The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Honoring One Of The Finest Women I Have Known

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I write this in love and respect for one of the finest women I have ever known. We recently lost to breast cancer Paula Girven, a dear, sweet friend and trainer at our Land O’ Lakes studio. She was an amazing woman of God, trainer, friend, mother, sister and Olympian.

Samantha Taylor, left, and Paula Girven

I was blessed to start our friendship five years ago when she joined our fitness studio as a master personal trainer. I was so impressed with Paula as an athlete, as she shared her medals from numerous athletic achievements, including as an Olympic high-jumper on the 1976 and 1980 USA teams.

As our relationship grew, I became even more astounded by Paula as a person, for she was an inspirational example of how to care for others.

She loved people and attended every event, seminar and party we held as a fitness family. Paula was fluent in sign language, and every Christmas while I sang “Silent Night” on our Facebook live video, she would sign the words.

Paula truly cared about helping women and inspiring them to do their best. She led by example by being in absolutely amazing physical condition in her 60s.

All who knew Paula are deeply saddened to no longer have her here in physical form. But, one thing we know is that Paula loved Jesus, and that God must have amazing plans for her in Heaven, for her not be here anymore. She will be SO missed, but forever in our hearts.

To honor Paula’s legacy, we are hosting a private Celebration of Life this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., at our Land O’ Lakes studio. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com/events. There is also a link on that page for those who want to donate to help Paula’s family with expenses.

Paula’s legacy will forever carry on in our fitness family. We are committed to sharing the attributes that she so amazingly lived.

One of the attributes I loved best about Paula is that when you talked to her, she made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. So in her memory, remember this the next time you speak with someone. Paula believed that each person matters, and by listening and showing kindness, you never know who you may encourage!

Paula passed away peacefully in Asheville, North Carolina on Oct. 17 at age 62. Born in Virginia, she was devoted to God, a loving mother and grandmother, loyal sister, and friend to many.

In 1976, Paula was the first high school girl in Virginia to jump 6 feet, a record that still stands today. She was one of the first African-American woman athletes to receive a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, and in 1999, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. When the Olympic games came to Atlanta in 1996, Paula was honored to be selected as an Olympic torch runner.

She is survived by two daughters, two sisters and five grandchildren. She has left a legacy in her family, her athletic achievements, and here locally in our communities with the many women’s lives she touched. Samantha Taylor Fitness is committed to carrying on Paula’s legacy.

By Samantha Taylor

Published November 11, 2020

Donations being sought for law officer memorial

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices are accepting donations during the month of November to help build the Pasco Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

This rendering depicts what the permanent memorial for fallen law enforcement officers is expected to look like. (File)

The memorial is planned to be located on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City, and will honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

Pasco County is the only one of Florida’s 67 counties without a permanent law enforcement memorial, so efforts led by Attorney Craig LaPorte and other volunteers have been ongoing to raise enough money to build one. Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley also has been involved in the fundraising efforts.

An annual memorial service is held to honor the officers who have been lost, but the memorial will provide a place to visit year-round.

Cash donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. They also can be included in registration renewals mailed to the tax collector during the month of November, the release says.

For more information about the charitable giving program at the Pasco Tax Collector’s office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more information about the Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, call Craig LaPorte at (727) 863-1553.

Donations also may be mailed to the tax collector’s office at the following address: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.  Please note on the check’s memo line “Law Enforcement Memorial.”

Published November 04, 2020

Tourist Development Council has board opening

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Pasco County’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) has an opening on its volunteer board for a representative or operator of a hotel, motel, RV park, or other tourist accommodation, according to a county news release.

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, which is Pasco’s Destination Management Organization, is recruiting volunteers to apply to serve on the board.

Applications are being accepted online through Nov. 30, at bit.ly/TDCApp2020.

The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco County Commission.

It is made up of elected officials and tourism industry professionals who provide recommendations to the staff of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast on promotional/partnership proposals, marketing opportunities and oversight of tourism tax expenditures – also known as the “Bed Tax.”

Position Details:

  • Must be an owner or operator of a motel, hotel, RV park, or other tourist accommodation in the county subject to the tourist development tax
  • TDC members serve four-year terms; appointments are staggered.
  • The position is voluntary; there is no financial compensation.
  • The TDC typically meets monthly, alternating between New Port Richey and Dade City.
  • Applicants must live in Pasco County, and must be registered to vote.

To find out more, visit bit.ly/PascoTDC.

For additional information, email Kolby Kucyk Gayson at .

Published November 04, 2020

Experience Is Essential In This Ever-Changing Real Estate Market

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The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the upcoming Presidential election, has created an environment where sellers are holding off on listing their homes due to the uncertainty of the nation.

Because of this, this year’s real estate inventory is at an all-time low with only a 1-month supply of homes. To put it in perspective, a normal market is typically between a 4-month to a 6-month supply of homes.

A low inventory market makes it more difficult for buyers because they are now competing with a huge cluster of offers as soon as a house becomes listed for sale. Buyers have to act quickly, often offering well above the listing price.

Experience also is essential when selling a home in this market. Sellers need to evaluate all terms of the contract to determine which offer truly is the best for them. Price is an important component; however, the highest offer is not always the best. Having an experienced agent review the terms of every offer, and discuss the benefits and risks of each one is essential in positioning the seller for the best possible outcome.

“With over 39 years of experience in the local market, we have the knowledge to navigate these hurdles and make our clients successful in this challenging environment,” says Holly Molnar Ruhlig, owner of Advantage Real Estate Services.

Advantage Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate company representing buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties. Agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local market trends, area home values, and critical information about area schools, roads and growth that impacts decisions behind buying or selling a home.

Holly Ruhlig

“We have a diversified team of agents, many having over 25 years of local real estate experience,” said Holly. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.”

Advantage Real Estate Services, located in a small neighborhood plaza on Bell Lake Road and Lake Padgett Drive in Land O’ Lakes, is where Holly’s parents, Lou and Sharon Molnar, started their real estate company, which they founded in 1981.

Fast-forward to 2020, and Holly has taken the strong work ethic she grew up with to rebrand the company.

“Not many businesses can say they’ve been in the same location for 39 years,” said Holly.

Holly’s mother, Sharon Molnar Johnson, still works alongside Holly, as well as Holly’s sister, Stephanie Meid, and mother-in-law, Linda Ruhlig.

We’re truly a family business, and have created an environment where our agents and clients are extended members of our family,” said Holly, “It’s our collaborative approach that makes us different from other real estate offices.”

Holly and her sister grew up on Lake Joyce in Lake Padgett Estates, and both still call Land O’ Lakes home.

“We absolutely love Pasco County. Our lifelong experience living here is a big advantage when working with people buying or selling homes in the area,” said Holly.

Published October 28, 2020

Join The Fun At Avalon Park’s Holiday Wine & Food Pairing Party

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Join neighbors and friends on Nov. 18 for a Holiday Wine & Food Pairing special event at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. You can join the party in person at the development’s community center, or via Zoom. Either way, it’s a fun way to step back from the worries of the day and kick off the holiday season.

Cheryl and Charles Visalli, owners of Time for Wine

Co-sponsored by Time for Wine, a Wesley Chapel-based company that has been hosting wine tasting events for 17 years, participation will be limited to assure proper social distancing.

“We are planning for a small group of adults looking to have fun while learning about great wine options for your holiday dinners,” said Cheryl Visalli, who owns Time for Wine with her husband, Charles. “We will be tasting and sharing information about two Rieslings for our whites, three Pinot Noirs for our reds, and a port or sparkling for the dessert wine. We like to have a good mix of wines to please all the pallets of all our guests.”

Holiday foods to accompany the wines are being prepared by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper, a New Tampa caterer known for its exquisite homemade cuisine and beautiful presentations.

“Our food-pairing events include fabulous food prepared by Chef Ghada — who brings a beautiful spread of appetizers and main course samplers, and of course, to-die-for desserts,” said Visalli.

Cost for the two-hour event is just $25 for those attending in person. For those joining by Zoom, there is no fee — only a request to buy two of the bottles of wine (at $20 each) being featured during the event.

Food pairings catered by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper

“To make sure our Zoom guests are engaged in the tasting, we ask them to choose at least two of the wines we are serving, so they can join in the conversation and share what they like, and perhaps don’t like, about the wines,” explains Visalli.

Those joining by Zoom will be able to pick up their wine at the Welcome Center for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on State Road 54.

About Time for Wine
Cheryl and Charles Visalli are wine experts who have traveled around the world visiting vineyards and selecting wines for their customers. Their journeys have taken them to Italy, France, Germany, Argentina, Chile, Australia, California and Oregon.

“We love to travel to meet new people, and it’s so rewarding to discover a new wine to share with our friends back in Tampa Bay,” said Cheryl Visalli.

Virtual wine-tasting party hosted by Charles Visalli

The company began 17 years ago doing home wine-testing parties, and has expanded to include “Teach ‘N Taste” classes, corporate events, custom gift baskets, an online wine shop and even a wine club.

It also hosts charity wine tastings for nonprofit groups, and wine seminars for businesses. A popular holiday program is its “private wine ” labels with company logos, which can include delivery to customers.

In this age of social distancing, Time for Wine has introduced a Virtual Wine Tasting program.

“With virtual tasting, you can see the difference and taste the bright, diverse flavors of your customized wine selection,” said Visalli, who adds that the virtual tasting experience includes wine delivery to clients’ homes, along with a tasting portfolio.

Groups who have enjoyed virtual wine tastings include Girls Night In, No-Travel Family Reunion, Back-To-School Teacher De-Stress and Virtual Clubhouse Gatherings.

Go to TimeForWines.net for more information.

Holiday Pairings
Wines by Time for Wine
And appetizers/desserts by Dash of Salt & Pepper
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Payment or RSVP must be made by Nov. 12
$25 per person, in-person
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
5060 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
In person or by Zoom
RSVP or AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/holiday-dinner-wine-pairing/
For information, call (813) 664-1430.

More Avalon Park Events 

Drawing With Still Life
With Lionel Sanchez
Friday, Nov. 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Avalon Park Amenity Center
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Info: (813) 783-1515
Pasco Fine Arts Council Workshop

Avalon Aglow Holiday Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 12
FREE Family Event
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Community performances, pictures with Santa, bounce park, vendors, food trucks
Inside Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
State Road 54, 3.5 miles east of I-75

Published October 28, 2020

Meet Joe Barnes And His Incredible Gift

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Joe Barnes is a very unusual real estate agent. Every time he closes a deal — whether it is a buyer or seller — he takes up to $1,000 out of his commission and puts it into his customer’s pocket.

The only stipulation Barnes has is that this $1,000 gift be spent with a member of his local networking group of like-minded businesses in Tampa Bay — businesses who uphold the same high business ethics that he attests to.

This group, called the WBTHnetwork, includes Kia of Wesley Chapel, Go Bulls Moving Company, Crystal Springs Water, and home services that include lawn, pool and housecleaning.

“Our goal is to connect real estate clients to local businesses to help build stronger communities. We believe that by unselfishly giving cash incentives to customers to spend with local businesses, it will help create a stronger community that shares our vision,” said Barnes.

The $1,000 gift from Barnes and his Realtor associates is 100% transferable. “If a customer wants to give his $1,000 to a family member or friend, that’s absolutely fine,” says Barnes. “We want the money to go to the person who can use it most, and oftentimes the person who sold or bought the home can’t wait to share his incentive with someone who needs the money more than they do.”

While Barnes’ altruistic business approach is unusual, be assured there is no hidden agenda or alternative purpose.

“I’m asked all the time what’s in it for me, and the truth is that I fully believe that by incentivizing customers to spend their money locally on products and services they need, my generosity will be returned with repeat business and referrals,” said Barnes.

About the WBTHnetwork
Barnes and his WBTHnetwork are looking for partners in other business categories, including retailers, home furnishings, appliances, theme parks, hotels and restaurants, to name just a few. “As our network grows in more areas, we will continue to develop and grow loyal and lasting relationships in our community,” said Barnes.

Barnes is the founder and CEO of WBTH, an acronym for We Buy This Home. “In an age where e-commerce has shifted the way most companies operate, our network helps keep local businesses relevant by focusing their attention on one common denominator — the customer,” explains Barnes.

Barnes has over 25 years of experience in generating revenue and helping national brands such as Ford Motor Company, Ashley Furniture, Nestle Water and many others to achieve sales targets and growth potential. He currently is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in New Tampa.

Businesses interested in interviewing for the WBTHnetwork are asked to call Barnes at (813) 862-7713, or email . Home sellers and buyers also are invited to contact Barnes, to learn more about the up to $1,000 shopping spree they receive when closing a deal with the Realtor.

Published October 28, 2020

ICI Homes Now Building in Lake Jovita

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If you dream of a home in the rolling hills of North Carolina, but live in Florida because of its year-around sunshine, your work or family, here’s a new home opportunity that you’ll be glad you waited for.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best known and prestigious builders — is coming to Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club just north of Wesley Chapel. It will be building beautiful homes with unique floor plans on some of the largest and prettiest homesites in Tampa Bay.

The builder is opening a new sales center in mid-November, and is now taking VIP reservations on 65-foot lots and 95-foot lots, as well as estate homesites with long-range vistas — some as large as 100 feet by 250 feet.

“Lake Jovita is like living outside in North Carolina, and then stepping inside to an open and sunlit Florida home,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “It’s like flipping a coin that you always win, because both sides give you want you want.”

ICI Homes has 75 lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi-custom homes will range from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the $300s. Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, can accommodate floor plans up to 10,000 square feet designed as a family’s forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita have homesites that back up to a golf course, conservation area or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community to offer homes for less than $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

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

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

Dade City, which was founded in 1884, is one of Pasco County’s oldest cities and also the county seat. It offers seven blocks of unique shopping and dining in a quaint downtown that boasts over 15 locally owned restaurants; art galleries; museums; fashion and vintage boutiques; antiques; and, shops for gifts, books, wine, pets and outdoor gear.

“People are attracted to Lake Jovita because it is close to all the urban action in Wesley Chapel and Tampa, while their residence is in a lovely rural community that boasts some of the best golf in Florida,” said Jones.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club has two semi-private, 18-hole courses with challenging layouts. The 220-acre South Course opened in 1999 and was designed by PGA champion Tom Lehman. The course has played host to many important tournaments, including Stage 1 of PGA Tour Qualifying. The North Course opened in 2002 with a more modern style and dramatic elevation changes. Both courses provide expansive views of neighboring citrus groves and cattle ranches.

“This is an established development that already has over 700 homes, and is a unique opportunity for families looking to build a new home in a golf course community,” said Jones.

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $600 annual fee from the Homeowners Association.

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. Floor plans include the Juliette, Costa Mesa, Egret II and Brooke, as well as the Heron, a brand-new floor plan that is being built as ICI Homes’ model home, which will be ready for tour next spring.

Be one of the first families to schedule a safe one-on-one or virtual appointment at ICI Home’s new sales center. Call (855) 215-2054, or email Jones at . The new Lake Jovita Sales Center will be at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526.

Persimmon Park
ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this ICI Homes community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s.

In November, residents will be celebrating the grand opening of Persimmon Park’s 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.

For information about Persimmon Park, please call the sales center at (813) 302-7563, or stop by the model center at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

Published October 28, 2020

Cornerstone Pros Celebrates 16 Years As A Family Business

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When Dana Spears founded Cornerstone Pros in 2006, the company began as a small family business with just six employees. Today, 14 years later, it is still a family business, but now employs over 65 local residents who provide air conditioning, electrical and plumbing services to households in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties.

“Being bigger doesn’t mean we have lost the family values our company was founded on,” said Dana Spears, Cornerstone’s president. “It’s actually the reason we have grown so quickly, because family values allow us to retain and attract highly skilled workers who are dedicated to our customers.”

There is a misconception that because their overhead is greater, a big company charges more for their services than a small company.

“But, being bigger actually keeps our rates more affordable because we have low employee turnover and more buying power with our suppliers,” explains Spears. “It also allows us to offer our people year-around work, top pay and employee benefits that smaller operations often cannot afford.”

Spears and her husband, James, are hands-on business owners, and are joined by several members of their family in the daily operation of their business.

All of Cornerstone’s technicians are specialists who have specific training in their field. “This means our A/C guys are experts at air conditioning, and do not go out on plumbing and electrical calls,” said Dana. “We have certified plumbers and electricians for those calls.”

Cornerstone Pros hires people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut, and live their lives with good ethics and morals.

“Our employees live in our service area, and are very committed to their family and community,” said Dana. “Most have been with us for over five years, and we have techs who have worked here for all 14 years. In the trade industry, this kind of longevity is almost unheard of.”

Spears recognizes that providing excellent customer service begins with excellent employees.

“We’ve been successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust,” said Spears. “Our motto is to go above and beyond customer expectations, and every one of our employees strives to make that happen every day.”

Dana also attributes Cornerstone’s success to being a woman-owned business.

“Women understand that nothing is more important than being customer-centered. It’s the little things that we do in the first 30 seconds that sets the tone for exceeding customer expectations,” said Dana.

“When people call, they assume we have the technical expertise to solve their problem,” she continues. “What they remember is how they felt when they first talked to our customer service rep, or first meet our technician at their door. It’s the kind, helpful voice, the clean uniform and shoe covers, the tech who focuses on them and not their phone, that sets us apart.”

Every Cornerstone employee is trained to the company’s high customer service standards.

“As a mom and wife, I know how it feels to allow someone into your home,” Dana explains. “When we send a tech to a customer’s home, I feel just like I am sending them to my own home. Over two-thirds of our calls come from the woman in the family, and as a woman, I fully understand her concerns and expectations when she allows someone into her home.”

The Spears family has deep roots in the local community. James grew up in Tampa, and Dana graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School, as did three daughters and a son, all who now work for the company. The Spears’ youngest is a second grader at Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

The family’s connection to the community also is very strong. Cornerstone Pros supports Oasis Pregnancy Center, sports programs at Land O’Lakes High School, the American Cancer Society, Operation Stand Down to support homeless veterans, Tighten The Drag Foundation fishing tournaments to benefit spinal cord research, and fundraisers for Xavier Johnson, a former Sunlake High football player who was injured.

“We want to give back to our community, which has done so much to support our business over the years,” said Dana. “This is who we are.”

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 as an air conditioning service company. It moved to its 4-acre site on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in 2011, and the following year added plumbing services. In 2014, it expanded again with electrical services.

In 2018, Cornerstone Pros built a 6,000-square-foot warehouse next to its headquarters on U.S. 41, to store air conditioning units of all sizes, and stock high-demand service items for its air conditioning, electrical and plumbing operations. It also stocks tankless hot water systems, and portable and permanent generators, including whole-house systems by Generac.

Phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Call at (813) 949-4445, anytime day or night. For more information, visit their website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published October 28, 2020

New beer seeks to pitch Pasco tourism

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Pasco County’s tourism marketing arm is trying a new approach — using a new brand of beer to market Florida’s Sports Coast.

The Sports Coast Pilsner is a new beer created to help promote Florida’s Sports Coast, which is how Pasco County brands itself in its tourism marketing efforts. The beer is the result of a partnership between the tourism organization and Escape Brewing Company. (Courtesy of Florida’s Sports Coast)

Florida’s Sports Coast is the name of the county’s destination management organization (DMO), which is in charge of Pasco’s tourism marketing efforts.

The DMO has teamed up with teamed up with Escape Brewing Company to create a beer called the Sports Coast Pilsner, according to a county news release.

A public event to formally launch the beer is set for Nov. 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Widow Fletcher’s, 4927 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

Those attending will have the chance to meet the co-owners of Escape Brewing, John McGregor and Matt Thompson, and members of the Florida’s Sports Coast team.

There also will be special giveaways.

Beer will be available for purchase, to anyone age 21 or older.

The Sports Coast pilsner is a light, crisp beer with notes of citrus that is best enjoyed responsibly, the release said.

“It’s like sunshine in a can,” McGregor said, in the release.

The artwork for the can was done by local Pasco artist, Veronica Steiner, the lead designer for the brewery.

Published October 28, 2020