The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Don’t Settle for an Unqualified Handyman

By

Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros.

Protect Your Home, Budget and Family by Hiring Professionals

It may be tempting to hire a self-proclaimed, jack-of-all-trades handyman to fix your noisy air conditioner, leaky pipes or other home-repair problems.

But, here’s the truth — the few dollars you may save now will cost you money later if you need to call in a professional to fix the repairs your handyman did wrong.

“The best way to protect your budget and secure your family’s safety is by hiring a professional who is certified and trained to handle your home’s AC, plumbing or electrical problems,” says Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

How can you be certain you are hiring a certified and qualified person when someone recommends their handyman, or you come across a person or company on your neighborhood Facebook page, or see promoted on Nextdoor and other community groups?

“It begins with asking lots of questions,” said Spears. “If you’re hiring a company, ask how long they’ve been in business, because they may not still be around when your system needs warranty work, maintenance or repairs. And be sure to ask if their technicians are employees, or subcontractors, to be sure they will stand behind the work of their people.  If you do end up hiring an individual tradesperson, make sure to request proof that verifies his or her credentials.”

You can also take the hassle-free route, and hire an established and respected company like Cornerstone Pros.

“Our company does the screening and training for you, ensuring that every technician is a licensed and certified HVAC, plumbing or electrical pro before adding them to our team,” said Dana. “When you turn to us, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve hired only qualified people for the job.”

If you have had a bad experience with an unqualified contractor, Spears encourages you to protect other homeowners from suffering the same consequences by reporting unqualified contractors and unlicensed tradesmen to the Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation at myfloridalicense.com.

In the long run, the best way to prevent home emergencies is to plan ahead with regular maintenance on your home’s mechanical systems.

“Your A/C should receive regular maintenance every six to 12 months to prevent an emergency situation,” said Spears. “Folks don’t realize that their A/C is a home appliance, just like their refrigerator. All appliances have a life span, and don’t last forever.”

Maintaining your A/C is much like taking your vehicle in for regular oil changes and service updates, explains Spears.

“If you don’t service your vehicle, you are looking for trouble. And, if you are not doing regular maintenance on your A/C system, when you have problems, it will likely be during the hottest times of the year, or during the holidays when you have a houseful of people,” said Spears.

Cornerstone Pros offers several maintenance programs that are affordable and will make sure that recommended service is done on all of your home’s mechanical systems.

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

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

“Every morning our vans are fully stocked with everything our technicians need, which means on most calls, we are able to solve a customer’s problem on the first visit,” said Spears. “Our warehouse has allowed us to become a more efficient service operation and provide even better customer service.”

Spears credits her company’s growth to its commitment to outstanding customer service, and also because its employees exemplify her company’s values.

“We hire people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut, and live their life with good ethics and morals,” said Spears. “Most employees are local people who live in our service area, and are very committed to their work and community.”

The company has developed its own training program for employees to become certified in its trade areas. Over 20 employees have successfully completed these programs, receiving numerous industry certifications, and now work as highly skilled tradesmen.

“We’re always looking for eager, hardworking men and women with a good attitude and mechanical aptitude,” Spears says. “We’re successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust, which begins by hiring great people.”

Cornerstone phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Call (813) 990-0561 anytime, day or night. For more information, visit their website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published 9/25/19

Meet Watercolor Artist Suzanne Natzke

By

“An Owl Named Winston Churchill” is one of 21 paintings by artist Suzanne Natzke be exhibited through Oct. 22 at the Avalon Park West Welcome Center in Wesley Chapel.

21 paintings on display at Avalon Park West

This Friday’s artist reception at the East Pasco Gallery of the Pasco Fine Arts Council is an opportunity to meet Suzanne Natzke, an accomplished watercolor artist whose works have been recognized nationally.

The public is invited to this free community affair between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Avalon Park West Welcome Center in Wesley Chapel. Attendees will also enjoy live music by Jared Violin, and complimentary wine and refreshments.

Natzke is a Pasco artist known for her variety of subject matters, including animals, landscapes, florals, and even abstract.

“When deciding what to paint, I follow my nose and pursue things that interest me,” said Natzke.

The artist has 21 paintings on exhibit at the show — primarily work that has been completed in the past three to four years.

“My style is more impressionism than realism, but in recent years it has become more contemporary by using harder edges, which create movement and make my paintings more dramatic,” said Natzke.

Artist Suzanne Natzke

By comparison, Natzke said traditional watercolor paintings use softer edges, colors that flow and bend, and lines that are lost in the painting.

“A painting is a very static, two dimensional thing. I try to bring life to my work by creating a sense of motion – like the wind blowing through a landscape, or a sense that something is about to happen in the scene,” said Natzke.

All but two of Natzke’s paintings at the show are watercolor. One is mixed media and the other uses an acrylic Gesso underneath the watercolor to give it texture.

Her favorite piece on exhibit is of a young girl with an owl resting on her leather glove, which she calls, “An Owl Named Winston Churchill.” This painting recently received a prestigious honorable mention at a national show hosted by the Georgia Watercolor Society.

Natzke regularly enters art competitions in Florida, California and Georgia. These are very competitive shows, with hundreds of entries and only 80 to 100 artists invited to exhibit, she explains. Natzke is proud to be a signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, which means her work has been chosen at least three times to be exhibited at its annual show.

A Michigan native, Natzke moved to Florida in 1985. Then in 2001, her family moved to Trinity in West Pasco County, and she had more time to explore her interest in painting.

“I was a stay-at-home mom looking for something to do,” said Natzke. “I had been inspired by all the beautiful artwork at the Tarpon Spring Fine Arts Festival, and thought to myself — now here is something I could do from home.”

So, she set up a studio in her Trinity home with the help of her mother, who painted as a hobby.

“I quickly realized that I had no idea what I was doing, and really needed classes and direction,” said Natzke.

She began taking classes at the Pasco Fine Arts Council in New Port Richey, and kept taking classes for four years, until she developed the skills and techniques to be good enough to begin exhibiting her work. Over the years, she has studied under several local and nationally renowned artists, and today is an instructor herself.

Natzke’s very first teacher was 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.

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

“People tell me all the time that they could never paint,” said Natzke. “But, that’s not true. Anyone can learn to paint with lessons, practice, desire and enthusiasm.”

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.”

After Natzke’s “Moment in Time” show closes Oct. 22,  a new artist will be featured at the Avalon Park West Welcome Center. A total of six artist exhibits, one competition and two art demonstrations are scheduled for the East Pasco Gallery through next May.

Next spring, the Pasco Fine Arts Council is bringing its annual Middle School Photography competition to Avalon Park West. The exhibit, with hundreds of photos by participating Pasco County students, will be on display at a new charter school, Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, that is being built at the entrance to Avalon Park West. Pinecrest will be open for the 2020-21 school year.

“This is a photography competition we hold in conjunction with Pasco County Schools, where students earn first, second and third place recognition in each grade level,” said Baughman. “It is very exciting to finally have a location to put on a show for these youngsters, and to share these outstanding photos with the public.”

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

Published 9/25/19

 

Remembering the fallen of 9/11

By

Danny Burgess, the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, speaks to a large crowd gathered for the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park. In his moving speech, Burgess said that 9/11 mobilized a generation to stand up and make a difference. (Christine Holtzman)

The morning of Sept. 11 was marked by a 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The service featured remarks from members of U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1124, which bears the name of Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin, a first responder who perished in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield, and Danny Burgess, who serves as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, offered remarks.

The Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presented and retired the colors, and the VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performed a rifle salute to honor those who perished on 9/11.

Published September 18, 2019

Under the direction of Senior Army Instructor 1st Sgt. Jimmy McAuley, the Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presents the colors as Rod Rehrig (by podium), salutes. Rehrig is the past commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1124.
The VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performs a rifle salute to the fallen during the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park on the morning of Sept. 11.

Pasco EDC announces 2019 award winners

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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