The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Artists of All Kinds Live In Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is a community of over 1,500 residents that has attracted people from around the world, many with unique artistic gifts who enjoy sharing their talents with their neighbors.

Richard Terrill is such a resident. He is an accomplished contemporary painter, whose work was exhibited and sold in the museum shop at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Richard Terrill’s paintings have been on display in the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Terrill’s paintings are colorful, unconventional and political – work that you would not initially expect from someone who taught high school and college English for 39 years. But, after talking with the artist for a few minutes, you quickly realize that Terrill is also a knowledgeable historian, who artistically incorporates his world view points into his paintings.

Terrill’s work draws you in with his bright colors, high contrasts and whimsical tangents. And, as you admire his visionary style, you begin to see the political and historical context most of Terrill’s paintings explore.

“I like to use bright colors because they uplift the often serious and somber content of my paintings,” said Terrill. “And, I often add whimsical scenes into my paintings that poke fun at the seriousness of the human psyche.”

A large portrait of Rumi, the celebrated Persian poet from the 13th century,  dominates the artist’s studio in his Avalon Park home. Another bold painting is one of Terrill’s newest works, which he calls “Duende” — a Spanish word for a heightened state of emotion and expression.

Unlike almost every other artist, Terrill never signs his name on his paintings.

“I believe that the signature is the painting itself,” explains Terrill. “To put a signature on a painting takes away from the painting. If a buyer insists that I sign their painting, I will sign the backside of the pressed wood that I use as my canvas.”

Most of Terrill’s collectors are other artists, scientists, engineers and psychiatrists, who tell him that they like the deep thinking and intricate detail that goes into his work.

Terrill works on his art every day. “Even if I’m not actually painting, I am always thinking about the piece I am working on,” he said.

Terrill is looking forward to exhibiting his paintings at the Avalon Park Art Gallery located at the community’s Welcome Center on State Road 54, and also at the new Arts Center being built in downtown Avalon Park, when it opens.

“My wife and I love living in Avalon Park — our home is beautiful, there is so much to do, and everyone is so friendly and helpful,” said Terrill. “That it is also such a pro-art community is a big bonus, and something that makes me very happy.”

He also hopes to teach again. His experience is exceptionally broad, and includes working at an all-girl, inner-city school in Baltimore in the 1970s, and later in his career as an English professor at a community college and university in Maryland, and also teaching inmates in medium and maximum security prisons.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and the Pasco Fine Arts Council work together to bring arts and cultural events to East Pasco County. One of the main goals of this partnership is to introduce people to local artists like Terrill, with monthly exhibits and demonstrations.

“It is our vision that downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be the cultural and event center for East Pasco County,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “It is exciting to discover artists like Richard Terrill who already live in our community, and are willing to share their great talent with their neighbors.”

Are You An Artist?
We want to profile artists who live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Please let us know about your talents, or those of a friend or neighbor, by emailing .

Published December 25, 2019

Professional Tile Cleaning Removes 96.5% of Allergens

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Stanley Steemer is best known for cleaning carpets, but a growing segment of its business is cleaning tile and grout.

“Many new homes have tile everywhere except the bedrooms, and tile is a popular upgrade for families remodeling their homes,” said CJ White, co-owner of the Stanley Steemer Carpet franchise on State Road 54 in Lutz. “People love the easy care and beauty of tile, but they forget that it needs regular cleaning, just like carpet.”

Stanley Steemer technicians use a high-pressure water and vacuum system to clean tile and grout.

If you don’t have your tile professionally cleaned once a year, grout can become saturated with dirt and grime, just like carpet does.

“Regular mopping of tile floors never reaches the hidden dirt that lies deep within the pores of your grout lines,” said White. “Our professional tile and grout cleaning service uses hot water extraction to clean out this grime, which removes 96.5% of allergens found in grout.”

White explains that grout is Portland cement — the same material used for driveways. And because cement is porous, it will stain just like your driveway does.

“Cement is very vulnerable to oil stains. And, since grout is made from cement, it picks up oil from your skin and cooking materials, just like your driveway does when it absorbs oil that leaks from your car,” White explains. “When you allow this stain to set into your grout, it becomes a permanent stain. We can clean the grout, but cleaning will not get out the stain — just like no amount of cleaning will get oil stains out of your driveway.”

The good news is that professional grout cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the grout, and will also restore a floor’s luster.

Stanley Steemer cleans tile and grout using a high-pressure water and vacuum system, along with a cleaning solution that doesn’t leave a residue.

“We use a water pressure of 1,200 psi, which is powerful enough to remove grime without damaging the grout. By comparison, water pressure to clean a driveway is usually 3,000 to 4,000 psi,” said White.

Stanley keeps the water temperature at 180 degrees — again, warm enough to help remove the dirt, but not too hot to damage the grout.

After pressure cleaning, Steemer’s trained technicians use an alkaline wash to remove oily substances from the tile and grout, followed up by an acid cleaner that etches clean the top level of the grout.

The final step is putting down clear grout sealant, which creates a protective barrier that protects grout lines from small spills and spots, and makes it easier to clean up spills before they soak in.

“We recommend cleaning and sealing your tile and grout once a year, which can be done the same time as your carpets,” said White. “Our technicians are fully trained on both carpet and tile cleaning, and have all the necessary equipment on their trucks to get the jobs done the same day.”

White and his father, Chet, have owned the Stanley Steemer franchise in Pasco County for five years. Last year, they opened their new Lutz headquarters, which employs 13 technicians and three customer service reps.

Stanley Steemer never uses subcontractors. All of its technicians are employees who meet the company’s high standards – including background checks, drug tests and extensive training before going out in the field. Employees wear professional uniforms and take great pride in their appearance.

“We are very cognizant that we are welcomed into someone’s home, and we make sure our employees meet the high standards we set for them,” said White.

Stanley Steemer technicians always work in teams of two.

“Most homeowners feel safer with two techs in their home, plus two techs move furniture better and get the job done twice as fast,” said White. “We also stand behind our work with a 10-Day Redo Policy, which fortunately we are seldom asked about, because we strive to get the job done right the first time.”

Start out the new year by getting your flooring professionally cleaned — especially your tile and grout.  Call now to schedule ahead, or request a same-day service. Call the Lutz Stanley Steemer at (813) 996-2436, or schedule online at StanleySteemer.com.

Tile & Grout Cleaning Tips
Always vacuum and/or sweep before mopping
Always rinse after you mop
Never use bleach — it can break down grout and sealant

Published December 25, 2019

Plaza Mexico Opens New Restaurant In Zephyrhills

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Hector Alvarez and Hector Gallardo

To see Hector Alvarez working at Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill is not unusual. Alvarez is one of the owners at Plaza Mexico, the kind of family owned restaurant where the owners lead from the front and work alongside their employees, to ensure professionalism and quality control

“Not only do the employees work here, but the owners also work here,” Alvarez said. “At most places, the owner just opens the restaurant.  They let the people work for them, but here the owners work in the restaurant. That’s one of the things that people like. We have two or three owners working at a time, to make sure that everything is done very professionally.”

Plaza Mexico specializes in traditional Mexican food. There are five locations in Florida and North Carolina, all with authentic furniture and decorations from Mexico. At the Zephyrhills restaurant, the owners departed from their usual brightly colored décor, and opted for a “Day of the Dead” Mexican theme, giving the restaurant a softer and more romantic ambiance.

“One of the things we have that’s different from other Mexican restaurants is that we try to do things very professionally, like the décor and how the servers dress,” Alvarez said. “The menu is really long, so we have a lot of different choices. We have one page of just seafood. We have a lot of vegetarian dishes.”

The menu contains authentic versions of the usual Mexican favorites: tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas. The food is made fresh daily, and some of the recipes have existed for generations within the family. One dish — a popular house special that can be ordered for one or two persons — that Alvarez is particularly proud of is served in a molcajete.

“Molcajete is volcano stone, and we serve the food inside the stone. We put in chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo—a Mexican sausage—and onions, jalapenos and cactus. Cactus is a traditional food in Mexico. It comes with rice and beans, and a salad. It’s a big plate.”

Seafood lovers have plenty of options to consider, from crab quesadillas and white shrimp enchiladas, to camarones (shrimp) Hawaiianos and cerviche.

“The cerviche is probably one of the plates that is most traditional with Latin people, like Cubans and Peruvians,” Alvarez said. “All of them have cerviche. They make it different from us, but we like to make it spicier. It can be fish or shrimp. We cook it here before we put it on the lime.  Traditionally, they just cook it with lime.”

In the mood for something different? Try the mole poblano, a seemingly incongruous combination of chicken and chocolate sauce that proves irresistible to many people.

“The mole is a tradition in Mexico,” said Alvarez. “The mole poblano is a sauce that’s made with chocolate and poblano peppers, so it’s kind of sweet, and it’s probably the only sauce that’s sweet compared to the other sauces. The mole ranchero is made with tomato sauce, so it is not sweet. That’s the difference.”

A popular appetizer is the guacamole made fresh tableside from a pushcart decorated with a picture of a bull and matador squaring off.

“One thing that we have different from other restaurants is our own cart that’s going around to every table to offer fresh guacamole,” Alvarez said. “We have the lunch portion and the dinner portion. It’s a really popular appetizer for large groups that come here, because it’s made fresh and in front of you.”

Every other Sunday evening, a mariachi band brings a fiesta atmosphere to the restaurant. Plaza Mexico has a private room available for parties, and a full bar with happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with two-for-one drink specials.

One of its most popular drinks at Plaza Mexico is the margarita. On Saturdays, margaritas are the special of the day, served in a 42-ounce glass that is nicknamed “the fish bowl.” According to Alvarez, Plaza Mexico has won “best margarita in town” at their Port Charlotte location the last five years. The partners and owners tightly guard the recipe, but you can enjoy it any time you feel like wasting away again in Plaza Mexico.

38361 County Road 54, Zephyrhills • 813-355-3627 • wwwPlazaMexicoBarandGrill.com

Published 11/13/19

Some gift ideas, for your favorite cook

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With holiday season in full swing, no doubt you are shopping for loved ones, friends and coworkers.

A spiralizer can either add vegetables to your regular dishes or be used to cut out pasta completely. Here, a zucchini and carrot were spiralized and turned into noodle shapes. (Courtesy of Unsplash.com)

If anyone on your list enjoys cooking, a kitchen item might make the perfect gift.

Or, perhaps you know someone who is looking to make some healthier changes as a New Year’s goal. That means eating out less and making more meals at home. So, a beginner-level kitchen item could be a supportive gift to help them get started.

There are enough kitchen items out there for anyone to enjoy, whether they are inexperienced in cooking or they’ve been making meals for years.

Here are a few gift ideas:

  • A cookbook: Tailor it to their exact likes, needs or goals, such as vegetarian; a certain ethnic food style they want to master; or, for a specific health condition, such as diabetes-friendly recipes.
  • Someone looking to lose weight might enjoy a food scale. This is a great way to determine serving sizes and practice portion control. This tool can come in handy, too, for bakers. Many bakers swear that weighing ingredients with a scale is much more accurate than measuring ingredients with a measuring cup.
  • An herb and spice kit is another great gift. Some kits can have as many as 40 herbs and spices.

For new kits, a smaller-sized basic kit would be a better starting place, so they don’t become overwhelmed by too many choices. By starting smaller, they can learn which ones are their favorites before experimenting with more exotic flavors.

  • Multi-purpose knives. Every chef needs some essential multi-purpose knives, such as the chef’s knife, paring knife and serrated bread knife. These knives will get almost any cutting task accomplished and are usually found together in a knife block set with a knife sharpener.
  • Bread maker: For those that want to “eat cleaner,” a bread maker could be a great gift idea. After all, have you seen how many ingredients are in a loaf of bread? Also, someone that wants to avoid gluten may prefer to make their own bread instead of buying the expensive gluten-free options.
  • Air fryer: This product is great for frying food without the fat/oil. Some have settings that lets you use it to bake, broil and roast, too. I personally just started using an air fryer. I’ve enjoyed using it in the hotter months when I didn’t want to turn on the oven.
  • Spiralizer: A spiralizer can turn certain vegetables into ribbon/noodle shapes. Whether someone wants to cut back on carbs or wants to sneak in more vegetables to pasta dishes, a spiralizer is a fun way to increase vegetable intake. It can’t spiralize every vegetable, but it works on zucchini, carrots, onion, cabbage and others.
  • Multi-cooker/electric pressure cooker — many think of this kitchen tool by the brand name, the Instant Pot. This has been a hit all year, likely because it is so versatile. Some are even seven-in-one or nine-in-one features. It’s a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice maker, a yogurt maker, steamer, cake maker and more. For the home cook that does it all but doesn’t have one of these yet, you can feel confident that this is something they will enjoy. There are also accessories that you could give, such as a steamer basket or egg rack.
  • Panini press grill machine. Some machines make more then paninis; they can also make quesadillas and do indoor grilling. This may be especially helpful for those who live alone because it can make an easy hot meal that doesn’t create many leftovers.

When you’re out shopping, be sure to keep in mind the recipient’s kitchen space. If he or she has a small kitchen, steer clear of large, bulky items.

The gift should fit not only your budget, but also the recipient’s lifestyle and living arrangements.

There are many gadgets out there to make cooking easier and more enjoyable,  and you can help your family and friends find items that work for them.

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published December 11, 2019

Controlling noxious weeds in your yard

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Central Florida is home to some of the most diverse plant life in the state.

Cool, dry winters and hot, wet summers create a transitional zone where a variety of plants thrive, or can at least get by with a little help from their owners.

With the good news, comes the bad news — there are dozens of weeds that cause grief for property owners and managers.

Brazilian Peppertree. Image used in the 2014 Research Discoveries report. (Courtesy of UF/IFAS Communications)

Noxious weeds, which can out-compete native species, can be quite damaging.

In Central Florida, three common noxious weeds of great concern are: Brazilian peppertree, air potato vine, and cogongrass.

Brazilian peppertree was introduced perhaps more than 100 years ago as an ornamental plant.

Common along roads and canals, Brazilian peppertree has destroyed much of the native, protective mangroves and pine flatlands.

While attractive, its ability to overtake native vegetation and its potentially hazardous sap — which can cause severe rashes and lung irritation — make it undesirable.

Herbicide applications are effective for controlling Brazilian peppertree, but only when timed right and applied correctly.

The “cut stump method” of herbicide application is an excellent method for control.

Simply follow these steps:

  • Cut the tree stump as low to the ground as possible.
  • Within 5 minutes of making the cut, apply a herbicide labeled for use on Brazilian peppertree (with the active ingredients: triclopyr at the label rate, or glyphosate at 41% active ingredient or higher formulation, as ready-to-use formulas won’t be effective) just inside of the bark layer on the living tissue.
  • Cut the trees only when they are not fruiting; if seeds are visible, use great care to not spread them to new locations.
  • Avoid the sap, and use proper protective gear with cutting or removing these plants.
  • Do not burn Brazilian peppertree due to the potential for hazardous fumes from the sap.

Brazilian peppertree also can be controlled with a basal bark herbicide application. Consult with your local Extension Office for details on this method.

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences scientists were granted approval for the release of a biological control for use on Brazilian peppertree in 2019. An insect species of thrips feed on the new shoots of Brazilian peppertree and have been found to be host-specific, meaning they only damage Brazilian peppertree.

Controlling other noxious weeds
Air potato vine is an extremely aggressive vine that can grow several inches in a day making it capable of towering up into the tops of trees while out-competing native vegetation along the way.

Biological controls, combined with other integrated pest management approaches, such as herbicide use, mechanical (removal) and cultural methods (proper timing, application methods, seasonality, etc.) have been highly effective at controlling air potato vine.

The release of the Air Potato Beetle, in 2012, by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, in conjunction with UF/IFAS, has helped limit the spread of air potato vine.

Cogongrass is common throughout the Southeastern United States, taking over roadsides, fields, pine-forested areas and pasturelands. It is difficult to control and can be a fire hazard, too.

Early detection of cogongrass infestations is the key to control. Small areas of infestation are easier to manage compared to larger ones. There are two herbicides with effectiveness against cogongrass: glyphosate and imazapyr. Glyphosate is most advisable, since it does not persist in the soil. Just keep in mind that both herbicides can kill non-target plants. Multiple herbicide applications over several years is often necessary for control with frequent monitoring required to quickly treat any regrowth following herbicide applications.

Again, your local Extension Office can provide more guidance on how to attack these types of noxious weeds and others wreaking havoc in your landscape.

For a list of noxious weeds, visit the UF/IFAS Invasive Plant Assessment by going to https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/.

By Whitney C. Elmore

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

Published December 04, 2019

New hours coming for utilities service centers

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Pasco County Utilities is changing its Customer Service Center hours beginning Jan. 1.

The new hours for walk-in and drive-through services will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning in the New Year, according to a county news release.

By reducing the service center hours by a half-hour, the utilities department will be able to offer round-the-clock automated support.

“A focused team effort outside of office hours, toward online support, provides our customers with the flexibility to manage their account at any time – all while decreasing operational costs by more than $25,000 annually,” according to Sandra Anderson, the department’s customer information and services director.

Secure, instant account access is tailored to meet customers’ schedules, with these options:

  • 24/7 online account access and bill pay through PascoEasyPay.com
  • 24/7 pay-by-phone by calling (844) 450-3704
  • 24/7 secure drop boxes located outside each Customer Service Center
  • Live Call Center support available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. West Pasco customers should call (727) 847-8131. Central Pasco customers can call (813) 235-6012, and the phone number for residents in East Pasco is (352) 521-4285.
  • New Same Business-day/next Business-day callback option

For more information and service details, visit PascoCountyUtilities.com.

Published December 04, 2019

ICI Homes’ Most Popular Floor Plan Ready Now In Bexley

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One of the most beautiful and functional move-in ready homes in Bexley, Land O’ Lakes’ top-selling community, is now available from ICI Homes.

The four-bedroom, three-bath Costa Mesa is on a 70-foot corner homesite in Bexley’s most prestigious neighborhood, located close to the clubhouse and pools. The semi-custom home includes luxury finishes, an expansive lanai, mud room with built-in bench off the garage, huge walk-in pantry, and tandem garage ideal for a compact car, golf cart or storage.

The Costa Mesa open floor plan is 2,565 square feet with four bedrooms and three baths.

The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan flows with 2,565 square feet of living area designed perfectly for the active lifestyle Bexley extols.

“This home is an entertainer’s dream. Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light,” said Ron Ferguson, division president for ICI Homes. “People absolutely love the huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature and one of the largest islands offered by any builder.”

Families interested in this home also will be drawn to its location in Bexley, a Newland community located off State Road 54, just east of the Suncoast Parkway. Bexley was recently named the top-selling master-planned community in Tampa Bay, with home sales up more than 45 percent, compared to a year ago.

“ICI Homes has partnered with Newland for several years in both Bexley and FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County,” said Ferguson. “Pasco families looking to move up to a prestigious new home don’t have to travel far to experience Florida’s best privately held builder and master-planned community, right here in their backyard.”

Buying an ICI Homes in Bexley is a wise financial investment for families, and also one that offers an outdoor lifestyle attractive to families of all kinds.

Bexley is designed so residents can enjoy the great outdoors. The community is home to miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Several community parks dot the landscape, and sports lovers of all ages use the Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for impromptu soccer or football games, while younger kids spend hours playing on custom-built playgrounds.

At the heart of this award-winning community is The Bexley Club, where people enjoy scenic lakefront views at the Twisted Sprocket Café. Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, gear and clothing, and offers repairs and rentals. Two additional buildings make up The Bexley Club: a cardio-focused fitness center, and a screened-in game room with air hockey, foosball and a pool table. There are also two resort-style pools, an outdoor fire pit and an event lawn.

The schools zoned for Bexley residents are some of the best in Pasco County — Bexley Elementary, Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes, a highly regarded charter school, is just minutes from Bexley.

This is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley. ICI Homes is building its final three homes in Bexley, which includes the Costa Mesa that is ready now, and the slightly smaller Egret VII, which will soon be under construction.

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.

The sales center for Bexley is in Asturia, another ICI Homes community just a mile away in Odessa, at 2112 Secret Cove, (727) 432-3069. Stop by or call today to tour the Costa Mesa home in Bexley between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

Published November 27, 2019

Watercolorist Rita Wilson Opens Show At Avalon Park West

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Rita Wilson never imagined she would be a watercolor artist. A self-described workaholic, who worked as a project manager for AT&T until she retired six years ago, the Land O’ Lakes resident found that retirement gave her too much time on her hands.

“My daughter, Kimber,  told me I needed a hobby – something to stimulate my mind, and a few weeks later I received in the mail a package from her full of art supplies,” Wilson recalls. “I called Kimber and told her I didn’t know anything about painting, but she told me you never know whether you can do something, until you try it.”

One of Rita Wilson’s favorite subjects is coastal South Carolina, especially scenes of water and boats.

With that advice, her daughter suggested she take art lessons, and even went online for her and found the Pasco Fine Arts Council. Kimberly promptly signed her mom up for beginner painting lessons, and today, Wilson is an accomplished artist with her first solo art show opening next week.

The Pasco Fine Arts Council is sponsoring Wilson’s exhibit, which she calls “Thru My Eyes,” from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, at the Pasco Fine Art Council’s East Pasco Avalon Park West Gallery, at 33613 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

An artist reception to celebrate Wilson’s work is planned for Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

Wilson will have up to 26 paintings on display at her show — all watercolors with scenes that depict her native coastal South Carolina, Florida scenes, florals, portraits of dogs and cats, and paintings of antique cars and trucks, which are often commissioned by owners who want paintings of their pets and collectible cars.

Wilson prices her painting very affordably — typically between $100 and $300, because she wants people to enjoy her work as much as she does. All of her paintings will be for sale during the show.

Wilson’s first watercolor lesson was taught by Jo Baughman, who today is the director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, the group partnering with Avalon Park West to bring the arts to the east side of Pasco County.

“Jo made learning to paint simple. She taught us some basic techniques, and then let us experiment and develop our own styles,” said Wilson. “I showed my husband my first few paintings, and he thought they looked pretty good. With his encouragement and Jo’s enthusiasm, I was hooked after the first class.”

That first six-week class led to another, and soon Wilson moved on to intermediate and advanced classes. Over time, she has developed her own style based on her interests, and moved from landscapes into painting antiques cars and trucks – a hobby of her husband. She describes her work as realism, and especially loves paintings water and boats.

After a few years, her husband, Otis, built her an art studio with lots of windows at their home in The Groves, where Wilson now paints two to three hours a day, with plenty of room to spread out.

“I love to paint because it is so relaxing,” said Wilson. “I don’t think about anything else but the picture I am working on, and never know when I begin how a panting will turn out. I usually think it will be a disaster, but most often it turns into something nice. I love the flow of watercolor, and that it does not have any exact lines. You don’t really have control over the water, but then the paint becomes something beautiful.”

Wilson says if she can learn to paint, anyone can, and encourages people to check out all the offerings at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, especially now that the Council has a location in Wesley Chapel, that is more convenient for people in central and east Pasco.

The partnership between the Paso Fine Arts Council and Avalon Park West began earlier this year, with a goal to bring arts and cultural events, exhibits and workshops to East Pasco County. This is the first time in the Council’s 40-plus year history that is has had a location in East Pasco to host its exhibits and art classes.

One of the main goals of this partnership is to introduce people to local artists like Wilson, with monthly exhibits and demonstrations, and also to offer art classes for youngsters and adults.

And, that is exactly the plan for the new East Pasco Gallery of the Pasco Fine Arts Center.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group.

“As it turns out, the Pasco Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all it needed was a place in East Pasco to bring their programs and exhibits to our residents in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and Dade City.

“It is our vision to build Downtown Avalon Park West as the cultural and event center of East Pasco County,” Lerret said.

New Model Homes Open For Tour At Asturia

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Unique Floor Plans Offered By Four Premier Builders

The holiday season is a wonderful time to dream about your next home, and Asturia invites you to visit its model homes by some of America’s top builders, in Odessa.

The community’s beautifully furnished model homes are open for tour daily at this master-planned community, located off of State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Park Square Homes and Ryan Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. Model homes are open daily in the community’s third and final phase, with on-site agents to assist homebuyers.

The Costa Mesa by ICI Homes is Asturia’s newest model home, located on a fabulous conservation homesite.

The community’s newest model is the Mendocino by David Weekley Homes. The beautifully furnished Mendocino is 2,845 square feet, and features four bedrooms, an open study, three full baths, one half-bath and a two-car garage. Designer touches include an extended lanai, oversized kitchen island, an owner’s retreat with tray ceiling and wood beam accents, a spa-like bath and oversized walk-in closet.

Priced from the $340s, the Mendocino is included in David Weekley Homes’ Asturia’s Lake Series, with homes that range in size from 2,200 square feet to 3,200 square feet that are built on 55-foot homesites.

To celebrate the holidays, David Weekley Homes is hosting a Sips with Santa special event on Sunday, Dec. 15 at it model home center. Celebrate the Christmas season with hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores, with Santa hearing Christmas wishes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Other single-family home models in Asturia are available for tour by ICI Homes, and Ryan Homes has models of its townhome community. And, at the first of the year, a new model by Park Square Homes will open, with a rear-entry floor plan that will be priced in the high $300s.

In late June, ICI Homes opened its new Costa Mesa model near the community’s entrance on a beautiful waterfront homesite with long conservation views. This one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car garage plan is 2,565 square feet, and showcases a huge kitchen with extra-large island and closet-size, walk-in pantry that is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry.

ICI Homes also has a second model on a beautiful conservation lot, the Serena, that is now for sale and can include the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings for families wanting a turn-key home ready now.

Ryan Homes offers two floor plans in Asturia’s only townhome community. These three-bedroom townhomes range from 1,580 square feet to 1,770 square feet, all with two-car, rear-entry, detached garages. The homes feature private outdoor courtyards with paver patios and privacy fencing. Prices begin in the $220s. Ryan Homes hit their halfway mark and have only 108 units to go. They have no inventory of homes, which allows the builder to customize new construction townhomes for its buyers.

“The beautiful Asturia community has so much to offer with its first class amenities, and our homes are at a perfect price that our sales have been brisk,” said Mona Cruz, one of the Ryan Homes sales team.

David Weekly Homes and ICI Homes have inventory homes available for families who are looking to move now or at the first of the year. These homes have special year-end pricing, which includes both price discounts and other incentives.

Park Square Homes is Asturia’s newest builder, and is building its Margate II model that features three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage. This 1,966 square foot home has an inviting foyer with spacious flex room, an island kitchen with an abundance of cabinets and large den off the foyer. The Margate II starts at $319,990 and a model of this floorplan is expected to be completed in January.

Asturia is Park Square Homes first entry into Pasco County. It brings over 35 years of experience building quality homes in Central Florida, and expanded into the Tampa Bay market in 2007 with communities in south Hillsborough County.

About Asturia
Asturia offers residents a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. The community’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Currently in its third phase, when Asturia’s development is complete, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes.

“What makes Asturia stand out from other new home developments is our smaller size,” said Lane Gardner, senior managing director for Hines, the developer behind Asturia. “Other communities in the area are looking at 3,000 to over 5,000 homes, and many years of construction. Our families prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with Asturia’s modest community size.”

Outstanding schools are another top reason why families move to Asturia. Children attend some of the best schools in Pasco 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.

A low-cost HOA and CDD are well worth the benefits of living in Asturia, with fees considerably less than other master-planned communities in Pasco County.

Asturia’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, and also provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

More information can be obtained by visiting Asturia’s model homes, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 510-3601.

Published November 27, 2019

Be a Santa to a senior

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The holiday season is a time of gatherings, giving and good cheer.

But, it’s also a time when seniors who live alone can be forgotten.

To help prevent that, Home Instead Senior Care serving East Pasco County is once again offering the community a chance to spread joy to local seniors through its Be a Santa to a Senior program, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Home Instead Senior Care)

The program invites members of the community to give a senior a gift.

Since the program’s inception in 2003, the Be a Santa to a Senior program has mobilized more than 60,000 volunteers, provided approximately 1.2 million gifts and brightened the season for more than 700,000 deserving seniors nationwide, the news release says.

“The Be a Santa to a Senior program is all about including seniors in the joy of the holiday season,” Michele Bonneville, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Wesley Chapel, said in the release. “A simple gift shows them they are a loved and vital member of our community.”

To help, visit a participating location and look for the Be a Santa to a Senior tree on display from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10.

Each tree will be decorated with ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and gift suggestions. Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached. There’s no need to worry about wrapping — community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors in time for the holidays.

Be a Santa to a Senior receives support from local businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. The Home Instead Senior Care office serving East Pasco County has partnered with businesses and organizations to help with gift collection and distribution.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at these locations:

  • Bealls Outlet, 21701 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes
  • Bealls Outlet, 5351 Village Market, Wesley Chapel
  • Bon Worth Women’s Clothing, 7409 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills
  • Pasco County Tax Collector – Dade City, 14236 Sixth St., No. 100, in Dade City
  • Pasco County Tax Collector – Land O’ Lakes, 4135 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes
  • Pasco County Tax Collector – Wesley Chapel/Lutz, 4610 Pet Lane, No. 101, in Lutz
  • Sweet Darling Quilts, 26240 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz

For more information about the program, visit BeASantaToASenior.com, or call (813) 991-7524.

Published November 27, 2019