The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City reopens lobby for utility customers

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The City of Dade City has announced the reopening of its City Hall municipal building for utility customers to make payments, with some added restrictions and limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city also has announced that anyone entering the City Hall lobby will be required to wear a face covering at all times, unless the visitor is exempt under a recently adopted Pasco County executive order mandating face coverings in all businesses and government buildings.

All visitors must observe social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet. Visitors to the building will not be allowed to remain in the lobby unless conducting business, according to a news release.

Hand-sanitizing stations are located at the customer service windows. The city asks customers wishing to meet with specific staff in person request an appointment, but walk-in customers are allowed. Residents can request an appointment by calling (352) 523-5050 and ask for the department that is needed.

Also, late fees have been reinstated for missed utility payments, effective July 6. Effective Aug. 1, turn-offs for nonpayment will resume.

As the city resumes normal operations, customers may continue and are encouraged to use no-contact payment options. However, customers will be responsible for convenience fee charges by the credit card processor for paying online or over the phone.

Other payment options are also available.

The drop box is available for non-cash payments. Payments also may be mailed to P.O. Box 1355, Dade City, FL, 33526.

The city says it will make other adjustments as needed, as conditions and further guidance develops from the pandemic.

For more information, visit DadeCityFl.com, or call (352) 523-5050.

Published July 08, 2020

Pasco commissioners receive honors

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Pasco County Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano each have a Presidential Advocate award from the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) for their work during the 2020 legislative session.

The commissioners were recognized during the association of counties’ annual business meeting, which was conducted virtually, according to a news release.

“As a local government official, I believe the effectiveness of FAC cannot be overstated,” Starkey said, in the release. “The organization does a great job at uniting local voices from across the state in Tallahassee, and I am honored to have contributed to this advocacy.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a leader amongst my peers,” Commissioner Jack Mariano, said in a release.

The award the elected Pasco officials received is bestowed to county commissioners who have shown exceptional leadership in advocating with FAC during the 2020 session to advance the counties’ legislative agenda.

“It’s our duty as commissioners to stand up for our community, to fight to preserve the unique aspects of where we live, work, and play,” said FAC Immediate Past President and Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox. “This responsibility is only heightened during the Legislative Session where hundreds of bills are heard that directly impact that quality of life.”

Mariano has been designated as an Advanced Certified County Commissioner by the Florida Association of Counties and a Certified County Commissioner by the same group.

He will serve as a policy leader on the Florida Association of Counties Water & Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee for the upcoming 2020-2021 Fiscal Year, the release says.

Starkey has been active in FAC since being elected to District 3 of the Pasco County Commission in 2012. She chairs the FAC Federal Policy Committee and is the District 20 Representative to the FAC Board of Directors.

She also helped lead FAC’s fall 2019 “Federal Fly-in,” which created channels of communication between local officials and federal policymakers in Washington D.C., to discuss national issues, such as flood insurance.

Published July 08, 2020

Downtown Law Firm Experience Now Available in North Tampa

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Partners Grace, Bavol, Bleakley & Denman.

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When people need a good lawyer, they often turn to a big downtown firm. With the opening of its new building in North Tampa, Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace now provides this big-firm quality and prestige for Pasco and North Hillsborough residents.

“We’re right on the corner of Florida and Bearss. We’re convenient for people who want the service that a well-established Tampa firm offers, but don’t want the hassle of having to go downtown,” said Jonathan Newlon, partner.

Although BBD&G represents many large commercial and institutional clients, it also is devoted to representing smaller businesses and individuals. Newlon specializes in estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration and litigation, guardianship and fiduciary litigation, and family law litigation.

He also specializes in listening to his clients.

“What I pride myself most on is paying attention to what people actually want,” said Newlon. “I make sure I sit down and listen to the clients, and try to understand exactly what they want.”

Newlon grew up in rural Pasco County in San Antonio. His small-town roots give him an affinity for Pasco and North Tampa, and many of his clients are from this area.

Newlon deals largely with death and divorce, and advises prospective clients to seek general advice early to help them in their decision-making process.

“I’ve had a lot of people come in and talk to me about a divorce,” said Newlon.  “Sometimes I don’t hear from them again.  Other times I’ll hear from them a year later, and they say, ‘I’m glad that I didn’t pull the trigger rashly before.’ Most of the time those people are grateful that I listened to them and gave them some options, instead of just saying, ‘OK, hire me, and let’s do this.’ There’s nothing wrong with going to get some advice and then not doing anything with it other than thinking about it.”

Clients can feel confident in the advice they receive at BBD&G.  The firm has received a prestigious AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the gold standard in the legal ratings business.

“The A represents the legal skill and capabilities that we have here, and A is obviously the highest rating that you can have. The V stands for the highest ethical rating that you can have, so the AV rating is considered a preeminent rating of lawyers in the Martindale-Hubbell system,” explains Newlon.

Many of BBD&G’s partners gained experience working for big downtown law firms before founding BBD&G, and Newlon considers that big-firm experience a valuable asset.

“We can deliver that level of service and legal skill, and at the same time, we know that people ultimately want to be treated like people. We all appreciate family, fellowship and civic duty. We’re a firm that has a lot of legal acumen, but that also really enjoys helping our clients,” said Newlon.

The firm welcomes visitors to its North Tampa office, but is also prepared to assist clients abiding by COVID-19 safety recommendations.

“We have all kinds of tech capacity, including large conference rooms with large screens for video conferencing, “ said Newlon. “My advice is to get guidance sooner rather than later, and we have the tech capacity to allow people to do that now without having to compromise their health.”

813-221-3759 • www.bbdglaw.com

Published on 7/1/20

Three Generations of Cabinet Makers

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By Kelli Carmack

Ever since he was a young child, Jerry Moates Jr. has been in the cabinet business. His father, Jerry Moates Sr., opened Statewide Custom Cabinets in 1972, and would bring his namesake with him to work whenever he could.

“I went on Saturdays and just hung out with him until he got off work,” said Jerry Jr., who is now the owner of the Zephyrhills cabinet shop.

And, when Jerry Jr. had children of his own, he continued his father’s tradition and brought his two sons to the shop. Today, Jerry III and Allen are grown, and work with their dad in the family business.

Statewide Custom Cabinets specializes in residential and commercial cabinets and surface top installations. The company offers free estimates, and it’s not unusual to see a customer the same day they call the office for a quote.

The company is very price competitive, especially compared to big box stores, because it also is a manufacturer, which is a rare thing to find today in the cabinet business.

“The benefit of being your own manufacturer is that you can build the way you want to ensure quality, and can build to a customer’s custom sizes,” said Jerry Jr. “Plus, our turnaround is faster, and depending on the size of a job, the demolition and installation process is usually just a day or two.”

Statewide Custom Cabinets recently opened a new showroom so customers can see and feel the different styles of cabinet and surface tops it sells. Because of social distancing, currently only one customer is allowed in the showroom at a time, and it is thoroughly sanitized before the next customer enters.

One of the most popular cabinet styles that customers are buying is shaker-white, which has very simple, clean lines that looks great in kitchens, especially with light countertops.

For countertops, customers are choosing quartz, which is extremely durable, low-maintenance and easy to clean.

“Quartz is the best cabinet top you can get,” said Jerry Jr. “But, not everyone can afford quartz or granite, so we also offer high definition (HD) laminate, which gives the look of granite at the fraction of the cost.”

Laminate is dramatically different than what it used to be, explains Jerry Jr. “It is three to five times harder than the original laminate, plus it is scratch-resistant,” he said.

At the end of the day, giving exceptional customer service is the Moates family primary goal, and is why they have built cabinets for generations of the same family. And, it’s why Jerry Jr. and his sons always stay busy.

“One day we’re building something for a hospital, or it might be building for a doctor’s office, a dentist office, or a veterinarian office, and the day after that, we could be working in a mobile home,” said Jerry Jr. “It’s been a very rewarding business for me and my family.”

38535 Palm Grove Drive, Zephyrhills, FL 33542 • StatewideCabinets.com

• (813) 788-3856

Published on 7/1/20

Prepare now for above-normal hurricane season

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Experts are predicting an above-normal 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season — and you can reduce your risks by being prepared.

The following lists, compiled from disaster preparedness guides assembled by Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as well as other sources, are intended to help you prepare now to protect yourself and your property from destructive hurricane winds.

It’s a good idea to stay informed when a hurricane threatens. Both Pasco County and Hillsborough County have alert systems, which can keep you abreast of threats. To find out more, visit PascoCountyFl.net and HillsboroughCounty.org.

Annette Rogers, of Land O’ Lakes, shovels sand to fill several sandbags at the self-service station set up by Pasco County, in the parking lot of the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The government agency set up several stations throughout the county, offering free sand and sandbags. Two years ago, Rogers’ property experienced minimal flooding during Hurricane Irma and she was taking no chances for this storm. (File)
Plan how you will evacuate, in the event you are ordered to do so.

 

Stay safe around water, prevent drowning deaths

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There’s been an uptick in service calls relating to near drownings, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

To stay safe near water and reduce potential drowning deaths, the Sheriff’s Office offers these suggestions:

  • Make sure children are supervised at all times while around water. A child can drown within seconds.
  • Know your limitations in the water and don’t take risks.
  • Do not swim alone.
  • When boating, be sure there is a life jacket for each person on board and be sure the jackets can be accessed quickly and easily.
  • Swim sober.
  • Learn first aid and CPR.
  • Know who to call in an emergency, and be sure you know the address where you are, so you can tell responders.
  • Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.
  • Keep access points to pools or other bodies of water secure and locked when not in use.
  • Don’t use floatation devices as a substitute for supervision.
  • Designate a “water watcher” at all times when people are in the water.
  • Learn CPR, in case of emergencies.
  • Never assume you’ll hear when a child is in distress or drowning. Drowning is a silent death.

Published July 1, 2020

Top Parade of Homes Awards For ICI Homes

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It’s always exciting for a builder to be recognized in a community’s Parade of Homes competition, but this year ICI Homes outdid itself by winning two of the most prestigious awards in Tampa Bay.

In early March, a total of 79 homes were entered in the Parade of Homes from a variety of builders and developers, in the competition organized by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. And, once again, ICI Homes — a relatively new builder in the Tampa market — was chosen to receive two of its top honors.

The top award went to its Costa Mesa model in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa where ICI Homes has been building for the past three years. The Costa Mesa was honored with the Grand Award in the $600k-$649k price range — one of the most competitive categories in the Parade of Homes.

This 2,565-square-foot model home is absolutely stunning. A huge kitchen and extra-large island sets apart this spacious, one-story home that features four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. One of its most unique features is a closet-size, walk-in pantry that is hidden behind beautiful kitchen cabinetry.

The builder’s second big win is for its Lantana model, which won a Silver Award in the $350k-$399k price range. This 1,800-square-foot home is one of six new floor plans that ICI Homes is introducing in Persimmon Park, a brand new community in Wesley Chapel within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch.

The Lantana model at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel won a Silver Award at the recent Tampa Bay Parade of Homes.

Located off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch is a 5,000-acre, walkable community with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Rosemary Messina, vice president of marketing and sales. “And, adding to the community’s appeal are amenities that families want, but without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

The winning Lantana floor plan has a spacious kitchen/great room, with a large dining room and open flex room connecting to the kitchen. The master bedroom is at the rear of the home to give easy access to the garage, covered lanai and main living area. The one-story model is the craftsman elevation and, at 1,793 square feet, also offers two bedrooms and a bath at the front of the home.

All of ICI Homes in Persimmon Park have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s.

Light and bright with lots of windows is how Messina describes the cottage-style floor plans at Persimmon Park. “Our plans feel open and airy, and exemplify Florida’s casual lifestyle,” she says. “These homes are designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes.”

Inventory Homes In Asturia
In Asturia, ICI Homes has four inventory homes that are ready now or will be available soon. Two homes are of the award-winning Costa Mesa floor plan and one is a two-story Palisade. A one-story Arden will soon be completed.

“All of our floor plans are perfect for entertaining,” said Messina. “Our gathering rooms, gourmet kitchens and dining rooms blend together as one expansive space, highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

ICI Homes has over 25 homesites remaining in Asturia, with many backing up to conservation and water. Prices begin in the high $300s. This 550-home community includes a unique trail system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and an award-winning Amenity Center that is known for its zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Bexley Showpiece
This is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in the first phase of Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes with thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and a great location off State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.

The builder’s Egret VII inventory home is one of the most beautiful and functional move-in ready homes available in Bexley. This one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath home has 2,813 square feet of living space, and features luxury finishes, an extended lanai, deluxe kitchen, huge gathering room and, at the home’s grand entrance, a large dining room and flex room. Separate from its side-entry two-car garage is a tandem garage ideal for a compact car, golf cart or storage.

This beautiful home sits on a 70-foot corner homesite in one of Bexley’s most prestigious neighborhoods, located close to the clubhouse and pools.

Published June 24, 2020

Spacious Inventory Homes For Under $300s

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Avex Homes, the exclusive builder in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, has affordable inventory homes and townhomes that are ready now for families looking for a new home in time for the 2020-2021 school year.

Buyers have four completed homes to choose from. All are popular one-story plans between 1,585 square feet and 1,796 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2-car garage. Homes have beautiful finishes and are priced between $267,000 and $296,092.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is a brand new town bringing together everything a family needs to live, learn, work and play.

For families wanting to select their single-family floor plan, finishes and colors, Avex offers eight plans in its traditional single-family home options, ranging from 1,585 square feet to 2,856 square feet, built as one- or two-story homes. Each home features a classic design with rich architectural detail and a traditional focus on the front porch. Homes start in the mid-$200s, and are available on a variety of lots, including conservation and water views.

Two-story, move-in ready townhomes also are available. These attractive homes are even more affordable, with prices beginning in the $230s. The townhome lifestyle is especially popular with young families buying their first home, and empty-nesters wanting to downsize.

The maintenance-free townhomes all feature two-car garages in the rear, with alley access. Three floor plans are available, ranging from 1,608 square feet to 1,834 square feet, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Each townhome has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway that connects to the garage.

“Our townhomes are beautifully designed with upscale custom finishes, and are a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes. “Plus, every home comes with a 2-car garage — something you rarely find in townhomes in this price range.”

“People always comment on how spacious our townhomes feel because of their open floor plans and standard 9-foot ceilings on both the first and second floors,” she adds.
If building from scratch, Avex allows its homebuyers to upgrade home finishes to their individual lifestyle and design preferences — from moving electrical outlets, to upgrading cabinets and flooring, to choosing colors that best show off their individual taste.

Amenities and Downtown
Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, thoughtfully created for residents of all ages. New in 2019 was an expansive second amenity center with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its planned downtown.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel soon will offer residents places to shop and work when its downtown center is completed. Infrastructure construction has begun on the first phase, which will include two office buildings, two mixed-use retail/residential buildings and a community park.

“We will be building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

In addition to shops and markets, the community’s downtown area will have over 500,000 square feet of commercial space.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town with family events all year-long,” said Lerret. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Already, 1,500 people call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home, and over 750 homes have been sold since it opened in 2012. The community will continue to grow over the next several years and, at build out, will be home to 10,000 residents residing in 4,400 single and multifamily homes.

Published June 24, 2020

New River Library In The Heart of Avalon Park

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Having a library in the center of your community is something that residents of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel truly love and value. The New River Library, a branch of the Pasco County Libraries system, is located on State Road 54, at the west entrance to the Wesley Chapel community.

Rendering of the covered walkway being built at the New River Branch Library.

The New River Library is currently going through a complete renovation and expansion of its building and outdoor areas, and also is upgrading its technology capabilities. When completed this fall, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

When the New River Library re-opens, visitors will love its 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.

Library patrons can expect “a complete re-imagining from top to bottom,” including space for do-it-yourself activities and gardening programs hosted by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents, said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County Libraries.

The New River Library will re-open with its garden area greatly expanded from six raised beds to 26 beds. About half will be used for workshops and demonstrations, and the rest will be available to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

“It’s really kind of neat that the library team gave us this opportunity,” said Judy Curran, the library’s youth services provider.

Curran made the first plantings at the original New River Library in 2014, when employees were encouraged to adopt a special project. Curran’s garden idea received an enthusiastic response as soon as she posted it on the library bulletin board, and flowers and vegetables soon sprouted with help from a dozen youth and adult volunteers.

Also, new at the library is 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.

“I think Story Walk is going to bring even more people when we reopen,” Curran said. “This little idea I had has really expanded.”

To encourage full use of the library’s new capabilities, a new employee is being added who will be assigned to community outreach and helping organize library events.

Funding for the renovations is from General Obligation bonds approved by voters in November 2018. For information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published June 24, 2020

PFAC Partnership Continues

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began a partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council last summer, with the goal of bringing art and cultural events, exhibits and educational classes to East Pasco County. In its first year, this partnership has led to the discovery of local artists, introduced art workshops to the community and given member artists the opportunity to feature their work in a new venue.

“One of the main goals of this partnership was to introduce people to local artists with monthly exhibits and demonstrations,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “This partnership has allowed us to expand the arts to not only our residents, but also to the entire east side of the county.”

“It has been an overwhelming positive experience for the Pasco Fine Arts Council to expand its presence in East Pasco, thanks to the vision and generosity of the Avalon Park Group,” said Jo Baughman, director of the Council.

For Baughman, who has been involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for over 20 years, the invitation from Avalon Park West to work together accomplishes a long-held dream.

“This partnership has been a tremendous asset to the artist community and our patrons, and has greatly expanded our ability to bring arts to all of Pasco County,” said Baughman.

It is the vision of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for its planned downtown to be the cultural and event center of East Pasco County. The downtown’s first phase will include a dedicated Arts Gallery, which will become the permanent East Pasco home for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

Artist Cindi Vinci
Gallery Show
July 1 – Aug. 22
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday

Reception
“Something Different”
Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free – Refreshments Served

East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Information Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

Published June 24, 2020