Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A wonderland of ‘snow’ and goodies

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Coupled with a light drizzle, Life Church’s booth generated bubbles that doubled as snowflakes and snow drifts. Hundreds of vehicles made their way along the line of vendor tents at the Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru, hosted by Wesley Chapel Rotary at Wesley Chapel District Park. Natalie Dougherty (left), of Life Church, hands out gifts within the sudsy blizzard.

ICI Homes’ Exclusive Builder In Asturia’s Final Phase

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you dream of building a new home in Pasco County’s in-demand State Road 54 corridor, look no further than the final phase of Asturia in Odessa.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious builders — has been chosen as the exclusive builder in Asturia’s final phase, with 23 over-sized homesites in this exclusive community located just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway.

“We are so excited to have these final homesites in Asturia, where we have been building beautiful homes for area families since 2017,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “These new homesites are some of the prettiest in all of Asturia, with many backing up to conservation, and all offering privacy and quick access to State Road 54.”

Phase 4 road construction and infrastructure are underway, and ICI Homes is now offering pre-construction sales to its VIP families.

“Because of Asturia’s stellar reputation as a great place to live, we are anticipating a huge demand for these new homesites” said Jones. “These are the final lots in this highly desirable community, and we expect them to sell fast. We encourage people to call today for a VIP appointment to secure their desirable homesite before they are gone.”

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in central Pasco on the north side of State Road 54. Setting it apart from other master-planned communities is Asturia’s manageable size of just 550 homes. It is a friendly, walkable development that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with its many trails, walkways, parks and recreational amenities.

Outstanding schools are another top reason why families chose Asturia. Children attend some of the best schools in the county, including Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and J.W. Mitchell High School. All three schools have received a minimum A or B school grade for the last three years.

ICI Homes is building several floor plans in Asturia. After its final 23 homes are completed, it will close out all new construction in the community, which began development in 2016.

Many of ICI Homes will back up to incredible wilderness views of wetlands, cypress trees and rolling ranchland. Wildlife is everywhere, and residents will enjoy connecting community trails perfect for bird-watching, and to see deer, gopher tortoises, racoons and other native animals.

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

Floor plans include the Costa Mesa, which also is its model home, that is open now for folks who want to stop by to get more information about Phase 4 from Rich Driver, ICI Home’s dedicated and longtime sales representative for Asturia.

The Costa Mesa is a one-story home that showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It is designed for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and empty-nesters.

“The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan is perfect for entertaining,” said Driver. “Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

The model is located at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. All COVID-19 safety restrictions are in place, including masks and social distancing. To schedule your VIP appointment, stop by the model to see Rich, call (813) 252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com.

Lake Jovita and Persimmon Park
ICI Homes also is accepting VIP reservations for new homesites in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, and continues to build homes in Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. Both communities are tremendously successful and are attracting families of all kinds because of their unique ICI design features and community amenities.

A new Lake Jovita Sales Center has recently opened at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. The model center at Persimmon Park is located at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published December 30, 2020

What A Year It Was in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There certainly were many challenges in 2020, but also many good things to reflect on, that we are proud to share with you. Here are some highlights of the year from the team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council
In 2020, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continued its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, which is located in the community’s Welcome Center.

Before the pandemic closed the gallery down in March, three shows were held for watercolor artists Joye Moon and Lionel Sanchez, as well as contemporary painter Richard Terrill, who also is a resident of Avalon Park.

Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, recently passed away. She was involved with the arts organization for 22 years.

This arts partnership began in 2019, led by Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), who sadly died in September.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. “Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Pasco County Backs Downtown Avalon Park
In February, the Avalon Park Group received overwhelming support and backing from the Pasco County Commission to create a brand-new town center in its Wesley Chapel community.

Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is being established as a mixed-use development on 215 acres, and includes four freestanding office buildings that will have a mix of retail and commercial uses. The first phase is already under construction and, when completed, will have 75,000 square feet of commercial space within walking distance to residents living in the community’s single-family homes, townhomes and apartments.

“We are creating a real downtown with businesses offices, shops and restaurants, because we want to greatly reduce the need for our residents to drive outside their community to get to work, take kids to school, shop and dine, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities,” said Lerret. “And now, with the full support of Pasco County, downtown Wesley Chapel will become a reality within the next few years.”

The Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to approve an incentive package totaling $33.5 million. The agreement outlines that in exchange, the Avalon Park Group will spend about $83.3 million to build roads, multi-story parking decks and transit-related infrastructure.

The project is expected to generate 1,065 full-time jobs and have a total economic output of $84.4 million, according to county documents.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 2,695 residences, 165,000 square feet of class A office and 190,000 square feet of commercial space. “Fifty percent of the residential trip generation on the site will stay on the site, once the project is complete,” said David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth.

New Townhomes by Avex Homes
In April, Avex Homes introduced the first townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

“Our townhomes are beautifully designed with upscale custom finishes and offer buyers a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes. “Plus, every home comes with a two-car garage — something you rarely find in townhomes that begin under $250,000.”

Three floor plans are available, ranging from 1,608 square feet to 1,834 square feet, each with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Homes are solidly built with families in mind, and rich in architectural design, with distinctive exteriors and open floor plans. Each home has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway that connects to the garage.

“Buyers love our townhomes’ cozy feel and old-fashioned, traditional look,” said Gonzalez. “Our buyers can upgrade their home’s finishes to their individual lifestyle and design preferences, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops and lighting. These are not cookie-cutter homes.”

New Avex Model Home
A beautiful new model home by Avex Homes opened in June. The new Clayton model is one of the builder’s most popular plans because its spacious floor plan is perfect for families of all kinds.

“This is my favorite floor plan because it’s very open, but at the same time, everything is very nicely tucked away, which makes it feel much larger than its 2,000 square feet,” said Carlie Meadows, a sales associate for Avex Homes.

Meadows explains that every home built by Avex Home comes standard with granite countertops, 42-inch kitchen cabinets and ceiling heights of 9 feet, 4 inches on both the first and second floors.

The home opens into its dining room, which shows off the open floor plan that flows into the great room and kitchen. The master bedroom suite is on the first floor — a very popular feature that is attractive to families with children, and empty-nesters. A huge walk-in closet is located through the master bath.

The two additional bedrooms upstairs are quite large, at 14.4 feet by 11.2 feet, and each has a large walk-in closet. A full bath is located between the two bedrooms.

D.R. Horton to Build 1,000 Homes
In July, D.R. Horton announced that it will be building 1,000 homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel as the exclusive builder in the third phase of this prestigious master-planned community.

Currently underway is the construction of several townhome and single-family home models, which will open in early 2021 in Avalon Park’s new Westgate Village community. Pre-sales are expected to begin soon.

Single-family homes will be built on 40-foot to 50-foot homesites, with nine floor plans ranging in size from 1,504 square feet to 2,601 square feet. Homes will offer three to five bedrooms, two to three baths, and two-car garages, giving families square-footage options that best meet their needs.

Townhomes will include three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a one-car garage with a two-car driveway. Two floor plans will be available at 1,673 square feet and 1,758 square feet.

The Westgate Village community will embrace its own set of amenities for residents, including a resort-style pool, open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

New K-6 Charter School Opens
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors on Aug. 10 to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in all grades are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.

“All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. We’ll continuously be monitoring the data so we know what each student needs, and have many different programs available to focus on the needs of the individual student,” said Principal Aimee Mielke.

The school, on State Road 54, has several sections at every grade level, and will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years. The school also offers self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth.

Technology is an essential component of the new school, Mielke explained, and everything purchased for classrooms was chosen for student engagement. Laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

Blue and green colors brilliantly burst along the hallways of the modern building that has 49 large classrooms, oversized art and music rooms, and high-tech science labs. The school is visually notable with unusual windows in the shape of half-moons, circles and squares that give students and faculty stunning lake and conservation views.

“Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, along with New River Elementary, are essential elements of building a brand-new town,” said Lerret, of the Avalon Park Group. “We are ecstatic to have both schools in our community to give our residents the best options and opportunities for themselves and their children.”

New River Library to Reopen in January
After months of work, Pasco County Libraries in January is reopening its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park.

Having a library in the center of the community is something residents truly love and value. The New River Library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when the library reopens, will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination. An expanded garden makerspace will include programs hosted by Pasco County Extension agents and master gardeners.

Also, new at the library will be a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

Published December 30, 2020

Construction, legal action on Ridge Road

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Work on the Ridge Road extension is pushing ahead even as legal action from the Sierra Club to halt construction remains active.

Attorneys for the Sierra Club recently filed a motion to add U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a defendant in a lawsuit that was filed in February against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The approximately 9-mile corridor would link Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey with the Suncoast Parkway, and eventually will reach U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

An aerial view shows a portion of the Ridge Road extension route beginning with Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey and linking to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The extension cuts through the Serenova Tract of the Starkey Wildlife Preserve, which has been a point of contention.

Environmentalists say the road will destroy sensitive conservation wetlands and wildlife habitats. They believe the motive for the road extension is to support more growth and development.

The lawsuit alleges that Fish and Wildlife in its “biological opinion” violated the Endangered Species Act and failed to properly assess harmful impacts, specifically to the Eastern indigo snake. The lawsuit also claims the Army Corps failed to complete a legally required comprehensive analysis on impacts to the Florida scrub blue jay and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

“They are causing damage to the best preserve in Pasco County,” said Tim Martin, chair of the Sierra Club Florida’s conservation committee.

County officials say the road extension will add a vital east/west evacuation route during hurricanes and other emergencies. The route and construction seek to do minimal damage to the preserve, they say.

The Serenova Tract is part of a 1990s settlement agreement reached during litigation over construction of the Suncoast Parkway. About 200 acres were set aside to mitigate wetlands damage. Ownership transferred from the Florida Department of Transportation to the Southwest Water Management District, but preserved the right to extend Ridge Road.

Battle lines over the proposed route put county officials and environmental activists on opposing sides for more than 20 years. But, in late 2019, the Army Corps granted a construction permit.

In March, a federal judge denied a Sierra Club motion for an emergency injunction to temporarily block road construction until the lawsuit’s conclusion. The decision cited “monetary harm” to the county if work were halted.

Roadwork moved ahead.

And, in November, Pasco County commissioners approved approximately $2.7 million to purchase wetland mitigation credits due to “unavoidable wetlands impact.”

Last summer work crews completed a road segment linking Ridge Road and Town Center Boulevard, an access point for River Ridge Middle and High Schools.

Next up is building a two-lane segment between Town Center and the Suncoast Parkway, with an expected completion in summer 2021. The two-lane roadway later will be widened to four lanes by summer of 2022.

Construction is expected to begin in 2021 on the Ridge Road extension between Suncoast Parkway to the future Suncoast Boulevard. The final step would be extending Ridge Road from the boulevard to U.S. 41 at the intersection with Connerton Boulevard, the main entrance into the master-planned community of Connerton.

Construction on this segment would begin in 2022.

County officials hope to open the entire Ridge Road extension by the end of 2025.

In addition to the roadway, as many as 16 bridges will provide overpasses along the length of Ridge Road. There also will be pathways, upland wildlife crossings and fences to provide habitat connectivity, and prevent roadkill of the numerous species living in the preserve.

Work crews cleared a swath of land to prepare for construction of the Ridge Road extension.

The initial phase of the project is estimated at $93.2 million, including incentives to finish early. About $11.3 million will pay for ramps and toll equipment at the Suncoast Parkway interchange. The final phase of construction is about $36.1 million. However, county officials said the design and cost estimate of that phase will be updated by the end of 2020.

Martin said the county is moving aggressively to complete construction. If the Sierra Club prevails in its efforts to permanently stop the road extension, Martin said, “We want them to restore it to its natural state.”

Sierra Club attorney Sarah Hayter said the goal is to have the permit revoked. Though the county is spending millions, Hayter said the courts could require Pasco to restore what it has done.

A federal judge must determine if Fish and Wildlife can be added to the lawsuit, said Hayter. Representatives for Fish and Wildlife, and the Army Corps, agreed to the amended lawsuit, she said.

However, Hayter said she understood that Pasco officials planned to file an objection.

Pasco isn’t a defendant in the lawsuit, but the courts granted a request for the county to intervene on behalf of the Army Corps.

County officials declined to comment on pending litigation.

By Kathy Steele

Published December 30, 2020

A festive trail leads to surprises

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Frosty the Snowman, known as Collin Stewart, 14, of Wesley Chapel, came to life and waved at children as they stopped for stocking goodies from Budget Blinds. Colton Mays, 6, and his mom, Jenafer Mays, were among the hundreds that attended the Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru event, hosted by Wesley Chapel Rotary. (Fred Bellet)

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel sponsored a Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru event on Dec. 20, at Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Road.

Families were encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their stockings to drive through a trail of vendor tents, and a sudsy blizzard.

The dreary weather didn’t stop an estimated 400 cars (approximately 1,200 people) from cruising through the line, for kids to have their stockings filled with goodies.

Frosty the Snowman made an appearance, and drive-thru pictures with Santa were offered, too.

A portion of the donations support the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club’s sponsorship of foster children, as well as the Underdog Fund and local scholarships.

Fifteen-year-old, Elias Deoliveira, of Plant City; Daniece Croy, 13, of Zephyrhills; and Darrion Croy, 11, of Seffner, ride in the tailgate of the family car while inspecting their stocking contents.

Members of the all-female krewe, Sirens of the Golden Sabre, were on hand for the Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru. The group usually can be seen each year in the USF Homecoming Parade, the City of Tampa’s Santa Fest Parade, Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza Parade, Gasparilla Piratefest Parade of Pirates, Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, Rough Rider’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Tampa Pride Parade. They say their main goal is to assist in charitable endeavors.

From the Culver’s vendor tent, Connor Zuba, of Tampa, fills the stockings of 4-year old Jeremiah Gaghan and 10-year-old Kaleb Gaghan. The children were there with their parents, Dawn and Peter Perez, of Wesley Chapel.

Cathy Dileo, of Dileo Design and Staging in Wesley Chapel, wore a unique mask at the Stock Your Stuffing Drive Thru. Dileo said she bought the mask locally.

Four year-old, Joseph Fonseca, 4, was no different than many of the other kids who collected goodies while waiting in the car window. Joseph and his dad, Joseph Fonseca, from Wesley Chapel, were among the many that attended the Stuff Your Stocking Drive Thru event, hosted by Wesley Chapel Rotary.

Seasonal sightings — with Santa, Frosty and happy kids

December 22, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Steve Vinik, a member of The Laker/Lutz News Readership Club, recently captured these photos during the Lexington Oaks Santa Parade on Dec. 12, and generously shared them with our readers. The images convey a sense of joy that’s often been in short supply this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please turn to Page 1B, to see more of our seasonal coverage, from a Country Christmas & Vintage Market held earlier this month at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City.

Santa (also known as John Kostialik) hands out Christmas cheer. When he’s not busy during the holiday season, he’s the president of the Lexington Oaks security patrol. (Courtesy of Steve Vinik)

Frosty the Snowman (also known as Bill Tumelty) and his reindeer chauffeur (also known as Mat Jones) drive along the Santa Parade route inside the Lexington Oaks community, in Wesley Chapel.

Santa stops at each village entrance to greet children and parents.

Santa uses a modern device to alert his elves that he’s on the way to his next stop: The Lexington Oaks community room for a meet and greet (and hopefully some cookies?).

At age 90, she gets her eighth hole-in-one

December 22, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

About two weeks after her 90th birthday, Mary Esther Spell was playing her regularly scheduled Monday morning game at The Groves Golf and Country Club. She chose a 5-wood for the 111-yard seventh hole, where the tee box was adjacent to her home. She swung smoothly. The ball went straight. It bounced once and rolled … straight into the hole.

Mary Esther Spell, 90, displays the plaque she received for her eighth career hole-in-one. (Joey Johnston)

“I was as shocked as anyone,’’ Spell said with a laugh.

Actually, it shouldn’t be a shock — or even a surprise. It was the eighth hole-in-one for Spell, whose passion for golf is only surpassed by her overall zest for life.

“She’s a real sweetheart, a wonderful lady,’’ said Richard Moore, pro shop manager at The Groves, a 55-and-over community in Land O’ Lakes. “I’ve been playing golf for 52 years and I’ve never had a hole-in-one. Not one. And she has eight!

“She’s very competitive. She loves the game. As I’ve gotten to know her, I’ve realized that she has led a remarkable life.’’

In 1950, Spell was named “Miss Tampa’’ as a 19-year-old University of Tampa sophomore, never losing her “charming smile’’ throughout the pageant, according to a Tampa Tribune account. She had a lengthy career at an advertising agency.

Her first marriage ended in divorce and she raised her daughter as a single mother. She married again to a prominent Tampa orthodontist, but she quit working to become his caretaker before he was claimed by cancer at age 54.

She buried her only child, Terri, two years ago after the daughter had moved back in and they spent a joyous few years together. Her only grandchild, Shawn Matthews, is married and lives near Ocala. She’s still hopeful of a great-grandchild.

Mary Esther Spell was ‘Miss Tampa’ in 1950. (Courtesy of Mary Esther Spell)

“I told them to hurry up … because I’m not getting any younger,’’ Spell said, laughing again.

About two years ago, Spell wasn’t feeling great and she hoped doctors could figure it out. It was pancreatic cancer. She agreed to an operation because she didn’t want prolonged treatment and the loss of her hair. Incredibly, the doctors got it all. Spell kept going.

“I’ve had ups and downs in my life — as everybody does,’’ Spell said. “What I’ve learned is you get up every day and try again. You don’t give up. You look for the good in life and the good in people.’’

Sometimes, Spell might sheepishly tell someone that she was once crowned “Miss Tampa’’ just two years after she graduated from Tampa’s Hillsborough High School. The Tampa Chamber of Commerce-sponsored pageant was held before 700 spectators at the Palma Ceia Country Club. The Tribune reported that a “golden crown’’ was placed on her head, but Spell remembers the “crown’’ as a heavy paper creation that was painted gold.

She received a $300 scholarship and a diamond-studded wristwatch, along with a place in the “Miss Florida’’ pageant. She remembers handing out a trophy to the winner of a Tampa auto race, but not many other duties in her year of service.

Whether it’s a happy memory or something she had to endure, Spell tries not to look back too much. She has enough to keep her looking ahead.

“I’ve been blessed — doubly blessed — because I have my health and so many good friends where I live,’’ said Spell, who keeps up with crossword puzzles, reads mystery novels and socializes when she’s not playing in her three-times-a-week golf games. “People have been just wonderful to me. I have several things I enjoy, but golf is definitely my biggest activity.’’

Spell said she learned golf as a teenager from her father, who played actively at the Temple Terrace Golf Club. She went years without playing, but picked it up later in life and carded her first hole-in-one in 1994 during a round at Tampa’s Northdale Golf Club.

That rare golf accomplishment happened to her seven more times — the latest at age 90.

“I think it’s pretty much luck,’’ Spell said. “It all has to be aligned perfectly. You know how golf is. Some days you’re the windshield and some days you’re the bug. You can have a hole-in-one, then put it in the water on your next shot.

“I think golf is like life. You keep showing up. You try your best. You keep on keeping on.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published December 23, 2020

Pasco is ushering in 2021 with more shops, restaurants

December 22, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Shopping centers along State Road 54 and State Road 56 are continuing to attract more new stores and restaurants.

The Cypress Creek Town Center, Tampa Premium Outlets, The Preserve Marketplace, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard, Starkey Ranch Town Square, Starkey Ranch Business Center, The Shops at Wiregrass and the Grove at Wesley Chapel are building and remodeling in anticipation of new openings.

New shops and restaurants are opening or coming soon at the Starkey Ranch Town Square, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54 in Odessa. (Kathy Steele)

Total Wine & More is moving into the Cypress Creek Town Center in space formerly occupied by the Earth Fare grocery store.

The building, at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd., will undergo “interior alteration” for a remodel, according to a permit filed with Pasco County.

The town center, at the juncture of Interstate 75 and state roads 54 and 56, soon also will have a grand opening for Floor & Décor, now under construction on Sierra Center Boulevard. And, a Good Feet Store is on tap for the boulevard, too, according to county records.

A Hooters restaurant is under construction at the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

Across from the town center, construction is underway on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets for a Tidal Wave Car Wash. A Zaxby’s restaurant also is anticipated. Recent arrivals at the outdoor mall include Main Event, Cigars International and Rock & Brew restaurant.

Along State Road 54, west of U.S. 41, online shopping will get a boost from an Amazon shipping center under construction at 17030 Mentmore Blvd. The facility is within the Bexley by Newland master-planned community, at the intersection with Bexley Village Drive.

E sushi & grill is open at the Starkey Ranch Town Square, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54 in Odessa.

The Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard, west of Bexley, is completing a makeover with a Hooters restaurant under construction. And, Pasco County just sealed a deal to bring Santander Consumer USA to occupy a portion of the former Target Superstore. The deal includes bringing 875 new jobs to the county.

Rasmussen College also previously submitted plans to the county, indicating it would occupy 44,000 square feet in the former big box retail store.

Further west, The Preserve Marketplace and two shopping centers by Starkey Ranch, off State Road 54, have construction work in progress. But, some shops and restaurants are open.

Amazon is building a shipping center at 17030 Mentmore Blvd., at the Bexley at Newland community, off State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.

CVS Pharmacy is open at The Preserve, along with the anchor grocery store, Greenwise. Majik Touch Cleaners is open, and 100 % Chiropractic is coming soon. Other businesses coming are Heartland Dental, Chipotle, Panera Bread and Papa John’s.

At Gunn Highway and State Road 54, Publix is the anchor of the Starkey Ranch Town Square. Other tenants include e sushi & grill, J. Joseph Salon, The UPS Store, Polish The Nail Bar, and Zampelli’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant.

At Heart Pine Avenue, the Starkey Ranch Business Center hosts shops and restaurants including The Wicked Pour, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Yoga Six and Hungry Greek restaurant.

Tidal Wave Car Wash is under construction on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 54.

The Shops at Wiregrass, off State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs, and the Grove at Wesley Chapel, off State Road 54 west of Interstate 75, both are welcoming new stores and restaurants, too.

The Grove is in the midst of a major makeover, in progress, following the $64 million purchase of the shopping center by Mishorim Gold Properties in 2019.

The company is investing more than $110 million to renovate the Grove. Plans include a shipping container park – known as KRATE – with shops, offices and restaurants. A stage will feature daily live entertainment. A dog park and a playground will build on the overall design in promoting a community place in Wesley Chapel.

On its Facebook page, the Grove recently began teasing to future tenants at the container park with the “12 Days of KRATEmas.” Among the tenants are 365 Café Italiano; ATO, specializing in sushi and burritos; Provisions, with specialty coffees and an artisan café menu; and The Cake Girl.

Floor & Décor will open soon at Cypress Creek Town Center in a shopping center on Sierra Center Boulevard. Also, a Total Wine & More is slated to move into the Earth Fare space.

RAW, a workspace collaborative, held a grand opening Dec. 3.

In addition, Prime Barbershop and Brooklyn Water Bagels recently opened. King of the Coop, a Nashville hot chicken eatery, soon will open, too, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. It will be the second location for King of the Coop, currently located in the restaurant-rich Seminole Heights neighborhood in Tampa.

County permits also show Best NY Pizza Worx is coming to 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove.

The Shops at Wiregrass has opened, or will soon open, 11 new shops, according to a news release from the mall.

New shops are Beauty In Abundance, a beauty, hair care and make-up shop; Crimson Chain Leatherworks, specializing in costumes and accessories for Renaissance fairs, fantasy and historical reenactments; and Arega NY, a swim and activewear boutique.

Additional stores include a lululemon Pop-Up, specializing in yoga-inspired and athletic clothes for women and men; Chuck Lager’s American Tavern, a family restaurant with a classic menu of pasta and burgers; GO! Calendars Games and Toys; Ornament Shoppe, with decorative and personalized ornament selections; Design Hut, a boutique with personalized gifts including custom shirts; Hickory Farms, featuring cured meats, cheeses, wine pairings and hand-picked fruits; and, Fit2Run, a superstore with brand name athletic footwear, running apparel and accessories.

Sephora, a makeup and accessories boutique, is slated to open in spring 2021.

By Kathy Steele

Published December 23, 2020

Boundaries set for Starkey Ranch K-8

December 22, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County School Board has set boundaries for the new Starkey Ranch K-8 school under construction in the Starkey Ranch development.

The school — part of a complex that includes a theater, library and cultural center — is scheduled to open in the 2021-2022 school year.

The board adopted the boundaries during it Dec. 1 board meeting.

Starkey Ranch K-8 will have a capacity for 1,500 students, and initially will open for kindergarten through seventh grade, allowing students entering eighth grade to remain at their current school.

The new school will draw students from Longleaf and Odessa elementary schools, as well as River Ridge Middle.

The school also will be a magnet school, attracting students from beyond its assigned boundaries.

In addition to adopting boundaries for Starkey Ranch K-8, the board made some minor adjustments involving the boundaries of Watergrass and Wesley Chapel elementary schools.

That change is being made as a result of the Epperson Ranch subdivision, Williams said.

No one from the public spoke for or against the boundary changes during the board’s meeting.

Published December 23, 2020

Vintage market delights holiday shoppers

December 22, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Those looking to do their holiday shopping while enjoying the fresh country air, all while supporting local artisans and businesses, were in luck.

Three-year-old Kaiden Hay, of New Tampa, left, and his 4-year-old sister, Kaiya, pose behind a wooden cutout depicting Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The children were at the Country Christmas & Vintage Market event with their parents, Eugene and Kara, and grandparents, Scott and Jennifer Cook, of Dade City. (Christine Holtzman)

The Country Christmas & Vintage Market, a family friendly event, was held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Dozens of vendors were on hand for the Dec. 5 event, selling various vintage items and antiques, as well as handcrafted goods. Items for sale included Christmas decorations, quilts, toys, jewelry, clothing and crafts.

A children’s area was set up inside the Mabel Jordan Barn, where many activities and craft stations were being offered. Games and crafts in this area included Ring Toss the Bulls, Snowball Throw, Santa Limbo, Ornament Bowling, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, and make-your-own Christmas ornament.

Four-year-old Alice Scarborough, of Dade City, plays a ring toss game inside the Mabel Jordan Barn at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. The young girl, along with her mother, Morgan, and, 1-year-old brother Raylen, stopped by the barn to play games and to take part in the children’s crafts being offered during the Country Christmas & Vintage Market on Dec. 5.

Live entertainment was provided by Gypsy Wind, a Pinellas County-based acoustic band, that played a blend of jazz, swing and acoustic music.

In addition to the main building, visitors could explore the many historic buildings on the grounds, like the Trilby Depot, the Old Lacoochee School, the John Overstreet House and the C.C. Smith General Store. Each building, and the surrounding grounds, were expertly decorated by the Dade City Garden Club in its annual effort to help beautify the grounds during the holiday season.

According to the club’s Facebook page, all circles of the club contribute to the project by donating the materials needed to create the historically authentic decorations. The Facebook page also noted that members of the Echebucsassa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined the garden club in decorating the Overstreet House.

Visitors touring the buildings were encouraged to vote for the best decorated building for a chance to win a family membership to the museum.

A cutest Elf contest, blacksmith demonstrations, and complimentary holiday photos rounded out the event.

Admission to the event was $5, and free for children under 5.