11 new homes, Shadow Wood Village is a robust community of 207 homes. Most residents live in the village 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 June 30, 2021

Building A New Home Is The Best Option In A Seller’s Market

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If you’re looking to buy a home today, you know it is a very robust and competitive real estate market, especially here in Pasco County with its highly desirable master-planned communities, excellent schools and superior road network.

For ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most respected custom builders, Pasco is the hub of its Tampa Bay operations. Its team is dedicated to helping families find beautiful lots and select from a variety of floor plans in three of Pasco’s most prestigious— Asturia in Odessa, Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, and Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City.

“While homes are selling quickly everywhere, we work closely with buyers to find the perfect homesite and floor plan in a community that is best suited for their lifestyle,” said Greg Jones, Tampa Division Manager for ICI Homes.

The amenity center at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel has a unique, T-shaped luxury pool, cabanas, grilling area and gated playground.

For those needing to relocate quickly, ICI Homes has showcase homes in each community that will be available for sale later this summer. “These move-in-ready homes are not yet being advertised, but we are inviting people to give us a call to learn more about them, so they are ready when they become available,” said Jones.

Fortunately, most families can plan ahead, and many are choosing ICI Homes as their builder because they are able to customize their home and have it ready in as little as eight months — the same length it takes most national production builders to complete a home.

“Building a new home gives you control — you can choose the community, homesite and floor plan best for you, rather than settling for someone else’s tastes,” said Jones. “Building new is really the best way to go today, instead of getting trapped in bidding wars and dealing with the uncertainty and hassles that come with a seller’s market.”

ICI Community Updates
ICI Homes has been building homes in Asturia since 2017, and is the exclusive builder in this development’s final phase.

“Asturia is such a great community to live that in just four months we have sold half of the 22 lots available in its final phase,” said Jones. “If you want to be close to the convenience of the Suncoast Parkway, and live in the vibrant Land O’ Lakes and Trinity area, please come by our sales center soon, while we still have lots available.”

Families wanting a Wesley Chapel address will fall in love with Persimmon Park, a unique community of less than 250 homes located in the Wiregrass Ranch master-planned community. ICI Homes has homes beginning in the $300s, and this affordability has moved sales along exceptionally well, with 80% of homesites sold. All homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home.

Persimmon Park recently celebrated the grand opening of its amenity center, which includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area. Coming soon will be dog parks for small and large breeds, and paved trails that connect to the Wiregrass recreational parkway system.

July is an exciting time for Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, when ICI Homes is opening its new model. Lake Jovita offers scenic views on 1,054 acres of rolling hills and beautiful lakes, winding through 36 holes of a nationally acclaimed championship golf course.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular floor plans for Lake Jovita, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in.

Start your search for a new home on the ICI Homes website, which is stocked with 3D virtual tours, photo galleries, interactive floor plans, and much more. Online sales staff can answer your questions, get you the information you need and connect you with an ICI Homes community sales associates.

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 Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and the Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

 Call 813-252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com, to schedule a VIP appointment for a new homesite in the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. The sales center there at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City.

Published June 30, 2021