The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.

Family Fun at Molly’s Hatchet — Axe Throwing, Virtual Reality and Video Games

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When the owners of Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing venue in Zephyrhills tell folks they are a family destination, they often get questioning looks.

“When people think of axe throwing, they assume our customers are young, athletic adults who also want a bar scene,” explains Shaun Sikat, an owner of Molly’s Hatchet. “But, we’re everything but that. We have created a fun place to go for families and kids to play video games, experience virtual reality and learn how to throw an axe so they can play games against each other, much like a family goes bowling together.”

This vision of giving local families and kids a place to go that is fun, safe, affordable and close to home is a bit unique in the competitive axe throwing world. But in Zephyrhills, it’s a perfect blend of activities and purpose that has made it a success.

New Location Is Twice The Size
Molly’s Hatchet has been so successful since it opened in 2019, that it recently doubled its size and moved up Fifth Avenue to a 5,000-square-foot building in the heart of downtown Zephyrhills. The venue kicked off its grand opening Easter weekend, and hundreds of area residents have come by since then to see the expanded axe throwing lanes, try virtual reality for the first time, and immerse themselves in a wide selection of video games.

“It’s been so much fun to have so many people visit us since our grand opening,” said co-owner Riley Payne. “There is something for everyone to do, even if it’s just watching others play.”

In addition to Payne and Sikat, the business also is owned by Chris and Rebecca Murphy, who opened the original Molly’s Hatchet in 2019.

“Zephyrhills is a small town, and like a lot of small towns with not much to do, it’s easy for kids to go down the wrong path,” said Sikat, who moved to Zephyrhills when he was 13. “We want to channel their boredom and energy, and offer kids healthy alternatives to keep them busy and out of trouble.”

Axe Throwing Is Easier Than You Think
When you walk into Molly’s Hatchet, the first thing you see are the impressive axe throwing lanes. Targets are made from pine and look like oversized dart boards. Up front are four single lanes and two competitive lanes, and in the back is a private lane perfect for date night or a small group. All lanes follow guidelines set by WATL — the World of Axe Throwing League, which governs urban axe throwing memberships in 19 countries.

“Throwing an axe is much easier than most people think, and your size and physical strength has little to do with how well you play,” explains Payne, a petite woman who is just 5 feet tall. “It’s more about finesse than strength, and it’s not unusual for a woman to outplay her man because she has better control.”

Learning to throw an axe begins with a 30-minute lesson from a professional axe throwing coach, who teaches safety, form and technique. There is always staff on site overseeing safety, giving instructions and teaching new games.

“There are no exceptions when it comes to safety – we do not hesitate to ask guests to leave if they are not following the rules,” explains Sikat.

All players sign a release, and safety rules are reviewed at every game. Children must be 11 years or older to play, and parents must be present and sign a release form.

Axe throwing is priced very reasonably — $20 for 30 minutes, $30 for 1 hour and $40 for 90 minutes. The cost includes all equipment and coaching, which is overseen by Manager Gavin Slater, a Navy veteran who has worked at Molly’s for over a year.

Virtual Reality That Blows You Away
Most guests begin with axe throwing, and then try the virtual reality, which is exponentially better than virtual reality games played at home.

“Most people have little experience with virtual reality and are blown away by the experience,” said Sikat. “Our simulation is unbelievable — especially Skyfront VR, where you actually feel like you’re flying 2,000 feet up in the air.”

Molly’s has two virtual reality seats, and you can play with, or against, the other seat. VR games include archery, Fruit Ninja and music-based games that are ideal for youngsters, as well as war games and even zombie horrors for adults.

Virtual reality also is very affordable, at just $1 a minute, with most games lasting between 7 and 14 minutes.

Both children and adults enjoy the arcade area, where games range from traditional Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, to race car driving and new high-tech games. All games cost just $1.

Weekly specials at Molly’s Hatchett include “SIN” Mondays, where employees in the service industry receive 10% off axe throwing and VR from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Later in the week is Throw It Out Thursday — all you can throw for just $30. Active military, veterans and first responders always receive a 15% discount.

Molly’s Hatchet has a large selection of craft beer, meads and wines. Food in its snack bar is pre-packaged for safety, and a 500-square-foot outside patio is opening soon that will have two axe throwing lanes, inflatable axe throwing for kids, a fire pit and outside seating.

“We welcome families to come to Zephyrhills and visit Molly’s Hatchet. We guarantee you will have more fun than you ever imagined,” said Sikat.

Published April 14, 2021

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

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Volunteers fanned across Pasco County collecting trash during the 2021 Great American Cleanup in early March.

All in all, the 659 volunteers collected 36,920 pounds of trash — from public spaces, roadsides and waterways, according to a county news release.

Zephyrhills High School students volunteer to demonstrate their community pride, during the 2021 Great American Cleanup. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The cleaning crews hit 37 locations — stretching from Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday over to Dade City — and got to work in all sorts of places including Port Richey, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Hudson.

“Between the rainy weather and the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many volunteers would show up this year,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.  “Once again, they came out in full support, proving what a tremendous impact concerned community members can have when given the opportunity.”

The workers logged 1,531 volunteer hours, which translates into a value of $41,643.30, according to the release.

Keep Pasco Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup with corporate funding assistance and a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

The event is a collaboration among the Pasco County Department of Public Works; Pasco County Solid Waste; Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; and Pasco County Environmental Compliance, the release says.

The Great American Cleanup is one of two annual cleanup events in Pasco.

The mission of Keep Pasco Beautiful is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification.

You can find out more and learn how you can be a volunteer by calling 727-834-3611, ext. 1072. Or, you can email .

Published April 14, 2021

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

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Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres and his family have been selected to receive a new mortgage-free home from PulteGroup, through the company’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the nonprofit Operation Finally Home.

Ground recently was broken for the family’s new home being built in Land O’ Lakes.

Torres was severely injured while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004, according to a news release.

This group flings some dirt at the groundbreaking of a new free home for a U.S. Army veteran in Land O’ Lakes. From left: PulteGroup West Florida Division President Sean Strickler; Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres, and daughters 11-year-old Kaylie Torres and 3-year-old Aria Torres; wife Stephanie Torres, 1-year-old Avery Torres; and, Molly Halliday, senior vice president of Marketing and Project Management for Operation Finally Home. (Courtesy of BoardroomPR)

His platoon was ambushed, and his HUMVEE was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was shot three times during the firefight and his fellow soldiers protected him before he was eventually medevacked. He was awarded several honors for his service, including the Purple Heart.

The Torres family currently lives in an apartment in Land O’Lakes.

“We just want to have a place to call our own, where our family can grow without having to move constantly,” Torres said, in the release.

The family’s new single-story home is being built in the Arden Preserve community. The residence, which will exceed 2,100 square feet, will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

PulteGroup team members, along with the Torres family, officially broke ground on the home on March 24, and the team expects to welcome the Torres family home this summer.

“It is a privilege for Pulte employees, along with our trade partners and suppliers, to be able to give back to our nation’s veterans in a meaningful way,” Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida division, said in a news release.

The Torres family worked closely with Operation Finally Home, which partners with builders like PulteGroup to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and first responders.

“We are extremely grateful to PulteGroup and their Built to Honor program for supporting our veterans, first responders and their families with mortgage-free homes,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, in the release.

PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.

Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates. This will be the West Florida division’s fourth home dedicated in the Tampa Bay area.

Published April 14, 2021

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

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The annual Arbor Day and Memorial Celebration is set for April 30 at 10 a.m., at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

The event marks the 26th year that the City of Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club have jointly sponsored the Arbor Day/Memorial Day program.

(File)

The event usually is held the third Friday in January, which is the day the State of Florida celebrates Arbor Day, but this year’s event has been rescheduled to coincide with National Arbor Day on April 30, according to a news release.

This year, the Dade City Garden Club sponsored an art contest for the students at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City.

Students learned about the history of Arbor Day and were asked to design a cover fitting for the Arbor Day Program to be printed for the event. The winners will be announced, and the grand prize winner will be recognized at the event.

Memorial trees that have been given throughout the year will be recognized. Trees are dedicated in memory of or in honor of a person or special occasion, and are living and lasting tributes that add beauty to the city and quality to the environment.

Speakers for the event will be Dade City’s own Cowboy Poet Steve Melton, and Foresters Mona Neville and Arthur Clothier from the Florida Forest Service.

The Garden Club is extending a special invitation to the public to join them for this event to celebrate Arbor Day and to honor the tree recipients.

For more information, email Ruth Anderson at .

Published April 14, 2021

Flea market lures shoppers with its bargains

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club offered a variety of good deals at its annual Spring Flea Market fundraiser, attracting a steady crowd of bargain-hunters to the sale, held at the Boy Scout Pack 12 property, at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz. The event raises money for scholarships, said Annette Bellinger, club president.

Marcey Rotz made the trip from New Port Richey to do a bit of shopping. (Fred Bellet)
An early crowd snatched up bargains, but there was still time to buy the large-faced clock at noon. Volunteer Dee Knerr, of North Tampa, was one of many Woman’s Club members on hand to help out.
Jim Whalen, of Lutz, found himself walking the ‘Walking Iris’ back to the car for his wife, Nadja Whalen, right, who found several plants at the flea market.
Karen Tyler, of Lutz, chats on her phone while browsing the shoe table.
(left) The Plant Lady, also known as Elaine Pittman, speaks with Debbie Cold of Lutz under the plant sale tent. Pittman was assisted by Sandi Giddens of Lutz. Various native plants were available.
Club volunteer Peggy Anders, of Land O’ Lakes, take a brief break from setting out items out for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club’s spring flea market.

 

Young players shoot for the future

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If you wander into Mainstreet Billiards of Zephyrhills, don’t expect a stereotypical smoke-filled pool hall. It’s a well-lit, family friendly venue that is dedicated to teaching the sport of billiards to young people.

The hall’s registered 501(c)3 arm — called Shooting For The Future — sponsors free weekly lessons for kids at seven locations in Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties.

Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old pool player from Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer. She is known as the ‘Pink Dagger’ in the billiards world. (Kelli Carmack)

And one player, 12-year-old Sofia Mast, of Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer.

“We figured a grassroots approach was a good way to grow the game,’’ said Brandon Butts, owner of Mainstreet Billiards, which opened in June 2019. “We started out charging $10 a week, but some kids weren’t able to afford it. The cost of lessons and equipment can add up, so our nonprofit concept evolved from there, and we’ve been able to expand to multiple locations.

“We start out by teaching them a stance, the follow-through, posture, the mechanics of the game. Through the games we play, they learn sportsmanship and they get to compete for prizes under the stress of the game. They can develop skills and learn if this is something they’d like to pursue.’’

At each facility, one player is designated as a “Shooting Star.’’ At Mainstreet Billiards, that’s Mast. And for her, the pursuit of billiards excellence has become a given.

The daughter of a billiards league player, Mast qualified for a national event after her first session. She was playing at an American Poolplayers Association (APA) level 2, but has advanced to a level 5 (the APA range goes to level 9).

Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old national championship-level pool player, stands outside Mainstreet Billiards in Zephyrhills. This is where Shooting For The Future, a nonprofit that aims to teach young kids the game of billiards, got its start.

“She has been playing with her dad a little while,’’ Butts said. “She just has an absurd work ethic and desire to learn. She’s like a sponge.

“When COVID hit and everything closed down for a while, she used that quarantine time to improve at home. That’s when she jumped from a level 2 to a level 5. The sky is the limit with Sofia.’’

Mast usually enters the facility’s Monday adult tournaments — competing against 24 men — and generally finishes in the top two. She competed in Lakeland’s Tiger Tour, featuring the top 36 female players in the state (all ages), and finished fifth, becoming the youngest player to place in that event.

In January, Mast won the 13-and-under division at the OTW Junior International 9-Ball Tournament in Roanoke, Virginia, while placing fifth in the 18-and-under division. During the weekend, she played approximately 100 racks of 9-ball.

How serious is Mast’s game?

Her nickname is “Pink Dagger.’’

Sofia Mast, 12, has her eye on the prize as she competes in Mainstreet Billiards’ Monday night adult tournament, where she generally finishes in the top two.

“She has a great attitude and is a humble kid, but the fact is she can beat almost any adult around here whenever she feels like it,’’ Butts said. “She is getting exposure to some very good coaches, so she’s going to continue to improve if that’s what she wants to do. I mean, she’s 12. But at this rate, she has a huge leg up on other players in her age level.’’

Mast, who has qualified for this summer’s Junior Nationals in Las Vegas, is an example of what can happen when great talent meets superb dedication.

Overall, though, Butts said it’s also nice to build a deep base of players who want to compete on a recreational level.

“When we opened, we were seeking a family friendly pool hall,’’ Butts said. “We wanted less of a bar atmosphere and make it a place for people who actually cared about pool.

“We’ve been able to grow this into several other facilities in Zephyrhills, Plant City, Lakeland and Carrollwood. I’ve yet to walk into a venue, tell them what we’re doing and had them say they weren’t interested. We’re trying to change the image of our sport. Some parents come in and say, ‘I had no idea it was like this. I thought it was just a bar.’ We’re trying to identify the next generation of shooters and help to revive the sport.’’

For more information on Shooting For The Future, log onto ShootingFuture.org.

See Sofia Mast in action
You can find out more about 12-year-old pool player Sofia Mast and see her in action by checking out Kelli Carmack’s video on our Facebook page, at Facebook.com/LakerLutzNews/videos/ or on the front page of our website, at LakerLutzNews.com.

By Joey Johnston

Published April 07, 2021

Leadership Pasco seeking applicants

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Leadership Pasco is accepting applications for the Class of 2022.

The organization is seeking emerging and existing community leaders who live or work in Pasco County, according to a news release.

Applications, which are due by May 15, can be found at LeadershipPasco.com.

Program participants are selected from a pool of applicants who are interested in learning more about the issues facing Pasco County.

Leadership Pasco plans to resume in-person events beginning in August.

“Choosing a select group of class members from so many outstanding leader applicants becomes more challenging every year. We’re excited to identify leaders with a desire to enhance their strategic and creative thinking, and position themselves and their company, for greater success.” Don Anderson, president, Leadership Pasco, said in the release.

Since 1991, Leadership Pasco has introduced business and community leaders to major facets of the Pasco County community through its intensive 10-month course.

Class members participate in full-day program sessions, tours, and conversations with community leaders to broaden their local understanding of the county’s changing needs.

Topics include criminal justice, health care, education, government, infrastructure, tourism, and business industries, the release says.

Each Leadership Pasco class organizes a class project that brings charitable people and resources together to address a particular social, educational, economic, environmental or cultural need in Pasco County, the release adds.

Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Pasco Recruitment Committee in early-June and selected Class of 2021 members will be contacted by mid-June 2021.

Monthly program sessions begin with orientation in August 2021 and conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2022.

For more information, call 727-534-4280 or visit LeadershipPasco.com.

Published April 07, 2021