The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Moffitt Cancer to open Wesley Chapel treatment center

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Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth have announced they are working together to open an outpatient cancer center on the campus of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, located next to the hospital on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The outpatient center is expected to open in the fall of 2020.

Rendering of Moffitt Cancer’s planned treatment facility in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth West Florida Division)

“We strive to provide world-class cancer care close to where people live and work,” said Alan F. List, MD, president and chief executive officer of Moffitt Cancer Center. “Expanding Moffitt’s brand of oncology care, treatment and research in Pasco County helps us accomplish this goal. Moffitt also is responding to the growing incidence of cancer in Florida, as the state’s population continues to grow and age.”

The new Moffitt outpatient center at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel will provide medical and radiation oncology service. It is being designed to accommodate 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators. Cancer screenings and survivorship programs geared toward patients who are post-treatment and in remission will also be available.

“This is just the beginning of our partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center and our joint commitment to finding new ways to bring innovative cancer care to the Pasco community,”  said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division.

“Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities, and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt,” he said.

Moffitt Cancer Center is a Tampa-based facility and is one of only 50 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education.

AdventHealth is a faith-based, nonprofit health care system that uses leading edge technology and innovation to deliver its brand of whole-person care. Pasco facilities include AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Central Pasco ER.

Published  May 29, 2019

Meritage Homes’ Ashcroft Offers Affordable Homes In Watergrass

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Join the fun Saturday, June 8, when Meritage Homes celebrates the grand opening of its newest community in Tampa — Ashcroft at Watergrass.

Located off Curley Road in highly desired Wesley Chapel, Ashcroft is a community of 120 homesites, with move-in ready homes for families looking to get settled in before the next school year begins.

Meritage Homes’ model in Ashcroft at Watergrass is the Willow, which features the master suite conveniently located on the first floor, three bedrooms, bath and large loft on the second level.

“We have six very livable plans to choose from, all with the latest built-in trends with money-saving, energy-efficient designs,” said Steve Harding, division president of Meritage Homes.

Home pricing starts in the low $230s. Living areas range from 1,492 to 2,452 square feet.

“Our buyers are looking at monthly payments as low as $1,654, which makes Ashcroft one of the most affordable new communities in Wesley Chapel,” said Harding.

The grand opening event on June 8 is from noon to 3 p.m., and includes lunch, refreshments, and home tours of its beautifully furnished Willow model. Buyers will have the opportunity to take advantage of grand opening pricing.

“We are exciting to be launching this new community, and offering families the latest in new construction at affordable prices,” said Harding. “Ashcroft is already attracting first-time homebuyers and families that are downsizing.”

The Willow model is one of Meritage Homes’ most popular plans. This two-story home is 2,082 square feet, with its master suite conveniently located on the first floor. Its open floor plan features a kitchen with a spacious work island overlooking the great room, a distinct dining area and large covered lanai. Upstairs are three additional bedrooms and shared bath, plus a large loft perfect for youngsters to play, study or watch television.

Ashcroft currently has move-in ready homes available like the Willow plan, along with other homes that will be ready as soon as early June.

In addition to affordable housing and fabulous amenities, families are choosing Ashcroft because its youngsters are zoned to some of Pasco County’s best schools. Kids can bike to Watergrass Elementary located inside the community, and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School are just 1 mile away.

Ashcroft is located in Watergrass’ recently opened Phase III in the eastern section of the community, which will showcase the Promenade Park amenity center with its splash park, resort-style pool, elaborate playground, and dog parks for large and small dogs. Promenade Park is currently being built and is expected to open next spring.

Ashcroft residents also can enjoy existing Watergrass amenities, including a resort pool with splash zone, Jr. Olympic pool, fitness center with adjoining children’s playroom, social gathering rooms, recreational field, covered playground, and tennis and half basketball court.

Watergrass is situated on almost 1,000 acres, of which 250 are preserved wetlands, woods, parks and playgrounds. Its location offers easy access to I-75 and downtown Tampa, and is just 10 minutes from the heart of Wesley Chapel’s dining and shopping district.

Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the U.S., with a focus on first-time and first move-up buyers. It has designed and built over 120,000 homes in its 33-year history and has a reputation for its cost-saving energy-efficient features, distinctive style, quality construction and positive customer experience.

Meritage is the industry leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence Award for the seventh consecutive year – for innovation and industry leadership in energy-efficient homebuilding.

For more information, please visit us online at MeritageHomes.com, or call (877) ASK-MERITAGE.

Ashcroft at Watergrass

  • 120 total lots
  • 11 move-in ready homes
  • 40’ x 120’ homesites
  • Furnished model home (Willow Plan)
  • 6 floor plans to choose from
  • Square footage 1,492 to 2,452
  • Pricing starts from the $230s
  • Zoned for excellent schools

Published May 29, 2019

ICI Homes Are Selling Fast In Asturia!

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ICI Homes is having great success selling new homes in Asturia, a much-desired, master-planned community along the popular State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County.

“Sales have been fantastic in Asturia,” said Leah Turner, Tampa sales manager for the builder. “Families love our open and spacious floor plans that feature our unique Florida-lifestyle features, including spectacular great rooms, summer kitchen patios, open balconies and tons of windows.”

And, with ICI Homes’ new model home opening soon, Turner expects sales to get even busier in Asturia.

“Our new model is just about done, and we’re planning our grand opening in early June,” said Turner. “The model is easy to find in the community, and we’re looking forward to showing it off to buyers and Realtors.”

ICI Homes’ new model, the Costa Mesa, is in Asturia’s recently-opened third phase. This one-story home is being beautifully decorated and furnished, and showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, including 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.

“This home’s open floor plan brings together the gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room in one expansive space that incorporate lots of windows to bring in natural light and sunlight,” said Turner. “It is one of our most popular floor plans, and is perfect for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children and couples who are downsizing.”

Turner adds that one-story plans are always in demand because of the natural flow from one room to the next, and the convenience of having everything on the same level.

“ICI Homes offers more one-story plans than other builders in our price range,” said Turner. “Plus, we give buyers the ability to customize their floor plans to meet their special needs and satisfy their secret desires. Most production builders do not allow for structural changes, and this is something we gladly do for our customers.”

ICI Homes has 38 homesites available in Asturia’s Phase III, and offers buyers over a dozen distinctive floor plans to choose from. The builder also has a few homesites remaining in the community’s Phase II, including three move-in ready homes and its Serena model home.

ICI Homes in Asturia’s new Phase III begin in the low $300s, and many homesites back up to conservation and water.

“A lot of families have been waiting for Asturia’s Phase III because of our pristine homesites with conservation views and affordable pricing,” said Turner. “They love Asturia’s affordability, convenient location and outstanding amenities.”

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.

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 development by Newland that is located just east of Asturia next to the Suncoast Parkway.

Bexley offers thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, parks and playgrounds, and miles of walking and bike trails. Other amenities include a clubhouse, pools, fitness center, 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 is currently being built, and the slightly smaller Egret VII will soon be under construction. Both homes have very open plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most acclaimed builders, builds new homes in desirable master-planned communities that offer beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle.

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 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264.

Published May 22, 2019

Be Comfortable and Safe If Your Power Goes Out

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With Hurricane season officially beginning in just a week, many families are looking at installing a whole house generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out due to summer thunderstorms and hurricanes,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “This is especially true when a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power.”

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.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Silva.

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.

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.

Plus, 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, which is a dangerous, odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians specify the safest and most economical location for a generator, and pull all necessary permits from the county to complete the install.”

Silva adds that portable generators can also be dangerous if they are not properly installed.

“A new transfer switch is usually needed for portable generators, so that a home’s electrical panel is not blown up when the utility turns the power back on,” said Silva. “And, when that happens, the homeowner has no power until the panel is replaced, plus it can be a very dangerous situation if someone is near the electrical panel when it blows.”

Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator, and the permitting process typically takes between two and five weeks.

“Because of the time permits take, people need to call now to get their generator installed before the peak storm and hurricane season,” said Silva.

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 connect to during its installation.

“Generators provides protection 24/7 whether you’re 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 May 22, 2019

Discover Asturia’s Unique Sense of Community

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Families of all ages and sizes have chosen Asturia as a place to call home because of its unique sense of community, enhanced by frequent resident events that allow neighbors to meet and families to connect.

Located in Odessa along State Road 54 just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County, Asturia residents recently enjoyed a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Easter Egg Hunt and Oyster Roast. Next up is the fourth annual Hawaiian Luau planned for June 21.

Asturia residents enjoy meeting neighbors and creating family connections at its many special events, including its annual Hawaiian Luau, which is coming up on June 21.

After getting their fill of oysters and barbecue, several attendees at the April Oyster Roast won a $100 Visa gift card donated by Asturia’s developer, or a beautiful gift basket donated by ICI Homes. Resident winners were Anna Diaz, Savannah Aaron and Carol McCombie. Realtor winners were Jason Lombardi, Rich Lizotte and Scott Gray.

“Our residents love our free community events because it gets them together with neighbors, and lets them welcome new and prospective homeowners,” said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer. “We host events on a regular basis because they’re fun and continue to grow the friendly community culture Asturia is known for.”

This embracing culture is enhanced by Asturia’s manageable size of just 550 homes at build out in the next few years. Its size, regular community events and desirable amenities make it a uniquely intimate community, especially when compared to nearby master-planned developments, which have been approved for thousands of homes.

“Families choose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Gardner. “We feel more like an established community of neighborhoods than a sprawling development that will be under construction for several years.”

Designed with sustainability in mind, Asturia has abundant green spaces, a trail network, playgrounds, and an award-wining Amenity Center with a luxurious, resort-style swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Asturia’s unique trails system winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and includes neighborhood parks, a Kompan play structure, Ga-Ga Ball court, dog park and open event lawns to play tag, fly a kite, kick a soccer ball and engage in healthy, family fun.

Residents appreciate the community’s convenient location and easy access to major transportation corridors. Families with school-aged children especially like Asturia because of the nearby A-rated schools the residents are zoned to attend.

Since it opened three years ago, Asturia has received several prestigious awards, including Best Mixed-Use Community from the Florida Home Builders Association. It has become an award-winning blend of shopping, office space, luxury apartments, single-family homes and townhomes. Commercial/retail/shopping is being developed in the front of the community, with the hopes of landing a grocery store.

Homes in Asturia range from the $250s to $550s, and many builders are currently offering special incentives. David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Ashton Woods Homes and Ryan Homes are all award-winning builders that offer homes you can build from the ground up, as well as quick move-in homes.

From one of the nation’s largest home builder, David Weekley Homes’ new one-story Crestview model is beautifully furnished, showcasing 2,100 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, a study, two full bathrooms and a two-car garage. Features include a lanai, gourmet kitchen, and owner’s retreat with tray ceiling and oversized walk-in closet.

ICI Homes’ new model, The Costa Mesa, opens in early June. This one-story home is 2,565 square feet with four bedrooms and three baths. Its open floor plan brings together the gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room in one expansive space with lots of windows to bring in natural light and sunlight.

Located near the front of Asturia are Ryan Homes’ elegant townhouses, which feature maintenance-free living. Its Chopin and Haydn models have open floor plans, designer options, and rear-load, two-car garages that give plenty of space to store sports equipment and vehicles.

Ashton Woods Homes has a few single-family homes remaining in inventory — buyers need to move quickly to secure one of its quick move-in homes.

Learn more about Asturia and its builders by visiting AsturiaFlorida.com, or call (813) 227-4148.

Published May 22, 2019

Hiking, Biking, Shopping and Dining – All Close To Mattamy Homes’ Townhome Communities

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Mattamy Homes’ two new townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fantastic assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park are active, engaged families who love being close to so many things to do,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager at Mattamy Homes. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

The floor plan of the four-bedroom, three-bath Venice townhome with its gorgeous kitchen received a prestigious Silver Award during the recent Tampa Bay Parade of Homes Tampa.

Avea Pointe is five minutes away from Hillsborough County’s expansive Lake Park, with its non-motorized boat access, hiking trails, BMX track and multiple playgrounds. At Lakeview, its homes overlook tranquil Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, where residents have a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Both communities also are an easy drive to Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, with its flats fishing, walking trails and observation tower. Plus, there are nearby golf courses and equestrian stables, ice skating in Wesley Chapel, and even hot air balloon rides when the weather is right.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Point is just 20 minutes to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz and The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, while Lakeview is minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

An array of well-appointed townhomes is now ready at both communities, with quick move-in homes available for families wanting to get settled before the 2019-2020 school year begins.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Road, directly across from Mattamy Homes’ Lakeshore Preserve community. It offers three unique floor plans designed to live like single-family homes.

All townhomes feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.  The Santa Rosa is 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring is 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice is 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Prices begin in the low $300s.

“We offer some of the largest townhomes in the area,” said Dec. “Their unique designs are perfect for first-time homebuyers, families with children and empty-nesters.”

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, within 2 miles of the Veterans Expressway and an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

Excellent schools are another reason families move to Avea Pointe, whose children are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than 3 miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Lakeview Already 30% Sold Out
Mattamy Homes has only been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park since August, and already over 30 percent of its homes have sold. The community will have 124 townhomes when completed.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our new models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Plus, prices in this community are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s.”

Five floor plans are available. The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Santa Rosa (1,928 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, one of which is located downstairs, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The Sebring (2,230 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage.

 Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings, including closing costs paid.

Published May 22, 2019

Live Life On The Patio With Palm Casual Outdoor Furniture!

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This is the perfect time of year to improve the comfort and look of your patio. Visit Palm Casual Patio Furniture in Tampa to ensure the best quality at guaranteed lowest prices.

Palm Casual Tampa has one of the largest collections of patio furniture, and is a great place to begin your patio makeover. In business since 1979, this trusted, family owned business offers a full line of outdoor furniture made from wicker, teak, aluminum, cast aluminum and recycled plastics, all fitted with Sunbrella fabrics that are designed for Florida’s sun and warm weather.

This five star company has grown to become the number one patio furniture supplier in the U.S. In addition to its Tampa store, Palm Casual has 17 additional factory showrooms in the southeast, and also manufactures and sells its furniture to hundreds of retail dealers. Buying direct from their factory showrooms allows consumers to save.

Palm Casual’s Sunbrella fabrics can match your current furniture, or let you create a whole new look for your patio. Cushions are manufactured in Florida and come with a very quick turnaround.

Owners Steve and Lori Moreland, along with their daughter Christa and grandbaby Shane, invite you to stop in and check out their showroom, and learn how comfortable and fashionable their furniture is.

All Palm Casual Furniture comes with a 30-day trial period with a full refund — something the family has offered customers for over 40 years!

Visit Palm Casual’s local store at 7008 N. Dale Mabry Highway, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call (813) 884-3958.

Published May 22, 2019

Pasco has no plans to allow employees to carry firearms

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a measure passed by the Florida Legislature that clears the way for classroom teachers to serve as armed school guardians, but Pasco County Schools has no intention of pursuing that option, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt S. Browning

The new law implements legislative recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

Despite the measure’s approval, Superintendent Kurt Browning has made it clear that “there are no plans under consideration to allow any Pasco County Schools employees to carry firearms on school board property, unless they are employed for the specific purpose of protecting the security of students and staff.”

Browning issued that statement before DeSantis signed the new law, but in the statement, Browning noted that he expected the measure to become law.

Browning’s statement also noted that “no school board member has requested that the superintendent pursue allowing teachers or other non-security employees to carry firearms.

“School safety guards and the district’s director of safety and security are the only school board employees authorized to carry firearms on school board property. School resource officers, who are employees of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office or local police agencies, also are authorized to carry firearms on school board property in their official capacity,” according to the news release.

Published May 15, 2019

Saint Leo University receives grant to help students

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Saint Leo University’s Career Center has receive a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings to help provide career-related advice to students.

Stephanie Seymour, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings, and Felyce Starr, the company’s talent acquisition manager for the region, presented an oversized check to the university, representing the grant. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The grant was presented by Enterprise Holdings Foundation on May 6, according to a university news release, and is a part of the Enterprise partnership with the university.

“Enterprise recruits [employees] heavily at Saint Leo,” said Nancy Cheek, associate director of Career Services for Saint Leo. “And, Enterprise is always willing to send representatives to share career-related advice at both campus workshops and in webinar sessions for our Saint Leo WorldWide population.

“The company is global, and the local recruiting team does a great job of providing contacts in other parts of the country to our students who are interested in a career with Enterprise but are not in this area,” Cheek noted.

Saint Leo not only educates students at its main campus north of Tampa, but also online and at its more than 30 education centers in seven states.

Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, said Career Services may use the grant to fund an Enterprise-sponsored office dedicated to helping students and employers conduct interviews by Skype and using other technology. This would allow far-away employers to interview local students, and also let Saint Leo students located anywhere to interview with local business recruiters who might come to the new office, the release said.

Published May 15, 2019

A new home health division at Gulfside

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Talk about having a good week.

Last Wednesday, after months of organizational work, Gulfside Home Health accepted its first patient. And on Thursday, it celebrated the grand opening of its new Land O’ Lakes office with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting.

A ribbon cutting was held last week for Gulfside Home Health, a new division of Gulfside Health Services that provides skilled home nursing and therapies ordered by a physician. Celebrating with the ribbon held high is Gulfside President Linda Ward; holding the scissors is Cheryl-Ann Benn, administrator for Gulfside Home Health.

“It’s exciting to be growing and offering new services to our community,” said Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of the agency. “Providing skilled home care to patients is a perfect complement to our hospice and palliative care services that we have been providing for a long time.”

With the launch of its home health division, the nonprofit has changed its name to Gulfside Healthcare Services, with three distinct divisions — Gulfside Home Health, Gulfside Hospice and Gulfside Palliative Care.

“Gulfside has served Pasco residents since 1988, and we are well-known for our quality care and community focus for hospice and palliative care. We are bringing this same dedication to home health, and look forward to providing this much-needed service to our community,” said Ward.

Gulfside Home Health is offering skilled home health services that are ordered by a patient’s doctors, including nursing, therapy and patient education.

Gulfside’s nursing staff provides wound care, injections, IV infusions, pain management and medication oversight. And, its licensed therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapies. All services and treatments are done in a patient’s home.

“There are many advantages of taking care of someone in their home instead of in a hospital or rehab center,” said Cheryl-Ann Benn, who heads up Gulfside Home Health as its administrator.

“Patients are more comfortable at home, family is there for support, and no transportation is needed because our health care providers come to them.”

Benn adds that home care especially helps with patients who easily get confused in unfamiliar places, which is common toward the end of day when people with memory problems suffer from sun-downing effects.

“We plan our visits around a client’s schedule, right down to avoiding a favorite television show,” said Benn. “Families can choose the time that is best for them.”

Most appointments are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and only skilled care ordered by a physician is provided. Patients are not charged directly for the care they receive — Gulfside bills Medicare or private insurance, not its patients.

Benn clarifies that Gulfside’s service line features skilled nursing care and various therapies, unlike many other companies that simply offer companion care, bathing or assistance with meals and shopping.

“Our team specializes in the advanced care that must be done by a nurse or professional,” said Benn. “There are many private companies that offer non-medical services that do not qualify for payment under Medicare of private insurance.”

Benn joined Gulfside Home Health in February to prepare for Joint Commission Accreditation, to hire staff and get the office ready next to Gulfside’s thrift shop on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Gulfside Home Health received its license on April 5 for Pasco and Pinellas counties, and since then has hired RN and LPN nurses, home health aides, a social worker and physical therapist, as well as contracting for occupational and speech therapists.

“We have an outstanding staff with many years of experience — I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve put together,” said Benn.

Patient referrals come from hospitals, rehab facilities and doctors’ offices, and patients can choose which home health service best meets their needs.

Benn and Ward believe many families will chose Gulfside Home Health because of the stellar reputation of Gulfside’s hospice and palliative care services, and because it is a nonprofit.

“Being a nonprofit allows us to create programs for clients and their families they are not reimbursed for through Medicare or private insurance,” explained Ward. “We can host community events to raise funds for additional services, and are looking at developing programs on COPD, diabetic meals and foot care, caregiver support, and many others,” said Benn.

Ward added that offering home health services is taking Gulfside to a higher service level and is a logical next step. In the first few months, Gulfside Home Health expects to serve 30 to 50 patients, and then grow to over 120.

“We want to offer a continuum of service, while remaining community-based,” said Ward.

Published May 15, 2019