The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Park Square Homes Is New Builder In Asturia

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Hines, developer of the master-planned community of Asturia in Odessa, is proud to announce the addition of Park Square Homes to its lineup of premier home builders.

“We welcome Park Square Homes to the Asturia family, because they have a good reputation and bring over 35 years of experience building quality homes,” said Lane Gardner, senior managing director for Hines. “We look forward to Park Square Homes offering its quality homes in the final phase of our community, which is currently under way.”

Asturia residents enjoy a beach-entry pool, a contemporary clubhouse with large relaxing porches and event rooms, and a fully equipped fitness building next to the clubhouse.

Park Square Homes is a recognized leader in planning, design, development and sales of residential and resort-style homes. Every home is built with the highest quality products, attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

Homebuyers receive a New Home Road Map to make the buying experience easy and simple, so they understand the process every step of the way.

“Our commitment is to provide our homebuyers with an extraordinary home buying experience, keeping them informed and involved throughout the process,” said Laurie Tarver, vice president of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes.

Based in Orlando, Park Square Homes has been building homes in Central Florida since 1984, and expanded into the Tampa Bay market in 2007.

Park Square Homes joins Asturia’s other prestigious builders, David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes and Ryan Homes. All have quick, move-in-ready homes available for families looking for a new home now. Prices in Asturia range from the $220s to $550s. Park Square Homes will be built on 50-foot lots, and prices are expected to fall in the middle range.

Asturia is located on State Road 54, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway. It encompasses 500 acres of the former Behnke Ranch, which under Hines’ vision and management, has become an award-winning blend of shopping, office space, luxury apartments, single-family homes and townhomes.

Since Asturia opened three years ago, families of all ages and sizes have chosen this master-planned community as their new home because of its strategic location, beautiful lots and excellent schools.

Many of Asturia’s homesites back up to long, wilderness views of wetlands, cypress trees and rolling ranch land. Wildlife is everywhere, and residents enjoy community trails and boardwalks perfect for bird-watching, and often catch glimpses of deer, gopher tortoises, racoons and other native animals, during an evening stroll or morning run.

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.

Setting Asturia apart from nearby master-planned communities is its manageable size of just 550 homes at build out, compared to thousands of homes and years of development in other communities.

“We feel more like an established community of neighborhoods, than a sprawling development that will be under construction for several years,” said Gardner. “Our residents like knowing that the size of their community is set, and that our amenities have been designed to provide enjoyment without the worry of overcrowding.”

Asturia is a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with its many trails, walkways, parks and recreational amenities. Neighborhood parks include a Kompan play structure, Ga-Ga Ball court, dog park and open event lawns. Its award-winning Amenity Center has a zero-entry, resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and contemporary clubhouse.

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 has received several prestigious awards, including Best Mixed-Use Community from the Florida Home Builders Association.

International developer Hines is known for its intelligent, ecologically smart design. It manages the community’s master plan with its high standards, which makes Asturia the most sustainable, eco-friendly community in Tampa Bay.

Learn more about Asturia by visiting AsturiaFlorida.com, or call (813) 227-4148. Model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Published August 28, 2019

Protect Your Family If Your Power Goes Out

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With almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the busiest months of the hurricane season upon us, many local households are installing whole-house generators to keep their family comfortable, safe and secure if their power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “We are installing an average of 10 whole-house generators a month, and will install many more units during the storm season.”

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most-advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Experience matters when it comes to generators, because in addition to the install, Cornerstone is qualified to service and maintain these systems, which can have a life span of 30 years, if properly maintained,” said Silva. “It’s no different than maintaining your vehicle — generators must be serviced to ensure they work properly, and to protect the homeowner’s investment.”

Because today’s technology is essential to most families, it is critical to have electricity to power these devises that families count on.

“While you obviously need power to keep your lights on and fridge running, you also need power to keep your cellphones, computers and home security cameras going,” said Silva. “Plus, electricity is especially important if a family member has medical issues that require equipment needing power to operate.”

A generator will prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators, because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

“Because all generators emit carbon dioxide, an odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians are trained to specify the safest location for a generator.”

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing in place to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget and payment ability. Plus, we’re currently offering $150 off all generator installations.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances, all at the same time.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva, who adds that Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator.

For homes with natural gas, Cornerstone Pros technicians do the plumbing that ties the generator directly into the home’s natural gas line, so the homeowner never has to worry about filling a gas tank. Homes without natural gas require a propane tank, which Cornerstone Pros works with local contractors to connect.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether your home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity so, no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Call Cornerstone Pros with your generator questions and to request a quote at (813) 990-0561.

Published August 28, 2019

Blood donations needed

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As all eyes are on Tropical Storm Dorian, OneBlood, the local nonprofit blood center serving Florida and the majority of the Southeast, says it must begin storm preparations now and is urging all eligible blood donors to donate before Dorian potentially impacts parts of its service area, according to a news release.

Ensuring a ready blood supply before, during and after the storm is crucial. While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood, as well as platelet donations.

Tropical systems can disrupt the blood supply for several days. The most critical time for blood donations is prior to any storm in order to sustain the blood supply during and immediately after the event.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood.

OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to make blood donation part of their storm preparations and visit a donor center or Big Red Bus as soon as possible.

For a list of OneBlood locations and to learn more about the importance of blood donations, visit OneBlood.org.

Hillsborough residents can weigh in on stormwater fees

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A public hearing is set for Sept. 5 regarding a proposed stormwater fee increase in Hillsborough County.

The public hearing is set for 10 a.m., in the second floor board room at Frederick B. Karl County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., in downtown Tampa.

Any changes approved by the Hillsborough County Commission would be reflected on the 2019 property tax notices, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The stormwater fee is paid by property owners in the unincorporated area of the county. It does not apply to residents in Tampa, Temple Terrace or Plant City.

Revenues generated by the stormwater fee is used for maintenance, rehabilitation and construction of the public stormwater pipes, pumps, storage systems, and other structures to help reduce roadway flooding and improve water quality, the news release said.

County officials say the proposed fee structure more equitably separates most residential properties into tiers based on different sizes of impervious area (roofed, paved, or similar surface).

Properties with less impervious area pay less and properties with more impervious area pay more, under the proposal.

The county’s news release explains:

  • Most single-family residential properties are placed into a tier based on their total gross area building footprint, provided by the Property Appraiser. This approach avoids having to individually calculate the impervious area for more than 220,000 residential properties, which would be impractical.
  • Properties with exceptionally small building footprint areas, such as condominium units, townhomes and mobile homes are billed flat rates.
  • Nonresidential properties and very large single-family properties are billed per square foot of impervious area.
  • A new proposed assessment structure will utilize an “Equivalent Residential Unit,” or ERU, as the basis for most assessments. The average single-family residence in the County includes 4,267 square feet of impervious surface (roofed, paved, or similar surface), which equals one ERU.
  • The 2019 proposed assessment for one ERU is $92.41.

More information about the proposed Stormwater Fee is available online or by calling (813) 635-5400.

Published August 28, 2019

Avalon Park West Brings The Arts To East Pasco

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Avalon Park West and the Pasco Fine Arts Council are bringing art and cultural events, exhibits and workshops to East Pasco County through a new public-private partnership.

Celebrating their new partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council are (left to right) Stephanie Lerret, marketing and community relations for Avalon Park Group; Jo Baughman, director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council; and, Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group.

This partnership kicks off in September with a series of art exhibits at the Welcome Center at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel, at 33613 State Road 54. The first event will showcase Suzanne Natzke, an accomplished watercolor artist and Pasco County resident.

An artist reception for Natzke will take place Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with live music by Jared Violin. The public is invited to meet the artist and enjoy the music at this free community affair, and enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.

Natzke’s paintings will be displayed through the end of October in Avalon’s Welcome Center, and after her show closes, a new artist will be featured. A total of six artist exhibits are planned during the first year of the new partnership with Pasco Fine Arts Council and Avalon Park West, all hosted at the Welcome Center for East Pasco residents.

“This partnership brings great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group. “It is our vision to build Downtown Avalon Park West as the cultural and event center of East Pasco County.”

Paintings by watercolor artist Suzanne Natzke will be the first of six art exhibits hosted by the Pasco Arts Council at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel. This one is entitled, Purple Coneflower.

The first phase of Downtown Avalon Park West is currently under construction, and is projected to open next summer. Included in the plans for Downtown is a dedicated Arts Gallery, that will be the permanent East Pasco home for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“We’re very excited about expanding the presence of the Fine Arts Council to East Pasco County,” says Jo Baughman, director of the Council. “It will be thrilling to feature local artists and discover new artists through these events and educational opportunities, made possible through the partnership with Avalon Park West.”

For Baughman, who has been involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, and director for the past four, the invitation from Avalon Park West to work together accomplishes a long-held dream.

“This has been a long time coming, and will be a tremendous help to the artist community and our patrons,” said Baughman. “It’s been really hard to service the entire county without a location in East Pasco, and when Avalon Park contacted us last February and asked if they could partner with us, it was completely unexpected, and we were completely overjoyed!”

Watchful, by Suzanne Natzke

The vision the leaders at Avalon Park West have for the arts in their master-planned community meshes perfectly with that of the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” said Lerret. “As it turns out, the Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all they 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.”

One of the first youth programs the Fine Arts Council will be moving to its Avalon Park West location is the Middle School Photography competition it hosts annually in conjunction with Pasco County Schools.

“This is part of our Kids In Arts program, and is a photography competition where students earn first, second and third place recognition in each grade level,” said Baughman. “We are so excited to now have exhibit space to share these photos with the public.”

For more information on the artist schedule and upcoming events, please visit AvalonParkWest.com or PascoArts.org.

About Avalon Park West
Nestled in serene natural surroundings, Avalon Park West is a master-planned community planned for 4,800 residential homes and over a half million square feet of commercial and civic uses where residents will be in walking and bike riding distance to schools, shops, restaurants, workplaces and recreational amenities. Avalon Park West is a traditional community of small-town life where you can Live, Learn, Work and Play. For more on Avalon Park West, visit AvalonParkWest.com, or call Stephanie Lerret at (407) 427-6073.

About Pasco Fine Arts Council
The Pasco Fine Arts Council Inc., is a public entity created by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 1, 1978 as a nonprofit organization with the County to encourage community involvement in the arts, provide art education to the community, and to be a leader in stimulating art and cultural entities throughout Pasco County. For more on the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org, or contact Jo Baughman at (727) 845-7322 or .

Published August 28, 2019 in Homes

 

New River Branch Library to close for remodeling

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The New River Branch Library will be closing Oct. 1 to prepare for an extensive makeover, according to a Pasco County news release.

Instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far right, leads the class in a Tai Chi move called ‘Swimming Dragon’ during a class at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. Shown in the back: Margie Gordon, left, and Olympia Coleman. In the front: Joleen Patane, left, and Bonnie Birdsall. The library will be closing on Oct. 1 for an extensive makeover and is expected to reopen in Summer 2020. (File)

The renovation is being paid for funding provided through a general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2018 to upgrade Pasco County’s seven branch libraries.

Voters also approved general obligation bonds to pay for improvements to the county’s parks, to expand the county’s fire rescue services and to build a jail expansion.

The New River Branch Library project is expected to be completed by Summer 2020. The Centennial Park Branch Library in Hudson will be closed for renovations at the same time.

The library projects will include updated technology, new outdoor spaces, more accessible parking, updated furnishings, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, high-speed internet and makerspaces.

Library staff will be at alternate local venues to provide continued services and programs.

Please visit the Pasco County Libraries website, PascoLibraries.org for updated program information.

Published August 21, 2019

Create a native landscape — use right plant, right place

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Florida has an abundance of beautiful native plants.

There are vines, trees, shrubs, ground covers and a few palms that are native to the state, and can make excellent additions to the landscape.

Coontie, like all cycadas, has ancient origins, according to the University of Florida. This Florida plant, however, is the only cycad native to North America. (Courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Communications)

Some of these natives even serve as food sources for local wildlife, such as butterflies and some bats, and some can help negate the harsh heat and sun, and reduce the potential for flooding.

However, just because a plant is native doesn’t mean it will thrive everywhere.

Remember: The Florida Friendly Landscaping principle of putting the right plant, right place still applies.

When plants are put in the wrong place, they won’t do as well and, in some cases, they become a problem.

For example, a native that loves the shade won’t survive in the bright sun, or a native that needs to be high and dry won’t make it with “wet feet.”

Putting native plants in the right spots will help prevent many disease and insect problems.

Like other plants, natives need routine maintenance to keep them looking good and living their best life. Occasional pruning and removal of dead tissue is just as necessary with natives as non-native, non-invasive exotics.

Beautyberry, according to the University of Florida, is also called American mulberry. It is native to flatwoods and hammocks, but because of birds, has been spread far and wide.

Planted and maintained correctly, natives will thrive in the Florida landscape.

As with all plants, plant them “high” with the uppermost root of the root ball just above the surrounding soil and mulch, with a layer 2 inches to 3 inches deep that’s no closer than 6 inches from the trunk or base of the plant.

Native plants also need to be watered frequently to get established. Research shows there’s no difference in the amount of water required for establishment between natives and non-native plants.

Keep in mind, however, the bigger the plant, the longer the establishment period; light, frequent hand-watering is best for establishment.

For a three-gallon or smaller plant, irrigate to deliver one gallon of water three to four times per week, for up to five months.

Muhly grass is a native ornamental perennial that produces clouds of flower stalks, according to the University of Florida.

For trees, irrigate with two gallons to three gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter, two to three times per week, for up to six months. Once new roots are observed, less supplemental irrigation is necessary unless there’s an extended period of drought.

There are many great native plants to consider for the landscape, but the basic Florida Friendly Landscaping principles still apply. As with all plants, natives should only be located where there’s enough room for them to grow to their full potential height and width. And, some natives can be aggressive or potentially weedy (i.e., Spanish needle) so be sure to consult the UF/IFAS Aquatic and Invasive Plant directory (http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plants-by-common-name/) prior to planting.

Consider planting natives such as bald cypress, muhly grass, coontie, and beautyberry, but only if it’s the right plant for the right place.

For a list of native plants to consider in your landscape, visit http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html.

By Whitney C. Elmore

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

Published August 14, 2019

Nikki Alvarez-Sowles named county clerk & comptroller

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has named Nikki Alvarez-Sowles to serve as the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller.

She will serve in that role through January 2021, filling out the balance of term for the post vacated by Paula S. O’ Neil, who retired on July 1.

Nikki Alvarez-Sowles

Alvarez-Sowles is the county’s eighth clerk & comptroller. She was named an interim successor by Sixth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Anthony Rondolino, upon O’ Neil’s retirement. She received DeSantis’ appointment on Aug. 9.

“I am humbled and honored to have Governor DeSantis’ and Chief Judge Rondolino’s appointments,” said Alvarez-Sowles, in a news release from her office.

Alvarez-Sowles has served as the chief operations officer since 2010, guiding the adoption of numerous taxpayer-friendly initiatives, boosting efficiency, enhancing transparency and reducing costs, the release says.

Florida Sen. Wilton Simpson, whose district includes most of Pasco County, speaks highly of Alvarez-Sowles, in the release.

“Nikki’s commitment to serving the hardworking people of Pasco County shines brightest through her steady leadership and unwavering work ethic,” Simpson said. “On behalf of the people of Pasco County, I want to thank Gov. DeSantis for ensuring an honorable public servant takes the reigns here in Pasco.”

Born in Tampa, Alvarez-Sowles played soccer at the University of South Florida (where she was a member of the Scholar-Athlete 3.0 Club and a student government senator) before earning her law degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

From 2000 to 2005, she practiced real estate law with the Tampa firm of Echevarria, Codilis & Stawiarski P.I., and spent a year as real estate development manager for the nonprofit Housing & Education Alliance Inc., before joining the Palm Beach Clerk & Comptroller’s Office as director of branch court services.

A chance meeting with O’ Neil and several members of her executive team during a statewide conference luncheon led to further discussion and, ultimately, Alvarez-Sowles joined the Pasco Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

Examples of her involvement include:

  • Immediate past president, Leadership Pasco
  • West Pasco Bar Association, member and past president
  • Rotary Club of New Port Richey

She also has been a member of various committees and workgroups devoted to performance excellence in government work, such as:

  • Florida Clerks & Comptrollers’ Best Practices Workgroup
  • Supreme Court workgroups
  • Florida Bar Small Claims Rules Committee
  • Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee for Paralegal Studies
  • Pasco County Schools Success Plan Committee
  • Advisor to board of directors for Housing and Education Alliance Inc.

This year, Alvarez-Sowles served as a Florida Governor’s Sterling Examiner and joined Florida Center for Public Management, Certified Public Manager Program, based at Florida State University, as an adjunct instructor.

She is married to Kevin Sowles, and they have two children: daughter Lexi and son Soren. The family lives in Land O’ Lakes.

Published August 14, 2019

Start Your Day With A Fresh Breakfast At Keke’s

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Stephen Poletta

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Breakfast can be the most important meal of the day, so why not start it with something tasty and healthy at Keke’s Breakfast Café, in the Willow Bend Towne Center in Lutz.

 Owners Stephen Poletta and Scott Crawford pride themselves on the freshness of Keke’s food.

“We cut our potatoes, hand-crack our eggs, and never use liquid egg mix,” said Poletta.  “If you order an omelet, you’re getting three cracked eggs fresh-to-order, because made fresh to order is very important to me.”

Just about everything on Keke’s menu begins with something fresh.

“Our strawberries, grapes, bananas—everything is fresh. We whisk our pancake and waffle batter. We grind our coffee beans. Everything’s made in-house,” adds Poletta.

This includes Keke’s popular Florida pancakes and waffles, which are topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas — not frozen fruit or preserves.

“Everybody likes our Florida pancakes and waffles,” Poletta said. “But, our cheese steak omelets and blueberry- or raspberry-stuffed French toast are to die for. All of our omelets, and the regular French toast, are fabulous, too.”

While breakfast is number one at Keke’s, the restaurant also boasts an extensive lunch menu, including its popular turkey and ham club, tuna fish sandwich and cheese steak panini.

“It just makes me feel good to see the smiles, to see our regulars come back two or three times a week for breakfast and lunch,” said Poletta. “We must be doing something right to have so many happy customers.”

Keke’s large portions, fresh food and unique recipes create picturesque dishes, which often inspire guests to send photos of their meals to envious friends and family.

“We love that our guests take pictures of their food — that’s something I’ve never seen in my 20 years in the restaurant business,” said Poletta. “As soon as we put the food down, people take pictures of their meal, before diving in.”

At Keke’s, employees emphasize cleanliness, fast service and attention to detail. Its spacious dining room accommodates a large volume of people, making wait times short and fast. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering.

Keke’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an ideal work schedule for parents and students who have their evenings to study or spend with their families.

“I’m blessed to have such an excellent staff — employees who truly care about their guests and the quality of our food. It’s this warm hospitality, our generous portions and the great care that goes into making our food, that create our success.”

813-345-8495 • kekes.com

22952 SR 54, Lutz (At Collier Parkway)

7:00am to 2:30pm daily

Published August 7, 2019

 

Italian Food Inspired by Love

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Rick, Josephine, Andrea, and Vincent Mannino, Amici Pizza

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Long before Andrea Mannino founded Amici Pizza, it was the prospect of love, not business, that inspired him to leave his hometown of Carini, Italy, for America.

His son, Vincent, smiles as he tells the story of the family restaurant his parents founded 18 years ago in Wesley Chapel.

“My parents are from the same town in Sicily,” relays Vincent. “My father heard about this girl named Josephine from his hometown who had moved to America, and he knew he had to meet her. So he too came to America, met Josephine in Brooklyn, and they fell in love and got married.”

A quarter of a century later, Andrea and Josephine moved to Florida, and Amici Pizza was born. Specializing in hand-tossed, New York-style pizza and made-from-scratch Italian dishes, Amici Pizza has thrived in Wesley Chapel since 2001.

Rick Mannino

“Just about everything is prepped here,” said Vincent, who co-manages the restaurant with his brother, Rick. “We make our own lasagna and meatballs. We bread our own chicken, eggplant and veal. We make our own desserts, and have the sweetest cannoli around. And, of course, we offer espresso and cappuccino coffees.”

The freshness of its food is the key to Amici’s success, Rick adds.

“It just seems so basic, but it’s the most important thing. We make our dough from scratch and don’t use any preservatives. We’re not like a franchise, where they actually send everything pre-measured and mixed,” said Rick.

Freshness begins with the Manninos buying their produce locally every day and taking it back to the restaurant to create their authentic Italian recipes they will serve that day.

“Our veal cutlet for the Sorrentino is freshly pounded, hand-breaded and fried, so you’ve got the layer of veal, the layer of eggplant, and then the marinara sauce and mozzarella on top —and done in here,” said Rick.

Other menu items include salads, pasta, wings, hot and cold subs, calzones, Stromboli, entrees and desserts. House specials are Italian recipes that the Manninos have created, such as bacio, chicken contadino and chicken villetta.

“My parents created our specials over the years, like chicken villetta. This is a rosemary-baked chicken dish in creamy Alfredo sauce, with onions, mushrooms and homegrown rosemary from my father’s garden,” said Rick.

Amici Pizza has a longtime customer base that feels like family, and the Manninos work hard to keep it that way. The restaurant offers take out, catering and dining at the restaurant, including outside seating.

www.Amici-Pizza.com

813-973-9734

26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd

 

 

 

 

Published July 31, 2019