The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco EDC announces 2019 award winners

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., announced the winners of its 2019 awards, at its 33rd annual Awards & Trade Show, on Sept. 5 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Dr. James P. Gills, received the economic council’s leadership award.

Gills is a world-renowned ophthalmologist, a philanthropist, athlete, author and man of faith, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

The organization attributed Gills’ persistence, dedication and vision for a new community resulting in a place now known as Trinity, which is in southwest Pasco County.

The annual Pasco EDC event is regarded as a premier business event, attracting over 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Nominees for awards were scored based on: company growth, leadership in current business issues, and corporate citizenship.

The 2019 winners are:

• Start-Up Business of the Year: The Point Distillery
The Point is a small professional distillery, bottling and co-packing operation on Little Road in New Port Richey. It was acknowledged for its commitment to quality and excellence, and for exceeding customer expectations.

• Special Contribution: AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
This hospital was honored for being a hospital campus built from the ground up, with communities in mind. Its whole-person approach to care was inspired by the principles of CREATION Life – Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook and Nutrition.

• Small Business of the Year: Design & Construction Innovations LLC
DCI is a full-service general contractor specializing in commercial, residential and government construction projects. It has more than 35 years of combined experience in commercial and residential construction, as well as architectural design.

• Medium Business of the Year: Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.
This family-owned business has been in operation since 1989. Millian-Aire has over 75 years of combined experience, and provides reliable and cost-efficient HVAC services, while using the best practices and latest technologies.

• Large Business of the Year: Welbilt Inc.
Welbilt provides the world’s top chefs and premier chain operators with industry-leading equipment and solutions for the food industry. The company’s cutting-edge designs and lead manufacturing tactics are powered by deep knowledge, operator insights and culinary expertise.

• Special Recognition: Medical Center of Trinity
Medical Center of Trinity represents three points of focus: wellness, prevention and healing. Medical Center of Trinity is located in the tri-county area of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Published September 11, 2019

Keeping food safe when the power goes out

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Even though hurricane season officially began on June 1, we’re approaching the season’s peak, which typically runs from now until late October.

The temperature control knob on the refrigerator or freezer won’t be helpful during a power outage. A separate appliance thermometer will let you know if the food was in the temperature danger zone. (Shari Bresin)

Statistics show that Sept. 10 is the most likely day to find something stirring in the Atlantic.

So if a storm came through and your power went out, would you know what to do with your food?

Also, what food would you eat to keep you and your family satisfied until the power comes back on?

Some ways to prepare before a storm hits:

  • Be sure to have appliance thermometers for both the refrigerator and freezer. The refrigerator should be kept at 40 degrees F or below, and the freezer should be Zero degrees F or lower.
  • Freeze containers of water: Those will function as extra ice packs to put in your cooler, refrigerator and freezer. Plus, when they melt, they’ll provide additional drinking water.
  • Freeze refrigerated items that you won’t need right away, such as meat or milk. That will preserve them, and a fuller freezer stays frozen longer.
  • Be sure to have coolers on hand.
  • Have a thermometer for the cooler, too. Make sure the food isn’t in the danger zone, which is between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F.
  • Stock up on ice cubes, or buy extra ice and freeze gel packs. Dry or block ice is good, too, because it lasts longer. You can store these in the refrigerator and coolers after the storm.
  • Store nonperishable food and water bottles on a shelf — not the floor, to prevent contamination, in the event of a flood.

If the power goes out:

  • Keep the doors shut to the refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. If it is shut, the refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours, and the freezer will keep food frozen for 48 hours if it’s fully stocked, or for 24 hours if it’s half-stocked.
  • Keep a list of items inside your refrigerator and freezer, to reduce the number of times you open and close them.
  • Start with eating perishable foods in the refrigerator, within four hours. Then eat the foods in the freezer, within 24 to 48 hours (depending how full your freezer was).

When the power returns:

  • Check the freezer thermometer. If it is under 40 degrees F, the food is safe and may be refrozen. (Don’t forget: If the power outage lasts longer than 48 hours, you are likely to see your freezer temperature in the temperature danger zone, which is above 40 degrees F).
  • Check the refrigerator thermometer. If it is over 40 degrees F, the perishable food should be discarded (meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and sliced produce, etc.)

There are some refrigerated foods that are generally safe above 40 degrees F. Those are: Peanut butter, jelly, ketchup, mustard, bread, rolls, muffins, tortillas, hard cheese, butter/margarine, barbecue sauce, opened vinegar-based dressings, uncut produce, waffles and bagels.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: When in doubt, throw it out. It’s not worth getting sick.

Also, keep in mind that your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover the loss of your refrigerated foods and frozen groceries.

Also, be sure to stock up on foods to help you get through until the power is restored.

Try to stay away from highly processed foods and keep nutrition in mind.

Here are some possible options: Whole and dried fruits, whole grain products (whole grain bread, crackers, tortilla shells, dry cereal low in sugar), trail mix, peanut butter, unsalted nuts, canned goods such as low-sodium beans, lentils, soups, vegetables and tuna, and canned fruit (look for canned in juice, not syrup).

While protein bars and granola bars are filling, remember, they may be high in sugar.

Be sure to plan enough food for at least three days for each person.

Drinking water should be stocked up, too, so each individual in your home has one gallon of water per day for at least three days (though up to two weeks’ worth is ideal).

You’ll also want one gallon per day for each person for hygienic purposes, including handwashing, brushing teeth and other uses.

Plus, be sure you have a manual can opener, napkins, and plastic/paper plates, cups, utensils and bowls.

Oh, and don’t forget your furry family members.

Make sure they have food and water, too.

Plan to have three days’ worth of food for your pet and one-half gallon to one gallon of water per pet, per day.

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 September 04, 2019

Grand Reopening of Tampa Bay Golf Course

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By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club unveils a completely updated golf course with a ribbon-cutting event on Aug.19, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. The Grand Reopening Celebration is from noon to 2 p.m., at the clubhouse inside this master-planned community off State Road 52 and I-75, in San Antonio.

Raffles and door prizes will be given away during the celebration — individual rounds of golf, lunch and golf packages, and merchandise from the golf shop. In addition, promotional membership pricing will be offered, and The Grill Room will feature a special lunch buffet.

“We closed our golf course down on April 15 to do a complete renovation on all of our putting greens — on both our Par 3 Championship Course and our Par 3 nine-hole Executive Golf Course,” said General Manager/COO Seth VanHall.

Over time, the well-maintained health and root structure of turf on any golf course deteriorates due to the applications of fertilization, chemical herbicide and fungicides used to maintain a fine grass at such a low height. Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club re-grassed its greens to establish a better root structure and top layer of turf.

“This allowed us to take our greens back to their original sizes and improve the quality of turf,” said VanHall.

The Grand Reopening Celebration gives the public a sneak peek at the improved golf course before it officially reopens to the public on Aug. 27.

“Our golf course and restaurant are always open to the public, and we welcome our friends and neighbors to join us at our ribbon cutting,” said VanHall. “The public is welcome to play our courses anytime, and we typically have tee time availability for nonmembers on weekday afternoons, as well as evenings.”

On Aug. 26, before reopening to the public, Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club is hosting a Pro Am golf event with PGA professionals from the North Florida section of The PGA of America, for resident members.

“We have 25 groups – foursomes – paired with a PGA professional,” VanHall said. “That will be the officially relaunching of the golf course, and then the following day, we begin normal operating hours. We are excited to showcase our new and improved putting greens and golf courses that are in great shape, as well.”

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club is played by golfers of all skill levels – from amateur to professional. The 9-hole, Par 3 golf course is open daily from 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Daylight Savings Time, when the golf course will close at 5 p.m.

www.tampabgcc.com | (352) 588-0059 | 10641 Old Tampa Bay Drive, San Antonio, FL 33576

Published on 8/14/19

Local Ownership Keeps Customers Coming Back

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s the local ownership and management of Hudson Square Coastal Furniture that keeps customers coming back, again and again.

“Our sales are up every year with very little advertising, because our customers are so pleased with the quality of our furniture and the service we provide. They come back on a regular basis to see what’s new, and tell their friends about us,” said Luther Moore, founder and owner Hudson Square Coastal Furniture and Mattresses

Moore opened his first store in Hudson in 2008, and followed up with a second store in Zephyrhills three years later. These two stores specialize on colorful, comfortable furniture that gives homes a contemporary, beachy, coastal look and feel.

“Our furniture makes people smile and feel good,” said Sheri Weber, manager of the Zephyrhills store. “Our store is full of quality furniture that is perfect for Florida living, including smaller pieces ideal for apartments and senior communities.”

Weber and her counterpart in Hudson, Dennis Payne, have been local managers since their stores opened, and also live in the community where they work.

“The person who sold you will be the same person helping you if there is a problem,” said Moore. “We believe 100 percent in customer service, and that begins by having salespeople who work with you through the entire process, from purchase to delivery to returns.”

Hudson Square is also known for its fair prices.

“We don’t run bogus sales, where furniture is marked up 50% or 60%, just so the retailer can then mark them down to a ‘sale’ price,” said Moore. “No business can sell their products for 50% off – they would go out of business! In my opinion, these sales are an insult to your intelligence.”

Over 90 percent of Hudson Square’s upholstered furniture is made in the U.S., and 100% of its mattresses.

“When we sell a mattress, you get a full warranty for all 10 years, if your mattress sinks more than 1.5 inches from when you bought it,” said Moore, who added that most national mattress brands pro-rate their warranties.

Also setting itself apart from the chains is that Hudson Square customers can buy furniture and mattresses off the floor – something few chain stores allow.

“Customers typically have to wait three weeks to three months for their furniture to be delivered. But not here — we can deliver as soon as a customer wants –even the same day,” said Moore.

For customers wanting to choose their fabric, they can also place custom orders. Hudson Square has hundreds of fabric and leather swatches in every color and pattern imaginable.

The store rounds itself out with a huge variety of home accessories that are always discounted 15%.

“Many of our Florida accessories are the same stuff you find in tourist shops, but for half the price,” said Weber.

Hudson Square Coastal Furniture is open seven days a week. “We invite folks to visit our stores and see for themselves the quality of our furniture and beds, our large selection of styles and sizes, and browse our inventory of fun accessories to complement your home,” said Moore.

4904 Allen Road, Zephyrhills • 813-395-5920

 14158 US 19, Hudson • 727-857-5906

Published 8/28/19

Fresh Italian Food To Go

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By William Jacko

Shortly after Charles and Nancy Frankulin began dating in 2003, they started working at Bosco’s Italian To Go! in Wesley Chapel. They never imagined that one day they would marry and buy the business.

“We started dating in 2003 when we were seniors in high school, and have been together ever since,” Charles said. “I started at Bosco’s as a delivery driver when I was going to USF, and Nancy got a job as a cashier. We both worked here several years and, after college, moved onto different jobs. Then we both came back here about a year before the owners decided to sell, and since we always wanted to own our own business, this was a perfect fit.”

The Frankulins retained Bosco’s original recipes, and have added many more menu items requested from their customers, including a rice-based, gluten-free pizza, ravioli with smoked mozzarella, baked chicken wings, and CinnaStix with a cannoli filling dipping sauce.

The couple also started a suggestion box.

“People actually drop suggestions into our box, which is why we now have Greek Salads and Tater Tots,” said Nancy.

One of Bosco’s most unusual pizzas is its Swamp and Turf pizza — a combination of toppings that include steak and alligator bellies.

“We went to a trade show and one of the vendors had farm-raised gator belly from Louisiana. We tried it, liked it, and thought that this is something no other Italian restaurant or pizzeria is going to have,” said Charles.  “It so delicious, we also offer Gator Alfredo Pasta.”

The Frankulins use the freshest ingredients they can find, preferring small farmer markets like nearby Boyette Family Farms.

“There’s nothing like going out and actually picking your own green peppers, bringing them back to the shop and chopping them up,” said Nancy. “We grate our own cheese and slice our own lunchmeat. We hand-make our meatballs, and of course, make our own pizza and bread dough —all done by hand.”

The Frankulins are proud to be small business owners.

“If you’re a small business, you usually have more of a heart,” said Nancy. “We’re out to make a living, not a killing, even if it’s sometimes hard to stay a mom-and-pop business with so many chain restaurants popping up. People try the new franchises, but come back to Bosco’s because our food is fresher, our service is better, and our prices are fair and affordable.”

The Frankulins donate to a food pantry year-round, and also give back to the community with a toy drive at Christmas. As a Christian business, they value their employees and treat them well.

813-907-2440 • www.BoscosItalianFL.com

Published 8/21/19

 

 

Bexley Is Top-Selling Community In Tampa Bay

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Prospective homebuyers don’t have to travel far to experience one of the country’s best master-planned communities. Real estate advising group, RCLCO, has named Bexley by Newland the top-selling master-planned community in Tampa Bay, and one of the top 50 in the United States, in its annual survey.

At Bexley, home sales are up more than 45 percent at the mid-year mark this year, compared to the same time last year. That is in comparison to a national average increase of 3%, according to the survey.

“It’s always rewarding to see our community plans come to life,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland. “Becoming the best-selling community in Tampa Bay is part strategic planning, part providing home designs for a range of buyers, and part incredible word-of-mouth from our Bexley families who are constantly sharing their pride in this great community.”

Bexley offers a variety of floor plans from low-maintenance townhomes, to one- and two-story single-family starting in the mid $200,000s, as well as luxury homes, from some of the best-known builders in the country.

Homebuyers can tour 11 models at Bexley, built by Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Lennar, Homes by West Bay and Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Pulte will soon join the community’s list of builders, with the opening of its model home later this year. Del Webb Bexley, a 55-plus community, also offers an additional six model homes to tour.

Located in Land O’ Lakes along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor, Bexley provides a prime location convenient to many of the area’s diverse attractions.

At the heart of the award-winning community is The Bexley Club, where people enjoy scenic lakefront views at the Twisted Sprocket Café. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and offers an outstanding menu of breakfast items, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, gear and clothing, and offers repairs and rentals. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

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.

Bexley was designed so that residents can enjoy the great outdoors. The community is home to miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Along the way, residents can utilize several Fit Stations, which add fun and variety to workouts.

Several community parks dot the landscape at Bexley. Sports lovers of all ages use Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for impromptu soccer or football games, and younger kids spend hours on the custom-built wonderland designed by Asheville Playgrounds. Dogs and their owners enjoy the BarkYard, a park to call their own with separate spaces for big and small dogs.

Best of all, Bexley offers an exclusive Resident for a Day program, which gives potential residents a chance to experience the amenities, trails and café first-hand. To learn more, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555.

Published August 28, 2019

‘Wow’ Kitchen Makes New Model Top Seller For ICI Homes

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In late June, ICI Homes opened its new Costa Mesa model in Asturia, and already it has become the community’s best-selling floor plan for this premium builder.

“The reception to our new model has been overwhelming,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. “People absolutely love the huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home. Plus, the model’s closet-size, walk-in pantry, that is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry, is a stand-out feature that everyone wants.”

The Costa Mesa’s closet-size, walk-in pantry is hidden behind this beautiful kitchen cabinetry.

The Costa Mesa model overlooks a tranquil lake not far from the entrance to Asturia, an award-winning, master-planned community in Odessa, located one mile west of the Suncoast Parkway on State Road 54.

Located in the community’s recently opened Phase III, this one-story home showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It is designed for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and empty-nesters.

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

Costa Mesa’s ‘hidden’ walk-in pantry.

ICI Homes has a second model, the Serena, in Asturia’s second phase. This beautiful home has recently become available for sale, and can even include the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings for families wanting a turn-key home that is ready now.

The builder has 38 homesites available in Asturia’s Phase III, and a few remaining in Phase II, with many lots backing up to conservation and water. Prices begin in the high $300s, which include the home, lot and design center options.

ICI Homes has over a dozen distinctive floor plans to choose from, all which are easily customized. For families not wanting to build, the builder has several quick inventory homes available now or within the next few months.

Amenities in this 550-home community include a unique trails system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and an award-winning Amenity Center that includes a zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Coming Soon – Wesley Chapel
The next ICI Home community in Tampa Bay will be in Wesley Chapel in the prestigious Wiregrass Ranch area. This new community will be called Persimmon Park, and is located behind The Shops at Wiregrass, and south of the Estancia entrance off of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Chauncy Road.

“This is our first project in Wesley Chapel, and we are very excited to be in this vibrant community” said Ferguson. “We will be introducing our first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, with all-new floor plans that feature front porches, and garages at the back of the home.”

Construction on the community’s infrastructure is underway, and model homes and sales are expected to open in the spring of 2020. ICI Homes prices are expected to begin in the mid $200s, with larger homes selling in the $400s.

Persimmon Park is being designed as a walkable community with a downtown park and trails that lead to shopping and dining at The Shops of Wiregrass, to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and to neighborhood schools.

Final Homes In Bexley
If you’re looking for a new home in Land O’ Lakes, this is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley, an award-winning community next to the Suncoast Parkway with thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and unique amenities, including a bike shop and café.

ICI Homes is building its final three homes in Bexley, all on large 70-foot lots. A Costa Mesa quick move-in home will be ready in September, and the slightly smaller Egret VII will soon be under construction. Both homes have very open floor plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

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 Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. Models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Published August 28, 2019

Over 700 Homes Sold In Avalon Park West

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Avex Homes and Beazer Homes are the exclusive builders in Avalon Park West, a 1,650-acre master-planned community in Wesley Chapel, located 7.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54.

“We have built over 500 homes in the past five years, and 200 more are under contract,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for Avalon Park Group. “It is very rewarding to offer local residents affordable homes for first-time homebuyers, as well as luxurious, move-up homes for families wanting a larger home in a community like ours that offers great schools and so much to do.”

Avex Homes and Beazer Homes are the exclusive builders at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel. This is the St. Augustine III by Beazer Homes.

Single-family homes in Avalon Park West start in the mid-$200s, and are built on a variety of lot styles, including conservation, corner and pond view. The final 40 lots are selling fast in Cypress Village — the first neighborhood built in the community. And, both builders are also building in the new Hawthorne Village neighborhood, with Avex Homes also offering the first townhomes in Avalon Park West.

“Our builders have 13 inventory homes ready, right now, for quick move-in,” said Lerret. “We can get families into their new home before the holiday season begins.”

Avex Homes are solidly built with rich architectural detail, and a traditional focus on front porches and garages behind the home, which are accessed through an alley or ribbon driveway. Its neo-traditional floor plans encourage families to wave at neighbors walking by, and to get to know them and invite them inside their home.

Avex has three inventory homes ready now that come with $7,500 in closing costs. Two quick move-in homes are the one-story Escambia at 1,832 square feet, for $257,010 and $258,890. A two-story home, the Alexander, is also available at 2,145 square feet, for $269,720.

Avex Homes also is accepting presales for its new townhome series. Three floor plans are available, all with two-car garages at the rear of the homes. Square footage ranges from 1,608 to 1,834 square feet, with one of the three plans offering a master suite on the first floor. Presale pricing begins at $229,800.

Beazer Homes wants homebuyers to know about its Choice Plans — flexible floor plan options that allow customers to personalize the layout of the most commonly used living spaces for no additional cost.

Jesup II by Avex Homes

The ability to personalize a floor plan is a feature touted by many new home builders, but often comes at a hefty price tag. Beazer homebuyers don’t have this worry.

For example, its Choice Plans kitchen options allow buyers to personalize their kitchen area based on predetermined options, such as an oversized island with a breakfast bar, in lieu of a separate dining breakfast nook, without any added cost.

Beazer Home’s smaller series, the Bay Series, has limited opportunities remaining to choose a homesite and build a home from the ground up. Homes in this series start from $249,990, and range from 1,676 to 2,254 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms. Beazer’s larger series, the Gulf Series, only has inventory homes remaining starting at $272,000, which also offer 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms.

Beazer Homes has five inventory homes available now, with prices reduced up to $38,000 off. These move-in ready homes come complete with washer, dryer, fridge and blinds, so all a buyer needs to do is bring their furniture. Beazer is offering closing cost assistance on its inventory homes, as well as its to-be-built homes that currently have half-off design options. For complete details, visit the Beazer sales center, or call (813) 422-5549.

Avex and Beazer model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. For more information, stop by the Welcome Center at Avalon Park West, located at 33613 State Road 54.

Published August 28, 2019

Mattamy Townhomes Feature Island Kitchens and Spacious Lanais

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Carmen Livingstone recently moved to her new townhome at Lakeview at Citrus Park and could not be happier with the quality of her new home, and the outstanding service she received from Mattamy’s staff.

“Everyone was so helpful, and just wonderful to work with,” said Livingstone, who downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home in a nearby community. “I love that everything is brand new, and that I do not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep. Plus, this is a gated community, so I feel very safe and secure.”

The Marianna floor plan has a beautiful island kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. (Randy Underhill)

Livingstone bought the Marianna floor plan which, at 1,660 square feet, is the smallest townhome of five floor plans available in this 124-townhome community.

“My home feels so spacious, with an amazing great room/kitchen/dining combination, three large bedrooms and two baths upstairs, plus a half bath down,” said Livingstone.

Livingston likes that all of her bedrooms are on the second floor.

“I like having the bedrooms upstairs for the privacy, and because it gives me so much room downstairs,” said Livingstone. “While I am retired, I am healthy and active, and going up and down the stairs is good for me because it gives me exercise and keeps me moving!”

Livingstone’s lanai, which stretches across the entire back of her home, is one of the favorite places in her new home.

“My lanai overlooks a stand of trees that is great for bird watching, plus they give me privacy,” said Livingstone. “I love to garden, and my lanai is the perfect amount of space for my plants and to enjoy the outdoors.”

Carmen Livingstone’s spacious lanai in her new Mattamy townhome is perfect for gardening and enjoying the outdoors.

Because Livingstone loves being outside, another big draw for Livingstone is the community’s access to tranquil Gant Lake, where residents share a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

“Just about every evening, I walk down to the lake and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from the pier,” said Livingstone. “And, in the morning, I enjoy coffee on my lanai — there is so much nature here to enjoy.”

Lakeview at Citrus Park has recently released a new building and has several quick inventory homes available beginning in the high $200s. Currently, Mattamy is offering an incentive of paid closing costs on select homes.

In addition to retirees like Livingstone, residents include young families, whose youngsters enjoy the community’s tot lot, and professionals looking for an easy commute to the airport, the Westshore business district and downtown Tampa.

Lakeview at Citrus Park offers one on the most convenient locations in the north Tampa area. It is adjacent to the Veterans Expressway, located just south of the Ehrlich Road exit at the end of Tom Fuller Road.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Five miles north of Lakeview at Citrus Park, also located next to the Veterans Expressway, is Mattamy Homes’ Lutz community of Avea Pointe.

Located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway, Avea Pointe is especially popular with families because of the excellent schools its children attend: Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. Plus, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for grades K-8, is just a mile away on Dale Mabry Highway.

This gated community’s new amenity center just opened and features a resort-style pool and cabana with grill area.

Avea Pointe offers unique, open floor plans, all with 2-car garages. It will soon be introducing two additional floor plans with one-car garages, for those looking for smaller homes. Current base pricing for these smaller plans begin in the upper $200s. An array of quick move-in homes is available with special savings, with HOA fees paid on select homes for a limited time only.

Model homes are under construction and slated to be complete in October. The sales center is located onsite and is open daily. At 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz (Van Dyke Road, just West of Lakeshore Road).

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives. Please see a New Home Counselor for terms and conditions.

Published August 28, 2019

If Your House Floods, Don’t Wait To Call For Help

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There is nothing as worrisome as coming into your home after being away, or waking up in the middle of the night, and finding wet carpets and standing water on your floors.

“The first thing many people do is get out their shop vac, but the first thing they should be doing is calling a professional water extraction company,” said C.J. White, owner of the Stanley Steemer franchise in Lutz. “Using a shop vac is a bit like trying to save the Titanic with a bucket — all it does is delay the homeowner’s call for help.”

It’s important to quickly get water extracted from a flooded area, because it doesn’t take long for water to find its way under baseboards, and then be absorbed by drywall.

“Drywall is like a water wick that sucks up water as is seeps under your baseboards,” said White. “And, when water becomes trapped in your drywall, the lack of airflow and direct sunlight in the wall cavity create a perfect environment for mold growth once moisture is introduced to the drywall.”

The most common reasons homes flood is because a water supply line leaks or breaks in the kitchen or bathroom, the A/C unit backs up, or the washing machine’s drainage hose jumps out of its outlet pipe.

“None of these sources of water are ‘grossly contaminated’ and can all be easily resolved without further problems, as long as a professional extracts the water within 24 hours,” said White. “Unfortunately, many people wait three or four days before they call and, by then, the drywall is saturated and mold spores are beginning to grow.”

White explains that what could be an inexpensive extraction job, can end up costing thousands of dollars by waiting.

“If you get the water sucked up before it gets into the drywall, it may only be an $80 to $100 job. But, if you wait, the cost increases tenfold, and this can happen in as little as 12-24 hours,” said White.

White says when his crew walks into a house and there’s a musty smell, it’s already too late, which means the carpet and pad need to be thrown away, and the saturated drywall cut out and replaced.

Stanley Steemer complies with standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a nonprofit, certifying body, for the cleaning and restoration. For over 45 years, this organization has trained and certified experts to do the hands-on hard work needed to clean up the mess left by water damage.

The Stanley Steemer operation in Lutz has seven IICRC technicians who are certified to handle most kinds of residential and commercial flooding problems. Plus, every Steemer truck is equipped with a subsurface extraction tool that gets under the carpet, pad and baseboard to successfully extract water from small spills.

“If the flooded area is limited to a 10 x 10 space, this extraction tool can suck up water from the carpet and pad so that it does not need to be replaced,” said White. “The cost is just $85, compared to thousands of dollars if you wait too long and the carpet, pad and drywall have to be removed and replaced.”

As an IICRC-certified company, the first thing Stanley Steemer technicians do when arriving at a job is access what Category the water is rated at, according to industry categories:

Category 1: Flooding originates from a sanitary water source and poses no substantial risk from exposure. Within 48-72 hours, this water can deteriorate to Category 2.

Category 2: Water containing significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Within 48-72 hours this water can deteriorate to Category 3. Examples include discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, A/C drain pan backups, or Category 1 water losses that weren’t properly resolved quick enough.

Category 3: Grossly contaminated water that can cause adverse reaction to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples include sewage, toilet backups that originated beyond the trap, rising water from storms, and Category 1 or 2 water losses that weren’t properly resolved quick enough.

“In a Category 3 water loss, the IICRC requires most affected materials be removed and replaced. This includes any wet carpet, carpet padding, drywall and baseboards” said White. “When this happens, we have no choice but to remove everything in order to ensure the health and safety of the home’s occupants,” said White.

White adds that much of the damage that he sees is not due to the water itself but from occupants of the home not responding quickly and appropriately.

“The only thing that stops this from happening is by promptly calling a professional water restoration company,” said White.  “We are always here to help you — please don’t hesitate to call.”

Published August 28, 2019